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Council Information Memorandum 05-13-2005
�!• CITY OF PLYMOUTu COUNCIL INFO Dummy 1—� May 13, 2L UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission May 18 meeting agenda.................................................................... Page 3 Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) May 19 meeting agenda ............................... Page 4 May, June, and July 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 Releases: Announcement of Citizens Public Safety Academy ............................................... Page 12 Announcement of outdoor water restrictions.......................................................... Page 13 Star Tribune news story on proposed changes in the state property tax plan ..................... Page 15 Notice Association of Metropolitan Municipalities annual meeting .................................. Page 19 Star Tribune "West Edition" items: Plymouth Police Department consideration of ethanol—based fuel in six of its vehicles................................................................................................. Page 21 Ben Steverman column item regarding the planned emergency event with Plymouth Police Department and Robbinsdale Armstrong and WayzataHigh Schools............................................................................................ Page 22 Staff Reports Police Department April 2005 Activity Report ................................................................... Page 23 Minutes Youth Advisory Council April 25 meeting......................................................................... Page 30 Correspondence Letter from ING Corporate Real Estate regarding the proposed development of the site adjacent to the 605 Waterford Office Tower ...................................................... Page 31 Letter to residents regarding the planned extension of Revere Lane to 101h Avenue .......... Page 33 Letter to residents regarding the planned trail project along 36th Avenue to PilgrimLane........................................................................................................................ Page 35 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO May 13, 2005 Page 2 Letter to City Engineer Ron Quanbeck from Mn/DOT regarding reconstruction on I-494 from I-394 to I-694 and I-94 from CSAH 30 to CSAH 61 in the cities of Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove and Hennepin County...................................................................Page 37 Hennepin County project information regarding CSAH 101 —South of CSAH 6 to South of CSAH24..............................................................................................................................Page 39 Invitation from Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce to their General Membership meeting Tuesday, May 24th, 2005 at Hamel Community Building in Hamel at 12:00 noon. Featured will be city officials, economic development consulting firms and developers informing the community about community development and expansion for the cities of Corcoran Greenfield, Hamel, Hanover, Loretto, Medina, Plymouth and Rockford ............Page 46 Quarterly Report from Home Free Community Program coordinator Laura Landis .......... Page 47 Letter from Elaine Johnson, Secretary — Orchards of Plymouth regarding the Perl Development issue along with a response from Senior Planner Shawn Drill ..................... Page 48 Legislative Items League of Minnesota Cities Friday FAX............................................................................ Page 50 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 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 May 4, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Avery Homes. Approve variances to lot area and wide to allow a minor subdivision to create two lots on property located at 9920 28th Avenue North. (2005003) C. Energy Alternatives. Approve a site plan amendment to install a backup generator and associated improvements at the SuperTarget Store located at 4175 Vinewood Lane North. (2005053) 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Clinton Asche. Variances to lot width, lot area and impervious surface area coverage, and a minor subdivision to create two lots on property located at 16820 12th Avenue North. (2005029) B. Derek Asche. Variances to lot width and lot area and a minor subdivision to create two lots on property located at 805 County Road 101. (2005030) C. Mark Warren. Variance to allow a detached garage in a front yard for property located at 200 Vicksburg Lane North. (2005043) D. Discussion on upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update. 7. ADJOURNMENT AGENDA MEETING PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THURSDAY, MAY 19, 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 April 21, 2005 B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Report C. Plymouth Towne Square. Transfer of Deed D. Plymouth Towne Square. Approve the Opening of the One -Bedroom Wait List 3. NEW BUSINESS A. New Senior Building. Review and Approve Design Documents and Authorize Miller Hanson to Issue the Bid Documents B. Plymouth Towne Square. Review Amended Lease Document 4. OLD BUSINESS A. New Senior Project. Building Name B. Election of Officers 5. ADJOURNMENT C- / OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS May 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS, Lunchroom 3 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING- INTERVIEWYOUTH APPLICANTS; DISCUSS EXPANSION OF PACT MISSION; DISCUSS ZONING TEXT CHANGES; Lunchroom 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 6:00 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: MEDIAN BARRIER FUNDING, Lunch Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 11 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),Council chambers 12 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (FRAC), Council Chambers 13 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ICE SHOW, Plymouth Ice Center 14 PLYMOUTH ICE SHOW (2 & 7 PM), Plymouth Ice Center 15 16 17 18 700 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 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: DISCUSS ATTY SVCS; STREET RECONST; GAMBLING FUND; BIO -DIESEL FUELS; Lunchroom 22 23 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 24 +s AMPLYMouTH aUSINESS CWNCIL. Shmtm MIM• 111 W. 1220+ Iud"M Dm, Mbv .l 5'WPM6:. PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING:YWTN TOWN FORUM, PlO_h G«kGM�I MEPMREGULARCWNCIL MEETING, Ceurc11 ChkmMn 25 700 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT(PACT)- Medicine Lake Room 26 27 28 2/ 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 5/10/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS June 2005 Sunday I Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 2 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - 3 4 May 2005 S M T W T F S Ju12005 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room (this meeting only) 7:00 PM SPECIAL Cn Y COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET PRIORITIES; Lunch Room 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK 8, REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: JOINT MEETING WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY OFFICIAL ON HWY. 101, Council Chambers Chambers 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CONSIDER ZONING AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS; Lunu.eem 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, 7:00 PM PLANNING OMMISSION, :CouncilChambers 4:30 PM ANNUAL PARK TOUR, depart from City Hell 7;00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room C.—H Chambers Flag Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM 7:00 PM REGULAR PLANNING COUNCIL COMMISSION, MEETING, Council Council Chambers Chambers modified on 5/10/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS July 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Aug 2005 r y 2 Jun 2005 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 CITY OFFICES CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY 5:15 PM MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH, Hilde Performance Center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, Sheraton Min—ph, West 12241R..dale Dm.. 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY Minnetonka COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - OUNCCI REGULARL MEETING, COU ca�nulcnamwra Medicine Lake Room 31 modified on 5/10/2005 7). Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items May 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers • Presentation on 50th Anniversary/Arbor Day Planting • Approve ordinance changing a street name in "The Fields of Nanterre Second Addition" plat • Approve site plan amendment for a generator for Target located at 4175 Vinewood Lane. Energy Alternatives. (20054053) • Accept donation from the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund for the purchase of a truck for the Fire Department June 6, Special, 7:00 p.m., Lunchroom • Joint meeting with Hennepin County officials on Hwy 101 • Set future study sessions June 7, Special, 7:00 p.m., Lunchroom • Meeting with Jim Rice, volunteer consultant, on budget priorities • Set future study sessions June 14, Special, 6:00 p.m., Lunchroom • Consider Zoning Amendments to allow religious institutions in industrial districts • Set future study sessions June 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers June 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Announcement of Music in Plymouth on July 6 July 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center lower level July 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center lower level August 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center lower level August 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Black Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center lower level (Following completion of the agenda, Council will adjourn to a budget study session) September 6, Special, 7:00 p.m., Conference Room 2, Plymouth Creek Center lower level • Budget study session September 8 (if needed), Special, 7:00 p.m., Conference Room 2, Plymouth Creek Center lower level • Budget study session Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release May 6, 2005 Contact: Capt. Joel Franz, 763-509-5192 Plymouth Citizens Public Safety Academy set for fall; applications being accepted If you are interested in getting a behind the scenes look at your local police and fire departments, apply to attend the Plymouth Citizens Public Safety Academy. The academy, sponsored by the Plymouth Police and Fire Departments, promises attendees insight into the day-to-day world of Plymouth police officers and firefighters. The free, 11 -week class will start this fall. The interactive sessions will cover diverse topics, including fire operations, crime lab, emergency response team, investigations, auxiliary services and dispatch. Students also will learn about the challenges facing these professions. The academy will feature: • Classroom instruction on methodologies, laws, equipment and technologies; • Field experience; and • Personal interaction with department members. "The academy has received excellent reviews from past attendees. Course graduates appreciated the interactive nature of the academy. Participants do not just listen to lectures, they have an opportunity to experience a hands-on learning environment," said Chief Mike Goldstein. Apply Now The academy is offered on Tuesday evenings from September 13 through November 29, 7 - 10 p.m. (No class on November 8.) Class size is limited to 30 students. Interested persons, 15 years old or older, may call 763-509-5166 for an application. Please leave your name, mailing address and phone number. Applications must be postmarked by July 29, 2005. The application process will include a criminal history check on each applicant.