HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-27-2000Dummy
OCTOBER 27, 2000
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Ward 1 Councilmember Tim Bildsoe is available to meet with residents and
receive their comments in the Council Conference Room, beginning at 6:00 PM
prior to Regular Council meetings
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 6:30 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO
REVIEW AND CERTIFY THE LOCAL
RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER 7
ELECTION, Council Chambers
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 7: 00 PM
2. MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7: 00 PM
3. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER], 7: 00 PM
4. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER], 7: 00 PM
REG ULAR CITY CO UNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
YO UTH AD VISOR Y COUNCIL,
Plymouth Creek Center
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE,
Medicine Lake Room
PLANNING COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
5. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 7:00 PM LEGISLATIVE HEARING ON
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL,
Plymouth Creek Center
6. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT,
7:00-8:30 PM Plymouth Creek Center
7. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, CITY OFFICES OPEN FOR ABSENTEE
10: 00 AM— 3: 00 PM VOTING
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
October 27, 2000
8. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6,
7: 00 PM
9. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6
10. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Page 2
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake Room
CITY OFFICES OPEN UNTIL 5: 00 PM FOR
ABSENTEE VOTING
GENERAL ELECTION,
Polling places are open 7:00 AM -8:00 PM
11. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-11)
12. October and November Calendars are attached. (M-12)
1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a) City news release regarding on-line registration of Park and Recreation
Department programs. (1-1a)
b) Notice of a tour of affordable housing in the Twin Cities area on November 14.
(I--1 b)
c) American City and County Magazine article on the use of golf courses as green
space in cities, submitted at the request of Mayor Tierney. (1-1c)
2. MINUTES
a) Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit September 27 meeting. (1-2a)
b) Park and Recreation Advisory Commission October 19 meeting. (1--2b)
3. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Acknowledgment and thank -you from PRISM for contributions and food
donations received from the October 14 Fire Department Open House. (I --3a)
b) Letter to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency from Mayor Tierney and
Councilmember Brad Brown (representing the Plymouth HRA) requesting
support in maintaining the Section 8 contract at Kimberly Meadows. (I --3b)
c) Letter to AT&T Broadband from Mayor Tierney expressing concerns about
advertising presented on Cable Channel 7, the TV Guide Channel. (I --3c)
jv� -
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items
November 14
• The Reserve - Rezoning, PUD, Preliminary Plat
• Plymouth Blvd. Street Lighting
• Public hearing on Bridgit Glen Street Lighting
• Vacation of drainage and utility easements along the common lot line of Lots 2 and 3,
Block 1 of Keyway First Addition
• Hilde Performance Center Agreement
• Ferndale Open Space
November 28
• Street Lighting Policy
December 12
• Study Area E
• Liquor Compliance Violation Hearings
December 26
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
October 2000
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6:30 PM EQC,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM
1:00 PM -5:00
PM
PLYMOUTH ON
PARADE
7:00 PM
HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
PLANNING
7:00 PM TASTE
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
OF
CHOCOLATE,
Plymouth Creek
Center
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Yom Kippur
ins at sunset
begins
COLUMBUS
DAY
(OBSERVED),
Public Works
Division closed
5:30 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL
MEETING: CITY
MANAGER
T ON,
EVALUABass Lake Room
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
7:00 PM
YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council
7:00 PM PRAC,
JCouncil
lChambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
7:00 PM -9:00
PM LEAGUE
OF WOMEN
VOTERS
Medicine Lake
Room
CANDIDATE
FORUM,
Council
Chambers
Chambers
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Public
Safety Library
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL,
Radisson Hotel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake
Room
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
Chambers
29
DAYLIGHT
SAVINGS
ENDS - set
clocks back 1
30
7:00 PM
YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
31
Nov 2000
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Sep 2000
S M T W T F S
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
hour
Plymouth Creek
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Center
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
26 27 28 29 30
modified on 10/27/2000
i"/I - ! 1,
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
November 2000
Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
Oct 2000
Dec 2000
6:30 PM EQC,
7:00 PM - 8.30
S N1 T W T F S
S M T W T F S
Medicine Lake Room
PM,
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 2
PM
VOLUNTEER
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
LE0
GISLATIVE
RECOGNITION
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
HEARING ON MET
Plymouth
EVENT,COUNCIL,
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Creek Center
Plymouth Creek
Center
29 30 31
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
7:00 PM PLANNING
31
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM
YOUTH
GENERAL
ELECTION -
6 30P COUNCILMEETING ITO
REVIEW AND CERTIFY
THE TS
VETERANS
DAY
ADVISORY
Polls open 7 AM
p
OFTHE OVEMB R7
LECTION Medicine 7
(OBSERVED),
COUNCIL,
- close 8 PM
Lake Room
City Offices
Medicine Lake
Closed
Room
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM PRAC, Council
Chambers
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
7:00 PM
REGULAR
7:00 PM
PLANNING
5:30 PM HRA TOUR
OF
COUNCIL
COMMISSION,
MEETING,
COuncll
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake Room
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY ADVISORY
BOARD, Public Safety
Library
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
7:00 PM
7:00 PM PACT -
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
YOUTH
Bass Lake
HOLIDAY - City
HOLIDAY - City
ADVISORY
Room
Center Offices
Center Offices
COUNCIL,
Closed
Closed
Medicine Lake
Room
26
27
28
29
30
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL,
Radisson Hotel
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
Chambers
modified on 10/27/2000
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
December 2000
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Jan 2001
1
2
Nov 2000
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30
28 29 30 31
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7:00 PM TRUTH
IN TAXATION
HEARING,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
CHARTER
COMMISSION,
Bass Lake
Room
6:30 PM EQC,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
7:00 PM TRUTH IN
TAXATION HEARING
(RECONVENED IF
NEEDED), Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
7:00 PM PRAC,
COUnCII
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
LaRoom Oke l Medicine
Council
Chambers
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Public
Safety Library
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
7:00 PM
7:00 PM HRA -
PLANNING
Medicine Lake
COMMISSION,
Room
Council
Hanukkah
Chambers
begins at sunset
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAY - City
Offices dosed
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL
Radisson Hotel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake
Room
.00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
31
modified on 10/27/2000
News Release
For Immediate Release
October 24, 2000
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
Contact: Mary Bisek,
763-509-5220
Rec-Connect offers online registration for Plymouth Park and Recreation Programs
Participants in Plymouth Park and Recreation classes now can browse through program
offerings as well as register and pay for classes online. The City of Plymouth recently launched a
new Internet registration system called Rec-Connect.
