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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-06-2000Dummy OCTOBER 6, 2000 rrPca.�.�G�.�rr.�Gs��D��ENTs 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 PMprior to Regular Council meetings. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 5:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 7: 00 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:00 PM 2. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1-5: 00 PM 3. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 4. MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 5. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 6: 30 PM 6. MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER EVALUATION, Bass Lake Room REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers PLYMOUTH ON PARADE YOM KIPPUR BEGINS AT SUNSET COL LIMBUS DAY (OBSERVED) Public Works Maintenance Division closed MEETING TO DISCUSS NUISANCE ISSUES RELATING TO A PROPERTY ON 22nd AVENUE AND FOUNTAIN LANE, Public Safety Training Room Meeting Notice and a letter from a resident are attached. (M-5) YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO October 6, 2000 7. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 7:00 PM Page 2 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATE FORUM, Council Chambers 8. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7: 00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 9. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7.•00 PM HRA, Medicine Lake Room 10. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7: 00 PM 11. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers PUBLIC SAFETYAD VISOR Y BOARD, Public Safety Library 12. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-12) 13. October and November Calendars are attached. (M-13) 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) City news release announcing applications for the Plymouth Charter Commission, to fill the seat formerly held by Bob Sipkins. (I -]a) b) Bassett Creek Water Management Commission request for assistance and participation in Watershed Planning process. (I -1b) c) Hennepin Conservation District Land & Water Conservation newsletter. (1-1c) d) Letter from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities soliciting applications for Transportation Advisory Board. (I -1d) e) Notice of a Tuesday, October 24 meeting of the Metropolitan Council Elm Creek Interceptor Facility Plan Task Force at French Regional Park. (1-1e) West Suburban Mediation Center 2000 3dQuarter Report. (I-1fi g) Notice from Seren Innovations, Inc. of plans to conduct research in Plymouth as part of an application for a cable TV franchise in the northwest suburbs. (I -Ig) h) Letter to residents from Planning Manager Barb Senness with notification of a proposal to construct an office complex at 3135 Fernbrook Lane. (I -1h) 2. STAFFREPORTS a) Report from Public Works Director Fred Moore concerning proposed Hennepin County ordinance regulations on municipal yard waste operations. (I -2a) CITY CO UNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3 October 6, 2000 3. MINUTES a) July 19 Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit meeting. (I -3a) b) August 23 Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit meeting. (I -3b) 4. CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter from State Senator Martha Robertson responding to correspondence from Mayor Tierney about growth factors in calculating municipal tax levy. A copy of Mayor Tierney's original letter is attached. (I -4a) b) Letter to Mary Huschen from Planning Manager Barb Senness responding to comments about street and boulevard enhancements in the City Center district. A copy of Ms. Huschen's original letter is attached. (I -4b) c) E-mail communication from Tom Murphy thanking City staff (in particular civil Engineer Steve Bot) for assistance in street and curb reconstruction on Orchid Lane. (I -4c) S. COUNCIL ITEMS a) 2000 Council meeting attendance record is attached. (I -5a) 6. COUNCIL ITEMS a) Draft of Association of Metropolitan Municipalities 2001 Policy statement, policy priorities, and notice of the AMM Policy Adoption Meeting. (I -6a) i rpr Meeting Notice/Reminder ITY OF 22nd Avenue/ Fountain Lane PLY OUTR Area Neighborhood Meeting Meeting Monday, October 16th, 2000 6:30 p.m. Public Safety Training Room (2nd floor) 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Follow-up meeting to further discuss neighborhood concerns. Questions, please call: Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt (763) 509-5401 Or Chief Craig Gerdes (763) 509-5161 10/06/00 Mayor Joy Tierney October 2, 2000 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 t Dear Mayor Tierney, After reading your letter to the editor in the Sun -Sailor last Wednesday, Sept. 20`h, I realized that you and I share many of the same values we hope the city we choose to live in also embraces. However, it is with a degree of disappointment that I write this letter regarding the perceived lack of interest the Community Development Dept. has demonstrated to our neighborhood the past three plus years regarding a home at 16815 22nd Ave. N, that has been allowed to continually disrupt our neighborhood community. Homeowners near 22nd and Fountain Ln. have growing frustrations with this property's terrible impact on our neighborhood from both a poor, at best, upkeep of the property and dangerous, possibly criminal, activity of the residents. It took a neighborhood banning together, with the help of Kelly Slavik, Council Rep., for a meeting to be arranged with Police Chief Gertus, Dwight Johnson, Ann Hurlburt, Kelly Slavik and 35 concerned neighbors. The neighbors were given the opportunity to voice our complaints and past experiences with this property, ranging from garbage cans lined up curbside for months at a time to the drug raid on August 29th. In conclusion, the neighbors fairly unanimously doubted if Community Development's priorities included our 20-30 yr. old Plymouth neighborhood. We were instructed to continue calling in violations to make a "fatter file" regarding the on-going complaints with this property. We, the neighbors, were offended by this suggestion of continued busy work. It is with growing frustration that we were not able to be told why three years of complaints and violations were not enough nor when, or if, there would ever be enough information to force the homeowner into accountability regarding the property or the occupants. So what can we do? This property has years worth of neighborhood complaints to the police department, community development and city planning officials. I ask that you consider future changes in determining what constitutes a rental home in a neighborhood of single families who have chosen a quality community to raise our children. The problems with this home that date back 3 years originated with the city code allowing 5-6 people renting a single family home. I wish for the future, Plymouth might consider amending this code (such as Long Lake) and allow one family with one unrelated individual to occupy a rental residence. Otherwise, you are dealing with all the problems and issues of a multi -person dwelling, not single family. You stated that the "city is maturing into one outstanding