HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 06-07-1991{
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CITY OF
PUMOUTR
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
June 7, 1991
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS....
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR JUNE:
JUNE 10 9:00 A.M. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Large Office Conf. Room
Litigation session on the
League of Plymouth Voters
lawsuit. This session will
be closed to the public.
JUNE 17 6:30 P.M. PLYMOUTH FORUM
City Council Chambers
7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Council Chambers
JUNE 24 6:30 P.M. COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
City Council Conf. Room
2. PLANNING COMMISSION:
- New Commissioner Training - Monday, June 10, 7:00
p.m., City Council Chambers. A memo from Blair
Tremere on the orientation is attached. (M-2)
- Planning Forum/Regular Meeting --Wednesday, June 12.
Planning Forum, 6:45 p.m., with regular Planning
Commission meeting following at 7:00 p.m., City
Council Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-2)
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMO
June 7, 1991
Page 2
3. PRAC -- Wednesday, June 12, 7:00 p.m. An orientation for
new commissioners will be held in the Park and Recreation
Department offices.
4. BOARD OF ZONING -- Tuesday, June 11, 7:00 p.m. The Board
of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals will meet in the City
Council Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-4)
5. LMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE -- June 11- 14, Mayo Civic Center,
Rochester. Information from the League on the conference
is attached. (M-5)
6. METRO COUNCIL REGIONAL BREAKFAST MEETINGS -- June 25 and
July 1. Mary Anderson, Metropolitan Council Chair, will
host two breakfast meetings for local officials in
Hennepin County. The June 25 meeting will be held at T.
Wrights in Wayzata, and the July 1 meeting will be at the
Days Inn in Brooklyn Center. A copy of the meeting
announcement is attached. Please let Laurie know if you
plan to attend. I have also attached for the Council's
information, an article from City & State" magazine on
the Met Council. (M-6)
7. CITY PICNIC -- Wednesday, July 17. The Employee City
Picnic will be held at French Regional Park from 4:30 -
9:30 p.m Food will be served from 6 to 7 p.m.
Participants are asked to bring a dessert to share.
There is a`parking fee of $3.25. Please let Laurie know
by June 29 if you and your family plan to attend.
8. INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS PICNIC -- Thursday, July
25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Parkers Lake Park. A memorandum
from Eric Blank is attached. (M-8)
9. MEETING CALENDARS -- City Center and Council calendars
for June and July are attached. (M-9)
FOR YOUR INFORMATION.....
1. ELECTION ITEMS:
a. A copy of the City Attorney's opinion as to the
effect of the new legislation on the City's ordinance
changing the municipal election from odd to even years
is attached.
b. Laurie Rauenhorst attended a meeting held by the
Hennepin County Election Division on the effects of
1991 legislation relating to elections. A summary
report from Laurie on the meeting is attached.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMO
June 7, 1991
Page 3
2. 1991 TAX BILL -- Last week when I was discussing the new
tax bill with the Council, I reported that the
Legislature had authorized school districts to levy taxes
for school liaison/DARE program costs. At that time I
indicated that the legislation was to provide a tax levy
equal to $1 per student at the school district. That is
in error. The Legislature provides that the district may
levy $1 per capita within the district. Whether or not
any or all of the school districts serving Plymouth will
elect to levy this tax is not yet known. Those that do
would be able to expend the money for the following
purposes:
1. To pay the costs incurred for the salaries, benefits
and transportation costs of peace officers and
sheriff's for liaison services in the district's
middle and secondary schools;
2. To teach drug abuse resistance education curricula in
the elementary schools; and
3. To pay the costs incurred for the salaries and
benefits of peace officers and sheriff's whose primary
responsibilities are to investigate controlled
substances crimes.
3. PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY LIBRARY -- Hennepin County has
provided the attached Plymouth Community Library Project
Development Schedule. (I-3)
4. NEWSLETTER SURVEY -- Attached is a copy of a survey
conducted by Maple Grove Administrative Assistant Sharon
White. She surveyed 14 cities regarding their
newsletters and shared the results with those cities.
Note that Plymouth's overall cost to produce each copy
(30�) is the average combined cost (including postage) of
the newsletter and the newsletter/recreation insert. For
your information, the actual cost (including postage) is
19� for the newsletter when sent alone. The cost for
those that contain the recreation booklet is 38�. Not
included on the survey is that Plymouth will earn about
$4,000 via advertising. (I-4)
5. COMPOSTING INFORMATION -- The University of Minnesota
Extension Service has provided the attached information
on yard waste management and composting. The Extension
Service suggests to local officials that the information
be used as a guide when setting policy about composting.
(I-5)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMO
June 7, 1991
Page 4
6. MINUTES
a. Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission, April
11, 1991. (I-6)
7. 'POPULATION NOTES' -- A publication from the Minnesota
State Planning Agency is attached. (I-7)
8. CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE -- Documentation on calls received
on the Customer Service Line is attached. (I-8)
9. PLYMOUTH EMPLOYEES:
a. Letter from Terrance Maglich, MGM Liquor Warehouse,
on the opening of his new store, and extend
appreciation to City staff for assistance during the
application process. (I -9a)
b. Letter from Mark Bernhardson on behalf of the AMM,
thanking Blair Tremere, for assistance with drafting
land use legislation language. (I -9b)
c. Letter of appreciation to Police Officer Susan
Gottwald, from a Birchview School DARE graduate. (I -
9c)
d. Memo to Glenn McLearen, Plans Examiner, from Laurie
Rauenhorst, on his service to customers at the front
counter. (I -9d)
10. CORRESPONDENCE:
a. Letter form David Landswerk, Wayzata Schools
Superintendent, to City Manager, advising of the
District's inability to provide financial assistance
for the DARE program. (I -10a)
b. Letter responding to Barbara Fritzberg, 324 Zachary
Lane, from City Manager, on the City's closure of the
West Medicine Lake Beach. (I -10b)
c. Letter to John Derus, Hennepin County Chair, from City
Manager, conveying the Council's position on the
"local option sales tax." (I -10c)
d. Letter fret Ruth Ann Mohs, Plymouth -Wayzata Soccer
Club, requesting a letter from Mayor Bergman welcoming
soccer tournament participants. (I -10d)
e. Letter to Mike Berkopec, Waste Management, from Dick
Pouliot, regarding new language proposed by the
County's for residential recycling collection
services. Also attached is Mr. Berkopec's letter
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMO
June 7, 1991
Page 5
stating his concerns with the new contract language.
(I -10e)
f. Letter from Karen Davidson, 11830 27th Avenue North,
to City Council, commenting on the closing of West
Medicine Lake Beach. (I -10f)
g. Letter of appreciation to Mayor Bergman, from Carl
Cooper, Wagner Spray Tech Corporation, for attending
the May 29 Sear's "Partners in Progress" award
presentation. (I -log)
h. Memos from Bob Zitur to the City Manager on Campaign
Financial Reporting and various City business items.
(I -10h)
i. Note of appreciation for flowers from Mrs. Al
Clausnitzer. (I -10i)
j. Letter from anonymous motorist urging stricter
enforcement by police officers of traffic moving
violations. (I -10j)
James G. Willis
City Manager
�A — --Z.) .
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA WHERE: Plymouth City Center
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1991 3400 Plymouth Boulevard
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth, MN 55447
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed with an asterisk (*) 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.
PUBLIC FORUM 6:45 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
2. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS AND ROLL CALL
3.* CONSENT AGENDA
4.* APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5/22/91
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Baton Corporation. Amended PUD Preliminary Plat/Plan and
Conditional Use Permit for the Mission PUD to allow a rearrangement
of density and a change in unit types on the remaining Mission PUD
property south of Old Rockford Road and Larch Lane (89103)
B. Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Site Plan for a new
Administration building, Conditional Use Permit Amendment to amend
the Master Plan, and a Variance to allow more than one building on
a single lot at 3110 East Medicine Lake Boulevard (91020)
C. R.L. Johnson Investment Company, Inc. Conditional Use Permit for a
counseling clinic in the I-1 (Planned Industrial) District located
at 1695 Highway 169 (91024)
D. Fireside Corner. Conditional Use Permit for retail sales in the I-
1 (Planned Industrial) Zoning District at 1005 Highway 169 (91026)
E. Don Hunger. Planned Unit Development Conditional Use Permit
Amendment for encroachment into side yard setback for a garage
addition located at 10625 -48th Avenue North (91027)
F. Quantum Development Inc. for Site Plan Amendment and Variance for
drive aisle set back; and Conditional Use Permits for a nursery
school facility and a day care facility at 12325 South Highway 55
(91032)
(over)
,A1N 7 '91
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G. Ryan Construction Company. Land Use Guide Plan Amendment to
reguide from CL (Limited Business) District to CS (Service
Business) District and rezoning from B-1 (Office Limited Business)
District to B-2 (Shopping Center Business) District; and, a Planned
Unit Development Conditional Use Permit Amendment to substitute a
Class II Restaurant for a bank use at the northeast corner of
Highway 55 and Revere Lane (91038)
H. City of Plymouth. Continued Consideration of Thoroughfare Guide
Plan for area generally bounded by I-494, Harbor Lane (extended),
Gleason Lake Road and County Road 6 (91036)
I. Zoning Ordinance Amendments regarding retail uses as a conditional
use in the I-1 District; and, revision of membership term for Board
of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals.
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Comprehensive Plan Update
B. Planned Unit Development Standards
7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Meeting Day/Dates
B. Information Packet Content
8. ADJOURNMENT
CIN; JUN 7'91
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 4, 1991
TO: Jim Willis, City Manager
FROM: Blair Tremere, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: NEW APPOINTMENTS TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND BOARD OF ZONING
ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
PLANNING COMMISSION
I have contacted Scott Syverson, Michael Wigley, Barb Stimson, and Robert
Beckers who were appointed by the City Council to fill vacancies on the
Planning Commission. I also contacted Dick Plufka who indicated he was
willing to serve the rest of the year as Chairman.
We have strived in the past to have a formal orientation session for new
commissioners, and, in this case, where there is a scheduled meeting on
Wednesday, June 12th, the need is immediate. Chuck Dillerud and I have
scheduled an orientation session for the new commissioners on Monday, June
10th at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chamber. Dick Plufka will also attend.
The purpose of that is basic orientation and familiarization with the various
"tools of the trade" and procedures followed by the commissioners.
We are sending our standard "new commissioner care package" with Ordinances,
Maps and copies of Comprehensive Plan elements. The relatively substantial
agenda for the June 12th meeting will be sent at the end of the week.
BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
Building Official, Joe Ryan will be contacting the new appointee, Ellie Singer
and Chairperson Jay Naftzger. The Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals has
a meeting on Tuesday, July 11th. Joe will provide background material and
information to the new appointee before the meeting.
(pl/bt/willis.pc:dh)
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BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
PLYMOUTH CITY CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD
PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1991
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 14, 1991
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Dennis Danger. Variance request from the required side yard setback for
the proposed construction of a three season porch onto the side of their
home located at 11715 28th Avenue North. (06-01-91).
B. Randy and Alicia Livingston. Variance request from the required side
yard setback for the proposed construction of an attached garage and
room addition onto the side of their home located at 630 Orchid Lane
North. (06-02-91).
5. ADJOURNMENT
"y, JUN 7 '91
A_s
COMING TOGETHER
BUILDING ON COMMON GROUND
PROGRAM Break
SCHEDULE 10:15-10:30 a.m.
All conference events are in the Mayo Concurrent Sessions
rivir rantar imlacc rithprwica indlratPd_
Tuesday,
June 11, 1991
LMC Board of Directors
Meeting
1:00 P.M.
LMC Conference Planning
Committee Meeting
3:30 p.m.
Special Kick -Off Event
7:30 p.m.
South to the Border—Down
Rochester Way
Enjoy southern hospitality and a block-
buster show featuring comedienne
Susan Vass at the Mayo Civic
Auditorium.
Wednesday,
June 12, 1991
Welcome/Opening Session
9:00-10:15 a.m.
"Building on Common Ground"
Helen Thomas, White House Bureau
Chief, United Press International (UPI)
(choose one)
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Especially for policymakers
Communicating with the Public
0 Risks and rewards
0 Matching objectives to specific
audiences
0 Dealing with complaints and
concerns
• Building public support through
information activities/mediums (i.e.
newsletters, cable TV)
0 Training staff to communicate
effectively
Especially for staff
Employee Development
• What is employee development?
• Types of programs
0 Benefits/disadvantages
How to develop a program for
your city
0 Case studies
Tackling tough times
Financial Realities in the '903
This is the first of three related sessions
'caiirg wid► rascal issues.
The financial environment—what's
happening?
Impact on municipalities
State/local government perspectives
How cities can respond
Keeping current
Legal and Illegal Gambling in
Minnesota
A Update on current activities and
dollars
• Preview of trends and expected
changes
0 Taking control of legal gambling
through better licensing and coopera-
tion with the state
0 Illegal gambling: Problems, prog-
ress, and challenges (i.e. common
activities, related crimes, enforcing
laws)
Special focus
Problems of Growing Cities
0 What happens to cities that grow
fast?
0 Common areas of concern (i.e.
wastewater treatment, police and fire
protection, infrastructure)
0 Importance of leadership and
planning
0 Case histories of a small, a medium,
and a large city
Exhibitors' Luncheon
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
General session
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Dealing with Differences: The
Challenge of Cultural Diversity
Dr. Edwin Nichols, Director, Nichols
and Associates CiM PAY 24'91
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CIM JUN 7 '910V` Wit ' 9
Is IMINNESOTA CRIES I AML 1991
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Concurrent Sessions 11
(choose one)
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Especially for policymakers
Public Speaking for Policymakers
0 Preparing for public meetings
0 Presenting your position effectively
and tactfully
0 Handling presentations to the
community
0 Listening: The most important tool
Especially for staff
Working with Culturally Diverse
Groups
(skill session)
0 Better understanding and apprecia-
tion of cultural differences in the work
place
Characteristics of various cultures
How cultural biases affect decision
making
0 How socialization process shapes
attitudes, values, perception, and
behavior
0 Effectively working in and/or man-
aging a culturally diverse work force
Tackling tough times
Enhancing Revenues for Your city
0 Analyzing current budget regarding
mix of revenue sources and best use of
funds/reserves
Developing a proactive approach
Various strategies available to cities
Keeping current
Drug Programs—Success Stories/
Funded Models
0 update on the drug problem in our
cities
0 Need to combine prevention and
enforcement
0 Funding sources
0 Success stories—model programs
Special focus
Problems of Shrinking Cities
0 Overview: Causes, characteristics,
and challenges of shrinking cities
0 Implications and issues
0 Strategies to respond—what cities
can do (i.e. education, policies,
programs)
Concurrent Sessions III
(choose one)
3:45-5:00 p.m.
Especially for policymakers
An Update on Council Meetings:
Open Meeting/Data Practices
0 update on recent legislative changes
and their impact on cities
0 How to comply
0 How to deal with the conflict
between the two laws in areas such as
personnel and economic development
Especially for staff
Cultural Diversity—Model Programs
0 Successful programs in other
communities
Purposes and benefits of such
programs
How to set one up in your
community
• City's role
Tackling tough times
Minimizing City Expenditures
0 Developing budget guidelines and
expenditure priorities
0 Discovering opportunities to
enhance productivity
Specific ways to stretch dollars
Financing strategies to minimize
costs
Keeping current
Building Better Buildings
Overview of the issues
Planning for quality: Role of the
council and staff
0 Making the building code meet your
community's needs
0 Building officials: What they can
and cannot do
Special focus
Cooperative Approaches Among
Cities
Does your city have a story to tell
about a successful collaborative effort?
If so, this session provides a forum for
you to share what you've done with
other cities that could benefit from your
experiences. The session will begin with
brief case studies; then a facilitator will
open it up to the audience to gather
M-6,5'
examples of successful efforts. In order
for this forum to succeed, participants
must come ready to discuss what they
have done in the area of collaboration,
why, who was involved, what resources
they needed, results, pitfalls to avoid.
Note: A brief one-page summary would
be helpful.
City Night
6:00 p.m.
Feast on southern fried chicken and
Texas barbequed ribs.
Thursday,
June 13, 1991
Small Cities leadership
Breakfast
8:00 a.m.
Importance of Leadership in a Time
of Change
Concurrent Sessions IV
(choose one)
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Especially for policymakers
Working with Staff (Council -
Manager Cities)
0 Role of elected official and staff
0 Developing a specific understanding
of how and when communication
should occur
Developing a team approach
0 Working from a shared vision,
shared agenda, and shared expectations
Especially for staff
Comp Worth
0 Review of local government pay
equity act (purpose and requirements)
0 Summary of 1991 legislative
changes
0 Case study of Lakeville's employee
position classification systems (in effect
since 1984 and serving as a model for
other cities) 4 '
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CtrY: JUN 7 '91''',`
MINNESOTA QTIES / APRIL 1991
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COMING TOGETHER
BUILDING ON COMMON GROUND
Tackling tough times
Speaking to the Legislature with One
Voice
This session will focus on efforts of the
Summit Group.
0 Purpose
0 Who participated
• Outcome
* Future plans
Keeping current
Economic Development for Large
Cities
0 Public/private partnerships—what
tools are left? (Tax increment financing
to equity participation to venture
captial)
0 Targets/issues for the '90s (labor
shortage to business retention)
0 Encouraging the entrepreneur
Special focus
Economic Development for Small
Cities
This session will provide specific infor-
mation on what's available today to
help small cities.
• Minnesota extension services com-
munity development programs (i.e.
tourism center, project future, retention
and expansion follow-up)
• Department of Trade and Economic
Development's star city program and
business retention and expansion
program
• Tax increment financing
* Community reinvestment fund
Concurrent Sessions V
(choose one)
10:45-12:15 p.m.
Especially for policymakers
Working with Staff (Cities Without
Manager/Administrator)
0 Role of elected official and staff
0 Developing specific understanding
of how and when communication
should occur
9 Developing a team approach
0 Working from a shared vision,
shared agenda, and shared expectations
I
Parade of Flags
Are you interested in providing your city's flag to display at the League's
1991 Annual Conference? There will be a Parade of Flags the opening
day and we'd like your city flag to be included.
Flags should be mailed to Sue Norris, Mayor's Office, 2241st Avenue
S.W., Rocheste; MN 55902. All flags will be returned to cities.
If you have any questions regarding the Parade of Flags, please call
Darlyne Lang at the League office.■
Especially for staff
Employee Recognition
• Why develop a recognition
program?
0 Types of programs cities use
0 Components of successful programs
0 Deciding what's best for your city
0 Getting started
Tackling tough times
Timely Topic (to be determined)
Keeping current
Waste Processing Alternatives:
Recycling, Composting, Yard Waste
A SCORE update
41 Developing markets
0 Funding recycling (if state eliminates
money) and creating incentives
19 Enforcement
Special focus
Challenges for Small Cities
0 Overview of key trends affecting
small cities (i.e. population declines,
limits on raising and spending money,
consolidation of schools, quality of
living)
0 Facing the health care issue
Mayors' Association/Mini-
Conference Luncheon
12:30-2:00 p.m.
Brave New World of Public Policy
Richard D. Lamm, Professor and
Director, Center for Public Policy and
Contemporary Issues, University of
Denver.
CIM JUN 7 `9 br
20 MINNESOTA CITIES / APRIL 1991
CIM MAY 24'91 ���/ 1
C I �r� IY;�1 �l
Concurrent Sessions VI
(choose one)
2:15-3:30 p.m.
Especially for policymakers
Sister City Programs
What is a sister city?
Why have one?
0 Getting started
0 Fund raising
0 Benefits of having a sister city
Especially for staff
Hiring Contract Professionals for
Your City
0 How to write a good request for
proposal (RFP)
0 Selection process
0 Preparing a contract
Tackling tough times
Balancing Office, Home, Work
Establishing priorities
Managing time at home and office
• Common problems and how to deal
with them
0 Note: Presentation will be by a
panel composed of adults and children
from single -parent and two-parent
families.
Keeping current
Current Issues LMCIT
0 What's new and what's in the works
at the League of Minnesota Cities
Insurance Trust
S Current risk management issues
Special focus
Grants for Small Cities
* Obtaining a grant is not as hard as
you think
0 Where's the money? Overview of
what's available (i.e. state and federal
programs, foundations)
0 Close look at three specific programs
Taking the first step—how to begin
League Annual Meeting Friday,
3:45 p.m.
June 14, 1991
LMC Reception and Finale General Session
Banquet 9:30 - 12:00 noon
6:30 p.m. Building Productive Relationships:
Personal and Professional
Dr. Andrea Molberg, Professional
speaker/trainer/lecturer
FAMILY AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Tuesday, June 11
Golf Outing
1:00 P.M.
Golf outing at Soldier's Field Golf
course. Complimentary tickets for golf,
tennis, swimming and recreation center
will be available at the Rochester City
Desk (in the registration area) through-
out the conference.
Wednesday, June 12
Eye Opener on the Kahler
Mezzanine
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Start your day with Rochester's
friendly hospitality. Continental break-
fast served, compliments of your city
hosts.
Historic Homes Tours
9:30 a.m.
Travel by motorcoach to the beautiful
country home of Dr. Charles Mayo,
then to the city residence of Dr. Henry
Plummer, inventor and doctor of medi-
cine. See the beautiful Plummer Gar-
dens overlooking the city. Then on to
Rochester's beautiful Golf and Country
Club for a memorable luncheon and
direct from the David Letterman show
"The Hat Lady." You won't want to
miss a look at the collection and hear
the history behind Alvina Sellar's 5,000
hats representing 56 countries, includ-
ing hats from Lady Di and Marlene
Dietrich. A fascinating collection shared
by a woman brimming with life.
Advance registration $15. Pick up tick-
ets at city desk when you arrive.
Thursday, June 13
Eye-opener on the Kahler Mezzanine
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Compliments of Rochester.
Luncheon
12:00 noon
Find out what's in your fashion forecast
for the future. Enjoy a delightful lunch-
eon in the ballroom of the Radisson
Hotel followed by a fashion show from
Centerplace Galleria. Win one of the
outstanding door prizes. Don't miss
this opportunity to mix and mingle, see
the latest fashions, and enjoy a relaxing
lunch. Advance registration $12.
1:30 p.m. Shop `til you drop at Center -
place Galleria downtown Centerplace.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Thursday, June 13
Rec Center
10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Mini bus will depart from the West
entrance of the Kahler Hotel for the
Rec Center. Kids can enjoy gym activi-
ties, ice skating, and swimming. Then
on to Shakey's Pizza for lunch and
entertainment. Back to the Rec Center
for more fun (bring your swimsuit) and
return to the Kahler by 3 p.m. Cost: $3.
Complimentary passes to city golf
courses, tennis courts, rec center, and
pools will be available at the Host City
desk throughout the conference.
Curs JUN 7 191
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cis. MAS' 2 '91 toil
MINNESOTA CITIES / APRIL 1991 21
AAMETROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Mear: Park Centre, 230 East Fiftlr Street, St. Paul, MN55101-1634
612 291-6359 FAX 612 291-6550 TTY 612 291-0904
DATE: May 31, 1991
ICON \
TO: Local Government Officials and Legislators —{,
O
FROM: Mary Anderson, Chairw9/
SUBJECT: REGIONAL BREAKFAST MEETINGS IN MENNEPIN COUNTY
June 25, and July 1, 1991
The Metropolitan Council is beginning to develop its work program and budget for 1992. The
Council members and I are anxious to hear your ideas about the future work of the Council and
how you think we can best serve the region. We hope you will join us at our annual chair's
regional breakfasts, which we are holding in June and July this year to provide you with the
opportunity to comment and make suggestions. If you cannot attend the meetings we hope you
will send your thoughts to me in writing.
During May, the Council is preparing its first draft of a list of priorities for the staff to consider in
proposing a work program and budget. The staff will develop and present this proposed budget
to the Council during June and July. By that time, we will have received your comments, and will
include them in our considerations as we review and modify the staff's proposed budget for the
public hearing process. A hearing will be held on the revised proposed budget in August or
September.
I am posing the following three questions for you to consider as we focus on long-term visioning
as well as the immediate budget process. Please suggest what we should do in the short term
(1992 work program) to work toward the long-term vision you see for the Council.
What are the major opportunities/challenges/issues that you believe the region faces now
and over the next 10-20 years?
2. In view of the above, what would you or your organization like the Council to do in our
region?
3. How do you see us accomplishing this?
Details for the Hennepin County breakfasts follow. I look forward to seeing and hearing from
you.
-over-
C11h JUN 7 '9 1
Hennepin South:
When: Tuesday, June 25, 7:30-9 a.m.
Where: T. Wrights
3310 S. Hwy 101
Wayzata
Cost: $4, includes breakfast, tax and gratuity
RSVP: Please call Rosemarie Coleman at 291-6630 by June 21
Hennepin North:
When- N4nndgv; T»ly 1; 7.1 -9 a,m
Where: Days Inn Minneapolis North
1501 Freeway Blvd.
Brooklyn Center
Cost: $6, includes breakfast, tax and gratuity
RSVP: Please call Rosemarie Coleman at 291-6630 by June 27
�A'6
JUN 7
—` . ko
S l d L (vV.ta'l.(. City & State, June 3, 1991
Met Council: regional govt., at crossroads
One last try at revitalizing Twin Cities planning
By TODD SLOANE
Staff writer
Once looked upon as a model for
regional planning and growth con-
trol, the 24 -year-old Metropolitan
Council of the Twin Cities has lost
its way — a living lesson on how not
to go about regionalizing govern-
ment.
Minnesota Gov. Ame Carlson
brought the council's troubles to
light in March when he appointed
nine new council members, aall"
them to revitalize an agency that
had "lost sight of its original vision"
and had become an "almost invisi-
ble layer of government."
Without the example of other
merged city—unty governments —
such as Indianapolis' celebrated
"Unigov- — that have been formed
since. the Minnesota Legislature in
1967 was grappling in the dark when
it created the "Met Council.'.
The country's first regional gov-
ernment was given limited powers
and abudget for research. It was
charged with controlling urban
sprawl, coming up with solid -waste
solutions and influencing transpor-
tation projects.
It later became the funnel for mil-
lions of dollars in federal and state
funds and grew from a $1.2 million
agency with about 50 employees to a
513.5 million organization (plus
control over 525 million in federal
and state grants) with more than
200 staff members.
The council's 17 board members.
appointed by the governor from dis-
tricts that overlapped the boun-
daries of the Minneapolis -St. Paul
area, were supposed to be immune
to transitory political pressures.
And in its early years, the council
was a success, creating a regionwide
sewer system, founding the Minne-
sota Zoo and blocking the building
of a second new ntemational
port deemed unneeded in 1969.
But over time, the council's once -
valued studies became less focused
and more irrelevant to the big issues
01 the day. A combination of a gov-
emor's indifference and a Legula-
ture s ambitions left the council w
lust another planning agency, with
few remaining power.
The record of non-involvement in
major decisions stands out.
a No say in the site selection and
project definition of the Metrodome,
Minneapolis' 14 -year-old multi -use
stadium
aLeft out in 1984 on site selection
for a state -supported horse racing
track in suburban Shakopee.