Rec-Connect allows people to register and pay for classes with a credit card 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. To access Rec-Connect, visit the City of Plymouth's Web site at
www.ci.plymouth.mn.us and click on the link for Rec-Connect.
Plymouth is the first city in Minnesota to offer online registration and payment for
recreation programs, according to Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank. While customers
have the option of using online registration, they still can register by touch tone telephone, mail,
fax, in-person or by speaking with a staff member over the phone.
"This is the next logical step for us in regard to customer service. With the dramatic
growth of Internet use, we wanted to offer that additional convenience to our customers," said
Recreation Superintendent Mary Bisek.
Plymouth served as a test site for Escom Software Services, the company that developed
the software for Rec-Connect. "Both Escom and the City welcome ideas and suggestions to
enhance our online service in the future," said Information Technology Manager Jeff
Hohenstein.
While online registration may be new, it is not the City's first foray into 24-hour, seven
day a week registration. The Park and Recreation Department has been offering 24-hour touch
tone telephone registration for about three years, according to Bisek.
In addition to giving users a chance to register and pay day or night, online and touch
tone telephone registration also let users know immediately if a class is full because both systems
are tied to the department's database. "Participants don't have to wait for a letter or phone call to
PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(Pface 7o Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
ep—.W. www.d.plymouth.mn.us
find out if the class they want is available. That helps them plan better and determine if they need
to register for an alternative program," Bisek said.
People who want to use Rec-Connect must pay with a credit card. They also need a
participant number and a family personal identification number (PIN). Plymouth residents who
have previously registered for recreation programs will be mailed a number in November. People
who have never registered for a recreation program, can get one by calling the Park and
Recreation Department at 763-509-5200 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 8 a.m. —
4:30 p.m., or Tuesdays, 8 a.m. — 6 p.m.
The first real test of Rec-Connect will come in December when the winter recreation
activities are announced in the Park and Recreation Department's publication, Leisure Times.
"When the Leisure Times is mailed to residents we will have our first large scale experience with
the system. But, before then, we invite people to browse through Rec-Connect to learn more
about it and familiarize themselves with how it works," Bisek said. Rec-Connect currently
features information on fall activities.
While online registration is an option for most classes, it is not an option for all. To find
out if a class allows phone registration, look for a TTR number in the recreation program. When
viewing class offerings online, a notation on the screen showing course details will let you know
if the class is not available for online registration. The few classes that are not available for
phone registration have specific reasons why the system would not work as well for them,
according to Bisek.
In addition to registration, Rec-Connect allows users to learn more about park and
recreation facilities. It includes details on the amenities at each park as well as driving directions.
-30-
Metro -wide Engagement on Shelter
October 12, 200a
taesx Friend.-
On
riend:
On behalf of the Metro -wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing, we would like to inv m you to
attend a tour of Twin Mes' affordable housing developments on Noveraher 14 from 10:15 am --
3:30 pm. The purpose of the tour is to:
• showcase the range of Wordable housing options available and currently being atilired
by community throughout the Metropolitan area;
4 highlight the positive impact that afffordAble housing dovelopments have on the
communities in which they are located: aud,
• build metro -wide support for comstructiou of addirtional affordable bousin*
The tour will consist of stops at developments located throughout the cities of Minneapolis, St.
Louis park, ATIrmotonka, St. Paul, and Woodbury. Reddents of a number of the developments
included on the tour itinerary vnill be on hand to share their stories and to talk abouc how the
availability of afFordable housing in their communities kava them the stability and resources they
needed to succeed.
The tour is scheduled to begin at 10:30 am at the State Capitol and conclude at 3;30 pm with a
press conference at Mt. Airy, a public 'housing develapmem in St, Fain. Lunch will be provided
from 12:00 - 1:00 pm during a stop at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul.
We sincerely hope that you will be able to join us for thio important tour. To RSVP ple contact
Niiice Davey at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless at (612) 870-7073.
Sincerely,
SII Do
Ncnnepin unty Commissioner
Ramsey County CommiWoner
Metro -wide Engagement on Shelter and .Housing
A me&o-wide garrnetshtp buildup solutions to
address our affordable housing and homeless service needs
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P AR K .. S &
R E C R E A T I O N
Fromtee to
Local governments are discovering that
golf courses can help them achieve their
environmental goals.
By Janet Ward
or the people of Anaconda, Mont., Old Works Golf
Course is nothing less than a miracle. For the U.S. En-
vironmental Protection Agency, it is a Superfund suc-
cess story of the highest order.
But for thousands of golfers from across the country, it is
just 7,000 -plus yards of scenic territory. Unless they are par-
ticularly curious, they will never know that they are playing
on land that, 10 years ago, would not have supported a dan-
delion, let alone the acres of grass, native vegetation and
wildlife habitat to which it is home today.
Anaconda was named for an Australian mining company
whose nearby Butte copper mine had been on environmen-
talists' hit list for years. The city served as the site for the
company's copper smelter.
Anaconda suffered the usual effects of copper production:
Smoke from the smelter hung in the air, while arsenic and
the other by-products of the smelting process contaminated
the soil, making the area look like a moonscape. "Nothing
would grow here," says Carl Stetzner, chief executive of the
combined government of Anaconda and Deer Lodge
County.
Owned by the county and run by the Anaconda/Deer
Lodge County Golf Course Authority, Old Works has trans-
formed the site and the city. Though it is still rattled by the
ups and downs of the mining industry, Anaconda's economy
is stabilizing, a fact Stetzner attributes to the course. He says
the upswing in the local tourist business has helped stem
the worker exodus that began when the smelter closed
down. (Many local residents also worked in the Butte mine,
which recently closed.)
Ironically, a golf course turned out to be the least expen-
sive method of reusing the devastated land. And Atlantic
Richfield (ARCO), the company that had purchased the
land from Anaconda six years before its Superfund designa-
tion, was looking for a cheap way out. In a series of mee
ings with EPA and the community, the company dete
mined that hauling away the mine tailings and slag and ru
ble piles would present an enormous expense. Capping tl
whole mess, on the other hand, would cost less and off
more reuse opportunities.
Anaconda lucked out on the financing. Because it was
be located on a Superfund site, the golf course cost the c
nothing; funds for the remediation came from ARCO a
the federal government. However, again because it ww
Superfund site, the course had to be carefully designed
eliminate any possibility of additional environmental da
age. (Jack Nicklaus was the designer; the golf course's arc,
tect was Bruce Borland, who died in the 1999 plane crz
that killed pro golfer Payne Stewart.)
