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Council Information Memorandum 05-27-2005
Dummy CITY OF PLYN COUNCIL INFO MEMO May 27, 2005 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission June 1 meeting agenda (please note that a special meeting will take place beginning at 6:00 PM in the lunchroom, to discuss the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update)............................................................................................... Page 3 Human Rights Commission June 2 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. Invitation to attend upcoming meetings to offer ideas for expansion of the Plymouth Community Library ...................................................................................... Page 12 Article by Environmental Quality Committee member Terrie Christian published in the Minnesota Lakes Association Newsletter ................................................. Page 13 Star Tribune letter to the editor from I-494 Corridor Commission Chair JamesB. Hovland............................................................................................................... Page 14 Metropolitan Council invitation to Environmental Services 2006 budget meetings.............................................................................................................................. Page 15 Staff Reports Memo with background information on the "Habit Mailer" that has gone out to 220 households in a Plymouth "test neighborhood"; additional background information is included to help explain the process and the rationale for the mailing ........................... Page 17 Fire Department monthly report ......................................................................................... Page 31 County Road 24 Reconstruction Project Update (color maps for project are under separate cover).................................................................. g e 39 Minutes Youth Advisory Council May 9 meeting............................................................................ Page 43 Draft minutes of the Park & Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) May12 meeting.................................................................................................................. Page 45 Correspondence Letter to Planning Commissioners from Councilmember Bob Stein regarding the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update......................................................................... Page 49 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO May 27, 2005 Page 2 Thank—you letter from the Providence Academy Parent Association for the City's donation of ice time for a skating party fundraiser for the school ........................... Page 50 Letter from Metropolitan Council Transportation Board Coordinator Kevin Roggenbuck regarding a request for change in the functional status of a segmentof Vicksburg Lane................................................................................................. Page 51 Letter from CenterPoint Energy regarding line replacement of gas service line couplings............................................................................................................................. Page 52 Legislative Items League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax............................................................................. Page 54 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 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 18, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Skyline Design, Inc. Approve variance to allow construction of a 320 square foot room addition to increase the impervious surface coverage from 47% to 51% for property located at 1840 Juneau Lane North. (2005038) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Quality Site Design. Rezoning and preliminary plat for "Hadley Hills 2nd Addition" for six lots on the five -acre parcel located at 18555 13th Avenue North. (2005024) B. Frauenshuh Companies. Planned unit development amendment to allow a free-standing retail building for property located at the northeast corner of State Highway 55 and Northwest Boulevard. (2005039) C. Construction Consultants, Inc. Rezoning, site plan amendment and an interim use permit for Fluidyne Aerotest Laboratory located at 13825 Schmidt Lake Road. (2005041) D. City of Plymouth. Amendment to Section 522.11 of the City Code, relating to the administration fee for development contracts. (2005047) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Mary Schabel. Interim home occupation license to operate a massage therapy business out of the home located at 17410 9th Avenue North. (2005044) 8. ADJOURNMENT AGENDA Plymouth Human Rights Commission June 2, 2005 Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Medicine Lake Room 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Minutes 3. Approve Agenda 4. Presentation A. Marion Helland 5. Committee Reports A. Student Human Rights Activities Committee B. Community Awareness and Education Committee C. Human Rights Incident Response Team D. The League of Minnesota Human Rights 6. Old Business A. Letter to Community Organizations 7. New Business A. Damage to Property, Police Department report 8. Announcements and Articles (for your information) A. LMHRC 34th Annual Conference, September 24, Hamline University B. National Fair Housing Advocate 9. Adjourn Next Meeting: July 7, 2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS May 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: COMPREHENSIVE PLANAMENDMENT PROCESS, Lunchroom 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING- INTERVIEW YOUTH APPLICANTS; DISCUSS EXPANSION OF PACT MISSION; DISCUSS ZONING TEXT CHANGES; Lunchroom 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 6:00 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: MEDIAN BARRIER FUNDING, Lunch Room 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (iCouncil chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (FRAC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTHI ICE SHOW, Plymouth Ice Center PLYMOUTH ICE SHOW (2 & 7 PM), Plymouth Ice Center 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT Mediicinne Lake Room 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 24 25 26 27 28 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 11:4 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, SMram MI—P-W..t12201 RkIWd OM., N_nNmM. 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 5:00P.— PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: YOUTH TOWN FORUM, PMma.h Cr«N C.M.r 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, C-1 CMnM.n 29 30 31 Jun 2005 Apr 2005 MEMORIAL DAY S M T W T F S S M T W T F S (Observed) - City Offices Closed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 5/27/2005 a OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS June 2005 Sunday I Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 8:00SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE - Lunchroom 2 7:00 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 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 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 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 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: JOINT MEETING WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY OFFICIAL ON HW Y 7:00PM SPECIAL CITY 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 Chambers 101, Lunchroom 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5: 00 PMSPECIALCOUNCIL MEETING: REVIEW AUDIT REPORT, CONSIDER ZONING AMENDMENTS TO ALLOW RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN 7;00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 4:30PMANNUAL PARK TOUR, depart from City Hail INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS; 1-u- 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Couch C-- Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Leke Room FNy Dq 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 5/27/2005 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS July 2005 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Aug 2005 1 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 5:15 PM MUSIC 7:00 PM HUMAN CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY IN PLYMOUTH, Hilde Performance Center RIGHTS COMMISSION, Plymouth Creek Center 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Black Box Theater, 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Conference Room A, Plymouth Creek Center Plymouth Creek Center 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Black Box Theater, 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY lHRAa Plymouth Town Square Plymouth Creek Center 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, Shenton 111Weat 12201 Ridgedale 0,rve, Minnetonka 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMfTTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT), Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Bleck Box Theater, Plymouth Creek Center 31 modified on 5/27/2005 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items 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, 5:30 p.m., Lunchroom • Consider Zoning Amendments to allow religious institutions in industrial districts • Discussion with Auditors • Set future study sessions June 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers • Receive 2004 Audited Financial Statements • Consider request for generator at Target 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. Great Expectations, H ENNEPM COUNTY Library, Plymouth Library 15700 36th Ave. N., Plymouth - 952.847.5825 join us four COAJ-I-Mullity k----..onversa�nons Thursday, June 9,7- 8:30 p.m. or Saturdayj unell , 10-11:30 a.m. You are invited to offer your ideas on the expansion and renovation of Hennepin County's Plymouth Library as we plan for a growing community. Terrie Christian, Vice President, Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens No alum treatment plants were built on Medicine Lake. The Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens (AMLAC) worked with local and state government to block the alum treatment plans by Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC). The BCWMC failed to consider the City of Plymouth's Surface Water Management Plan during its Second Generation Planning process while shifting their main focus from water quantity to water quality. The BCWMC was required to consider the Plan under the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreement Law. In the Minnesota Rules it states the following: Effective Citizen Activism Scientists, cities and citizens work together to craft an aquatic vegetation management plan. Bill Leonard, Medicine Lake City Council; Don Maxwell, AMLAC; Mark Peterson, City of Plymouth; Karen Chesebrough, City of Plymouth; Terris, Christian, AMLAC, John Barten, Three Rivers Parks District Limnologist; and Steve McComas, Blue Water Science. The City of Plymouth made several attempts to persuade BCWMC to adopt its Surface Water Management Plan, including a presentation by Council Member Ginny Black, written communica- tions from the city, an address to the Commission by a member of Plymouth's Environmental Quality Commission and citizen input from AMLAC. Barr Engineering, which was advising BCWMC, pressed for building two alum treatment plants on stormwater drainage sites and doing an in -lake alum treatment. The projected cost In 1999 for the two treatment plants was over four million dollars with annual oper- ation and maintenance costs of over $234,000. Barr's responses to Plymouths written documents asking for adoption of the City's Surface Water Plan were Inadequate and inaccurate. Bart recommended these plants be built to address "dissolved phospho- rus." Yet, the major source of dissolved phosphorus is lawn fertilizer. Plymouth was a leader in In passing the first phosphorous lawn fertilizer restriction in the state and they helped the state of Minnesota pass the restriction in the Metro Region, requiring that zero-- phosphorous ero-phosphorous be applied to lawns. Monitoring on Medicine Lake has shown a decrease in external load- ing of phosphorus since Plymouths law was passed. Plymouth believed that such a large expense (alum treatment plants) to remove only one pollutant was unwarranted and that sediment was a much greater long term threat because it fills In the lake, carrying Storm approaching Medicine Lake phosphorus and other pollutants. The