place to call home." Please do not rejoice in the growth of Plymouth with the increased $400,000 - $1,000,000 homes at the expense of the older communities. I do not consider "home" to be a place where your children feel threatened, where they witness police with drawn guns running through neighboring yards, and the topic of conversation in their home centers around how miserable this piece of property has become. I now understand the owner's daughter Tasha will be moving in with her boyfriend. This doesn't give any comfort to a neighborhood that has witnessed Tasha's delinquency in the past or with her recent arrest. Warren has assured me he will do his best in monitoring the physical aspects of the home and the police will continue to come when called. I understand this home will be relative homesteaded and there can only be two other renters, we hope the city will act swiftly when this is violated. The police department over a year ago told me that they were taking a "zero tolerance stance" with the people in this house. For the safety of our children I hope this continues. To slow this property's decline towards ruin, I hope Plymouth's Community Development Department and Housing Inspection Department could take a similar stance of zero tolerance regarding ordinance violations. I hope my feelings of frustration and sadness over this long-term issue have been expressed. They are feelings common to an entire neighborhood. w fy Tentative Schedule for City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items October 24 • Receive 1999 Financial Trend Report • Set Special Meeting to Canvass Local Election Results • Plymouth Blvd. Street Lighting • Sunrise Park Project • Approve Plans for Holly Lane Improvements • Approve Agreement for Performance Center November 14 • The Reserve November 28 December 12 • Study Area E December 26 (V�-l3 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6:30 PM EQC, 7:00 PM 1:00 PM -5:00 Medicine Lake HUMAN RIGHTS PM Room COMMISSION - PLYMOUTH ON 7:00 PM Medicine Lake PARADE PLANNING 7:00 PM TASTE COMMISSION, OF Council CHOCOLATE, Chambers Plymouth Creek Center 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Yom Kippur ins at sunset begins COLUMBUS DAY 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY (OBSERVED), MANAGER Public Works EVALUATION, Bass Lake Room Division closed 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM YOUTH 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM -9:00 PM LEAGUE ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATE COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers Room 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 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake COUNCIL, Radisson Hotel Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 29 30 31 DAYLIGHT 7:00 PM Sep 2000 S M T W T F S Nov 2000 S M T W T F S SAVINGS YOUTH 1 2 3 4 1 2 ENDS - set ADVISORY clocks back 1 COUNCIL, Bass 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 hour Lake Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 10/6/2000 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 2000 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Oct2000 S n1 T W T F S Dee 2000 S M T W T F S PM Medici a Lake Room LEGISLATIVE i HEARING ON MET COUNCIL, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers S 6 7 8 9 10 11 GENERAL ELECTION - Polls open 7 AM close 8 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake VETERANS DAY (OBSERVED), Cit Offices y Closed 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room COUNCIL, MEETING, Council 7:00 PM PUBLIC Medicine Lake Council Chambers SAFETY Room Chambers ADVISORY BOARD, Public Safety Library 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM PACT - THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING Bass Lake HOLIDAY - City HOLIDAY - City Room Center Offices Center Offices Closed Closed 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESS COUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 10/6/2000 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, 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION, 6:30 PM EQC, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS Council Chambers Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Medicine Lake COMMISSION, Council Room Chambers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING NM(RECONVENED F Cha Ue ),Council 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY Oke loMedicine LaRom 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PRAC, 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 HRA - PLANNING Medicine Lake COMMISSION, Room Council Hanukkah Chambers begins at sunset 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY - City Offices closed eus NESOCAL COUNCIL Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 31 modified on 10/6/2000 ®vmmo� ,s W r01141 J ­- 1, NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 3, 2000 Contact: Laurie Ahrens, 763-509-5052 Applications being accepted for Plymouth Charter Commission The Plymouth Charter Commission currently has a vacancy for a term expiring in June 2001. The individual appointed to fill this vacancy will be eligible for reappointment to a 4 -year term. To be considered to serve on the Charter Commission, please submit a letter of application and interest to District Court Chief Judge Kevin Burke, Fourth Judicial District, Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. Letters should be submitted by Nov. 10. The Charter Commission is an independent body that works on issues related to Plymouth's City Charter. The Charter defines City government structure and operations. Plymouth voters adopted the City Charter in 1992. If you have questions about the role of the Charter Commission, call Assistant City Manager Laurie Ahrens, 763-509-5052. -30- PLYMOUTH A Beauti (Place'?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.ci.plymouth.mn.us BASSETT CREEK WATER MANAGEMENT COMMISS10 • Crystal • Golden Valley • Medicine Lake • Minneapolis • Minnetonka • New Hope • Plymouth • Robbinsdale • St. Louis Park September 28, 2000 Mr. Dwight Johnson City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 f,tJil ♦ . .ri�. L . .VA. Re: Request for Assistance and Participation in Watershed Planning Process - Dear Mr. Johnson: Enclosed is a copy of the PLANNING PROCESS HANDBOOK - SECOND GENERATION PLAN of the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission. This handbook outlines the process proposed by the Commission to develop its second generation surface water management plan for the Bassett Creek watershed, as required by state law. The Commission invites the comments and questions of your City about the planning process described in the handbook. More importantly, the Commission requests participation in that process by your City Council members, City staff and citizens. Because the Commission is a joint powers organization created by its member cities, the success of the planning process and ofthe Commission as an organization depends on the support, cooperation and commitment of its member cities. Therefore, the Commission welcomes the active participation by your City in this planning process. At this stage of the planning process, the Commission specifically requests the following action by your City Council: Please circulate the handbook to the City Council, appropriate staff members and boards and commissions of the City, and interested citizens for review and comment. Any comments or questions about the handbook should be directed to the Commission through its secretary, Pat Schutrop, of Barr Engineering at 952-832-2652. 