• Failum to find a new ame land-
fill.
a Left out, in the last two years, of
the debate over a light-rail system
linking the Twin Cities.
"In 1967, when it was formed, the
Met Council was head and shoul-
ders above any other regional plan-
ning organization. It was looked
upon by many urban officials as; a
model for regional planning," said
Beverly Nykwest, communications
director for the National Associa-
tion of Regional Councils, Washing-
ton. "Now, people look at it and eery,
'Uh-oh, let's make sure we don't fall
into that trap.' "
Ms. Nykwest agrees that the root
of the council's woes corresponds to
conclusions of several studies in the
mid-1980s: Since the council is not
elected, citizens and elected officials
believe it cannot have the necessary
clout to force change.
Inevitably, over time, the initial
zeal of local officials for a regional
planning body has given way to tra-
ditional parochial interests.
Mr. Carlson's appointment to the
Met Council of Mary Anderson, the
former mayor of west suburban
Golden Valley and a critic of the
council's recent performance, sig-
nalled his intentions for dramatic
change. If his effort fails, the gover-
nor has warned that the council's
future may be short.
But critics already are saying Mr.
Carlson failed to match hu rhetoric
with his appointments. Other than
Ms. Anderson, only two of his 10
appointments are people with broad
experience in regional issues.
"It wasn't a distinguished bunch,"
said a longtime council observer,
who asked not to be identified.
"Over the years, because of legis-
lative actions and because of some
actions by tndividuals on the coun-
cil, I guess you could say the coun-
cil's role as a leader on regional
issues has d m noel ed," Ms. Ander-
son admitted. "Our task now is to
get the members of the council to
build a consensus on where we
ought to be going.
Frankly, we need to be more
forceful in delivering our input on
things like land use, transportation
and solid -waste management."
How did problems arise for the
oldest experiment in regionalism?
Some wounds were self-inflicted.
But others were inflicted from
afar by Rudy Perptch, Minnesota's
governor who wait turned out of of-
fice last November by Mr. Carlson.
Mr. Perpich, who served as gover-
nor from 1975 to 1979 and again
from 1983 to 1991, typically ignored
the council. Over the years, the
Minnesota Legislature gradually
came to share hits view.
When light nil was first discussed
for the region in the mid-1980s, the
Legislature created the Regional
Transit Board to decide how to
bring it about, ignoring the Met
Council.
In a relent statement, Ms. Ander-
son said the light-rail planning pro-
cess has suffered from confusion.
contradiction and fragmentation."
She is seeking for the council a
greater share of responsibility for
overseeing the planning and devel-
opment of the proposed $1,6 billion,
10 -year project.
Typical of its recent history with
the Legislature, the council failed to
get such power in this year's legisla-
tive session. One stunned observer
asked, "Where were the council's
lobbyists on the bill? They were no-
where to be seen,-
In 1983, Mr. Perpich named
Gerald Isaacs, a campaign sup-
porter and former St. Paul economic
development director, as council
chairman. In bis one-year tenure,
Mr. Isaacs turned the agency pro -
development, reflecting the gover-
nor's interest in making Minnesota a
model of modem growth for small
and medium-size businesses.
"Che appointment represented an
example of putting a mediocre indi-
vidual into a role demanding excel-
Imm" said a critical 1985 report on
the council by the state Legislative
Auditor Office.
John Harrigan, a professor at
Hairline University, St. Paul, who
authored a book about the council
several years ago, said that in the
19705 there was a rush of citizen an-
thusiasan for the kind of centralized
The last stand of the Metropolitan
Council of the Twin Cities?
19871 Matropolkaru
CoutoX of 8e- Twin
Cjb" 10mW& Miaafon:
==
prowUi d
PBUI
area. Budget $12
million.
1888: Earl' ttrocesaes
sewer Systemand
Mixresola Zoo, bbcks
major airport in Ham Lake.
Budget $1.6 million. Staff: 78.
Moka Co.
Mlaaaa►Wb `
Jim
I,sm
kCo.
ScottCo. 1, Dakota Co.
1874: Council gains power over transportation. —
waste control, park planning. Budget $3.7 million. Staff: 159.
1976: Sweeping new powers enable council to force outlying
communities to comply with growth guidelines. Budget: $5.3
rrtfgfon, plus $3.7 million in federal money. Staff: 161.
1977: Coutcl fent out of pplanning for Metrodome; separate
Metropolitan Sports Fadl'dies Commrsston created. Budget: $5.3
etr
millil , pits $6 million in federal money. Staff: 202.
1984: Failure to lead in transportation planning: Suburbs
complain about inadequate bus service, and Hennepin County
moves to build its own fight -rail system. Legislature creates
Regional Transit Board to replace council's Metropolitan Transit
Commission. Budget: $1.7 million, plus $16.9 million in federal
money. Sta .. 222.5
19915: Council succeeds in scaling back proposed Mall of America
in Bloonirgtori, prohibits use of landfills to bury garbage after
1980. Bucrt $122 million, plus $17.5 million in federal money.
Staff: 223.5.
1889: Council explores need for new airport Budget: $12.5
milbon, plus $24.6 million in federal money. Staff 215.
1991: Gov. Ame Carlson says council should change or be
disbanded. Council loses attempt in Legislature to control light-rail
plennIng. Budget (1990): $15.4 million, plus $25.7 million in
ffeeddeeraI money. Staff: 207.
smawc Cusu taataa. Un—pde Lap"" � Ot , a Pout toe —ts
W.W. try Cyl— wnw�
planning and environmental con-
sciousness displayed by the council.
'the next 10 years, from 1980 to
1990,1 would characterize as a lapse
into bureaucracy," he said, a time
when the council took too many
steps in too many directions.
"It wasn't w much that the coun-
cil didn't fulfill its legislated objec-
tives. Actually, it did. But it took on
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all of them rather than concentrat-
ing on a few priorities each year.
By 1985, the Citizens League, an
influential, non-partisan research
group based in Minneapolis, con-
cluded the council was "n danger of
sliding into irrelevance" because it
was being bypassed by state law-
makers and local officials who
clearly viewed the agency as an-
other level of bureaucracy.
Since than, the council has expe-
nenced few successes.
Atter having little initial input on
the scale of the Mall of America. a
gigantic shopping center and
amusement facility n the tony sub-
urb of Bloomington, it did manage
to influence its downsizing in 1985.
More recently, it has taken the
lead on planning for a second re-
gional airport, producing some of
the best studies on the proposal in
the last three years.
"The council has plenty of au-,
thority. The problem is that it has
been unwilling toexercise it over
the past 10 years," said Peter Van-
derpoel, the communications and
legislative director for the Citizens
League. Often "the Legislature has
done an end -run around the council.
But they have been filling a vacuum
rather than consciously pre-etnpting
the council "
Most observers believe the Met
Council already has taken some
positive steps to begin clarifying
its mission and to regain some of
its former status.
But the future will hinge on
whether the council can play a key
role on transportation.
Said Sen. Donald Frank, chair-
man of the Metropolitan Affairs
Commtttee and sponsor of failed
legislation to give the council con-
trol of light-rail planning. "If it
can't lead, it may just fade away. ' a
C+VI A 7 '91
)�A -s
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 7, 1991
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation E5
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS PICNIC
Skip McCombs and I have now met with the Canadian consulate, Bill Bonthron, to
discuss the Special Olympics picnic. Mr. Bonthron tells us that he expects
150 people from the Canadian group to attend the picnic, and they will supply
$1,000 or more in cash to fund the event. Planning is now underway for an
event between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 25, at Parkers Lake
Park.
Members from the Optimists, Rotary, Lions, Women of Today, Medicine Lake
Garden Club, church youth groups, citizens, etc., are all volunteering and
working toward hosting this event. It is the host committee's hope that all
members of the City Council would be available to help greet and host the
Canadian dignitaries.
As further information on the picnic develops, I will pass this on to you and
the Council.
EB%np
CIM JUN 7 '91
COUNCIL CALENDAR - JUNE 10 - 23
June 1991
June 10
-July-
June 17
9:00am **EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed)
6:302m PLYMOUTH FORUM
M
:` i�: RI Er C� UNC. -I MEETING
W
7:00pm **PLAN COMM. - New Commissioner
Trng7;.
S
S
June 11
rm9I)A�
��
June 18
LMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Rochester
6
7
8
7:00pm BOARD OF ZONING
10
11
12
June 12
VNE896Y
15
June 19
LMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Rochester
18
19
20
6:45pm PLAN. FORUM
22
23
24
7:00pm PLANNING COMMISSION
26
27
28
7:00pm **PRAC - New Commissioner Trng
30
31
June 13
'T IUASDAY
June 20
LMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Rochester
June 14
; ,
June 21
LMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Rochester
June 15
SATURDAY;
June 22
June 16
" ;SUNbAY
June 23
M T W T F S S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
*Revised Meeting/Event **New Meeting/Event
GIM JUN 711
6/7/1991
-July-
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
GIM JUN 711
6/7/1991
M •cq
COUNCIL CALENDAR - JUNE 24 - JULY 7
June -July 1991
June 24
6:30pm **COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
> Aa
a Y, July 1
7:30am **METRO COUNCIL BREAKFAST MTG -
Da s Inn, Br. Ctr.
,.,.,y
June 25
7:30am **METRO COUNCIL BREAKFAST MTG -T.
Wrights, Wayzata
MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH
July 2
June 261W.-EDNEWAY1July
7:00pm PLANNING COMMISSION
F
S
3
June 27
11RUASDAY:j
CITY OFFICES CLOSED
July 4
June 28
RIQAYI
July 5
June 29
SATU#
DAY
July 6
June 30<SIJN00.
10 11
12
July 7
*Revised Meeting/Event **New Meeting/Event
June
,.,.,y
M T
W
T
F
S
S
S
S
1
2
1
2
3 4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
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14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21
22
23
24 25
26
27
28
29
30
*Revised Meeting/Event **New Meeting/Event
VM JUN 7 '91
6/7/1991
,.,.,y
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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VM JUN 7 '91
6/7/1991
N-1
COUNCIL CALENDAR - JULY 8 - 21
July 1991
July 8
MONDAY
July 15
7:00pm **COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
7:00pm **COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
July 9dA
July 16
7:00pm BOARD OF ZONING
July 10A%NE
DA`s.
July 17
6:45pm PLAN. FORUM
**EMPLOyEE PICNIC - French Regional Park
7:00pm PLANNING COMMISSION
July 11
TfURsAY.
July 18
7:00pm PRAC
July 12
FRIU1f
July 19
July 13
86 UA
-6011
July 20
July 14
SUNdi�kY.
July 21
�--July
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
*Revised Meeting/Event **New Meeting/Event
r.yJ -
M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 am juN 7'91
mmmmmma
6/7/1991
�A_
COUNCIL CALENDAR - JULY 22 - AUG. 4
July -August 1991
July 22 -
NIRAI`
Juiy 1.y
6:30cm PLYMOUTH FORUM
7:00pm **COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
July 23
1.'1` `
July 30
July 24
WEDNF--
July 31
7:00pm PLANNING COMMISSION
July 25
0
August 1
6:30pm **SPECIAL OLYMPICS PICNIC -Parkers
Lake Park
July 26
1=1�11Y'' ` `
August 2
July 27
`8ATM
VAX I
August 3
July 28
August 4
-July
M T W T F S S
August
T W T F S S
M
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 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 2 0 25
�9
29 30 31
26 28 29 30 31
CiM Jvi�
*Revised Meeting/Event **New Meeting/Event 6/7/1991
1.
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CIM JUN
7 '91
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CIM JUN 7 '91
JAMES J. THOMSON
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337-9209
May 30, 1991
Mr. James Willis
City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
HOLMES & GRAVEN
CHARTERED
470 Pillsbury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
(612)337-9300
Re: Legislation Affecting Municipal Elections
Dear Jim:
You called and informed me that the governor had signed the bill
dealing with rescheduling municipal elections. You asked me for
an opinion as to the effect of the legislation on the ordinance
that was adopted by the City Council on December 17, 1990
changing the municipal election from odd to even years.
The new legislation states that an ordinance changing the year of
the municipal election is effective 240 days after its passage
and publication. Within 180 days after passage and publication
of the ordinance, a petition requesting a referendum on the
ordinance may be filed with the City Clerk. If the requisite
petition is filed, the ordinance cannot become effective unless
it is approved by the voters. The new legislation's effective
date is 180 days prior to the date on which the governor signed
the bill.
In my opinion, the recent legislation governs the ordinance that
was adopted by the City Council on December 17, 1990. The
petition that previously has been submitted complies with the
time requirements in the new law. Consequently, the City's
ordinance cannot become effective until it is approved by the
voters. The legislation states that any such election cannot be
held until at least 60 days after submission of the petition,
which in this case has already taken place. The legislation also
allows the City Council to reconsider its action in adopting the
ordinance.
CIM A 7 '91
Mr. James Willis
May 30, 1991
Page 2
I would be happy to answer any other questions that you or the
City Council might have on this subject.
Sincerely,
J m J. Thomson
JJT/amm
PL100-32A
CIM JUN 7 '91
V1
=—
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 3, 1991
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
ig
FROM: Laurie Rauenhorst,aty Clerk, through Frank Boyles,
Assistant City Maer
SUBJECT: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - ELECTION ITEMS
I attended a meeting on May 29 to obtain an update from the
Hennepin County Election Division on effects of 1991 legislation
relating to elections. Ann Higgins of the League of Minnesota
Cities (LMC) was also present at the meeting.
Attached is census information that Hennepin County provided to
each city for use in reprecincting. The list includes each of
the following by precinct: total population, minority population
and percentage, voting age population and percentage. The 1990
Plymouth census of 50,889, includes 37,007 persons of voting age.
We currently have about 33,500 registered voters in the City.
Plymouth will be required to amend its precinct boundaries
because local boundaries must follow legislative district
boundaries. We will not have to be concerned with a balance of
population or equal minority representation between precincts
because we do not have wards.
Hennepin County has received the census block data for the entire
County from the State Planning Agency and U.S. Census, and will
provide that information to any City requesting it at a
processing charge of $20-$50. The County will also provide
census block maps to assist in determining populations of new
precincts.
The Legislative Redistricting Plan was vetoed by the Governor.
The intent is to reconvene on January 6, 1992 to consider the
redistricting plan. Two court actions are already pending.
The following legislation was adopted and believed to have been
signed by the Governor":
CIM JUN 7 '91
Z-1
Memo - Election Legislation
June 3, 1991
Page 2
H.F. 635 - Redistricting Timeframes:
1) Public voter registration lists must now contain
each voter's date of birth. Previously this
information was private and could not be released
with other voter information.
2) Precinct caucus day will now be the first Tuesday
after the first Monday in March. Previously
caucus day was the fourth Tuesday in February.
3) Legislative redistricting is due no later than
March 24, 1992. Cities must complete
reprecincting within 60 days.
4) Should the Legislature not complete redistricting
by March 24, 1992, alternate dates for
reprecincting and notifying voters will be
established by the Secretary of State.
5) No municipality or school district can conduct a
special election within 19 weeks before the 1992
State Primary Election.
6) The adoption of reestablished precinct boundaries
will become effective on the date of the State
Primary Election in September, 1992.
7) City precinct boundaries may be established to
follow school district boundaries and not
necessarily follow physically definable features
as otherwise required by law when a City precinct
contains more than one school district.
8) Polling locations for a city or school district
shall be within the precinct boundary or within
3,000 feet. This was previously 1,500 feet.
H.F. 1698 - Omnibus Tax Bill:
1) Contains a provision for special levy authority on
the county level for the costs of redistricting.
$5 per voter was originally requested; $1 per
capita was approved. Counties are required to
refund $.25 per capita to cities over 30,000
population. Cities under 30,000 population get
nothing. This will amount to about $12,700 paid
to the City of Plymouth from Hennepin County in
1992, and will help offset the costs for
GIM JA 7'91
=—i
Memo - Election Legislation
June 3, 1991
Page 3
notification of voters of new voting
districts.
H.F. 137 - Candidate Withdrawal:
This was added in response to the 1990 governor
candidate withdrawal less than a week before the
general election. Provides that a candidate can
withdraw up to 16 days before the General
Election. If a candidate withdraws before the 16
days, all ballots must be reprinted and machines
reprogrammed. If there is an emergency withdrawal
within the 16 days, i.e. death of a candidate,
supplemental paper ballots can be used.
H.F. 326 - Time off to Vote:
Allows employees the
vote in the morning
without reduction in
allowed only for the
H.F. 398 - Election Judges:
right to have time off to
of the Primary Election
salary. This was previously
General Election.
1) High school students, 16 years of age or older,
enrolled in a government course, may serve as
trainee election judges with the permission of
their parent and school principal. They must
attend election judge training and must be
paid not less than 2/3 of the minimum wage.
They cannot work later than 10:00 p.m.
This program has been a huge success in the State
of Hawaii and was adopted in an effort to attract
more election judges.
2) An individual, after giving 20 days written notice
to their employer, can be absent from employment
without penalty to serve as an election judge.
The employer may reduce their wage by the amount
they are paid to serve as an election judge for
the time the employee was absent, similar to jury
duty.
This was adopted in an effort to attract more
election judges.
Clef A 7'91
=r 1
Memo - Election Legislation
June 3, 1991
Page 4
H.F. 478 - Secretary of State's Housekeeping Bill:
1) Amends the previous law which required that each
applicant for a deer hunting license be provided
with a voter registration card and absentee ballot
application. Now they will only be asked if they
want to apply for an absentee ballot.
This program was tested during 1990. Counties and
cities paid for the 58,000 registration cards that
were given to deer hunters; only 68 of those
were returned. A waste of money!
2) Expands the forms of allowable identification to
register on election day to include a list of
students from post secondary institutions if a
student I.D. card is shown.
3) The list of registered voters may only be made
available to certain public officials for
specific reasons: jury selection, election
officials, public law enforcement officials in
response to investigation.
This was tightening to deny access of voter
records to private security firms and collection
agencies who previously contended they were law
enforcement officials or conducting
investigations.
4) The address of a battered woman may be withheld
from the voter registration records upon request.
5) A list of deceased Minnesota residents, 18 years
and older, will be provided each month to the
Secretary of State by the State Commissioner of
Health in order to purge the voter registration
records.
6) The County Board may authorize any person to vote
by absentee ballot without a reason between August
31, 1991, and November 30, 1992. The Secretary of
State will report to the legislature on this
program by January 15, 1993.
If this program is successful, Minnesota may go
the way of California and allow absentee balloting
for any person upon request without a reason for
absence from the polls.
CIM JUN 7 '91
=-I
Memo - Election Legislation
June 3, 1991
Page 5
7) Absentee ballot applications may now be submitted
by fax.
8) Public facilities including parking shall be made
available for city, county, and school district
elections subject to approval of the local
election official. The space provided shall
be of sufficient size and separated from other
activities within the building.
9) If a school district conducts an election on the
same day of a municipal election, the City has the
authority to determine the equipment and voting
method to be used.
10) If a school district "piggybacks" on a municipal
election, the district must share in the cost of
equipment, supplies, election judges, election
administrators and technicians, transportation,
notices, postage, and absentee voting costs.
Previously school districts could hold an election
on the same day as a city, and the only cost they
would assume would be the printing of their
ballots. The city would pay all other costs.
11) The order of candidates and questions on the ballot
has been amended to the following: Federal
offices, State offices, Constitutional
Amendment questions, County offices, City offices,
School District offices, District Court Judges.
City and school district offices were previously
listed last on the ballot. This was adopted due
to the number of district court judges on the 1990
General Election ballot. Those cities with a 1990
election complained that their city offices and
questions followed the list of 40+ judges and many
voters discontinued voting before they got to the
local candidates and issues.
12) Referendum requirement for cities changing election
years. This item was previously covered in your
memo to the City Council.
S.F. 1178 - Events on Election Day:
1) No school sponsored events may be held in a school
located in a jurisdiction holding an election
between the hours of 6-8 p.m. on election day.
CIM IN 7'91
=-1
Memo - Election Legislation
June 3, 1991
Page 6
2) Allows school children to come into the polling
places on election day.
The City of Minneapolis pushed this portion of the
bill in order that school children can go to the
polls on election day and "vote". They would have
separate ballots, voting lines, voting booths, and
ballot boxes but would be in the same poll area as
other voters.
This would create significant problems in our
polling locations if the schools decide to conduct
a similar program in Plymouth. Perhaps the
Plymouth schools will continue conducting
their "election" in their schools.
The bill to conduct the Presidential Primary, April 7, 1992, by
mail ballot failed due to cost considerations. The anticipated
cost of mail balloting at the state level was $3 million. It was
somewhat higher at the county level for this single election. No
funding was provided by the State for the Presidential Primary.
The costs will be entirely paid by the City and County.
Ann Higgins, LMC, stated that several cities have contacted the
League asking whether the requirement that voters designate a
party before they are allowed to vote in the Presidential Primary
is unconstitutional. Eligibility to vote requirements are
contained in the Minnesota Constitution, and when the voting age
was changed from 21 to 18, a constitutional amendment was
required. Now, the legislature has determined that indivl;�:xals
must designate a party (IR or DFL) or they will not be allowed to
vote in the Presidential Primary. Court cases may be brought on
constitutional grounds.
QM JUN 7'91
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S-3
HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
RIDGEDALE DRIVE AT PLYMOUTH ROAD
HENNEPIN 12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343-5648
LFU (612) 541-8530
June 6, 1991
Jim Willis
Plymouth City Manager
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear illis;
JUM 7 199' a
U.
As requested by Council members Helliwell and Ricker at the May 23, 1991, Hennepin
County Library Board Meeting, enclosed you will find a Plymouth Community Library
Project Development Schedule prepared by James Taplin, Hennepin County Property
Management. If you have any questions related to the schedule prior to the June 19,
1991 hearing, you may contact Mr. Taplin at 348-3189.
Sincerely,
/z r
Robert H. Rohlf,
Director
Enc.
HENNEPIN COUNTY
an equal opportunity employer CIM JUN 7 '9
DATE: June 4, 1991
TO: Robert Rohlf, Director, Hennepin County
Libraries
FROM: James Taplin, Property Management
SUBJECT: Plymouth Community Library
=-3
Per your request, I enclose a Plymouth Community Library Project Development
Schedule for your review and use in land negotiations with the City of
Plymouth.
The Schedule is iritially dependent upon the successful selection of a design
consultant and execution of the contract with the consultant within the five
month period indicated.
Acquisition of the site should be complete by November 1991 to allow site
exploration studies prerequisite to beginning the design process.
The Schematic Design period of three months assumes library programming
complete and available to the consultant at the outset.
Due to the scheduled winter start of construction, the construction contract
period may extend into spring 1994 to complete site development especially
lawns and landscaping.
JT:mb
Enclosure: Schedule
c: Gerald Weiszhaar
William L. Schroeder
ftNEPINCowryLl,
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pUN 7 '�
MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
701 Decatur Avenue North, Suite 105
Minneapolis, MN 55427
(612)542-1427
Dear City Manager:
=•s
June 5, 1991,":
6 a
Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin County, the outreach arm of the University of
Minnesota in your county, has been engaged in a yard waste management education program
for about two years. In the past we have sent information about our program resources to your
Recycling Coordinator one or two times a year and have had occasional phone contact. Many
cities in the county have used our materials in one form or another to provide information to
their residents or as a guide when setting policy about composting. We expect that composting
and yard waste management will continue to be a part of our activities and a concern to
municipalities for some time to come.
We have also noticed increasing interest in environmentally responsible methods of caring
for the home landscape. Environmental horticulture, urban forestry, integrated pest
management, reduced chemical input, and pollution prevention are all issues closely associated
with yard waste management. It is our hope that our existing program and the resources and
friendships we have developed can be expanded to begin dealing with these important issues,
especially as they apply to the home owner. There is such a broad range of information, of
varying accuracy, available on these topics that it is often difficult for home owners and policy
makers to know what to believe. It would be our goal to provide a balanced, research -based
approach to these subjects. We would expect to produce a number of fact sheets, classes and
other materials to deliver our message.
As City Manager you have familiarity with the officials and organizations that would be
interested in this kind of program in your community. Please help us make them aware that our
resources are available to them for public education about environmental horticulture as well as
an on-going effort for yard waste management.
Sincer ly,
JP: mr
Enclosures
Jack Porter, Coordinator
Yard Waste Education
University of Minnesota, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Hennepin County Cooperating
CW1 JUN 7 '91
�-s
AG -FS -3899-A MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
Reviewed 1990 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
Backyard Composting
Deborah Brown and Carl Rosen COMPLIMENTARY
New laws that limit dumping leaves and
clippings into public landfills have reawak-
ened public interest in composting.
Composting is a process that allows
naturally occurring microbes to convert yard
waste, such as leaves and grass clippings,
to a useful organic soil amendment or
mulch. Gardeners have used compost for
centuries to improve the physical condition
of soil and to add some of the nutrients
needed for plant growth. Incorporating
compost into light, sandy soil helps it hold
both moisture and nutrients, while adding it
to heavy soil improves drainage.
To produce compost efficiently from yard
waste several conditions must be met. The
micro-organisms responsible for decompo-
sition need oxygen, water, and nitrogen.
Particle size also affects efficiency. The
smaller the plant pieces, the more rapidly
they will break down. Use a shredder or
power mower to chop up leaves and small
twigs before adding them to the pile.
* Composting Structures. To save space,
keep your yard looking neat, and speed
composting time, plan to contain your com-
post in some type of structure. Typical
dimensions of a compost pile are 5'x 5'x 5'.
Simple bin type structures can be built from
woven wire fencing and metal posts. More
permanent and elaborate structures can be
made from rot -resistant wood, wire, and
metal posts.
For a more detailed discussion of com-
posting yard wastes, see Composting and
Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic
Yard Wastes, AG -FO -3296, for sale at
your local County Extension Office, or from
the University of Minnesota's Extension
Service Distribution Center, 3 Coffey Hall,
1420 Eckles Ave., University of Minnesota,
St. Paul, MN 55108.
* Locating Your Compost Pile. Locate
your compost pile close to where it will be
used so it won't interfere with activities in
the yard or offend neighbors. The pile will
work best where it is somewhat protected
from drying winds, yet receives partial
sunlight to help heat it.
* What Can be Composted? Many or-
ganic materials can be composted besides
grass and leaves: non -woody shrub trim-
mings or twigs less than 1/4 inch in diame-
ter, faded flowers, weeds, left -over plants
at the end of the gardening season, lake
plants, straw, coffee grounds, eggshells,
fruit and vegetable scraps, shredded
newspaper (black and white print), small
amounts of wood ash, and sawdust. Saw-
dust requires the addition of extra nitrogen;
wood ash raises compost alkalinity and
may result in nitrogen loss from the pile.