26 October 2000 AMERICAN CITY & COUr
es of meet -
)any deter-
_ag and rub-
,apping the
is and offer
ise it was to
:ost the city
ARCO and
use it was a
designed to
rental dam-
,urse's archi-
plane crash
Port District; was built
and one for'isonstru'
;C&D landfill (pictured
landfill course.
The design took advantage of the area's natural features,
which include Warm Springs Creek, and it incorporated old
smelter debris, including flues, smelting ovens and brick
walls. Bunkers made use of piles of inert black slag. Four
hundred trees were planted during course construction.
Contaminated soil was capped with two inches of lime
rock and 16 inches of clay soil, then covered with six to
eight inches of topsoil and turf. A complex subsurface
drainage system protects against damage from an irrigation
pipeline break.
"They turned a Superfund site into a magnificent golf
course," Stetzner says. "It's quite a story."
It is a story that is being repeated in cities and counties
across the country — without the Superfund angle. Golf
courses are becoming the makeup that covers a multitude of
struetion of the sanitary '
environmental sins, popping up on top of old landfills, help-
ing to protect shorelines and providing a solution to
stormwater problems. The fact that they also provide a reli-
able revenue stream is icing on the cake.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Golf courses have long been criticized by the environ-
mental community as artificial, heavy-handed uses of the
land. Seen as expensive playgrounds for the wealthy, they
were castigated for everything from using dangerous pest
management programs to contributing to the degradation of
local water sources.
Interestingly, the environmental movement was peaking
just as was the general interest in golf. The country needed
more courses to satisfy the hundreds of thousands of new
i &COUNTY AMERICAN CITY & COUNTY 1 October 2000 27
players. (Private golf facilities outnumbered public facilities
prior to 1950, according to "An Environmental Approach
to Golf Course Development," written by Bill Love, envi-
ronmental chairman for the American Society of Golf
Course Architects. By 1990, the number of daily fee and
municipal courses for public use was almost double that of
private facilities.)
Cities and counties that wanted to build new golf facili-
ties could not afford to anger community groups set on the
protection of the local environment. Reusing damaged land
and creating courses that would serve as environmental
amenities were ways to resolve conflict.
"Environmental stewardship is the responsibility of every
governing body," Love says. "Golf courses represent great
opportunities to practice it."
"Environmental concern is not going to go away," says
Mike Hurdzan of Columbus, Ohio-based Hurdzan-Fry Golf
Course Design. "When you are thinking about building a
golf course, it has to be part of the planning process."
Coming from Hurdzan, that is not just lip service. He de-
signed one of the country's most environmentally friendly
courses: Widow's Walk in Scituate, Mass. Like Old Works,
Widow's Walk has a number of admirers in environmental
circles.
PARKS ` ' •
Golf course helps town turn
Aconsent decree was forcing
Yarmouth, Mass., to close a 40 -
year -old municipal landfill that was
threatening the city's water supply.
However, Yarmouth officials were
determined not to let the 57 -acre
site, which abutted an 18 -hole mu-
nicipal golf course, go unused. A
plan to develop a recreational com-
of the goal£` : se,
City off o also
bridge,
McKee to lie.
op their --r U
wanted
would be TesMhet
ing and genie
tied on a;;
volved c
�a
recreatidi
cer
ext
gas collet "i�i
controls wed
reuse, such as -,go
closure project reg
I
.
ted Cam -
garbage to gold
consider unique engineering appli-
cations, public safety, public opinion
and regulators. The city encouraged
early involvement from the public
and the state Department of Envi-
ronmental Protection on key issues
such as risk assessment and water
reuse. It also had to ensure that ex-
isting facilities were kept opera-
tional during construction.
The project proceeded with a deet
sign that integrated the landfill cap Al
ping and its related infrastructure'
J
golf course are e.
town's landfill ca
i� ..
r- with the ultimate re%ise ams
fl"` course. In -ground trrigatt,
course landforms w'�QVad
F
r with incr p
ase cap det
ii _ �wa�.
e�
drains, stormwater ses an
r trols, the methane g c� bll
system and maintenance ace
nally, a health risk assessme
> conducted to en'su`re that the
landfill would not imperil residents'
health.
The city also wanted to incorpo-
rate environmentally friendly con-
struction techniques. Consequently,
stormwater ponds that recycle rain-
water serve as irrigation sources for
two of the. course holes. The ponds,
which also serve as course hazards,
recreate natural recharge conditions
surrounding the landfill without
changing groundwater flows.
,ditionally, a reclaimed water
`°system provides irrigation by
Busing effluent from the adja-
cent .Yarmouth -Dennis sep
a e ' teatment plant. (The
ecreational complex also in-
t community drop-off
Ic g center and compost-
`tta cility.)
5 part of .the project,
a 'aspects of the course -
re mproved. The city ex
n end the clubhouse, im-
t r" r, the cart storage and
tnatntenance facilities, more
doubled parking areas, in-
aped new pathways and im-
`bag drop area at the '
y
e nu om the course are ex -
set the project's $7.5
i :n�prtce_tag. The state's Re
D v.n un --provided a no -inter-
-loan loan to finance the
an ure, and the city ober'
acne e'mainder of the funds'.,4-j
30 October 2000 AMERICAN CITY & COUNTY
of every
at great
iy," says
-ry Golf
ilding a
. He de -
friendly
I Works,
nmental
dents'
-orpo-
q con-
iently,
rain -
:es for
ponds,
azards,
Once a Superfund site, the Old Works Golf Course required
extensive renovation. Course designers relied on native
vegetation and tree plantings to rehabilitate an area that had
been barren for 100 years.
In fact, Widow's Walk, which is owned by the town, was
a national demonstration project. The course was built on
land purchased in the early '70s from Boston Sand and
Gravel, which mined gravel for Logan Airport runways.
The city bought 500 acres and then proceeded to weigh its
options. "The area had been used as a dumping ground for
everybody," says Scituate Town Manager Rick Agnew. "It
was an eyesore. And it was adjacent to the town's landfill."
While Scituate officials were deciding what to do with
the land, Hurdzan was meeting with a group of golf and en-
vironmental advocates to discuss the two groups' "goals,
similarities and dissimilarities" with regard to golf courses.
The meeting was sponsored by the Center for Resource
Management, a Salt Lake City -based non-profit organiza-
tion dedicated to improving relationships between business
and environmental groups; the Vienna, Va.-based National
Wildlife Federation; Golf Digest; and Pebble Beach, Calif.