2. The Commission is inviting the participation of stakeholders throughout the watershed. Individuals, organizations, and agencies that have an interest in water management issues will be asked to participate in various ways including attendance at public hearings, participation in advisory groups, and review of draft elements of the management plan as they are developed. The Commission requests the assistance of its member cities in identifying stakeholders within the community. These might include City staff positions and City commissions or committees as well as individuals or organizations in the community with such interests. To assure that all such stakeholders are given notice of the activities of the Commission and its planning process and an opportunity to participate, the Commission is maintaining a list of stakeholders that will be expanded as stakeholders continue to be identified during the process. Therefore, as the City identifies such stakeholders, the Commission requests that their names and addresses be forwarded to Pat Schutrop. Lee Gustafson, Chairman City of Minnetonka 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard Minnetonka, MN 55345 952-939-8239 952-939-8244 (fax) Charlie LeFevere, Attorney Kennedy & Graven 470 Pillsbury Center Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-337-9215 612-337-9310 (fax) Leonard Kreuter, Engineer Barr Engineering Company 4700 West 7/4 Street Minneapolis, MN 55435 952-832-2600 952-832-2601 (fax) Mr. Dwight Johnson September 28, 2000 Page 2 The planning process will involve the work of three advisory groups made up primarily of individuals who are not commissioners. Two of these are the Citizen Advisory Group and the Technical Advisory Group. The duties of each of these groups are described in the handbook. The Commission is seeking volunteers to participate as citizen members on these advisory groups. As is often the case with commissions or committees of public bodies, the most effective members are often recruited by city councils or staff. The Commission would appreciate the efforts by your City to identify and suggest citizens or city staff members who could be effective participants in the advisory group process described in the handbook. These suggestions should be forwarded to Pat Schutrop by October 31, 2000. Early in November, the Commission's Steering Committee will make recommendations on advisory group members, and the Commission plans to appoint members to these advisory groups on November 16, 2000. 4. Members of the Policy Advisory Group will be appointed directly by City Councils of the member cities. Because the Commission is a joint powers organization, it will only be effective if it continues to be supported by its member cities. During the planning process, the Commission will be evaluating such matters as the respective powers and responsibilities of the Commission and each of its member cities. The process will address such questions as whether the Commission or cities are responsible for constructing and maintaining major storm water management capital infrastructure and how such projects will be funded. Therefore, it is crucial that the representatives of the cities to this advisory group be highly placed in the City government and knowledgeable about the affairs of the City. This person must serve as a liaison between the Policy Advisory Group and the City Council on an on-going basis to assure that the final decisions can be accepted by the member cities. It would be helpful if each City could appoint its member to the Policy Advisory Group before the end of October so that that they may attend the first open public forum on the planning process on November 1, 2000, if they wish to do so. If you have any questions about any of these matters, please feel free to give me a call at 952-939-8239. We also invite you to visit the Commission's website at www.barr.com/bassett or www.bassettcreekWMO.org where updated information about the planning process will be posted. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. We look forward to working with the City throughout the upcoming planning process. Very truly yours, Lee Gustafson Chair Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission Enclosure c: Mr. Ron Quanbeck 220151 /1 YU_071.4a� i"L�, r iib i Fall 2000 Published by the Hennepin Conservation District Volume 11 Number 2 Restoration Project on Elm Creek On April 27t1, 70 students and teachers from Champlin High School joined the HCD staff in a planting project designed to help preserve the long-term health of Elm Creek and the Mississippi River. This project oc- curred at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin. Erosion at this site was extensive. A 30 -foot bluff was eroding at the rate of several feet per year. In order to stop the erosion and sedimentation, 500 lineal feet of rock was placed at the base of the bluff last fall and the upper bluff was graded back. This spring, students planted 200 shrubs in the upper bank including: dog- wood, roses, and buffalo berry. The roots of these plants will fur- ther stabilize the streambank. Thorny bushes were planted at the top of the bank to discourage people from walking through the area. When people create paths down to the river, additional ero- sion can occur. Champlin High School students planting shrubs on the upper bank. Extreme erosion is detrimental to the river ecosystem. As soil washes into a river, it can carry with it pollutants or Pxcess nutrients from the land. In addition, erosion can degrade habitat for fish and other wildlife. For example, excess sediment can fill in the spaces between the rocks on the stream bottom where some invertebrates (such as mayflies) live. The HCD staff would like to thank all of the students, as well as teachers Randi Nelson, Mark Gugisberg, and Randy Smasal for joining us! Hennepin Conservation District 1 Conservation Buffer Planted along Elm Creek in Plymouth Recently, staff from the Hennepin Conser- vation District (HCD) office coordinated a tree and shrub buffer planting along Elm Creek in the City of Plymouth. Over 20 students from Wayzata High School and several members of the Hopkins High School Environmental Club participated in the project (pictured below). 