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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-11-2005rg)CITY OF PLYMOUTI Dummy COUNCIL INFO MEMv March 11, 2005 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission March 16 meeting agenda................................................................ Page 3 Planning Commission March 17 meeting agenda................................................................ Page 4 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. City news release announcing home rehab and first time home buyer programs .............. Page 12 City news release announcing applications available for youth seats on advisory boards and commissions...................................................................................... Page 13 Registration information for the Maple Grove Mayor's Prayer Breakfast ......................... Page 14 Star Tribune news story regarding Governor Pawlenty's property tax increase blockproposal..................................................................................................................... Page 16 Notice of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board public hearing to review the draft 2005 plan to select transportation projects .............................. Page 17 Suburban Transit Association initial 2005 transit operations report ................................... Page 18 494 Commuter Services draft 2005 Work Plan.................................................................. Page 22 Staff Reports Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility Population Report ...................................... Page 24 Minutes Environmental Quality Committee February 9 meeting ..................................................... Page 25 Correspondence Great River Energy update on the Plymouth - Maple Grove Transmission line ................ Page 34 Letter from Cable 12 News reporter Jonathan Hawkins ..................................................... Page 36 Letter to the Sun Sailor Editor regarding senior housing in Plymouth ............................... Page 37 CITY COUNCIL INFORMA TION MEMO March 11, 1005 Page 2 Legislative Items League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax............................................................................. Page 38 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2005 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the March 2, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Tiburon Homeowners Association. Approve site plan amendment to allow construction of an accessory building for property located at 3399 Pilgrim Lane North. (2005012) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Perl Development. 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. (2005001) B. Martin Leeper. 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. (2005009) C. Kenneth Schneeberg. 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. (2005011) 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. OLD BUSINESS A. Regulatory Policies and Housing Affordability. A study of the impact of regulatory policies and their effects on housing affordability. (Continued from the March 2, 2005 Meeting.) 9. ADJOURNMENT 3 AGENDA MEETING PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2005 - 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Medicine Lake Room City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve HRA Meeting Minutes from February 17, 2005 B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Report C. Update on Management Services for Senior Apartment Buildings 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Family Self -Sufficiency Program. Give notice not to renew contract with Employment Action Center effective June 30, 2005 B. Plymouth Towne Square. Center for Energy and Environment Presentation proposal to address roof issues C. New Senior Project. Update on financial pro forma D. New Senior Project. Building name E. Election of Officers 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Regulatory Policies and Housing Affordability. A study of the impact of regulatory policies and their effects on housing affordability. 5. ADJOURNMENT y OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 6:00 PM POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNITION 2 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 3 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING, Lunch Room 4 5 Feb 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 EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5:00 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 3/11/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS April 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May 2005 1 2 Mar 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 7:OOPMBOARD OF EQUALIZATION. IbfCouncY 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMENCES- set clocks ahead 1 hour SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (Immediately /ollowing ed. or Equatim"n): CITY MANAGER QUARTERLY UPDATE, Council Chambera COMMISSION, Council Chambers 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 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),Counci Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 8:00AM-1:00PMHUMAN 1 RIGHTS COMMISSION sTUDENr woRlcsHDP. PIP^wbtlu Cent 7:00 PM 5OARDOF 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING& REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HRA, Medicine Lake Room 9:OOAMCITY AUCTION, CRY Maintenance Garage, 1490023rd Avenue EQUALIZATION (RECONVENED). Caur,cl PASSOVER Cb.mb«s BEGINS AT (FOLLOWING 500E EDUALIZAION)SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CONSIDER UNITED PROPERTIES PROPOSAL. Camcil Cbamb- SUNSET 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 3/11/2005 m 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 PM7:00 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 11 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTE EQC), Council Chambers 12 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM kPLANNING OMMISSION, uncil 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 11 45 AM PLYMOUTH BU$INE93 COUNCIL. Sharalan .—p- RMgatlale .Mn— 5:w PM.; PM SPECILL COUNCIL MEETING: YOUTH TOWNFORUM.PIM t aaal, c.al> T:Oa PM REGULNR COUNCIL MEETING.0 ncll CM1a, — 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 3/11/2005 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. Untiedts 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 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) • 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) • I-494 Corridor Commission Dues (postponed from February 22) 0 Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: March 8, 2005 Tracy Jones, 763-509-5416 Programs offer Plymouth residents help with home rehab and buying their first home If you're thinking about buying your first home or if you own a home that needs some work, you may be eligible for some help. The Plymouth Housing Division is accepting applications for three programs. Rehab Loans: The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) offers deferred, no interest loans of up to $20,000 to help make home repairs and improvements. Homeowners whose incomes are at 60% of the median household income or less are eligible. First Time Homebuyers: If you're buying your first home in Plymouth, you may qualify for a program that can help with the costs of purchasing a home. The program offers a zero interest -deferred loan of up to $25,000, with the Plymouth HRA holding a second mortgage on the property. You can use the financial assistance to pay for up to 50% of the required down payment, 100% of allowable closing costs up to $5,000 and to reduce the mortgage principle. Fix Up Loans: If your home needs electrical work, remodeling, landscaping, roofing, siding, paint or other work, you may be eligible for a below market rate loan of up to $25,000 through the Minnesota Housing Agency's Fix -Up Fund. The loans are available to families with an income of $75,000 or less. Call 763-509-5410 for details. Information on the Rehab Loan and First Time Homebuyer Programs is also posted on the City web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us \A City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: March 8, 2005 Sandy Paulson, 763-509-5080 Plymouth Students Sought for Positions on City Advisory Boards The Plymouth City Council is seeking Plymouth students for four citizen advisory groups. In coming weeks, the City Council will review applications and interview applicants to fill student seats on the Plymouth Youth Advisory Council, Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Environmental Quality Committee. "The boards and commissions study issues and advise the City Council. This is a good way for students to bring their perspectives to issues, programs and projects that make a difference in our community," said Communications Manager Helen LaFave. Applicants must be under age 21. Applications are due March 30. For an application, call 763- 509-5080. Please be sure to leave your name, mailing address and telephone number. Applications can also be downloaded from the City web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. cE3 1� Thursday, May 5, 2005 • 7:30 a.m. Rush Creek Golf Club — 7801 County Road 101 All faiths are invited and encouraged to attend and share in the joy of living in a faith - based community. The theme of the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast is "Growing in Unity and Community." Maple Grove is one of the fastest growing areas in the Twin Cities, and this event is a chance for people to come together and celebrate the many changes taking place. No matter how our community may grow, it is important to maintain a bond of togetherness and mutual respect. Keynote Speaker to be determined. Register no later than Wednesday, April 20, as seating is limited. ❑ Reserved Seating — $160.00 for a Table of 8 • Please have my table placard(s) read: ❑ Individual Seats — $15.00 per Ticket • Number of Tickets: ❑ Prayer Breakfast Donation of $ Your Name: Company: _ Address: City/Zip: _ Phone: email: (Name, Church, Business, etc.) e-mail cmorris@ci.maple-grove.mn.us or call 763-494-6002. Make checks payable to Maple Grove Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. P.O. Box 1180, Maple Grove 55311 startribune.com Close window Last update: March 10, 2005 at 7:16 AM Pawlenty seeks tax -increase blocker Dane Smith Star Tribune Published March 10, 2005 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 -- was detailed Wednesday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty and House Taxes Committee Chairman Phil Krinkie, R -Shoreview. Pawlenty, who presented the proposal at a meeting of the Minnesota Association of Realtors, said "taxpayer satisfaction surveys" at the heart of the plan are an effort to make government "more dynamic, more responsive and more accountable to the people." The bill immediately drew fire from local government umbrella groups, DFL legislative leaders and liberal interest groups, who attacked it as antiquated, unfair and unworkable. 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: "Are you satisfied with the proposed property tax levy?" for the county and for the city in which the property is located. The proposal would not apply to school districts. 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. The plan "takes an existing notice, the truth in taxation form, and gives it muscle," Krinkie said. He said it allows property owners to respond easily and decisively, rather than appearing at City Council or County Board truth in taxation hearings, which would be eliminated under the proposal. Critics' voices Critics of the proposal dismissed it as rigged in favor of antigovernment conservative voters and owners of many parcels of property, and unfair to renters and those who might want more public services. Other critics say it would be a clumsy tool that would damage the idea of representative government, which lets elected officials make decisions at the local level. "Pawlenty would turn the state back to the 19th century.... So much for one person, one vote," said Wayne Cox, executive director of Minnesota Citizens for Tax Justice, a group financed mostly by labor unions. He said the idea is reminiscent of laws in some states in the early 1800s that restricted voting and participation in the political process to white male property owners. "By limiting the process'to property owners, he creates a privileged class of voters and disenfranchises the rest at that step of the process," Cox said. In response to criticisms that the process would exclude people who don't own property and favor those who own many parcels, Krinkie said: "The.people who pay the taxes get to respond." And he argued that all voters would get to participate in the referendum, which would be held in late January. 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. Another problem, said a cities official, is that the question itself is ambiguous. "The answer to that survey question for many people is not between just 'yes' or 'no,' " said Gary Carlson, a lobbyist for the League of Minnesota Cities. "And a'no' answer may be coming from someone who is not satisfied with the level of government services and wants a levy increase." "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." Taxes are going up for a multitude of reasons, ranging from public demands to get tougher on crime, to rising market values of homes, to recent cuts in state aid, Mulder added. Revenue Commissioner Dan Salomone said that the procedural problems with the proposal are minor and that local governments can easily recertify their levies and reduce their spending for the rest of the year if the levies are defeated. Governments also have the option, if they see in early December that the "no" votes are enough for a referendum, to go back to the previous levy level and avoid the referendum, he said. On another front, Krinkie's suggestion that renters don't pay property taxes was hotly challenged by Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL -Minneapolis, chairman of the Senate Tax Committee. "Renters do pay property taxes; we calculate a rebate based on the amount of their rent they pay in taxes," Pogemiller said. However, he did not issue a dead -on -arrival declaration and said that he wants to study the bill and hold hearings before rendering judgment. Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform in Washington, D.C., said: "This is a great idea. If you do it in Minnesota, it'll sweep the country." He noted that Pawlenty's proposal is new to states that don't already have voter -driven referendums or automatic referendums on tax increases. Salomone said that something like the satisfaction survey is in effect in other states but that Pawlenty's proposal is essentially his alone. The survey would not apply to school districts, townships or cities with a population of fewer than 500. Pawlenty said school districts would be exempt because they already are subject to levy referendum mechanisms and are under special economic pressures. The Associated Press contributed to this report To see an example of how the proposed form looks, go to www.startribune.com. Dane Smith is at rdsmith(a)startribune.com. (1 Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. ME Transportation Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Donn R. Wiski Chair County Commissioners Dennis Berg Anoka County Tom Workman Carver County Paul Krause Dakota County Linda Koblick Hennepin County Jim McDonough Ramsey County Jon Ulrich Scott County Myra Peterson Washington County Municipal Officials Steven Billings Fridley City Council Dan Bostrom St. Paul City Council Charlie Crichton Burnsville City Council Chuck DeVore White Bear Lake City Council William Hargis Mayor of Woodbury Sandy Hewitt Plymouth City Council James Hovland Edina City Council' Robert Lilligren Minneapolis City Council David Luick Lakeville City Council Julia Whalen Champlin City Council Citizen Members Robert Gorg Dick Allendorf James Meyers Sally Carlson -Bancroft Kris Sande Donn Wiski Jill Smith Ken Johnson Apencv Representatives Peggy Leppik Metropolitan Council Patrick Hughes Minnesota DOT Richard Long M.A.C. AnnSeha M.P. C.A. Modal Reoresenlatives Lori Fritts Transit Glenn Olson Transit Ron Lifson Freight David Gepner Non -motorized February 25, 2005 Dear Transportation Stakeholder: Every two years, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area undertakes the regional solicitation process to select transportation projects and programs to receive funding under three federal programs: Surface Transportation Program (STP) Urban Guarantee, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ), and STP Transportation Enhancements. On February 16, 2005, the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) adopted the draft 2005 solicitation package and the TAB is now seeking input on the process and criteria included in that draft. The solicitation process uses a set of qualifying criteria to determine if a proposed project or program is eligible to receive funds, based on federal guidance and regionally adopted policies. Prioritizing criteria are used to evaluate the anticipated benefits of the proposed projects and develop a ranked list from which projects are selected to receive funding. Projects that are selected to receive federal funding through this solicitation process will be programmed in the metropolitan area's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for funding authorization in the years 2009 and 2010. The TAB will host a public meeting on Wednesday, March 16`h, at 3:15 PM in the Metropolitan Council's Council Chambers to review the draft 2005 Solicitation Package, answer questions and to receive comments. The agenda will be: • 3:15 PM: Presentation of the draft 2005 regional solicitation package (process and criteria). • 3:45 PM: Questions and comments. The public meeting question and comment period will end when all persons in attendance have had an opportunity to speak. Copies of the draft 2005 regional solicitation package can be printed from the Metropolitan Council's website at http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/transportation/regsolicit.htm or obtained from the Council Data Center at (651) 602-1140. Written comments can be submitted until 5:00 PM on April 10, 2005. Please address your comments to Kevin Roggenbuck, TAB Coordinator, Mears Park Centre, 230 E. Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to kevin.rojzgenbuck2metc.state.mn.us. The TAB may revise the draft 2005 TEA -21 solicitation package in response to comments at the open house and comments received prior to the April 10 deadline. The revised, final approved solicitation package is tentatively scheduled to be released on June 10, 2005 with applications due on July 29, 2005. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Don Koski at 651- 602-1721, or Kevin Rog eng buck at 651-602-1728. Sincerely, Donn Wiski, Chair Mears Park Centre 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (651) 602-1728 Fax (651) 602-1739 SUBURBAN League of Minnesota Cities Building 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 TRANSIT St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: (651) 228-9757 Asnon Facsimile: (651) 228-9787 REPORT 2005 - 1 Friday, March 4th, 2005 DISMAL MVET NUMBERS TO DATE Opt -out providers receive a portion of the 21.5% of MVET funding for transit operations in the metro area. Below are the projected and actual MVET receipts that are dedicated to transit through December of 2004. Sluggish auto sales have resulted in a deficit of $8 million as of January of 2005. Opt -out providers rely solely on MVET and fare box recovery for their operations. Thus, the significantly reduced MVET distribution (coupled with increased expenses such as fuel, healthcare costs and wages) will make it difficult to continue providing the level of peak express service the public is requesting nor will it allow for any expansion to provide service outside the transit taxing district. FY2005 MVET PROJECTIONS vs. ACTUALS Sri s_ •'/ 1 .. TOTAL' Tb''D►TE3 ,..... ,.<..: 134,7190t10s ... ,.f. *Monthly forecasts based on average monthly distribution of MVET receipts for five year period Fiscal Year 1999 to Fiscal Year 2003. (February 2004 Forecast) Members: Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth Metrolink, Shakopee Area Transit, Southwest Metro Transit Commission The STA Newsletter it 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 C m�;lnen..-.IiI.L�r\...nnrl Lln,., nnm nn.l 4nnl /nlmnnrlLln.., nnm 1111ETROROL.ITAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL BONDING REQUEST The STA strongly supports significant regional transit bonding authority to provide basic transit investments such as bus fleet replacement, garage facilities and construction of park and rides, transit hubs and other passenger facilities. Regional bonding authority refers to bonds issued by Metropolitan Council and backed by the property tax within the transit taxing district. The Metropolitan Council will be seeking $64 million in regional bonding authority in 2005 for transit capital projects, $32 million in authority that was unaddressed in 2004 and an additional $32 million for 2005. By way of historical reference, the Legislature authorized $54 million of bonds in 2002 and $45 million in 2003. The STA fully supports the $64 million request, however believes it is inadequate to meet the demand for current needs, let alone future capital needs and strongly advocates for an increased investment in transit capital through the use of regional bonds. Opt -out projects that may benefit from the $64 million authorization include: MVTA 2004 2005 Replace buses $ $3,420,000 MT Vehicles $ $4,350,000 Bus Garage $3,500,000 $ SMTC Replace buses $ $4,071,000 Federal match for buses $ $732,000 Replace non -revenue vehicles $40,000 $60,000 Bus shelters $ $65,000 Garage expansion (Lot) $ $100,000 Southwest Station Ramp $400,000 $400,000 Equipment $ $130,000 Maple Grove Transit Replace buses $ $259,200 Plymouth Metrolink MT Vehicles $ $2,296,000 Shakopee Area Transit Replace Buses $156,000 $210,000 General Opt -out Funding NTD Match $275,000 Facility improvement $500,000 k� 2 METRO AREA, GRIDLOCK INCREASES DEMAND FOR EXPRESS TRANSIT SERVICE As the metro area's traffic problems get worse, the need for express transit increases as evidenced by a recent Metropolitan Council study. The Metropolitan Council's park and ride study examined park and rides throughout the twin cities area and was mandated by the Metropolitan Council through its 2030 Transportation Policy Plan. The Park -and -Ride Plan' is a long-range planning document for the regional park-and-ride system, going beyond the 5 -year implementation planning horizon. The Plan applies a travel corridor framework to a holistic view of the existing and future express transit market from the metropolitan region to the two downtown areas. This approach allows for a better understanding of the interrelatedness of adjacent corridors as well as the potential effect of proposed facilities on the existing network of facilities. Between 1999 and 2004, the capacity and usage of regional park-and-ride system grew at average annual rate of nearly twice any rate experienced in the 1980s and 1990s. This high rate of growth was the result of years of relatively stagnant capacity expansion and a rapid rollout of service and facilities in high population growth corridors with previously little service and facilities. In most but not all areas of the metropolitan area, supply has finally caught up to latent demand. Growth in capacity and usage will continue over the next six years but not likely at the same average annual rate of the past six years. With over 45,000 new jobs in downtown Minneapolis and 4,500 new jobs in downtown St. Paul expected between 2010 and 2030 combined with the goal for doubling regional transit ridership by 2030, the capacity and usage of the regional park-and-ride system is expected to grow at an aggressive and steady rate during that 20 -year period. By 2030, there is expected to be a need for at least 11,000 more park-and-ride spaces to downtown Minneapolis and at least 1,000 more park-and-ride spaces to downtown St. Paul. This needed capacity expansion would increase the regional park-and-ride system from the current 18,600 spaces to over 30,600 spaces. The Park -and -Ride Plan identifies market demand by corridor over the course of the next 25 years, and includes guidelines for locating new or expanding existing park-and-ride facilities. The preliminary study data also indicates that a significant number of riders are coming from outside the transit taxing district to take advantage of opt -out transit service. Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Maple Grove Transit and S.W. Metro Transit are opt -out transit providers facing overcrowded park and ride lots and buses due to riders from outside the transit taxing district. A survey conducted in October by Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) showed that 56% of individuals parking at MVTA's Apple Valley Transit Station do not live in MVTA cities (Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount and Savage). In Maple Grove, 30% of riders are coming from communities outside the transit taxing district leading to standing loads on both their morning and evening express transit service. The Suburban Transit Association is optimistic that a long-term transportation and transit funding solution will be passed this session, helping to alleviate the overcrowded park and ride lots. ` A draft of the Park -and -Ride Plan document is expected to be mailed to Project Advisory Committee (PAC) members for review and comment prior to next PAC Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 10th. The PAC membership includes representatives from all the regional transit providers. A final Park -and -Ride Plan document is expected to be adopted by the Metropolitan Council in May 2005 (Data and summary provided by Craig Lamothe, Transit Planner- Metro Transit). 3 HEARINGS PLANNED ON TRANSIT SERVICE AND FARE LEVELS "The Metropolitan Council on Feb. 23 approved public hearings for mid-April to review bus and rail fares in the region, as well as transit service levels. By authorizing hearings now, the Council positions itself to approve any needed fare and service adjustments shortly after the Legislature sets the state budget" (Metropolitan Council, February 2005). A,; 494 Commuter Services 2005 Work Plan (DRAFT) Goal#1 Increase Property Manager Promotion of Commuter Choices • Conduct 40 commuter fairs at major office complexes • Send quarterly newsletter article (e.g. construction updates) to all property managers • Conduct a commuter information seminar with property managers • Work with city's to make sure that new developments --exceeding city specific size thresholds—create and implement an effective TDM plan. • Provide City of Bloomington (and other cities) with report on "Best Practices for Local TDM Ordinances in the Twin Cities and Nation-wide " • Promote designation of preferential parking for pools • Promote installation of secure bicycle racks Goal #2: Increase Employer Promotion of Commuter Choices • Contact 20 new employers each month • Enroll 110 employers in the Commuter Challenge • Conduct 100 commuter fairs • Conduct 3 commuter surveys and transportation management plans • Complete commuter zip code map for 6 employers • Put up commuter information board at 60 employment sites • Organize two employer seminars on "best practices" for promoting commuter options • Work with I-494 Board to provide entree to employers. • Market and assist employers in implementing TDM strategies (e.g. Van -GO, MetroPass, tax benefits, communications to employees, GRH) • Identify and regularly update 60 Commuter Benefit Coordinators • Expand use of on-line ridematching system by commuters and employers. • Collect and track timely information on employer participation in commuter programs • Widely distribute new "Pooling makes $ense" video Goal #3: Increase Employee Awareness and use of Commuter Choices • Add 1300 commuters to Ridepro database • Register 250 I-494 Commuters as new car or van poolers • Create 4 new Van -GO vans • Widely distribute new "Van -GO for Beginners" video • Create and market new bicycle commuting promotion • Put up roadside rideshare signs at entrance