city concluded that Infiltration (Wet Detention Ponds) would most likely be the Best Management Practice (BMP) to address all of the pollutants and be most environmen- tally and fiscally responsible. This also was felt to be proactive for the upcoming requirements by the feder- al government to address Total Maximum Dally Loads (TMDL) of pollutants. The Medicine Lake Plan also included several other strategies to reduce the total phosphorus concentra- tion in the lake. In 1995, when Plymouth completed its Surface Water Management Plan, it was agreed that the 30 micrograms/liter (ug/i) phosphorous con centration goal set by Barr for Medicine Lake was unrealistic. No number was set by Plymouth at that time. The Medicine Lake Committee agreed with the city and set 38 ug/1 as a reasonable goal, which was adopted by the city in 2001. The State of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) website sets 40 ugh for the Ecoregion that Medicine Lake Is located In as the appropriate goal for level 1 lakes. MPCA indicates 30 micrograms/liter as the goal for safe drinking water. Plymouth has also adopted several BMPs for reduc- ing both nuisance aquatic plants and other in -lake phosphorus loading. Aquatic scientists have estab- lished that Curly -Leaf Pondweed largely contributes to the in -lake release of dissolved phosphorus and resulting algae blooms. The BCWMC planned to do an in -lake alum treatment and asserted this would last for ten years. Plymouth did not believe that an in -lake alum treatment would last ten years for several rea- sons. This belief was affirmed during an Alum Conference sponsored by the University of Minnesota in 2004. At the conference It was stated that alum cannot be counted on to last 10 years; there are toxici- ty concerns and environmental questions yet to be answered. Some of the presenters detailing these con- cerns at the conference were Barr's own employees. Because the BCWMC was not adopting Plymouth's plan or addressing the Inconsistencies as required by Minnesota Rules and Statutes regarding the Joint Powers Agreement to "clearly outline and Justify antic- ipated inconsistencies between its [BCWMO] goals and policies and those of the authorities [Plymouth] who responded..." it was felt that the BCWMC plan failed to take into account the phosphorus legislation and other BMPs implemented or planned by Plymouth, and failed to address all TMDLs. Finally, Just days before the BCWMC was to vote on its Second Generation Plan, I contacted Marvin Hora of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Informed him that BCWMC was holding Plymouth to a higher standard (30 ugh of phosphorus concen- tration) than the States recommended 40 ugh, and that the only way this could be achieved was through alum treatment. Mr. Hors Immediately wrote a letter to BCWMC supporting Plymouths position. Upon receipt of this support the Commission finally adopt- ed Plymouth's Surface Water Management Plan in its entirety. Plymouth's Plan will allow alum treatment for Medicine Lake only after all other Best Management Practices fail to reach our goal of 38 micrograms/liter of phosphorus. This is citizen success) Don't give up. WATER MANAGEMENT EQUIPMENT • Aquatic Plant Harvesters • Swamp Devils • Trash Hunters • Amphibious Excavators Respected as the industry leader, Aquarius Systems, a Division ofD&D Products Ina, is the oldest man factuner of surface water management equipment in the world. Mmufacnved in North Prairie, Wisconsin, we are proud to feature equipment made in the US.A. We place a great deal of emphasis on the quality• and durabilityof our equipment, but most mpartantht we believe that safety is not an option. The machines we offer - the most reliable and bast value available m the market today. Conrad us today to learn more, or visit oar website to see an online catalog of equipment: www.uquarius-systems, coin Toll Free 800.328-6555 Phone 262-392-2162 Fox 262-392.2984 Email infoCalaquarius-systems.com startribune.com Close window Last update: May 20, 2005 at 4:35 PM James B. Hovland: Perils of a promise James B. Hovland Published May 22, 2005 Dear Gov. Pawlenty: With all due respect, I do not believe that your veto of the transportation bill was in the best interests of the state. The bill had enormously broad support in the business community and elsewhere. The Regional Council of Mayors, numerous local governments throughout the state and broad-based citizen groups supported the bill for what it would have done for roads, bridges and transit in both metropolitan and Greater Minnesota. I know you worry about a promise you made some years ago. Recently, I saw a quote from Cicero that made me think of your situation: "Promises are not to be kept, if the keeping of them would prove harmful to those to whom you have made them." I know you care about our economic vitality, our ability to compete nationally and globally. To succeed economically, a sound transportation infrastructure is critical; ours is slipping away. Our citizens are spending so much time in congestion that it is adversely affecting the quality of their lives. I speak respectfully but frankly in saying that your transportation plan provides for too much borrowing and will not do the job. Its debt service would erode our ability to keep up with the system expansion required. There must be a blend of borrowing and "pay as you go." You have said, "Don't ask for perfect, just good," on a transportation plan. The Legislature's plan fit that category. We cannot wait for a referendum on a gas tax increase. Last year we wasted 93 million gallons of fuel stuck in congestion in the metro area; the cost of congestion for the Twin Cities is approaching $1 billion annually and $1,000 per year per commuter. In the next 20 years we will be adding another million people to the region. How are we going to deal with these issues unless we stop just admiring the problem and give it the full financial attention it deserves? I don't presume to know how to deal with your personal political dilemma. I can tell you that I don't consider you to have made the "no new taxes" pledge to me but to a special interest group. I neither expected nor wanted such a promise when I supported you for governor and I trust most Minnesotans think the same. What I hope for from you is effective leadership in difficult times. You are a man blessed with tremendous talent and I know you have the skills to provide such leadership. In your soul, I think you know what the Legislature proposed is good for the state and the best transportation plan we have seen in many years. Please remember this from Thomas Fuller: "Better to break your word than to do worse in keeping it." James A Hovland is mayor of Edina and chairman of the I-494 Corridor Commission. ©.._Copyright 2005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. n rel U) ••"� v� U 0� y,. N d O O 0) ,w ; N U) O d u L C ._ ani d! 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O ; y C c a c tL �• m 5 ..,.� D - O a .S c -p D v° a� m d� 'm x IN U w Y d to v ` C to w ® 7 Of o v o �-j � 3� I-°ctLn0U) ' 1=-W- -1oa 31 DATE: May 23, 2005 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manger FROM: Margie Vigoren, Solid Waste & Environmental Education Coordinator SUBJECT: HENNEPIN COUNTY WASTE ABATEMENT INCENTIVE FUND PROJECT In July, 2004 the City of Plymouth was awarded a Waste Abatement Incentive Grant of $3$,000 from Hennepin County to conduct a study and develop a promotional campaign aimed at increasing residential paper recycling. The project began with a citywide telephone survey conducted by Decision Resources, Inc. The survey was designed to obtain a broad picture of the participation, attitudes, preferences and understanding Plymouth residents have of the City's recycling program. At the same time, the survey "drilled down" farther on practices and attitudes toward paper recycling. Four neighborhoods of approximately one hundred households each were selected for the second phase of the project; two as "test" neighborhoods, and two as "control" neighborhoods. Recycling was collected separately from these neighborhoods during four weeks in November and December, 2004. Material collected was sorted by category (i.e. household paper, magazines, newspaper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, trash, etc.) and weighed at the Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station in Brooklyn Park. This data was carefully documented for purposes of comparison after a second, identical collection in June, 2005. Next, City staff worked with the Periscope ad agency to develop the promotional piece that would be tested for effectiveness in the two test neighborhoods. (Periscope, which works with clients like Caribou Coffee and Target donated a significant number of staff hours to the project.) Periscope developed seven creative executions for review by City staff. After some minor changes, these were further developed to present to sixteen Plymouth residents in two separate focus groups. A research specialist from Periscope conducted these groups under the observation of City staff, a member of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee and councilmember Black. CADocuments and Settings\khof man\Local Settings\Temporary Intemet Files\OLK34\PaperRECYCLINGproject.doc The "Habit Mailer" was by far the favorite approach of residents participating in the focus groups. It met the criteria set forth in the findings from the citywide survey, and it was replicable for a citywide campaign to increase paper recycling. This promotion consists of four separate mailings (originally, the promotion called for five mailings) which were printed on cereal or other boxboard packaging. Each mailer would have a separate message, building from first to last mailer. The messages are: 1. The art of forming a good habit. Go on. Throw this in the recycling bin ... not the garbage ... the recycling bin. 2. Recycling is a noble habit. Go on then. Throw this in the recycling bin. Feels good, doesn't it. 3. The world needs more people bragging about how much they recycle. Go on. Throw this in the recycling bin. You're so close to earning your bragging rights. (Add recyclable paper list and contact number). 4. Congratulations! They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. You nailed it in three. That's because recycling more paper and boxboard is a whole lot easier than you think. Keep up the good work. You're on your own. (Add recyclable paper list and contact number). The mailers were printed on donated boxes, and mailed to the two test neighborhoods (220 households) on four consecutive days. The separate curbside collection, sorting and weighing of recyclables from the four neighborhoods will be repeated in June. Data will be analyzed to determine whether or not the mailer had an effect on the quantity of paper recycled. According to Hennepin County studies, 21% of the residential waste stream is made up of recyclable paper products. This represents a significant impact on the waste management system, a waste of resources and, in the case of Plymouth, a substantial loss of revenue. Diverting even a portion of that paper from garbage to recycling would bring a financial reward to the City. Plymouth received material rebates of $174,150 in 2004 from the sale of paper collected on the City's curbside routes. A 10% increase in paper recycling of $17,415 would meet or exceed the estimated cost for a citywide "Habit Mailer" campaign if approved by the City Council. Attachments July 6, 2004 memo for the City Council Meeting of July 13, 2004 Report of findings: 2004 City of Plymouth Recycling Study "Plymouth Project to Pump Up Paper Recycling" presentation to EQC Key Findings from the Research from the Consumer Focus Groups March 24, 2005 memo for the EQC meeting of April 13, 2005 cc: Pat Qvale, Public Services Manager Kris Hageman, Solid Waste Coordinator I CADocuments and Smings\lrhotYman\Local Settings\Temporary Intemet Files\OLK34\PaperRECYCLINGprojecl.doc DATE: July 6, 2004 for the City Council Meeting of July 13, 2004 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager through Pat Qvale, Public Services Manager FROM: Marjorie E. Vigoren, Solid Waste & Environmental Education Coordinator SUBJECT: HENNEPIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL WASTE ABATEMENT INCENTIVE FUND AGREEMENT ACTION REQUESTED: Pass the attached resolution to enter into the Hennepin County Waste Abatement Incentive Fund Agreement (also attached). BACKGROUND: Hennepin. County has established a Municipal Waste Abatement Incentive Grant program, awarding funding to projects undertaken by cities that promote recycling and waste reduction to residents. The City of Plymouth has been awarded a grant in the amount of $38,000 to study key components of the City's recycling program. It is timely in that the current 5 -year curbside recycling service contract expires in the end of 2005. Proiect Description: This grant will fund three citizen focus groups and a citizen survey to address the following issues: 1. Citizen knowledge of and attitudes toward recovering organics from the waste stream 2. Citizen attitudes, knowledge, habits and barriers to recycling mixed paper 3. Citizen input to help us address shortcomings and enhance strengths of Plymouth's current recycling program in advance of the work we will be doing as our curbside recycling contract expires at the end of next year.. The grant will also fund an additional component: a promotional/educational effort designed to increase mixed paper recycling. The effectiveness of the effort will be measured by comparing mixed paper recycling rates in both a test and a control area. BUDGET IMPACT: The City's contribution to this project with be "in-kind" through the work of the Solid Waste Coordinator position. A significant portion of the study covered by this grant involves program evaluation that would be a part of the 2004-2005 work plan whether or not the City received the grant. 