300 trees and shrubs were planted along Elm Creek on the Suzanne Rooney Property. Previously, horses that Ms. Rooney boards were allowed direct access to the creek, which can cause serious streambank erosion as well as direct water pollution from manure and urine. However, in the summer of 1999, Rooney contacted Terry Zapzalka from the HCD about fencing the animals out of the creek and planting a vegetative buffer between the fence and the creek. At that time, Terry told Ms. Rooney about 100% cost -share avail- able to landowners for fencing animals out of the water and planting the trees and shrubs. In the fall of 1999, a fence was built to prevent the horses from entering Elm Creek, except for two controlled accesses for water consump- tion purposes. On May 22-23, more than 300 trees and shrubs were planted along the creek. The buffer will help filter out any nutrients and/or sediment from the adjacent horse pas- ture before reaching the surface water. Cost - share assistance was provided by the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commis- sion through a Twin Cities Water Quality Hennepin Conservation District Initiative Grant awarded in 1998 from the Metropolitan Council. HCD staff would like to thank the Wayzata High School students, the Hopkins Environmental Club, all the teachers and/or advisors, and especially Suzanne Rooney for helping plant the buffer along the creek to help protect another one of Hennepin County's many natural resources. If you or someone you know may be interested in this type of project, please contact Terry Zapzalka at the Hennepin Conservation District at 952- 544-8572. ncn', New Environmental Education. Coordinator HCD welcomes a very qualified and enthu- siastic individual as the new River Watch and Environmental Education Coordinator. Tim Reese, a native of Minnesota, has a back- ground in both science education and natural resource management. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Biology and Environmental Science in 1990. Since then he has worked as a scientific observer on a Japa- nese drift -net fishing vessel, a naturalist in Northern Minnesota and a high school science teacher in Minneapolis. In addition, Tim worked as field manager at an organic vegetable farm, in Stillwater for four years (Red Cardinal Farm) and is fin- ishing up his master's degree in agricultural education. In his spare time, Tim plays the fiddle with Pig's Eye Landing, a local tradi- tional string band. New Environmental Education Coordinator, Tim Reese, sampling site 15 last year with one of his students at PEASE Academy (Ian Lundberg on left). 4300 River Watch Program Update Hennepin Conservation District's River Watch Program gives students a hands-on opportu- nity to learn about the fragile nature of local streams. In addition, participating students obtain water quality data that can be used by the community. The program started in 1995 with seven monitoring sites in the Elm Creek watershed, and has grown into a flourishing program with 22 sites in eight watersheds. Approximately 1,000 students are involved each year. Each participat- ing high school or college is responsible for sampling their own site twice each year to determine water quality. They also note any potential problems such as streambank erosion or excessive sediment. For more information, please contact Tim Reese at 952-544-8572. Welcome New Teachers: Over the last year, several teachers have joined the pro- gram, making our monitoring team twenty- nine teachers strong! We welcome science teachers Heidi Adam and Anita Srivastava from Patrick Henry High School, AP Biology teacher Crystie Salokar from Washburn High School, science teacher Tim Reese from Pease Academy, and Entomology professor Craig Longtine from North Hennepin Community College. Grants Received: We are happy to an- nounce that our program received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to purchase five microvideo teaching cameras. These cameras will make it easier for students to accurately identify organisms they collect from streams. In addition we received a small grant from Ted Turner's Captain Planet Foun- dation. Students Take Action: Many monitoring students have also been involved in hands-on stream restoration projects. These projects allow them to understand human impact on waterways and actively participate in solu- tions. For details, please see related articles in this newsletter. Hennepin Conservation District 3 � Lakescaping Workshops and Demonstration Site With funding from the Legisla- tive Commission on Minnesota's Re- sources, the Department of Natural Resources and several partners, in- cluding HCD, is spreading the word about Lakescaping. The workshops are an outcome of the DNR book, Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality of which HCD limnologist, Carolyn Dindorf, is co-author. Fif- teen day -long workshops are being held throughout the state to teach the concepts and "how-to's" of lakescaping. Lakescaping is the creation of a buffer zone of vegeta- tion in the water and up onto the shore of lakes, streams and ponds. Lakescaping serves to protect water quality, control erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Seven work- shops have already been held. Work- shops in the Metro area will be held in October. REGISTER .EARLY! ! ! Registration includes a copy of Lakescaping for Wildlife & Water Quality, all resource materials, lunch, and refreshments. Advance Registration (received 10 days in advance of each session) $15.00 for shoreland property owners, citizens, and students. $45.00 for professionals attending in a paid capacity. On-site or less than 10 Days in Advance Registration $25.00 for shoreland property owners, citizens, and students. $60.00 for professionals attending in a paid capacity. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register on-line at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish and wildlife/nongame/workshops/ lakescapinc/ Or contact the DNR for more information. Hennepin Conservation District 4 Lakescaping Demonstration Site In addition to the workshops, there will be 16 lakescaping demonstration sites around the state. A private property on Fish Lake in Hennepin County is one of the demo sites. Aquatic plantings have already been placed in front of the property. An upland buffer will be planted on either side of the dock along most of the entire lake front and will extend back about 25 feet toward the house. Plantings of native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs will enhance the lakeshore and provide wildlife habitat. Much of the labor for completing the project is provided by volunteers with assistance from HCD, the metro area landscape restorationist, and the DNR. The site can be viewed from the lake on the east side in the middle part of the lake or by scheduled tours. Contact HCD at 952-544-8572 for more information. tic -5 Hennepin Conservation District 5 amrs Hennepin Conservation District 10801 Wayzata Boulevard, #240 Minnetonka, Minnesota 55305 (952) 544-8572 fax: (952) 544-9437 email: hcdGhcd.hennepin.mn.us Inside This Issue... l Restoration Project on Elm Creek 1 Conservation Buffer Planting 2 New Employee at HCD 2 River Watch Program Update 3 Lakescaping Workshops 4 Lakescaping Demo Site 5 4*1********************3-DIGIT 554 Mr. Dwight Johnson, Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth MN 55447-1482 IIfill IIIIIClio IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIl.IIII... I ,w1i Printed on recycled paper with a minimum of 10% post consumer waste NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Posta,:e PAID Permit No. 466 Mpls. MN Hennepin Conservation District Mission Statement Facilitate the conservation of our water, soil, and related natural resources through education, technical assistance, and implementation of sound land use practices, in the most cost-effective manner, for the benefit of current and future generations. HCD Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Johnson