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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 09-29-2000t Yp Dummy SEPTEMBER 29, 2000 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. NOTE: Ward I Councilmember Tim Bildsoe is available to meet with residents and receive their comments in the Council Conference Room, beginning at 6:00 PMprior to Regular Council meetings. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7:00 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 5:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 7: 00 PM 2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 3. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7:00 PM 4. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7: 00 PM 5. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 7: 00 PM 6. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 7:00 PM 7. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1-5: 00 PM 8. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER EVAL DATION, Bass Lake Room REG ULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS AT SUNSET ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, Medicine Lake Room PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room TASTE OF CHOCOLATE EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center PLYMOUTH ON PARADE YOM KIPP UR BEGINS AT SUNSET CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO September 29, 2000 9. MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 Page 2 COL UMB US DAY (OBSER VED) Public Works Maintenance Division closed 10. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-10) 11. October and November Calendars are attached. (M-11) 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) Notice of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 6:30 PM in the City Hall Lunch Room, sponsored by Rottlund Homes to answer questions regarding the proposed Reserve development. (I -]q) b) Minnesota Journal article examining a Metropolitan State University survey on metropolitan area residents' concerns. (I -1b) c) Items from a September 27 "Study Area E" neighborhood meeting. (I -1c) d) Notice of a North Hennepin Human Services meeting on new immigrants to the area, scheduled for Monday, October 23, 6:00 PM, at Brunswick Methodist Church in Crystal. (I -1d) e) Letters to students who applied for the Youth Advisory Council and the student seats on the Human Rights Commission. The Youth Advisory Council is tentatively planning an October 9 meeting (this is not as yet listed on your Official Calendars); all students will be also be invited to a joint planning meeting. (I -le) 2. STAFFREPORTS a) Update on landscaping for County Road 10. (I -2a) 3. CORRESPONDENCE a) Thank -you letter from Plymouth Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is for the Plymouth Human Rights Commission efforts to promote "Make A Difference Day." (I -3a) b) Correspondence from Mrs. Betty Belanger regarding interest in development of a hospital facility in the Plymouth area. (I -3b) c) Letter from Donald Wallick praising Engineering Division efforts during the installation of his new driveway. (I -3c) d) Thank -you letter from Ken Rein of Daily Printing for City support of the recently approved industrial revenue bonds (I -3d) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO September 29, 2000 Page 3 e) Thank -you letter from Jeanne Grates for City efforts to upgrade the intersection o Highway 101 and 26`h Avenue. (I --3e) M -� ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA October 4th, 2000, 7:00 PM Medicine Lake Room ALyenda Items: 7:00 PM Call to Order, Chair: Kathy Osborne • Review of Agenda • Approval of September 6`' Minutes, (Attachment 1) • Guest Introduction & General Forum: Guests may address the EQC about any item not contained on the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the forum. If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the Forum, the EQC will continue with the agenda. 7:15 PM Small Grants. We have had less than five applications submitted so far. The EQC members need to review and select grant recipients for year 2000, and discuss the unused portion ($1,700) of the grants awarded in 1999. 7:30 PM Education Efforts, plans for year 2001. The 2001 Educational plan proposes many activities and projects with a recommended budget of about $23,500. The EQC members need to develop a detailed implementation plan. 8:30 PM Other Items. 1. _ 2. _ 3. 8:55 PM Plan for next meeting: Nov. 8, 2000! ( Mark your Calendar) (EQC Members will help to determine agenda for next meeting) • 9:00 PM ADJOURNED NOTES: D:\TEMP\oct 4 2000.doc �f� PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ' mivWEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2000 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard 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. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PUBLIC FORUM 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Scott Johnson. Approve a variance for a detached accessory building to be located in a front yard at 330 Merrimac Lane. (20135) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. SP Development, LLC. Rezoning from RSF-2 (Single Family Detached 2) to RSF-4 (Single and Two Family) and a preliminary plat for 14 twinhome units and 19 detached single family homes to be known as "Sunrise Park" located south of 34' Avenue and east of Pilgrim Lane. (20114) B. Moen Leuer Construction, Inc. (Fiskars) Amendment to the Plymouth Ponds PUD to allow warehouses with limited distribution center characteristics as permitted uses in Building 7, Plymouth Ponds Business Park, located at 17300 Medina Road. (20140) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Skyline Design. Variance to exceed the maximum impervious surface area coverage by 16 percent for a three season room addition located at 1145 Xene Lane North. (20134) 8. ADJOURNMENT Tentative Schedule for City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items October 10 • Report on solutions identified for 81h Avenue traffic concerns (continued from July 25) • Public hearing on TIF Project, 2300 Berkshire Lane • Public hearing to approve On—Sale/Sunday Intoxicating liquor license for Savon Krouch, d/b/a Hunan Buffet Restaurant, 10820 Highway 55 • Approve On—Sale/Sunday Intoxicating Liquor License for LeCarnassier LLC., d/b/a Red Robin America's Gourmet Burgers and Spirits, 15535 -34th Avenue North (tabled from September 26) • Assessment hearings on street reconstruction projects • Consider request for street lighting at Trenton Lane and Bass Lake Road • Consider request of cable subscriber regarding advertising on Channel 7 Program Guide October 24 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 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake 1:00 PM -5:00 PM PLYMOUTH ON PARADE PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM TASTE OF CHOCOLATE, Plymouth Creek Center 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Yom Kippur begins at sunset 9 COLUMBUS DAY (OBSERVED), Public Works Division closed 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER EVALUATION, Bass Lake Room 00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM FRAC, Council Chambers 7:00 PM -9:00 PM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATE FORUM, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC 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 30 31 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Sep 2000 S M T N;' T F S Nov 2000 S M T W T F S 1 2 ENDS - set 1 2 3 4 clocks back 1 hour 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 L 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 I modified on 9/28/2000 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Oct 