0 CADocuments and Settings\IthotTman\Local Settings\Temporary Intemet Files\OLK34\2004incentiveGRANTccMHMO.doa RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Pass the attached resolution to enter into the Hennepin County Waste Abatement Incentive Fund Agreement (also attached). Marjorie E. Vigoren attachments: Municipal Waste Abatement Incentive Fund Agreement Resolution CADocuments and Settings\khoffman\Local SettingATemporary Intemet Files\OLK34\2004incentiveGRANTecMEMO.doc Agenda Number DATE: March 24, 2005 for the EQC Meeting of April 13, 2005 TO: Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) FROM: Kris Hageman, Solid Waste Coordinator & Margie Vigoren, Solid Waste & Environmental Education Coordinator SUBJECT: UPDATE ON HENNEPIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL WASTE ABATEMENT INCENTIVE GRANT BACKGROUND: In 2004 the City of Plymouth received a Hennepin County Municipal Waste Abatement Incentive Grant in the amount of $38,000 to study key components of the City's recycling program, with an emphasis on increasing paper recycling. The grant funded three components: 1) research, 2) development of promotional materials and 3) production and distribution of promotional materials. Program research Citizen survey A survey of four hundred Plymouth residents was performed by Decision Resources, Ltd. in the fall of 2004 to address the following issues: • Citizen knowledge of and attitudes toward recovering organics from the waste stream • Citizen. attitudes, knowledge, habits and barriers to recycling mixed paper • Citizen input to help address shortcomings and enhance strengths of Plymouth's current recycling program. Neighborhood recycling study. Four neighborhoods of approximately 100 households each were selected for the next steps of the research.. The goal was to document the effectiveness of a promotional campaign directed at increasing paper recycling. The neighborhoods were paired. into study and control groups by demographics. The following methodology was employed: • Baseline recycling rates were established by collecting curbside recyclables from each neighborhood in the study for four weeks late in. the fall.. A dedicated truck was used and City staff rode on. the truck to document the number and type of set -outs. • Materials collected from these neighborhoods were stored, by neighborhood, and were then sorted, weighed and documented for the four weeks. 11 CADocuments and Settings\khotlman\Local Settings\Temporary Intemet File9\0LK34\memoEQCrev.doc • The same procedure will be followed in the spring, after the promotional efforts (described below) are carried out in the study neighborhoods. Citizen focus groups. A research specialist from Periscope, an advertising agency designed and facilitated two citizen focus groups to assess the promotional materials developed. for the study (described below). Promotional material development City staff worked with Periscope to develop promotional materials aimed at increasing paper recycling. Five concepts were developed and then tested with the above-mentioned focus groups. Production and distribution of promotional materials. Using feedback from the focus groups, a selection of promotional materials will be produced and distributed to the two study neighborhoods this spring. Results from the final curbside collection and sort will be used when developing city-wide promotions for paper recycling. Survey results, focus group findings, on -the -street observations and material sorts will form a base for ongoing program and promotions development. A representative from :Decision Resources, Ltd. will attend the April 13 Environmental Quality Committee meeting to discuss the findings of the citizen survey in detail. City staff will give a presentation on the results of the neighborhood collection, the promotional material development and the focus group results. CADocuments and Settings\khoffman\l ocal SettingsWemporaty Intemet Files\OLK34\memoEQCrev.doc DECISION RESOURCES, LTD. 1 128 Dean Court Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 612-920-2401 612-920-1069 (fax) wmorris•4:dr[mpls.com REPORT OF FINDINGS 2004 City of Plymouth Recycling -Study Methodology: Decision Resources, Ltd., contacted 400 randomly selected households in the City of Plymouth. Residents were interviewed by telephone between September 23' and October 18'x, 2004. The average interview took twenty-two minutes. The results of this sample may be projected to the universe of all adult residents in the City of Plymouth within ± 5.0% in 95 out of 100 cases. Residential Demographics: The typical adult resident has lived in the City for 12.8 years. Twenty percent have lived there for five years or less, while 22% have resided there for over twenty years. Plymouth residents are well-educated: 65% possess college or post -graduate degrees. Nineteen percent report post- secondary educational experience, and 15% either graduated from or did not complete high school. Women outnumber men by two percent in the sample. Twenty-five percent of the households contain seniors; in fact, 17% are composed exclusively of senior citizens. Forty-four percent have school -aged children or pre-schoolers. The typical household contains 3.3 residents. Each City Ward is equally represented. Key Findings: 1. Household participation in the curbside recycling program is very high. A nearly unanimous 98% participate by separating recyclable items from the rest of their garbage. Among participants, 85% recycle "every week," while 13% do so "every two weeks." Most, 61%, currently use one recycling bin; 33% use two; and six percent, three or more bins. In 46% of the households, men are primarily responsible for recycling, while in 49%, women are the key recyclers. Almost 80% of the respondents report two reasons for Page 1 Cin% of Plymouth 2004 Recvclinb Stud_v January, 2004 recycling: helping the environment, at 55%, and saving landfill space, at 24%. Among participants, 80% report awareness that residents only have to sort their recycling into two groups — containers and all types of paper. 2. There is significant variation in the types of items residents recycle. Not surprisingly, over 85% of program participants "always recycle" six items: newspapers, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles with a neck, food and beverage cans, magazines and catalogues, and phone books. In the table below, items are arrayed it descending order according to the percentage of households who "always recycle" the item. Recyclable Item Always Recycle Mostly Recycle Sporadically Recycle Newspapers. 95%: 2% 3% Glass bottles and jars .. ::':. 5% '. 4% :::. Plastic b56 ottles vnth a neck ' 4 Food. and beverage' cans`,' 70/c5 /c ° Magazines and `catalogs ; °- :; : 85% .7% 9% Phone books 85%: 21% 13% Corrugated cardboard boxes 83% 5% 12% Boxboard 79% 10% 12% School and office paper 61% 7% 32% Mail 51% 16% 34% Books 26% 1 % 74% Paper products, other than newspapers, magazines and catalogs, have lower recycling rates. In fact, school and office paper, mail and books are recycled by far fewer city i residents. 3. The reasons residents give for not always recycling various paper products revolves around convenience and re -use. The ease of tossing paper products into the garbage was key for each item. Low volume in the household of both newspapers and school and office paper are also barriers. About one-half of the residents not using the Plymouth Page 2. City ofPlyonouth 2004 Recycling Study January, 2004 Recycling Program for telephone books recycle them elsewhere. Similarly, 37% donate used books to others, while 40% save them for future use and reference. The difficulty of breaking down both boxboard and corrugated cardboard are also reasons for non - participation. Lack of awareness or not remembering each paper product could be recycled ranges between 25% and 47%, with the exception of books and phone books. 4. In assessing a set of reasons people do not recycle paper all the time. 32% are unsure about the types of paper they can recycle. Forty-one percent report it is sometimes inconvenient and they throw away recyclable paper. Finally, 67% are concerned about recycling mail because it may contain personal information. 5. Ninety-eight percent rate'the overall service provided by their curbside recycling hauler as either "excellent" or "good." Only two percent see it as "only fair." Residents also consider the value of the program very positively: 64% see it as "excellent," while 30% rate the value as "good." 6. By a decisive 73% to 19% margin, respondents prefer the current system, where recyclables are sorted into two categories by the household and picked up every week, over the single sort system, where recyclables are not sorted into two categories by the household and picked up every other week. The key reasons for preferring the current system are: "residents want to avoid the piling up of recycling" and "households have a high volume needing weekly pick-up." When the 19% were questioned further, about 40% of the initial supporters change preferences if fewer materials end up recycled into new products or if the amount of corrugated cardboard is limited to the volume fitting in the recycling container. A larger 64% change their preference if a single sort system increases the monthly fee they pay for recycling and solid waste program. 7. In reviewing the importance of a set of factors cities take into account about curbside recycling programs, residents prioritize environmental benefit and convenience over cost. Eighty-three percent think the environmental benefit of the program is "very important," while 71 % similarly rate the convenience of the program. At 49%, the cost of the program to the residents ranks a distant third. In choosing the most important among these three factors, 59% point to "environmental benefit," while 26% indicated "convenience" and 14% choose "cost." Residents participating in several services provided as part of Plymouth's recycling and solid waste program were asked to rate each one. Negative evaluations, in general, are minimal. The table below shows the participation level and ratings by service users for each program. Page 3 City ofPlvmouth 2004 Recvciing Studv Januarv, 2004 Program Participation Positive Negative Uncertain Level Rating Rating Curbside recycling 98% 98% 2% 0% Special drop-off days 51% 75% 7% 18% Waste reduction and recycling assistance to schools and 26% 38% 0% 62% businesses Yard waste drop-off site 65% 85% 5% 10% Recycling drop-off site 59% 83% 7% 10% Overall, as the usage rate of the service increases, so does the positive evaluation. When the intended clientele is more specialized, negative evaluations rise slightly. 