There should be little need to compost
grass, since clippings may be safely left on
the lawn if you mow regularly and remove
only 1/3 of the blade length each time. If
you do compost grass, mix it with other
yard waste. Grass clippings, alone, pack
down and restrict air flow which limits the
W JUN 7'91
availability of oxygen that is needed for
decomposition.
Some things should NOT be com-
posted. Pet feces can transmit diseases.
Meat, bones, grease, whole eggs, and
dairy products attract rodents and other
animals. Badly diseased or insect -infested
plants and weeds that are loaded with seed
may not heat up enough to be rendered
harmless.
* Preparing Your Compost Pile. Build
your compost pile in layers. Begin with
eight to ten inches of leaves, grass, or plant
trimmings. Water it to the point of being
moist, but not soggy. Then add a nitrogen
source, such as ammonium nitrate, ammo-
nium sulfate, or an inexpensive high nitro-
gen lawn fertilizer without herbicide.
Sprinkle the pile with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of
fertilizer per 25 square feet of surface area
(a 5'x 5' bin). If you live in a rural area and
have access to livestock manure, you can
use a two inch layer of manure as your
nitrogen source.
You may choose to add a one inch layer
of soil or completed compost over the
nitrogen to increase the number of decom-
posing microbes in the pile. However, most
leaves and plant scraps have enough
micro-organisms to get the job done with-
out the addition of soil or compost.
Repeat these layers until the pile
reaches a height of five feet, watering each
time you add new layers.
* Liming. It is normally not necessary to
add lime to your compost pile to improve
the breakdown of most yard wastes. Fin-
ished compost is usually slightly alkaline; if
you add lime during the decomposition
process, it will probably be too alkaline
when completed. If your pile contains large
amounts of acidic materials such as pine
needles or fruit wastes, you might add lime,
but no more than one cup per 25 cubic feet
of material. Excessive lime application can
�ft s
lead to loss of nitrogen from the compost
pile.
* Maintaining Your Compost Pile. An
active compost pile will heat to somewhere
between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the center cools, turn the pile to help
speed decomposition and minimize any
objectionable odors. You will need to do
this once or twice a month. Continue to
water your compost pile periodically to keep
it moist but not soggy. You can add a little
fresh material when you turn the pile, but
generally, you're better off beginning a new
pile.
A well-managed compost pile will be
ready in two to four months in the warm
season, whereas an untended pile will take
a year or more to decompose. When com-
pleted, your compost pile will be about half
its original height, and will have a pleasant,
earthy smell.
There are many structures for composting; no one
structure is best. For a more thorough description of
different structures, refer to The Complete Book of
Composting by J.I. Rodale, Rodale Books, Inc. It should
be available at many public libraries.
Deborah Brown is an extension horticulturist --environ-
mental horticulture. Carl Rosen is an extension soil
scientist --fertility.
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agricul-
ture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Patrick J.
Borich, Dean and Director of Minnesota Extension Service,
University of Minnesota, St..Paul, Minnesota 55108. The Uni-
versity of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Serv-
ice, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal
access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard
to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age,
veteran status, or sexual orientation.
04 JUN 7 '91
i,i
. make i second nature!
=- G"
MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
Some Common Questions
About Backyard Composting
Robert J. Mugaas
* What is really meant by the process of composting?
Composting is a microbial process that converts plant materials such as grass clippings and leaves
to a more usable organic soil amendment or mulch. Gardeners have used compost for centuries to
increase soil organic matter, improve soil physical properties, and supply some of the essential
nutrients for plant growth.
* What kinds of materials can be composted?
Yard residues and other organic materials are suitable for composting. This includes leaves, grass
clippings, straw and hay, sawdust and non- woody plant trimmings. While grass clippings can be
composted, they are more beneficial if left on the lawn. If clippings are composted, they should be
mixed with other yard wastes and/or soil to aid decomposition and reduce any odors.
* What kinds of organic materials should not be put into the compost pile?
Because of the possibility of certain disease transmission, human, dog, and cat feces should not be
placed in compost piles. Also, meat scraps, bones, grease, whole eggs, and dairy products should not
be added to compost piles as they can attract rodents. Without a food source available in the compost
material, rodents will not be attracted to these areas. Diseased plant material or weeds which have
gone to seed may be undesirable in the compost pile. If temperatures in the pile do not go high
enough, (150 to 160 degrees F.) neither the seeds or the disease organisms will be destroyed. If these
materials are composted, the end product may be better used in another area of the yard rather than in
the garden where they were generated.
* Can wood ashes from the fireplace be used in the compost pile?
Wood ashes act as a lime source and if used should only be added in small amounts (no more than
1 cup per bushel of compost). As with adding regular lime, excessive amounts of wood ashes will result
in loss of nitrogen from the pile.
* If my lawn has been treated with herbicides, can I still use the clippings in my compost pile?
The answer to this question is maybe rather than yes or no. Research is being conducted to better
evaluate fate of pesticide products once applied to turf areas. For now, if herbicides (weed killers)
have been applied, it is probably better to leave the clippings on the lawn for 2 or 3 mowings after the
application. If some treated grass clippings are mixed into a compost pile, the degradation of these
products in a properly maintained compost pile should be at least as fast as that in soil. Faster
degradation in an active compost pile is due to the more favorable conditions for decomposition of
organic products including herbicides. Cllr JUN 7 '91
Printed on recycled paper with funds provided by the Hennepin County Board.
* How can I avoid problems with unpleasant odors from the compost pile?
Odors may arise either from the addition of excessive amounts of wet plant materials like fruits or
grass clippings, from overwatering the pile or by not turning an actively decomposing pile periodically.
A properly prepared and adequately turned compost heap will generate little if any objectionable
odor. Also, keeping the compost damp but not waterlogged will go a long way toward preventing
unpleasant odors. Adding lime does not necessarily reduce odors and may result in the loss of nitrogen
from the pile.
* How long does it take to reach a finished product?
Generally, a well managed compost pile with shredded materials under warm conditions will be
ready in about 2-4 months. A pile or bin left unattended and material not shredded may take a year or
longer to decompose. Piles prepared in the late fall will not be very well decomposed by the spring.
When the compost is finished, the pile will be about half its original size and have a pleasant earthy
smell.
* Of what value or use is the finished compost product?
Compost is used as an organic amendment to improve physical, chemical and biological properties
of soils. For example, adding compost will increase the moisture holding ability of sandy soils and
improve the drainage and aeration of heavy clay soils. It will increase the ability of the soil to hold and
release essential plant nutrients especially in sandy soils. The activity of earthworms and soil
microorganisms beneficial to plant growth will be promoted with compost additions. Over time, yearly
additions of compost will create desirable soil structure making the soil easier to work.
* What is meant by Carbon to Nitrogen ratios?
When combining any organic materials to make compost, the concept of carbon to nitrogen (C:N)
ratio is critical. The micro-organisms in compost use carbon for an energy source, and nitrogen for
making proteins. The proportion of these two elements used by the micro-organisms averages about
30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen. Given a steady diet at this 30:1 ratio they can work on organic
material very quickly. The larger the number the greater the amount of carbon in proportion to
nitrogen and the slower the decomposing process. Sawdust has a very high C:N ratio and decomposes
fairly slowly unless some additional nitrogen is supplied. Grass clippings have a relatively low C:N ratio
and decompose relatively quickly. Providing a mixture of high and low C:N materials usually results in
better or faster decomposition than too much of either material.
For further information or questions about composting, contact your local county extension service.
About the Author
Robert J. Mugaas, County Extension Agent -Horticulture
Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin County
Information in this fact sheet reviewed by Carl J. Rosen, Extension Soil Scientist, Minnesota
Extension Service and Donald B. White, Professor, Turfgrass Science, University of Minnesota.
GM .JUN 7 '° i
7be University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal sees to its
Programs, facilities, and emp{oymeat without regard to ace, rdil;ion, color, sot, national origin, handicap, ate, veteran status or sexual orientation.
--v—'
MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
L'1i\'_RSi7OF NII',NESOTA
AGRICLLTLRE
Structures for Backyard Composting
Jack Porter and Robert J. Mugaas
Why a Structure?
Un -enclosed compost piles are usually not
permitted in an urban setting since these kinds of piles
tend to spread out and become unsightly. Enclosing
your compost pile in a structure helps keep materials
from being blown around. It also encourages faster
and more thorough composting because the outer
portion of the pile acts as an insulator which allows
higher temperatures to be reached and maintained near
the center.
The style of structure that is right for you depends
on how much space and compostable material you
have available. There are many types of manufactured
structures available through garden centers or mail-
order catalogs, or you can build one yourself.
The objective is to hold your compostable
materials in a cylindrical or cubical mass that is
�-- . - s• oi•m•t•r --
I
A simple structure can be made from
wire fencing or snow fence.
Multiply the diameter you want by
3.14 to determine the length of fence
needed. Fasten with wire or 3 or 4
chain clips. When you need to turn
the pile, peel the fence away and set
it up nearby. Turn the compost into
the structure in its new location.
about 3' to 5' in each direction. Smaller sizes tend to
not develop enough heat, and larger sizes often do not
allow adequate penetration of air and water. There
should be openings to allow for the addition of water
or removing finished compost. The structure can be
built from cement blocks, brick, wood or other
materials. Wood should be rot resistant such as
redwood or cedar or pressure treated with a wood
preservative. Timbers treated with creosote or
pentachlorophenol should be avoided.
Several types of compost structures are shown
below and on the back of this sheet. For more
complete information on composting techniques, see
Extension Bulletin AG -FO -3296 "Composting and
Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard
Wastes" which is available for $2.00 or other
literature which may be obtained from the Minnesota
Extension Service in your county.
Compost bins can be made from
cement blocks or bricks. Lay them
without mortar, leaving spaces
between blocks to permit aeration.
Build a three -sided, square, or three -
bin unit. The potential instability of
loosely stacked blocks or brick may
make this choice inappropriate if
located near areas where children
play.
o• 0 0 0 0°•
A barrel composter can be built from
a 55 gallon drum. Drill 6-9 rows of
1/2" holes over the length of the
barrel to let air circulate. Fill 3/4
full of material. Every few days lay
it down and roll it over a few times
to mix. Use a barrel that has not
been used for toxic substances.
cim JUN 7 '91
Portable Wood and Wire Composting Bin
3-
=:-c
F-PAEDUAr TRENTED
This unit is very flexible. It works well in small spaces as
a holding unit for yard wastes or as a portable turning unit
for kitchen and yard wastes. The unit can be easily moved
to turn piles or build a new one: Simply undo the latches,
pull the sides apart and move it.
A very efficient and durable structure for fast composting is a three -chambered bin. It holds a considerable amount of compost,
and allows good air circulation. The three -chambered bin works on an assembly line idea, having three batches of compost in
varying stages of decomposition. The compost material is started in the first bin and allowed to heat up for three to five weeks.
Next, it is turned into the middle bin for another 4-7 weeks, while a new batch of material is started in the first bin. Finally, the
material in the middle bin is turned into the last bin as finished or nearly finished compost.
About the Authors
Jack Porter, Education Coordinator - Yard Waste Management
Robert J. Mugaas, County Extension Agent - Horticulture
Minnesota Extension Service - Hennepin County
Illustrations taken from Minnesota Extension Service publication AG -FO -3296 "Composting and Mulching: A Guide to Managing
Organic Yard Wastes,' Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources publication 'How to Make Compost,' and publications of
the Seattle ?filth Association. CW' JUN 7 '91
The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal
access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran
status or sexual orientation.
Reduce,Reuse,Recyde.
�' " • / . 1
=-s
MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
UN1vERsiTYOF MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
12 Important Soil and Garden Benefits
from the Use of Compost and Mulches
Derived from Organic Yard Residues
Robert J. Mugaas
Compost as a Soil Amendment:
1. Over time, yearly additions of 1 to 3 inches of well decomposed compost incorporated into the
top 6 to 8 inches of the garden soil will create desirable sod structure, making the soil much
easier to work.
2. Adding compost will increase the moisture holding capacity of sandy sods, thereby reducing
possible drought damage to plants grown in these sods.
3. Compost added to heavy clay sods will improve drainage and aeration, thereby reducing
potential waterlogging damage to plants.
4. Compost will increase the ability of the sod to hold and release essential nutrients.
5. The activity of earthworms and sod microorganisms beneficial to plant growth will be
promoted with compost additions to the sod. ,
6. Adding compost will often improve seedling emergence and water infiltration due to a
reduction in the soil surface crusting.
Compost as a Mulch Applied and Maintained at a Depth of 3 to 6 Inches:
7. Mulches can be used in the garden to suppress weeds by blocking out light to the soil surface
where weed seeds normally germinate.
8. Mulches help reduce soil erosion by protecting the surface from wind and the impact of rain
falling on the sod.
9. Sod temperatures are modified through the use of mulches by keeping the sod cooler in the
summer and potentially warmer during the winter.
10. One of the biggest benefits of mulches is to significantly slow down the evaporation of
moisture from the soil surface. This can be a most important function during dry periods
of the year.
11. The soil environment beneath the mulch is favorable for promoting earthworm and other
microbial activity which in tum helps improve sod, air, and water penetration
characteristics.
12. In the long run, mulches eventually rot away and, as a result, add valuable organic matter to
the sod. During the summer, compost may have to be added over the original compost
mulch layer to maintain the benefits of the mulch.
For further information or questions about composting; contact your local county extension service.
About the Author
Robert J. Mugaas, County Extension Agent -Horticulture
Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin County
Information in this fact sheet reviewed by Carl J. Rosen, Extension Sod Scientist, Minnesota
Extension Service, University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Fsteasion Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap• age, veteran status or sexual orientation.
CIM JUN 7 '91
Printed on recycled paper with funds provided by the Hennepin County Board.
s -s
OW' • ' • • • MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
...make it second nature UlNivmstTY of MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
Ten Common Questions
Often Raised Regarding Grass Clippings
Robert J. Mugaas
1. Why is the public being asked to not dispose of grass clippings as part of their normal household
waste?
During summer months, up to 20-30 percent of residential wastes can consist of grass clippings. Not only does this
greatly increase the cost of waste disposal, but also packs landfills with valuable organic materials that are 100 percent
recyclable. As of January 1, 1990 it is illegal to dispose of lawn clippings with household waste destined for landfills in the
Twin Cities metro area. This same restriction will affect the rest of the state after January 1, 1992.
2. What benefit do grass clippings provide if left on the lawn?
Grass clippings are primarily grass leaves that have been cut off by mowing. While commonly referred to as 'yard
waste," clippings provide two significant benefits when left on the lawn: they shade the soil surface thus helping to reduce
moisture loss due to evaporation; decomposing grass blades are a valuable source of plant nutrients such as nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium. If evenly distributed, clippings left on the lawn can be equivalent to about 1 fertilizer application
per year.
3. Don't grass clippings contribute to excessive thatch build-up?
Thatch is a layer of undecomposed or partially decomposed organic matter that builds up between the soil surface and
the actively growing green vegetation. A thatch layer will develop if organic matter is produced faster than it is decomposed
by micro-organisms. However, grass clippings decompose rapidly and contribute very little to thatch accumulation.
4. How do mowing practices affect the need to collect clippings?
Regular mowing with a sharp mower is essential for reducing the need to collect clippings. It is important to mow often
enough so that no more than one-third (about 1 inch) of the vertical grass might is removed with each cutting. Leaving
clippings on the lawn will usually mean having to mow more than once per week during the few weeks of rapid growth during
the spring and early summer. Mowing more frequently is not as much work as it may appear, because lawns mowed at the
proper height cut much more easily and quickly. Mowing infrequently damages the lawn by removing too much of the plant
at one time. When mowed regularly, clippings filter down into the grass, decompose rapidly and recycle nutrients back into
the lawn.
S. Can the mower's bagging attachment simply be removed so that clippings are no longer collected?
BE CAREFUL ABOUT REMOVING ANY BAGGING ATTACHMENT TO ANY MOWER Because many
rotary -type mowers have bagging attachments that affect mower safety, it is essential to understand manufacturer guidelines
before considering removal of the bagger attachment. Consult your owner's manual or an authorized dealership for your
mower about safety precautions related to removing the bagging attachment. In addition, some manufacturers have adapter
or converter Idts which can be purchased to make the change from a bagging mower to a non -bagging type. Remember,
NEVER assume your mower is still safe to operate after removing the bagging attachment! Check it out with your owner's
manual or dealer.'
Printed on recycled paper with funds provided by the Hennepin County Board.
6. Are mulching mowers any more effective than regular mower types?
T•�
A'recyclee or 'mulching' mower is a rotary mover that cuts clippings into small pieces and redistributes them
uniformly back into the lawn for decomposition. Removing only one-third (about 1 inch) of the vertical green growth is
particularly important when using these types of mowers. Some of the newer'recycler' mower models expected in 1990 do a
more consistent job of depositing grass blades back into the lawn surface.
7. How does lawn fertilizing affect clipping production?
Late summer and fall are the most important times to fertilize lawns and can reduce the need for nitrogen in the spring.
Early spring fertilization, especially with high rates of nitrogen, results in a flush of green vigorous growth. This may
necessitate collecting clippings until growth slows if mowing cannot keep up with the growth rate. Nitrogen fertilizer
products containing slowly available nitrogen will provide a more moderate, uniform grass growth rate. (Examples include
sulfur coated urea, urea formaldehyde, IBDU, or natural organic fertilizers.)
8. If clippings are collected, can they be used for garden mulches or in a compost pile?
Yes. When used as a mulch, care should be taken not to over apply fresh clippings (1-2 inches thick is sufficient).
Greater thicknesses can inhibit moisture and oxygen penetration into the soil, and may produce offensive odors. Mulching
thickness can be increased by mixing in a 1:1 ratio fresh grass clippings with compost, dry leaves or some wood chips.
Fresh clippings can also be used in the compost pile The additional nitrogen supplied by grass clippings will help
speed-up the microbial decomposition process. However, large inputs of fresh clippings all at one time can create odor
problems. These temporary odors can be significantly reduced by mixing the clippings with compost, dry leaves or wood
chips in a 1:1 ratio prior to composting.
9. If my lawn has been treated with herbicides, can it still be used as a mulch or in the compost pile?
The answer to this question is maybe rather than yes or no. Research is being conducted to better evaluate fate of
pesticide products once applied to turf areas. For now, if herbicides (weed killers) have been applied, it is probably better to
leave the clippings on the lawn for 2 or 3 moorings after the application. If some treated grass clippings are mixed into a
compost pile, the degradation of these products in a properly maintained compost pile should be at least as fast as that in soil.
Faster degradation in an active compost pile is due to the more favorable conditions for decomposition of organic products
including herbicides.
10. Are there any situations where I should collect the clippings from my lawn?
Whilc leaving clippings on the lawn is recommended whenever possible, there are a few instances when it may not be
desirable-
• Where the lawn is heavily diseased, removing clippings can decrease the population level of disease
organisms. They can still be used for compost
• If the lawn must be mowed when wet, clippings will mat together and may not be evenly distributed.
The lawn may be damaged under clumps of clippings,.
• If the grass has become too tall so that clippings clump up and are not distributed evenly.
• If your mower is unsafe to operate without a bagging attachment
For further information or questions about composting comact your local county extension service.
About the Author
Robert J. Mugaas, County Extension Agent -Horticulture
Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin County
Information in this fact sheet reviewed by Carl I Rosen, Extension Soil Scientist, ]Minnesota Extension Service and
Donald B. White, Professor, Turfgrass Science, University of Minnesota.
aIM JUN 7'91
Mw University of Tr m nota, indulin( the Vmmwu Emewke seevim, is committee to tee potiq that all pasmt *W here e W aeoeaa to B.
pevpwn, f c itis, and employment withoat reprd to race, mUgi q t olor, sate ttatimaaciiia, haodimp, age, veteran mattta crscmW oric=tioa.
Reduce,Reuse,Recycle.
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MWNEsoru F.xrE[ MK SBMa
UMMUSM OF MwrMM
AGRXVUn
Disposal Options for Spring Yard Clean -Up
Jack Porter and Robert J. Mugaas
Spring yard clean-up is a familiar and
necessary task. Leftover leaves, garden
debris, winter mulches, storm -damaged
branches and other material can amount to
a substantial pile that can no longer be sent
to the solid waste landfill. Fortunately,
there are ways to use most of these wastes
right in the yard. Composting and
mulching are methods for reusing organic
matter that should be considered as
disposal options. Do different materials
work better with one method or the other?
There is no single correct answer. Here
are some suggestions.
Lawn raking should be done after the
ground has thawed and is no longer soft
and spongy underfoot. To minimize
uprooting of grass plants, wait until
after the lawn has had a chance to dry out
slightly. Lawn rakings can be used as a
mulch, dug into flower or garden areas, or
composted.
Leaves on planting beds should be
removed as the soil starts to thaw and they
can be easily raked off. A layer of leaves
can be put around the base of shrubs,
trees, perennials, or vegetables to help
retain moisture and keep soil temperatures
lower during hot weather. If trees had
leafspot diseases last spring or summer
(e.g. apple scab on fruit trees or
anthracnose on oak, ash, or maple), do not
reuse the leaves under similar trees as they
may serve as a source of reinfection.
Those leaves should be thoroughly
composted before using.
Don't be too eager to remove winter
mulches.. Take them off gradually as
temperatures moderate and signs of new
growth begin to appear. Sudden drops in
temperature are common in early spring
and can damage tender plant parts. At
least some of the partially decomposed
mulch can be dug into planting beds. The
rest may be composted or used for areas
needing a summer mulch.
Garden debris from healthy plants can
be worked back into the soil. Thick or
woody pieces should be chopped or
shredded first. Debris from most diseased
or insect -infested plants can be composted
in an actively managed pile, that is, a
compost pile where all the materials are
eventually exposed to high interior pile
temperatures (112° F. - 150° F.). If
unable to maintain a "hot" pile, consider
other approved means of disposal for these
materials.
Printed on recycled paper with funds provided by the Hennepin County Board. GIM JUN 7 * !
Z9
AG -FS -5570-A MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
1990
Options for Disposing of Leaves
Jack Porter, Robert J. Mugaas, Thomas R. Halbach
Fall clean-up usually means having to deal
with an abundance of leaves. State law now bans
this material from landfills and burning facilities
in the seven county Twin Cities metro area. The
options still available to homeowners include off-
site disposal, or use of leaves in the home
landscape.
For off-site disposal you can:
* have them hauled away for a fee by your
private refuse hauler.
* have them hauled away by a community
pick-up program (if available).
* dispose of them at a community
composting or drop-off site (if available).
* dispose of them at a commercial yard
waste processing site in your area.
For information on community programs or
sites, contact the Recycling Coordinator in your
city. Contact your refuse hauler for their policies
and rates, and check the Yellow Pages or your
city office for the names of commercial yard
waste processors near you. Shredding leaves can
reduce volume by 50% or more and may result in
reduced disposal costs.
For use of leaves at home you can:
* spread them as a mulch around trees,
shrubs, and in planting beds.
* add them to your compost pile.
* leave some of them where they fall.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
Leaves make an excellent mulch for use at the
base of trees and shrubs, cr in flower and
vegetable gardens. They can help retard the
growth of weeds, help retain soil moisture, help
maintain lower soil temperatures in the summer,
and protect against temperature fluctuations and
some types of low temperature injury during
winter. They eventually decompose, adding their
nutritive value to the soil and improving soil
structure.
Leaves make a good addition to your compost
pile. Shredding is not required, but it may speed
their rate of decomposition. Leaves are difficult
to compost alone and will require extra nitrogen
in the form of a commercial fertilizer (no weed `n
feed products), or materials high in nitrogen such
as grass clippings. If you have room, you can
save leaves to mix with green materials next
summer. As a general rule, grass clippings
should be left on the lawn, but for those times
when you need to collect clippings, it is useful to
have leaves to mix with the grass for better
composting results. For more detailed
information on composting, see Extension
publication AG -FO -3296, "Composting and
Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard
Wastes."
If you plan to allow leaves to remain on the
lawn, it must be done very cautiously and should
be confined to lawns with only a light covering of
leaves. Shredding is recommended; several
passes using a mower with a leaf shredding
attachment may improve your chances for
success. Even when shredded, it does not take a
very heavy layer of leaves to smother the grass,
causing partial die -back, or making it more
susceptible to diseases. For most people it will
be necessary to remove at least some of the fallen
leaves from the lawn.
t;W, ,SUN 7'91
Leaves from trees with leaf diseases such as
apple scab, fireblight, anthracnose, or leaf spot
should be removed or destroyed to prevent over-
wintering of the disease organisms in the debris
and possible re -infection of new leaves next year.
Oak leaves decompose more slowly than other
types of leaves and it is best to use them for
mulch or compost. In fact, their slower rate of
decomposition may make them well suited for use
as mulch.
The decision to shred or not shred leaves for
composting or mulching is a matter of personal
preference and is related to the homeowners'
willingness to spend money for the purchase or
rental of appropriate equipment. The ability and
willingness to perform physical labor and to
accept the potential physical risks may also be a
factor in this decision. It is best in some cases to
hire a landscape maintenance company to do your
shredding.
You can shred leaves by running them through
a shredder/chipper. This equipment is relatively
expensive to purchase (several hundred dollars),
and you should be sure to buy a machine that is
large enough to handle your volume of leaves.
Many of the smaller, less expensive machines
L__--497
Leave
--
require much more time to handle a large volume
of material. Even some of the larger machines
will become clogged if the leaves are wet, so it is
better to only shred leaves when they are dry.
Always use proper safety equipment and
practices. (See Extension publication NR -FS -
3949, "Home Yard Waste Chippers/Shredders:
Safety Is Important!")
Another shredding option which may be less
effective, but is more readily available to
homeowners is using a lawn mower to chop
leaves. Most unmodified rotary mowers will at
least partially shred leaves. Use of a mulching
blade may improve results. Special leaf
shredding attachments are available for some
major brands of mowers and cost from $20 - $60.
Some are more effective than others and may
include a screen that helps reduce particle size.
Always follow the manufacturer's
recommendations when using this equipment in
order to avoid damage to your mower. Use good
safety practices since debris may be thrown from
the mower with considerable force and could
cause serious injury.
For more information on yard waste
management and composting, check with your
local County Extension Office.
About the Authors
Jack Porter, Education Coordinator -Yard Waste Management, Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin Co.
Robert J. Mugaas, County Extension Agent -Horticulture, Minnesota Extension Service -Hennepin Co.
Thomas R. Halbach, Assistant Extension Specialist -Waste Management, Minnesota Extension Service.
The information is given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding
that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Minnesota Extension Service is implied.
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Patrick J. Borich, Dean and Director of Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs,
facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran status or sexual orientation. CIM
JUN
7'91
Home Yard Waste
Chippers/Shredders:
Safety Is Important!