The group had three goals: to write a set of environmen-
tal principals for U.S. golf courses; to better educate golfers
about the need for environmental concern; and to put to-
gether an environmental demonstration project using a golf
course. (It chose two demonstration projects: Scituate for
construction of a new course and the golf course at San
Francisco's Presidio for a renovation.) "I went to the town
and said, 'we should do this,"' Hurdzan says. "'Here's a
chance to work toward higher goals and principals. You will
distinguish yourselves."'
Scituate embraced the project. Working with Hurdzan
and the Center for Resource Management, the town turned
140 acres of old gravel pit into a showplace. Widow's Walk
was built to survive with less water and fewer herbicides and
pesticides than most courses. It is the only course Agnew
knows of with three different types of greens. "The average
golfer wouldn't know the difference," Agnew says. "I can't
tell one from the other." The course also makes use of recy-
b
Is your golf cou:
�},e American Society''of Golf • Is there an
' rec- pollution from e
ask erosion during'
cled asphalt for its cart paths and recycled carpet for its
bunkers.
Widow's Walk was a challenge, Hurdzan says, not because
of the complexity of the environment — "there was almost
no environment there," he says — but because the town's
golfers and environmentalists did not trust each other.
"Government officials distrusted the environmentalists, and
the environmentalists distrusted the town," he says.
Hurdzan made it clear that the project was doomed with-
out a full buy -in. Telling town officials "it can't be us against
them," he convinced them to compromise. "The grass is not
green all year long," he says. "We try to use less than half
the amount of pesticides you would normally use on a golf
course. That means the course will go through more natural
cycles. It's not going to be a classic golf course mowed from
fence row to fence row. There's going to be some slow play,
some lost golf balls."
he following *estio
nvironinental imp
3
nurse
• 'Does the course,
lamination of open or
inking use of a site tl
ndeveloped?
• Are;there signifia
rcHaeological areas c
nll lie affected by the j
ME?
ter of a site
he topography
requirements
to the reduc " �.'
:er supplies, es- °
fencing coed"' �,,I
Y
sources?
application o ,
management .,.c
ter pollution
filtration mto
& COUNTY1 AMERICAN CITY & COUNTY October 2000 31
The tradeoff is a golf course rich with wildlife habitat.
Designers produced a corridor of mixed habitats including
open ponds, wetlands, vegetated streams, woods, open
grassy areas and vernal pools. The course is irrigated with
water from abandoned drinking wells that no longer meet
EPA standards, making it somewhat of a biofilter.
FROM GARBAGE TO GREENS
Because they involve vast expanses of land that is unsuit-
able for most other uses, landfills are often reborn as golf
courses. However, the transformation often is a tricky
proposition since it involves EPA regulations, capping and
C,
provisions for protection of groundwater. Perhaps even more
importantly, landfills are rarely located near significant
pockets of golfers.
That was the case in Chicago when the Illinois Interna-
tional Port District decided to turn two of its landfills into
golf courses. Unfortunately for the Port District, the two
landfills — one sanitary and one for construction and demo-
lition debris — were in an industrial area on the city's south
side, which is not exactly its demographic golf hub. "You'd
look in the distance and see the industrial underbelly of the
Continued on p. 36
PARKS & RECREATION
County turns flood control corridor into trail
To the untrained eye, the 26 -mile
maintenance road bordering a
Maricopa County, Ariz., flood con-
trol channel does not look like any-
thing special. But to Maricopa
County officials, it looks like a place
to hike, ride bikes and horses, play
soccer and watch fireworks.
Last year, the county's Flood Con-
trol District decided to transform
the maintenance road into an alter-
native transportation route for com-
munity residents. When it is fin-
ished, the Superstition San Tan
good, chief engineer and general
manager of the district. "Electric
companies use the roads along their
installations for recreation. There is
no reason why people shouldn't be
able to enjoy ours. County residents
paid for these roads with their taxes."
The county's decision to turn the
maintenance road into a trail came
on the heels of a study that deter-
mined the floodway was incapable
of holding enough stormwater. It
was clear that basins would be need-
ed to control some of the excess.
The basins eventu-
ally
ventually would become
major features of the
corridor. For exam-
ple, the town of
Gilbert plans to con-
vert its 300 -acre basin
into a park that can
be used for communi-
ty celebrations.
Additionally, two
golf courseshave
been built along the
floodway. They help
absorb and channel
some of the water.
two golf courses along its flood . iaiia LLiL Llie construction of more
control corridor, and more are in the courses are in the works, os are plans
planning stages. for the constriction of soccer fields,
r ' Frisbee golf courses, rollerblading fa -
Corridor (named for the mountains cilities and wildlife habitats.
oneither `side -of the corridor) and Four cities - Mesa, Gilbert,
Marathon Trail will be a testament Chandler and Queen Creek are
to their foresight.` located along the corridor. Queen
"The opportunities for this corri- Creek plans to eventually link two
dor are boundless," says Mike Elle- major equestrian trails to the corri
32 October 2000
dor, and the Queen Creek and
Sanokai washes will take riders from
the proposed 300 -acre Gilbert park
to the San Tan Regional Park, a dis-
tance of roughly eight miles.
"Public polls continue to show
that valley residents are extremely
concerned about preserving open
space and providing recreation op-
portunities," says Mark Schnepf, a
trail advocate and former Queen
Creek mayor.
"As the valley continues to devel-
op, it is important that we make the
most of our open space," says Mari-
copa County Supervisor Fulton
Brock; who serves as chairman of
the Maricopa County Trail Commis-
sion. "We hope to make the corridor
so beautiful that people will want to
have their homes face it, like they
do with golf courses."
Brock's colleague, County Super-
visor Don Stapley, says the corridor
could become an economic engine
for the four communities adjacent to
the floodway. "The corridor could
become a landmark for the East Val-
ley," he says. "It could attract new,
small businesses and provide incen-
tives to larger companies [looking to
relocate]."
The :Superstition San Tan Corri-
dor is the planned first phase in j
225 -mile Maricopa County, Trail
Program. For more information,
contact Maricopa County Public In- '
"formation Officer Kris Baxter or Se-
nior Project Manager Tim Phillips at
(602) 506-1501r
AMERICAN CITY Si COUNT
PARKS & MCREATION
Golf courses drive area's economic development
Prattville, Ala., a town of 24,000
located just northwest of Mont-
gomery, has a cypress swamp, beauti-
ful trees and bluffs that overlook the
Alabama River. But all that was not
enough to draw tourists, who, if they
knew of Prattville at all, knew of it
only as a right-hand turn off I-85
heading west to Mississippi.