2000 S M T W T F S Dec 2000 S M T W T F S 6:30 PM EOC, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers PM VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 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 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 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7:00 PM GENERAL 7:00 PM PRAC, VETERANS YOUTH ELECTION - Council DAY ADVISORY Polls open 7 AM Chambers (OBSERVED), COUNCIL, - close 8 PM City Offices Medicine Lake Closed Room 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake 1,Room MEETING, Council 7:00 PM PUBLIC Council Chambers Chambers 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 9/28/2000 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, 6:30 PM EQC, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room Chambers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers 7:00 PM TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING (RECONVENED IF NEEDED), Council Chambers MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD, Public Safety Library 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HRA - YOUTH PLANNING Medicine Lake ADVISORY COMMISSION, Room COUNCIL, Council Hanukkah Medicine Lake Chambers Room begins at sunset 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY - City Offices closed gU30 AM S NESS CAL COUNCIL Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 31 modified on 9/28/2000 ATTENTION NEIGHBORS Rottlund Homes cordially invites you to meet with their representatives regarding The Reserve, a proposed development site located between Interstate 494 and Hampton Hills Golf Course. The meeting will be held at: Plymouth city Hall Lunch Room 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Wednesday, October 4, 2000 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM Come and receive the latest information on the Site Plan, building prototypes and other discussions regarding this exciting and unique development. This meeting will give us an opportunity to interact with one another prior to the public hearings. Questions? Call Richard Palmiter, Vice President of Land Development for Rottlund Homes, at (651) 638-0534. We look forward to meeting you! Poll finds traffic congestion region's biggest problem by David O'Hara / Traffic congestion is the chief problem facing the Twin Cities metropolitan area, according to Metropolitan State University's annual Civic Confidence Survey of Twin Cities metropolitan area residents. Thirty-one percent of area residents cited traffic congestion and seven percent the related problem of urban sprawl. This continues a trend since the survey's incep- tion in 1996: the perception of crime as the chief problem has dropped dramatical- ly over the years, while the perception of traffic and transportation as the chief problem has grown, especially in the last two years. Last year traffic and urban sprawl combined to surpass crime as the region's number one problem. This year traffic congestion alone exceeded crime. As the accompanying table shows, crime, mentioned by 15 percent of Twin Citians, is still a widespread concern, but residents see traffic and transportation as the biggest challenge for policymakers. The related issue of urban sprawl has also grown in importance. Lack of affordable housing continues to grow as an issue. Only one percent named this problem in 1998; this year over six percent mentioned this issue. Light rail The survey found mixed support for light-rail transit. Construction of more roads was the most popular choice for reducing traffic congestion, (36 percent of respondents), followed by construction of a light-rail network (29 percent), improved bus service (19 percent), increased use of car-pool lanes (13 per- cent) and toll roads or other pay-as-you-go systems (three percent). In 1998 the same question brought much different results: Light rail was the most popular choice (44 percent) and construction of more roads was second (25 percent). Sixty-two percent of area residents said they were unlikely to use the planned light-rail line from downtown Minneapolis to the airport, while 16 per- cent were likely to use it. Residents identi- fied the most important factor that would influence their decision to switch to using light rail was convenience and accessibili- ty (58 percent of respondents). Twenty- three percent said they would never use light rail. Basically, there is a relatively small group of people willing to use light rail, provided it will conveniently take them to work and back and that they do not have to pay too much per trip. Since the first light-rail line is planned for Minneapolis, it is not surprising that Minneapolis residents appear far more likely to use light rail. Fifty-one percent of Minneapolis residents said they would be likely or somewhat likely to use the planned Hiawatha Avenue light-rail line, compared to 22 percent of St. Paul and suburban residents. Education Consistent with the past two years, most Twin Citians are happy with their In your opinion, what is the chief problem facing the Twin Cities metropolitan area? (open-ended) 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 Valid Percent Valid Percent Valid Percent Valid Percent Valid Percent Crime 71.7 41.6 45.9 27.1 14.8 Traffic/Transportation 8.3 10.2 9.8 24.2 31.2 Urban Sprawl -- 4.8 5.8 9.1 7.2 Education 4.2 5.8 6.2 6.7 8.0 Taxes 3.1 7.4 4.6 6.3 5.0 Affordable Housing -- -- 1.0 5.5 6.2 Government 2.9 5.6 6.6 3.8 5.2 Source: Metropolitan State University Civic Confidence Surveys 2 Minnesota journal September 19, 2000 local school districts and have a great deal of confidence in them. Seventy-one per- cent are either satisfied or somewhat satis- fied with quality of services provided, while 79 percent have either a lot or some confidence in their public school system. Interestingly, schools were again the only levels of government that a significant number of residents, 35 percent, believed did not provide enough services. However, residents of Minneapolis have a more negative view of their local districts than do St. Paul and suburban residents. Twenty-seven percent of Minneapolis residents have no confidence or not very much confidence in their local schools, compared to only 19 to 20 per- cent of St. Paul and suburban residents. And 48 percent of Minneapolis resi- dents are either dissatisfied or somewhat dissatisfied with the quality of services pro- vided by their local school district, com- pared to 31 percent of St. Paul residents and 24 percent of suburban residents. Trust in government Twin Citians are more trusting of local governments than of federal and state governments. When asked which level of government Twin Citians trust to do what is right most often, almost 57 percent said local government, 31 percent said state government and 12 percent replied federal government. Metro residents hold public employees in reasonably high regard. Sixty-eight per- cent think they do as good a job as other Twin Cities employees and nine percent think they perform better. And a majority (65 percent) of the region's residents agree that government officials are responsive to their needs. The perception of the honesty of elected officials continues to rebound from 1998's decline, surpassing previous levels. Sixty-one percent believe elected officials are as honest or more honest than average Minnesotans, while 39 percent believe elected officials are either less honest or actually dishonest. In 1998, perhaps due to the Clinton sex scandal, only 50 per- cent believed they were as honest or more honest than average Minnesotans. Poll continued on page 6 P0I continued from page 2 Satisfaction with performance 1997 and 52 percent in 1996. confident they would