-= Co
MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Thomas R. Halbach, Tom Brennan, and D. Walter Halbach
With the 1990 prohibition on disposal of yard wastes in
landfills in the Twin Cities' metropolitan area and the
upcoming 1992 state-wide ban, many people are trying to
find a way to manage yard waste. '
One option is to use chippers/shredders. This method will
reduce particle size of yard waste, particularly prunings
and woody materials.' These machines usually have a 2.5
to 8.0 horsepower gas engine and cost between $400 and
$1,800. Rental rates are usually $30 to $180 per day
depending on the type of machine and the season. Most
Will chip tree limbs up to 2.0 inches to 3.5 inches in
diameter. They all use spinning cutters, blades, hammers,
or flails to cut the material into smaller pieces. Because
these chippers are sharp enough and tough enough to
chip wood they have the potential to destroy human
fingers, hands, arms, etc. They can also propel solid
materials at high speeds. Most are noisy enough to cause
loss of hearing, if used for long periods without hearing
protection. These machines are very powerful and have
the potential to cause personal injury and in extreme
cases death, if safety precautions are not followed.
Follow these suggestions to reduce the risk of personal
injury:
1. When purchasing or renting a chipper, evaluate it for
safety of design and use. Are the belts, shafts, and
cutting mechanisms covered? How are wood chips
prevented from `kicking back" or "flying our of the intake
feed area? How is the chipped material discharged from
the machine? When the machine becomes 'jammed" how
can it safety be cleaned out? Read consumer and other
types of publications for evaluations of different makes of
' Grass clippings in most cases should be left on the lawn where they were
grown. This reduces the need for additional nitrogen fertilizer and
conserves water. It is a direct way to'recycW organic material to the soil.
For more information see: Lawn clipping Management by Phil S. Allen and
Donald B. White, Minnesota Extension Service, AG -FO -3915,1990, SL
Paul, MN.
= If you intend to compost fall tree leaves you will usually not want to go to
the time and expense of shredding the leaves, because you will lose free
air space within a static pile system. tf you are using a forced air compost
system, shredding the leaves may be advantageous. If you are having
your leaves disposed of by a garbage hauler, shredding the leaves will
reduce the volume of leaves substantially. Reduced volume may reduce
your yard waste collection/disposal bill. For more information see:
Composhng and Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard Washes by
Carl J. Rosen, et al., Minnesota Extension Service, AG -FO -3296,1990,
St. Paul, MN.
NR -FS -3949-A
1990
chippers on performance, safety, and maintenance.'
rmAsk
questions. The best time to consider machine safety is
before you buy or rent it. Many machines are heavy and
may be difficult to move and set up. If you are unable to
follow the safety and operating procedures listed In
the owner manual, or physically cannot handle the
machine, don't buy one. It may be better to hire
someone else to handle your yard wastes for you.
2. Read, study, understand, and follow all safety
procedures and use all safety equipment listed in the
owner/operator manual for the chipper you are using. This
should include all operation and maintenance procedures
as well.
Check the magazine indexes at your library for recent articles on yard
waste shredders, wood chippers, and lawn and yard equipment.
cis'; JUN 7'91
3. Wear the proper clothing and protective gear when
operating this kind of machinery. Clothing should include
a long sleeve shirt, and pants that are comfortable but not
baggy or loose. Remove all jewelry or items of clothing
that may become caught or tangled in the operating
machinery.
At a minimum, the protective gear package should include:
a. Protective eyewear with side shields that meet or
exceed American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
standard Z87.1. Look for the ANSI label with this
standard before you buy. Current prices range from
$4.23 to $19.75.
b. A hearing protector that is either the ear insert or the
ear muff style. In either case you want the device to
have an EPA Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 20db
(loudness reduction) or more. The higher the rating
the better. The current price range is from $8.99 to
$29.75 for muff style hearing protectors, and $0.27 to
$11.95 for ear insert style hearing protectors, both
single use and re -usable types.
c. Leather work boots, preferably with safety toes that
meet ANSI standard Z41.1. Current prices range from
$33.92 to $97.00 and up.
d. Leather work gloves to provide hand protection from
wood slivers and reduce skin abrasions. Current
prices range from $2.11 to $9.99 and up.
This "minimum level" four -piece protective gear package
could be purchased for between $40.53 and $156.49 in
Minnesota during March of 1990.4 If you are figuring the
cost of a chipper, you need to include the cost of the
personal protective gear that will allow you to operate it
safely. Even if you are only renting a machine for a day or
less you will need this type of protective gear for your own
personal safety. Other optional gear might include: a
logger's safety helmet (a helmet with attached screen face
shield and muff style hearing protector attached into one
unit), $27.99 to $49.00 and up; dust mask, $0.40 to $1.50;
and chainsaw chaps, $47.99 to $67.50 and up. In every
case you need to choose specific protective gear that
fits you and that you are comfortable wearing. A piece
of protective gear that is so uncomfortable that it is not
used, cannot provide you with any protection!
4. Keep children, observers, and pets well away from the
area where you are operating the chipper.
5. A chipping team of two people, working together,
provides an added measure of safety and quicker access
to help should an accident occur. The second person's
primary job is to keep children and others away. This
person needs to wear at least the minimum recommended
protective gear.
4 These price ranges are meant ony as a general guide.
6. Put only approved materials into the machine at
recommended feed rates. Materials such as metal or
rocks can be accelerated to speeds in excess of 140
m.p.h. creating a danger for the operator and bystanders.
7. Use of a written pre -start-up safety check list, and a
post -shut -down safety check list can help to assure that
you are following all of the necessary safety procedures.
About the Authors:
Thomas R. Halbach is an Assistant State Specialist, Water
Quality and Waste Management, Minnesota Extension Service,
Department of Soil Science; Tom Brennan is an Extension Safety
Specialist, Minnesota Extension Service, Department of
Agricultural Engineering; and D. Walter Halbach is a Research
Fellow, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. All
are with the University of Minnesota.
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home
economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Patrick J. Borich, Dean and Director of Minnesota
Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 55108.
The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is
committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its
programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color,
sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no
discrimination is interxied and no endorsement by the Minnesota Extension
Service is implied.
Copyright 1990 by Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota.
A I rights reserved. No part of these materials may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval sytem, or translated into any
language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of Minnesota Extension Service Distribution, Room 3
Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave., University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
��► �41R,' . n�ti'9 �i ,o ,
S -S
AG -FO -3915-B MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
1990
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
LAWN CLIPPING
MANAGEMENT
Phil S. Allen and Donald B. White
During summer months, 20-30 percent of residential
wastes consist of grass clippings. Not only does this greatly
increase the cost of waste disposal, but also packs landfills
with valuable organic materials that are 100 percent recy-
clable. As of January 1, 1990 it is illegal to dispose of lawn
clippingswith household waste in the Twin Cities metro area,
and will be illegal in the rest ofthe state after January 1, 1992.
Grass clippings are primarily grass leaves (and some
stems) that have been cut off by mowing. While commonly
referred to as "yard waste," clippings provide several bene-
fits when left on the lawn: they shade the soil surface and re-
duce moisture loss due to evaporation. In addition,
decomposing grass blades are a valuable source of plant nu-
trients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (often
abbreviated N,P, and K when purchased commercially).
Clipping Production
Grass clippings will always be a part of lawn care. Because
lawns grow at different rates depending on environmental
conditions and management practices, it is important to tai-
lor mowing, fertilizing, and watering to meet plants' needs,
yet avoid excessive growth. Grass clippings less than one
inch in length filter down to the soil surface and decompose
relatively quickly. Longer clippings have a tendency to re-
main above the lawn where they appear unsightly and can
shade or smother the grass beneath. These clippings need to
be removed to avoid both unsightliness and lawn damage.
Clipping Management
Bagging clippings is practicethat became popular during
the 1950's when bagger attachments were designed for ro-
tary mowers. The practice of leaving clippings on lawns is not
AGRICULTURE
new, however. It has long been practiced on golf course fair-
ways, parks, athletic fields, and other high quality turfs. In
nearly every instance, proper lawn care can greatly reduce or
eliminate the need to collect clippings.
Thatch—A common reason for collecting grass clippings is
thefear (unwarranted) thatthey may contributeto thatch pro-
duction.
Thatch is a layer of undecomposed or partially decom-
posed organic matter that builds up between the soil surface
and the actively growing green vegetation. A thatch layer will
develop if organic matter is produced faster than it is decom-
posed by micro-organisms. However, grass clippings de-
compose rapidly and contribute very little to thatch
accumulation. For more detailed information, refer to
"Thatch Control in Lawns and Turf," University of Minnesota
Extension publication AG -FS -1123.
Mowing—Regular mowing with a sharp mower is essential
for reducing the need to collect clippings. It is important to
mow often enough so that no more than one-third of the ver-
tical grass height is removed with each cutting. For example,
if the desired height is two inches, cut the grass when it is no
more than three inches high. Removing only one-third of the
green growth is particularly important when using a "mulch-
ing" or "recycler" type mower (discussed later).
Recommended mowing heights for Minnesota lawns are
given in the following table. Cutting the grass regularly at
these heights will allow you to leave clippings on the lawn
most or all of the time. Increasing the mowing height by 1/2
inch during the summer can improve the lawn's ability to tol-
erate stress.
CIM JUN 7 '91
MOWING HEIGHTS
Kentucky bluegrass:
Common varieties
11/2-21/2 inches
(such as Aquilla, Monopoly,
Nassau, Newport, Nugget, Park,
Ram I, Rugby, and Sydsport)
Improved varieties
3/4-11/2 inches
(included in most sod;
most varieties not listed
above)
Fine Fescue grasses
11/2-3 inches
Perennial ryegrass
1-2 inches
Bluegrass fescue mixture
11/2-21/2 inches
Bluegrass ryegrass mixture
1-2 inches
To leave grass clippings, it will be necessary to mow more
than once a week for the few weeks of rapid growth in the
spring and summer. Mowing more frequently is not as much
work as it may appear, because lawns mowed at the proper
height cut much more easily and quickly.
It is also important to continue mowing at the desired
height throughout the fall until growth ceases. There is a
temptation to quit mowing when tree leaves drop or snow
begins. The weather is usually warm enough for continued
grass growth until early November. Lawns that are too tall at
that time frequently become matted down during winter.
This condition can lead to disease and other damage in
spring.
Mowing infrequently damages the lawn by removing too
much of the plant at once. A substantial amount of stem tis-
sue is removed, while proper mowing primarily removes
leaves. Because of their toughness, stems left on the lawn
can contribute to thatch accumulation. When mowed regu
larly, clippings filter down into the grass, decompose rapidly,
and recycle nutrients back into the lawn.
It is important that clippings be uniformly distributed
rather than deposited in clumps. Accomplish this by mowing
the lawn when the grass is dry and by using a properly sharp-
ened mower. Dull mower blades increase injury to grass
plants and give the lawn an unsightly brown appearance.
Mowing when the lawn is under drought or heat stress can
also injure grass plants.
Because many rotary -type mowers have bagging attach-
ments that affect mower safety, it is essential to understand
manufacturer guidelines before considering removal of the
bagger attachment. Often, a special attachment is required to
enable safe mowing without a bag. Be sure to make appropri-
ate adjustments or use a "mulching" type mower.
A "recycler" or "mulching" mower is a rotary mower that
cuts clippings into small pieces and redistributes them uni-
formly back into the lawn for decomposition.
Watering—Some watering, in addition to rainfall, is required
in most years to maintain a green lawn throughout the sum-
mer. Specific irrigation requirements vary depending on
rainfall, as well as soil and environmental factors. One inch or
less of water per week is generally sufficient in cool or warm
weather, with 1-2 inches per week needed during hot or
windy weather. Most lawn sprinklers apply about one-fourth
2
s -S
to three-eighths inch of water per hour. You can easily check
your sprinkler output by placing a straight sided can on the
lawn and measuring the depth of water after one hour. Exces-
sive watering can lead to disease and other undesirable con-
ditions. As with heavy applications of nitrogen early in the
spring, this can weaken the lawn and diminish the benefit of
applied fertilizers. Refer to "Watering Lawns and other Turf,"
University of Minnesota Extension publication AG -FS -2364.
Fertilization—A wide variety of fertilizers are available for
use on lawns. Refer to "Fertilizing Lawns" and "Preventing
Pollution Problems from Lawn and Garden Fertilizers" Uni-
versity of Minnesota Extension publications AG -FO -3338 and
AG -FS -2923, respectively.
Late summer and fall are the most important times to fertil-
ize lawns. Early spring fertilization, especially with high rates
of nitrogen, can result in a flush of green growth and rapid
clipping production. This may necessitate collecting clip-
pings until growth slows. Also, though the lawn may look
beautiful for a while, the plants' energy reserves are depleted
by this rapid shoot growth (reserves are quickly lost during
the first few mowings). Consequently, the lawn is less able to
tolerate summer stresses. Spring fertilizer application can be
important if the lawn has not been fertilized since the last
spring, or if "winter kill" has been severe. Then it is best to
wait until after the spring flush in growth (mid to late May) to
fertilize.
Fall fertilization allows nitrogen to be absorbed by the
grass while vertical growth is slow. This promotes green -up
in the spring without stimulating excessive shoot growth and
the need to collect clippings.
Lawns that are watered regularly will benefit from three
applications of nitrogen (usually abbreviated as "N") fertil-
izer at a rate of 3/4 to 1 pound for every thousand square feet
of lawn to be covered. Because the nitrogen content varies
depending on the type, or "grade," of fertilizer purchased,
the correct amount of fertilizer product to apply will vary as
well. Fortunately, reputable fertilizer products generally
provide this recommended rate on the label. (For more de-
tailed information on calculating fertilizer rates, refer to "Fer-
tilizing Lawns," mentioned earlier.)
The recommended timing of these three applications is
roughly 8!20-9/20, 1010-10/31, and 5/20-6/20. Fertilizer prod-
ucts containing broadleaf herbicidescan beusedfortheJune
and August/September applications. For moderate, even
growth, nitrogen fertilizer products should contain 30-50 per-
cent of this nutrient in a slowly releasing form. (Examples in-
clude sulfur coated urea, urea formaldehyde, IBDU, or
natural organic fertilizers.)
For best timing, itis recommended that crabgrass preven-
ter be applied in April or early May separate from fertilizer.
Also, if grass clippings are collected, an additional nitrogen
application (in late September) may be beneficial to compen-
sate for nutrients removed in clippings.
For a lawn that is rarely watered, a single application of ni-
trogen (1 pound per thousand square feet of lawn) is recom-
mended in early to mid-September. If desired, a mid-October
application can substantially improve turf quality the follow-
ing year.
Only a soil test can determine the need for other nutrients,
primarily potassium and phosphorus. Check with your
county extension office on how to obtain a soil test.
GIM JUN 7 '91
Alternatives to leaving clippings
While leaving clippings on the lawn is recommended
whenever possible, there are a few instances when this is not
recommended.
e Where the lawn is heavily diseased, removing clippings
can decrease the population level of disease organisms.
e If the lawn must be mowed when wet, clippings will mat
together and may not be evenly distributed. The lawn may be
damaged under clumps of clippings.
e If the grass has become too tall (more than one-third to
one-half of the vertical height is removed by mowing).
e If your mower is unsafe to operate without a bagging at-
tachment.
Where clippings must be collected, mulching and com-
posting are two good alternatives to putting them in public
landfills.
Mulching—Grass clippings can provide an effective mulch
around garden plants and between rows of flowers, vegeta-
bles, and small fruits. Mulching helps to reduce weeds, con-
serve moisture, and modify the soil temperature. However,
care should betaken to avoid mulching too thickly. Excessive
mulch can inhibit moisture and oxygen penetration into the
soil, and may produce offensive odors.
Composting—Composting involves mixing grass clippings
(as well as other plant materials) with soil to allow micro-or-
ganisms to decompose them. Clippings can be composted in
the backyard, or at a municipal composting site.
7=_ SO
Composting requires aeration, moisture, and enough time
to avoid foul odors. As additions to a compost pile, grass clip-
pings are excellent because of their relatively high nitrogen
content. They should not be the only compost component,
however. Due to their tendency to mat, grass clippings are
difficult to compost if they are layered too thickly. For a de-
tailed discussion of composting, refer to "Composting and
Mulching: A guide to managing organic yard wastes," Uni-
versity of Minnesota Extension publication AG -FO -3296.
Remember—A dense, healthy lawn reduces pollution poten-
tial, cools the environment, filters dust and pollen out of the
air, and contributes to aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
Appropriate lawn care will increase these benefits to you
while reducing waste problems.
Other lawn publications available through the Minnesota
Extension Service include:
The Home Lawn (AG -MI -0488)
Controlling Lawn and Turf Insects (AG -FO -1008)
Patch Diseases of Lawns (AG -FS -3034)
Weed Control in Lawns and other Turf (AG -FS -1137)
Renovation (AG -FO -3914)
About the Authors
Phil S. Allen, graduate student, Department of Horticulture
Donald B. White, professor, Department of Horticulture
Ohl JUN 7 '91
GIV, JUN r
�• S
AG -FS -2923-A MINNESOTA EXTENSION SERVICE
Revised 1990
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
AGRICULTURE
Preventing Pollution Problems from
Lawn and Garden Fertilizers
C. J. Rosen, D. H. Taylor and D. B. White
Fertilizers are used by homeowners to maintain and improve land-
scape beauty and quality. In recent years, however, increased use
of home lawn and garden fertilizers has caused concern about pol-
lution of lakes and groundwaters.
The two fertilizer nutrients primarily involved, nitrogen and
phosphorus, are needed by all plants for vigorous growth. Although
an individual lawn or garden seems small, the total area of lawns
and gardens in urban environments may be significant. Runoff and
drainage waters carrying these nutrients may move over hard -
surfaced streets where there is no soil to act as a filter. The poten-
tial result is an increase in pollution problems.
Proper fertilizer use can enhance plant growth without polluting
the environment. Yet, misuse of fertilizer may not only harm the en-
vironment, but may injure landscape plants by burning the leaves
and roots.
Phosphorus: an immobile soil nutrient
Phosphorus is one of the macronutrients essential for plant growth.
This nutrient can also be a primary cause for lake enrichment lead-
ing to growth of algae and weeds (a process called eutrophication).
Sometimes phosphorus in lawn and garden fertilizers is implicated
as the source of pollution, but this is not an accurate assessment of
the problem. Although misuse or misapplication may pollute lakes,
proper application poses no threat of lake pollution and can even
reduce pollution possibility.
The major sources of phosphorus in runoff are from lawn clip-
pings and leaves left in the streets and gutters. Other sources of
phosphorus may come from soil particles either blown into the
lakes by wind erosion or carried in runoff over bare soil.
Phosphorus moves very little in soil. When applied and incorpo-
rated as a fertilizer, phosphorus is quickly bound by soil particles.
Most of it is not immediately available to plants and doesn't leach
(wash) through the soil into lakes or groundwaters. Phosphorus
taken up by plants is incorporated into organic compounds. if not
mixed into the soil, phosphorus from plant residues such as lawn
clippings and leaves is soluble and a potential pollution source. A
study of storm runoff into Minneapolis lakes, comparing areas fertil-
ized with phosphorus -containing fertilizer and areas fertilized with
phosphorus -free fertilizers, showed little or no difference in phos-
phorus content of storm runoff.' However, when gutters were swept
weekly and kept free of plant residue, the phosphorus level was 30
to 40 percent less than in areas where no sweeping occurred. This
indicates that plant residues such as lawn clippings and leaves
have considerable potential for pollution of lakes whether or not
they were growing in fertilized soil.
Another source of phosphorus lake pollution is from the settling
of soil particles moved by wind or water. These sources of pollution
'Shapiro, J. and H. Pfannkuck. 1973. Interim Report No. 9 Limnological Research
Center. University of Minnesota.
are difficult to identify and control. Living plants such as trees,
shrubs, and lawns around the lake reduce soil erosion and help re-
move particles from the air and runoff.
Some Minnesota soils are naturally high in phosphorus. Other
soils may be high in phosphorus because of buildup from previous
fertilization practices. Additions of phosphorus -containing fertilizer
to high phosphorus -containing soils are unnecessary. Other soils
contain low levels of plant -available phosphorus and additional
phosphorus is necessary to maintain vigorous plant growth.
Soil Tests and Phosphorus Fertilizer Applications
A routine soil test is recommended to determine phosphorus soil
levels. Information about soil pH, lime requirement, and potassium
levels are also provided in this test. Detailed instructions on how to
take a proper soil sample and where to send it for analysis can be
obtained through the local county extension service office. The soil
test report will recommend whether phosphorus or other fertilizer is
needed. Tables 1, 2, and 3 give phosphorus fertilizer suggestions
based on soil tests for lawns and gardens.
For gardens and new lawns, incorporate phosphate fertilizer 4
to 6 inches into the soil before planting, seeding, or laying sod. For
established lawns, the soil should be aerated, if possible, with a
coring machine before application of the fertilizer. Coring machines
can usually be rented from hardware stores or rental agencies.
Selecting a Fertilizer
Most homeowners purchase blended fertilizers, for example, 10-
10-10, 10-5-10,24-3-3,15-30-15, etc. These numbers stand for the
percentage of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in the fertilizer. As
an example, a 100 pound bag of 10-5-10 would contain 10 pounds
of nitrogen, 5 pounds of phosphate, and 10 pounds of potash. If the
soil test shows phosphorus is high, then a fertilizer with a low or
zero percentage of phosphate should be selected (such as 20-0-
10, 26-3-3, 24-3-8). These fertilizers are relatively high in nitrogen
and low in phosphorus and potassium. H the soil test for potassium
is also low, then supplemental potassium fertilizer may also be
needed.
Nitrogen—a mobile soil nutrient
Of all the fertilizer nutrients, nitrogen generally brings about the
greatest growth response in plants; however, unlike phosphorus, it
usually is not the limiting nutrient for algae growth in lakes. This is
because many of the blue-green algae can use nitrogen gas from
the air and do not depend on ionic sources dissolved in the water.
Nitrogen is present in soils as nitrate ion, ammonium ion, and as a
component of soil organic matter. In all but very wet or dry soils, the
ammonium form is readily converted to the nitrate form. This nitrate
form is completely soluble and not tightly held by soil particles.
Gini jU% 7'91
Therefore, nitrate can readily leach downward with percolating wa-
ter and contaminate groundwater supplies. Water with over 10
parts per million nitrate -nitrogen can cause methemoglobinemia
(inability to use oxygen) in infants. This is why health authorities are
concerned about keeping nitrate out of drinking water supplies.
Most problems of Minnesota wells contaminated by nitrates
have been traced to animal manure, septic tank sources, or fertil-
izer spills. However, over -application of nitrogen fertilizer on sandy,
coarse-textured soils can also contribute to nitrate pollution. This is
because the nitrates not used by the plants can leach through the
soil when excessive rainfall occurs. Because of the mobility of ni-
trate in most soils, nitrogen soil tests are not used for making nitro-
gen fertilizer recommendations in eastern Minnesota. General
nitrogen fertilizer guidelines for lawns and gardens are as follows:
New lawns—apply and incorporate 0.5 Ib. N/1000 sq. ft. (0.5 -1
inch into soil) before planting.
Existing lawns—apply 0.5 -1.0 Ib. N/1000 sq. ft. two to four
times per year. Leaving clippings on the lawn (if evenly distributed
by the mower) can be equal to one fertilizer application per year. A
good rule is never to apply more than 1.0 Ib. N/1000 sq. ft. in any
one application.
Vegetable and flower gardens—apply 0.2 Ib.'N/100 sq. ft. An
additional 0.18 Ib. N/100 sq. ft. may be needed as a sidedress for
sweet com, tomatoes, and cole crops.
To reduce nitrogen loss on sandy soils, split applications at one-
half this rate and twice as often. Another option on sandy soils to re-
duce nitrogen loss is use of slow release nitrogen fertilizers or
natural organic nitrogen sources. Applying suggested rates of nitro-
gen fertilizer will not lead to groundwater pollution problems.
Guidelines for Fertilizer Application and Landscape
Maintenance
1. Have your soil tested and follow soil test recommendations. In
some areas, local city governments have passed ordinances
regulating fertilizer use on lawns. The homeowner should be
aware of any local regulations before applying fertilizer.
2. For further information on calculating fertilizer rates and meth-
ods of fertilizer application, refer to AG -BU -0488, 'The Home
Lawn."
3. Water your lawn after fertilizing, but do not allow water to run off
into streets or lakes.
4. Any fertilizer spilled on roads or sidewalks should be promptly
cleaned up.
5. Never apply fertilizer to frozen ground.
6. Clippings not left on the lawn, leaves and other plant debris
should be removed as soon as possible from street gutters,
sidewalks, and driveways. This plant material can be com-
posted, used in the garden as a mulch, or disposed of through
appropriate community services.
7. When mowing lawns, do not direct clippings into the street and
lake.
8. Be careful not to deposit fertilizer in the water when applying fer-
tilizer near a lake.
9. For lakeshore owners, landscaping practices that would force
runoff water to seep into the soil before entering the lake are
suggested:
a) Leave a "buffer zone"—a strip of unmanaged grasses or
natural vegetation—to grow around the shoreline. This vege-
=.-c
tation will help prevent soil erosion from the shoreland and
will also remove and retain some of the nutrients that would
otherwise enter the lake.
b) Construct and maintain a modified "berm" along the shore-
line. This is best described as a slight hump in the ground
that would run near and parallel to the shoreline. This rise in
the ground/lawn will serve as an obstacle to the rapid and di-
rect nutrient -rich runoff into the lake.
Summary
Improper use of lawn and garden fertilizers may contribute to pollu-
tion of lakes and groundwaters. Avoiding over -application of fertil-
izer by following soil test guidelines as well as practicing simple
landscape maintenance techniques will help reduce potential pollu-
tion problems and protect natural resources.
Table 1. Phosphorus suggestions for new lawn before seeding or sod-
ding'
Phosphorus (P) Amount of phosphate
soil test2 (P205) to aPPIY
ppm
Ib./1,000 sq. ft.
0-10
5
11-25
2
Over 25
0
'Phosphate ferfilizer should be incorporated (tilled in) 4 to 6 inches before
seeding or sodding.
2lb./acre = ppm x 2
Table 2. Phosphorus suggestions
for existing grass'
Phosphorus (P)
Amount of phosphate
Soil test2
(P205) to apply
ppm
lb./1,000 sq. ft.
0-5
2
6-10
1
11-25
0.5
Over 25
0
'Soil should be aerated with a coring
machine before fertilizer is applied.
%/acre = ppm x 2
Table 3. Phosphorus suggestions for vegetable and flower gardens'
Phosphorus (P)
Amount of phosphate
soil test2
(P205) to apply
ppm
Ib./100 sq. ft.
0-5
0.4
6-10
0.3
11.15
0.2
16-25
0.1
Over 25
0.0
'Phosphate fertilizer should be incorporated (filled in) 4 to 6 inches before
planting.
21b./acre = ppm x 2
This fact sheet is the result of collaborative efforts of the Minnesota Ex-
tension Service, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the Minne-
sota Department of Natural Resources.
C.J. Rosen is an extension soil scientist, D.H.Taylor is an extension turf specialist, and D.B. White is a professor, Department of Horticultural
Science, University of Minnesota. CRA JUN 7 '91
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics acts of May 8 and June 30,1914, in cooperation with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Patrick J. Borich, Dean and Director of Minnesota Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minne-
sota 55108. The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal
access to its programs, facilities, and employment, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran status, or
sexual orientation.