# City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release May 9, 2005 Contact: Brian Young, 763-509-5992 Plymouth Outdoor Water Restrictions Include Midday Ban and Odd -Even Restrictions To help conserve water, Plymouth has adopted new restrictions on outdoor water use that are in effect annually from May 1 through Sept. 30. Plymouth now prohibits outdoor lawn watering from noon to 5 p.m. on all days. At other times, water customers must also follow an odd/even schedule when sprinkling lawns. Homeowners and businesses with addresses ending in an odd -number, may water on odd -numbered calendar days. Those with addresses ending in an even number, may water on even -numbered days. The restrictions apply to all City water customers. Property owners with automatic irrigation systems should adjust their systems accordingly. Exceptions Hand -Held Watering - City water customers may wash vehicles and do hand-held hose watering of shrubs, flowers and trees on any day and at any time if the hose has a nozzle with automatic shutoff. New Sod/Landscaping — If you have new sod, seed or landscaping, you do not need to follow the odd -even restrictions for unattended watering during the first 30 days following planting. You must, however, still abide by the midday ban from noon to 5 p.m. Non -City Water Customers — The restrictions do not apply to people who use sources of water other than the City water system. Other Exceptions — Businesses and organizations that need to irrigate turf or playfields to prevent unreasonable damage due to frequent use may submit a written request for an exemption to the Public Works Director. Why Change? These changes bring Plymouth in-line with many other area suburbs that have both odd -even restrictions and midday bans. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires cities to address water conservation proactively. This is especially true when a city seeks a permit from the DNR to construct new wells, which Plymouth recently did for two new wells. The restrictions also ensure that water is available for fire emergencies. Enforcement City employees will enforce the new water restrictions when they see violations. The penalty for violating restrictions is $100 for each day of violation. You will receive one written warning before you are penalized. Changes If drought conditions require any changes to the restrictions, they will be announced on the City web site, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us, on the Water Restriction Information Line, 763-509-5512. Area media will also be notified. m w startribune.com Close window Last update: May 10, 2005 at 6:54 AM Less becomes more in property tax plan Anthony Lonetree Star Tribune Published May 10, 2005 For those who couldn't imagine Minnesota's property tax system being more puzzling, consider this: A program designed to protect individual homeowners from sharp increases fueled by spikes in their property values apparently resulted in more than two-thirds of state homeowners paying higher property taxes in 2005 than they would have without the program. The data, compiled by the state Department of Revenue, should give pause to anyone aiming to save the limited market value program, Revenue Commissioner Dan Salomone said in a recent interview. But this year both the House and Senate have proposals to halt or delay a phaseout that began in 2002. The phaseout requires individual properties across the state to be at full market value for tax purposes by 2007. Rep. Ray Vandeveer, R -Forest Lake, chairman of the House Property and Local Tax Division, said last week he did not take issue with department officials or the study, "and in theory, I agree with them." But, he said, because valuations aren't always up to date and can jump suddenly, potentially fueling large tax bills in the process, individuals need protection from increases that he says are unrelated to their income or to their ability to pay. "There should be some cap or some limit," he said. In addition, the study further demonstrates the program's importance to St. Paul and Minneapolis -- and to Duluth and several Twin Cities suburbs, as well. Had it not been for the market -value caps, the study shows, 80 percent of homesteads in St. Paul would be seeing higher tax bills this year, and 79 percent of Minneapolis homeowners would be paying more, too. So how is it possible that a program tailored to control increases would cause 68 percent of city homeowners statewide to pay more in taxes than if the program had been eliminated? Think "zero-sum game," Salomone said, meaning the issue boils down to how tax burdens are being shifted. In the case of homeowners, he said, some are hit harder because of the protections given to others whose values are rising fastest. Jeanne LaBore, of south Minneapolis, found that the system worked to her advantage last year when her house jumped in value by 36 percent, although that still left her with a projected 33 percent tax increase. On Monday, LaBore said that the department's findings seem unbelievable. But, she added, she could not say whether the limited market program ought to be saved or not. "I'm not sure if the current system is fair, and I'm not sure, if we phase it out, it would be fair," LaBore said. "They have to ride a fine line between a system that's relatively simple but is complex enough to be fair." Tax mechanics When local taxing jurisdictions approve their levies, it creates a fixed amount -- a total bill, if you will -- that is divided among individual property owners, including not just residential parcels, but commercial -industrial properties, too, among others. For homeowners, tax bills vary from one house to the next, with differences driven primarily by market values. If your value rises more quickly than others, you are vulnerable to a bigger tax increase. The 1993 Legislature, concerned about sharp property -tax increases caused by booming home prices, put limits on how much market values could grow from one year to the next for tax calculation purposes. In 2002, a phaseout of the limits began. For 2005, the limited market value program has kept about $33 billion in state taxable market value unavailable to tax collectors, down from a peak amount of $35 billion in 2004. Because total tax bills have to be funded somehow, the result is a shift of tax burdens from one class of property to another, and in the case of residential properties, one home to the next. According to the Department of Revenue, homeowners statewide enjoyed a tax break of about $8 million due to the limited market value program, while commercial -industrial properties paid about $69 million more than they would have had the law not been in effect. The biggest beneficiaries of the shifts, however, are cabin properties, which are seeing a total tax savings statewide this year of about $27 million. As part of the House tax bill, now under consideration, Vandeveer, the House committee chairman, is proposing that the phaseout be extended two years and that the protections be expanded to all properties, including commercial -industrial. The Senate already passed a provision in one of its omnibus tax bills making the limited market value program permanent. For tax calculation purposes, it puts the ceiling as the greater of 15 percent, if the property's market value rose that much, or 25 percent of the difference between the current assessment and the previous one. The Senate provision does not extend the protections to business properties. From a political standpoint, Vandeveer said, one could argue homes ought to be the main concern because they're the parcels that vote. But, he said, if the policy's aim is to bring some stability to tax bills, all properties should be part of the mix. Home to home Sen. Larry Pogemiller, DFL -Minneapolis, said that the limited market value program is not the best tax policy, but it is needed for another reason: To protect homeowners from big tax increases driven in part by the state -led flattening of commercial property -tax rates. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has supported the phaseout in the past. But Salomone, the revenue commissioner, said he could not say it was something about which the governor would "dig in his heels" and say "absolutely" has to happen. The commissioner, however, said phaseout opponents should keep this finding in mind: Of the 68 percent of homeowners statewide now paying more taxes than he contends they should, 27 percent also qualified for relief under the limited market value program. In other words, he said, they thought they were getting a break, when in fact they are helping foot the bill for other homeowners whose values are rising even more sharply. "There are no easy solutions in the property tax," Salomone said. "This seemed like an easy one." Anthony Lonetree is at alonetree(jaistartribune.com. © Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 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(DRL) is afull-service mar and informationrom� { lcet march firm that assists many municipalities, AMM and elect thos�ev°ho .�co4 sets, comities; and public affairs officials , ' will guide our organszation with `understanding the opinions of the clientele they �r a s through the a corrin car. serve Since_ its inception. in 1983, DRL has worked with'.' nentacross the radon in the private, public, an political sectors. The firm's main offices are located n � PD. Both elected officials and s{3 ;` Minneapolis,"Minnesota.��fi�� k Staff are We1CO171e and en- couraged to attend. There 4 Tocomplement the firm's demonstrated research and is no charge for attending statistical experience, Bill is committed to educating ; the meeting, but we do ask he public and public officials about research methods • - y3Ye p4 k that You-,.! you ��,;, , i � 'and to dispelling common myths about survey valid < RSVP by calling Laurie .qty. 