That changed when the town be-
came home to the latest 54 holes of
construction project ever undertak-
en. Each site is within a two-hour
drive of another, and all are located
no more than 30 minutes away from
an interstate highway.
Prattville's new site, called Capi-
tol Hill, will feature three 18 -hole
championship courses: The Senator,
The Legislator and The judge. The
courses are designed to be drastically
different from each other and from
all other trail courses.
Cannon says 250 to 300 golfers
play the two open courses every Sat-
urday. He expects that number to
jump to 500 to 600 players, 60 per-
cent of them out -of -staters, when all
three courses are up and running.
The project was endorsed by
Prattville Mayor David Whetstone
and members of the city council,
who approved an expenditure of
$6.5 million to buy the property on
which the courses are located. (The
Ig for the three courses
ion.) The nearby city of
id Elmore County also
)rtion of future lodging
pay for Capitol Hill.
etstone's sudden death
in Byard, who, as city
sident, inherited the
e, continued to support
ct. "It took a great deal
-ation'from both public
ite entities to make this
a reality," Byard says.
cally had an opportuni
lot of other municipali-
t have. We funded the
this project because we
uld be an excellent eco-
velopment and tourism
whole concept of the `
get people to come to
and stay for a few days
.ving through to Florida
ins," Cannon says.
fill also features The
;apitol Hill, an execu-
ice center overlooking
The $8 million center
rooms, two eight -room
las and state-of-the-art
ns. The center is.a pro-
conomic Development
)f Alabama, an alliance
committed to support-
ing economic growth in the state; it
was funded through the Mont-
gomery -based Business Center of
Alabama, a trade organization repre-
senting more than 5,500 businesses
and industries.
consists of eight courses across Al-
abama. It was financed by the Re-
tirement System of Alabama specifi-
cally to expand tourism and attract
new industry and retirees. With its
378 holes, it is the largest golf course
the top of'the bluff200 feet high
overlooking Cooters Pond and the
Alabama _River," says John Cannon,
director of golf operations at the fa-
cility. A cypress swamp and wildlife
habitats complete the course.
34 October 2000 AMERICAN CITY & COUNTY
zd-
MINUTES
PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
September 27, 2000
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Cagley, Barb Roberts, Mary Paprocki, Paul Tegan,
Hein Van Laarhoven
OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Scott Harstad
Jim Baldwin, Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc.
George Bentley, Acting Transit Administrator
I. INTRODUCTIONS
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2000
Motion by Cagley, second by Paprocki to approve the minutes as submitted.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 23, 2000
Due the lack of a quorum at the August 23 meeting, a motion was made by
Cagley, seconded by Paprocki to accept the minutes as submitted.
III. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION
By consensus the Committee agreed to elect officers.
Election of Committee Chair
Roberts nominated Cagley as Committee Chair. There being no further
nominations a motion was made by Paprocki, seconded by Roberts to close
nominations and elect Cagley as Chair. The motion passed unanimously.
Election of Committee Vice Chair
Roberts nominated Tegan as Committee Vice Chair. There being no further
nominations a motion was made by Cagley, seconded by Roberts to close
nominations and elect Tegan as Vice Chair. The motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES — PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
September 27, 2000
Page 2
IV. RIDERSHIP INFORMATION AND REVIEW OF RIDERSHIP
STATISTICS FOR AUGUST, 2000
Bentley reviewed ridership statistics and operational performance information for
August. Ridership rebounded in August from the typical mid -summer dip.
Ridership was up for all Metrolink services.
Discussion was held on the operations statistics to assist members in better
understanding their derivation and purpose. There was discussion about route
efficiencies and effectiveness. Van Laarhoven asked if data could be obtained
about the ratios of bus capacities vs. actual ridership. Bentley said he would
attempt to gather that information. Bentley also stated that alternatives to
operation of the Plymouth Flyer would be brought to the next PACT meeting.
V. IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF CONCERN AND/OR
RECOMMENDATIONS
Barb Roberts' Comments
• Roberts reported that a minor accident took place on 9/26/00 with the 772 bus
she was riding and another vehicle. There was minor damage and no injuries.
• Roberts reported that there was a problem on the 772 buses with different
drivers every day, resulting in buses running late and drivers being unsure of
routes.
Bentley stated that he was aware of the problem on several Metrolink routes
operated by Metro Transit, and would be speaking to Jeff Wostrel of Metro
Transit about this when Wostrel returned from a conference he was attending.
Bentley said that he had been told all of the Metrolink runs had been picked in
the latest pick period, but that subsequently some part time drivers were
promoted to full time drivers, thus leaving several Metrolink runs open, to be
filled by the "extra board" drivers.
Roberts stated that the a.m. bus arrival times into downtown Minneapolis did
not match customers' work starting times well and asked if any revisions
could be made.
Bentley responded that the current bus headways were established in 1994
and that he was aware that some customers were dissatisfied with the timings
into downtown. He will be working with Metro Transit over the next several
MINUTES — PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
September 27, 2000
Page 3
months to identify ways of adjusting these times. Bentley also stated that it
was possible that a total route restructuring may be necessary.
Paul Tegan's Comments
• Tegan stated that he found the 2000 On -Board Customer Survey to be very
interesting and informative.
Hein Van Laarhoven's Comments
Van Laarhoven stated that both the 790 and the 793 seemed to be running
early in the a.m. and that as a result he has missed the bus several times
recently and had to wait for the next bus. He stated that it appeared that when
the bus was not heavily loaded the drivers tended to get ahead of schedule,
and that they needed to heed their time points better.
• Van Laarhoven stated that at least once a month the farebox card readers are
not working and wondered how fares and ridership were handled for
Metrolink.
Bentley stated that Metro Transit makes adjustments in the statistics when
these statistics appear to be substantially off. Also, he stated that
reimbursement from Metro Transit to Plymouth Metrolink is based on
ridership, not actual fare collections. Any losses in fare collections are borne
by Metro Transit.
• Van Laarhoven stated that it appeared that if the driver was not paying
attention and a passenger presented a fare card to the card reader that had
inadequate value for the fare, the next passenger's card was charged for the
difference and not recorded as another full fare or another passenger.