Controlling
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AG -FO -3999-B-1990
With the growing concern for the environment and the move away from chemicals,
manyMinnesotans are looking foralternative methods of caring for their households.
Dial U, the plant and insect information service of the University of Minnesota, has
gathered the following information on non -chemical methods of preventing or treat-
ing household and yard pests.
HOUSEHOLD Ants — Bait with 2 parts boric acid in 98 parts food attractant. Select the food attractant by
PESTS offering ants various materials (grease, jelly, peanut butter), choosing the material most
frequently selected by the ants.
Boxelder bugs — Spray clustered insects on buildings with laundry detergent in water
(about one-half cup of detergent like Tide or Dreft to 1 gallon of water). Test on a small,
inconspicuous area as detergents may discolor some siding. Vacuum boxelder bugs found
in the home (remove and properly dispose of the vacuum bag) or remove by hand. Seal
cracks, spaces and other potential entry points around the home.
Carpenter ants — Repair moisture -damaged wood. Do not store firewood on the ground,
especially near the home. Keep stored lumber dry.
Carpet beetles and clothes moths — Dry-clean or launder clothing before storing. Freeze,
dry-clean or iron infested articles of clothing. Use mothballs when storing susceptible
clothing.
Centipedes — Eliminate their prey, primarily sowbugs. Dry out damp areas with a fan or
dehumidifier. Repair or seal cracks and spaces around the building where centipedes may
enter. When found in the home, eliminate with a broom or swatter.
Clover mites — Wipe up mites (generally found around windows) with a damp cloth. Keep
18-24 inches of soil bordering the home's foundation loose and free of grass.
Crickets — Keep lawn well -mowed and maintain a weed -free area around the home. If
using outdoor lights near the home, use a non -attracting, yellow light. Repair or fill holes
or cracks in the foundation, walls or other areas where crickets may enter the home.
Fleas — Keep pets and pet -living areas dean; thoroughly vacuum infested rooms.
HOUSEPLANT
INSECTS
OUTDOOR INSECT
PESTS
Household Pests --continued
Flies — Keep kitchen and other household areas clean. Pour boiling water down drains to
eliminate drain -infesting flies. Repair holes in screens and other areas where flies may enter
the home. Store garbage in tightly covered receptacles.
Ground beetles — Keep firewood and debris away from the home. Repair holes in the
foundation where beetles may enter. When found in the home, remove by hand or vacuum.
Pantry insects — Most dry food items including cereal, oatmeal, cookies, crackers, pancake
mix, flour, cornmeal, rice, raisins, pet food and birdseed are susceptible to infestation. In
addition, poison baits used to control rats and mice, dryplant material and decorative plant
material such as Indian corn frequently attract pests.
Dispose of infested food products. Store uninfested food in tightly -sealed glass, metal
or plastic containers. Clean pantry thoroughly removing crumbs and debris from cracks
and crevices.
Heat- or cold -treat foods more than 60 days old. Foods such as cake mixes and spices
packaged in their original containers should be cold -treated by exposing them to 0 degrees
Fahrenheit or lower temperatures for 3-7 days depending on the size of the package. Dried
fruits can be heat-treated by placing in a cheesecloth bag and dipping in boiling water for
approximately 6 seconds.
Sowbugs — Reduce moisture through dehumidification. Remove decaying vegetation such
as lawn clippings or fallen leaves from around foundation. Repair or fill cracks or holes in
foundation, screens or other areas where sowbugs may enter the home.
Spiders — Keep household areas clean. Eliminate their hiding places and prey such as
sowbugs. When found in the home, eliminate using a broom or swatter.
Do not bring infested plants into the homel
For plants in the home, hand remove caterpillars, slugs and other pests; for spider
mites, wash leaves with a mild detergent solution, swab with rubbing alcohol or spray
with Safers soap solution; for scales and mealybugs remove with rubbing alcohol or
spray with Safers soap solution; for aphids spray plants with a Safers soap solution;
for fungus gnats and springtails, allow soil to dry to a depth of 1 inch before watering;
re -pot plants affected by millipedes.
Black flies — Wear light colored clothing, long -sleeve shirts and long pants; activity is less
on windy days and in direct sunlight. Avoid wearing perfume or aftershave lotion.
Chiggers — Thoroughly bathe after returning from an area likely to be infested with
chiggers; they prefer areas with thick, low vegetation and an abundance of moisture and
shade. Guard against chiggers by applying chemical repellents with DEET to clothi.
Mosquitoes — Remove yard receptacles that hold water such as old tires which serve as
breeding sites. Avoid areas with deep shade. Reduce outdoor activity for 2 hours after
sunset when mosquitoes are most active.
Ticks — Keep pets as tick -free as possible. Keep grass and vegetation short. Eliminate mice
and other tick hosts. Guard against ticks by applying chemical repellents containing DEET
tocls especially shoes, lower pant legs, and waist areas.
CIM JUN 7 '91
%--S'
GARDEN AND Aphids –Remove aphids by dislodging with water spray. Spray with Safers soap solution.
LANDSCAPE Preserve natural predators by identifying and protecting lady bugs and lacewings in their
PESTS immature stage — it is important not to mistake predators for pests. Plant resistant varieties
of honeysuckle such as Freedom or Clavey's Dwarf which deter witches broom aphids.
Apple maggot – Remove fallen apples. For a standard tree, hang 8 sticky apple traps that
you purchase, or make them using a 3 -inch diameter sphere painted bright red or black and
coated with a sticky substance such as Tanglefoot or Stickem Special, available in garden
centers.
Bronze birch borer – Water birch frequently. Prune out infested small limbs in August or
when the birch is dormant. Pruning is not effective if larger limbs or the main trunk are
affected. Plant resistant varieties such as River birch. Select proper sites to plant birch since
they survive best in moisture -abundant areas.
Cabbage looper and imported cabbage worm – Remove caterpillars by hand. Apply
Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural material available under a variety of product names.
Colorado potato beetle – Remove the immature and adult stages by hand. Apply san diego
Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural material. The san diego variety is specifically for beetle adults
and is available as M -ONE.
Cutworms – Place cardboard collars around transplants making sure the cardboard
extends at least 2 inches above and below ground (the center core from paper towels work
well). Hand remove cutworms hiding in burrows near plants during the day and those
found above ground at night.
Elm bark beetles – Remove and properly dispose of dying elm trees. Debark elm wood.
European corn borer and corn earworm – Apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural material
available under a variety of product names.
Flea beetles – Control weeds.
Hornworms – Handpick caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural material avail-
able under a variety of product names.
Iris borer – Remove old stalks and plant debris in late summer. Remove and destroy any
infested plants.
Picnic, sap and fungus beetles – Remove damaged and overripe fruit and vegetables.
Regularly harvest fruits and vegetables as they ripen.
Rose chafer – Remove by hand. Place a cheesecloth barrier around plants to be protected
during the chafers flight period, usually late May to mid-June.
Slugs – Control soil moisture by watering only when necessary; remove by hand. Remove
dead leaves and other hiding places. Cups filled with beer sunk in the ground will attract
and drown slugs. Place boards and shingles on the ground and remove any slugs attracted
to such areas.
Squash vine borer – Slit stem lengthwise at the point of attack, remove larvae from vines
by hand and cover vines with moist soil to encourage new growth.
00 JUN 7 '91
WILDLIFE PESTS
sad.
NEED MORE
INFORMATION?
oe-
Always respond to problems as quickly as posAW:1*1§4eryou wait, the more
difficult it will be to change an animal's behavior.
Bats – Repair all cracks or holes in the home. Leave the largest hole open for several days.
After bats have left the area in the evening, close up the final opening; do not do this in April
through July when young may be trapped inside the building.
Deer – Protect individual shrubs and young trees with chicken wire or hardware cloth (a
pliable wire screen) — well-built and maintained electric fences are effective for large areas
when damage is severe. Use natural repellents such as Big Game Repellent or Hot Sauce on
vegetation as soon as damage is observed. Note that repellents may alleviate a damage
problem but will rarely solve it.
Mice and rats – Trap or use glue boards. Keep household areas clean and free of food
particles (pet food, birdseed and other possible food sources should be protected). Repair
cracks or holes in foundation, screens or other areas where mice or rats may enter the home.
Pigeons – Use sticky substances such as Tanglefoot where pigeons are likely to roost. String
monofilament line (fishing line) 3-5 inches above areas where they roost. Use "porcupine"
wire such as Nixalite or Cat Claw to prevent birds from roosting.
Pocket gophers – Trap and/or periodically deep cultivate 9-14 inches of soil to disrupt
burrow system.
Rabbits – Live trap. Place cylinders of netting or hardware cloth around individual plants.
Use heavy paper or plastic tree wrap around the trunks of individual trees. Build a chicken
wire fence around the entire garden. For winter protection, apply natural repellents such
as Hot Sauce on dormant trees and shrubs. Remove piles of brush, wood, or debris that may
be providing cover for rabbits.
Skunks – Close entry points to buildings. Eliminate possible denning sites. In severe cases,
live trapping may be necessary to eliminate the problem.
Squirrels – Live trap. Repair all holes in screens, attic, and eave areas and the foundation
of the home. Trim branches of trees that provide access to the roof.
Woodchucks – Place an electric fence 5 inches off the ground and about 5 inches in front
of a chicken wire fence that extends 3-4 feet above ground and is buried 10-12 inches into
the soil. Live trap or use leghold traps.
Woodpeckers on siding – Quickly deal with the problem. Check for and eliminate insect
problems. Harass with water spray. String reflective tape along wall; hang nylon netting
from eaves to wall to protect damaged area; and use metal flashing or hardware cloth to
protect area from continued damage.
'We've attempted to rovidenou8h information to help u �itklyand effectively deal with the
most common animal and insect problems. if you need additional information or details, ask
your local county extension agent, an experienced nursery person, Orin the Tu in Cities, call the
Dial U Insect and Plant Infi7rmation Service, a program of the Minnesota Extension Service,
University of Minnesota. Dial U experts' offer thoroughly researched, personalized answers to
your questions about gardening and household pests. Expertsareaauilableduring the summer,
Monday -Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-976-0200. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. X1$2.50 fee
is added to the caller's phone bill to help defray the cost of this non-profit program.
This brochure is printed on recycled paper. 01,
JUN 7'91
COMPOSTING AND MULCHING:
A GUIDE TO MANAGING ORGANIC YARD WASTES
Composting is a microbial process that converts plant
materials such as grass clippings and leaves to a more
usable organic soil amendment or mulch. Gardeners
have used compost for centuries to increase soil organic
matter, improve soil physical properties, and supply
some of the essential nutrients for plant growth. Mulch-
ing refers to the practice of applying a substance such as
compost, leaves, or grass clippings to the soil surface
with the purpose of modifying soil temperature and
moisture as well as controlling weeds and soil erosion.
With the ban on outdoor burning and with laws which
soon will limit dumping of leaves and grass clippings
into landfills, composting and mulching have become
attractive alternatives for managing yard waste and
recycling natural materials. Grass clippings and leaves
can be hauled to city composting areas as one means of
disposal. However, many homeowners may find it more
convenient and economical to compost these materials
in their own backyards. In either case, the finished
compost can be used as a mulch or as a soil amendment
to improve most garden soils. This bulletin should help
you learn how to build and maintain a compost pile as
well as how to use the compost in the yard and garden.
Why Compost? A*
Composting is an efficient method of breaking down organic
materials into an end product that is beneficial to the soil
and growing plants. Adding undecomposed materials di-
rectly to the soil without first composting may initially have
some undesirable effects. For example, if large quantities of
uncomposted leaves are incorporated into the soil, microbes
will compete with plant roots for soil nitrogen during leaf
decomposition. This competition for nitrogen can result in
nitrogen deficiency and poor plant growth. Adding com-
posted material reduces the competition for nitrogen. An-
other benefit of composted material is that it is much easier
to handle and mix with soil than uncomposted material.
Furthermore, improvement of soil physical properties, such
as infiltration, drainage, and water holding capacity, will
usually be faster if composted materials are added.
odor problem, composting without oxygen is not recom-
mended in a residential setting unless the process is con-
ducted in a fully closed system (see plastic bag method under
"Composting Structures"). Mixing the pile once or twice a
month will provide the necessary oxygen and significantly
hasten the composting process. A pile that is not mixed may
take three to four times longer before it can be used. A well
mixed compost pile will also reach higher temperatures
which will help destroy weed seeds and pathogens.
Moisture: Adequate moisture is essential for microbial
activity. A dry compost will not decompose efficiently. If
rainfall is limited, it will be necessary to water the pile
periodically to maintain a steady decomposition rate. Enough
water should be added to completely moisten the pile, but
overwatering should be avoided. Excess water can lead to
anaerobic conditions which slow down the degradation proc-
ess and cause foul odors. Water the pile so that it is damp,
but does not remain soggy. Approximately 50-55% moisture
on a weight basis is a good starting point.
Particle size: The smaller the size of organic wastes, the
faster the compost will be ready for use. Smaller particles
have much more surface area that can be attacked by
microbes. A shredder can be used before putting material in
the pile, and is essential if brush or sticks are to be com-
posted. A low cost method of reducing the size of fallen tree
leaves is to mow the lawn before raking. If the mower has an
appropriate bag attachment, the shredded leaves can be
collected directly. In addition to speeding up the composting
process, shredding will initially reduce the volume of the
compost pile.
Fertilizer and lime: Microbial activity is affected by the
carbon to nitrogen ratio of the organic waste. Because
microbes require a certain amount of nitrogen for their own
metabolism and growth, a shortage of nitrogen will slow
down the composting process considerably. Material high
in carbon relative to nitrogen such as straw or sawdust will
decompose very slowly unless nitrogen fertilizer is added.
Tree leaves are higher in nitrogen than straw or sawdust but
decomposition of leaves would still benefit from an addition
of nitrogen fertilizer. Grass clippings are generally high in
nitrogen and when mixed properly with leaves will enhance
decomposition. Manure or blood meal can be used as organic
Requirements for Efficient DecompostionikV sources of nitrogen. Otherwise, a fertilizer with a high
nitrogen containing fertilizer should be used. Other nutri-
Decomposition of organic material in the compost pile is de-
pendent on maintaining microbial activity. Any factor
which slows or halts microbial growth will also impede the
composting process. Efficient decomposition will occur if
the following factors are used to fullest advantage.
Aeration: Oxygen is required for microbes to efficiently de-
compose the organic wastes. Some decomposition will occur
in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions); however, the
process is slow and foul odors may develop. Because of the
ents such as phosphorus and potassium are usually present
in adequate amounts for decomposition.
During the initial stages of decompostion organic acids are
produced and the pH drops. In the past, small amounts of
lime have been suggested for maintaining and enhancing
microbial activity at this time. However, high rates of lime
will convert ammonium -nitrogen to ammonia gas which will
lead to the loss of nitrogen from the pile. Research has
shown that although lime additions may hasten decomposi-
CIM JUN 7 '91
tion, the loss of nitrogen from the pile often offsets the
benefits of lime (1). In general, lime is not necessary for
degradation of most yard wastes. The pH of finished com-
post is usually slightly alkaline without the addition of lime.
In many areas, the water used to moisten the compost pile is
alkaline and may also help to increase the pHof the compost.
If large quantities of pine needles, spruce needles, or fruit
wastes are composted, additional lime may be necessary.
Materials for Composting A*
Many organic materials are suitable for composting. Yard
wastes, such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, and non -
woody plant trimmings can be composted. The dominant
organic waste in most backyard compost piles is leaves.
Grass clippings can be composted; however with proper
lawn management, clippings do not need to be removed from
the lawn (see below). If clippings are used, itis advisable to
mix them with other yard wastes. Otherwise, the grass
clippings may compact and restrict air flow. Branches, logs,
and twigs greater than 1/4 inch in diameter should be put
through a shredder/chipper first. Kitchen wastes such as
vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells may also be
added.
Sawdust may be added in moderate amounts if additional
nitrogen is applied. Approximately 1 lb of actual nitrogen (6
cups of ammonium nitrate) is required for 100 lbs of dry
sawdust. Wood ashes act as a lime source and if used should
only be added in small amounts (no more than 1 cup per
bushel). Excessive amounts of wood ashes will result in loss
of nitrogen from the pile. Ordinary black and white newspa-
per can be composted; however, the nitrogen content is low
and will consequently slow down the rate of decomposition.
If paper is composted, it should not be more than 10% of the
total weight of the material in the compost pile. It is recom-
mended that newspaper be recycled through appropriate
community paper recycling centers rather than through
backyard composting.
Examples of other organic materials that can be used to add
nutrients to the pile include: blood and bone meal, livestock
manure, and lake plants.
Because they may pose a health hazard, or create a nuisance,
certain organic materials should not be used to make com-
post. Adding human or pet feces cannot be recommended
because they may transmit diseases. Meat, bones, grease,
whole eggs, and dairy products should not be added because
they can attract rodents to the site. Most plant disease
organisms and weed seeds are destroyed during the com-
posting process when temperatures in the center of the pile
reach 150°-1600F. However, in most compost piles, it is
impossible to mix efficiently enough to bring all wastes to
the center. Consequently, adding large amounts of weeds
with seeds or diseased plants may create problems if the
compost is used in the garden.
Although plants that have been treated with herbicides or
pesticides should be avoided for composting, small amounts
of herbicide -treated plants (e.g., grass clippings) may be
mixed in the pile as long as one is careful to allow thorough
decomposition. Ideally, clippings from lawns recently treated
with herbicides should be left on the lawn to decompose (see
section on Alternatives to Composting Grass Clippings).
Most agrichemicals, both pesticides and herbicides, are
degraded at varying rates. A list of common chemicals used
on the home lawn and their degradation rate in soil is
provided in Table 1. Even if some treated grass clippings
are used, the degradation of these chemicals in a properly
maintained compost pile should be at least as fast as that in
the soil.
Composting Structures .*
To save space, hasten decomposition, and keep the yard
looking neat, it is recommended that the compost pile be
contained in some sort of structure. Composting structures
can consist of a variety of materials and made as simple or
complex as desired. There are many options available that
can be tailored to individual needs. Listed below are a few
suggestions for containing the compost.
Use of plastic garbage bags is perhaps the simplest way to
make compost. The bags are easy to handle, and require
minimal maintenance. To make compost using this method,
30-40 gallon plastic bags should be alternately filled with
plant wastes, fertilizer and lime. About one tablespoon of a
garden fertilizer with a high nitrogen content should be used
per bag. Lime (one cup per bag) helps counteract the extra
acidity caused by anaerobic composting. After filling, add
about a quart of water. Close tightly. Set aside for six
months to a year. Bags can be set in a basement or heated
garage for better decomposition during winter months. Using
garbage bags requires no turning or additional water after
closing. The main advantage of composting in garbage bags
is that it requires little maintenance; however, because
oxygen is limited, the process is slow.
A barrel or drum composter generates compost in a rela-
tively short period of time and provides an easy mechanism
for turning (Figure 1). This method requires a barrel of at
0 0 0 0 0 00 0
0
° 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
° 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0 0
0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
D
0 0 0 0 0 0 °
Figure 1
GW JUN 7 `8
least 55 gallons with a secure lid. Be sure that the barrel was
not used to store toxic chemicals. Drill 6-9 rows of 1/2 inch
holes over the length of the barrel to allow for air circulation
and drainage of excess moisture. Place the barrel upright on
blocks to allow bottom air circulation, and fill it 3/4 full with
organic waste material and about one quarter cup of a high
nitrogen containing fertilizer. If needed apply water until
moist. Every few days, turn the drum on its side and roll it
around the yard to mix and aerate the compost. The lid can
be removed after turning to allow for air penetration. Ide-
ally, the compost should be ready in two to four months. The
barrel composter is an excellent choice for the city dweller
with a relatively small yard.
For larger quantities of organic waste, bin -type structures
are the most practical. As an example, a circular bin can be
made by using a length of small spaced woven wire fencing
and holding it together with chain snaps (Figure 2). The bin
should be about three to five feet in diameter and at least
four feet high. A stake may be driven in the middle of the bin
before adding material to help maintain the shape of the pile
and to facilitate adding water. With this design, it is easiest
to turn the composting material by simply unsnapping the
wire, moving the wire cylinder a few feet, and turning the
compost back into it.
A very efficient and durable structure for fast composting is
a three -chambered bin (Figure 3). It holds a considerable
amount of compost, and allows good air circulation. The
three -chambered bin workson an assembly line idea, having
three batches of compost in varying stages of decomposition.
The compost material is started in the first bin and allowed
to heat up for three to five xt, it is turned into the
7
middle bin for another 4 - while a new batch of
material is started in the first bin. Finally, the material in
the middle bin is turned into the last bin as finished or
nearly finished compost.
To make this structure, it is best to use rot resistant wood
3
T
4 - 5' diameter
Figure 2
such as redwood, wood treated with a preservative such as
"copper green" or a combination of wood and metal posts.
Unless the wood is treated or rot resistant, it will decompose
within a few years. Each bin should be about five feet by
three feet and about three to four feet high. Usingremovable
slats in the front offers complete access to the contents for
turning.
There are many other structures for composting, and no one
structure is best. Invent your own, or for a more thorough
description of different structures, refer to Rodale's Com-
plete Guide to Composting (3). If you don't want to build a
structure, there are several commercial composting units
available through local garden stores or mail-order cata-
logues. Most of these are similar to the barrel composter
described previously and are for the city dweller who desires
an easy method to make small amounts of compost quickly.
Figure 3
GSI JUN 7 '91
Location ,*
The compost pile should be located close to where it will be
used and where it will not interfere with activities in the
yard or offend neighbors. Examples of good locations for the
pile include: near the garden or kitchen, or between the
garage and house. The pile will do best where it is protected
from drying winds and in partial sunlight to help heat the
pile. The more wind and sun the pile is exposed to, the more
water it will need.
Preparing the Compost Pile •*
The compost pile should initially be prepared in layers. This
will facilitate decomposition by insuring proper mixing. An
example of the layering process is illustrated in Figure 4.
Each pile ideally should be about 5 feet high.
Organic wastes, such as leaves, grass, and plant trimmings
are put down in a layer eight to ten inches deep. Coarser
materials will decompose faster if placed in the bottom
layer. This layer should be watered until moist, but not
soggy. A nitrogen source should be placed on top of this
layer. Use one to two inches of livestock manure, or a
nitrogen fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate or ammonium
sulfate at a rate of one third of a cup for every twenty five
square feet of surface area. If these nitrogen sources are not
available, one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 25 square feet of
surface area will also suffice. Do not use fertilizer that
contains herbicide or pesticide. Other organic sources of
nitrogen that can be used are green grass clippings, lake
plants, or blood meal. Grass clippings tend to mat and
should either be mixed well with other materials, or placed
in layers only one to two inches thick.
About a one inch layer of soil or completed compost can be
applied on top of the fertilizer layer. One purpose of adding
soil is to ensure that the pile is inoculated with decomposing
microbes. The use of soil in a compost pile should be consid-
ered optional. In most cases, organic yard wastes such as
grass clippings or leaves contain enough microorganisms on
the surface to effect decomposition. Studies have shown that
there is no advantage in purchasing a compost starter or
inoculum. Microbes multiply as rapidly from the soil and/or
added organic wastes as from the inoculum. Those microbes
already in the soil and on organic materials are just as
efficient in decomposing the waste as those provided by the
commercial inoculum. Adding soil, however, will help re-
duce leaching of mineral nutrients such as potassium re-
leased during decomposition. Repeat the sequence of adding
organic waste, fertilizer, and soil (optional) until the pile is
completed, remembering to water each section.
The carbon:nitrogen (C/N) ratio will determine how long de-
composition will take. An initial C/N ratio of about 20 to 30
is needed for rapid composting. If the initial C/N ratio is
above 50, the process will be considerably slower. The C/N
ratio of common organic yard wastes is provided in Table 2.
Materials can be blended and mixed to achieve an initial C/
N ratio of 25 or 30. Over time, the C/N ratio will generally
decrease.
=•s
SOIL FERTILIZER OR MANURE
ORGANIC
Grass, leaves, weeds, etc,
J
Lies
gone - . so •• -
To prevent odors and hasten decomposition, the pile must be
turned occasionally. Turning also exposes seeds, insect
larvae, and pathogens to lethal temperatures inside the pile.
Turning may be done by inverting segments of the compost,
or by shifting the pile into another bin. The compost pile
should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Odors may arise
either from the addition of excessive amounts of wet plant
materials like fruits or grass clippings, or from overwater-
ing. A properly mixed and adequately turned compost heap
will not have objectionable odors. An actively decomposing
pile will reach temperatures of 1300 - 160°F in the middle.
Reasons for the pile not heating up may be due to: Too small
a pile, not enough nitrogen, lack of oxygen, too much mois-
ture or not enough moisture. The pile should be turned when
the temperature in the center begins to cool. This will
introduce oxygen and undecomposed material into the cen-
ter and subsequently regenerate heating. The composting
process is essentially complete when mixing no longer pro-
duces heat in the pile.
Small amounts of fresh materials may be added provided
that the pile is occasionally turned. Vegetable wastes
should be buried inside the pile to avoid attracting rodents.
If enough material is available, it is best to make a new pile
instead of combining with old compost.
Generally, a well managed compost pile with shredded
materials under warm conditions will be ready in about 2-4
months. A pile left unattended and material not shredded
may take over a year to decompose. Piles prepared in the
late fall will not be ready for use the following spring. When
the compost is finished, the pile will be about half it -s
original size and have an earthy smell to it.
Table 1. Persistence of herbicides in soil (2)
Persistence In soy
Common Name
Trade Names
(months)
Benefin
Balan, Baffin
4-8
DCPA
Dacthal
4-8
Bensulide
Betasan,Prefar
6-12
Glyphosate
Roundup,Kleenup
Less than 1
2,4-D
(Many Formulations)
1-2
MCPP
(Many Formulations)
1-3
Dicamba
Banvel
3-12
CIM JUN 7 '91
*=.191V
Table 2. Approximate concentration of nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen (C/N)' ratio of various
materials used in municipal and backyard composts (4)
Nitrogen C/N ratio
Material % dry weight wt/wt
Grass clippings
2.15
20
Leaves
0.5-1.0
40-80
Sawdust
0.11
511
Wood (pine)
0.07
723
Fruit wastes
1.52
35
Paper
0.25
170
Table scraps
-
15
Livestock manure
-
10-12
* See text for further explanation.
Municipal Composting of Yard Wastes I*
If building your own compost heap is impractical, there are
municipal composting sites available in many counties for
disposal of leaves and grass clippings. Depending on the
location, leaves only or leaves and grass clippings may be
dropped off at the composting sites. Some city compost
programs also have curbside pick-up in the fall.