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The idea is to test out the cleaner -burning fuel and see if it is a viable option for the city's fleet of vehicles. THE FUEL: So-called E85 fuel is 85 percent ethanol, a corn -based alcohol that creates less pollution than pure gasoline. Groups including the American Lung Association of Minnesota favor the fuel because of its cleaner emissions. Others favor it because ethanol comes from local farmers rather than foreign oil fields. Vehicles tend to get fewer miles to the gallon with ethanol, but it is also substantially cheaper than gasoline -- sometimes less than half the price. THE VEHICLES: The vehicles that will use the E85 blend are flexible fuel vehicles. That means their engines are designed to run on both E85 and regular gasoline. Several car companies, including Ford, Chrysler and Chevrolet, already make many of their models as flexible fuel vehicles, meaning there are more than 100,000 of those vehicles out on Minnesota's roads already. THE CARS: Plymouth's new flexible -fuel vehicles will be assigned to city employees, including a police investigator, building inspectors and sewer and water supervisors, to be used in their regular work. E85 gas is available at local filling stations. THE NEXT STEP: If the experiment with E85 succeeds, the fuel could be used in much of the city's fleet of 100 cars, pickups and minivans. If so, it might make sense for the city to purchase its own E85 pump. The city's heavier trucks and equipment run on diesel fuel dispensed from a city -owned gas pump. The city also will switch its diesel fuel to a cleaner -burning biodiesel, in which diesel is mixed with soy and other agricultural products. OTHER GOVERNMENTS: Plymouth isn't the first government to try ethanol -based fuels. Hennepin County has been experimenting with ethanol in its vehicles since 1982. By the end of the year, more than 60 county vehicles will run on E85. Ben Steverman © Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. startribune.com Close window Last update: May 8, 2005 at 11:06 AM Thespians have eye on old Eden Prairie movie theater Published May 11, 2005 Tucked away behind some clothing stores, the remnants of Eden Prairie Center's old movie theaters are hidden from the mall's shoppers. Now there is talk of reviving the space to make it a community theater. The former United Artists theater was shut down in 2002 after another company, AMC Theatres, opened a new 18 -screen theater with stadium seating elsewhere in the mall. Casual Corner and Petite Sophisticate took up much of the old theater's space, and the rest of it -- including the movie screens, the seating and the concession areas -- were sealed off behind a wall. The Eden Prairie Players, the city's community theater group, uses many venues around town, including the Staring Lake Park Amphitheater and the Cummins -Grill Homestead. But the group has asked the city for a larger indoor venue where it could put on more performances. Any plan to turn the former movie theater into a community theater faces significant hurdles. The cost of renting the space from the mall and converting it to a usable theater would be high, and the city doesn't have a lot of money to devote to community theater, said Parks and Recreation Department Director Bob Lambert. But the City Council authorized Lambert to investigate the idea of a partnership with AMC Theaters that would allow the community theater to share the space with movie showings. The city will have to compete with other private -sector ideas for the former theater space. A spokeswoman for the mall said it was exploring "many opportunities" for the space. XStaging an emergency The Plymouth Police Department has been working for more than a year to improve security and prepare for potential emergencies at its local high schools, Robbinsdale Armstrong and Wayzata. This Friday morning at Armstrong, police will conduct an exercise along with the fire department, a Minnetonka police SWAT team and North Memorial Hospital ambulances, school staff and more than 70 student volunteers. Afterward, participants will critique their response to the mock emergency. Another full-scale exercise will be conducted at Wayzata High School in November. Transit in St. Louis Park Getting around town can be difficult for some senior citizens. A forum Thursday is designed to answer questions about transportation options available in St. Louis Park. Moderated by Hennepin County Board Member Gail Dorfman, the Senior Transportation Forum will include information about buses, taxis and other services. The free forum will be from 9:30 a.m. until noon on Thursday at City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. Call 952-542-4820 for a ride to the event. Contact the writer at 612-673-7168 or bstevernzan d.•_ttirtribune..com. C.Copyright 2905 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. City of Plymouth Police Department Activity Report for April, 2005 During the month of April, 2005, the Police Department initiated 4,980 events. Included in those calls were 246 Part I 8z; II Crimes, which are broken down in the following chart. A total of 51 adults and 42 juveniles were arrested (booked, tab charged, or cited) during the period. This number does not include individuals charged later, primarily after investigations are completed, by formal complaint, unless they were actually booked at the time of the offense. A chart showing the breakdown of the offenses and numbers also follows. Officers also generated 1,116 traffic citations during the period. These citations are divided into their three categories; hazardous moving offenses, non-moving offenses, and non- hazardous moving offenses and then further by type and number. There were also a total of 65 traffic accidents during the month. The remainder of the calls generated are classified as "9000" calls, which include various ordinance violation and service calls, such as medicals, alarm calls, noise violations, and animal calls. *NOTE: We have added a Year -To -Date column for all statistics. Starting in May, we will also have a column comparing the same statistics from the same month of the previous year. CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 SUMMARY STATS WORKSHEET: April Total Calls & officer initiated - 4,980 (YTD - 19,651) Offense subtotal Apr -05 YTD 05 Assault 17 97 2nd degree 0 3rd degree 1 4th degree 1 5th degree 4 domestic assault 11 terroristic threats 0 Attempt to evade taxation 0 3 Burglary 22 112 Apartment 0 Business 5 Garage 11 Home 2 Storage Locker 1 Attempt (no entry made) 3 Other 0 Crime against family 3 11 Criminal sexual conduct 2 11 Disorderly conduct 7 18 Driving after cancelation GM only) 0 3 Drugs 11 55 marijuana 6 cocaine 0 methamphetamine 2 paraphernalia 2 prescription 0 other or not listed 1 DWI 17 73 Underage dk & dry 18-21 0 2 False information to police 1 8 Fleeing police 0 2 Forgery 2 11 Harassment 11 37 Interfere with emergency call 0 1 CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 Offense subtotal Apr -,05 YTD 05 Juvenile alcohol offense 1 6 curfew 1 7 runaway 7 29 tobacco 4 9 Furnishing alcohol to underage - cc 0 6 Furnishing tobacco to underage - cc 0 3 Leaving scene of accident Hit 8s Run 3 54 Liquor/underage consumption/ poss 7 16 Obscenity/ indecent exposure 2 4 Obstructing legal process 0 4 Possession stolen property 0 3 Property damage 45 118 Robbery 0 2 Theft general 21 gas no pay 24 identity 2 items from MV 7 parts from MV 0 employee 2 shoplifitng 16 by check 1 by fraud/ swindle 2 mail 0 signs 0 75 322 Tampering with MV 2 3 Trespass 1 6 Unlawful deposit of garbage 0 1 Vehicle theft 4 25 Violation OFP 1 12 Weapons 0 6 TOTAL 2461 1,080 CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 ARRESTS Adult Apr 05 YTD 05 assault 6 31 attempt to evade taxation 1 3 burglary 0 5 criminal sexual conduct 1 3 driving after suspension (GM only) 2 6 disorderly conduct 1 2 Drugs 6 40 DWI 14 70 Underage drinking 8v driving 0 2 false information 0 4 fleeing police 0 2 furnishing tobacco to underage 0 2 leaving scene of accident hit & run 3 10 Liquor/underage cons 8 53 obstructing legal process 0 4 possession stolen property 0 3 property damage 0 1 Theft 5 21 tampering with motor vehicle 4 4 trespass 0 1 Violation OFP 0 3 warrant 0 5 weapons offense 0 5 TOTAL 51 280 Jirutanilt- Assault 7 22 burglary 0 1 criminal sexual conduct 2 3 disorderly conduct 0 9 false information to police 0 2 harassment 1 1 indecent exposure 1 1 leaving scene of accident hit 8v run 1 1 possess altered DL 1 1 property damage 0 1 theft 6 9 trespass 2 5 C--' r CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 underage drinking & driving 2 2 vehicle theft 0 1 warrant 1 1 weapons offense 0 1 alcohol 10 33 controlled substance 4 11 curfew 0 8 runaway 1 5 tobacco 3 9 TOTAL 42 127 CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 CITATIONS Avr 05 YTD 05 9001/speed 518 1,819 9002/careless 3 12 9003/disobey signs signals 34 154 9004/8to sin 21 215 9005/imp passing 3 25 9006/imp turning 4 24 9007/imp lane/wrong way/HOV 5 36 9008 fail to yield 9 36 9009 follow too closely 5 23 9010/improper/no signal 0 1 9011 /open bottle 2 11 9012/def/imp equip 6 53 9013 inattentive driving 11 36 9020 other haz 11 19 9021 sch bus stop arm 4 24 TOTAL 636 2,488 9101 fire lane h d 27 106 9102 snow removal 0 3 9103 other pk 2 to 5 a.m. 167 573 9104 /handicapped 5 27 9120 other non-moving 01 1 TOTAL 1991 710 9201 DAR -S -C 107 376 9202/no DL 18 63 9203 other DL viol 20 102 9204/imp regist 47 232 9206 MC require 0 0 9207 over wdth w t 0 2 9208/blocking & obstructing 0 2 9209/leaky load 1 1 9210 unreasonable acceleration 0 1 9220 other non -hazardous 7 7 9221 seat belts 11 63 9222 child restraints 0 1 9223 no ins 70 430 9224 crosswalk fail to yield for ped 0 1 TOTAL 281 1,281 CITY OF PLYMOUTH Report for April, 2005 ACCIDENTS Fatal 0 0 PI 4 47 PD 61 317 TOTAL 65 364 YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25, 2005 6:45 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS Council Members Present Absent Kristen Letich ✓ Mark McKee ✓ Vacant Patrick Heffner ✓ Christopher Fei ✓ Heather Gaudette ✓ Vacant Michael Letich ✓ Janet Li ✓ Aneesh Sohoni ✓ Whitney Waters ✓ Citizen Liaison Gary Landis, Customer Support Representative Allison Hoskins and Deputy City Clerk Kurt Hoffman were also present. Janet called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM. Patrick made a motion, seconded by Aneesh, to approve the agenda. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Janet made a motion, seconded by Heather, to adopt the minutes of the April 11 meeting. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Special Items and Guest Speakers: Youth Service Awards Event Allison gave a rundown of the April 26 event and the roles the Youth Advisory Council members would play. She presented the program for the Council's review. COMMITTEE UPDATES: Youth Town Forum planning Committee Allison said she would contact the schools in early May to invite students to the May 24 event. Ad hoc Web planning Committee There was nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT Janet made a motion, seconded by Mike, to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 PM. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. ING . AMERICAS CORPORATE REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT May 6, 2005 Judy Johnson Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Re: 18 -acre site, Hwys. 55 & 169 Dear Mayor Johnson: Thank you for the friendly reception extended to Jim Damiani and Bryan Beltrand of Welsh Companies at your April 19t1i meeting. Jim and Bryan are marketing a site long owned by ING / ReliaStar Life Insurance Company which, I represent. The site is located in the NWC of Hwys 55 and 169 in your city, adjacent to'the 605 Waterford Office Tower. At the April meeting, Jim and Brian spoke of our marketing challenges for the site: 20% office vacancy, negligible office space absorption, and the parcel's physical attributes. The site's physical limitations in terms of wetlands, access and soils can all be overcome by a creative and experienced developer. But dismal conditions have plagued the office market for several years and are likely to continue until significant job growth rebounds. As a result, interest in the site for office use has been limited. Interest from the multifamily sector, however, has been more robust as that sector enjoys only 6.9% metrowide vacancy according to Finance & Commerce April 21St ed., as well as strong activity in the resale / investment market. Though we have worked around poor office sector performance by marketing to multifamily developers, what has stood in our way, quite frankly, is the reception our buyers receive from the city. I am concerned that city staff is using strident planning and design restrictions to put up barriers to multifamily residential development at this site. I have a current prospect working to get a mixed-use plan approved, but I understand he is concerned enough over staff's reaction that he may abandon, rather then revise, his plan. We'll have to see what he does. I am uneasy, 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 1319 % Minneapolis, MN 55401 I t however, as a similar situation unfolded several years ago with Lincoln Properties - a developer of national prominence. I negotiated a purchase agreement with Lincoln at great length and expense only to have the transaction vaporize because Lincoln could not satisfy city staff, even with multiple plan and design iterations. I appreciate that the council and staff believe it is looking out for the best interests of the city in which they work, live and serve, but I think that all can take comfort in several factors relating to a proposed development which might include mixed use and / or multifamily rental residential: - The buyer / developer is local and experienced - Though the multifamily sector is healthy, it is competitive enough that the developer will only profit if he builds a well conceived project that appeals to the tastes and needs of his prospective tenants - The lending community will vet the project since it is likely that a construction loan and permanent financing will be a part of the development package - If the developer has any interest in selling the project in the investment market, he'd better have a high quality product with stabilized leasing This is the final parcel in the overall Waterford development that has been over twelve years in the making. This remaining parcel is not an urban planner's dream, nor does it fit in textbook fashion with some of the neighboring uses, but real estate markets and circumstances change and this site is attractive to a market sector not contemplated years ago. With reasonable planning conditions in place, and for the reasons I listed above, I think your city could end up with a very attractive, tax -revenue generating project in keeping with the emerging interest in walls -to -work, walk -to -shop trends. My brokers and I are working hard to sell this site. I am a reasonable negotiator and business terms will not get in.the way of a contract. It is my hope that, if we can't bring an office development to you, that council and staff will favorably consider the alternatives, most notably multifamily rental / mixed use. Please call me if you would like to discuss this matter at greater length. cc: Jim Damian Bryan Beltrand Very truly yours, Steven F. Hufendick ,,5r=D , May 6, 2005 SUBJECT: REVERE LANE PROJECT CITY PROJECT NO. 4142 Dear Property Owner: As you may know, the City has contemplated and planned for the extension of Revere Lane to 10th Avenue since the portion of Revere Lane to the south was constructed over 15 years ago. The right-of-way and the majority of the financing were also set-aside at that time. Connecting Revere Lane to 10th Avenue will provide relief for the signalized intersections of South Shore Drive at Hwy. 55, Revere Lane at Hwy 55, and provide alternate access to the commercial area. In addition, it will improve public safety by decreasing the response time of emergency vehicles throughout this area of the city. On the back of this sheet is a preliminary sketch of the connecting roadway. This new section includes a left turn lane onto 8th Avenue and a bituminous trail along the west side of Revere Lane, extending from 10th Avenue to 6th Avenue. The City currently has an engineering consultant working on the design of this project, and at this time we anticipate construction of the roadway in July of 2005. If you have any questions about this project please contact me at 763-509-5538. Sincerely, Ross A. Beckwith, P.E. Assistant City Engineer cc: Doran Cote, P.E., Director of Public Works �_ eering\PROJECTS\2000 - 2009\4142\Ltrs`dnfannationa[Ltr_4142.doc 'ibTw,�yE N AW eeV TE3(=>L--r(=)" Scak Ma"�"Z- INC. R Consulting Engineers& Surveyors AWKATO. UN FAMOW, MH SLUPY M MN NMLMAK WN qL0mSVkLLWN CKASKkUN AWES.0 -MARCH, 2005 BMW\C1236742\EF%,3d742W,CDWG 04-15-2005 3-31 Or" ; 47(" CITY OF PLYIMOUTH /ERE LANE EXTENSION PROJECT LAYOUT FIGURE NO, I LEGEND ROADWAY CONS7RI,'C7I0I`I BITUMINOUS TRAiI. STORM SEWER EXISTING STORM SCNER CITY OF PLYIMOUTH /ERE LANE EXTENSION PROJECT LAYOUT FIGURE NO, I May 6, 2005 SUBJECT: 2005 TRAIL PROJECT ALONG 36TH AVENUE TO PILGRIM LANE CITY PROJECT NO. 5116 Dear Property Owner: To complete the trail system along the north side of 36`h Avenue, the City will be constricting the missing 800 -foot section west of Pilgrim Lane. The new bituminous trail will be 9 feet wide and installed directly behind the curb. We anticipate the project to begin in mid July and it should not take more that a few weeks to complete. Please note that any vegetation in the City's right-of-way, on the south side of your backyard fence, will be impacted with this project. On the back of this sheet is a sketch of the project area for your reference. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact me at (763) 509-5538. Sincerely, TAIS�- Ross A. Beckwith, P.E. Assistant City Engineer cc: Doran Cote, P.E., Director of Public Works �s U 0 0 m 0 M D Iz I• I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I 1 J LANCASTER LN. q � � q D,'`N"ESor Minnesota Department of Transportation Metropolitan District Waters Edge 1500 West County Road B-2 Roseville MN 55113-3174 May 9, 2005 Mr. Ron Quanbeck City of Plymouth — City Engineer 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 �2 H Re: SP 2785-330 (I-494) Reconstruction on I-494 from I-394 to I-694 and I-94 from CSAH 30 to CSAH 61 In the Cities of Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Hennepin County Dear Mr. Quanbeck: Mn/DOT is working to develop a project on I-494 and I-94. The limits of the construction on I- 494 are from I-394 to I-94 and on I-94 from County State Aid Highway 30(93 d Avenue) to County State Aid Highway 61 (Hemlock Lane). The purpose of the proposed project will be to reconstruct most portions of the existing pavement structure, provide additional capacity on I- 494 and I-94, and reconstruct the I -94/I -494/I-694 (Fish Lake) Interchange. The proposed project will reconstruct the existing pavement structure except for the area between Carlson Parkway and TH 55. The segment on I-494 between Carlson Parkway and Trunk Highway 55 will not be reconstructed with this project because the pavement section was reconstructed with a project in the early 90's. The proposed project will provide for the addition of capacity on I-494 and I-94. Mn/DOT — Metro District is currently developing two options for the addition of capacity with this project. The limits of the construction for each alternative are the same, but the number of lanes that will be constructed will be different. The first option would be to build three lanes in each direction from I-394 to the proposed Fish Lake interchange, the addition of one lane in each direction of I- 94 from County State Aid Highway 30 to County State Aid Highway 109, the extension of the fourth lane on westbound I-94 at I-94/CSAH 61 interchange, and the addition of an auxiliary lane on eastbound I-94 from the Fish Lake Interchange to County State Aid Highway 61. The second option is the same as the previous option with the exception of the segment between Trunk Highway 55 and County State Aid Highway 10. The difference between the two options would be that the project would construct an eight lane section in lieu of the six lane section. The decision as to which option will be determined based on cost, cost effectiveness, traffic impacts, and regional planning considerations. J 7, The proposed project will also reconstruct the Fish Lake Interchange. The configuration of the interchange will be modified to separate the three movements in the interchange and flatten the curves within the interchange, provide a consistent three lanes of traffic on I-94 through the interchange, and provide faster movement between I-494 and I-94. We have attached a 400 -scale layout of the entire project (eight lane alternative) and a 200 -scale layout of just the area within your city limits, for the six lane alternative and the eight lane alternative. The 400 -scale layout depicts the eight lane alternative and is being provided to show the maximum amount of impacts that would be associated with the proposed project. We would appreciate your review of the layouts to identify the needs for your system in relation to ours. Our intent is to work with you to ensure that our project is, at a minimum, designed to be consistent with your future needs. We plan to meet in late May to early June to address questions and comments you have regarding the proposed project, discuss what information we need from your city to continue the development of the project, and to discuss our next steps to ensure that the development of the project continues to move forward. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 651-582-1305 or the project manager, Victoria Nill at 651-634-2094. Thomas O'Keefe, West Area Manager is also available at 651-582-1296. Sincerely, Joseph Pigr Mn/DOT — Cc: Victoria Nill, Project Manager Mn/DOT - Metro District Scott Pedersen, Design Engineer Mn/DOT - Metro District Thomas O'Keefe, West Area Manager — Metro District File 3g- �Ien�i�pin S. Fz A illy or PROJECT INFORMATION May 11 & 12, 2005 CSAH 101— S. of CSAH 6 to S. of CSAH 24 Hennepin County Project 9516 SP 27-701-13 Hennepin County Transportation Department and the City of Plymouth are collaborating in the development of a proposal to reconstruct 1.4 miles of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 101 from south of CSAH 6 to south of CSAH 24 as a multi -lane roadway. Lists for county and city contacts appear at the end of this document. Please feel free to contact those listed if you have questions. Purpose & Justification The purpose of the project is to improve the condition of the pavement, improve safety, and to increase capacity. The corridor has multiple deficiencies: pavement structure and surfacing, horizontal curvature, vertical curvature, drainage flow with unwanted ponding, and limited traffic capacity for future volume projections. Background Information Hennepin County received jurisdiction of MnDOT Trunk Highway 101 on January 30, 1989, which changed the roadway designation to CSAH 101. The reconstruction project is funded in the Department's 2007 element of the approved Capital Improvement Program. The department is serving as the lead agency in the development of the roadway reconstruction project. The design will be coordinated with city staff, the business community, property owners and affected utility companies. The corridor consists of a mix of businesses, rental units, and single-family dwellings. Existing Roadway Section The existinroadway is a two-lane facility with minimal gravel shoulders and drainage ditches north of 19t Avenue North. Proposed Roadway Section Preliminary layout #1, shown at the January 27, 2005 public informational meeting, displayed CSAH 101 using the existing roadway alignment and three different typical roadway cross sections, 74' wide 4 -lane divided roadway with raised medians, 66' wide 4 -lane divided roadway with a 2 -way left turn lane, and 52' wide 4 -lane undivided roadway. The various widths were compared side-by-side to reflect their differences. Preliminary layout #2, shown at the May 11 & 12, 2005 public informational meeting, has been updated to represent the result of comments and concerns from the January 2005 meeting, discussions with city staff, applicable engineering :1YO PF, rIIOUTH. design standards, and comments received from meeting one-on-one with impacted property owners. Layout 92 depicts a roadway cross section that is a combination of the three shown on Layout #1 with each having a particular spatial purpose for the segment. See the following listing for a summary of roadway sections along CSAH 101 from MN TH 12 to MN TH 55. MN TH 12 to 13t" Avenue North 52' wide 4 -lane undivided (existing) 13th Avenue North to Merrimac Lane North 74' wide 4 -lane divided with raised center medians (proposed) Merrimac Lane North to 24th Avenue North 52' wide undivided (proposed) 24t1i Avenue North to 30"' Avenue North 66' wide divided with painted center medians (proposed) 30d' Avenue North to CSAH 24 74' wide 4 -lane divided with raised center medians (existing) CSAH 24 to MN TH 55 74' wide 4 -lane divided with raised center medians (existing) Right and/or left turn lanes require additional width to improve capacity and safety where traffic - turning volumes are high. Roadway Classification and Traffic Volumes CSAH 101 is classified as a minor arterial road. Minor arterial roads provide service for trips of moderate length and mobility. They connect to urban principal arterial roads and rural collector routes. Arterials generally have higher design standards than other roads, often with multiple lanes and some degree of access control. Arterials serve to provide more mobility than access. A presentation explaining the road classification system was provided at the May 12, 2005 public informational meeting and can be repeated upon request. CSAH 101 average daily traffic (ADT) in 2004 was 15,000 vehicles with a projected 2025 volume of 22,800. Roads with an ADT of 15000 vehicles, as stated in the State Aid Rules, will generally require four through lanes to accommodate traffic. Operational Analysis / Traffic Simulation The county has contracted with URS Consulting Inc. to assist with the determination of the necessary number of through lanes. Despite State Aid Rules dictating the need for four through lanes, the county felt it was prudent to demonstrate the traffic volume condition on CSAH 101. The simulation was provided for the existing roadway 2 -lane configuration, a proposed 3 -lane with center dual left turn lane, a proposed 52' wide 4 -lane undivided, a proposed 4 -lane divided, and a 4 -lane with center dual left turn lane each using peak hour volumes for 2005 and 2025. The existing roadway 2 -lane configuration with 2025 traffic volumes resulted in saturation of the signalized intersections and a steady stream of traffic along CSAH 101, such that entering side street traffic had unacceptable delays. The 3 -lane section results were similar to the 2 -lane configuration. All three 4 -lane configurations provided similar performance with an acceptable r� 11 Or PLT I��il N - traffic level of service at the signalized intersections and opportunities for side street traffic to enter CSAH 101. The result was in agreement with State Aid Rules: four lanes are necessary to accommodate 2025 traffic volumes. The simulation highlights were shown at the May 12, 2005 public informational meeting and can be repeated upon request. Traffic Signals There are two existing signalized intersections on the project and both are owned and operated by the county. The CSAR 101 at 14th Ave. N. traffic signal was constructed in 1993 and the CSAH 101 at CSAR 6 traffic signal was part of the roadway turn -back from MnDOT in 1989. Both traffic signals will be replaced with the project. A new third traffic signal at CSAR 101 and 25th / 26"' Avenues North has been discussed. The offset cross street alignments are being joined at CSAH 101 with the project to accommodate a possible future traffic signal installation should signal warrants be met in the future. A city trail is also planned to cross at or near this intersection. Access Control and Spacing CSAH 101 project corridor area has historically experienced offset side street alignments of side streets through platting of adjacent housing developments. These alignments contradict the roadway classification function of a minor arterial road by providing multiple uncontrolled access points. Therefore, the project proposal realigns side streets at two locations and eliminates four side street connections by placing cul-de-sacs. The loss of access will divert traffic to adjacent access points. For example, closing Merrimac Lane Northwest junction will direct traffic to 19th Avenue North, closing Queensland Lane North will direct traffic to 26th Avenue North west junction; closing 24th Avenue North east junction will direct traffic to 25th Avenue North; and closing 26th Avenue North east junction will direct traffic to 25th Avenue North and/or 28th Avenue North. The streets being closed from CSAH 101 are short in length and will divert a small amount of traffic. The closures will provide access control and improved access spacing, thus reducing conflict points which will reduce the opportunity for crashes. There will be properties that experience a slight increase in trafficphast their homes. In response to the side street closures, 19th Avenue North at CSAH 101 and 25t Avenue North / 26th Avenue North at CSAH 101 are being realigned and designed with lane configurations to accommodate the increased traffic volumes, 40' curb—to-curb width accommodating three lanes at the intersection, two out and one in from CSAH 101. The 19th Avenue North intersection is also being moved to the east to provide minimum sight distance to the south. There is a wood retaining wall blocking the sight line. There are residents on Queensland Avenue North and on 28th Avenue North west junction requesting closure of their streets. The realignments and closure points will be analyzed in an attempt to reduce impacts. The closures currently require one total property acquisition. County access spacing guidelines call for'/4 mile spacing for full access and 660 foot spacing for partial access. The proposal with the side street closures improves the spacing but falls short of the guideline. The county supports the described access control measures to reduce crashes associated with conflict point reduction and access spacing. Driveways J-11 / sf , ia' �� M�W1Visi-••t The corridor has three existing driveways. Two of the driveways will be modified as necessary in their existing location. The remaining driveway serves four homes on a blind curve which is a safety concern. The residents share a 20' wide driveway that serves as a frontage drive parallel to CSAH 101. Each property is served to the east of this frontage drive. The frontage drive is owned and maintained by the four properties. The residents are interested in closing the existing access to CSAH 101 for safety reasons. The existing sight line is substandard and will not be corrected with the proposed reconstruction. Four alternates were presented to the four frontage drive residents and two adjacent property owners. Alternate 1 provided an extended frontage driveway north over an adjacent property to 24th Avenue North where a cul-de-sac is proposed. Alternate 2 provided an extended frontage driveway south over the Anthony Thomas Inc. townhouse development frontage drive to Merrimac Lane North cul-de-sac. Alternate 3 provided an additional north bound lane on CSAH 101 to allow for acceleration prior to merging into the through lane, which would compensate for the lack of sight distance to the south with a minor sight distance improvement for left turns to the south. Alternate 4 provided replacement of the driveway at its existing location. The neighborhood preferred alternate 1. The additional impact of alternate 1 compounded the impact of the proposed cul-de-sac on 24th Avenue North to such a degree that second total acquisition would be necessary. The property owner affected by the possible total acquisition has been has been involved in project discussions and is waiting for a definite plan. The county supports alternate 1 to alleviate the safety concern relating to lack of sight distance at the existing driveway location. Crash History 28 crashes are on record for the project corridor between CSAH 6 and 30th Avenue North during the three year period 2000 —2002. The area north of Merrimac Lane North has a 2.6 three-year crash rate average per million vehicle miles which is above the county average of 1.85. CSAH 101 at CSAH 6 and at 14" Avenue North intersections, both signalized, experienced 44 crashes and both exceed the county average. Recommendations to mitigate the crash rate averages are to construct a 4 -lane divided center raised median section between CSAH 6 and Merrimac Lane North, add left and right turn lanes where feasible, coordinate signal timing to help minimize stops, modify minor side street access from full to right -in / right -out or close entirely, reduce / consolidate driveway access to CSAH 101. The county supports the project proposal that incorporates these recommendations. Environmental Concerns The proposed road alignment and cross section are likely to impact DNR wetlands adjacent to the corridor. The wetland types are 3, 4, and 5. The wetland delineation is in process with the extent of the impact yet to be determined. The road alignment will be reevaluated to determine if wetland avoidance is feasible. The county will coordinate with city staff to meet regulatory agency requirements. Drainage The existing drainage consists primarily of roadside ditches routed to ponds and wetlands. There are properties experiencing standing water for periods of time after storm events. The project 4 arY u PIYM OUTN4 will attempt to alleviate this condition if deemed necessary work for the project or as additional work at city direction. The proposed drainage system would consist of storm water routing via concrete curb and gutter