District 3 Brooklyn Park Supervisor Jean Coleman District 1 Minneapolis Supervisor C. Joseph Newberg District 2 Minneapolis Supervisor Sever Peterson District 4 Eden Prairie Supervisor Greg Chock District 5 Maple Plain HCD Staff, Carolyn Dindorf, Limnologist Ali Durgunoglu, Engineer Steve Hobbs, Manager Donovan Koxvold, GIS Coordinator Jean Miesbauer, Conservation Intern Tim Reese, Environmental Ed. Coord. Roel Ronken, Conservation Tech. Ellen Sones, Sr. Environmentalist Theresa Stasica, Office Administrator David Thill, Conservation Specialist Denise Quick, Conservation Intem Terrence Zapzalka, Conservation.T .olt Hennepin Conservation District 6 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities DATE: October 5, 2000 TO: Mayors, Manager/Administrators and Councilmembers FROM: Gene Ranieri, Executive Director RE: Seeking Applications for the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) There will be four vacancies for elected city officials on the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) commencing Jan. 1, 2001. This is a two-year appointment and officials will be eligible for reappointment thereafter. Applications may be either mayors or councilmembers. The TAB is an important transportation advisory body which provides input to the Metropolitan Council on selection of projects to receive federal transportation funds. It fulfills a federal requirement that local elected officials be a part of the selection process thus allowing the Metropolitan Council to be designated as this area's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The TAB helps coordinate transportation planning, implements the solicitation process for federal TEA21 funds, adopts the regional transportation improvement program (TIP -$2 billion), and participates in the Metro Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) development. Positions being filled are from cities in Anoka, suburban Hennepin, Washington, and the south metro area including Dakota, Scott and Carver counties. The Board considers criteria such as city size, metro location, gender and relevant experience. 'l he Board at its Nov. 9 meeting will consider all nominations. The Metropolitan Council will then approve the Board's nominees. Interested persons should send a cover letter and resume to the AMM office no later than Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000. If you have questions or need additional information, please call me at 651-215-4001. L\TAB- I 0-00solicitationdoc 145 University Avenue West Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Telephone: (651) 215-4000 Fax: (651) 281-1299 E-mail: amm@amm145.org Metropolitan Council n Working for the Region, Planning for the Future v. TASK FORCE MEETING ELM CREEK INTERCEPTOR FACILITY PLAN,-`' F � Tuesday, October 24, 2000 10 a.m. to Noon Clifton E. French Regional Park Hennepin County Park Headquarters (see map on reverse) The Metropolitan Council invites you to a meeting to discuss the Elm Creek Interceptor Facility Plan study that was initiated in September, 2000. Topics will include: 1. Status of Community Comprehensive Plans 2. Wastewater Flow Projections 3. Wastewater Service alternatives to be studied 4. Preliminary findings If you have any questions, please call Bryce Pickart at 651-602-1091 or Phyllis Hanson at 651-602-1566. 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fax 602-1550 TDD/TTY 291-0904 Metro Info Line 602-1888 An Equal Opportunity Employer ° ° WEST SUBURBAN MEDIATION CENTER 15 Tenth Avenue South. Suite 101, Hopkins, MN 55343 (952) 933.0001 5 ° wsubmedctr@aol.com Fax: (952) 933-6046 4 October 2000 Laurie Ahrens Assistant City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth MN 55447-1482 Re: West Suburban Mediation Center Quarterly Report Dear Laurie: In the 3rd Quarter of 2000, 9 residents/businesses of Plymouth were served by West Suburban Mediation Center. Referrals were made for the following categories of mediations: • Police Department - Conciliated • Community Agency referral (1 case) - Conciliated • Conciliation Court Mediation -Business/Consumer (2 cases) - mediated/agreement Attached is the 3`d Quarter Case Activity Summary. Thank you for your interest and support of mediation. Sincerely,, Cheri Fischer Executive Director WEST SUBURBAN MEDIATION CENTER CASE ACTIVITY SUMMARY REPORTING PERIOD 7/1/00-9/30/00 NUMBER OF CASES ADULT JUVENILE TOTAL A. Cases Pcnding at Beginning of Period _ 23 _ 9_ _ 32_ B. Cases Opened During Period 202_ _ IO _ 212_ C. Cases Worked During Period (A+B) 225_ _ 19_ _ 244_ D. Cases Closed During Period 208_ _ I I_ _ 219_ E. Cases Pending at Close of Period (C -D) _ 17 _ 8_ _ 25_ CASE DISPOSITIONS (Cases Closed This Period) Mcdiated/Agrccment Reached _ 132_ _ 10_ _142_ Mcdiatcd/No Agreement Reached _ 55_ _0_ 55_ Conciliatcd/Indcpcndcnlly Resolved _14_ _ _1_ _ 15_ Mcdiated/Arbitrated _ () _0_ TOTAL MEDIATED/CONCILIATED 201 _O_ 1 l 212 IP Failed to Appear _ O _0_ 0 OP Failed to Appear _91_ 11 Government IP Refused O 0 0 OP Refused _ 3_ _0_ Both parties refused Operation do Novo —3 P Never Responded _0_ _0_ 0_ OP Never Responded —4 _0_ _ 4_ Neither Party Responded ADULT JUVENILE TOTAL ALL CASES 208 l 1 219 REFERRAL SOURCES (Cases Opened This Pcriod) Self _ 5_ _0_ 5_ Third Party _ O _ Court -- Housing Court _88— _ NA_ CC Flycr/CC Mediated on Site 2/89 — /89_ _ NA_ _88_ Police Department —3 _ 8_ _91_ 11 Government —9 _0_ _ 9 School/Community Agency —6— _0_ _ G Operation do Novo NA_ _ 2_ _ 2_ TOTAL ALL REFERRALS 202 10 _ 212 TYPES OF CASES (Cases opened this period): ADULT JUVENILE Bus.-Bus./Bus.-Cons. —0/94— Assault 0_ City / Resident G_ Arson 0 Neighbor ! G Mal. Mischt: 1 Employer / Employee _ l_ Theft _ 8 Human Rights _ I_ Truancy 0 Landlord / Tcnant: Vandalism I_ -- Housing Court _ 88_ Intra -family 0_ -- Other _ 2_ Other 0_ Intra -family 0 Total Juv. 10 Co -Parenting 2_ Visitation/Expcdiior I Facilitation I_ TOTAL Other 0 ADULT & Total Adult Cases _202_ JUVENILE: 212 TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL PARTIES SERVED THIS PERIOD (Cases Opened): ADULT JUVENILE _ TOTAL IN CASES 499 _ 35 ^534 REFERRALS / INFO ONLY TOTAL INDIVIDUALS SERVED THIS PERIOD _258_ 792 innovations, inc October 3, 2000 Dwight Johnson City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Dwight: Corporate Headquarters 15 South 5th Street Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Main 800-550-6238 Fax 612-395-3501 www.seren.com www.astound.net Seren Innovations will have work crews conducting research in your city as part of our cable TV franchise application with the Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission (NWSCCC). Their presence will help us plan and prepare for constructing a hybrid fiber optic and coaxial cable network that will deliver competitive cable television, telephone and Internet services in the NWSCCC communities. This process is common in the cable industry and is called a "walk out." It allows us to gather information for the potential routing of our fiber optic and coaxial cable network throughout the NWSCCC. We measure each utility pole and make note of the existing lines, clearances and the distances between each pole. In areas with buried utilities, we look at proposed cable routes and evaluate pedestal and power supply placements. We also measure streets