to several office complexes • Collaborate on MCS "Inside Lane" monthly newsletter to employers Goal #4: Create New Marketing Materials and Incentives • Increase visibility of I-494 Corridor Commission commuter program outreach • Create brochure on property manager communication strategies • Create new commuter incentives with portion of budget CADocuments and Settings\khoffman\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Fi1es\0LK2\494workp1an05.doc Goal #5: Increase the General Public's Awareness of Transportation and Commuter Issues • Update I-494 Website on a regular basis • Write semi-annual article/advertisement for local/regional newspapers in six corridor cities. • Widely promote the regional "Commuter Challenge" consisting of broad public outreach on congestion issue and commuting options • Assist with planning for 2005 Commuter Choice Awards Program • Nominate I-494 employers/property managers for 2005 Commuter Choice Awards • Give presentations to allied organizations, such as member City chambers, City staff, other transportation providers, etc. • Encourage media coverage of new TDM/transit strategies and innovative case studies Goal # 6: Work with Local and National Partners to Advance TDM as Effective Congestion Mitigation Strategy • Participate in planning committees for 2005 TMA Summit in Minneapolis. • Participate in national organizations to network, share information and enhance capacity • Serve on Advisory Team for Greater Southdale Land Use and Transportation Study • Serve Steering Committee for I-494 Network Transit Study (PRT) • Provide input and assist with testing new regional commuter incentives • Enter all relevant data on employers and property managers into the regional Ridepro database. • Train new 494 Commuter Services staff as needed Goal # 7 Track Outcomes of Commuter Outreach Report new commuters registered as carpools or vanpools, and commuters enrolling in the Guaranteed Ride Home program (i.e. new busriders, bicyclists and walkers) Assist with post -survey of Commuter Challenge participants Explore other strategies for tracking increased use of alternative transportation options (e.g. annual survey) C:\Documents and Settings\khoffman\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Fi1es\0LK2\494workp1an05.doc DATE: March 9, 2005 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager FROM: Aurlburt, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility (HCACF) Population Report Hennepin County Community Corrections staff has submitted their monthly report on average daily population for the month of February, 2005. The average daily population reported for the Plymouth facility was 545, less than the occupancy limit of 601 set by the Conditional Use Permit. The chart below shows the average monthly population since we began receiving reports in June of 1998. HCACF Monthly Population Report 700 600.F +, 500 v 400 ❑ CUP Limit d 300 ■A�rage Count m a 200 100 0 W 07 O O O O U T r N O O M M co V' Cn O O V) O �% car� U (6 U Q N 7 U Q U z Q LL O 2 z Q U- Month/Year City of Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) February 9, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Osborne, Commissioners John Berrigan, Laura Brinkman., Michelle Foss, Wesh Waters, Terrie Christian, Sarah Hayes, Brian Forrest and Sally Strand MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Councilmember Ginny Black, City Engineer Ron Quanbeck, Water Resources Engineer Shane Missaghi and Office Support Representative Patty Hillstrom 1. CALL TO ORDER — 5:35 P.M. The EQC members briefly introduced themselves to the new commissioners, John Berrigan, Laura Brinkman, Terrie Christian and Michelle Foss. 2. PUBLIC FORUM 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda for the February 9, 2005, EQC meeting was approved with the addition of a short break before New Business and reports on bio -diesel fuel and 2005 Street Reconstruction Projects by Councilmember Black. 4. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 12, 2005, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Brian Forrest, seconded by Commissioner Johan Berrigan, recommending approval of the January 12, 2005, Environmental Quality Committee minutes. Vote. 9 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. PUBLIC HEARING A. NO WAKE ZONE ORDINANCE Water Resources Engineer Missaghi presented information on the Medicine Lake Watershed :Management Plan stating that the plan was approved by the City Council in October of 2001. The plan includes factors affecting the water quality in Medicine Lake that come from outside sources, variables inside the lake and the lake's ecology. He said implementation of the Medicine Lake Watershed Management Plan resulted in the formation of the Aquatic Vegetation Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 2 Management (AVM) Group. The mission of the AVM Group was to develop a plan of action to deal with aquatic issues within the lake with negative impacts on water quality. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi stated that the City Council adopted the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan on March 25, 2003. He said that shoreline restoration, control and protection are the three types of management areas that the AVM Plan establishes for Medicine Lake. One of the measures identified is to establish No Wake Zones to protect plants from physical damage and to limit boat induced wave action. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi referred to the map and indicated the three areas on the lake that would be affected by the No Wake Zone ordinance. The areas are the northwest corner of the lake, the area just east of the French Park boat launch and a small portion at the southeast corner of the lake. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi stated that the main concern expressed regarding the ordinance is limited recreational access to the North Arm, which is very popular for waterskiing. He said the two small zones are on the edges of the North Arm and will not interfere with the current recreational use of the area. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi referred to the ordinance and stated that the amended portion reads: Regulation No person shall berate a watercraft on Medicine Lake: A. Emergent Aquatic Vegetation Protection Areas: on each and every day of the week, at greater than slow -no wake speed inside the emergent aquatic vegetation protection areas marked with "slow -no wake" buoys or signs. The emergent aquatic vegetation protection areas that are regulated under this provision are depicted on the map attached hereto as Attachment A. B. High Water Level: at greater than slow -no wake speed whenever the water level exceeds 889.4 feet and remained at that level for at least three consecutive days. The slow -no wake restriction shall remain in place until the lake level drops to 889.4 feet or below for at least three consecutive days. He said that the No Wake Zone ordinance was prepared by City staff and approved by the City Attorney and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Both the City of Plymouth and the City of Medicine Lake must approve and adopt the ordinance. If the City wishes to expand or modify the No Wake Zones in the future, another public hearing process would be required. Chair Osborne opened the public meeting. Chris Swingley, 2780 Evergreen Lane, asked if a contractor would be removing rough fish from the lake. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 3 Howard Hanson, 1609 W. Medicine Lake Drive, stated that he is supportive of the ordinance and said that the changes seem innocuous. He is a former skier and does not recall anyone skiing in the no wake areas. Ken Larson, 1605 W. Medicine Lake Drive, stated that he is a 50 year resident of Medicine Lake and he has seen many changes in the lake. He is all in favor of the No Wake Zone ordinance, however, he would like to see it expanded. The restoration of the shoreline is not working because of the wake. Rick Linde, 2655 Nathan Lane, asked the distance between the two no wake zone areas on the North Arm of the lake. He is unclear whether a boat is allowed to cause a wake when passing between the zones. Tom Meyer, 11685 26th Ave. N., has observed that speed is an issue and asked whether wave displacement of different types of boats has been considered. He wants skiers to be able to use the North Arm so they don't go to other places on the lake. He is in support of the ordinance. Bruce Larson, 263V2 Peninsula Road, stated that he is very much opposed to the amended ordinance. He stated that he wrote the existing ordinance, had it passed and doesn't want it changed. He feels the proposed ordinance is misleading and an ordinance is not needed telling people not to drive through weeds. He said the North Arm is a unique place to ski and he is very opposed to surface regulation of the lake. He said control of curly leaf is a great idea. David Warner, 264 Peninsula Road, stated that he is adamantly opposed to the No Wake Zone ordinance and questions how wave action originating outside the no wake zone would be regulated. He doesn't see how it would make a difference. Janet Sullivan, residing at 11355 — 36th Place N. since 1984, stated that she is a water skier and is thankful the North Arm is not being closed off entirely. The North Arm is a safe place to ski because it is away from the tubers and personal watercraft. She said the northeast portion of the lake is shallow and boats do not go there and questions whether it needs to be posted. She feels it is a waste of taxpayer money to put in unnecessary buoys. She said that people who use the boat launch tend to tie up to the channel markers and drag them all over and is afraid the same will be true with the buoys. She stated that the southeast zone is so shallow the boats don't travel through that area. Mike Hoogenakker, 4605 Urbandale Lane, stated that he has lived in Plymouth for 20 years and is very much against the No Wake Zone ordinance. He said boats are unable to get anywhere near the east and northeast areas and it is a waste of taxpayer dollars to spend money on unnecessary enforcement. The left side of the North Arm is where the boats are parked waiting their turn to take a run and he feels that the ordinance dramatically impacts the use of that area. Jerry Gray, Senior Biologist for GBC, Inc., prepared a list of questions and presented them to the EQC. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 4 Rob Ceil, residing on Larch Lane, stated that he bought his home eight years ago so he could ski on Medicine Lake. World champion skiers come to ski on Medicine Lake and the lake has been written up in water ski magazines. He said there is a ski course submerged under the lake. He said that according to studies, ski wake does not hurt vegetation and he hopes the EQC reconsiders the proposed ordinance. He reported that the Three Rivers Park District added fifty boat slips without a public hearing and suggested talking with them about putting too many boats on the lake. Bill Leonard, 200 Peninsula Road, stated that the City of Medicine Lake is very supportive of the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan and the control of curly leaf pondweed but is concerned about the no wake zone areas in the North Arm. He stated that the No Wake Zone ordinance would be presented at a public hearing at the City of Medicine Lake on March 7. He feels that there will not be a high probability of the ordinance passing in the City of Medicine Lake if it includes the North Arm. Randy Mikolai, stated that he is an avid skier and user of the North Arm and he is generally opposed to the ordinance, mostly because he does not fully understand the purpose. He said the AVM Plan indicates 16 protected areas and he wondered why only three sites were chosen. He is opposed to surface regulation of the lake especially in the North Arm. He asked how scientific the decision was or is it just a shot in the dark and asked if there is a plan for further study. He said he has a lot of unanswered questions and if there are any ulterior motives. Barry Sheer, 9017 — 29th Ave. N., stated that he is very much against the No Wake Zone ordinance and would like to see more facts in support of the regulation. He wonders if the shoreline restorations are being done improperly and that the wake is being used as an excuse. He suggested controlling the amount of boats going out of French Park. Joe Harty, Harty's Boat & Bait, stated that the No Wake Zone ordinance would have an impact on his customers that want to come and use the lake and that they would find somewhere else to ski. He said his boat creates a bigger wake when going slow and he would hate to see anything happen to the North Arm, as it is his favorite place to ski. He said a lot of good work has been done and he appreciates the curly leaf control program. He thinks the ordinance is wrong and asked how wide that 500' between no wake zones on the North Arm will actually be. He asked how close to the no wake zones can a boat travel when causing a wake. Scott Jones, 230 Peninsula Road, is a resident on the lake and he would like to see the water quality improve. He said control of curly leaf pondweed and the water quality ponds were a huge success but thinks the ordinance is a step in the wrong direction and completely unnecessary. He feels there is a hidden agenda for people that really wanted something else. He said the windy days create the erosion not the boat waves and he is opposed to surface regulation on the lake. He also said the buoys would be ugly. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 5 Scott Nelson, 4580 Ranier Court, said that he is not passionate but does oppose the ordinance. He is a ski professional and has skied all over the country. He has participated in clinics for children and safety is of importance to him. He said the North Arm is the safest and if it were no longer available to skiers they would go to other parts of the lake. Safety would then become an issue because there are more houses on other parts of the lake and the skiers would come much closer to the homes. He wanted to share a perspective that he has seen in other parts of the country. Gary Lenz stated that he is not a resident but is familiar with Medicine Lake. He said Medicine Lake is unique because of the recreation opportunities, especially the North Arm. He is concerned that there would be a safety issue if the regulating width of the North Arm were cut down. He felt there would not be a market for homes on the lake with a wake restriction. He asked what scientific studies have been done, what is the advantage of bulrushes and why they are different from other vegetation and what are other ways to protect vegetation besides wake restrictions. Karen Chesebrough stated that she has been involved with the Medicine Lake Watershed Management Plan and the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan. She wanted to clarify that the development of the two plans included consideration of all users. The AVM Group consisted of citizens, technical people and skiers. She reported that bulrushes are very valuable in preventing phosphorus from being released into the lake and they also increase water clarity. Bulrushes are determined to be very valuable and it is a privilege to even have them in Medicine Lake. Greg Wagner thanked the EQC for listening to everyone's comments and stated that he resides at 2534 W. Medicine Lake Drive. He said the ordinance does not contain limits and he is concerned that eventually Medicine Lake will become a non -motorized lake. He also has safety concerns and feels there are too many boats on the lake. Paul Wallerius, 6469 Ranchview Lane in Maple Grove, thanked the EQC for the opportunity to speak and stated that he is in opposition to the ordinance, specifically the North Arm. He said the North Arm is a gem for skiing and just leaving it alone would be the best thing to do. Chair Osborne stated that the EQC would now address the questions and closed the public hearing. Chair Osborne said that the biggest concern is restricted boating on the North Arm and asked Water Resources Engineer Missaghi to clarify the 520' distance from the edges of the protection areas. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi responded that the restriction only applies to the red areas containing yellow and white lily pads and various pondweeds and would not reduce the 520' space. Chair Osborne asked if it was determined during the AVM Group meetings that 520' was enough width to ski through, especially by the skier. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi reported that the AVM Group consisted of a diverse group including representatives from N Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 6 AMLAC, Three Rivers Park District, residents from the City of Plymouth and Medicine Lake, a skier and City staff. He stated that the ordinance does not limit access of watercraft into the no wake zone area and it does not address waves created by wind or watercraft. The focus is direct impact while the watercraft is traveling in that area. Water Resources Engineer Missaghi stated that the three zones were chosen because of the benefits of the plant communities to water quality and clarity. Chair Osborne asked if there are scientific facts showing that wave action affects plants? Commissioner Christian, member of the AVM Group, stated that it is her understanding that there are some beneficial plants at the entrance to the North Arm that deserved protection. She said there are scientific facts indicating that wave action (wind) is a different type of experience than boat action and scientific studies show that aquatic vegetation is negatively impacted. As an example, she said there are very few lakes in the Twin Cities that have bulrush beds because of recreational use. There is documentation that the bulrush beds in Medicine Lake have been diminishing over the years. She said some of the vegetation worthy of preservation not only has to do with water quality and clarity but also the long-term health of the lake and fish habitat. Chair Osborne asked how much distance has been taken away from skiers on the North Arm. Commissioner Christian, AVM Group, responded that the boats could still sit in the red areas while waiting. John Barten, Three Rivers Park District, reported that plants provide many benefits to the lake with some plants having higher values than others. He said most bulrush communities are gone because of wave action and he said that there is a different wave action from wind than boats. Numerous studies have been done, but an individual in Florida did the primary study in 1970. Cameras were placed on the lake bottom and water samples were taken as boats went over documenting specifically what impact different boats have on the lake bottom and aquatic plants. He said there has been a tremendous amount of study and it is conclusive that boat action disrupts entire aquatic communities. Councilmember Black asked what native species will grow after the curly leaf pondweed is gone. John Barten said when curly leaf and milfoil are controlled something will replace them. The hope is that native plants will become established and shade out exotic species. Chair Osborne asked about the value of the lily pads in the red areas of the North Arm. Barten reported that they are not as valuable as bulrushes but still have benefit because they shade fish habitat. Barten stated that the North Arm was chosen as a protection area because it looked like the edges of the weed beds were moving back because of boat action and it was felt that protection of the area should begin without much interference for skiers. Commissioner Christian reported that the AVM Group considered a larger buffer but compromised to allow more room for skiers. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 7 Councilmember Black asked if the City would be contracting for the removal of rough fish in Medicine Lake? Water Resources Engineer Missaghi reported that in 2002 a rough fish harvest was attempted but was unsuccessful. He said other ways of preventing rough fish from entering Medicine Lake are being sought. Chair Osborne asked why the original ordinance is being amended? City Engineer Quanbeck stated that the original ordinance addresses high water periods. The City Attorney concluded that the best way to address wake would be to add it to the original ordinance. Councilmember Black asked if any monitoring would be done to see if the no wake zones are successful. Brian Vlach, Water Resources Specialist, Three Rivers Park District, reported that his work has involved aquatic vegetation and nutrient loading monitoring on Medicine Lake. For the next few years with the curly leaf treatments, he will be monitoring vegetation in the spring to determine the effects of the treatments and the no wake zones. Chair Osborne asked Vlach if Three Rivers Park District submits reports to the City. Vlach responded that reports are completed and submitted to the City. The last report on curly leaf treatment was completed in January of 2005. Commissioner Strand asked if the chemical used on curly leaf affects the vegetation in the North Arm. Vlach stated that the chemical kills on contact early in the spring before other plant communities become established. Commissioner Strand asked if the goal is to expand the plant communities in the North Arm into water ski areas. Commissioner Christian stated that plants would only grow in the littoral zone (eight feet of water). Barten stated that he does not see growth of plants further out. Chair Osborne asked how many boats are allowed in French Park and is there a way to limit them? Vlach stated that the number of boats is limited to the number of parking spaces, which is designated by the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR). Barten said there are 56 parking spaces not including slips for sailboats. Commissioner Christian said that during discussion at an AVM Group meeting, the representative from the DNR stated that limits are determined for safety reasons and Medicine Lake is well under the number of boats allowed. Chair Osborne stated that there is a concern about the ugliness of the signage. Commissioner Christian stated that the signage would help educate the public about the value of emergent plants and have more respect for it. John Barten, Three Rivers Park District, addressed the following questions presented by Jerry Gray, Senior Biologist, GBC, Inc.: Has research been done on Medicine Lake to support "no wake zones" effect on sensitive vegetation? Similar scenarios on different lakes indicate, yes. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 8 What species are considered sensitive? Based on what literature or site specific investigations or research? Barton said emergent macrophytes are the most sensitive. Studies by the Wisconsin and Minnesota DNR indicate impacts include loss of plant communities and a dramatic decline in fish population. What are the plant community dynamics and the biotic and abiotic factors? Abiotic factors include water temperature, level, length of season and clarity and biotic factors are the sort of grazing on the plant communities. What are the wave run-up and run-down values and how does this relate to the topographic parameters and stratification of the water column(s)? Periodic turnover in summer due to storm driven wave action disrupts stratification. Based on the current conditions, what are the parameters of wave: generation, propagation, reflection and dissipation of the wave flume generated by watercraft, water skiing and at what watercraft velocities? Barten said there has been a tremendous amount of work done in this area. It is specific to the size of the boat, size of the motor, depth of the water and speed of the boat traveling. What is the value of suspended sediments in the water column, how are they stratified and is there net movement? Concentration of suspended sediments in the center of the lake is fairly low. Near the shoreline there is a fair amount of suspended sediment that enters the lake that is evident by the sediment fans that tend to grow at the discharge of the storm sewer. The parameters change with rain events. Are there sequestered nutrients in the bottom strata? What are the nutrient dynamics of Medicine Lake? Yes, nutrients rise and double as boat goes over and remain elevated for two hours, in general. Does the wave action created by water craft increase aeration, thereby having a amelioration effect on water quality? No, typically water column is saturated with oxygen throughout the growing season except during the period when algae is using oxygen opposed to producing oxygen. Boat traffic has never been found to affect that to a large degree. Not to appear argumentative, but is there an additional agenda other than that being proposed? Is NIMBY at play here? Barten said he doesn't think so. MOTION by Commissioner Christian, seconded by Commissioner Berrigan, recommending approval of the No Wake Zone ordinance, as written. Commissioner Forrest stated that his initial concerns have evaporated since he now realizes that the North Arm can still be used and that the ordinance only restricts boats from speeding through the protected areas. Environmental Quality Committee Minutes February 9, 2005 Page 9 Commissioner Brinkman suggested placing buoys further apart in areas where there is less boat traffic to save money. Commissioner Christian addressed the property value issue stating that the AVM Group tried its very best to keep the North Arm open without affecting plants. She said the property values on Leech Lake rose and the increase was directly related to the water quality. Commissioner Strand stated that the clarity of Bass Lake has gone down with the loss of the bulrush beds. Commissioner Christian said bulrush beds are very hard to establish and once they are gone, they are gone forever. Commissioner Strand said there is no agenda to shut down the lake. Chair Osborne, assuming the ordinance passes and buoys are in place, invited those in attendance to come back to the EQC and report on whether the buoys are in the way of the boats. There being no further discussion and with all members voting in favor, the motion carried. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. EQC ORIENTATION City Engineer Quanbeck read the EQC's mission statement and stated that the EQC is an advisory committee to the City Council. He briefly reviewed the EQC's roles and responsibilities, meeting place and time, EQC packets, parliamentary procedure, public participation, open meeting law, data practices, etc. 7. REPORTS A. BIO -DIESEL FUEL Councilmember Black attended a presentation by an employee of the City of Brooklyn Park on bio -diesel fuel and E85. She said the presentation was fascinating and it appears that bio -diesel fuel is interchangeable with diesel fuel, the vehicles last much longer and is much cleaner. If the committee is interested, she suggested placing this item for discussion on a future agenda,. B. 2005 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Councilmember Black reported that the EQC's recommendation on street design standards was approved by the City Council at last nights meeting. The preliminary engineering reports on the projects would be available to the EQC for their March meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:1.8 p.m. GREAT RIVER ENERGY' 17845 East Highway 10 • P.O. Box 800 • Elk River, Minnesota 55330-0800 • 763-441-3121 • Fax 763-241-2366 March 4, 2005 WO #44301 ANNE HURLBURT CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD PLYMOUTH MN 55447 Subject: Update - Plymouth -Maple Grove Transmission Line Upgrade Esmt. No. WH -PB -05 The purpose of this letter is to inform you that Great River Energy (GRE) will begin construction activities on the transmission line upgrade between the Bass Lake Substation located north of Bass Lake Road and the Plymouth Substation located north of Schmidt Lake Road. Constructions activities will progress as follows: Tree Trimming and Removal GRE's tree contractor will be AsplundhTree Expert Company. The general foreman will be Glenn Erickson. Where we have reached an agreement for tree removal, the trees will be cut and removed from the premise. We will grind the stumps this spring/summer as ground conditions dictate. If you would like the trees cut up for firewood or other. such purposes, we will make arrangements to leave them on your