be, approximately the When asked about the quality of ser- Women are more concerned with crime same as last year's 82 percent. Also, fewer vices provided by governments, 77 per- than men. Twenty-one percent of women people this year than last have cut back cent of metro area residents said they were said it was the region's biggest problem, their spending due to uncertainties in the satisfied or somewhat satisfied with city compared to 12 percent of men. Fear of economy. government, 84 percent with county gov- crime shows an even more significant dif- Personal civic involvement emment, 78 percent with state govern- ference: 47 percent of women say there are Only five percent of the region's resi- ment and 70 percent with federal services. places within one mile of their home where dents consider themselves active in civic Twin Cities' public services continue they would be afraid to walk at night, com- activities. This represents a significant to earn high marks. Libraries, parks pared to only 20 percent of men. This is decline from previous years, when this fig- garbage/recycling and 911 service had the consistent with the 1999 survey. ure was in the range of 12 percent to 17 highest approval ratings, with 96 percent Despite their worries about crime, 91 percent. Fifteen percent said they were of residents either fully or somewhat satis- percent of the area's citizens felt law somewhat active; 25 percent said they fied with those services. Even road repair, enforcement agencies were doing a satis- were not very active, while 54 percent that annual curse of Minnesota's summers, factory or somewhat satisfactory job. They said they were not active at all. along with snow plowing, receives full or also believed local police were honest Almost half of the region's residents, somewhat satisfied ratings from 85 percent Seventy-seven percent felt their local 47 percent, said they had never contacted of the region's residents. police would not lie or break the law in an elected official; 18 percent said they Satisfaction with administration of order to arrest someone. Again, this is seldom contacted one; 21 percent said welfare programs was consistent with 1999 consistent with the 1999 survey. they contacted officials somewhat often, at 69 percent. Satisfaction has increased Minneapolis residents are less trusting while 14 percent said they often contacted every other year since the survey's incep- of the honesty of their police than resi- officials. tion, from 52 percent in 1996. dents of St. Paul and the suburbs. Sixty- Internet access to government In terms of quantity of services, 76 three percent of Minneapolitans surveyed A question new to this year's survey percent thought their city government thought their police would not lie or asked people how frequently they used the provided the right amount of services, break the law in order to arrest somebody, Internet to access information provided by while 14 percent said there were not compared to 72 percent in St. Paul and 81 government agencies in the past year: 48 enough and 11 percent said there were too percent in the suburbs. Fear of crime was percent had not used the Internet for this many. Sixty-seven percent said their coun- greatest in Minneapolis and St. Paul. purpose, 28 percent said somewhat infre- ty government provided the right amount Economy quently, 16 percent said somewhat fre- of services, 16 percent said not enough Fifty-eight percent of Twin Citians quently and eight percent said frequently. and 18 percent too many. Fifty-two per- said the region was headed in the right Growth of independents cent said their local school district provid- direction, compared with 56 percent last One sweeping change in 2000 from gre- ed enough services, while 35 percent said year and 52 percent two years ago. People vious years is in the percentage of people not enough and 13 percent said too many. continue to feel confident about the area's categorizing themselves as independents, Crime economic future. Fifty percent said the rather than Democrats or Republicans. The proportion of citizens fearful of area's strong economy is improving, slight- From 1996 through 1999, roughly 20 per. crime has declined for the fifth consecu- ly less than last year's 54 percent and cent of residents listed themselves as inde- tive year. When asked if there is an area 1998s 52 percent. Only nine percent say pendents. In 2000 this doubled to 42 per - within one mile of their home where they the economy is getting worse, while 41 cent. MJ would be afraid to walk at night, 35 per- percent say it is staying the same. cent said yes, compared to 37 percent in The poll also shows Twin Citians are David O'Hara is associate professor of eco - 1999, 41 percent in 1998, 42 percent in satisfied with their current economic situ- nomics at Metropolitan State University. He ation and confident directs the Metro State Civic Confidence about the future. Survey. The survey was conducted by tele - Eighty -seven percent phone May 4 to June 2, 2000, with 500 ran - say they are either satis- domly selected adults in the seven -county :•. Stv fied or somewhat satis- Twin Cities metropolitan area. The margin of fied with their own error is 4.5 percent or less for results based on financial situation, an all interviews in the poll. Margins of sampling s / increase from 78 per- error for smaller groups in the poll are larger. o cent in 1998 and 83 O'Hara can be reached at 612-341-7674 or �....�. - 0 percent in 1999. by e-mail at david.ohara®metrostate.edu. C J v When asked if they Copies of the executive summary of the sur - would be better off in vey are available by contacting Kim Carlson three to five years, 84 at 612-341-7639 or by e-mail at "Since I haven't been mugged so far this year,... percent said they were kim_carlson@metrostate.edu. I have to say traffic is the biggest problem!" confident or somewhat 6 Minnesota Journal September 19, 2000 . ,. n r ✓ .A �'1 y v rica the cutive Director Twin Cities metropolitan poll: From opinion to action by Lyle Wray Metro State University's annual Civic Confidence Survey of metropolitan -area residents (see story on page two) offers a snapshot of those issues currently at the top of the public mind. Public opinion is one important starting point for figuring out what actions we need to take to keep our region economically and socially vibrant. But first, here are a few observa- tions from the poll. Civic engagement. According to this year's poll, five percent of citizens consid- ered themselves to be involved in civic activities. This is down from previous years, which ranged from 12 to 17 per- cent. Perhaps Minnesotans are not as immune to national trends in declining civic involvement as we might like to believe. Clearly a priority for organizations like the Citizens League has to be reach- ing out to new generations to find issues of interest and ways of engagement. Working to engage youth and new Americans in the Citizens League is a continuing priority. Political alignment. In 1996, 20 per- cent of metropolitan residents identified themselves as politically independent. This number doubled to 42 percent this year. This change in political alignment, The Minnesota Journal Publisher—Lyle Wray Editor—Dana M. Schroeder Contributing Editor—Ted Kolderie Sketches—Ray Hanson The Minnesota Journal (ISSN 0741.9449) is a pub- lication of the Citizens League, a nonprofit nonpartisan Twin Cities public affairs organization, 708 S. Third St., Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: (612) 338-0791. Fax: (612) 337- 5919. E-mail: info@citizensleague.net. Web site: www.citizensleague.net. Matthew L. Ramadan, president. Articles and commentary are drawn from a broad range of perspectives and do not neces- sarily reflect League positions on policy questions. The Journal is published once a month. Periodicals postage paid at Minneapolis, MN. Annual subscription rate for nonmembers is $40 for 12 issues. Orders may be placed at (612) 338- 0791 or by mail at the above address. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Min. nesota Journal, 708 S. Third St., Suite 500, Min- neapolis, MN 55415. along with the redistricting that will fol- low the 2000 Census, may herald a major shift in Minnesota politics over the com- ing decade. Increasing suburban control of the Legislature and a much more indepen- dent -minded electorate could significantly change our political landscape. Education. Forty-eight percent of Minneapolis residents were either dissatis- fied or somewhat dissatisfied with the quality of school services provided by their local district. The fact that only 40 per- cent of Minneapolis ninth graders com- plete high school in four years may be another indicator of the need for major change. A new Citizens League study will examine ways to dramatically increase school completion rates in the two core city districts. We need an educated and skilled workforce to do well in the future and improving school completion rates is one important building block in securing that future. Technology and government. A total of 64 percent of residents report that they favor or somewhat favor video monitoring of intersections and car-pool lanes to tick- et people for violations. It will be interest- ing to see how the use of such technology plays out against other values in the com- ing years. In terms of Internet use, 24 per- cent of those asked use the Internet fre- quently or somewhat frequently to access information provided by government agencies. In the future, the web is likely to become an even more important channel of communication to and from the public. Transit. The poll found that the num- ber one choice for reducing congestion on freeways was building more roads (36 per- cent), followed by light-rail transit (29 percent) and improved bus service (19 percent). This finding suggests the need for more public education on the nature and number of trips in our region. Of the 12.2 million trips per day projected for the year 2020, 11.6 million will be by car or truck, 500,000 by bus, and 48,000 by light rail. Buses will be 10 times as important as the much more expensive rail system. From polls to action. Poll results, such as these, can be a good starting point for asking more questions. For example, what role does the media play in framing public opinion in the Twin Cities? Do the shifts in public opinion, reported in this poll, reflect individual Twin Citians' thoughtful decisions about issues or just the increased coverage given to certain topics by the media? Are we measuring real changes in public ideas or just the effectiveness with which certain advocates deliver their mes- sage -of -the -day? For instance, what should we make of regional differences in support for light-rail transit, given the differing positions taken on the issue by the region's two major newspapers? Similarly, has the public's increasing concern about "sprawl" and congestion driven increased media attention to the subject or vice versa? Furthermore, and perhaps more impor- tantly, how can we move beyond immedi- ate poll results and constructively engage citizens in the policy process? Opinion researcher Daniel Yankelovich has identi- fied seven stages of public opinion: 1) Dawning awareness; 2)Greater urgency; 3)Discovering the choices; 4)Wishful thinking; 5) Weighing the choices; 6)Taking a stand intellectually; and 7)Making a responsible judgment morally and emotionally. Polling generally indicates stages one and two. The heavy lifting in policymak- ing comes in the final five steps. The Civic Confidence poll provides good information that responsible policy lead- ers, including the Citizens League, can use to help the community frame the issues, work through the difficult middle stages, and then decide on a responsible course of action and get it done. M] Lyle Wray is executive director of the Citizens League. Minnesota Journal September 19, 2000 3 VI& AGENDA Study Area E Neighborhood Meeting 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2000 1. Introductions 2. Study Area E Review Process 3. Study Area E Issues 4. Key Factors for Analysis 5. Preliminary Staff Recommendations 6. Schedule 7. Comments and Questions 8. Adjourn Ic. Public Process Land Use Plan Changes in Study Area E Meeting Date and Time Activity Wednesday, September 27, 2000 Staff meeting with property owners in Study Area E 7:00 p.m. • Review staff recommendations • Get feedback from affected property owners Wednesday, October 18, 2000 Planning Commission meeting 7:00 p.m. • Review study area findings and set date for public hearing Wednesday, November 15, 2000 Planning Commission meeting (tentative) 7:00 p.m. • Hold public hearing on proposed land use changes Tuesday, November 28, 2000 City Council meeting (tentative) 7:00 p.m. • Consideration of proposed land use changes Interim Ordinance expires on December 31, 2000 STUDY AREA E: PLANNING/LAND USE ISSUES The Comprehensive Plan identifies the following specific issues that need to be examined as part of the planning process for Study Area E: • Small size and narrow depth of parcels • Isolation of homes on the east side of Peony Lane from the residential area to the north; access problems related to distance to a major intersection • Isolation of homes along Highway 55; long term viability with highway location • Increasing traffic associated with Wayzata High School • Land use transitions, particularly to the three affected residential neighborhoods. Parcel Size The 15 parcels in Study Area E range in size from 0.2 acres to 4.3 acres. Eleven of the parcels are under one acre in size and six of these are less than 0.5 acres. The two areas east of Peony Lane are essentially remnant pieces at the corners of two large residential developments. The area west of Peony Lane is sandwiched between Old Rockford Road and Highway 55. Given their location on arterial roadways and the proximity of residential uses, City regulations would require a 50- or 75 -foot setback on these lots for most types of development, notably those that are non-residential. In addition, for non- residential uses, the City's minimum lot size is one acre. For those lots of sufficient size, City regulations would also require a water quality pond if the impervious area of a proposed development exceeds one-half acre in area. As a consequence of all these factors, the development potential of much of Study Area E will be limited unless some of the smaller parcels are consolidated. Isolation and Access The properties at the northeast quadrant of Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road are isolated from the Wyndemere Farms neighborhood to the north and east. There is no potential for connection or integration of these properties with Wyndemere Farms. In addition, the properties abut the intersection of Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road which experiences high traffic levels associated with Wayzata High School. The properties on the west side of Study Area E abutting Highway 55 are also isolated. In addition, these properties are subject to noise from traffic on Highway 55. Both the isolation and the highway location and associated traffic noise diminish the desirability of these properties for residential use in the long term future. Although they presently have direct access to Highway 55, both City and state policy would require the elimination of that access if these properties are redeveloped. The City's adopted transportation policies call