and gather addresses for each house and business. All of this data is turned over to our computer design team who designs the physical layout of the cable network. Our crews will be wearing orange vests, their trucks will display Seren Innovations signs and crewmembers will carry information cards for identifying themselves to curious residents. The teams can cover about 40 street miles a week, so you can judge the approximate time they will be working in your community. We want the "walk out' process to go smoothly, and we recognize that we will be making our first impression on our future customers. If you should have any concerns, please contact me at 612-395-3514. Sincerel Cress Gackle New Market Development Encl: Business card and Seren Innovations Information Card Cc; Gregory Moore;NWSCCC Cable Administrator N by Seren It, CITY OF October 3, 2000 PUMOUTFf Dear Resident/Land Owner: The City recently received an application from DaVern II, under File No. 20136, for a rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development) to O -R (Office/Residential), a preliminary plat, a site plan and an interim use permit. The proposal would allow the applicant to construct 31,360 square feet of office on property located at 3135 Fernbrook Lane North. A map indicating the location of the subject site is provided below. This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice and information about the application - in advance of the official notice that will be sent out prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. The City will send out another letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior to the hearing date. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments relating to the application. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. If you have any questions or comments concerning this application or the review procedures, please call Kendra Lindahl, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5453. In addition, you may review information relating to this application at City Hall during regular office hours. Office hours at City Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, except holidays. Plymouth City Hall is located at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. �ii;,%� `� , Sincerely ' III I IIV `Avt Barbara G. Senness, AICP III Planning Manager notices/2000/20136-first-notice.doc Sfafeti it fu hila 0:rW:.:-ki.1— Location Map 20136 DaVern IU Ferbrook Land u:e cmaa wan Towno8lce Park. c, ca ... ai CC, Cay Cerner co. comma.aai Orme IP PI asInd-n.1- lAt Lv gA 1 I PLYMOUTH ABeautifufl' Qty of Liv rvgA � �k Rrp1 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA: Plymouth, Minnesota ;9A p i, p,mi�sem Pmld�n:uwroaa www.d.plymouth.mn.us MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 DATE: October 4, 2000 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager �U FROM: Fred G. Moore, P.E., Director of Public Works SUBJECT: PROPOSED HENNEPIN COUNTY ORDINANCE REGULATIONS ON THE MUNICIPAL YARD WASTE OPERATIONS We have been informed by Hennepin County that they are proposing adopting a ordinance which would place regulations on municipal yard waste operations. The City of Plymouth operates a yard waste site for our residents for their disposal of trees, less than four inches in diameter, and leaves and dry grass clippings. This has been a very successful service that we provide to our citizens with over 20,000 drop offs per year. Hennepin County is proposing an ordinance to place regulations on the operation of municipal yard waste sites along with inspections and annual licensing fees. Attached is a copy of a letter sent by our Solid Waste Coordinator, Margie Vigoren, to the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Management with copies to the three Hennepin County Commissioners representing parts of Plymouth. This letter is explaining our yard waste site operation and requesting that the county not impose additional regulations which would only increase our operating cost as stated in the letter. Hennepin County provided financial assistance for the operation of the site. After the first two years of operation, Hennepin County dropped their financial assistance but the program was so successful for our citizens the City Council determined we should continue to provide this service. There are very few places within Hennepin County were a resident can dispose of their yard waste except by contracting with their trash hauler to dispose of the material. The Mayor or Councilmembers may wish to contact our county representatives concerning the proposed adoption of this ordinance. The county will be holding a public hearing on October 10th. If you or Councilmembers would like additional information please do not hesitate to contact Margie Vigoren or myself. attachment N:\pw\Engineering\GENERAL\MEMOS\FRED\2000Vohnson_HennCtyOrd.doc October 3, 2000 CITU OF PLYMOUTH+ Darwin Schulz Hennepin County Department of Environmental Management 417 N. 5`h St. Minneapolis, MN 55401-1309 SUBJECT: COMMENT FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE NUMBER TWO Dear Darwin: With the help of funding from Hennepin County the City of Plymouth established a yard waste site for Plymouth residents in 1990. After county funding for municipal yard waste operations was eliminated Plymouth continued to operate the site on its own in a manner that is outlined in the paragraphs below. Because of limited access to other sites for yard waste disposal, the city's site has been an important factor in our residents' ability to manage their yard waste in a manner that complies with state solid waste laws and Hennepin County's Solid Waste Master Plan. With an average of twenty thousand visits to the site each year by city residents to drop off yard waste, the operation clearly fulfills a citizen need. The City of Plymouth is working hard to continue to provide this important program for its residents, and would certainly welcome any assistance the county could offer. However, the permitting and inspection process being considered in the proposed changes to Hennepin County's Ordinance Two would instead add cost in staff time and fees to the program. And since people who live in Plymouth are also residents of Hennepin County, it is important to note that there would also be a cost for the county in staff time to review permits and inspect the city's site. - The City of Plymouth operates its yard waste site in the following manner: Location and site description: The site is located on fenced property adjacent to the city's maintenance facility. Neighboring properties are all public (MnDOT and city) or industrial. The site is surrounded by a berm, keeping it from view of neighboring businesses. The site has a permeable surface, graded to control runoff. Material accepted: The site accepts leaves, brush (up to four inches in diameter), soft, vegetative garden waste and spring and fall lawn rakings. Green grass is not accepted at the site. Site operation and maintenance: The site is open to residents only (also to residents of the city of Wayzata under an agreement between the two cities) for scheduled hours from April through November. During these hours the site is staffed. At other times the site is secured. N:\pw\Enginaring\SOLID WSnYA" W SnLTRS\2000\ORD2coffowm.doc