property, in,lengths that are easy to handle. Tree removal on this segment of line is scheduled to begin this month running concurrent with line construction. Please keep in mind that the tree removal program that was offered to you is completely voluntary, and there will be cases where trees will not be removed from within GRE's easement area. GRE offered to reimburse landowners up to $300 per tree for quality yard trees with a lesser amount paid for smaller or low quality trees such as box elder or poplar. A case can be made that some trees are worth more than $300; however, it is important to remember that these trees are within our easement area and will be maintained and trimmed on a regular basis to protect the reliability of the transmission line and ensure public safety. We feel that the tree replacement program will provide reasonable compensation for replanting specific tree species that are more compatible with the transmission line and will not need to be topped or trimmed as they grow toward the wires. Please can me at the number listed below if you feel there has been any miscommunication regarding tree removal or our tree removal reimbursement program. Easement Amendment Agreement As part of this upgrade project, GRE has pursued obtaining easement amendment agreements from each landowner. This amendment agreement defines the easement area and clarifies the rights of the landowner within the easement area and the rights of GRE in its use of the easement. As with the tree removal program, signing this agreement is completely voluntary since our existing easement is sufficient. Direct Dial (763) 241-2377 E -Mail gostromVgrenergy.com FAX (763) 241-6177 JR.www.GreatRiverE rgy.com March 4, 2004 Page Two Pole Removal and New Pole Setting Poles will be delivered to their respective locations starting the week of March 7`h. Pole setting will commence shortly thereafter. The new poles will generally replace the existing poles at the same location, although some pole locations may change for a variety of reasons. Construction Damages We hope to reduce construction damages by performing most of the work during freeze-up conditions. Keep in mind that we will repair or reimburse you for any construction damages to your property. This project will involve several phases and a considerable amount of coordination to keep area substations energized. We appreciate your patience with us as we work through the various phases of the project. Please contact me with your questions or concerns at any time during the project. If you would like to meet with me to discuss any aspect of the project, please contact me to set up a convenient time and location. I should be available most week days, Saturdays or evenings, but call ahead to set an appointment. Sincerely, GREAT RIVER ENERGY ;J 0 Q—t Gary Ostrom, SR/WA Land Rights Supervisor CC: Lance Hovland, Wright -Hennepin Electric G �r:\westmetro\wh-pb44301\notif.Itrs\startconstltrpubline.doc Direct Dial (763) 241-2377 E -Mail gostrom@grenergy.com FAX (763) 241-6177 1_1"'� r vOK, cd 1 6, 6 u AUJ, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Plymouth needs more senior, housing To the editor: In following Plymouth's Hous- ing and Redevelopment Authority's . desire to increase the number of se- nior apartments from 75t6 95 units, I would like to add. my full agree- ment and commend their work. Plymouthaas been experienc- ing expansion and growth for a number of years with the Plymouth City Council taking their responsi- bilities seriously and cautiously. Looking at the need for space to build our aging population and the area's middle to high costs of living, I feel increasing the development to 95 units would be a wise decision. In my work with the elderly, I can testify to seniors' strong desire to re- main in their own community or live .near loved ones, which gives added value to the affordability of a number of these apartments. I would like to see us do what we can to make Plymouth a community for -the complete life span by backing this development. Cheri Smith Plymouth Mar 04 2005 16:25:39 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page Bel Of 005 L • -Freda Fax - C y .an i.ihn,,.,.,x,.wn.,n., A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 4, 2005 Page 1 Senate Tax Committee approves After a brief discussion, the amended bill passed permanent NIVHC cut on a voice vote with only one vote in opposition. The bill was sent to the Senate floor. Late Thursday afternoon, the Senate Tax Committee quickly considered and approved an amendment offered by Tax Committee Chair Larry Pogemiller that includes many of the major recommendations for revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions that were originally offered in the governor's tax bill. The Pogemiller amendment was added to SFSF.12 a bill that originally modified state regulation of tax preparers. Although the bill includes most of the revenue enhancements in the governor's bill, it does have one significant difference—the proposal would make the 2003 MVHC cuts for cities permanent. The League testified in opposition to the amendment, citing our similar opposition to the permanent LGA cuts enacted in 2003. We also highlighted the fact that the credit will continue to show on an individual's tax statement, even though the state would not be paying for the credit, which would be misleading to taxpayers. The MVHC cuts will impact 103 cities throughout the state. A list of the affected cities was included in the February 23 edition of the Cities Bulletin. Senator Pogemiller is calling the package the "structural balance bill" because, as he stated, he is trying to plug the state's structural budget imbalance of $466 million. In total, the draft bill would increase state revenues and reduce state spending by approximately $250 million for the upcoming 2006-2007 biennium and by $330 million for the 2008-2009 biennium. To fully fund the state's structural budget imbalance, Senator Pogemiller stated that the balance would have to come from expenditure adjustments in appropriation bills being considered in the Finance Committee. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651-281- 12SS or at gc.;crriscatarzimr7c.vr��,r Action Alert! Annexation hearings in Chisago City and St. Cloud The House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee will be on the road on Friday, March 11. They will hold hearings on annexation issues in Chisago City at city hall at 9:00 am and in St. Cloud at city hall at 1:00 pm. We are encouraging city staff and elected officials with concerns about possible changes to annexation law to attend whichever of the hearings would be more convenient. The committee has been discussing annexation issues throughout the legislative session and will quite likely base decisions on what policy, if any, they move forward with this session based partly on testimony presented at these hearings. Representatives from several local government organizations will be in attendance. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or at -Loh sc?rc!%z lrrrr?c:c.?r � Street utility bill scheduled for 3/10 hearing in Senate A key Senate committee will hold a hearing next week on ::P:f 366 (Marko, DFL -Cottage Grove), a bill initiated by the League of Minnesota Cities and the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) that would give cities the authority to impose street utility fees for street maintenance and preservation. The Senate Transportation Committee will meet to consider the bill on 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 E Mar 04 2005 16:26:22 Via Fax —> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 002 Of 005 L -MC -Friday Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Thursday, March 10, at 3:00 p.m. in room 15 of the State Capitol. The League strongly urges members in districts of Senate Transportation Committee members to call their legislators before Wednesday and ask them to vote for SF 366. Members of the Senate Transportation Committee can be found at www.senate.le State.rriti.us/Corrirnittee/2005- 2006;t_ranvortat.ion/ Senator Mike Jungbauer (R -East Bethel) will offer a similar street utility bill, SF _8 18, at the same hearing. The League anticipates opposition from some groups who oppose locally imposed fees. Passage of the bill will be dependent upon the ability of cities to make the case that this funding is necessary and that the proposal offers an equitable and locally based funding solution. The bill was heard last month in a joint meeting of the House Transportation Finance Committee and House Transportation Policy Committee. The bill drew harsh criticism from lobbyists representing the following groups: • MN Association of Realtors • MN Auto Dealers Association • MN Grocers Association • MN Multi -Housing Association • MN Trucking Association • MN Retailers Association The groups charged that cities would use the fees to unfairly "tax" businesses. They also argued that property taxes should sufficiently cover the cost of street maintenance and reconstruction. City officials argued that the bill would provide cities with a much-needed additional tool for meeting street maintenance revenue needs. It is enabling legislation that would give cities the March 4, 2005 Page 2 authority to use trip generation rates to establish street utility fee programs for street reconstruction, maintenance, and facility upgrades such as traffic signals and turn lanes. When it became clear that the issue was contentious, Rep. Mary -Liz Holberg (R - Lakeville), the chair of the House Transportation Finance Committee, laid the bill over for further consideration. It's not clear whether I -IF 313 or HF495 will appear on a future agenda in the committee. To learn about the street utility initiative, read the I3ackgEc Il qd aKILI f :A.