for restricting property access on high volume highways, such as Highway 55. The Minnesota Department of Transportation also looks for the elimination of direct access when redevelopment occurs along a state highway. In both instances, the intent of eliminating direct access is to improve safety and traffic flow on the highway. The loss of direct access together with the small size of the parcels along Highway 55 reinforces the desirability of consolidation of parcels within the study area. High School Traffic Traffic on Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road has increased significantly since the opening of Wayzata High School at Peony Lane and Schmidt Lake Road. As the school population increases, school -related traffic will also grow. Consequently, any development or redevelopment in Study Area E needs to consider the impact of this traffic on the proposed uses. Land Use Transitions The Plymouth Comprehensive Plan recognizes that developing a well-balanced community where a variety of land uses are conveniently located to one another often requires that different land uses are located next to one another. However, the plan also discusses the importance of providing appropriate transitions between uses of different intensity. Study Area E is bordered by three residential developments—Plum Tree, Wyndemere Farms and Rockford Glen. Some transitions already exist between the study area and these developments. Plum Tree is separated from the study area by Old Rockford Road. The nearest home is located about 100 feet from the property line of lots within the study area. In addition to the transition provided by Old Rockford Road, there is a small landscaped berm along the border of the subdivision. The part of the study area nearest Peony Lane is at roughly the same elevation as Plum Tree. However, the elevation drops off gradually to the west. On the western end of the study area, the land in the study area is roughly 10 to 15 feet lower than the homes in Plum Tree. These existing transitions may be sufficient if lower intensity uses are developed in this portion of the study area. In contrast, Wyndemere Farms and Rockford Glen directly abut land in the study area. However, the parcel on the south side of Old Rockford Road is separated from the homes in Rockford Glen by a large wetland. The closest home is about 240 feet from the boundary of the parcel. The parcels on the north side, abutting Wyndemere Farms, are at about the same elevation and abut the rear yards of the homes in Wyndemere Farms. Currently, there is no significant transition between these two areas. The narrow depth of the parcels will limit the opportunities for creating a transition with screening alone. This in turn will influence the types of uses that would be appropriate for this site. City of Plymouth Comprehensive Plan LAND USE GUIDE PLAN TERMS Living Areas LA -R Living Area- Rural (one unit per 20 acres)—areas outside the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (M. U.S.A) boundary where public utilities and services such as sewer and water are not available, plus those areas inside the MUSA where the City is not planning to provide these services within the time fi-ame of the current plan. LA -1 Living Area 1 (two to three dwelling units per acre)—lowest density neighborhoods of single family detached and two- family homes and directly related complementary uses such as places of worship, schools and recreational facilities. LA -2 Living Area 2 (three to six dwelling units per acre)—areas for single and two-family homes and townhomes, and directly related complementary uses. The LA -2 designation is intended to respond to a need for smaller homes on smaller lots. Apartments with up to 12 units in a building may be appropriate if resource preservation criteria are met. LA -3 Living Area 3 (six to twelve dwelling units per acre)—neighborhoods include a variety of housing types including single family homes on small lots, townhomes or apartments with up to 12 units in a building and directly related complementary uses. The LA -3 designation is designed to provide housing opportunities for people in all stages of the life cycle. Apartments with more than 12 units in a building may be appropriate if resource preservation criteria are met. LA -4 Living Area 4 (twelve to twenty dwelling units per acre)—highest density housing, primarily apartments, condominiums and townhomes, as well as directly related complementary uses; should have easy access to transit, jobs, shopping opportunities and open spaces. Business CO Commercial Office—uses include professional and administrative offices; research and laboratory facilities; wholesale showrooms; service facilities such as conference, lodging and reception facilities, and other business uses having limited contact with the general public. These areas may provide for limited retail sale of convenience -type products and services for the immediately surrounding area. C Commercial—includes areas for shopping centers that provide a wide range of goods and services to the community, as well as businesses devoted to motor vehicle oriented or dependent retail or service activities. Other commercial uses include wholesale and retail trade of large volume or bulk commercial items, storage and warehousing, which may have both commercial and industrial characteristics. CC City Center—unique classification providing for planned, unified development in the City Center area, attracting residents for a variety of civic, commerce and recreation activities and providing a strong sense of identity for the City of Plymouth. Industrial IP Planned Industrial—areas providing opportunities for jobs and tax base that contribute to the economic vitality of the City, in convenient locations with access to regional highway and railway routes, and other services needed for business development. Uses include manufacturing, production, processing and storage of materials, good and products, and compatible and supportive office and business uses. Public PI Public/Semi-Semi-Public/Institutional facilities such as public and private schools, places of worship, parks and open spaces, recreation facilities including golf courses and public service facilities such as post offices, fire stations, libraries and utility structures. Mixed Use MXD Mixed Use—classification allowing integration of different uses, such as residential and non-residential uses, which may reduce reliance on the automobile and increase convenience for residents. (New classification not yet mapped.) Revised 9/26/2000 i U � .0 U M Q) co �_ L O a) Q '= cn Q) O M � C i O Q) U O >+ E C 3cnCD to fB p E L ` U 3 O M U_ 0 .E > E O cn cn U U co .0 N U L � O fn 0) C U_ O D O cu c6 O E O QL) c6 -M .LcnO (B"a co � a) ) L 0 0 ° cn " 0- =aEO v) -p-p;O -0 o a) }— E O p C p=O L QL co E p N U Q) U p "p E O CM >+ U C a) L co 4) C Q)L cn cn .O O U) a) Q) "p CB O U Q) O aQ)� m C c) EL > N E O) '> OL (0 (B :r O :3 J p E 0 O a) p X U n 3 0 cn cn Q a) c _0 0 C G a��i O L •L a) cn > a) (6 O -4- (a �+ in 0— fn Q] L fn .0 U) Vi t (n in CU Co 4- ��`p Uma) C S O Q) C O O — U L N V O cu O cn U Q) C w (� " C M O c� M O -- C M EO cnO -p cn cu CO: Ca *�' p 'L- 0.2 3: co — C `- O U co v cu a) �- Q) >, 4) O U M� C 7 p O �= U Q) -a.,- "L 4) E L'Ca to C cn L coLcn R3 '�Cl) Co OU C Q) 'O Co'L O +' a) N 'O C co ZQ OJT �.0 Z A C E E of 'L m E U V E = cv Q) 0E E v t V �. cn L �E3 (DE J ZU= -rV w W Z O U O J .0 U U) U O N (B C U N L .0 C (B U N � � •U O � U_ O •C C O W U cn FLL cv En = O `� U1 cn LO > O L ai co >% O c L U O ca g cn m HE (D CL cu � 0 03 axi0� U cn�UO Uva L O U •m cu O L co U C 0 co :3 O U E 0)Q-` c6 00) cn+. E N.cu cu Q -0L)F— v� Ol U�_ �� > C N C.0 L '3p U O m (6 O E C O(6 > L O C O p. cn (D C U c6 t