• Van Laarhoven raised a concern about the availability of bus schedules and
the visibility of route information in more locations. He asked if route
information could be posted on the Metrolink signs on the streets.
Bentley responded that the cost and logistics of this would be prohibitive, but
that he would look into ways of increasing bus information availability.
MINUTES — PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
September 27, 2000
Page 4
Mary Paprocki's Comments
• Paprocki stated that bus #2102 smells a little better, but that now and then the
smell reported previously returns.
Paprocki expressed concern about some of the reported problems on the Dial -
A -Ride monitoring report concerning a speeding driver and a missed trip. She
stated that speeding and missing a passenger were unacceptable.
Mike Cagley's Comments
• Cagley stated that relative to the issue of replacing the uncomfortable seats on
the 40 foot Gillig buses, he had not advocated seat replacement, but rather
brought it up to point out that these seats should not be included in future bus
specifications.
VI. TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Bentley provided updates on the construction of the new Park & Ride lots and the
Neighborhood Stops, the new bus acquisitions, and the Plymouth Business
Forum. He distributed the 2001 Plymouth Metrolink Management Plan & Budget
for review and stated that it should be adopted and passed on to the City Council
next meeting. He further commented on the shutoff of freeway ramp meters,
service monitoring and the new PACT comment tracking sheet.
VII. DISCUSSION OF 2000 WORK PLAN
By consensus this item was continued to the next meeting, and it was agreed that
the work plan should now be for 2001. The work plan outlined in the 2001
Management Plan and Budget should be used as a basis for the 2001 PACT work
plan.
VIII. BUS ADVERTISING POLICY
The Committee asked for clarification on the specifications identified in the
proposed policy, and asked for this item to be brought back to the next meeting.
MINUTES — PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
September 27, 2000
Page 5
IX. Adjournment
It was moved by Roberts, seconded by Paprocki to adjourn the meeting. The next
PACT meeting will be held on October 25, 2000. The motion passed
unanimously.
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
October 19, 2000
Page 39
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Musliner, Singer, Thompson; Planning
Commissioner Neset, staff Blank and Pederson
Absent: Commissioners Wahl and Meyer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the October meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Singer and seconded by Commissioner Fiemann to
approve the minutes of the meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes.
Commissioner Musliner asked if the Chocolate Sampler becomes an annual event, would it
continue to be for the purpose of raising funds for the Millennium Garden? Director Blank
said it could be for that project, but other projects could benefit as well. Staff evaluations of
the Chocolate Sampler haven't been completed yet. Commissioner Musliner said she thought
it was a very fun event. Commissioner Singer said if surveys are sent out asking for the
participants' opinions, we should also call the restaurants to see what they thought of the
event, and if they would want to be involved again.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting.
b. Staff. There were no staff presentations.
c. Others. See item 6a.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
There was no report on this item.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Plymouth Creek Center update. The Plymouth Creek Center project continues to move
along. The golf net is being sewed in place. Sections of the dome are being prepared for
putting it back up on Saturday. If it's windy that day, they will inflate it early Sunday
morning. Lights will be installed next week. Commissioner Singer asked if any signage
has been installed about dogs staying off the artificial turf and warning people that no
smoking is allowed. Director Blank said this hasn't been done. He said once the dome is
up, this will not be a problem, but before next summer when the dome is down, we will
get these signs installed.
PRAC Minutes/October 2000
Page 40
�r
b. Millennium Garden update. The Chocolate Sampler was one of the better programs we
have ever run said Director Blank. We raised about $3,500 after expenses. We are now
over the $50,000 level in our fundraising efforts. We have received good feedback from
Toro about MTI providing the irrigation system for the Millennium Garden and from a
concrete company about doing some in-kind services as well. We are now trying to find
someone to do the earth grading. Director Blank then discussed the Christmas Box Angel
program. The Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center came to us asking about the Angel's
placement in the garden. He said the Angel might be an issue for some. No one has said
anything negative about it yet. The Fine Arts Council is reviewing the proposal as well.
We have also asked the Human Rights Commission for their opinion. Commissioner
Musliner does not feel that the garden is the right place for this. She thinks it would bring
sadness to the garden. She feels the garden should convey a feeling of happiness and joy
for people visiting it. She believes the City cemetery would be a more appropriate place.
Commissioner Fiemann asked about the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center and what they
do. Director Blank said they are an agency that counsels people through their grief over
the loss of a child. Chair Anderson asked for the original intent of the Millennium
Garden. What is it supposed to represent? Director Blank said there is no exact definition
for it. Director Blank says it's a way to link the past with the future and to have a
beautiful garden, and it's a way to blend art with the natural beauty of the area. The
garden will become an extension of the building. Director Blank sees it serving a broad
purpose. Commissioner Fiemann asked about the wording of the plaque. Director Blank
said "Christmas Box Angel" is what they would put on the plaque. Commissioner Singer
has very mixed feelings about the statue, too. She wants to table the discussion for now,
if possible, and wait to see what the Human Rights Commission has to say.
Commissioner Fiemann also has mixed feelings about its placement in the garden.
Director Blank suggested having someone from the Infant Loss Center come to a future
meeting.
c. Comprehensive Plan update. Director Blank stated that in preparation for purchasing
more park land, he is going to walk the Begin farm with Judy Begin on Monday morning.
d. Hilde Performance Center update. This project is moving forward. Agreements have
been accepted by both sides. The Civic League attorney has a couple of questions,
however. The formal agreement will be signed and delivered on the Council's agenda.
Two firms have been selected as finalists for the architects of the structure. We're waiting
for a report on weather statistics from the day the sound study was done. A company
from Plymouth will be the construction manager. All of the EAW data needs to be
collected. The project is still on time for a July 10 groundbreaking. The Hilde's said they
would agree to give, at a minimum, $500,000. They were going to cap the limit at
$1,000,000, but have now decided there will be no cap on the maximum they would
contribute. We have to provide sewer and water and pay for the building permit costs.
The main accent color will probably be forest green, which is the color on the roof at
Plymouth Creek Center.
e. 2001-05 CIP. Director Blank said he may not have revenues to match everything
proposed in the CIP. The moratorium on development slowed the growth of the budget.
PRAC Minutes/October 2000 -
Page 41
Director Blank reviewed the CIP year by year. He explained that he had to split the costs
on the Old Rockford Road trail between 2001 and 2002. The 36th Avenue trail will be
started by the Lunds development and we will continue it. The fourth payment of five on
the stage will be made in 2001. He is anticipating $300,000 in cash and in-kind services
on the Millennium Garden. He explained the funding for the Greenwood sports upgrade.