9. By a 48%-37% split, residents oppose the City of Plymouth offering a curbside collection program for compostable waste for an additional fee. Strong opposition is almost twice as high as strong support for this service. Supporters cite the benefit to the environment, while opponents worry about costs, odors, bugs and animals or simply report a lack of interest. If a curbside collection program for compostable waste is instituted and publicized, 16% of the households in the City of Plymouth would comprise the projected usage rate. 10. The primary source of information about the city's curbside recycling program is the City Newsletter, pointed to by 46%. Mailings rank next, at 18%, followed by local newspapers, at 12%. The "Recyclopedia" is relied upon by four percent, and three percent each mention either the city's website or friends and relatives. Mailings, at 32%, and City newsletters, at 26%, lead the list of preferred methods of receiving information about the recycling program. E-mail is preferred by 13%, while local newspapers and utility bill inserts are mentioned by 8% each. Five percent urge placing information on the city's website. «hen discussing the "Recyclopedia" specifically, 60% reported using the bi-annual mailed recycling manual. 11. Knowledge about four other environmental issues is widespread. Seventy-one percent know that the most common cause of pollution in streams, rivers, and oceans is surface water running off yards, city streets, paved lots, and farm fields. Seventy-six percent correctly identify, helping filter and store water before it enters lakes, streams, rivers and Page 4 .!=ate?-:+_��'! Cin) ofPlvmouth 2004 Recycling Studv January, 2004 oceans as one of the main benefits of wetlands. Seventy-one percent also know the major environmental impact of phosphorous is the promotions of excessive plant and algae growth in lakes and rivers. Finally, 63% correctly report that water entering storm sewers goes to lakes, rivers and wetlands. Communications Strategy: This study asked respondents about the number of paper products they recycle. For analysis purposes, respondents are grouped into three categories according to this number of recycled paper products: households always recycling 0-4 paper products are "sporadic recyclers;" households always recycling 5-6 paper products are "moderate recyclers;" and, households always recycling 7-8 paper products are "serious recyclers." Twenty-four percent of the households in the City of Plymouth are "sporadic recyclers," while 39% are "moderate recyclers," and 37%, "serious recyclers." Target Groups: Six residential niches having concentrations of each type of paper product recyclers are established statistically: Higher Concentrations oSporadic Paper Product Recyclers: " Ward Three residents who do not use the "Recyclopedia" Wards One and Two residents under 55 years old who do not use the "Recyclopedia" Higher Concentrations of "Moderate Paper Product Recvclers: " Wards One and Two residents who use the "Recyclopedia" Ward Three'residents over 55 years old who not use the "Recyclopedia" Higher C017centrations of "Serious Paper Product Recvclers: " Ward Three residents who use the "Recyclopedia" Ward Four residents Clearly, the use of the "Recyclopedia" is related to the number of recycled paper products. Page 5 City of Plt1nouth 2004 Recycling Stugl' januarv, 3004 Communications Preferences: Just under one-half of the "Sporadic Paper Product Recyclers" prefer to receive recycling information in a dedicated mailing. Fewer would be impacted by city newsletter articles or utility bill inserts. None of this group prefer to receive information through the "Recyclopedia." "Moderate Paper Product Recyclers" and "Serious Paper Product Recyclers" have approximately the same information preferences. Both groups prefer to receive recyc�ng information through the City Newsletter or dedicated mailings. Secondarily, they opt for the "Recyclopedia," Messages: "Sporadic Paper Product Recyclers" are motivated much more often by convenience than either of the other two groups, 34% versus 58% and 67%. Environmental benefit still ranks first, though at a diminished level in comparison with the other two groups, 49% versus 58% and 67%. In one other way, "Sporadic Paper Product Recyclers" differ from others — they are almost twice as likely to recycle because "people are supposed to do so." One issue that is a barrier to greater participation concerns the protection of personal information in recycled paper products; if spect of the recycling process, sinificantly greater levels of residents can be reassured about this a participation will be achieved. Tactics: 1. Update the format and content of the "Recyclopedia." This publication needs to have a new look to attract more of the "Sporadic Paper Product Recyclers" to its pages. The key target is men under 45 years old. 2. Direct mail to city households containing o, my information about recycling paper products is also an effective way to reach "Sporadic Paper Product Recyclers." The copy should blend three concepts: convenience, environmental benefit, and peer pressure. If possible, addressing the identity theft aspects of paper product recycling should also be included in these mailings. Conclusions: A. Plymouth residents are very satisfied with the current curbside recycling program. Participation rates are high, ratings are outstanding, and costs are viewed as a real value. Palle 6 _12V 1��r. K" si "qr wed ^ ,F,4. VVI ` ._tu�.l ft..+y,1 ` ,t+z'"?fi` rv$N1"r,,tl,ixa Y 4, s; "' �} `1'+ri �1 '"� ,. 'i. u!`._.=ri�.Y.'... 1 f- jai•:.. t.....h f.. .. F../..i _ 1 �A ... ,... f.7+ .:a�.11 ^5 .. }.�-r.;+:_..i City of Plymouth 2004 Recycling Study January, 2004 B. Residents are strongly opposed to a new single -sort every other week recycling program. By almost 4 -to -1, they prefer the weekly pick-up of recyclables sorted into two groups. The key objection is the change from every week to every other week pick-up. An increase in the monthly fee would even further weaken support for the new system. C. Greater recycling of paper products can be achieved through a targeted information effort. part of the approach should include both re -formatting the "RecyclopeaW' and augmenting with direct mail to several areas of the city. D. Residents greet a curbside collection program for compostable waste with some hostility. Almost one-half of the residents oppose this additional service, particularly if it requires an extra fee. Opposition stems from odors, bugs and animals, and lack of interest. Even if a program is instituted, only 16% of the households in the city would actually participate. E. Three sources of information about the city's curbside recycling program reach about three- quarters of the residents: City newsletters, mailings, and local newspapers. Ideally, residents would prefer a heavier reliance on mailings, e-mails, and utility bill inserts over articles in the City newsletter. The Plymouth Curbside Recycling Program is a major success by any standard of measurement. Unlike a number of other communities, no major changes are required to increase participation or satisfaction levels. Instead, the focus is on inducing current participants to expand the number of products they recycle, a much easier challenge than convincing residents to begin recycling. Page 7 �a ' ..s'� PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT Ll .„` M, —W"E" Now �9^ .Vo, F M1 ,4 4 NO- S r t � 11T PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT APRIL 2005 Monthly Synopsis Year-to-date (YTD), the Department answered 381 calls for service. This compares to 423 calls for service in 2004 (YTD). The highest call volume in April occurred between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Saturday was the busiest day of the week. Fifty-three percent of calls occurring in April were "Duty Crew" calls. Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 39 Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 41 Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 29 April 2005 in-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. Duty Crew and non -duty crew times, as well as station responses, are noted. Significant or Unusual Events In April, the following responses are notable: April 2 Building fire (10:30 p.m.) During the month of April, ten calls were paged general alarm. The average attendance for these calls was twenty-two members of the Department. Training; During the month of April, five topics were offered during nine regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included RIT, Skills, Fire Streams, Firefighter Safety & Survival, and Driving and Pumping. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD team. Fifty-seven members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 558 — an average of over ten hours per participating member. 1" Truck l't Truck 2nd Truck 2nd Truck Duty Crew In -Service On -Scene In -Service On -Scene # Calls 0:51 5:33 2:30 12:56 16 Non-Dpty Crew 5:08 8:49 7:17 12:49 4 Station I 3:23 5:54 N/A N/A 2 Station II 6:53 11:44 7:17 12:49 2 Station III N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 Significant or Unusual Events In April, the following responses are notable: April 2 Building fire (10:30 p.m.) During the month of April, ten calls were paged general alarm. The average attendance for these calls was twenty-two members of the Department. Training; During the month of April, five topics were offered during nine regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included RIT, Skills, Fire Streams, Firefighter Safety & Survival, and Driving and Pumping. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD team. Fifty-seven members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 558 — an average of over ten hours per participating member. Recruitment During the month of April, sixty-three paid -on-call firefighters served the City of Plymouth. No members left the department. We conducted interviews for the next class of probationary firefighters. Duffy Crew The Duty Crew Program was in operation on all 21 weekdays during the month. Thirty-eight members participated in the program. In April, 86% of all shifts were fully staffed with at least four firefighters. During our busiest time period (6:00 p.m. to9:00 p.m.) 100% of the shifts were fully staffed with at least four firefighters. A staffing summary for the month, by shift, is included below. Staffin : 0600-0900 0900-1200 1200-1500 1500-1800 1800-2100 5 Firefighters 0% 5% 5% 5% 0% 4 Firefighters 81% 86% 71% 76% 100% 3 Firefighters 19% 9% 24% 19% 0% No Staff 00/0 0% 0% 0% 0% 2 t Plymouth Fire Department Public Education Programming April, 2005 Programs Number of Programs Hours Averaged per Program Total Monthly Program Hours Children's Pro ammin ■ Station Tours 1 1 1 ■ The Birthday Club 1 3 3 ■ Preschool Visits 15 1 15 ■ K-6 Education 5 1 1 5 ■ Career Talk Family Pro rgmmin ■ Bike Helmet Sales ■ Car Seat Check -Ups 32 .75 24 ■ Assist with North Memorial with Helmet Sales 1 3 3 ■ Smokebusters for Seniors 5 .75 3.75 ■ Smokebusters for Families ■ Ski Helmet Sales ■ Adopt a Hydrant Campaign ■ Adopt/Restaurants Outreach 2 3 6 ■ Block Parties ■ Parades ■ National Night Out ■ Fire Department Open -Houses Business Pro ammin ■ Fire Extinguisher Training ■ Business Safety Fairs ■ Business Fire Drills Staff Development ■ Public Education Training for Fire Personnel ■ Public Education PC&FPF 1 2 Meetings Meeting ■ Literature Drops ■ Diversity Outreach 2 Plymouth 1 2 Colony Visits ■ Misc Community Programming Our Beautiful 3 3 Savior Community Event ■ Special Projects SAFE Kids Quarterly 2 2 Meeting Number of Total Monthly Percent of a 325 Hour Work Programs Program Hours Month was Dedicated to Public Education 67 69.75 21% 4 r-- 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 16:48 14:24 12:00 9:36 7:12 4:48 2:24 0:00 $950,000 $750,000 $550,000 $350,000 $150,000 1600 1200 800 400 0 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Station Comparison 39 41 29 11 Apr -05 1 2 3 Response Time for Emergency Calls 8:49 Duty Crew Non -Duty Crew Fire Loss Summary Year -to -Date 1/1/04-4/30/04 Total Calls Year -to -Date 1/1/05-4/30/05 1/1/04-4/30/04 1/1/05-4/30/05 5/23/2005 31 6 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Calls by Time of Day 5/23/2005 r, DUTY CREW STAFFING 14 April 2005 W"0 A 83% ® 5 Firefighters ❑ 4 Firefighters El3 Firefighters CALLS FOR SERVICE April 2005 47% ' E2 Duty Crew * ® Non -Duty Crew MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 DATE: May 27, 2005 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager through Doran Cote, Director of Public Works FROM: Ronald S. a beck, P.E., City Engineer SUBJECT: COUNTY ROAD 24 RECONSTRUCTION CITY PROJECT NO. 5102 As you are aware Hennepin County is working on a project to reconstruct County Road 24 between Olive Lane and Jewel Lane. This is in addition to the reconstruction of County Road 101 