and collection in a new concrete storm sewer system. The storm water will be directed to the same locations as the existing flows and treated prior to discharge. New culverts will be provided for storm water that passes over land and under CSAH 101. The county will coordinate with city staff to meet regulatory agency requirements. Pavement History CSAH 101 was transferred to Hennepin County January 1989. The county has placed overlays and seal coated, widened a shoulder at 25t1i Avenue North, and reconstructed the roadway between 30th Avenue North and NINTH 55. CSAH 6 from Olive Lane North to Shenandoah Lane North is scheduled for mill and overlay in summer 2005, which crosses CSAH 101. Landscaping Plan Currently a landscaping plan is not proposed. However, the county cost participation does provide for funding at the level of 1 % of the project cost. The county prefers the city use the funding for a separate landscape project to follow completion of the road project. Pedestrian Accommodations The corridor is designated as a bicycle route in the Hennepin County Bicycle System Plan. The System Plan calls for a continuous trail on one side of the road. The city has decided to place a second trail on the opposite side of the road so. that a trail is provided on both sides. This will allow for usage by neighborhoods on each side of the road without having to cross CSAH 101. Crosswalks meeting ADA requirements will be provided at all intersection corners. Pedestrian indications will be provided at signalized intersections with count down timers and audible indicators as an additional option upon city request and funding. Bus shelter relocation will be coordinated with the city bus system provider. Public Involvement Public involvement began with the January 2005 kick-off meeting. A second set of meetings has been scheduled for May 11 & 12, 2005, one for business owners and one for property owners. There have been individual meetings with small groups to discuss impacts directly associated with their properties. It is anticipated that one-on-one meetings will continue both during the preliminary layout process and detail design plan process. Comment Summary Comments received to date are surmnarized as follows. Speed limit reduction, provide landscaping, improve conditions for entering CSAH 101, improve sight lines, reduce access with cul-de-sac placement, provide a trail, environmental impact, noise levels, property values, skew alignment of intersections, and loss of yards. Construction Staging CAINTY' The initial goal is to build half the project length during stage 1 and the other side during stage 2. This would leave one lane of travel in each direction for both stages. The details of the staging plan will be finalized during the detail design process. There are several walls and culvert crossings that will be coordinated with each stage or construct separately. Access will be provided or rerouted as necessary with signs to route traffic and pedestrians. The construction project manager will conduct weekly contractor meetings that will be open to the public. Project updates will also be posted on the county website. Schedule The preliminary design phase of the project is anticipated to be complete by mid -summer 2005. The preliminary layout will be developed based on State Aid standards, input gathered from property owners, and regulatory agencies. Neighborhood involvement will be solicited at open houses. City Council approval of the preliminary layout is anticipated summer 2005. Upon City Council approval of the preliminary layout the county will be the lead agency for detail design, right of way acquisition, and construction contract administration. Neighborhood open houses will occur during plan development and again prior to presenting the final plan to the city council for final detail plan approval. It is anticipated that bid letting will occur fall of 2007 and construction will begin spring of 2008 and finish in fall of 2009. Roadway and Right of Way Funding / Cost Estimates The estimated cost for the CSAH 101 project is $11 million, including construction and right of way acquisitions. An updated estimate will be provided once the preliminary layout receives its last revision. A combination of Federal, State Aid, County and City funds will be used to finance the project. City participation for the roadway varies but is typically 10% of the project cost and right of way is fixed at 50%. No special assessments are anticipated. Contacts For more information or if you have specific questions, please call or visit the county and/or city websites: Hennepin County Transportation Department Guy Nowlan, P.E., Senior Project Manager Phone: 763-745-7655 wbyw.co.hennepi n.n n -us CL of Plymouth Ron Quanbeck, P.E., City Engineer Phone: 763-509-5525 www .ci,yl yInoutln.nnn.us Ri HENNEPIN COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Transportation Department Right of Way Division 763-745-7649, Phone 1600 Prairie Drive 763-478-4000, Fax Medina, MN 55340-5421 763-478-4030, TDD A primary responsibility of the Hennepin County Department of Transportation is the administration, planning, construction, maintenance and safety control of the County highway system. In carrying out this responsibility the acquisition of privately owned real property is sometimes necessary. The purpose of this brochure is to inform those individuals whose land must be acquired, of their rights under Minnesota law and to provide information about the acquisition process. Under Minnesota law, the County may acquire property by gift, direct purchase, or eminent domain proceedings. Before the County is in a position to acquire your property, a survey crew may request permission to enter your land to obtain information for the development of the proposed improvement. A field title agent may contact you to learn the nature and interest of involved parties in the land. An appraisal of your real property will be made prior to negotiations. (Real property is defined as the rights and interests possessed in land and generally whatever is erected, or growing upon, or affixed to, land.) An attempt to provide an opportunity to accompany the appraiser on his inspection will be provided to you or a representative you designate. This provides you an opportunity to point out any unusual or hidden features your property may possess. In preparing the appraisal, the appraiser may not consider an increase or decrease in the value of your property, prior to the date of valuation, which results from the highway project or the likelihood that your property will be acquired for the project. However, any physical deterioration within your reasonable control will be considered in the valuation of your property. The appraisal is based primarily on studies of recent sales of property in the vicinity of your property. The County will review the completed appraisal(s). Based on a review of the appraisal(s), the County will establish the amount it believes to be just compensation to be offered for the property. The County will make a prompt offer to purchase the property for the full amount it has determined to be just compensation. A written statement will be provided to you, which will include the amount offered and an explanation of the basis for determining this amount. In cases where only a part of the property is to be acquired, the statement will separate the amount of compensation to be paid for the property being acquired and the amount (if any) for damages to the remainder. If the acquisition leaves you with an uneconomic remnant, the County must offer to purchase it. Page 1 of 4 Revised: 09/10/04 L4) The County will not take any action, which would coerce you into accepting its offer. Prohibited actions include advancing the time of condemnation, deferring negotiations or condemnation, or postponing the deposit of funds in court for your use. You will have a reasonable length of time to consider the offer. To aid in your decision you may wish to secure your own appraisal. Minnesota law provides for reimbursement by the County in an amount not to exceed $1,500.00 for the actual cost of an appraisal of property acquired by direct purchase. If you elect to accept the offer, you will be asked to sign instruments granting the County the right to purchase your property. The County will at its own expense furnish all documents necessary to complete the sale, make the necessary examination of title, and record the instruments of conveyance. After the documents have been recorded, payment will be processed. If there is a mortgage and all or a >�or on rtion of the property is being acquired, a separate check payable to the mortgagee will be drawn for the amount of the balance on the mortgage plus interest to the date of payment. When the checks are ready for delivery, one check will be mailed to the mortgagee, who will in turn give the County a satisfaction of mortgage to be recorded. The check for the amount of the balance due you will then be mailed. If only a pad of your property is to be acquired, the County may ask for a partial release of the mortgage. The check will be mailed to you; you and your mortgagee must then agree on a distribution of the money. When your property is acquired you may request reimbursement for fees charged by your mortgagee for a partial release or prepayment penalty, if Hennepin County requires such release. If all or a major portion of your property is being acquired, it will be necessary that all current and delinquent real estate taxes, as well as all special assessments, be paid in full. If only a small portion of your property is being acquired, any delinquent taxes must be paid, although in some instances the County may be able to record the documents notwithstanding current real estate taxes due. The County can advise you on payment of taxes due. The County will make every reasonable effort to avoid litigation by acquiring your property through direct negotiation. POSSESSION If you must move because your home is being acquired, or if you must relocate your business or farm operation because of the acquisition of your property, you will be given at least 90 days written advance notice of the date by which you are required to move. If you have to move from your home, a decent, safe and sanitary replacement dwelling must be available to you, on a nondiscriminatory basis, prior to your displacement. You are not required to surrender possession of your property until: 1. You have been paid the agreed purchase price, or 2. A deposit has been made with the court, for your benefit; in an amount not less than the County approved appraisal, or the amount of the award of compensation in a condemnation proceeding. You can withdraw this deposit. Contact: John March, Assistant County Attorney at (612) 596-6954. Once the County has acquired your property, it may decide to rent it, subject to termination on short notice. The amount of rent charged you, or another tenant, will not exceed the fair rental value of the property to a short-term occupier. Page 2 of 4 Revised: 09/10/04 ( l You may make a gift or donation of the property, or any part of it, or of any of the compensation paid for it, to the County. You have the right to receive just compensation