CA N L O75 3> 3r- `) -0 Q _0 U) U -O -0 a)C 0 a Q' C� U O U _r_ 3 0 m _(n m O O O U E� Eo c ^c^n` W � O cn "m. ^-1 O W .o O V N L 9- J C CAC— C 3 U N `= 5 o vim— F— z 9 U C C O cn U U M`U O O W O c0 (� C. i U Q a) 0 Fu 0 .F C E O O O O N cn i m L o C E mn C 0 m L�`��-�`�wcn� a) _� o U) m O 0-0�� CL Q. C OL Q. C O U fn o• CAC acv CA 3cnQvmam LO CLo.Coca°9coEo NE M Qi �L L •6. L� V •c " E L Q •X O N 0 Q O 0 Q. O- O a)�� .V O` Q fn z O .9 z O .9 <-o U m z C2 Z cn Q J C Q Q Q J J J LAND USE GUIDE PLAN OPTIONS FOR AREA E-1 The 13 acres that make up Area E-1 are located east of the intersection of Old Rockford Road and Highway 55 are currently guided C (Commercial). Key factors that staff considered when analyzing Area E-1 included: ■ The small size and narrow depth of parcels limit the area's development potential unless parcels are consolidated. ■ Isolation of homes along Highway 55 and exposure to significant traffic volumes and associated traffic noise limit the potential for future residential use. ■ This area is subject to large and growing volumes on Highway 55, Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road. If traffic levels warrant, Old Rockford Road may be expanded to a three -or four -lane undivided roadway. ■ Potential uses must have appropriate transitions to the Plum Tree residential neighborhood to the north. Narrow lot depth and relative site elevations will affect the types of uses that will be appropriate adjacent to single family homes. ■ Long term access to the property within this area will be from Old Rockford Road; access from Highway 55 will be phased out as development and redevelopment occurs. ■ Sewer and water would not be an issue for any of the potential guiding options. Staff recommends that Area E-1 be reguided from C (Commercial) to CO (Commercial Office) based on the findings that: a. Changes in adjacent guiding and subsequent development have made retail commercial use of this property inappropriate, based on City requirements for setbacks, buffering and transitions; b. Residential use of this property is not appropriate, based on its physical separation from adjacent neighborhoods and impacts from traffic and traffic -noise; c. Commercial office uses would complement the proposed commercial development on Peony Lane and Highway 55 and provide an appropriate transition between the retail commercial uses and the adjacent residential uses; and d. The Commercial Office guiding would provide an opportunity for the property to be developed as a gateway to the City. Overriding all of the recommendations is the recognition that the large number of small lots in Area E-1 greatly diminish the area's development potential, particularly for non- residential use. Staff therefore also recommends that the City encourage the consolidation of parcels within this area in order to address long term access concerns and provide adequately -sized development sites. !.�ffimffi W- LAND USE GUIDE PLAN OPTIONS FOR AREA E-2 The 3.1=acre property located in the northeast corner of Peony and Old Rockford Road is currently guided LA -1 (Living Area 1). Key factors that staff considered when analyzing Area E-1 included: ■ Isolation of properties from the Wyndemere Farms neighborhood and no potential for integration with this neighborhood. ■ This area is subject to large and growing traffic volumes on Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road. If traffic levels warrant, Old Rockford Road may be expanded to a three -or four -lane undivided roadway. ■ There is no significant transition between the homes in Wyndemere Farms and this site. ■ Access will be from Old Rockford Road and City policy would suggest a reduction in access if the area redevelops. ■ Given the small size of the site, sewer and water would not be an issue even with an intensification in land use guiding. Staff recommends that Area E-2 be reguided from LA -1 (Living Area 1) to CO (Commercial Office), based on the findings that: a. The. property does not meet the location criteria for LA -1 (Living Area 1), specifically, the traffic volume and isolated nature of the property make residential uses inappropriate; b. The property would be extremely difficult to develop at LA -2 densities given the small size of the area, the City setback requirements and the LA -2 density requirements; c. The property does not meet the location criteria for either LA -3 or LA -4 in that it does not have proximity to employment or sufficient park facilities. In addition, its small size reduces the potential for multi -family development with adequate transitions to Wyndemere Farms; and d. Commercial office uses would provide a good transition between the residential property to the north and the retail commercial uses to the south. As with Area E-1, staff further recommends that the City encourage the consolidation of parcels within this area in order to address long term access concerns and provide adequately -sized development sites. Peony Lane 9ME 1 r"`� "`A.. C,f LAND USE GUIDE PLAN OPTIONS FOR AREA E-3 The 2.4 -acre property located in the southeast corner of Peony and Old Rockford Road is currently guided C (Commercial). Key factors that staff considered when analyzing Area E-3 included: ■ The small size and depth of the parcel, together with required wetland setbacks, limit potential uses. ■ This parcel is subject to large and growing traffic volumes on Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road. If traffic levels warrant, Old Rockford Road may be expanded to a three -or four -lane undivided roadway. ■ Although the parcel directly abuts Rockford Glen, it is separated from the dwellings by a large wetland. Staff recommends that the existing C (Commercial) guiding be retained for Area E-3, based on the findings that it meets the location criteria. Specifically: a. The site is at the intersection of two higher order streets (Peony Lane and Old Rockford Road); and b. The existing roads and wetlands physically separate the subject property from the adjacent residential neighborhoods, thereby creating an appropriate transition. c. In addition, a change in land use guiding to commercial office would not result in significantly different land uses than are permitted with the current guiding (and associated zoning) of the site. d. Further, given the site's isolation, its location at a busy intersection and its narrow depth, residential guiding would not be appropriate. Peonv Lane F........... :.::..:..:.::.: } r� , ...... �T : ... ................. . ::::::::::: . t ... }C.::::: .......... . �il Welcoming New Immigrants and Refugees A Hands -On Education/Action Workshop Monday, October 23, 2000 6p.m. to 9p.m. Brunswick United Methodist Church 6122 42nd Avenue N. Crystal, MN Sponsored by the Crystal Human Rights Commission The evening will begin with a panel discussion featuring: Joel Wurl: U of M Immigration Research Center Michael Yang: Immigration Task Force Urban Coalition Ytmar Santiago: MN Chicano -Latino Affairs Council Asya Fridland: Jewish Family & Children Service Jen Kilps: MN Council of Churches - Sponsorship Developer Mohamed Essa: Somali Community of MN Deb Rodgers: Phillips Project - Minneapolis Foundation Therese Gayles: MN Advocates for Human Rights Take notes, ask questions, then roll up your sleeves for Action Groups! Learn, Talk, Do. Location of Brunswick Church: On 42nd Ave. (Rockford Rd.) 7 blocks West of Hwy. 100 Handicap accessible, parking in rear. Cosponsored by League of MN Human Rights Commissions, MN Advocates for Human Rights, MN Asian Pacific, Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, Golden Valley Human Rights Commission, New Hope Human Rights Commission For more information contact Valerie Jones, NWHHSC - 763-493-2802 or Tess