Some things will have to be cut from the project if it actually comes in as high as the
estimate. Open space money has been set aside by the Council. We will be acquiring land
for a neighborhood park, but the location has not been identified yet. We continue to
carry through funds for Art in the Park. The park replacement money is matched by the
general fund, so there's always a cash infusion going into that fund. The West Medicine
Park building is up in the air. Bathroom costs will be a determining factor. Engineers will
be looking at repairing the parking lot at Parkers Lake. The asphalt surface is
deteriorating in many places. This money will come out of park replacement. The Parkers
Lake playground will be replaced in 2001. The structure will be featured in a playground
magazine, and we could get a $200,000 playground out of the deal. We have staff
members that attend playground safety workshops every year. Playgrounds are inspected
regularly. Every playground has a cycle for inspection, said Director Blank. The
Environmental park is on the west side of 494, south of Schmidt Lake Road, north of
County Road 9. We've saved most of the trees along here through park acquisition. The
neighborhood here is very long and linear. The sand volleyball court is a carry over item
from a previous year. Three scoreboards at Elm Creek Playfield will be installed in 2001.
Trail overlay is coming out of park replacement. Director Blank said he wants to keep our
trails in tiptop shape. He stated that $165,000 was moved into the Community
Improvement Fund from interest earned from the Activity Center. This money may be
used for the Hilde Performance Center. $50,000 is the estimate for the skate park, which
will be behind the ice center. It will have a temporary fence around it. Kimberly Lane
Elementary School wants money for playground improvements.
In 2002, the second half of the Rockford Road trail will go in. The Lancaster Lane trail is
necessary, because this is a dangerous stretch of road, with very heavy traffic. This will
be an off road trail. The last payment on the portable stage will be made. The tennis
courts at Oakwood need updating. The posts that support the wind screens aren't strong
enough to withstand any more stress. Mud Lake has been in the works for 10 years now.
We closed on the house that stands there, and the homeowner is moving into a nursing
home this weekend. Director Blank has offered the house to HRA, if they feel its
moveable. This property is on the northwest shore of Mud Lake. Director Blank believes
this park will be of the same caliber as Three Ponds Park. The views are quite beautiful.
Youth baseball requested an upgrade of the Zachary Playfield building. The baseball
association will have to help with this. We have locations to build picnic shelters at
Zachary and Plymouth Creek Playfields. In 2003, money begins to show up for the 10th
playfield. The bridge on 36th Avenue is a joint project with New Hope. There will be
more parking lot repairs, especially at Plymouth Creek and Zachary Playfields. Chair
Anderson asked about the floating bridge at Medicine Lake. Director Blank said pylons
have to be driven into the ground in order to build the bridge. The ground needs to freeze
in order for equipment to come in to drive the pylons. Golden Valley is going to pick up
the trail and continue it into that city. Eventually, this trail will link up with the Theodore
PRAC Minutes/October 2000
Page 42
Wirth trail. In 2004, we start paying back the CIF fund for loans made in 2003. We
continue with general projects such as trails, Art in the Park, transfer to park replacement,
land acquisition for the 10th playfield and playground replacement. In 2005, money is
being proposed for new tennis courts at Plymouth Creek Center and a spray playground
at Plymouth Creek Park, in addition to the general projects. Commissioner Thompson is
concerned about the number of park playgrounds that need to be replaced. Should we be
planning to do more than one per year? Director Blank says he needs to examine the
budget more closely. We can take more funds from the park replacement fund if needed.
The City Manager would like this year's Council to approve the CIP, rather than handing
it off to the new Council. He may want a December decision on the CIP. The Armstrong
Baseball coach met with Director Blank about the possibility of the City helping with the
cost of lighting the Armstrong baseball field. Director Blank explained that we spent $1.3
million upgrading their gym, and also gave them $35,000 for the upgrade of this baseball
field. He stated that we use the field very minimally, and there is little benefit to the
public for lighting it.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Consider request to reduce the park dedication fee for development at 36th & Vicksburg.
Director Blank explained that North American Properties is developing Plymouth
Marketplace, which is located at the corner of Vicksburg Lane and Highway 55, on 25
acres of property. The developer has requested that the City reduce the park dedication
fee in recognition of the fact they set aside a conservation easement consisting of 2.73
acres of woods. They paid a park dedication fee of $96,252. Their reduction would be
$14,196 based on the square footage of the easement. Jay Scott, representing North
American Properties displayed a graphic showing the area set aside as easement. The
easement consists of 3.41 acres, of which .68 acres are wetland, which is excluded from
park dedication fees. They would like the remaining 2.73 acres exempted from park
dedication fees, also. The easement states that no development shall ever take place on
this property. The developer feels that they have provided the City with a park or natural
open space area by establishing this conservation easement. Director Blank pointed out
that no where in the Comprehensive Plan has any portion of this development been
identified as open space. Director Blank also explained that the park dedication policy
states that a 17% reduction in park dedication fees may be granted if the developer agrees
to provide certain on-site amenities to the residents, such as swimming pools,
playgrounds, volleyball courts, etc. Commissioner Fiemann asked why the treed area was
set aside on the north side of the property. Mr. Scott said the reasons were multipurpose.
It will provide a buffer against lighting, noise pollution, traffic, etc. They tried to be
accommodating to the Sugar Hills neighborhood. This did not benefit their project,
however. Commissioner Fiemann asked how this area will be maintained? Mr. Scott said
it will be kept natural. Trash would be collected, downed trees would be removed.
Commissioner Singer asked if this easement is for public use? Mr. Scott said they would
own the property, but it would be available for the public to enter. However, it would not
have any specific marked entrances. Commissioner Fiemann asked if there had been
other easements like this? Director Blank said not that he's aware of. Commissioner
Singer asked why the city had partnered up with this easement? Director Blank stated that
the developer proposed the tree easement in order to provide a buffer between the
PRAC Minutes/October 2000
Page 43 �" J
development and the homes north of 36th Avenue. The City agreed to this.
Commissioner Musliner asked if this is in any way similar to the Ferndale North issue.
Director Blank said the decision to declare Ferndale North as open space was a Council
resolution. This easement is protected by a legally binding contract. Commissioner
Fiemann said that he understood the City had an ordinance stating that trees in excess of
8 inches in diameter were to be saved with any development. Mr. Scott said they
preserved in excess of what they were required to. He stated that portions of the
development may open in April, 2001. Lunds would open June 1 st.