In the past there has been some concern about using munici-
pal waste compost because of contamination with lead and
other trace metals. Possible modes of yard waste contami-
nation may be due to direct exposure of leaves and grass to
automobile exhaust or to inclusion of street sweepings (which
might contain high levels of lead from automobile exhaust)
in the compost pile. A study at the University of Minnesota,
(Schumacher et al, 1987) characterized elemental composi-
tion of yard waste composts from 11 different sites in the
seven -county metropolitan area. The mean and ranges of
elemental concentrations in the compost piles over two
years are presented in Table 3. There was a wide range in
Table 3. Chemical Characteristics of Municipal Yard Waste Composts
Mean of 11 compost sites over 2 years (5)
Concentration (dry weight basis)
Mean
Range
Carbon %
19.3
4.4-41.4
Nitrogen %
1.26
0.33-4.2
Carbon/Nitrogen•
17.
11-25
Phosphorus %
0.19
0.05-0.5
Potassium %
0.39
0.04-2.71
Calcium %
3.02
0.70-8.04
Magnesium %
0.54
0.09-1.34
Iron %
0.25
0.06-0.31
Aluminum %
0.27
0.06-0.31
Manganese mg/kg**
420
223-1261
Sodium mg/kg
154
36-921
Zinc mg/kg
88
39-585
Copper mg/kg
11
3-143
Boron mg/kg
41
7-141
Lead mg/kg
49
1-380
Cadmium mg/kg
0.4
<0.1-1.4
Chromium mg/kg
6.3
1.2-52.5
Nickel mg/kg
7.3
1.7 - 33.3
pH
7.6
4.5-8.3
* Ratio of carbon to nitrogen (See text for further explanation).
< means "less than."
**mg/kg=milligrams per kilogram, which is the same as parts per million
C'M JUN 7 `91
lead values from the different sites. The highest concentra-
tions were found in composts produced at sites in the most
urban areas. Generally it has been considered safe to use
garden produce grown in soils with total lead levels less than
500 mg/kg (parts per million). The lead levels in the yard
waste composts are considerably less than this suggested
limit. Other trace metals such as cadmium, nickel, copper,
chromium, and zinc are also present in compost in small
quantities. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has
established maximum concentrations of these elements for
composts that are applied to soil. The allowable levels in
milligrams per kilogram on a dry weight basis are:
Cadmium
10
Nickel
100
Copper
500
Chromium
1000
Zinc
1000
Typical concentrations of these elements found in municipal
yard waste composts are many times less than the allowable
levels.
Use of Compost as a Soil Amendment A*
Compost is used as an organic amendment to improve
physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Adding
compost will increase the moisture holding capacity of sandy
soils, thereby reducing drought damage to plants. When
added to heavy clay soils, compost will improve drainage and
aeration, thereby reducing waterlogging damage to plants.
Compost will increase the ability of the soil to hold and
release essential nutrients. The activity of earthworms and
soil microorganisms beneficial to plant growth will be pro-
moted with compost additions. Other benefits of adding
compost include improved seed emergence and water infil-
tration due to a reduction in soil crusting.
Over time, yearly additions of compost will create desirable
soil structure, making the soil much easier to work. For
improving soil physical properties, add and incorporate 1- 2
inches of well decomposed compost in the top 6 - 8 inches of
soil. Use the lower rate for sandy soils and the higher rate
for clay soils.
To a limited extent, compost is a source of nutrients. How-
ever, nutrient release from compost is slow and the nutrient
content is often too low to supply all the nutrients necessary
for plant growth. As noted in Table 3, there is a wide
variation in nutrient content of municipal leaf compost.
Differences are probably due to several factors including age
of the compost, amount of water added, plant species, and
the amount of soil that becomes mixed into the pile during
turning.
It is usually necessary to supplement compost with some
fertilizer, particularly nitrogen. If the C/N ratio of the
compost is less than 20 to 1, nitrogen will tend to be released
rather than tied up (2). For the majority of municipal yard
waste composts, the C/N ratio is less than 20 to 1(Table 3).
Thus, while composts may not supply significant amounts of
nitrogen, especially in the short run, nitrogen tie-up should
not be a major concern with most yard waste composts.
Approximately 1 cup of ammonium nitrate (0.15 lb actual
nitrogen) per 3 bushels (100 lbs compost) is required to
provide the additional nitrogen needed by most garden
plants.
_• s
Have your soil tested every few years to determine whether
supplemental phosphorus and potassium are required. The
pH of most yard waste composts is usually between 7.0 and
8.0. This slightly alkaline pH of compost should not pose any
problems when diluted by mixing into the soil and in fact is
beneficial to plants growing on acid soils. Because of the
alkaline pH, yard waste composts do not appear well suited
for use on acid loving plants such as azaleas and blueberries.
Use of Compost in Potting Soils A*
Leaf compost can be used as a component of potting mixes.
Generally, no more than one quarter to one third by volume
of the potting mix should be compost, because over time
some of the compost is likely to decompose and the volume
of the potting soil will be reduced. In addition, high levels of
compost in a mix may cause waterlogging and poor aeration
for roots.
Although proper composting destroys most weed seeds and
disease organisms, some may still survive due to incomplete
mixing. To obtain a completely pasteurized leaf compost, it
is necessary to heat the material in an oven until the
temperature of the center reaches 160°F and is maintained
for 30 minutes.
Use of Compost as a Mulch A*
Mulches are used in gardens to suppress weeds, reduce soil
erosion, modify the soil temperature (cooler in the summer,
warmer in the winter),and conserve soil moisture. Yard
waste compost makes an ideal mulch for annual and peren-
nial gardens. All that needs to be done is to apply a 3 - 6 inch
layer of compost around the base of the plant. Periodically
throughout the summer, you may need to add more compost
over the old layers to maintain the benefits of the mulch.
The soil environment beneath the mulch is favorable for
promoting earthworms which in turn are valuable for aerat-
ing the soil. Organic matter is gradually added to the soil as
the mulch decomposes. For annual gardens, the mulch can
be worked into the soil at the end of the season to further
improve soil physical properties. For perennials, it may be
beneficial to remove the mulch in the spring to allow the soil
to thaw out faster. As discussed above, a well decomposed
yard waste compost will not tie up nitrogen. Therefore,
additional nitrogen beyond that recommended for plant
growth is unnecessary. If uncomposted or partially com-
posted leaves are used, one tablespoon of a high nitrogen
fertilizer should be applied to each bushel of mulch.
Alternatives to Composting
Grass Clippings
The question of whether to collect or not to collect grass
clippings has been around for a long time. However, it is now
agreed that as long as the grass is not excessively long and
clippings do not thickly cover the lawn surface after mowing,
there is normally no need to collect the clippings. Aside from
reducing the work involved in lawn maintenance, leaving
the grass clippings benefits the turf by returning nutrients
and organic matter to the soil. If evenly distributed, clip-
pings left on the lawn can be equivalent to one fertilizer
application per year.
CIM ,JUN 7 '91
In order to keep your lawn looking healthy and to control
the amount of clippings generated, several maintenance
practices should be followed. It is important that mowing
height be properly adjusted. The height of the cut will
depend on the turfgrass varieties present in the lawn and
whether the lawn is in sun, full shade, or a combination of
both. Lawns in full sun have the greatest potential for quick
recovery after mowing and can therefore be cut shorter.
Those in the shade need all the available leaf surface pos-
sible for photosynthesis. Thus, grass in the shade should be
cut slightly higher than grass in the sun. Where both
conditions are present, an intermediate height is recom-
mended. Some suggested mowing heights are listed below:
Fine Fescue 1-1 /2 to 3 inches
Kentucky bluegrass /perennial
ryegrass 1 to 2 inches
Kentucky bluegrass:
Improved varieties 3/4 to 2 inches
Common types 1-112 to 2-112 inches
Kentucky bluegrass/ red fescue 1-112 to 2-112 inches
Mowing frequency also has a direct impact on the amount of
clippings generated. Mowing frequency depends on the
cutting height selected and how fast the turf grows rather
than on specific time intervals such asonce per week, etc.
Ideally, no more than one third of the leaf surface area
should be cut at any one time and the clippings should be no
longer than one inch. As an example, a lawn with grass three
inches tall should be cut to about two inches. Excessive
defoliation in a single mowing can make the lawn more
prone to stress and disease problems.
Be careful not to over -fertilize your lawn. Over fertilization
(primarily nitrogen) will cause excessive growth and unless
the lawn is cut more frequently, the clippings will be slow to
reach the soil and decompose. Reducing excessive thatch
levels through lawn renovation will improve infiltration of
the grass clippings down to the soil surface. It is best to mow
your lawn when it is dry so clippings will be able to filter
down to the soil without clumping. For more information on
lawn fertilization and lawn care, contact your local country
extension office.
Two types of mowers available to homeowners are reel and
rotary. Either will do an acceptable job when sharpened and
adjusted properly. Mower blades should always be kept
sharp, as dull blades can result in deterioration of the lawn
area. Rotary mowers are now available with a mulcher
attachment for the blade. This will reduce the size of the
clippings left behind and should result in faster decomposi-
tion of the grass blades. However, if you are mowing on a
regular basis and not removing more than one third of the
grass blades at a time, additional size reduction is not
necessary.
If grass growth is excessive it may become necessary to
remove the clippings. In this situation, lawn clippings can
be used in the compost pile as described above or they can be
used as a mulch in the garden. If used as a mulch, care
should be taken not to over apply fresh clippings as they tend
to inhibit moisture and oxygen penetration into the soil, and
may produce offensive odors. Mixing fresh clippings with
compost provides an excellent mulching material. Do not
use grass clippings as a mulch if the lawn has recently been
treated with herbicides. Where herbicides have been ap-
plied, it is recommended that the clippings be left on the
lawn for at least 3 mowings.
References
1. Reclamation of Municipal Refuse by Composting. 1953. University of California, Berkeley, Tech. Bull. No. 9, Series 37,
Sanitary Engineering Research Project.
2. Van Der Puy, D., Characteristics of Herbicides Used in Agronomic Crops. 1985. North Dakota Cooperative Extension
Service Bulletin #W-871.
3. Rodale, J.I. The Complete Guide to Composting. 1971. Rodale Books, Inc. Erasmmus, PA, 9th printing.
4. Biochemical and Microbiological Aspects of Composting. 1974. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin
754.
5. Schumacher, Nancy, M. DuBois, M. Martindale, C.E. Clapp, J.A.E. Molina. Composition of Yard Waste Composts
Produced at Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Centralized Composting Sites. Soil Series #124, Department of Soil Science,
University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. (To be released in 1990.)
About the Authors
Carl Rosen Extension Soil Scientist, Minnesota Extension Service; Nancy Schumacher, Former Assistant Scientist,
Department of Soil Science, University of Minnesota; Robert Mugaas, Extension Agent, Hennepin County, Minnesota
Extension Service, and Thomas Halbach, Assistant Extension Specialist, Waste Management.
This project was supported by a grant from the Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square, 7th and Robert Streets,
St. Paul, MN 55101.
The information given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discriminatioin
is Intended and no endorsement by the Minnesota Extension Service is implied.
Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with theU.S. Department of Agriculture,
PatrickJ. Borich, Dean and Director of Minnesota Extension Service, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. The University of Minnesota, including the Minnesota Extension Service, is committed
to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, handicap, age, veteran
status, or sexual orientation.
am JUN 7 "� 1
SHINGLE CREEK WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
3030 Harbor Lane * Plymouth, MN 55447
(612) 553-1144
M I N U T E S
April 11, 1991
A meeting of the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission was called to
order by Chairman Fred Moore on Thursday, April 11, 1991, at 1:20 p.m. at the
Saint Andrews Club, 8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park, MN.
Present were: Sy Knapp, Brooklyn Center; George Calebaugh, Brooklyn Park;
Bill Monk, Crystal; Gerry Butcher, Maple Grove; Perry Damon,
Minneapolis; Mark Hanson, New Hope; Gene Hakanson, Osseo;
Fred Moore, Plymouth; Bill Deblon, Robbinsdale; Dale Cla-
ridge and Loren Larson, JMM; Curt Pearson, attorney; and
Judie Anderson, recording secretary.
Also present was: Dick Osgood, Metropolitan Council.
Prior to the meeting, the Commissioners heard Osgood describe the Met Coun-
cil's Water Quality Monitoring program. Results of a survey conducted by Met
Council indicated that more intensive monitoring is necessary on metropolitan
lakes and their staff is evaluating alternative means of collecting data. It
is anticipated that cost savings can be realized by coordinating the Met Coun-
cil program with those of the WMO's.
1. Minutes.
Monk moved and Hakanson seconded a motion to approve the corrected min-
utes of the March 14, 1991 meeting. Motion carried.
2. Treasurer's Report.
Knapp moved and Monk seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer's Re-
port. Motion carried.
3. Approval of Claims.
Knapp moved and Butcher seconded a motion to approve claims totaling
$4,953.45. The claims were approved by roll call vote: ayes - Knapp, Cale-
baugh, Monk, Butcher, Damon, Hanson, Hakanson, Moore, and Deblon; nays - none.
4. Correspondence.
The Commissioners reviewed the Communications Log. No action was re-
quired.
Claridge noted receipt of a copy of an April 8 letter from Monk to MPCA
re application by Rapid Oil for an NPDES permit to connect a wastewater treat-
ment facility to a local storm sewer. Monk expressed concern that the storm
W JUN 7 'S .i
=_ to
SCWMC Minutes
April 11, 1991
page 2
sewer to be tapped outlets directly into Twin Lakes without additional treat-
ment and that it often surcharges during and after rainfall events. At this
time no comment is required by the Commission.
Moore and Butcher gave an update on the proposed rules for Metropolitan
Local Water Management. The Task Force discussed the concerns of those who
have commented on the rules. The Board of Water and Soil Resources agreed to
form a sub -group of 'implementers' who will meet to formulate "workable'
rules.
Knapp distributed a packet of information re liability insurance for
joint powers organizations. Monk moved and Butcher seconded a motion direct-
ing Pearson and Knapp to work together to secure a quotation for liability
coverage and to determine the options available to the Commission. Motion
carried.
Claridge also informed the Commission that William Weidenbacher will be
working in California for the nest 18 months and Claridge has been named JMM's
liaison with the Commission.
5. Project Reviews.
91-6 Twin View Meadows, Brooklyn Center. Development of the proposed
plat of Twin View Meadows, consisting of 25 single family lots on a 17.5 acre
site located on the west side of France Avenue and south of the 51st Avenue
alignment near the southeast corner of Upper Twin Lake, Brooklyn Center. But-
cher moved and Knapp second a motion directing the consultant to notify the
City of Brooklyn Center that approval of 91-6 is hereby granted conditioned on
the applicant's meeting the conditions set forth in the consultant's report
and recommendations, i.e.,
1. A stabilized emergency overflow spillway from the proposed pond
shall be provided.
2. Required drainage easements for ponding and access shall be dedi-
cated to the City. Required drainage easements shall also be
dedicated to the City for those areas below the 100 -year flood
elevation of 855.1.
3. The owner shall designate operation and maintenance procedures
which will maintain the outlet control structures and a minimum
permanent pool depth of two feet in the stormwater treatment ponds
and assurance to the City, in the form of a recordable agreement,
that the designated operation and maintenance procedures will be
faithfully executed.
4. Erosion control measures shall be used at catch basin inlets
(e.g., hay or straw bales, rock filters, etc.) to prevent sediment
from entering the storm sewer system during the development
process. Storm sewer outfalls to the ponding area shall be
stabilized.
CW JUN 7 '91
T�
SCWMC Minutes
April 11, 1991
page 3
5. The proposed basement floor elevations shall be minimum of 1.0
feet above the FEMA 100 -year elevation of 856.0 established for
Twin Lakes.
Motion carried.
7. 1991 Water Quality Monitoring Proctram.
Larson presented four options for the 1991 monitoring program. Monk
moved and Knapp seconded a motion to approve twice monthly sampling and flow
monitoring at the 15 established stream sites and to use the Water quality
data generated by Met Council from their 1941 monitoring of Eagle and Twin
Lakes. Larson is to provide a detailed cost estimate for the approved 1991
monitoring program (estimated to be $27,000) at the May meeting. JMM was also
directed to coordinate with Met Council a lakes monitoring program for future
years. Motion carried. Representatives from the affected communities will
meet with Loren Larson and a representative from Met Council to develop a
coordinated program for Twin Lakes.
There being no further business before the Commission, Monk moved and Butcher
seconded a motion to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at
3:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judie A. Anderson
Recording Secretary
JAA:tim
CIM, A 7'91
For Further Information: Barbara Ronningen
(612)296-2557
'"=L�l
May, 1991 Sl
OSD 9140TV wt ymom
MINNESOTA ELECTS MULTITUDE OF LOCAL OFFICIALS
• Minnesota ranks 8th in number of elected officials.
• Half of Minnesota's local elected officials serve on
township governments.
• Minnesota ranks tenth in the nation in the number of
state elected officials.
• Most elected officials in Minnesota are male, white
and live outside metropolitan areas.
• Since 1967, the number of elected officials in
Minnesota has declined by 28 percent.
Minnesota elects more officials than most states, ranking in
the top ten in total elected officials, state legislators,
municipal officials, and township officials.t In 1987,
township and municipal officials made up three quarters of
Minnesota's elected officials. Most elected officials are
white males. However, the number of women has increased
significantly in the last twenty years. During this same
period, the total number of officials declined 28 percent, a
much larger decrease than in the nation or in the Midwest
states. This decline was primarily due to consolidation of
school districts.
Nota Sbdh Highest in Number of Elected
Oftials
Nine states accounted for forty-four percent of all elected
officials in the nation. Five of those states (Illinois,
Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) are in the
Midwest region. Midwestern states with many small cities
and villages, many township governments and many small
independent school districts tend to have more elected
officials than other arras in the nation.
In 1987, Minnesota elected 18,887 officials to rank eighth
in the nation. These officials served on 3,556 state and local
governments, including 87 counties, 855 municipalities,
1,798 townships, 441 school districts, and 374 special
districts. Special districts are independent governments
established for limited purposes such as soil and water
conservation, fire protection, community development, and
health services.
Minnesota elected 579 state officials, including 201 state
legislators, 6 elected members of the executive branch and
372 elected judges. In total elected state officials,
Minnesota ranks tenth in the nation. Pennsylvania elected
the largest number (1,182) of state officials in 1987, and
Delaware the fewest (80).
Minnesota ranked sixth in the nation in the number of state
legislators in 1987. Each Minnesota state legislator
represented 21,000 people. The nation averaged one state
legislator for every 32,000 people. California elected one
state legislator for every 224,000 persons. By contrast, each
New Hampshire legislator represented 2,422 individuals.
Most elected officials in the U.S. live outside Metropolitan
Statistical Areas. In Minnesota only 23.7 percent of
elected officials five in metropolitan areas. Within
Minnesota MSAs, 182 officials are elected for each 10,000
people, but outside MSAs, 762 officials are elected for every
10,000 people, or more than four times as many. In northern
Figure 1. NuI� off icial be RCe un ynted by One
■ 2510 100
■ 100 m 200
® 20o to 500
F_1
a5o to 3411
CIM JUN 7'91
2
and western Minnesota counties, the ratio is as high as one
official for every 25 people (Figure 1). In rural Minnesota,
municipal and township governments often serve small
population concentrations. As a result, Minnesota elects a
very large number of officials, most residing outside MSAs
(Figure 2).
As population centers expand, city governments often
assimilate township governments and functions. This
reduces the number of elected officials in Metropolitan
Statistical Areas. In Minnesota, township government
officials account for half of all elected officials. In rural
areas, especially, townships tend to have very small
populations.
Comparing Scott County with Otter Tail County illustrates
the reduction of local governments in urban areas. Scott
County is a metropolitan county with a population of 57,846
in the 1990 census. Otter Tail County is a nonmetropolitan
county with a slightly smaller population (50,714). Scott
County elected fifty-three township officials and forty-eight
municipal officials in 1987. Otter Tail County, on the other
hand, elected 306 township officials and 107 municipal
officials. Otter Tail County elects four times as many
officials as Scott County.
Number of Elected Of Ki& Dedines Since 1967
Urbanization, population growth and efforts to streamline
local governments have led to fewer local governments,
fewer local elected officials aind fewer officials per unit of
population. The number of elected officials in Minnesota
has declined by 28 percent since 1967. In 1967, Minnesota
ranked third in the nation with 26,290 elected officials. The
number of officials per 10,000 population also has declined
since 1967. Similar trends occurred in the Midwest and in
the nation (Table 1).
Figure 2. Total Elected Officials by County
31 to 100
® 100 to 200
1® 200 t. 350
0 35010615
A
Z %
The number of local governments has decreased fifteen
percent in Mirmesota since 1967. Most of the decline came
through conso6dsdon of small irid�e nt school districts.
The number of school districts has been reduced by
nearly two-thirds (from 1,U7 to 441) since 1%7. In the
Midwest states, the number of local governments also
declined, but nationally, the number of governments
increased slightly since 1967.
Table 1. Change in Governments and Officials
1%7-1987
Number of Governments
1967
1987
% Change
1967-1987
United States 81,298
83,235
2.4%
Midwest 41,039
38,322
-6.6%
Minnesota 4,185
3,556
-15.0%
Number of Elected Officials
1967
1987
% Change
United States 521,758
497,155
1967-1987
-4.7%
Midwest 246,958
216,486
-123%
Minnesota 26,290
18,887
-28.1%
Officials per 10,000 Population
1967
1987
% Change
1967-1987
United States 26.7
20.6
-22.8%
Midwest 45.4
36.5
-19.6%
Minnesota 73.5
44.8
-39.0%
As the number of school districts has declined, the number
of officials elected in each school district has increased. In
1967, Minnesota elected 4.4 officials per school district.
That number had increased to 6.4 in 1987 (Figure 3).
Nonetheless, the total number of school district officials has
declined by fifty percent since 1967.
Changes in the structure of Minnesota county
government, beginning in 1975, reduced the number of
county officials. The offices of County Superintendent of
Schools and Court Commissioner were abolished The office
of District Court Clerk became appointive in 1977, and some
counties have combined the offices of County Auditor and
County Treasurer. These changes resulted in 339 fewer
elected county officials statewide.
"' JUN 7 '91
I
=--7
3
Figure 3. Officials Per Local Government in Minnesota (1967 and 1987)
Count' MWAd d
Salaries for Most Elected Otix>als Are S=B
Salaries paid to elected officials are not major expenses for
most local governments in Minnesota Some mayors, city
council members and school board officials receive no
regular salary. The median annual salary paid to school
board members statewide is $435. Township officials
receive small per meeting stipends. Salaries for municipal
officials in small towns (less than 2,500 population) range
from no regular salary to $3,600 annually. In township and
city governments which account for seventy -rive percen
of all Minnesota local elected officials, salaries are small.
Salaries for elected officials in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and
Duluth are much higher than for smaller cities and towns, and
range from $7,500 for Duluth council members to $74,000
TowiNip Sema Seal
Lem
for the mayor of St. Paul. However, annual salaries for the
mayors and council members of large suburban cities
(population larger than 20,000) are relatively low ranging
from $3,600 to $15,000. Salaries for suburban city officials
are comparable to those paid in larger cities in Greater
Minnesota.
County officials receive larjer darks than most city,
township, and school board of trials. Annual salaries
range from $6,552 for Red Lake County Commissioners to
$90,048 for Ramsey County Attorney. In some counties,
salary expenses are reduced by making some county offices
part-time.
Figure 4. Percent of Women Among Local Officials, 1987
toes to 15Z
® 15X to 2=
2oX to 25X
0 25X to 43X
'M' JUN 7 �q i
4
Nfnnesota Ot'fid& are Mostly Male and white
The typical Minnesota elected official is a white male who
resides outside a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Of all local elected officials for which race was reported in
Minnesota, 99.6 percent were white and 83.5 percent were
male. More Minnesota elected officials are white than in
the nation (97.5 percent). Minnesota also has a higher
proportion of male local officials than the nation (80.0
percent).
Non -whites and Hispanics comprise a very small
percentage of local elected officials in Minnesota.
Numbers of minority officials are generally smaller in
Minnesota than in the nation or in other Midwest states.
Minnesotans elected 49 Hispanics, 46 American Indians, 14
Ahican-Americans and one Asian to public office in 1987.
Women show Steady Growth in Number of )!]acted
Puddons
Fewer Minnesota elected officials were women (16.5
percent) in 1987 as compared with the Midwest region (18.7
percent female) and the nation (20.0 percent female). In nine
states and the District of Columbia, more than 25 pet+ mt of
local officials are women. Nearly one thrid of all local
officials in the New England states are women (Figure4). In
most states, women are more likely to hold local office than
to be elected to the state legislature. More Minnesota women
are elected to school boards and municipal governments than
to other local governments (Figure 5).
In 1990, 18.4 percent of the Minnesota legislature was
female. This number represents a significant increase over
1977 when twelve Minnesota state legislators (6.0 percent)
were women. Nationwide, women have steadily increased
their numbers in state legislatures from 4 percent in 1969 to
17.1 percent in 1990 (Table 3).'
Table 3. Percent of Women in State Legislatures
United States 4.0% 9.1% 15.7% 17.1%
Midwest State n/a 8.1% 16.0% 17.8%
Minnesota n/a 6.0% 15.4% 18.4%
'Information in this report is taken ii.orn the Bureau of the Census
publications, "Popularly Elected Officials" (Census of
Goverunents, vol. 1, no. 2) for 1967, 1977, and 1987. Although
the Census of Governments is conducted every five years,
information on popularly elected officials is only collected every ten
years. Data in the Census of Governments is collected through a
mail survey of all local governments. Response tD the 1987 survey
(which began in October, 1996) was 87 percent. Local govemment
counts reflect operations during the period beghming July 1, 1986,
through June 30, 1987. The 1987 Census of Governments collected
data on race, sex and Hispanic origin of elected officials for the first
time.
IMe top ten ranked states are Illinois, Pamsylvania, Texas. New
York, Ohio, Michigan. California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and
Missouri.
31nfarmation on salaries paid to local elected officials comes from
the Minnesota School Boards Association, the League of Minnesota
Figure 5. Percentage of Women in Five Types of Local Government
county Clow. mmwow Own. ToWNft Gow. Yd ad=d Diu f wW DWkft
U.S. ® Minnesota
iC'm JUN 7 '91
l
7M-66),
Cities, the Association of Minnesota Counties, the Minnesota
Association of Townships, and the Association of Metropolitan
Municipalities.
4In Minnesota, ethnicity was not reported for 8.6 percent of elected
local officials. The proportion unreported for the Midwest region
was 12.9 percent, and for the nation. 12.5 percent.
SHistotscal data on women in state legislatures has been compiled
by the Center for the American Woman and Politics, National
bdarmation Bank on Women in Public Office, Eagleton Institute of
Politics at Rutgers University.
Update:
In the last issue of Population Notes we started a spotlight
series on local access points (State Data Centers) to the 1990
census information. We listed malty contacts for Nord►ern
Minnesota and said that you should be able to get census
information from an office hear you. We would 10m to
continue on with that series this time spotlighting the contacts
for Central Minnesota Again the names and addresses of
the contacts will be in county order alphabetically.