Moleski, Crystal HRC - 763-531-9267 Childcare will be provided. CITY OF PLYMOUTF+ September 29, 2000 «First» «Last» «Address» «CitySt» «ZIP» Dear «First»: Congratulations! You have been appointed to the Plymouth Human Rights Commission. Enclosed is a roster for your use. The alternate member of the Human Rights Commission is a fully participating member of the Commission and votes on issues when a member is absent from a meeting. The next meeting of the Human Rights Commission will be held on Thursday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Medicine Lake Room at City Hall. Again, congratulations, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year. Sincerely, Laurie Ahrens Assistant City Manager Enc. PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Pface To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®om�www.ci.plymouth.mn.us CITY OF PLYMOUTR September 29, 2000 «First» «Last» «Address» CitySt» «ZIP» Dear «First»: Congratulations! You have been appointed to the «Appointment» position on the Youth Advisory Council. Your term will expire August 31, 2001. Enclosed is a roster for your use. The alternate member of the Youth Advisory Council is a fully participating member of the Council and votes on issues when a member is absent from a meeting. The next meeting of the Youth Advisory Council has been called by Chairperson Paul Lenhardt for Monday, October 9, beginning at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Medicine Lake Room at City Hall. Again, congratulations, and we look forward to working with you in the upcoming year. Sincerely, Laurie Ahrens Assistant City Manager Enc. PLYMOUTH ABeautifufPface7oLive 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®o.mo *P" www.d.plymouth.w.us CITY OF PLVMOUTFF September 29, 2000 «First» «Last» «Address» aCitySt» «ZIP» Dear «First»: Thank you for submitting an application to serve on the Youth Advisory Council or Human Rights Commission. On September 26, the City Council appointed individuals to fill the available positions, unfortunately, you were not selected at this time. The City Council and staff were certainly impressed with the quantity and quality of applications received. Many applications were received for the limited number of positions available. The good news is that there are several ways for you to be involved with the Youth Advisory Council in the coming year. The Youth Advisory Council establishes several subcommittees which plan and direct youth events. You will be invited to attend a meeting in the next month to share your ideas and to discuss these opportunities. Thank you again for your interest in serving the City. We look forward to working with you in the upcoming year. Your application will be kept on file and will be considered if a vacancy occurs later this year. Sincerely, Laurie Ahrens Assistant City Manager PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Pface To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®o... www.ci.plymouth.mn.us DATE: September 21, 2000 TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager FROM: Paul Buck, Forester, through Eric Blank, Director of Park & Rec. SUBJECT: Update on landscaping for Co. Rd. 10 The projected installation date has been moved to Spring 2001 for mostly timing issues. I was optimistic in thinking that the plan could be finished, approved, and started before spring 2000 along with the other reforestation projects (Arbor Day at Pilgrim Lane elementary & Peony Lane median.) After meeting with a Hennepin County engineer, suggestions were made that extended the time line out a few months and favored the Rower option. The County requested a two (2') foot concrete buffer to assure that plants and soil would not be dispersed into the road. The first major construction step, concrete work for the median edge, was booked out until late June. I had missed our window of opportunity with my optimism. I was also informed that the median is inversely graded, (water flowing to the center) and changes in grade would not be acceptable. Small shrubs tolerant of extremes of water conditions (without irrigation) and with interesting visual attraction were hard to identify. Larger shrubs would require constant attention to maintain the three (3') maximum height. Large blocks of perennial flowers, gave the most flexibility in identifying plants tolerant of extreme conditions (without irrigation) with interesting visual attraction while naturally maintaining a height under three (3) feet to avoid any potential sight line problems. Understanding that either option would necessitate a heavy reliance on weed control, (without the suppression of weeds by mulch/wood chips,) perennials allow for a final mowing of the planting in the fall to alleviate any potential snow storage conflicts. Flowers would have been available at the end of June, but a major planting in the hottest month (July) with no irrigation and a very small workforce to water was not advisable and seemed not to be in the best interest of a successful planting. Initial site preparation and concrete construction will begin this fall. A fall planting was ruled out as the plants would not be available in quantities needed unless custom grown and then would not be hardened off in time for winter. This fall, Council will be asked to transfer approximately $15,000 from the 2000 budget to the 2001 budget to cover the remaining costs of the project. The projected 2001 timeline (weather dependent) is as follows; Fall 2000 Hn. County final approval Spray existing vegetation with Roundup Roto -till planting sites Install two (2) foot concrete edger January 2001 Order plants Early to Mid May Spray remaining vegetation and roto -till Late May Plant installation Spring/Summer Maintenance/weeding Fall 2001 Final mow '0SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA"1S OF 1 PLYMOUTH, MN September 21, 2000 Plymouth Human Rights Commission Patricia Izek, Chairperson City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Ms. Izek: The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Plymouth would like to commend the Plymouth Human Rights Commission for its promotion of "Make a Difference Day." This special day gives individuals and organizations the opportunity to touch the lives of people who otherwise would be strangers. It gives all those who participate a chance to be more connected to their community for this special day and throughout the year. As one of our efforts to make a difference in Plymouth, the community of Baha'is in Plymouth pledges to continue its support of the Home Free Shelter in Plymouth. Yours Faithfully, Jeffrey Brown Secretary QE Plymouth City Counci •et P.O. Box 41068 Plymouth, MN 55441-0068 Jerry and Betty Belanger 994 Zanzibar Lane N. Plymouth, Mn. 55447 763-476-2212 9/21/2000 Mr. Dwight Johnson Administrator, City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth City Center Plymouth, Mn. 55447 Dear Mr. Johnson, After discussing the need of a hospital in Plymouth with you, I sent the letters to some of the private facilities in the area. Attached you will find copies of the replies. In light of the fact that the clinics now say they are trying to book patients the day they call, or the next day, I see Urgent Care's role changing. If we can get medical help quickly at our clinics, then I feel Urgent Care should be open the hours the clinics are closed. They now have hours of 7 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 10:00 to 6:00 on weekends. This would eliminate the need for a hospital in the area, for we would then have coverage 24 hrs. a day. Please consider having your staff study this matter. We would appreciate anything you could do. Sincerely, af joi Mrs. Betty Belanger Jerry and Betty Belanger 