PLYMOUTH A Beautijuf Pface To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us The city's street crew provides daily maintenance of the site, keeping the material in piles and assisting with grinding and loading from time to time. With the frequent maintenance and the material make-up (i.e. no grass) there is no problem with either odor or vermin. This is a change from the early years of operation when grass was accepted at the site. Complaints from neighboring businesses prompted the city to first ship grass clippings off site, and then to restrict grass to dry spring and fall lawn rakings only. No complaints have been registered since that change. Material quantity and disposition: An estimated sixteen to twenty -thousand cubic yards of brush is delivered to the site each year. It is ground every six to eight weeks by private contractors. Some of the ground material is kept at the site for residents to use in their landscaping (available for no charge), and the rest is hauled off by the contractor to be further processed or used in other commercial applications. An estimated two -thousand cubic yards of spring lawn rakings and soft, vegetative garden waste is delivered to the site. It is piled up, turned occasionally, and used as compost in city planting projects the following year. An estimated six -thousand cubic yards of leaves are dropped off at the site each fall. This material is trucked off the site weekly during the season and donated as mulch for tree planting projects outside the city. The City of Plymouth yard waste site provides city residents a convenient, environmentally sound option for disposing of their yard waste in accordance with state, county and local goals and regulations. The site does not have a negative impact on neighboring businesses. The City works to accomplish this in the most cost effective manner. To that end, the City of Plymouth requests that municipalities, in general, or the City of Plymouth in specific be exempt from permitting under the updated Ordinance Two, or that the quantities of material exempted be increased to three thousand cubic yards. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 763-509- 5506. Sincerely, M 'orie E. oren �] g Solid Waste Coordinator enclosure cc: Fred G. Moore, Director of Public Works Kris Hageman, Solid Waste Coordinator Hennepin County Commissioner, Penny Steele Hennepin County Commissioner, Mark Stenglein Hennepin County Commissioner, Mary Tambornino N:\pw\Engineering\SOUD WST\YARD WSTV.T&S\2000\OP,D2conumnLs.doc 1 MINUTES PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT July 19, 2000 4, PRESENT Mike Cagley, Bill Magratten, Mary P.Oprocki, Barb Roberts, Paul Tegan Councilmember Scott Harstad Representing Metro Transit — Jeff Wostrel Representing Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. — Kevin Odegard and Dean Linell Representing Plymouth Metrolink — George Bentley Committee Secretary — Patty Hillstrom I. INTRODUCTIONS H. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 24, 2000 The minutes for the May 24, 2000 meeting were approved as written. III. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION Bentley distributed committee materials and summarized basic transit system information for the benefit of the new members. Election of the Committee Chair and Committee Vice Chair will be done at the next PACT meeting on August 23, 2000. IV. RIDERSHIP INFORMATION AND REVIEW OF RIDERSHIP STATISTICS FOR MAY, 2000 Bentley reported the following ridership statistics for May, 2000: • System ridership is up 10.1% over last year and carrying 128 more people per day on the buses. • Dial -A -Ride ridership is up 4.8% and will not increase appreciably unless more vehicles are added. • The Flyer ridership is down by 26.1%. Continuing efforts are being made to inform people of the availability of the Plymouth Flyer. MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT July 19, 2000 '? Page 2 • Metrolink ridership is up by 11.4% over 1999 which is an increase of 124 passengers per day. Route 91 ridership is up by 12.8%, Route 92 is up by 2.4% and Route 93 is up by 14.4% from 1999. Plymouth Metrolink is on pace to provide 367,248 rides in 2000 which represents an increase of 37,183 riders or 11.3% over 1999. V. IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF CONCERN AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS Barb Roberts' Comments • Roberts asked Wostrel if there have been any complaints of drivers not pulling up to the proper stop after they have picked up someone at a point prior to the stop in downtown Minneapolis. Wostrel stated that it has not been a problem. • Roberts explained the reluctance of the bus driver to drop her off between the Amoco station and the health club on Plymouth Boulevard. Wostrel stated that if a driver feels that there is a danger to the passenger he will make a stop somewhere that he believes is safer. Mike Cagley's Comments • Cagley asked about replacing uncomfortable seats on some of the buses. Wostrel indicated that an estimate was done two years ago and he would update it. Mary Poprocki's Comments • Poprocki commented on the occasional cleaning fluid smell on Route 93A buses. Dean Linell's Comments • Linell stated that he would like to have the same radio frequency on all buses. VI. TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT George Bentley's Comments N:AEFERENC\Commissions\Plymouth_Advism_Committee on Transu\Minutes\Current_Y=aro71900.dce MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT July 19, 2000 Page 3 • Bentley asked for the members input on providing bus service the day after Thanksgiving and it was decided that there would be no service. Notice will be given to bus riders. • All of the Plymouth Metrolink fixed routes will be renumbered effective September 16, 2000 as part of the regional renumbering program. New schedules are being prepared. • Plans are being made for the new midday service. It will probably be run with two buses, one leaving at 12:00 and another leaving at 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. from downtown. • All of -the bus stop signs will be replaced in Plymouth because of the new renumbering system. There are 95 reflective signs in the City and new ones will be made to replace the old signs. VII. REVIEW 2000 CUSTOMER SURVEY Bentley distributed the 2000 Customer Survey for the PACT members to review. The next PACT meeting will be held on August 23, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bass Lake Room on the lower level of the Plymouth City Hall. Respectfully, Patty Hillstrom Committee Secretary N \REFERENC\Commissions\Plytrouth_Advisory_Committee_on Transit\Minutes\Current_Year`071900.doc �� MINUTES PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT August 23, 2000 PRESENT Bill Magrattan, Mary Paprocki, Paul Tegan Councilmember Scott Harstad Representing Metro Transit — Jeff Wostrel Representing Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. — Jim Baldwin Fred Moore, Director of Public Works Representing Plymouth Metrolink — George Bentley Committee Secretary — Patty Hillstrom I. INTRODUCTIONS II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JULY 19, 2000 This item was tabled until the next meeting because there was not a