5
o n,13�
City Location
Organization
Telohane Number
Anoka
Blaine
Anoka County library
612-784-1100
Beaton, Sherburne & Stearns
St. Cloud
St. Cloud Area Planning Organization
612-252-7568
St. Cloud
Great River Regional library
612-251-7282
St. Cloud
St. Cloud State University
612-255-2086
Dakota
Eagan
Dakota County Library
612,452-9600
Goodhue
Red Wing
Red Wing Public library
612-388-2884
Hennepin
Chanhassen
Chanhassen Public L'brary
612-9344689
Edina
Southdale-Homepin library
612 -83(► -4933
Minneapolis
U of M, Machine Readabie Data Center
612.6244389
Minneapolis Public library
612-372-6534
U of M, Wilson Library
612-624-5073
Isanti
Cambridge
East Central Library
612-689-1901
ICmabec
Mora
East Central Regional Development Commision
612-679-4065
Kandiyohi
Willmar
Mid-Mirmesota Regional Development Commission
612-235.8504
Ramsey
Roseville
Ramsey County Public Library
612-631-0494
St. Paul
Hill Reference library
612-227-9531
College of St. Catherine L n y
612-690-6647x6652
St. Paul Public 1hrary
612-292-0178
U of M, St. Paul Cm>pus Ltbrary
612.624-1212
Stevens
Morris
U of M -Maris, Briggs L'bray
612-589-6176
Swift
Appleton
Upper MN Valley Regional Development Commission
612-289-1981
Washington
C:onage Grove
Waddngton County L'brary
612-459-2040
C"A' JUN 7 '91
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: May 29, 1991
TO: Glen UptonfWeed Inspector
FROM: Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator
SUBJECT: CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CALL
I received a call on the 24 -Hour Customer Service Line on May 28
concerning long grass and weeds in the backyard of 4315 Goldenrod
Lane. Please investigate this matter and advise me of action
taken on this by Wednesday, June 5 so that I may note it in my
customer service line log.
Thanks.
HL:kec
cc: James G. Willis, City Manager
S.F. 6/5/91
�; r ,
14 int f r+ S / . _ ✓V L� rN U- c `� •• r C C !J /
j
ifi /a✓t/ /; /y?� y�, f. Tip ,L.(,
14,
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'*' JUN 7'91
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 3, 1991
TO: Don Kissinge��r//1, City Forester
FROM: Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator
SUBJECT: CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CALL
I received a call on the 24 -Hour Customer Service Line on May 31
reporting two intersection sight obstructions caused by trees and
shrubs at the intersection of Olive Lane and 19th Avenue North.
The anonymous caller reported that the shrubs are located at 1830
Olive Lane and at 17805 19th Avenue North.
Please check this and advise me of action which has been taken by
Thursday, June 13.
Thanks.
HL:kec
cc: James G. Willis, City Manager
S.F. 6/13/91
CIM JUN 7'91
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE
June 3, 1991
ANONYMOUS
�i
PROBLEM: Trees and shrubs at two houses at the intersection of
Olive Lane and 19th Avenue North interfere with the
view of the intersection for motorists. The houses
are located at 1830 Olive Lane and 17805 19th Avenue
North. (5/31/91, 4:11 p.m.)
SOLUTION: Request City Forester to inspect the site and take
appropriate measures.
C'M JUN 7 '91
=-g
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: May 21, 1991
TO: Steve Correll,
, Support Services Supervisor
FROM: Helen LaFave� Communications Coordinator
SUBJECT: CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CALL
Susan Stark, 10101 Highway 55 (no apartment number given), 545-
6516, called the 24 -Hour Customer Service Line on May 21 to
report two problems at her apartment building, Countryside
Estates.
1. The water in the building is orange and oily. She would
like to know if the water is safe, and she would also
like to have it cleaned up.
2. The insulation in the building has apparently rotted,
causing a bad odor. She would like to see this replaced.
Would you please have Community Service Officer Warren Kulesa
investigate this. Ms. Stark would like to be informed of the
results of the investigation.
Please advise me of action taken on this matter by Monday,
June 3.
Thanks.
HL:kec
cc: James G. Willis, City Manager
S.F. 6/3/91
iM JUN 7'91
OFFENSEgNCIDENT CLASSIFICATION
LITERAL CODE
1
C,�IG� ❑ ATT 70 1
DISP. I LITERAL CODE
z
_%
LITERAL CODE
DISP. (LITERAL CODE
PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
❑ Juvenile
BER
AGE:
OFFENSE / INCIDENT REPORT
❑ Domestic
DISP.
5
;6
OFFICE USE ONLY
,eP RTED
;
DISPATCHED:
1 (A30
ARRIVED: CLEARED.
(a3v �(04/S i
1:3 REF TO INV
.V AS IG(JED
PENDING
'CLEARED BY
❑ ARREST ❑ EXCP. I ❑ ASSIST/ADVISE
❑ UNF I ❑ PFC
OFFENSEgNCIDENT CLASSIFICATION
LITERAL CODE
1
C,�IG� ❑ ATT 70 1
DISP. I LITERAL CODE
z
DISP.
LITERAL CODE
DISP. (LITERAL CODE
DISP.
3
14
AGE:
LITERAL CODE
DISP. LITERAL CODE
DISP.
5
;6
HEIGHT.WEIGHT:
ADDRESS OF INCIDENT (STREET,APT.CITY,STATE,ZIP CODE): a NAME OF LOCATION BUSINESS
1LAiLll �4 C
DATE !TIME OF INCIDENT IR.I. co0esI ARREST(S) MADE: YES NO BADGE N(S) SO 4
START: F pu
rne v Vc$Alo-+
END: a-qar OO e 1� ICITATION(S) ISSUED: ❑ YES 14 NO
❑ VICT ❑ WITN ,K COM ❑ OWN ❑ MENT
PERSON ONE
NAME (LAST,FIRST,MIDDLE)
ADDRESS (STREET.APT.CITY,STATE.ZIP CODE):
S ( Su'AAA
v/
RESIDENCE PHONE NUMBER
AGE:
DATEOFBIRTH
EMPLOYERSCHOOL NAME. ADDRESS:
( )V O� A,
ESEX:
� Q
J
HEIGHT.WEIGHT:
BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER:
OCCUPATION/TITLE:
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ 1 02 03 04 05 ❑ 6
DAY/TIMES%AVAILABLE:
RACE.
/V�
04 ❑ APPARENT MINOR INJ 05
❑ OTHER MAJOR 06 ❑ LOSS Or TEETH 07 ❑ UNCONSCIOUSNESS
��L _
,; S
$WHITE ❑BLACK ❑HISPANIC ❑NATIVE AMERICAN
5ASIAN
��/�%^�
PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN PHONE Jl.
❑ PACIFIC ISLANDER ❑OTHER
SEX:
HEIGHT:
WEIGHT:
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
D_L. OR I.D. x:
VICTIM OF OFFENSE NUMBER:
\r\
[I YES❑ NO
❑ 1 ❑2 03 04 ❑ 5 ❑ 6
TYPE OF INJURY:MOST
0i E3 APPARENT BROKEN BONES 02 ❑ POSSIBLE INTERNAL 03 ❑ SEVERE LACERATION
E
SERIOUS INJURY, LOCATIOtJ:
❑ 1. HEADNECK ❑ 2. ARMShiANDS ❑ 3. LEGS FEET
04 -)APPARENT MINOR INJ. 05 ❑ OTHER MAJOR 06 ❑ LOSS OF TEETH 07 ❑ UNCONSCIOUStJESS
O4 TORSO
VICT'S RELAT TO SUSP;ARRESTEE:
PARENT /GUARDIAN NAME: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN PHONE:
❑ VICT ❑ WITN ❑ COM ❑ OWN X MENT
PERSON TWO
NAME (1J45T,FIRST,MIDDLE):
ADDRESS (SEj,�;CITY ,S �TE,ZIPODE)
RESIDENCE PHONE NUMBER:
l )
f/ j� �
RESIDENCE PHONE NUMBER
AGE.
DATE OF BIRTH.
EMPLOYER'SCHOOL NAME. ADDRESS:
( )�LILI-y5?i
ESEX:
❑ ASIAN ❑ PACIFIC ISLANDER ❑ OTHER
HEIGHT.WEIGHT:
BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER.
OCCUPATION /TITLE
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ 1 02 03 04 05 ❑ 6
DAY /TIMES AVAILABLE:
RACE
- a iso
04 ❑ APPARENT MINOR INJ 05
❑ OTHER MAJOR 06 ❑ LOSS Or TEETH 07 ❑ UNCONSCIOUSNESS
IMES
41v S
WHITE 13 BLACK 0 HISPAy� NIC NATIVE AMERICAN
PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN PHONE Jl.
ASIAN ❑ PACIFIC ISLANDER ❑ OTHER
SEX:
HEIGHT:
WEIGHT:
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
I D.L OR I.D. N.
VICTIM OF OFFENSE NUMBER:
\r\
❑ YES ❑ NO
❑ 1 02 ❑3 04 ❑ 5 ❑ 6
TYPE OF INJURY:
01 ❑ APPARENT BROKEN BONES 02 ❑ POSSIBLE INTERNAL 03 ❑ SEVERE LACERATION
MOST SERIOUS INJURY, LOCATION:
Q + HEAWNECK El 2. ARMS'HANDS ❑
04 ❑ APPARENT MINOR INJ 05 ❑ OTHER MAJOR 06 ❑ LOSS Or TEETH 07 ❑ UNCONSCIOUSNESS
3. LEGSTEET
❑ 4. TORSO
VICT'S RELAT TO SUSP/ARRESTEE:
PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT /GUARDIAN PHONE ar:
( )
❑ VICT ❑ WITN ❑ COM
❑ OWN ❑ MENT PERSON THREE
NAME (LAST,FIRST,MIDDLE):
ADDRESS (STREET,APT,CITY,STATE,ZIP CODE):
RESIDENCE PHONE NUMBER:
l )
AGE.
DATE OF BIRTH.
EMPLOYER/SCHOOL NAME. ADDRESS:
S PHONE NUMBER: OCCUPATION / TITLE: DAY / TIMES AVAILABLE: RACE
❑ WHITE ❑ BLACK ❑ HISPANIC ❑ NATIVE AMERICAN
ESEX:
❑ ASIAN ❑ PACIFIC ISLANDER ❑ OTHER
HEIGHT.WEIGHT:
MEDICAL TREATMENT: I D.L OR I.D. #. VICTIM OF OFFENSE NUMBER
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ 1 02 03 04 05 ❑ 6
TYPE OF INJURY:
01 ❑ APPARENT BROKEN BONES
02 ❑ POSSIBLE INTERNAL 03 ❑ SEVERE LACERATION
MOST SERIOUS INJURY, LOCATION:
❑Iy-�-�
04 ❑ APPARENT MINOR INJ 05
❑ OTHER MAJOR 06 ❑ LOSS Or TEETH 07 ❑ UNCONSCIOUSNESS
1. HEADNECK ❑2. ARMSMANDS ❑ 3. LEGS/FEET
LJ 4 TORSO
VICT'S RELAT TO SUSP,ARRESTEE:
PARENT / GUARDIAN NAME: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN ADDRESS: (JUV. ONLY)
PARENT / GUARDIAN PHONE Jl.
C'm JUN 7'91 P�l
✓ NARRATIVE SECTION
-- - --" ---rr•-...-..• moi• ^ -• •" •��•�a—1-1au u-Uvn OT YV2f1Ts BSSOCIaied with the action.
�G � �% f��
Z
et S w.
tiiG S C t U /G f ti
'r° O
)/u ce'111 ,
bl,
Ll
%CJf.
i
Ile/
O
f
4NONIMITY REQUESTED. YES ❑ NO PRIVATE/CONFIDENTIAL/NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION: ❑ YES ❑ NO
SPECIFY: \
❑ IyA SOLVABILITY FACTORS
1 - ❑ THERE IS A RELIABLE WITNESS TO THIS OFFENSE.
2- ❑ THE SUSPECT VEHICLE CAN BE FULLY DESCRIBED,
DISTINCTIVE DESCRIPTION. LICENSE PLATE NUMBER.
3- ❑ PROPERTY STOLEN IS TRACEABLE.
4- ❑ SIGNIFICANT PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IS PRESENT.
5- ❑ THERE WAS A DEFINITE, LIMITED OPPORTUNITY
FOR ANYONE OTHER THAN THE SUSPECT TO COMMIT
THE OFFENSE.
6- ❑ THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN NAMED - FULL NAME, ALIAS,
NICKNAME.
7- ❑ DISTINCTIVE PARTIAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUSPECT
IS AVAILABLE.
6- ❑ THE SUSPECT WAS IDENTIFIED AS BEING SEEN
PREVIOUSLY IN THE AREA OF THE OFFENSE.
9 - ❑ SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SUSPECT ADDRESS
OR LOCATIONS FREQUENTED IS KNOWN.
10- ❑ A VICTIM OR WITNESS COULD POSSIBLY IDENTIFY
THE SUSPECT FROM A PHOTO FILE OR LINEUP.
11-0 AN UNUSUAL, DISTINCTIVE OR SIGNIFICANT M.O. IS PRESENT.
12- ❑ ANY SIGNIFICANT REASON EXISTS IN THE JUDGEMENT
OF THE REPORTING OFFICER TO BELIEVE THAT THE
CRIME MAY BE SOLVED WITH REASONABLE AMOUNT OF
INVESTIGATIVE EFFORT.
13 -A NONE
MISSING PERSONS
THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT AND IIWE DO AGREE TO PAY FOR RETURN TRANSPORT.
DATE
GW JUN 7'91
CITY OF
June 6, 1991 PUMOUTR
Bill Rose
18530 29th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Rose:
I've been asked to write in response to your customer service line inquiry.
In your call you stated your concern about the users fee charged to
nonresidents for tournament use in the City of Plymouth.
In approximately 1983, Mayor Davenport commissioned a citizens task force to
develop a fees and charges philosophy for the City of Plymouth's park and
recreation facilities. The task force was made up of a representative from
every athletic association from the City, citizens at large, and members of
the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. That task force developed a
comprehensive policy for the management and operation of the Park and
Recreation facilities within Plymouth. The task force recommended and the
Council adopted specific language that stated that any group that was running
invitational tournaments on Plymouth facilities should pay a fee for that
facility's usage. The City Council has been asked to waive that fee numerous
times in the last seven or eight years and until most recently, they have
declined to do so. A few weeks back the Wayzata—Plymouth Soccer Association
asked to have the fee waived for their 1991 soccer tournament. The Council
decided to waive one half of their fee for the 1991 tournament and instructed
the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to give them a recommendation on
this fee policy as part of their 1992 budget deliberations. If you would like
to address this issue further, I encourage you to attend a future meeting or
send a letter to the Commission.
In 1991, the City Council did adopt a policy of charging a $5 nonresident fee
to youth athletic associations for participants that come from adjoining
communities that do not provide facilities for youth sports programs. If the
child comes from a community that does provide a reasonable amount of
facilities for youth sports activities, i.e., baseball, football, soccer,
etc., no charge will be made to the association for those members.
The City Council has been faced, annually, with the rising cost of owning and
maintaining the City's park system. Each of our community playfields is
expensive to operate, and the Council has been looking for ways to slow down
the tax increases that annually befall Plymouth residents. This $5
nonresident fee was meant to be a method by which the Council could capture
some revenue to help offset the cost of maintaining the community playfields.
CIM JUN 7 '91
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
Bill Rose
Page 2
June 4, 1991
J
I appreciate you taking the time to call the customer service line and letting
the Council know of your feelings. I hope my letter has helped to explain to
some degree how and why these fees and charges have been developed over the
years. If you would like to discuss this matter further with me, I can be
reached at 550-5131.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank
Director of Parks and Recreation
EJB/np
cc: City Manager
cim JM 7'91
r
May 30th, 1991
1124 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55113
(612) 487-1006
FAX: (612) 487-2115
Mayor Kim M. Bergman
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Bergman:
7= c� as
On behalf of MGM Liquor Warehouse we would like to thank you
for the opportunity to do business in your city. We believe
our store in the Cottonwood Plaza will contribute to the
continued growth of the business community.
We would also like to extend a special thank you to your
staff; especially Mr. James Willis, City Manager and Ms.
Laurie Rauenhorst, City Clerk, for their professional service
afforded to us during the application for a license and the
public hearing. The manner in which the entire process was
handled represents to us that your city is indeed a community
in which we would like to grow.
Again, thank you for the vote of confidence in the issuance
of our liquor license.
Very truly yours,
FOR: M.G.M. WINE & SPIRITS, INC.
r:
Tel anc J. Maglich
TJM : j j
cc: Mr. James Willis
CIM JUN 711
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Larry Bakken
Golden Valley
VICE PRESIDENT
Bob Long
St. Paul
PAST PRESIDENT
Walter R. Fehst
Robbinsdale
DIRECTORS
Karen Anderson
Minnetonka
Don Ashworth
Chanhassen
Bill Barnhart
Minneapolis
William Burns
Fridley
Joan Campbell
Minneapolis
# A
I#
as ociation of
metropolitan
municipalities
May 30, 1991
Blair Tremere
Community Development Director
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN. 55447
Dear Blair:
=-g b
David Childs
New Brighton
It's my distinct privilege to write this letter on behalf of
Thc,mas Egan AMM to thank you for the yeoman service you have done in
Eagan working to attain the land use legislation draft, recomputerize
Richard Enrooth it to your computer system, doing several redrafts, recrafting
St. Anthony language together with producing the final product. Your hard
Kenneth A. Mahle,Work and effort should no go unnoticed and we would like to
Woodbury Nank you for it. Please accept this letter as a small token
of appreciation.
Betty McCollum
North St. Paul
Sincerely,
Frank Ongaro r
St. Paul 1
Donald Ramstad
Maple Grove Mark E. Bernhardson
City Administrator
Craic Rapp
Brooklyn Park
cc: James Willis, City Manager
Tori Spies
Bloomington
Gloria Vierling
Sha�opee
Gene White
Prior Lake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vern Peterson
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-4008
CIM JUN
? '91
lovI
--- --
GIM JUN 7'91
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GIM JUN 7'91
t, 'rte,.( .<, � _-,� •
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 5, 1991
TO: Glenn McLearen, Plans Examiner
FROM: Laurie Rauenhorst d1fici
'ty Clerk
SUBJECT: FRONT COUNTER SERVICE
Glenn, I've indicated to you before how much the receptionists
and I appreciate your willingness to come to the front counter
immediately when called and your thoroughness in assisting
customers. I thought it was time to pass along some praise
again!
This morning I was filling in on the front counter switchboard
for 15 minutes. During that time, three of the customers that
came to the front counter needed to speak to you. One woman
struggling through the permit process said, "I've bothered Glen
terribly over the last few days, but he doesn't seem to mind and
still helps me with my questions." The other two customers
commented on how helpful you are and what a good job they think
you do. One of them (a regular customer that drops off permits
and plans) said you were "exceptional." This is the consistent
message I hear from customers.
I, too, think the service you provide to customers at the front
counter is "exceptional" and wanted to pass along my thanks. The
level of service we each provide reflects on the City as whole,
and I can think of no higher praise than being considered
"exceptional" by our customers.
cc: Blair Tremere, Community Development Director
Joe Ryan, Building Official
lh �� ?'9t
May 30, 1991
James G. Willis, City Manager
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Jim:
Received your letter of
Resistance Education (DARE)
for District 284 to assist
=- NO 0'..
David R. Landswerk, Ph. D.
Superintendent of Schools
(612) 476-3101
May 1 regarding the Drug Awareness
program and the City Council's request
in funding the program for 1992.
The School Board discussed the matter at their May 28 work session,
and heard the report that the Administration, including all of the
elementary principals and our Chemical Health Coordinator Gary
Swedberg, support continuation of the program. Unfortunately, also
at this work session, the School Board received the preliminary
1991-1992 budget --which is not a pretty picture, not only for next
school year, but for several years to come.
The DARE program, from the outset, was a planned expenditure by the
City and an agreement with us that the participating schools'
P.T.O./P.T.A. would contribute $500 each. Therefore, the abrupt
request for sharing the costs frankly catches us totally unprepared
for any such expenditure.
It is with regret, that the School Board instructed me to write and
inform you and the City Council of our inability to offer financial
assistance for the DARE program at this time.
Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the City of Plymouth and its
fine police officers for offering the DARE program. It is our hope
that funding possibilities surface which will allow this quality
program to continue.
fA
ely,leJ v Lan swerk
Superintendent of Schools
DRL:LMB/22
c: Board of Education
Plymouth Mayor and City Council
District 284 Elementary Principals
Dick Carlquist, Chief of Police
Gary Swedberg, Chemical Health Coordinator 0 JUN
7191
District Administrative Offices 210 County Road 101 North P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391-9990 FAX 476-3214
June 6, 1991
Barbara Fritzberg
324 Zachary Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Ms. Fritzberg:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTH
_- \O b
Thank you for your letter of May 30 regarding the City's closure
of the West Medicine Lake Beach.
I recommended that this beach be closed as a result of reductions
in state financial aid which were adopted by the Legislature.
The cuts in our budget, which will amount to close to $400,000,
were adopted by the Legislature after our own city budgets had
been adopted. The City Council was confronted with the difficult
situation of having to make cuts in the budget which they had
just recently approved. I made a number of recommendations to
the City Council in order that the budget could be balanced,
including the closure of the West Medicine Lake swimming beach.
The Council concurred with my recommendation.
I wish I were able to tell you that these budget reductions could
be restored for 1992, or thereafter. Unfortunately, I cannot
give you that assurance. The State Legislature has recently
adopted a new tax bill which will further constrain the ability
of the City to finance its operations in 1992. Plymouth is not
unlike many other cities in the state facing budgetary problems.
I regret that you and numerous other Plymouth residents have been
inconvenienced as a result of this action. Such decisions are
not made without thoughtful consideration, recognizing the many
other competing programs, activities, and services provided by
the City to the citizens.
Thank you again for your thoughtful comments.
Yours truly,
Ames G. Willis
\
City Manager
�W • kec
cc: Mayor & City Council
Eric Blank, Director of Park and Recreation
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
C'M JUN 7 '91
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
F "ri
ce&�er rUames .1'lis, Citi
Cit,:, of T'12-- cutb Center
3400 Blvd,
BLL.^
Dear i r. ' ' i11is,
=- \o)b
'Barbara Fritzberg
324 Zachary Zane Forth
''lymouth, -Minnesota
55441
Ma� C, 1001
'e are Ver\`, C'-ncc7— �. -rcpt t:' at t e Citi Of i::, is
rlanni 110 close :.o'.... L. ,es,: Side c. thei:•c'.C__ Se Of
i:IE !..£ "e. _t's t_'.f: nGc'S\eSt '-C C:_ for r:7,:Ez';-onc \...-.o lives
t.:iI :ii'r' rl.Cai;" ane'C:isttmces for
y. �. C ( �, i r CC.�. �. E £e�i
t..OSE C __ i c1'e �: C£:.,^ 0 c10:: c:r Vf; E.
r_%erc st, .-.-1 c. loll ojr. ,-r:o,le -�.1:
or cc:nn' c.if orC a h-E.cl.7,� r(. £':l: a... ---t.. o0-
8,- f;av ih t is t :E o4 : ec'..Ci_ n('sr-b'" is Fn "ext -re" ',].L=s t" -.e
._ot summie,' F t: e for cv`r- -one t(- cnj:o--
1. a tcixp C.; er, T Celieve it is ver7; important to mainta-4 - t':J.s .
t-�me of lceac,.: ;''n: 1(": be better t%ar_ ' ::ild neYT nark some -
w. -.ere else in .'1. T i, _a_ ;_=c. 'i 'e cane't r 'i: to, '. t• 0i?t a car
l.lso to c,,+ down t' e cost of r�airtai_nin,; t: -.is aL'ove beE.c' b:
l li e -.urC d :)-t; tine to 4 _:ours Cru." like from 1-1- T.). M;
1•r_.:en it's. t_:F . L:sie-' t=.r:e anCi :�:~�� S':!].:.:i:ii roi3C.�, uC.c'.. l.'?' for
peor%le 1'.'..o :� ._t '`o s:. . C., i;._E:lr (l�•:1 1' �.s,.. �.t 0:'16. Oe nice if
t: ".e Cit; of l ,out' cel.. -'.0 fix. ?- L.'_C c.. %.:C'e2 a G !i.cc- t'.E
P,r�_ss cut, teo.
Ti_s.n;: � :. for I. � it(:rj, _L .: on t .-_s c2t I
I incerel--
W JUN 7 '9 1
June 5, 1991
CI?V OF
PLYMOUTI-F
Mr. John E. Derus, Chair
Hennepin County Board of Commissioners
A-2400 Government Center
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0240
Dear Mr. Derus:
Thank you for your letter of May 28 requesting that the Plymouth
City Council express its preference with respect to the "local
option sales tax" by June 11.
I shared a copy of your letter with the Mayor and Council at our
Council meeting Monday evening. While the item was not on the
City Council agenda, I wanted the Council to be aware of it
particularly as you requested a response by June 11. The City
Council took notice of the request, but did not elect to take a
position with respect to the proposed new tax at this time. I
believe it would be fair to conclude that the City Council
believes that you and your colleagues are in a better position to
determine whether or not the tax should be approved or rejected
prior to the statutory July 1 deadline.
Thank you for providing the Council the opportunity to comment on
this matter.
Yours truly,
James G. Willis
City Manager
cc: Mayor & City Council
CIM JUN 7 `91
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
=-\ oci. .
Pfymoutk-Wayzata Soccer Crud
May 31, 1991
The Honorable Kim Bergman
Mayor of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, Mn 55447
Dear Mr. Mayor:
The Plymouth -Wayzata Soccer Club serves over 400 youngsters in the
Plymouth -Wayzata area for the summer soccer season. Once a year, the
club presents some of the best traveling soccer teams in a showcase
tournament, inclusive of over fifty teams from the Midwest and Canada.
The tournament will be held June 28, 29 and 30. This festive
weekend will involve over seven hundred participants in games at
several locations in our community and has been well received by
players, spectators and visitors for the past fourteen years.
In our tournament program, we would like to include a letter from you
and from Mayor Gisvold of Wayzata, welcoming tournament participants
to our community.
If you would prepare a letter by June 13th and let
is available, I will pick it up and include it in
I can be reached at 553-6773 during the day and at
3:30 P.M.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Q- VA 0-k�
Ruth Ann Mohs
Publicity Director
Plymouth -Wayzata Soccer Club
me know when it
our program.
475-1292 after
C'?'4 JUN 7'91
June 4, 1991
Mr. Mike Berkopec
General Manager
WASTE MANAGEMENT - SAVAGE
12448 Pennsylvania Ave. So.
Savage, MN 55378
SUBJECT: RECYCLING CONTRACT
Dear Mike:
CITY of
PLYMOUTI+
This will acknowledge receipt of your letter to James G. Willis, City
Manager, dated May 6, 1991 regarding your concerns with the County's
desire for new and existing contract language.