for the acquisition of the property if it is desired. You are also entitled to have an appraisal made of the property along with an offer of just compensation. However, you may release the County from either or both of the obligations. It is your option. If agreement cannot be reached on the purchase of your property the County will acquire your property by the exercise of the power of eminent domain. If a situation such as this does occur, the County will institute formal condemnation proceedings, at this time all parties with an interest in the property will be notified of the action. Under eminent domain procedures, the court appointed commissioners may, in their discretion, allow reasonable owner appraisal costs not to exceed $1,500. When the County obtains an interest in your land, it must acquire at least an equal interest in any buildings, structures or improvements located on the acquired land, if they are required to be removed or if the highway project will adversely affect them. The County is required to pay for property as if it were in a single ownership and the contributory value of a tenant's improvements will be paid. In other words, if you are a tenant who owns a building, structure or improvement on land required for public purposes, the offer made by the County to the landowner will include either the fair market value which your building, structure or improvement contributes to the real property or the fair market value of the building, structure or improvement for removal from the real property, whichever is greater. As a tenant owning any buildings, structures or improvements on real property you must reach agreement with the landowner as to your share of the settlement. If any one of the three following conditions exist, the County must reimburse you for your reasonable costs, disbursements, and expenses, including reasonable attorney, appraisal, and engineering fees which you have actually incurred. Such litigation expenses are reimbursable only under these conditions: 1. If the County starts a condemnation action, but the court decides that the County does not have authority to acquire your property by condemnation, or 2. If the County starts a condemnation action and abandons it, or 2. If you as owner, successfully maintain an inverse condemnation proceeding. (Inverse condemnation is a legal process by which an owner brings suit against the County to prove that they have taken compensable property rights without payment of just compensation). Page 3 of 4 Revised: 09/10/04 W, You are entitled to be reimbursed for fair and reasonable expenses you necessarily incurred for: 1. Recording fees, transfer taxes, and similar expenses incidental to conveying your real property to the acquiring agency. 2. Penalty costs for prepayment of any pre-existing, recorded mortgage, entered into in good faith, encumbering your property. The pro -rate portion of prepaid real property taxes that can be reimbursed in accordance with state law. You may file a written appeal with the County in any case in which you believe that we have failed to properly determine your eligibility for, or the amount of, a payment required for those expenses incidental to transfer of title to us or certain litigation expenses as mentioned above. The County shall consider all written appeals, regardless of form. In filing an appeal you have the right to be represented by legal counsel or other representative in connection with the appeal, but solely at your own expense. In making an appeal you shall be permitted to inspect and copy all materials pertinent to the appeal, except materials which are classified as confidential by the County, Reasonable conditions may be imposed upon right to inspect, consistent with applicable laws. What is stated here is brief and general. If you desire more information, you may request assistance from the Right of Way Agent assigned to acquire you property. Hennepin County Public Works Department of Transportation Right of Way Division 1600 Prairie Drive Medina, MN 55340-5421 (763) 745-7649, Phone (763) 478-4000, Fax (763) 478-4030, TDD Page 4 of 4 Revised: 09/10/04 From: Barbara Lantsberger 783-420.5984 To: Laurle Ahrens Date: 5/11/2005 Tlme: 4:40:42 PM Page 1 of 1 HEAR THE LATEST PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION IN OUR COMMUNITY! TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2005 LUNCHEON Make reservations today for the Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce May General Membership Meeting to hear city officials, economic development consulting firms and developers inform the community about future development in the cities of Corcoran, Greenfield, Hamel, Hanover, Loretto, Medina, Plymouth and Rockford. You will hear what plans are being made for the future to increase employment opportunities, get new businesses to relocate in our area or existing businesses to expand. You will also be informed about the latest plans for residential developments in the area. At the end of the presentations, you will have the opportunity to ask questions on how the developments will affect your properties and businesses. DATE: Tuesday, May 24, 2005 TIME: 12:00 Noon PLACE: Hamel Community Building in Hamel 3200 Mill Drive (behind Farmers State Bank of Hamel) COST: $15 for members - - $20 non-members (LUNCH IS INCLUDED) RSVP: By Tuesday, May 17t' The panel on development on this area will consist of Ben Schmidt, Darrel A. Farr Development Corporation on development in Hamel, Cynthia Smith Strack, Municipal Development Group for the City of Hanover, Sue Vergin on the City of Corcoran and other representatives for the other cities that we represent. The meeting will consist of a panel presenting development plans for each city, introductions and recognition of the high school student from Buffalo High School, Orono High School, Wayzata High School, Delano High School and Rockford High School that received scholarships from the Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce. You will also enjoy a "chili cook -out contest" from the Corcoran Senior Citizens Group. The audience will select the 2005 winners! If you have not been in the new Hamel Community Building, you will have the opportunity to see this new beautiful building that is ideal for your future meetings and group gatherings. Make your reservations by faxing the form inserted in the newsletter to Chamber 763- 420-5964 or call 763-420-3242 or email infor@nwschamber.com Cancellations after May 19`" will be billed. Name_ Address Telephone Company City Fax State—Zip /f $ E cu � O � � .� � E E 0 U $ � � $ E 0 2 � � $§ Q ¥go2oWmn n-��\ � � q \ \ 2 r- n�bw# -- -ooq o¥97E2 $-e Q ¥go2ompnn�m#q ��q\m$ CD -ocm - - ¥n�c o oq o¥975C U') ® 0 IL LU �k U)/ca L� 2 2 §f° ooq m f Q� CO) 0 a _ CO °CL §%7 $ / $ S w E � � � § /2= m � UtE- g CL �� ) ko M7/ �a)c cl °3 / j C) @ r @ $ o > 0 ® o � 2- & $ e c �� E c m D o ® § $ E -0 o -0 ,0 f< ° _ 5 u � w Q m o m=- c o @ ® >— 2 / a 0 0 � cmOO���9owm R 2 2 C § c t Q c§ <'�5 E§ o e OL g IL . § k ■ 2 m ® c > f ° ° E_E_� ° o �« «2L o��0EEcu _LL cncom :2 _Q o�o�E t o 2 §\%■CL § G = t m U o CL « - = o E L L%% E k o % O o% o%> CL � Q� 2 xoolllLow#D#4## / � � May 10, 2005 City of Plymouth Council Members a 0.�5 o GJ r MAY 1 0 2005 Ci?h9Uhrrry"' DFI F'�OLM�NiU v�Ri MfMY We understand that the Perl Development issue will be on the Council agenda for this evening. I would like to attend, however, graduation activities are taking first place. I am on the board for the Orchards of Plymouth Homeowners Association, and am presenting this letter in my absence. First on our list, is a very sincere thank you to Mayor Judy Johnson and the Council members for all the effort you have put into researching all aspects of this development. We have conveyed to our homeowners how much we have appreciated your concern for our development, as you also seek to do what is best for the Perl Development. Once again, our main concerns are the water issues that you are well aware of. Through the years there has been a run-off from the Perl property into our holding pond. Will there be something to prevent more of this from happening as the development is in process? You are well aware of all of our other concerns, and we are certain you will be taking these into consideration when approving the Perl Development. Once again, our thanks to each of you for representing our interests in the approval of this new development. Sincerely, &--.? u glaine2o*�ttV Secretary - Orchards of Plymouth Board 17930 39th Place North Plymouth, MN 55446 763-478-3078 May 11, 2005 Elaine Jolulson 17930-39t]' Place North Plymouth, MN 55446 Subject: Perl Development Application (2005001) Dear Ms. Johnson: Thank you for your letter dated May 10, 2005. We will include your letter as part of the official public record regarding the Perl Development proposal. Please note that if the City receives revised plans from the developer within the next two weeks, we would anticipate that the revised plans would be presented to the City Council at their June 14, 2005 meeting. However, you should keep in touch with me, or check the City Council's upcoming meeting agendas on our web site at www.ci.plrnouth.mn.us to verify when the item will be considered by the City Council. If you have any questions, please call me at (763) 509-5456. Sincerely, Shawn B. Drill, AICP Senior Planner PLYMOU T H rt4 Quality to Life 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD G PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 % TELEPHOI 1E (763) 509-5000 May 06 2005 17:09:31 Via Pax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Paye 001 Of 004 -FridayF ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Senate omnibus tax bill update Late Thursday evening, the Senate Tax Committee completed work on the third omnibus tax bill which contains the majority of funding for the Senate's K-12 Education Bill. Dubbed Tax -3, the bill will generate significant new revenues that according to Chair Larry Pogemiller (DFL -Minneapolis) will be used to increase funding for K-12 education for the upcoming biennium. Most of the new revenue for schools is due to a new fourth tier income tax bracket and adjustments to the other three brackets that will raise an estimated $795 million over the biennium. The bill also includes an additional $86 million in funding for LGA. Unfortunately, the bill now includes a property tax freeze for local units of government beginning in 2007. Chair Larry Pogemiller last evening moved to reconsider a property tax freeze amendment that had been defeated on Wednesday evening on a 6-6 vote. Sen. Warren Limmer (R -Maple Grove) was out of the hearing room, leaving only 11 members, who voted to add the freeze to the omnibus tax bill on a 6-5 vote. As the bill now stands, it would raise a total of $1.164 billion with $795 million in additional income tax revenue, $196.7 million in additional state property tax revenue, $293 million in revenue from modifications to corporate income taxes and nearly $41 million from changes to the sales tax, in part to comply with the multi -state streamlined sales tax guidelines. On the property tax side, the bill would increase LGA funding by $86 million. The bill May 6, 2005 Page 1 also contains $34 million of general fund money in the 2006-2007 biennium to fund the Impaired Waters Bill, which is also known as the Clean Water Legacy Act. Clearly, the tax increases contained in the Senate bill will be very controversial. Yesterday, Governor Pawlenty was quoted in several news sources describing the Senate Plan as "profoundly stupid." We expect a long floor debate on the bill today. Last evening, several legislators indicated that they would offer an amendment on the Senate floor to remove the property tax freeze. Today on the floor, Senator John Marty (DFL - Roseville) offered the amendment but unfortunately, the amendment was defeated on a 25 to 37 vote. The Senate Omnibus Tax Bill passed on a 35 to 28 vote. House omnibus tax bill update The House Tax Committee met until midnight for the last two nights to consider amendments to their version of the omnibus tax bill but failed to complete their work. The committee has considered more than 35 amendments, including an amendment offered by Rep. Morrie Lanning (R -Moorhead) on Wednesday evening that successfully removed the one- year, 2006 property tax freeze. Yesterday, Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL -Dilworth) attempted to remove the turbo -charged truth -in - taxation language that would create a reverse referendum process in the local government levy setting process. Rep. Marquart, the former mayor of Dilworth, eloquently defended local elected officials in his presentation of the amendment. Unfortunately, the amendment was defeated on a 12-15 vote. 