994 Zanzibar Lane N. Plymouth, Mn. 55447 763-476-2212 9/8/2000 Fairview Southdale Hospital 6401 France Ave. So. Edina, Mn. Attn: Administrator Having had a occasion to make a hospital run, from my home in Plymouth, it became alarmingly clear how far we live from a facility. I cannot imagine how the population west of us feels when they have an emergency, especially those around Lake Minnetonka. When a need is critical, but not requiring the urgency of 911, we are all required to drive 25 minutes to an hour or more, depending on how far west we live, and the extent of the traffic. I have requested our city manager to study the problem, and to look at the available land in Plymouth. If a very desirable package could be offered to your company, would locating in Plymouth be of interest? Sincerely, Mrs. Betty Belanger *1 HealthSystem Minnesota Methodist Hospital Park Nicollet Clinic Primary Physician Network The Foundation Institute for Research and Education September 18, 2000 Betty Belanger 994 Zanzibar Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mrs. Belanger: 6500 Excelsior Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Tel (612) 993-9900 Mailing Address P.O. Box 650 Minneapolis, MN 55440 John W. Herman Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (952) 993-3899 Thank you for your note regarding the need for a hospital facility in the Plymouth area. As you may know, at Park Nicollet, we have a clinic located in Plymouth on Highway 55 just west of 494. We also have a new facility in Maple Grove that provides urgent care service. In Minnetonka just north of Highway 394 and just west of 494 we have our Carlson site that does have an urgent care facility. Just up the road on Highway 101 and Highway 12, we have the Wayzata Medical Building, which offers many different medical services and specialty clinics. While these clinics and urgent cares may not provide the full extent of needs for emergency services or inpatient hospital beds, they are the most economical provision of medical care in the communities that we can provide. It is very expensive and difficult to look at providing inpatient beds which would support a 24-hour, 7 day a week emergency department. However, we would be very interested in working with the city of Plymouth to expand the level of medical services to Plymouth and surrounding communities. I am forwarding a copy of your letter to Duane Spiegle, our Vice President for Real Estate and Support Services who will follow up with the city of Plymouth as to opportunities that may exist. Thank you for your interest. H000918 Cc: Duane Spiegle, Vice President, Real Estate and Support Services 1010 FAIRVIEW Fairview Southdale Hospital September 15, 2000 Betty Belanger 997 Zanzibar Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mrs. Belanger: 6401 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55435-2199 Tel 612-924-5000 I received your letter expressing personal concern about the distance that you need to travel to receive quality health care services. Your letter referenced specific situations for emergency care. You may know that through the State Legislature there is a moratorium on new hospitals being built in new locations statewide. This moratorium has been in place for many years and is not likely to be removed in the near term. Not knowing exactly where you live in Plymouth, let me highlight some options available to you and your husband. North Memorial Medical Center located in Robbinsdale serves many people from your community, as do Unity and Mercy hospitals. In terms of primary and urgent care services there are a number of primary care physician clinics, including a Fairview clinic near Ridgedale, and large medical development called WestHealth located at the intersection of Highways 494 and 55. Plymouth is certainly a rapidly growing community and deserves rapid access to health care services. I understand your frustration and applaud your initiative to see what options are available. If your community is interested in some additional health planning, Fairview would be interested in learning more about that opportunity. Please feel free to contact me as your discussions advance. Sincerely, Mark M. Enger Senior Vice President and Administrator MME/bb North Memorial Health Care® A7 Oganization ()/'Health Cam Prgje, sionals September 13, 2000 Betty Belanger 994 Zanzibar Lane North Plymouth MN 55447 Dear Mrs Belanger: 3300 Oakdale Avenue North Robbinsdale, MN 55422-2900 (612)520-5200 Thank you for your letter dated September 8, 2000. It appears as though you are not aware of the urgent care facility located in the WestHealth Campus at the intersection of Interstate 494 and 55 in Plymouth. This facility provides urgent care services seven days a week to residents to Plymouth and surrounding communities. Although I don't know specifically where your home is located, my assumption is that it would be 10 minutes or less to the intersection of 55 & 494. Thank you for your interest. Very sincerely, J4.� 7�ec Scott R Anderson President and Chief Executive Officer SRA:wn Jerry and Betty Belanger 994 Zanzibar Lane N. Plymouth, Mn. 55447 763-476-2212 Mr. Scott Anderson President North Memorial Health Care 3300 Oakdale Ave. No. Robbinsdale, MN 554222 Dear Mr. Anderson, 9/1/6/2000 Thank you for your letter dated September 13, 2000. We do use West Health Urgent Care. Their hours are 7 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 to 6:00 on weekends. This, of course, is our concern after hours. My question to you is, would you be interested in exploring this area for facility, if a very desirable package could be offered to your firm? Sincerely, Mrs. Betty Belanger Donald L. Wallick 4605 Ranchview Lane North Plymouth, MN 55446-2186 (763) 559-3033 September 25, 2000 City of Plymouth Engineering and Public Works Director Plymouth, MN Sir: You probably do not get many letters like this but I hope that it helps to let you know that there are citizens of Plymouth that truly do appreciate your efforts on their behalf. We live in the middle of the massive road and gutter repair work. Last year we had our total driveway replaced. When I saw what was being done with other drives I became concerned that our new drive would be torn up on the street end. So I called and was told that I would have to talk to Barry (City of Plymouth) and the contractors foreman Duane Miller. I did and they thought that perhaps they would be able to use the driveway edge as part of the form - but that they would check. We heard nothing and as the work got closer I became concerned again. I called the City and talked with Steve, Barry's Supervisor and he said to contact the Foreman. Again I did that and he said that Steve was `on site' and they would be right over. Ten minutes later all of my fears had been resolved for they both said that there would be no problem in what I was asking. Today they are pouring the gutter and it all really looks very nice - and it will be nice to have the road covered again in something other than dust. Please extend my thanks and my wife's thanks to Steve Sullivan, Barry and Duane Miller. There are at least two citizens that are very appreciative of their efforts. Sincerel , C C.- il/layar _ o U 0 F. I-IRVIR, i 4-11 September 29, 2000 Joy Tierney Mayor of Plymouth Plymouth City Offices 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth MN 55447 Re: 101 & 26`h ay. Intersection Dear Joy: I am writing to thank you and whoever else is responsible for the upgrading of our intersection. It is a relief to know I am not going to have to worry about what is going to happen to me when I must yield for traffic at that corner. Thank you. We are happy you are again running for mayor. Sincerely, Jeanne and Jeff Grates