The City shares your concerns and has informed Hennepin County staff of
those concerns. We recommended that as a minimum these changes only be
inserted in contracts as they are renewed. I have received a draft
resolution for the Hennepin County Board offered by Commissioner John
Keefe, a copy of which is attached. I realize that this does not
address all of your concerns, but at least it does not affect the
existing contract. It will allow some time to work on a resolution for
the balance of your concerns and determine the monetary impact that they
have on Recycling contracts.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Richar J. Pouliot
Project Coordinator
RJP:kh
enclosure
cc: Fred G. Moore, Director of Public Works
Daniel L. Faulkner, City Engineer
Frank Boyles, Assistant City Manager
CIII JUN
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
7'91
=-%oma
Waste Management -Savage
12448 Pennsylvania Avenue South
A Waste Management Company
Savage, Minnesota 55378
612/890-1100 • FAX: 612/890-5143
May 6, 1991
c r
James Willis ,`9J
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear James:
We recently were informed of the new language Hennepin County would
like included in all existing and new contracts for residential
recycling collection services. The purpose of this letter is to
inform you of our concerns with the language.
We have reviewed the language carefully and have concerns with
several provisions, discussed below.
1) "Contractors must provide certified weight receipts for
the monthly collection of all recyclable materials."
Certainly, this is possible. But we question its
necessity, since we now provide you with a convenient
monthly report and offer access to truck receipts at any
reasonable time. The addition of weight receipts to our
monthly reporting would only create additional
administrative costs for both parties without any real
benefits to you.
2) "The Municipality may, at its discretion and at no
additional cost to the Municipality, require the
Contractor to separately weigh each material."
As you know, most haulers (including Waste Management)
currently do not separately weigh each recyclable
material in each truckload collected. Instead, we make
a reasonable estimate of the proportion by weight of each
material per truckload, based upon processing facility
output. While I certainly appreciate you may need to
substantiate our weight allocation system, this change
could be very costly. Before such a change is required,
I hope we can discuss the costs and benefits, and how
they might be shared between my company and the City.
"" JUN 7 '91
a c �!s cn o` Waste Management of Minnesota. Inc.
Waste Management -Savage
12448 Pennsylvania Avenue South
Savage. Minnesota 55378
612/890.1100 • FAX: 612/890-5143
iQA Waste Management Company
NV
3) "The Contractor must report the amount and type of
recyclable material and where the materials are delivered
for recycling..... if the contractor delivers materials to
a broker, the Contractor must report what end market the
broker used ... The Contractor must report to the
Municipality, on a monthly basis, the gross revenues
received from the sale of recyclables."
As you know, developing and maintaining strong market
relationships is difficult, but key to maintaining the
stability and growth of our community recycling programs.
The relationships between Waste Management and its end
markets and brokers is usually confidential and
proprietary. We are very concerned that the requirement
to report markets and material revenues will stifle the
current level of end market competition and, in fact, put
our region's recyclables in a position of disadvantage in
the national markets.
This provision is designed to fulfill Minnesota Statutes
115A.553, which requires that counties ensure that all
recyclables are, in fact, recycled. We certainly support
this policy goal, and suggest you consider accepting our
assurance of compliance backed by a performance bond.
4) "The Contractor may be directed by the Municipality to
deliver up to 25% of the collected newsprint and plastic
to a location within Hennepin County."
As with provision #3 (above), this requirement will make
development of strong, long-term markets very difficult,
if not impossible. The private sector (collectors and
markets) have demonstrated in the last three years a
commitment to the long-term viability of recycling.
Significant investments have been made and are being
planned. Assistance from the public sector through
procurement policies is desirable. But, if the current
growth is to continue, the companies in the recycling
business must be allowed to continue operating in a
reasonably unobstructed competitive environment.
Finally, this provision directly conflicts with the
existing contracts my company has signed with markets and
could, therefore, create legal problems.
CIM JUN 7 '91
a division of Waste Management of Minnesota. Inc
Waste Management -Savage
12448 Pennsylvania Avenue South
Savage, Minnesota 55378
612/890-1100 • FAX: 612/890.5143
T- kO*.'-
A Waste Management Company
We appreciate your interest in working to find resolution of these
important issues. I look forward to talking with you soon.
Sincerely,
WA E AGEMENT— AVAGE
Mike Berkopec
General Manager
cc: Dick Pouilett
Cm jN 7'91
a division of Waste Management of Minnesota, Inc
CITY OF I'lIfdfJETONKR TEL: 612-939-8244
Post -It" brand fax transmittal memo 7671
«of payee 0
To iele o vii p y'
Frombealf [ 1
CO.�W/C %l/Or,Ef
Co.
Dept. ` �t
Phono N
Fax N
5 S��S�Go
Fax M
RESOLUTION NO.
clay 28,91 14:4b N0.011 F.01
The following resolution was offered by Commissioner John Keefe
=- we .,
WHEREAS, the 1991 Hennepin County Funding Assistance Policy for Source -
Separated REcyclables states, in Section VIII, that
- if a city subcontracts with a private company for recycling
services. the following wilt apply
- the County shall review the contract and require the inclusion
of any language and terms the County deems necessary; and
WHEREAS, it was the intent of the Hennepin County Board that any such
language required for inclusion be approved by the Board,
BE IT RESOLVED, that any Ianguage or terms to be required by Hennepin
County for inclusion in municipal recycling subcontracts be first approved
by the Hennepin County Board.
E
E IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if a policy is passed by the Hennepin
y Board which could change the contractual relations that a Munici-
y has with their haulers that policy would not affect the Munici-
y until their contract expires and is renegotiated. _
The question was on the adoption of the resolution and there
were YEAS and NAYS as follows:
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS YEA NAY OTHER
Peter McLaughlin .—
Randy Johnson
John Keefe .r _
Tad Jude
Judy Makowske �..
Mark Andrew
John E. Derus, Chairman
ATTEST:
Clerk of the County Board
1 VrQ ar4- ('A ���c,�e`i"S 0'(.'/f!e /Yi"]�o��crd yin COP"WkI'get,
P
ZO'd 100'ON Zi:ZT 16'VZ fipW 'OH 131
11
CIA* JUN 7 '91
=-
June 6, 1991
City of Plymouth City Council
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Plymouth City Council:
I am writing to tell you I agree with the writer of the
enclosed letter to the editor. I think it is a shame that the
West Medicine neighborhood beach was chosen as a way to save
money. It looks like one of the cheapest beaches we maintain.
We live near West Medicine Beach, not in one of the original
"lower-priced" homes the writer refers to, but we enjoy the
lake, too. We are all paying taxes, and lifeguards don't get
paid that much --the savings from closing this beach can't be
significant. I think we'd have all been willing to pay a
couple dollars to keep it open. We used to live near Parker's
Lake and the difference in the amount of money spent on that
park compared to West Medicine is incredible.
Furthermore, why are you taking bids for more Parker Lake
development and new playfields, when we "don't have the money"
to even maintain a beach and park that already exists? It is
bad enough that the amenities there are minimal. The people
that like to use it haven't seemed to notice (or mind) that
they are being short-changed versus parks on the west and
south, but I think you added insult to injury when you closed
it.
Summer is short; let the people who were willing to swim in
such a dirty lake enjoy it. It was fun to drive by and see
people having a good time in an old-fashioned (un mall -like)
setting.
I hope you will reconsider, and hurry up and open the lake.
Give some teenager a job. /
Very truly yours,
Karen J. Davidson
11830 27th Avenue North
Plymouth, ISI 55441
GIM &IN711
Reader upset about beach closing
least put the ropes up. Many can watch a baby, small ones,
other `races" . use the picnic and older ones because of the
areas in the evening and short distance between the
weekends. If you have one death beach and deep water.
and are sued, it will cost you a Strangers do not know how fast
lot more. We've know of two it gets deep over there.
deaths, before ropes were Put It doesn't make sense to build
y new parks and let a good beach
�We�the oldest group in Ply- and park deteriorate. Don't the
mouth — Schiebe's Corner and summer people who love and
west Medicine Lake area. We've use this beach count? Ballplay-
paid taxes all these years, even ers, hockey kids, etc., all get
if we have lower-priced homes. what they want. Children love
in the park itadf the grass is not digging in the sand and being
always cut, and there were loosetside. And sunning and tan -
boards in the climbing area. It is for myself is great there.
just not kept up like other parks. , No indoor or outdoor pool would
And the beacb is the same way. be the same. And you don't need
It is the only beach that has to spend money to build it. Just
shade Parking is close by to maintain it and keep it up.
unload toddlers, children, strol- Marian Bauer
lens, and beach gear. It's close Pearl Donaghue
by — I could never get to other Plymouth
bead, as I don't drive. You
To the editor:
We are very upset about the
closing of the west side beach at
Medicine Lake. We've used it
for 48 years, and now it is the
"special place" to go for our 12
grandchildren, especially those
from out of state who do not
have any beaches near their
home.
I believe keeping our children
busy and out of trouble is our
highest priority. Many kids walk
and bike to the beach, and
moms come walking with strol-
lers and small children. And
now you've made it safer to
walk along the road.
You could cut guards' time
down to four hours per day —
1-5 p.m. is when it is the busiest.
It is used "after hours" a lot in
the evening, on hot days. Or if
we can't have guards at all, at
0,_--
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3100
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CIM JUN 7'91
1
WAGnERS
June 3, 1991
Mr. Kim Bergman
Mayor, City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Bergman:
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for taking the time to
be with us on Wednesday, May 29th as we celebrated to Sear's "Partners
in Progress" Award. We realize that you have a very busy schedule and
the simple fact that you were able to be here helped us realize the
importance of the Award.
Once again, thank you.
Regards,
WAGNER SPRAY TECH CORPORATION
Carl Cooper
Vice President of Marketing
CC/CPO
CIM JUN 7'91
Wagner Spray Tech Corporation PO. Box 9362 1770 Fernbrook Lane Telephone (612) 553-7000
Minneapolis. MN 55440 Minneapolis. MN 55447 Facsimile: (612) 553-7288
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 3, 1991
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
FROM: Bob Zitur, Councilmember
SUBJECT: CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORTING - MINNETONKA
I understand that the City Council of Minnetonka is considering
an ordinance related to election campaign financing and
contributions and expenditures of $50 or more. Please obtain a
copy of this ordinance for the City Council and our City
Attorney. I am interested in knowing if this also covers
political action committees.
Jim, I was completely shocked after the last election in 1989 to
find out that the legislature had changed the reporting
requirements of campaign contributions to $500 or more. I am for
reporting every red cent!
cc: City Council
Press
CIM JUN 7 '91
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CITY CODE SECTION 210.00
AND ADOPTING A NEW SECTION 210.00
REGARDING CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURES
THE CITY OF MINNETONKA DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Section 210.00 of the Ordinance Code regarding
Campaign Disclosures, a copy of which is attached, is hereby
repealed.
Section 2. A new Section 210.00 is adopted to read as
follows:
SECTION 210 - CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURES
210.01. Definitions. Unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise, certain words are defined for the purpose of this
Section as follows:
1. "Ballot question" means a proposition placed on the
ballot to be voted on by City voters but not other voters
of the state.
3. "Candidate" means an individual who seeks nomination
or election to a City office.
4. "Committee" means a corporation or association or
persons acting together to influence the nomination,
election, or defeat of a candidate or to promote or defeat
a ballot question. Promoting or defeating a ballot
question includes efforts to qualify or prevent a
proposition from qualifying for placement on the ballot.
S. "Contribution" means anything of monetary value that
is given or loaned to a candidate or committee for a
political purpose. "Contribution" does not include a
service provided without compensation by an individual.
6. "Disbursement" means money, property, office,
position, or any other thing of value that passes or is
directly or indirectly conveyed, given, promised, paid,
expended, pledged, contributed, or lent.
7. "Political Purposes" means an act is done for
"political purposes" if it is of a nature, done with the
intent, or done in a way to influence or tend to influence,
directly or indirectly, voting at a primary or an election
or if it is done because a person is about to vote, has
voted, or has refrained from voting at a primary or an
election.
CIM JUN 7 '91
Tv V
Ordinance No. 91 -
Page Two
210.02. Financial Reports,
1. Reporting Requirement. A committee or Candidate who
receives contributions or makes disbursements of more than
$50.00 in a calendar year must submit financial reports to
the City Clerk on forms provided by the Clerk.
2. Timing of Reports.
a. An initial report must be filed within 14 days
after the candidate or committee receives
contributions or makes disbursements of more than
$50.00.
b. The committee or candidate must file a report by
January 31 of each year following the year when the
initial report was filed.
c. In addition, in a year when the candidate's name
or ballot question appears on the ballot, the
candidate or committee shall file a report as follows:
1) Ten calendar days before the primary or
special primary;
2) Ten calendar days before the general election
or special election; and
3) 30 calendar days after a general or special
election.
d. A candidate or committee will file a final
Campaign Financial Report when all debts have been
settled and all assets in excess of $100.00 in the
aggregate are disposed of. The final report may be
filed at any time for the period from the last
previous report to the date of the final report.
3. Contents of Reports. The report to be filed must
include:
a. The name of the candidate or ballot question;
b. The name and address of the person responsible for
filing the report;
C_�,M JUN 7 '91
Ordinance Number 41 -
Page Three
3. Contents of Reports (Continued).
c. The total amount of receipts and expenditures for
the period from the last previous report to five days
before the current report is due;
d. The purpose of each expenditure; and
e. The name of any individual or committee that
during the year has made one or more contributions
that in the aggregate are more than $50.00.
210.03. Certification of Filing.
1. Each candidate and treasurer of a committee shall
certify to the City Clerk that all reports required by this
section have been submitted to the City Clerk or that the
candidate or committee has not received contributions or
made disbursements more than $50.00 in the calendar year.
2. The Certification of Filing shall be submitted to the
City Clerk no later than seven days after the general or
special election on a form designated by the City Clerk.
3. A Certificate of Election will not be issued by the
City Clerk until the Certification of Filing has been
submitted.
210.04. Failure to File Report.
1. Penalty. A candidate or treasurer of a committee who
intentionally fails to file a report required by this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor. An intentional
violation is established by evidence that no report was
filed within ten days after a candidate or committee
received a notice from the city Clerk of the failure to
file. The Clerk's notice must be sent by certified mail to
the last known address of the candidate or committee. A
refusal to accept or failure to claim certified mail is not
a defense that notice was not received.
2. Forfeiture.
a. Except as provided in paragraph (b) below, if a
candidate is convicted of violating a provision of
this Section or if an offense was committed by another
individual with the knowledge, consent, or connivance
of the candidate, the court, after entering the
adjudication of guilty, shall enter a supplemental
CMS JUN 7 '9'
=-\oJN..4
Ordinance No. 91 -
Page Four
2. Forfeiture (Continued).
judgement declaring that the candidate has forfeited
the nomination or office. If the court enters the
supplemental judgement, it shall transmit to the City
Clerk a transcript of the supplemental judgement, the
nomination or office becomes vacant, and the vacancy
must be filled as provided by law.
b. In a trial for a violation of this Section, the
candidate's nomination or election may not be voided
if the court finds that:
1) An offense, though committed by the candidate
or with the candidate's knowledge, consent, or
connivance, was trivial; or
2) An action or omission of a candidate arose
from accidental miscalculation or other reasonable
cause, but in any case not from a want of good
faith, and that it would be unjust for the
candidate to forfeit the nomination or election.
Neither of these findings is a defense to a conviction
under this Section.
3. Disqualification. A candidate whose election to
office has been set aside for a violation of this Section
may not be appointed, during the period fixed by law as the
term of the office, to fill a vacancy that may occur in the
office. A candidate or other individual who is convicted
of a violation of this Section may not be appointed, during
the period fixed by law as the term of the office with
respect to which the election was held and the offense was
committed, to fill a vacancy in the office. An appointment
to an office made contrary to this section is void.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Minnetonka on this
th day of , 1991.
Attest:
Elizabeth L. Norton, City Clerk
Timothy M. Hergstedt, Mayor
.lN 7'91
CITY OF MINNETONKA
CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORT
(All of the information in this report is public information.)
This CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORT is to be used by all City of
Minnetonka municipal election candidates and committees as
required by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 211A and 211B and
Minnetonka Ordinance Section 210. This report is to be filed
with the City Clerk for the City of Minnetonka. Questions about
completing and filing this report may be directed to the City
Clerk.
F - - - - - 4 - - - - - r - - - - - w - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - M --------
Name----- -
Name of candidate or committee
Office sought by candidate Ward No.
Identification of ballot question (if applicable)
Type of Report; Candidate report
Campaign committee report
Final Report
to
Period of time covered by report
I do swear (or affirm) that I am a candidate for public office
or an officer of the
committee and this report is a full and true statement pursuant
to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 211A and 211B and Minnetonka City
Ordinance, Section 210.
Candidate or officer
Committee office held
Address
CW JUN 7 '91
l l 1 I Ur 'I1141'1C 1 L-1111
Campaign Financial Report
Page Two
EXHIBIT A
XAJOR CONTRIBUTORS
Any individual or committee that during the year has made one or
more contributions more than $50 must be listed separately. All
other contributions may be totaled together and listed as one
entry in Exhibit B. Attach additional sheets if necessary.
Date Money or thing
Recd Name and Address of value recd
Total amount received $
CW JUN 7'91
=\0�
Campaign Financial Report
Page Three
EXHIBIT B
OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
All contributions not listed under Exhibit A received during the
period of time covered by this report. Contributions should be
listed by type rather than contributor.
MONEY $
THINGS OF VALUE +$
TOTAL AMOUNT
RECEIVED �$
EXHIBIT C
EXPENDITURES
Include every disbursement made for a political purpose during
the period of time covered by report. Refer to Minnesota Statues
211A.07 and 211B.12 for the types of expenditures allowable.
Attach additional sheets if necessary.
Date Purpose Amount
Total Expendures $
CIM JUN 7 '91
CITY OF MINNETONKA
CERTIFICATION OF FILING
Each municipal level candidate or treasurer of a committee
formed to promote or defeat a ballot question shall certify to
the City Clerk that all reports required by Minnesota Statutes
211A.02 and Minnetonka Ordinance Section 210 have been submitted
to the City Clerk.
If the candidate or committee has not received contributions or
made disbursements of more than $50.00 in the calendar year, the
completion of the Certification of Filing form so indicating is
also required.
This Certification of Filing shall be submitted to the City
Clerk no later than seven days after the general or special
election.
Name of candidate or committee
Office sought by candidate
Ward
Identification of ballot question (if applicable)
Check the appropriate item below:
I certify that all campaign financial reports required
by Minnesota Statutes 211A.02 and Minnetonka
Ordinance, Section 210 have been submitted to the City
Clerk.
I certify that campaign contributions or disbursements
were not more than $50 in the calendar year.
Signature of candidate or committee treasurer
Date
Cim JUN 7 '91
mL._ 0 .,
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 6, 1991
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
FROM: Bob Zitur, Councilmember
SUBJECT: CITY BUSINESS
1. I have received requests for a four-way stop sign at Old
Rockford Road and Larch. I inspected it today and observed
that because of the curve, it is very difficult to see a car
coming from the south when you are westbound on Old Rockford
Road. I do believe a four-way stop is needed at this
intersection. As I recall, a request for this was made two
years ago. I support it, and I hope other councilmembers
check out the intersection.
2. I stopped in and viewed the work at Fire Station 2. So far,
I am pleased with what I am seeing with the painting,
carpeting and the beds added in the community room (which
indeed has gotten smaller). I mentioned the new garage doors
at the meeting and they are just great. There is good work
being done.
3. Mr. Herby told me Monday evening that things are the same at
Mission Farm. What is the latest? I checked this morning,
and observed two men sitting on the official bus bench at the
Mission Farm entrance. Also, Hazeldon is taking out all the
fence posts along 36th and the grounds of Hazeldon and
Mission Farm are manicured.
4. I received calls from residents who want the original C.R. 61
alignment. One individual, Mike Deering, said he was at a
recent neighborhood meeting and advised those attending of
this fact. I asked him to write a letter to us stating his
feelings.
5 The Plymouth News needs a reminder again about animal control
rules and regulations. Jim the reason for this is that there
are so many new residents that need to be educated and it
also makes enforcement easier for our community service
officers.
CIM JUN 7 '9'
6. With regard to the two playfields, I have received positive
feedback since Monday. I was at a picnic and residents from
the C.R. 101 and 24 area told me that they were interested in
the Parkers Lake playfield.
7. I would like to see an article in the Plymouth News about not
pumping sump pump water into the sanitary sewer and how
costly this is to the City.
8. At Monday night's meeting, Mr. Barstad commented that for the
past three years there has been discussion about the cross -
arm installation on Pineview Lane and the Soo Line railroad
tracks. It seems to me that there was an article in the
Plymouth News and Fred has verified, that the cross -arm will
be installed this fall. Maybe we should publish this again.
I wish the citizens would realize just how hard we all worked
for this improvement and that these things do not happen over
night with regard to funding and dealing with the railroad.
I have been told by a resident that 22 trains go through each
day. Jim, that really scares me. What if a derailment
should happen, what route would our public safety vehicles
and equipment use to get to the north side of Plymouth.
Without a bridge on CR 61, the routes would be 169 or 494. I
hope we never have a derailment in Plymouth like the one in
Loretto (by the way, same train), or the one a year before in
a neighboring community.
I can't imagine what this area is going to be like when the
construction starts on County Road 10 and Rockford Plaza
shopping area opens. I recall that when new County Road 9
was contemplated, people told us that it should stay two -
lanes and we just would not have the traffic. The traffic on
new CR 9 now is very heavy, and the Schmidt Lake Road opening
is certainly used from Nathan, and also from the area going
west to east on Schmidt Lake Road from Zachary. I believe
that we planned well, even if some of the citizenry didn't
believe us at the time.
cc: City Council
CMS % 7 '91
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: June 7, 1991
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
FROM: Bob Zitur, Councilmember
SUBJECT: BUDGET COMMENTS
Jim, I commented a few years ago that the City Manager of Golden
Valley went through each department looking for possible savings
in the budget. With the present financial situation, I hope that
you will come up with a balanced budget before the Council has to
start cutting -- and maybe in the wrong places.
With vacations and so on, I think that it's time for you to take
a look at the budget so the Council can then consider it. I was
informed that last year the City Manager of Maple Grove presented
their Council with a budget that was accepted. Things such as
the D.A.R.E. Program, for which Councilmember Ricker and I
supported a pilot program, now has been expanded to all of the
schools in the City including Sunny Hollow. It is really
interesting that we heard from the three Superintendents that
they are unable to help with the D.A.R.E. Program when they get
50 percent of the money from our tax dollar and the citizens
don't seem to get after them like they do us for our 15 percent.
Also, I heard from someone in Medina that their youngsters
enjoyed the D.A.R.E. Program in the Wayzata Schools. We haven't
received 5 cents from other communities that have kids in the
Plymouth schools. My major concern is our officers who I feel
are doing an excellent job in the program. We are paying for our
officers -- and not from drug confiscation money. I am concerned
about our officers after the comment made in an interview
recently that there is burnout among officers in this program. I
think the Council needs to look at the total program, where we're
going with it, and what it really is costing us without support
from other governmental bodies. These questions need to be
addressed for budget considerations. I personally am grateful to
the PTO's for their assistance. I still believe that no matter
what you do with children, if the parents aren't involved what
good is it? On thg homefront I believe in being proactive with
sports, and park and recreation programs.
JUN 7 '91
�- \or -1.,
Memo - James G. Willis
June 7, 1991
Page 2
There are other items I think need to be looked at before we
start cutting personnel, especially the way the job climate is
today.
I noticed that Robbinsdale was contemplating not rehiring an
Assistant City Manager since their's has left for Ramsey. So be
it; I think they can manage. Perhaps you will need to look at a
freeze in hiring and a freeze in filling vacant positions when
someone leaves.
I noticed, Jim, that the liaison officer money slipped through
the legislature, which doesn't surprise me with Rep. Ann Rest
carrying the bill. It is my view that our Council is not against
a liaison officer at Armstrong, but voted unanimously against it
because it was a sly way for School District 281 to put liaison
officers in several schools in the district through taxes on our
homes by valuation. The higher your valuation the more you pay
in the Robbinsdale School District for the school liaison
officers. It's a sad day when we have to have liaison officers
in all of these schools, and that another governmental body can
levy taxes on people's homes. It still seems to me with the
schools getting 50 percent of the tax dollar, that they could
have entered into this program with the cities.
One of our school districts had a hearing on their budget, and
the last public hearing was one hour before their meeting to
finalize the budget. What changes could possibly be made at that
time? I wish some of the people that come and complain to us
about our spending would go and take an interest in the school
and county spending.
With 15 percent of the tax dollar that the City gets, it seems to
me that other governmental bodies who get 50 percent (schools)
and 28 percent (county) should not look for handouts involving
human services and other social services, when these same
agencies are getting money from the County. All of this double-
dipping is on our property tax. Some of the support appears to
come from people who don't live in Plymouth and have so much to
say about how our City Council does its business, including all
of our state legislators who do not live in Plymouth.
I sincerely hope that when the redistricting lines are drawn,
Plymouth will be represented by legislators who live in our
beautiful city.
On the issue of odd -even year elections, I am still amazed at the
terrible turnout for voting in the Wayzata school election. It
is the main reason I voted for a change from an odd to even year
election -- to increase voter turnout besides save money over a
period of years.
GN JUN 791
=` `osr�
Memo - James G. Willis
June 7, 1991
Page 3
I am also not in favor of a 6 1/2 percent sales tax. I noticed
some of the neighboring communities who have had a free ride with
tax increment financing and other benefits appear to be for the
sales tax.
On another subject, I checked the Mission Farms area again today.
There was one man out for a walk on the road, and I couldn't tell
whether it was a resident of Plymouth or Mission Farms. There
was no one sitting on the bench in front of Mission Farms waiting
for a bus. The posts have all been removed around Hazelden and
the Hazelden property and the Mission Farm area are beautifully
manicured. Removing the fence and posts certainly adds to the
views of the neighbors across the street who have been concerned
about Mission Farms. I shall continue to burn up gas and monitor
that area, as well as other areas of the City.
cc: City Council
CW JUN 7 '91
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Tc wnorrl >t may concern.
r-,orrr,ally wouldn't write to a public government office, but I have
decided to on this occasion. I am writing in regards to the policies of the
police officers and their distribution of tickets for moving violations. I
personally think that officers should be more strict in their handing out of
tickets to motorists to help promote a safer transportation system. I
na./e r-eeri let off on three tickets and I used lies to get out of two of them.
arri sorry for my lies, and I do not speed nearly as frequently as I used to,
but ! think that I would have been totally cleaned of speeding had 1 been
issuer a ticket. I noticed that we may not be getting Federal Aid for our
n,ighway system anymore because spot checks of speeders has resulted in
5� o` motorists were breaking the speed limit. If we are to continue to
a d; we must crack down on drivers harder -- even those with good
s:)- :_, Thank you for your time in reading this simple opinionated
Sincerely,
CIM JUN 7 491
190