(7s document available on Legislative page of the League's website ��cx�°.lrrarlc..orsr . Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651 281.1263 or at a inn;; a%�trtnc,0ng. Final levy information released Final certified levy information for 2005 was released by the Department of Revenue this week. Statewide, local property tax levies increased 6.7 percent over 2004 to $5.1 billion. The city portion increased by 8.1 percent or $100 million over 2004 levels. Final city certified levies were $14 million less than preliminary September levies. 2005 is the first year since 2001 without levy limits on cities over 2,500 population. Yet this year's increase of 8.1 percent is only slightly higher than last year's increase of 7.9 percent. For the last two years cities have been struggling with the impacts of $170 million in aid cuts and other ongoing budgetary pressures including population growth, a growing senior population, rising health care costs for employees, and aging infrastructure. 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 84 2885 16:27;84 Via Fax —> 763 589 5868 Plymouth Page 883 Of 085 LMC <:;�,.0 -FridaY Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Cities' revenue base (property tax levy plus general state aid) has increased only 7 percent from 2002 to 2005. After adjusting for inflation and population growth, cities' revenue base has declined by 6 percent in that time. Questions: Contact Eric Willette at 651.281.1245 or at E�wili�tt.Lrcimrar�.clrOr Inverse condemnation proposal to be heard on Monday On Monday, a House committee will hear a proposal offered by Representative Paul Thissen (DFL -Minneapolis) that would allow a person to bring an action in district court to compel a political subdivision to commence a condemnation proceeding if the local unit of government directly or indirectly provides mixed municipal solid waste services that displace an existing waste hauler. Although Representative Thissen has introduced 111, :1365 containing this language, the proposal will likely be offered as an amendment to another bill. The bill targets cities that are considering or have implemented organized solid waste collections under Minnesota Statutes 11.5�A..94, the statute that allows cities to organize solid waste collections within their community in order to provide efficiencies, reduce overall costs to residents and enhance compliance with solid waste collections. If a city's regulatory action displaces an existing waste hauler or prevents the hauler from providing substantially the same services, that hauler would be able to compel the local unit of government to commence a condemnation proceeding. In 2004, similar but more expansive legislation was considered but was not approved by the Legislature. That bill would have created an March 4, 2005 Page 3 inverse condemnation claim for almost any municipal action that could have impacted a private business. That bill was subsequently narrowed to apply only to waste hauling. We will report on the outcome of the hearing in next week's Cities Bulletin. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or at cytohn on(&,,- m 7C._C)7 Impaired waters bill advances The bill to create a state funding pool for implementation of federal Clean Water Act requirements passed through two committees this week HF 826 (Ozment, R -Rosemount) passed out of the House Government Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee and will be heard in the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee on March 14 at 12:30 pm in Room 10 of the State Office Building. The Senate version of the bill, SF 762 (Frederickson, R -New Ulm), was passed out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. It will be heard in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on March 9 at 12:00 in Room 123 of the State Capitol. Watch the LMC Bulletin for further information. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson 651.281.1259 or at c jc}Ttnrran';lrr{3tc:.r; Wine on the (legislative) table? The Senate Commerce Liquor subcommittee will meet Monday, March 7 to hear a number of relatively non -controversial liquor bills requesting licenses for special circumstances. Also on the agenda is a presentation, "Impact of the Highly Regulated Wholesale and Retail Alcoholic Beverage Market in MN", by Dr. de Seve, an economist. This subcommittee is For more information on city legislative issues, cartact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 yv Mar 84 2885 16:27:40 Via Fax -> 763 509 5868 Plymouth Page 994 Of BBS F -Frida x - y a A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities expected to meet again in the next few weeks to take up other liquor related bills. While a wine in grocery stores proposal has not been introduced in either body, many of these bills could become vehicles for such an amendment. Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or at z<ar_o_�.rT�erzlmrac..c,?Jg Action Alert! Bonding Bill BACKGROUND The conference committee that will negotiate a final bonding bill and determine how much money is included for permanent supportive housing has been appointed and will be meeting sometime soon to finalize the bill. So far, the governor has included $20 million, the Senate has included $20 million, and the House has included $10 million. Now, the conferees must meet to hammer out the differences. In order to ensure that the final bill includes the full $20 million that both the governor and the Senate requested, we need your help. Please contact the legislators outlined below NO later than Friday, March 4. THEMESSAGE Representative/Senator: I urge you to support full funding of $20 million for supportive housing in the overall bonding bill. These bond dollars are a critical component of our effort to create supportive housing for people experiencing long- term homelessness. And these resources are a critical component of the Governor's Business Plan to End Long-term Homelessness; assisting in the creation of hundreds of much needed supportive housing. CONFEREES Rep. Dorman 651-296-8216 rc;.daxz.ciarxrzan!c�hoiasr°.xxzxz Albert Lea Rep. Hausman 651-296-3824 March 4, 2005 Page 4 rc �. clic lzati irlr .rii;�lxausc�mn St. Paul Rep. McNamara 651-296-3135 .g re. .dc;rzxzr .xr..zczzarzzzaxa%tz- zous.eHastings _......_._..--._._._...._..__...�_.__ _ __ i s _ g Rep. Brod 651-296-4229 rep -lil.ura..brod ti!,house.rnn New Prague Rep. Murphy 651-296-2676 r.!m..Rxtwr_yLjx L)tLy(i howseminHermantown Sen. Langseth 651-296-3205 .>c:xz.ke:itlz.lanlx,;;e:t:li cl-serzat.e.rrzxz Glyndon Sen. Pappas 651-296-1802 St. Paul Sen. Dill 651-296-4131 sen.sttei, dille c;senate..nin Dassel Sen. Metzen 651-296-4370 sc'.n. im.ntc:tzexz!a>�enate.rtixz S. St. Paul Sen. Senjem 651-296-3903 sen-daz�id. sin c::rxz rits� nil Rochester Questions? ContactAnn Higgins at 651.281.1257 or alti �i�� ria lrrTnr.r�r Committee meetings MONDAY, March 7, 2005 Local Government Committee Chair: Rep. Mark Olson 12:30 PM, Room 10 State Office Building Meeting Time Note: If necessary, the Committee will reconvene 30 minutes after session in Room 10 to finish the agenda. Agenda: HF 1172 (Olson) Local government state mandate opt -out provided. HF 0899 (Buesgens) State auditor authorized to waive certain rules and laws applying to local government units, and grants board created to fund cooperative efforts in public service delivery. HF 1258 (Marquart) Mosquito abatement fee imposition by local governments authorized. HF 1064 (Thissen) Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport impact mitigation planning and fund provided, airport impact zones established, contingent metropolitan area property tax levy authorized, and money appropriated. 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 a� Mar 04 2005 16:20:32 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 005 Of 005 -FridaY Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities MONDAY, March 7, 2005 State and Local Government Operations Committee Chair: Sen. Linda Higgins 12 noon Room 123 Capitol Agenda: SF 953 -Kelley: Local government; repealing the compensation limit for local government employees. TUESDAY, March 8, 2005 Transportation Finance Committee Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg 12:30 PM, Room 10 State Office Building Agenda: Mn/DOT State Aid Funding Distribution Presentation THURSDAY, March 10, 2005 Education Policy and Reform Committee Chair: Rep. Mark Buesgens 8:15 AM, Room 200 State Office Building Agenda: HF 1090 (Buesgens): Noncurricular athletic and fine arts activities for youth transferred from school districts to local governments. THURSDAY Senate Transportation Committee Chair: Sen, Steve Murphy 3:00 PM, Room G-15 Capitol Agenda: SF 808 - Murphy: Motorized foot scooters use and operation regulation SF 492- Wiger: Highways right lane use requirement SF 366 - Marko: Cities street utility fees imposition authority SF 818 - Jungbauer: Cities transportation utility fees March 4, 2005 Page 5 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 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 (651) 281- 1250 or (800) 925-1122, or e-mail: c:.doi. id.:ior&jrnnc.org . Register online anytime at: www.lrrinc.org 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