which is scheduled for discussion at the June 6, 2005 City Council study meeting. County Road 24 is currently scheduled to begin construction in 2007 and County Road 101 in late 2007 or early 2008 . The County is requesting City approval of the layout of each project before they proceed with the design. While the projects are geographically close Hennepin County believes County Road 24 is less controversial and would like the projects to proceed on separate parallel tracks. If the design and approval process allow they may be combined into one construction contract, but if County Road 101 is delayed they could proceed with County Road 24 separately. Since County Road 24 is smaller and less controversial I suggest the attached information be provided to the City Council in the Council Information Memo and the layout be considered at the June 14, 2005 regular City Council meeting. It may also be appropriate to discuss the County Road 24 layout at the June 6 meeting. Depending on the results of the June 6, 2005 study meeting County Road 101 may also be on the June 14 Council agenda. Attached is an information sheet and layout for County Road 24. County Road 24 will be a 4 lane divided roadway with turn lanes similar to the roadway on both ends. A trail will be constructed the entire length along the south side and on the north side west of Lawndale Lane. The entire alignment is within the existing right-of-way except a small corner of one lot just west of Lawndale Lane. There may also be some minor grading work outside the right-of-way that would require temporary easements. PUM 0:\Engineering\PR0JECTS\2000 - 2009\5102\Memos\Cty 24 Mem.doc COUNTY ROAD 24 RECONSTRUCTION Page Two Meetings with the residents were held on February 24`", March 161" and, April 4th to discuss the project. The major concerns expressed were the removal of trees along the south side of County Road 24 east of 30`" Avenue, the impact on the berm and screening on the north side of County Road 24 west of Lawndale Lane, and impacts to the wetland on the north side of County Road 24 east of Olive Lane and trees near the wetland. The roadway has been shifted as far north in the right-of-way as possible to minimize tree removal and it appears the impact on the berm will be minimal. The wetland east of Olive Lane is still being delineated, but at this time fill is not expected to be placed in the wetland. There may need to be some tree removal near the wetland. These impacts will be investigated in more detail during the design process. Residents also inquired about installation of landscaping. Hennepin County typically provides 1% of the project cost for landscaping and prefers that the City administer a separate landscaping project. The following table shows the estimated Hennepin County and City cost of the project at various stages of project development. The costs do not include landscaping. Attachments: County Road 24 Information Sheet County Road 24 Layout ?0 09EngineeringTROJECTS\2000 - 2009\5102\Memos\Cty 24 Mcmo.doc Henn. Ct . PI outh Total City CIP $971,000 $220,000 $1,191,000 2004-2008 Ct . CIP $971,000 $219,000 $1,190,000 2005-2009 Ct . CIP $2,234,000 $497,000 $2,731,000 Current Estimate (5/13/05) $1,855,000 $291,000 $2,146,000 Attachments: County Road 24 Information Sheet County Road 24 Layout ?0 09EngineeringTROJECTS\2000 - 2009\5102\Memos\Cty 24 Mcmo.doc H �� ;. CIN CSF r1opLYMOM PROJECT INFORMATION CSAH 24; COUNTY PROJECT 9617 June 6, 2005 Hennepin County Transportation and the City of Plymouth are collaborating in the development of a proposal to reconstruct County State Aid Highway (CSAR) 24 east of CSAH 101 as a multi -lane roadway. A list of County and City contacts appear at the end of this document. Please feel free to contact any of those listed if you have questions. Background Information The CSAH 24 reconstruction project is proposed to improve the safety and condition of CSAH 24 and make the road have a consistent section between CSAH 101 and Medina Road, part of which is only a two-lane section now. The Hennepin County Transportation Department is serving as the lead agency in the development of the roadway reconstruction project. The design will be coordinated with the City staff, property owners and affected utility companies. Proiect Update After discussion with the residents at the February 24th public info meeting the alignment was shifted north. After discussion with the City, a trail was added to the north side of the road. Public information meetings were held on March 16 and April 4 to solicit resident feedback regarding the aforementioned changes. Traffic Volumes CSAH 24 is a minor arterial. The average daily traffic in 2005 was 8,000 cars and is expected to increase to 12,000 cars in 2025 with an annual growth of 2%. Roadway Section The roadway section for CSAH 24 will be a 4 -lane divided roadway with a 2 -way left turn lane to match the road to the east and west. It will have an 8 foot trail on the south side and on the north side between Olive Lane and Lawndale Lane North. Accident Data CSAH 24 has an average of 2.57 accidents per million vehicle miles. The County average for a segment of this type of roadway is 1.2 accidents per million vehicle miles. HENNEPIN Hennepin 1 COUNTY Wetlands & Water Treatment No wetland impacts are currently anticipated as part of this project. Water treatment and rate control for this project would likely be performed using subsurface treatment structures and energy dissipation structures. Schedule The conceptual planning and preliminary design phase of the project is anticipated to be complete by late spring 2005. Neighborhood involvement has been solicited at open houses. City Council consideration of the preliminary layout is anticipated in June 2005. Upon approval of the preliminary layout by the City Council, the County will develop detail design plans and specifications. The County Right of Way Division will perform property acquisition. Neighborhood open houses will continue to occur as necessary. It is anticipated that construction will begin summer of 2007. Funding A combination of State, County and City funds will be used to finance the project. The CSAH 24 reconstruction project is funded in the Hennepin County Transportation 2007 element of the approved Capital Improvement Program. Web Site Additional information about this project can be found at www.hennepin.us. Go to "Transportation" -01- "Roads & Bridges" --01- "Road 24 – Plymouth". Contacts For more information or if you have specific questions, please call: Hennepin County Transportation Department Guy Nowlan, P.E., Senior Project Manager Phone: 763-745-7655 Email: guy.nowlan@co.hennepin.mn.us City of Plymouth Ron Quanbeck, P.E., City Engineer Phone: 763-509-5525 Email: rquanbec@ci.plymouth.mn.us YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 9, 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 Katherine Valla and her family, Nancy Jia and her mother, Mayor Johnson, Customer Support Representative Allison Hoskins and Deputy City Clerk Kurt Hoffman were also present. Mike called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM. Mike made a motion, seconded by Aneesh, to approve the agenda. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Kristin made a motion, seconded by Chris, to adopt the minutes of the April 25 meeting. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Special Items and Guest Speakers: Youth Service Awards Presentations Allison congratulated Nancy Jia and Katherine Valla on their Youth Service Awards. She explained that the two winners were unable to attend the April 26 event. She introduced Mayor Johnson, who thanked the winners and their families for attending the meeting, and for their community spirit. Aneesh and Patrick highlighted the work of the two winners and presented them with their awards, while Mayor Johnson presented the Youth Service Award citations. Youth Town Forum Event Allison reported that teachers and counselors were mailed the flyers and notices of the May 24 Youth Town Forum. She said that students are requested to respond whether they will be able to attend. She said some of the Councilmembers have made topic suggestions for discussion. She said the goal is to come up with specific topics in a structured discussion format for dialogue. q3 Youth Advisory Council May 9, 2005 Meeting Page 2 Youth Appointments The City Council will approve appointments at the May 10 meeting. Mayor Johnson said since there are two vacancies on the Council, she will request that those two take their seats immediately. She also suggested that the Youth Advisory Council invite those youth who were not appointed to any seats to serve on committees for the Youth Advisory Council programs. Summer Meeting Schedule Councilmembers agreed to cancel the June 20 meeting. They agreed to review their summer calendars and propose July and August meeting dates at the next meeting. COMMITTEE UPDATES: Ad hoc Web planning Committee There was nothing to report. ADJOURNMENT Mike made a motion, seconded by Kristin, to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 PM. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING May 12, 2005 Page 1 PRESENT: Commissioners Aamoth, Fiemann, Davis, Krahulec, Rodriguez, Singer; Planning Commissioner Weir; staff Blank, Evans, Greupner, and Pederson ABSENT: Commissioners Griwac, Pederson, Rezabek CALL TO ORDER Chair Fiemann called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Krahulec made a motion to approve the minutes of the March meeting. Davis seconded. Motion carried, all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Evans gave a brief review about the Yard and Garden Expo. She said that 1,200 people attended, and 80 volunteers assisted. There were also 80 vendors on site. By day's end the event had raised $13,000 for the garden. The Chocolate Sampler was cancelled due to low enrollment and lack of interest by restaurants. Staff is planning a new event as a garden fundraiser for some time next year. The PCC celebrated their 5th anniversary with a variety of activities during the first week of May. Approximately 300 people attended the Golden Strings performance, 70 took part in the wine tasting event, and 100 people attended the High Tea. A silent auction was held, which raised $900 for senior programs. They ran out of pork chops at the Pork Chop Dinner, which had its largest attendance ever at 430. Teen events have been wrapped up for the year. Every other Friday there's been some sort of teen activity, i.e., Plugged In events, mic night, etc. We will be making some changes to that program. We are in our busy season now. Over 900 programs were listed in our summer catalog. On the first day of registration from 12:01 a.m. to 9 a.m. on April 7, we had 2,400 registrations. As we continue to get more technical, more residents are registering online. Fifty-one percent of the registrations were done online, up 12% from last year. This weekend is the first weekend of weddings in the Millennium Garden. June, July and August is pretty much booked for weekend weddings. Music in Plymouth planning is underway. All entertainment is lined up. The City is celebrating its 50th birthday. Plymouth on Parade and the Autumn Arts Fair are combined this year on September 24. Evans introduced staff member Karol Greupner. Greupner said she's been a recreation supervisor for 16 years and a Plymouth resident for 20 years. Basically her position is two fold; she works with programs and special events. The Plymouth Fine Arts Council (PFAC) was established eight years ago. This is the funding vehicle for the city to grant monetary support to arts organizations. The two primary recipients of the annual grant of $10,000 are the Plymouth concert band and the Plymouth community theater. PFAC's signature event is the Primavera spring arts show. A- S_ PRAC Minutes/May 2005 Page 2 Each year it gets better and better, with higher quality of artwork. There were 108 artists this year; 51 were from Plymouth. The art ranges from novices to professionals. This year had 28% more artists than in the past. Over 1,000 people attended the four-day exhibit. Greupner also works with programming arts classes throughout the year. She stated that she recently got everything organized for the spring dance recital, which is tomorrow night. One hundred fifty-six participants, from age 3 through teens will be performing. Music for Everyone classes are group and private music lessons held in the lower level of the PCC. Piano, violin, and voice lessons are offered. The Funmobile