CHAIR ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMEMNDATION TO
NOT REDUCE THE PARK DEDICATION FEES FOR NORTH AMERICAN
PROPERTIES. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH
ALL AYES.
b. Review proposal from Rick Busch for free walking in the dome for everyone. Without
any discussion, Commissioner Singer moved and Commissioner Thompson seconded a
motion recommending that walking in the dome be free for everyone. It has been the
general consensus of the Commission since the dome was first erected that free walking
is a good will gesture and will help to bring the community together. The motion carried
with all ayes.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner Singer will not be at the November meeting. Planning Commissioner Neset
will be unable to attend that meeting as well. He stated that the Planning Commission
approved the PUD for the northeast end of Plymouth. It includes a mini park. The
development consists of 991 units on 125 acres. Director Blank said this will result in about
$1.7 million in park dedication. This is the biggest project ever to come through the City. The
next PRAC meeting is November 9.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
None.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
PRISM
2323 Zenith Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN 55422
GIVEN BY:
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DONATION RECEIPT
DATE
10/18/2006
PAYMENT METHOD CHECK NO.
Cash
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT
Pumpkin Give -Away
64.00
Dear PRISM Friend:
Fall is now here, and we look ahead to the busiest months of the year for our staff and
volunteers. We are thankful for the continued support received from each of you.
During the next few months PRISM's case mangement staff will see the client family
caseload go from about 50 appointments each week to over 100! Managing this steep
increase takes perseverance, patience, more food, clothing, and of course more funding.
Also, we are just starting to offer our client families fresh milk and a greater selection of
produce. EFN is providing the milk, and Elim Lutheran of Robbinsdale donated an extra
refrigerator they had to provide the additional space for this to happen!
Vain!
CEO
Thank you!!
Total $64.00
CITY OF
PLYMOU?h+
September 26, 2000
Ms Kit Hadley, Commissioner
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
400 Sibley Street, Suite 300
St. Paul. MN 55101-1998
Re: Kimberly Meadows Section 8 Contract
Dear Commissioner Hadley:
This is in follow-up to recent conversations between Bob Odman of your staff and the City's
HRA Supervisor, Ed Goldsmith. Recently, residents of Kimberley Meadows Townhomes
came to the Plymouth City Council to ask our support in preserving the project -based Section
8 rental assistance available at Kimberly Meadows. Specifically they asked us to convey to
the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency the necessity of enforcing the Agency's contract with
the owners of Kimberly Meadows to require that the project -based Section 8 contract remain
in force until the 2011 expiration date of the MHFA contract.
The official housing policy of the City of Plymouth, as outlined in its Comprehensive Plan for
several Years, has been to strongly support the preservation and development of affordable
housing within the City. This was recently reaffirmed by the Council when it adopted the
City's updated Comprehensive Plan on August 8, 2000. Also the City's support for a number
of specific proposals for additional affordable housing in the City clearly demonstrates our
concern for an adequate supply of affordable housing to meet the needs of City residents and
persons employed in the City.
Both tl:e City Council and the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority have
reviewed this situation and wish to convey to the MHFA the importance of retaining the
project based Section 8 housing assistance at Kimberly Meadows for not only the current
residents but for future residents in need of such housing. The Section 8 assistance at
Kimberly Meadows and other affordable housing developments is an important resource in
the Citi. the loss of which is of great concern to us.
As the City has shown in the past, we recognize the need for and support the preservation and
development of quality affordable housing in our community. If we can be of assistance in
suppori;ng the preservation of the project based assistance at Kimberly Meadows or any other
developments in Plymouth, please contact Mr. Goldsmith at 763-509-5412 or at
egoldsn: i' �ci.P11 mouth. inn. its.
PLYMOUTH :� Bcnutilrt'1'i4ce'To Lite
-�0 P!_YMOUTN `-OULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.ci.plymou+h.mn.us
1-3
We look forward to your affirmative action in response to this situation. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Joy Tierney, Mayor Brad Brown, Chair
City of Plymouth Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Cc: Plytmouth City Council
Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Dwight Johnson, City Manager
Ed Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor
Bob Odman, MHFA
Governor Jesse Ventura
State Senator Warren Limmer
State Senator Gen Olson
State Senator Martha Robertson
State Representative Ron Abrams
State Representative Peggy Leppik
State Representative Richard Stanek
State Representative Henry Todd Van Dellen
U.S. Senator Rod Grams
U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone
U.S. Representative Jim Ramstad ,.
Howard Goldman, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Kemleth R. Talle, Thies & Talle Management
3C
October 24, 2000 CITU OF
PLYMOUTH+
James Commers
Vice President - Minnesota
AT&T Broadband
10 River Park Plaza
St. Paul, MN 55107-1219
Subject: Channel 7 — TV Guide Channel
Dear Mr. Commers:
I am writing to you on behalf of the Plymouth City Council to express our concern about some of the advertising
that has been included on channel 7, TV Guide Channel.
The City recently received a complaint from a cable television subscriber in Plymouth who felt that some of the
advertising that she and her family saw on the TV Guide Channel was inappropriate for family viewing. This
subscriber was referred to the channel by AT&T customer service when she called to inquire about the new
channel location for the Disney Channel. The customer service representative recommended that the viewer tune
into channel 7 to learn the new channel location. When the viewer and her family tuned to channel 7, they were
disturbed to see advertising that was inappropriate for her six-year-old child to view.
While the Plymouth City Council recognizes that it does not have authority to determine what AT&T chooses to
offer its customers, we do feel it is appropriate for us to share this specific concern. If AT&T routinely
recommends that its subscribers tune to channel 7 to learn about channel location and upcoming programs, then
channel 7 should feature only advertisements appropriate for viewing by all ages.
We understand that AT&T does not sell any of the ad time on the TV Guide channel. Still, we recognize that
you choose to purchase this particular service. We encourage AT&T to do what it can as a responsible company
to urge the TV Guide Channel to screen its commercials with an eye toward family viewing or to purchase an
alternative service that does so. If such a service is not available, perhaps AT&T could develop its own channel
listing/program guide that is free of paid advertisements altogether.
Thank you for sharing this concern with the appropriate staff people at AT&T, and for considering feedback
from our community. —
Sincerely,
'/'J t"7/
Joy Tierney
Mayor
cc: TV Guide Channel, 7140 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa, OK 74136
Northwest Suburban Cable Commission
PLYMOUTH 9t Beauti (Pface To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
®PW- 0»• www.d.plymouth.mn.us