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 May 06 2005 17:10:13 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth -i F rd aYF ax A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL -Minneapolis) attempted to reduce the LGA cuts to the cities of the first class that were included in the initial draft of the bill. Those cuts would have provided Minneapolis and St. Paul with legislative authority to impose an additional one-half cent sales tax that could be used to fund general city operations. As an offset, the LGA formula for first class cities would be modified to include the revenue from the one-half cent sales tax in the "capacity" measure of the formula which would have the effect of reducing the LGA distribution to the those cities. Approximately $10.5 million of the savings to the state would be used to increase LGA funding to all other cities that are "on the formula." The other $17.5 million would revert to the state for other uses. Minneapolis and St. Paul legislators have expressed concerns about the accuracy of the sales tax revenue estimates and the fact that the LGA offset would occur regardless of whether the Minneapolis/St. Paul voters approve the sales tax as required under the bill. They have also expressed concern about whether moving to a full one percent sales tax would place Minneapolis and St. Paul businesses at a disadvantage. The city of Duluth, with its current one percent sales tax rate, would not receive any additional sales tax authorization but would have its LGA reduced in the first year by nearly $700,000. Over the next several years the total LGA loss to Duluth would escalate to more than $5 million. The Davnie amendment ultimately failed, leaving the LGA cuts in place for the three first-class cities. Page 002 Of 004 May 6, 2005 Page 2 The House Tax Committee will reconvene later today in an attempt to complete work on the bill. We believe there are an additional 20 to 30 amendments that have been drafted but we do not know how many will be offered. At this pace, the earliest the bill would reach the House floor would be next Tuesday, which is less than two weeks before the scheduled adjournment. Given the vast differences in the House and Senate bills, few people around the Capitol expect the legislature to complete the state budget before the May 23 constitutional deadline. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.281.1255 or at o7:L:,, or Jenn O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or at t?roi.trkerli lh 2nc.07:L7. Public finance bill up next week A working group in the House will consider and work on their public finance bill, most likely next week, once the initial work is done on their omnibus tax bill. The House version was introduced earlier this week as I-IF..24198, and is authored by Rep. Abrams (R - Minnetonka). Other authors on the bill are Rep. Lenczewski (DFL -Bloomington), Rep. Bernardy (DFL -Fridley), and Rep. Kohls (R -Victoria). The companion is `i.F 2288, authored by Sen. Pogemiller (DFL - Minneapolis) and Sen. Belanger (R - Bloomington), however, the Senate included an earlier version of their recommendations in Tax -2 (SF 1683, Sen. Pogemiller). The comparisons are likely to be between the House version of HF 2498 and the public finance article of SF 1683. Traditionally, this is a stand-alone bill although some of the 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 May 06 2005 17;10;56 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 003 Of 004 LMC Lalalw d.Vllllll s"la CII,C, C;tin� pxnunliny ex.v.i%n.rvi -FridaY F ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities provisions could be considered fodder for an omnibus tax bill. HF 2498 contains technical changes to tax increment finance law, some of the local TIF bills from this session, as well as a number of other local financing topics. A full summary of this bill will be provided in next week's Cities Bulletin. Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or at io1'C,�i:(7J6RaC+.l1nnc.org, �.._......_..._....__.... . L...-__-..... LGA technical fix signed into law On May 5, Governor Pawlenty signed I-II 47 into law. This law will retroactively correct a drafting error that occurred when the LGA program was modified during the 2003 Special Legislative Session. The bill was approved by the Senate on a 57-0 vote last week and passed the full House on March 10 on a 112-20 vote. The House bill was authored by Rep. Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka) while the Senate companion was authored by Sen. Mee Moua (DFL -St. Paul). Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 551.281.1255 or or Pension contribution increases discussed The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement met on Thursday morning to discuss legislative proposals that would address current and projected funding deficiencies in several public pension plans. Members heard from PERA Executive Director Mary Most Vanek about legislation that would increase employer and employee contribution rates in May 6, 2005 Page 3 the PERA Coordinated plan and the PERA Police and Fire plan. PERA Coordinated Plan - SF''.86 (Betzold)/1.11'1775 (Smith) increases employee and employer contribution rates from 5.1 percent of pay to 6.0 percent in steps by January 1, 2008. The bill also increases the employer additional contribution rate from 0.43 percent of pay to 0.5 percent. If actuarial work would indicate that additional increases are needed, the rate would increase in steps to reach 1.0 percent by January 1, 2010. Finally, this legislation would also give the PERA board the authority to make contribution adjustments without legislative action. PERA Police and Fire Plan - SF 621 (Betzold)/Fa' 1756 (Smith) increases the employee contribution rate from 6.2 percent of pay to 9 percent and increases the employer contribution rate from 9.3 percent of pay to 13.6 percent. Under the current bill, these increases would be effective on January 1, 2006 with no phase-in. The League has drafted an amendment that would phase-in the increases over four years with a final combined employee -employer contribution rate of 23.5 percent, rather than the 22.5 percent contribution proposed in the base bill. The commission took testimony from employer and employee groups about these two proposals. The League of Minnesota Cities joined the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Metropolitan Inter -County Association to urge members of the commission to take action this session to address the current funding deficiency in the PERA Coordinated plan and the projected shortfall in the PERA Police and Fire Plan. The League offered our support for the PERA Board's proposed 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 f May 06 2005 17:11;30 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Lmc L uaswr Cil;'s -Friyda F ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities increases in the two plans, along with the board's proposed changes to deferred annuity augmentation rates in SF 6.20 (Betzold)/I-II 1 758 (Smith). However, we asked members to adopt a 4 -year phase-in of the increases in the police and fire plan to give both employees and employers time to acclimate to the higher contribution rates. No action was taken on any of the PERA proposals. The omnibus pension bill (HF 2092), also known as Pension I, passed the House State Government Finance Committee on Wednesday and was referred to the floor. The companion bill, SF 4 27, passed the full Senate on April 27 on a 56-1 vote. It is unclear whether the commission will meet again this session to assemble a second pension bill that would include provisions such as the PERA contribution increases. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.28.- 1255or ;rc�nlscaft;'c[%lfra3tc.c.�r. or Laura Offerdahl at 651.281.1260 or iCa, �=.r•c�.zlal;'«i.ljra�zc..t�rf;. Contacts needed to move Meth bills Both the House and Senate have acted favorably on meth legislation, but the bills have yet to go to conference committee. Both bodies have passed tough sales restrictions on the precursor drugs, which is good for cities because it will cut down on the number of clandestine labs cities and counties need to deal with. The bills are not that far apart on policy or funding. Page 004 Of 004 May 6, 2005 Page 4 legislation could easily get caught in the political cross-fire, and any budget fights that rear up in the next few weeks. The 2004 legislature failed to pass meth legislation because of the budget impasse. Calls to the Senate requesting that the meth legislation be conferenced soon are appropriate. The three to contact at this time are: Majority Leader Senator Dean Johnson (651.296.3826), Senator Linda Eerglin (651.296.4151) and Senator Jane Ranum (651.296.4842). Questions? Contact Jenn O'Rourke at 551.281.1261 or i<:�Tortrke! liim.�xc:.cais . Committee meetings Wednesday, May 11, 2005 9:00 AM Room: Easement Hearing Rm SOS Chair: Representative Marty Seifert Agenda: Office of the State Auditor Presentation of 2004 Local Government Lobbying Services report - Tony Sutton, Deputy State Auditor Legislative meetings in your city District and town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators close to home. Upcoming meetings near you include: May 7 in Crystal (Crystal City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. 10:00am) with Sen. Ann Rest and Reps. Lyndon Carlson and Sandra Peterson May 7 in Minnetonka (Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, 9:30-11am) with Rep. Maria Ruud Contacts to legislators are important now, as Check your local newspaper or radio station for advocates for the bills are nervous that this additional dates. 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 :5