will hit the streets this summer. Rogers Automotive renovated a vehicle for us. Puppet shows are performed in neighborhoods throughout the community. Entertainment in the Parks will be held at Parkers Lake and the Hilde. Two years ago, we started Kids Koncerts at Parkers Lake, which are very well received. Thee water ski shows throughout the summer are also planned. The Hilde offers nine evening concerts throughout the summer on Thursday nights. New this summer is our youth theater performance, Prairie Fire Theater. They will be performing at the Hilde. Fiemann asked when the dance performances will be held that are in conjunction with some of the concerts. The Minnetonka Youth Ballet Company will be performing and the other is a Tap Review. Greupner wasn't sure about those dates. The other part of her job is planning special events. She mentioned how successful Fire & Ice was. We are looking forward to the city celebration on September 24. The day's events consist of the pancake breakfast, a new firefighters 5k run/walk. The course will be in northeast Plymouth, beginning somewhere near Fire Station 1. The art fair will be occurring from 10-5. This is the 16th year for the art fair. The artists will be setting up their tents on Plymouth Boulevard across from LifeTime. Applications are already coming in. There will be food vendors as well. We have entertainment following the parade, including the Ducky Derby, free ice skating at the Ice Center, and activities at LifeTime include swimming, gym games, etc. Greupner mentioned that a public art policy needs to be developed for the city. She was part of a workshop on public art sponsored by MRPA at the Black Box Theater. There were two wonderful presentations by Mary Altman, a public arts commissioner for the city of Minneapolis, and by Jack Baker from Forecast, an arts business, which consults with businesses and communities on public art. We were told by one of the judges that attended Primavera how lucky we were to have a painting by Larry Kunz in the PCC lobby. There is a mural at the Ice Center. This was a gift from the Radisson to the Arts Council who then gifted it to the City. It supposedly has a value of $30,000. Greupner feels it is important to have a policy on dealing with gifts of art as well as future acquisitions. Greupner concluded her presentation by saying she loves her job, loves the arts, and community events. She is very grateful for the support of the staff, city and PRAC. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION PRAC Minutes/May 2005 Page 3 a. Ice Center final bills. We had 21 contractors turning in final bills, etc. Council has to authorize those payments. We've closed out 13 or 14 of those 21 contracts, so far. Fiemann asked if anything else needs to be done at the Ice Center. Council still wants tile in the lobby, Blank said, but he is waiting on that project for the time being. We are getting ready now to landscape. Now that frost is out of the ground, more paving is being done. Irrigation crew is expected to be there next week. We've ordered more furniture for the lobby. Three benches have been installed in the cafe. Blank said that people are taking advantage of the wireless Internet access that's available there. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Blank said he is waiting for attorneys to put together a purchase option on the 10th playfield. Davis wanted to know about the Hilde entranceway. The Plymouth Foundation withdrew their request for the city to finance the project, Blank said. They are now trying to raise the money themselves. Staff wasn't convinced that this gateway had to be done this year. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Review material from Twin Cities Curling Association. Blank talked about the Curling Association. He stated that the president is a resident of Plymouth. They are looking for a curling facility in the western suburbs. Blank gets many calls from people who want to build private facilities in Plymouth. They are usually looking for land. Blank informs them that we simply don't have any land that we can give up. b. Update Comprehensive Plan. The council set the goals for 2005, Blank announced. Their number one goal is to begin the comprehensive plan update, including northwest Plymouth. A week ago the Council did a study session on the comp plan. The Planning Commission postponed their discussion on the comp plan last Wednesday. Staff has started to put together a team of people — including staff from police, park maintenance, etc. The MUSA line currently ends at Vicksburg. First thing that has to be done is to develop a land use guide plan. All other portions of the plan play off that. We'll get a consultant on board. The first year will be spent on guiding that area. How large the parks get will be determined by density. As plan unfolds, there probably won't be a lot for the park commission to do until a year or so from now. The dog park has been a phenomenal success, but it was supposed to be a neighborhood park. During the park tour, commissioners will visit some of the sites that will be developed first for the Northwest Greenway. Blank laid out where various trails and neighborhood parks will be in the Greenway. We are going to have to build our case for the 10th playfield. Blank believes we need it. It will probably take 24 months to go through the entire process of updating the comp plan. The mayor is not seeking reelection but she'd like to have some consensus on what the density is going to be by December 2006. Singer expressed concern about the future of the Living Farm. She feels strongly about its representing Plymouth's history. Blank said there are currently buildings on the site, including a barn and a house and some other buildings. Davis asked about PRAC's role in this process. We get involved later, Blank said. The comp plan will also address PRAC Minutes/May 2005 Page 4 some redevelopment areas. Blank is pretty certain that the last of the three Plymouth golf courses will be sold eventually and developed. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION We were not a finalist this year for the Gold Medal award, Blank said. Foothills Park District, Colorado, was a new entry in our population category. Wheaton Park District, Illinois, also was named a finalist in our population category. We will retool and try again in 2006. The NRPA staff that had been running the program for the last 15 years retired, so they had all new staff that looked at the applications differently than previous staff. Blank asked if the commissioners had any particular place in mind they want to visit on the park tour. Hearing nothing, he said commissioners should contact him in the coming weeks if they come up with something. Ali recently won a nice award from the Youth Services Awards program. Mary Kay Williams who coordinates volunteers at the high school nominated Ali for the Special Recognition Award for her volunteer activities. Ali mentioned that she would be attending Yale in the fall. 9. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Dear Planning Commissioners: On June 1, the Planning Commission will be holding its first discussion on the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update. As your Council Coordinating Representative, I hoped to be present for this session. Unfortunately, as this discussion has been postponed a couple of times that might not be possible, so in case I'm not there I want to pass on a few comments on behalf of the City Council for you to consider as you begin this important task. The Council decided' as part of its annual goal setting to begin the plan update this year. One of the major issues to be decided as part of the update will be the future land uses in the northwest portion of the City outside the current urban service area, as well as considering future redevelopment needs within the existing urban area. The new land use plan will also be used to plan for the infrastructure needed to support that development, including transportation, sewer, water and parks. Development of the plan will require a substantial public process, involving many different groups of people including landowners, residents, staff and other City boards and commissions. The Planning Commission has a very important role in this process. Much of the work will occur at Planning Commission meetings or at joint meetings between the Commission and City Council. I served on the Planning Commission when the Plan was last updated. During that time we had an extra meeting of several hours duration about every other month to review drafts of various plan documents and receive public input. While this process is going on, review of other development applications will not stop. This will require a substantial commitment of time and energy on your part as Planning Commissioners. The City Council very much appreciates your willingness to make this commitment, as we work together to create a plan for the future of Plymouth. Sincerely, Bob Stein, Ward 3 Plymouth City Council/ Planning Commission Council Coordinating Representative 4 PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(Place to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 PROVIDENCE ACADEMYCMAV2 PARENT ASSOCIATIONMay 21, 2005City ManagerCity of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear City Manager, On behalf of the Providence Academy Parent Association, we want to thank City of Plymouth for their generous contribution of the skating birthday party valued at $70.00 to our annual spring Gala fundraiser, "Pomp and Circumstance: Providence Academy Celebrates." Our event, which was held April 16, 2005, was a huge success and brought together over 400 parents and friends of the Academy for a wonderful evening of fellowship and fundraising. As the Parent Association's primary fundraising event, we are thrilled with the proceeds raised from this event as they will assist with funding our scholarship and financial aid programs making a Providence education available to more students. Additionally, we will be able to purchase some items that will benefit our current students. You may be entitled to an income tax deduction, no goods or services were provided to you in return for any portion of this contribution. We suggest that you retain this acknowledgement as a part of your tax records. Your support contributed to the success of this event and we hope we can count on your continued support in the future. Again, we thank you! Sincerely, Je Warren Lisa Jensen Co -Chairs, Providence Academy Spring Gala 2005 V 15100 Schmidt Lake Road • Plymouth, Minnesota 55446-3722 • Phone: (763) 258-2500 • Fax: (763) 258-2501 Web: www.providenceacademy.org Transportation Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Donn R. Wiski Chair County Commissioners Dennis Berg Anoka County Tom Workman Carver County Paul Krause Dakota County Linda Koblick Hennepin County Jim McDonough Ramsey County Jon Ulrich Scott County Myra Peterson Washington County Municipal Officials Steven Billings Fridley City Council Dan Bostrom St. Paul City Council Teresa Daly Burnsville City Council Chuck DeVore White Bear Lake City Council William Hargis Mayor of Woodbury Sandy Hewitt Plymouth City Council James Hovland Edina City Council Robert Lilligren Minneapolis City Council David Luick Lakeville City Council Julia Whalen Champlin City Council Citizen Members Robert Gorg Dick Allendorf James Meyers Sally Carlson -Bancroft Kris Sande Donn Wiski Jill Smith Ken Johnson Anencv Representatives Peggy Leppik Metropolitan Council Patrick Hughes Minnesota DOT Richard Long M.A.C. Ann Seha M.P.C.A. Modal Representatives Lori Fritts Transit Glenn Olson Transit Ron Lifson Freight David Gepner Non -motorized May 20, 2005 Shawn B. Drill, AICP Senior Planner City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Ken Ashfeld, P.E. City Engineer, City of Maple Grove 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway P.O. Box 1180 Maple Grove, MN 5531 1-61 80 MAY 2 3 2005 CITY OF PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPA T NI'L;; i RE: Request for a change in the functional classification for a segment of Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth, MN. Mr. Drill and Mr. Ashfeld: On May 4, 2005, the Technical Advisory Committee to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAC) voted to change the functional classification of Vicksburg Lane between CSAH 10 in Maple Grove and CSAH 6 in Plymouth to an "A" minor arterial Expander. The functional classification change is now official. Although the City of Plymouth requested that Vicksburg Lane be reclassified as an "A" minor arterial Reliever, the TAC felt the roadway better fit the definition of an Expander. The TAB recognizes that minor arterials in growing suburban areas near a major freeway serve multiple purposes and allows some flexibility in the regional solicitation process. A project on this portion of Vicksburg Lane could be submitted for consideration in either the Reliever or Expander category. Our apologies for the lateness of this notification. I hope the delay did not cause any problems. Please contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, 6-- Kevin Roggenbuck Coordinator Mears Park Centre 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (651) 602-1728 Fax (651) 602-1739 = CenterPoint. Energy IVIS. Laurie Ahrens City of Plymouth Plymouth, MN 55447 3400 Plymouth Blvd 800 LaSalle Avenue PO Box 59038 Minneapolis, MN 55459-0038 May 19, 2005 Re: Service Line Replacement Project -• Your community is not affected by this project .Dear ivis. Ahrens: Yesterday, CenterPoint Energy announced a project to assure the removal of all couplings in the former Midwest Gas service area that do not meet standards. The project involves replacing up to 35,000 service lines in 37 Minnesota communities and will be completed in 2005. The list of affected communities is attached. The replacement of natural gas service lines is isolated to a very specific group of CenterPoint Energy customers in the former Midwest Gas service area who had plastic service pipe installed from 1959 through 1983 by a utility called North Central Public Service Co. Of the 760,000 customers served by CenterPoint Energy, this project includes up to 35,000 of them in 37 communities north and west of Minneapolis. If you receive inquiries about this project, I encourage you to direct them to CenterPoint Energy Web site at CenterPointEnergy.com/Sii.,cReplace or to call the company's customer service department at 612-372-4727 or 1-800-24-51-2377. As always, please remind the public that if they smell gas, leave immediately, go to a safe location and call CenterPoint Energy at 612-372-5050 or 1-800-722-9326. CenterPoint Ener(2v takes t„'.s situation vcry seriouslN . Operating a safe and reliable natural gas distribution system is our top priority. Please call me at 612-321 1-5375 or 1- 800-234-5800 ext. 15375 if you have any -questions. Sincerely, bU LJ a .` 0 .c N c � o rZ 0 o L NCll U V W n C o 0 o L co C pCn C N Y CCS Y CO O Q) > C j CD Y Cd (n O +� N Ca Jm C — CO O � Y J J (ll (ll CB U CD U + O L C7 O O O a) cn = J CT C ft7 w= U N C N co E c6 � CE +-� M .n E C OC C1 CO C1 co m — C O (Y6 N U ' C ,�,, O C Q L lL i C 4- Y a-+ co C7 2 2 �C J O CL a. OC N N cn N a Q ..c N c LE N o C F— H * N -o Q a CD Y co * 'i- .n E — U) c iz N CD m U O o cn L CDo Co CD Y E _o - p c > E Q cn = E Q CC) o� c °) CO °� > o 'O O "D CC) C Y O J C — Cp m ` ..C7 E +CDE C CO 2 C o"= O O Cin cn a) C6 C aaa C CL C-0 co C CO ���m�oou,i Q) i O O CB CII C6 Y wu- O L cD LJ May 20 2005 17:13:45 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 001 Of 004 F a -Freda x- �M� y A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities May 20, 2005 Page 1 Little tax progress million and distribute it largely through the current formula. With the session deadline looming, the Conference Committee on the House and Senate omnibus tax bills finally met for the first time on Wednesday evening and again on Thursday but made little progress resolving the significant differences between the two bills. This year's House conferees are Chair Phil Krinkie (R - Shoreview), Morrie Lanning (R -Moorhead), Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka), Dean Simpson (R -New York Mills) and Ann Lenczewski (DFL - Minneapolis). The Senate Conferees are Chair Larry Pogemiller (DFL -Minneapolis), Don Betzold (DFL -Fridley), Mee Moua (DFL -St. Paul), Rod Skoe (DFL -Clearbrook) and Bill Belanger (R -Bloomington). During the first two meetings, the committee has done little more than walk through the 154 -page side-by-side document that compares the provisions in the two bills. One of the clear hang- ups last evening was the Senate's income tax increase proposal that would create a new fourth income tax tier for married filing jointly incomes in excess of $250,000. The new top -tier would be taxed at a 10.65 percent rate. A second major point of contention surrounds the Senate's corporate tax changes that are attempting to stem the recent erosion of the corporate tax collections The very different approaches to funding LGA were also briefly debated last evening. The House bill would reduce LGA by a net of $17.5 million by cutting LGA to Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth by more than $28 million and redistributing approximately $10.5 million of the savings to all other cities. Minneapolis and St. Paul would be able to offset some of the cut by imposing a local t/2 cent sales tax, however, the first class city LGA cuts would occur regardless of whether the sales tax is actually imposed. The Senate would increase LGA funding by $86 At the end of the Thursday evening meeting, Sen. Pogemiller offered that the Conference Committee consider spinning off the non- controversial provisions and pass a bill prior to the end of the regular session. The committee will meet again this evening and likely over the weekend. The omnibus tax bill is one of the major bills that is not expected to be fully be resolved before the May 23 deadline. More information on the House and Senate tax bills has been included in previous editions of the League's Cities Bulletin. You can also view information at: htt� //tiv�v�v_hotas a :lege �tatc.mn�us/comm/committ ee.as n?coram=22 Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 612.281.1255 or at s�earlsonfiril»znc.or.. Pension developments The House Ways and Means Committee met this morning to consider SF 427, the first omnibus pension bill, which was passed by the joint Pension Commission several weeks ago. The bill includes a series of relatively non -controversial items that the Pension Commission decided to send to the House and Senate as a first omnibus bill. The first pension bill already passed the full Senate on April 27. A second bill, containing the more complicated pension provisions such as the PERA Coordinated and Police and Fire contribution increases emerged from the Pension Commission last week and passed the full Senate floor yesterday. The debate on that bill is currently dominated by somewhat controversial provisions that attempts to address a severe deficiency in the Minneapolis Teachers Plan by folding those 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 29 2895 17:14:29 Via Fax -> 763 599 5969 Plymouth -Frl a F ax - y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities members into the statewide Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) plan and requiring the Minneapolis school district, the city of Minneapolis and the state to provide financial assistance. At this time, it appears unlikely that the House will take up the second pension bill this year. In the Ways and Means Committee this morning, Rep. Dennis Ozment (R -Rosemount) offered an amendment that would add the PERA Coordinated and Police and Fire phased -in contribution increases to the Pension 1 bill. Rep. Ozment indicated that the phased -in pension contribution increases were fiscally prudent and that further delay would only translate into much higher increases in the near future. The increases in the Rep. Ozment amendment would be phased -in for both plans beginning on January 1, 2006. The Coordinated Plan employer contribution would go up from 5.53 percent to 6.0 percent while the Police and Fire Plan employer contribution would go up from 9.3 percent to 10.5 percent. Employee contributions to the Coordinated Plan would increase from 5.1 percent to 5.5 percent while employee contributions to the Police and Fire Plan would increase from 6.2 percent to 7.0 percent. The deficits in the PERA plans are not new. Contributions into the "active employee” fund have been insufficient to cover the costs of benefits has been known since the early 1990s. PERA actuaries have noticed several trends over the past decade that have impacted the status of the funds. First, as employees leave public service, there has been a significant reduction in the number of persons who seek a refund of their contributions. When a person leaves public service and takes a refund of their contributions, the employer contributions remain in the active fund and are available to help cover the benefits of all remaining employees. In addition, life Page 002 Of 004 May 20, 2005 Page 2 expectancy continues to improve which increases the needed asset transfer from the active fund to the post fund. Although many have blamed the large post- retirement benefit increases in the late 1990s and early 2000s for the needed contribution increases, those post-retirement adjustments are unrelated. Retirement adjustments are paid from a separate fund while the current deficits are within the "active" fund. Contributions to the pension plan are without a doubt bitter medicine. However, without action, the deficiencies in these plans will only continue to grow and increase the need for even larger contribution increases in the near future. At this late date, it is unclear if SF 427 will become law. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.281.1255 or at or Laura Offerdahl at 651.281.1260 or at to erC1C.I,I'!I0,V;nnc.o7g. Governor vetoes transportation bill A day after the Senate voted to concur with a $7.8 billion transportation funding package passed by the House, Governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the bill. Advocates had long known a veto was possible; but the measure gained momentum in recent days after the House passed the bill on a bipartisan vote. A large group of transportation stakeholders had rallied around the bill, I -IF 2461. (Holberg, R - Lakeville), because of its long-term and comprehensive nature. Key provisions supported by the League were: • a substantive gas tax increase (5 cents immediately and another 5 cents in FY08); 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 20 2885 17:15:13 Via Fax —> 763 589 5060 Plymouth Page 003 Of 004 Fa -Freda x- I�MC y weekl legislative u date rom the League o Y g P .� Su Minnesota Cities of Minnesota 20, 2005 Page 3 a proposed constitutional amendment to Senate approves compromise on local dedicate 100% of the motor vehicle sales tax government salary cap to transportation; and license tab fee increases. In addition, IIF 2461 would have authorized $1 billion in Trunk Highway bonds over ten years, allowed a local option county wheelage fee for non-commercial vehicles and dedicated of a portion of the existing sales tax raised in the metropolitan area to statewide transit. The bill also included an AMC initiative to adjust the county state -aid highway (CSAR) formula. If enacted, it would have maintained the current distribution of the county state aid highway (CSAH) distribution formula for the current 20 - cent gas tax, but would have changed the CSAH distribution formula for new gas tax revenues. The new formula would be based 60% on needs and 40% on motor vehicle registrations. In spite of the veto of the bill, the proposed- constitutional roposedconstitutional amendment to dedicate the motor vehicle sales tax to transportation will be enacted. Under state law, a proposed constitutional amendment passed by the Legislature cannot be vetoed. Governor Pawlenty took the unusual step of vetoing the bill at a news conference. He suggested that legislators bring forward a package that will not increase taxes. He also indicated a willingness to accept a gas tax increase that would be implemented only through a constitutional amendment on the 2006 ballot. Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651.281.1263 or at afin��!.tz;imnc.u7T. Today, the Senate passed a compromise proposal that modifies the local government compensation limit to give cities, counties, municipal utilities and regional agencies more flexibility to set employee compensation. The bill, SI' 953 (Kelley, DFL -Hopkins), was amended to adjust the current 95 percent compensation limit to reflect an agreement that city and county representatives reached with the Pawlenty administration. The compromise legislation increases the limit to 110 percent of the Governor's salary and indexes this new limit using the Consumers Price Index beginning in 2006. Positions that have been granted waivers from the compensation limit would also receive an annual inflationary adjustment starting this year. Finally, the bill repeals the related cap on salary that is counted for pension purposes. The Senate passed SF 953, as amended, on a 42- 19 vote. The bill will now go to the House for consideration on the floor. To review this bill or track the status of this legislation, visit the legislature's web site at: Questions, contact Laura Offerdahl at 651.281.1260 or lmnc.o7:9_ Other conference committee action This week conference committees for the non -tax budget committees continued their work by meeting and discussing the differences of the bills. Even though most did not yet have a spending target, members of the various committees have worked on the language portions of the bills, adopting either the House or 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 20 2005 17:15:54 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth LMC -Frida F ax - Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Senate position, or taking amendments. As of this press time, the only committee to have completed their work is the Higher Ed Committee, and the House is considering sending the conference committee report back to the committee over problems some members have with the distribution of funds within the MnSCU system and the regent selection process. Questions? ContactJenn O Rourke at 651.281.1261 or at "orourk . cx�lrrar:c.. orgy. City news conference highlights trouble with freeze and turbo TNT A group of city officials from across Minnesota voiced opposition to legislative proposals mandating a statewide local property tax freeze and a turbocharged truth -in -taxation survey at a League sponsored news conference on May 17. Both proposals are currently being considered as part of state legislative omnibus taxibudget bills. Local officials believe that, if enacted into law, a property tax freeze could seriously impair the ability of Minnesota cities to grow and develop. "The need for city street repair and other maintenance will not go away just because the revenue source to do the work has been frozen," said St. Cloud Mayor John Ellenbecker. "Determining city budgets requires a lot more than a checkbox," Bonnie Rietz, Mayor of Austin, as city officials argued that the turbocharged TNT proposal oversimplifies what is currently a thorough and thoughtful process involving much citizen input. Mayors Ellenbecker and Rietz were joined at the news conference by Plymouth Mayor Judy Johnson, Paynesville Mayor Jeff Thompson, Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead, Rochester City Councilor Marcia Marcoux, Woodbury Mayor William Hargis, Woodbury Administrator Page 004 Of 004 May 20, 2005 Page 4 Clint Gridley, Apple Valley City Councilor Tom Goodwin, Montgomery Administrator Michael Martin, Plymouth City Councilor Ginny Black, and Lakeville City Councilor Wendy Wulff, as well as representatives from numerous city groups and other elected officials from throughout Minnesota. Questions? Contact Don Reeder at 651-281-4031 or cireedeh"nc.vr�,- Small town ideas sought Ideas and suggestions for managing the challenges facing small cities and towns across Minnesota are being collected through an online forum located on the ti1PR website. The forum allows readers to post ideas, as well as rate and comment on other suggestions. According to the website, "the best ideas" from the online forum will be discussed at a symmium ori small Minnesota towns to be held at the University of Minnesota -Morris June 7-8. Questions? Contact Don Reeder at 651-281-4031 or dreedei::d.lmnc.or. Legislative meetings in your city District and town hall meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story close to home. Upcoming meetings in a city near you include: May 21 in Minnetonka (Glen Lake Activity Center, 14350 Excelsior Blvd, 9:30-1 lam) with Rep. Maria Ruud Check your local newspaper or radio station for additional dates. To receive e-mail notice of upcoming town hall meetings near you, subscribe online at htt"�n�v�-��.11.c.)r�se;_le�r'.state _mn.us;mai3list!mxitin 1is�: a 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 27 2885 14:28:56 Via Fax -> 763 589 5866 Plymouth -Friday F ax - A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Nothing special about this session so far The special session that began at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday has proceeded uneventfully this week. Meetings between legislative leaders and the governor have occurred, but have yielded nothing in the way of compromise. In an effort to keep pressure on the Legislature, Governor Tim Pawlenty called for the special session to begin just one minute after the 2005 regular session adjourned. To the dismay of restless stakeholders --a number of legislators included --the momentum has not materialized. Chairs of the conference committees that did not finish work on large budget bills during the regular session were instructed to continue holding meetings under the guise of "work groups"; however, the lack of progress toward a global agreement on budget targets has made it impossible for the groups to do meaningful work. Questions? Contact Anne Finn 651.281.1263 or at afinn@lmnc.org. Special Session—and working groups- -again Following the precedent set two years ago when the House and Senate could not agree on a state budget, the two bodies have again appointed special session working groups on the major outstanding issues including K-12 Education, Health and Human Services, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources and Taxes. Notably absent from the list is a working group on Transportation. Page 881 Of 883 May 27, 2005 Page 1 Although the working groups are largely based on the conference committees that were negotiating differences between House and Senate bills before the regular session adjourned, regular session bills are not "alive" in a special session. On Thursday, the House began reintroducing some of the bills during their, floor session. Prior to Monday's midnight adjournment, the Legislature sent a few of the major budget bills to the Governor, including the state departments bill which funds the Legislature, the Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State and the State Auditor. That bill also funds the Departments of Administration, Revenue, Finance, Employee Relations, Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, among others. The public safety bill was also sent to the Governor and that bill includes funding for the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections and the court system. However, several major state agencies are not yet funded for the upcoming biennium, including the Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Employment and Economic Development, Natural Resources, Human Services, Health, Labor and Industry and Commerce. Appropriations for these agencies must be passed before July 1 to avoid a partial state government shutdown. Several of the working groups convened on Wednesday, including the Tax Working Group, which met for three hours but made little progress on reaching a compromise. The Tax Working Group includes all of the members of the former Tax Conference Committee, including House Tax Chair Representative Phil Krinkie (R -Shoreview), Rep. Morrie Lanning 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 27 2005 14;21;36 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth -Frida F ax - Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities (R -Moorhead), Rep. Ron Abrams (R - Minnetonka), Rep. Ann Lenczewski (DFL - Bloomington), and Rep. Dean Simpson (R - New York Mills). The Senate members are Chair Larry Pogemiller (DFL -Minneapolis), Sen. Don Betzold (DFL -Fridley), Sen. Mee Moua (DFL -St. Paul), Sen. Rod Skoe (DFL - Clearwater) and Sen. kill Belanger (R - Bloomington). Most of the Wednesday meeting was spent discussing information provided by the Senate on the impacts of recent state policy changes on state programs, including the impacts on schools, cities and counties. The working group also discussed the House, Senate and Governor's positions on the overall budget, including the tax components. The group met again this morning for a little over an hour to complete their preliminary discussions. Both the House and Senate will reconvene in floor sessions next Tuesday and working groups have announced plans to reconvene later that afternoon. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651.281.1255 or at . ear•ison'ciclrn.nc:.or . Congress comes to MN cities May 30 through June 5 for district work sessions League members are encouraged to meet with Minnesota's Congressional delegation during the district work session next week, which will bring Minnesota's two Senators and eight Representatives to a city near you. The Congressional district work session begins May 30 and continues through June 5. Congressional district meetings open the door to many federal -city partnership opportunities. Face -to - Page 002 Of 003 May 27, 2005 Page 2 face meetings and tours of city facilities provide valuable information to Members of Congress. Personal relationships between your city and Congressional leaders can certainly enhance local requests for federal funding and other cooperative agreements. District meetings are also a chance to localize and personalize federal issues, like the importance to your city of Community Development Block Grants, Section 8, and transportation solutions. City leaders are encouraged to make the following requests of federal support for city -friendly legislation currently before Congress. • Appropriations: In the fiscal year 2006 Appropriations bill: a) Fully fund Community Development Block Grants at $4.7 billion in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. b) Fund Section 8 Housing Vouchers consistent with the President's proposed budget ($20.917 billion); and c) Continue funding for Amtrak at the 2005 level of no less than $1.2 billion. Note: Funds for all three of these municipal programs are appropriated by the same subcommittee in the House and Senate. Stress that these programs should not be pitted against each other in the appropriations process. • Transportation Reauthorization: Stress the need for the successful passage of a six- year transportation reauthorization bill at the Senate level of $395 billion before June 30th, the newly extended deadline. 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 27 2005 14:22:17 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Plymouth Page 883 Of 083 F a -Frida x- I�MC y A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities yroau May 27, 2005 Page 3 For additional background on key local issues Congressman James Oberstar: Duluth 218 - being addressed by Congress, register for free 727-7474, North Branch 651-277-1234, e-mail updates through the NLC Grassroots Brainerd 218-828-4400, Chisholm 218 -254 - Action Center at ww-w.:° LC.org.. 5761 Contact information for Minnesota's Congressional Delegation Senator Mark Dayton: Toll-free 888-224-9043, Ft. Snelling 612-727-5520, Biwabik 218-865- 4480, East Grand Forks 218-773-1110 Senator Norm Coleman*: Toll-free 800-642- 6041, St. Paul 651-645-0323, Mankato 507- 625-6800 Congressman Gil Gutknecht: Toll-free 800- 862-8632, Rochester 507-252-9841, Fairmont 507-238-2835 Congressman John Kline: Toll-free 888-808- 6644, Burnsville 952-808-1213 Congressman Jim Ramstad: Minnetonka 952- 738-8200 Congresswoman Betty McCollum*: St. Paul 651-224-9191 Congressman Martin Sabo: Minneapolis 612- 664-8000 Congressman Mark Kennedy: Buffalo 763-684- 1600, St. Cloud 320-259-0099, Hugo 651-653- 5933 Congressman Collin Peterson: Detroit Lakes 218-847-5056, Red Lake Falls 218-253-4356, Redwood Falls 507-637-2270, Willmar 320- 235-1061, Montevideo 320-269-8888, Marshall 507-537-2299 * Indicates former Minnesota City elected officials. Questions? Contact Brian Strub at 651.281.1256 or at bstr ibawlm.nnor . Cities Bulletin interim publication schedule begins With the end of the regular legislative session, the Cities Bulletin will resume a bi-weekly publication schedule. Members will not receive a Cities Bulletin next week. League intergovernmental relations staff will continue to produce the Friday Fax during the special session. Questions? Contact Erica Norris Perlman at 651.215.4032 or at E:r c.}iris �F�rlmara,u�lnanc.or f. 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 6d =n-0 CD(n" n `D fD �• N � CD C7 '� 0 • r o o � o ell- n 0 Z ' o