quorum. III. COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION This item was tabled until the next meeting because there was not a quorum. IV. RIDERSHIP INFORMATION AND REVIEW OF RIDERSHIP STATISTICS FOR JULY, 2000 The ridership numbers were down for July; however, ridership is typically down during the summer months. Ridership on the Plymouth Flyer has not increased as hoped. Moore requested information on who is using the Plymouth Flyer. V. IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF CONCERN AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS Bill Magratten's Comments • Magratte commented on the lower provider grades indicated in the latest rider survey. MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT August 23, 2000 Page 2 Bentley stated that part of the reason is that on the day of the survey it was a snowy, wet day. The traffic was slow and the buses were dirty. Magratten asked for an update from Wostrel on the cost of replacing the graffiti proof seats. Wostrel had a quote from August, 1997, with a cost of $4,000 for materials only to replace the seats. Wostrel stated that graffiti is now coming in the form of "tagging". Graffiti artists are now etching the glass on the windows rather than marking the seats. Paul Tegan's Comments Tegan stated that his girlfriend used Plymouth Metrolink for her commute to work and was very pleased with the service. Mary Paprocki's Comments • Paprocki identified the bus and odor that she reported at the July 19, 2000 meeting. The odor smells like carbon tetrachloride (cleaning fluid) on Bus No. 2102. Wostrel will check into the odor problem. • Paprocki and her husband both commute to work by bus and report good service. VI. TRANSIT ADMINISTRATORS REPORT Route Renumbering — Notices of renumbering went out on the buses this week and will go out again the week before the change occurs on September 16, 2000. Header signs are in the process of being changed and new schedules will be available by September 8th The web site will be changed the end of the week of September 11th and ads have been placed in the local papers notifying people of the change. The artwork for the new signs is now being done. New Buses — Bentley passed around brochures with pictures and descriptions of the Bluebird CS and TranShuttle buses that Plymouth Metrolink will be adding to their fleet. The new Bluebird CS buses are shuttles and are scheduled to arrive in early September. The six new TranShuttle buses will be coming in around the end of the year or the first part of January. These vehicles will replace the existing Thomas Vistas, and will be used for the new midday service from downtown and for service to/from the new park and ride at Highway 101 and Co. Rd. 6. Plymouth Metrolink will also be receiving seven Eldorados which will begin arriving in late December or January. The Eldorados will replace the existing Thomas Minotour buses used for Dial -A -Ride. N:\REFERENC\Commissions\Plymouth_Advisory_Committee_on Transit\Minutes\Cuncnt_Year.082J00.doc MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT August 23, 2000 Page 3,. Neighborhood Stops — Bentley pointed out locations of the proposed neighborhood stops on the map. Management Plan and Budget for 2001 — The management plan is due by the end of August to the Metropolitan Council. The plan will then be processed by Met Council staff, will go to the Transportation Committee at the Met Council, and then to the full Met Council for approval in December. Bentley will provide the 2001 Management Plan at the next meeting for the committee's review. It will then be forwarded to the City Council. Service Monitoring — Service monitoring has shown that service is running on time. Plymouth Business Forum — Bentley distributed a brochure with information on the Plymouth Business Forum that will be held on September 13, 2000 at Plymouth Creek Center and invited all of the PACT members. VII. DISCUSSION OF 2000 WORK PLAN The 2001 Work Plan will be discussed at the next meeting when more of the members are present. VIII. OTHER COMMENTS Bentley distributed a copy of an article regarding the record number of riders on Plymouth Metrolink that was printed in the Lakeshore Weekly News on July 27, 2000. Bentley distributed the Plymouth Metrolink Rider Alert showing the new format that will now be used. The next PACT meeting will be held on September 27, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bass Lake Room on the lower level of the Plymouth City Hall. Respectfully, Patty Hillstrom Committee Secretary N:\REFERENC\Cortmtissions\Ply=uth AdvisoryComtnittoc_on_Transit\Minutes\Current Year\082300.doc MARTHA ROBERTSON Senator, District 45 125 State Office Building 100 Constitution Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 Phone: (651) 2964314 Fax: (651) 296-9441 Internet E -Mail: sen.martha. robertson@senate.leg.state. nm. us Home: 2000 Indian Road West Minnetonka, MN 55305 September 29, 2000 Joy Tierney, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear Joy, _pp��N�'iF'!�i`i _ _li!! Senate State of Mhmesota Thank you for sharing your request to consider amending the Minnesota Statue to include a growth factor. The amendment seems reasonable and perhaps the tax committee will seriously consider it. I have discussed this with Senator Belanger, the Senate minority tax lead, and he thought it made sense too. As you may know, Representative Ron Abrams is chair of the tax committee and I suggest that it will be most effective if he takes the lead on this amendment which I will support. Please keep me informed as to the progress of this issue. Sincerely, y"Itc (iL'� Martha Robertson State Senator A COMMITTEES: Policy: Children, Family & Learning • Health & Family Security • Governmental Operations & Veterans Affairs Z o R, J. ,a PyBudget: K-12 Education •Government Operations cr Fak v,,,./- Finance: Education • Lead Republican Senator Con'llin", Fiber SERVING: Golden Valley 0 Medicine Lake • Minnetonka • Plymouth • Wayzata CITY OF PUMOUTR September 13, 2000 «title» «first_name» olast_name» «local address» Dear « first name»: I am writing this letter on behalf of the Plymouth City Council. On September 5, the City Council approved the proposed 2001 budget and tax levy. The City's overall tax capacity tax rate is estimated to be reduced from 16.43 in 2000 to 15.31 in 2001. Even though the City's tax rate will decrease, legislation adopted in 1999 requires cities to conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution if their levy certification tax rate would increase based on a formula established in Minnesota Statute 275.078. The formula basically requires that our new levy be compared to the tax base of the previous year. We would like to propose that a growth factor be added to the formula. For example, Plymouth experienced growth of 3.05 percent this year due to new construction. If a growth factor had been allowed in the formula, the City's tax rate would not have increased under the formula. The public hearing and resolution would have been unnecessary. Growth factors have been recognized in levy limits in the past to recognize that high growth cities also have commensurate spending needs. Therefore, we request that you consider amending the formula established in Minnesota Statute 275.078 to include a growth factor. Sincerely, Joy Tierney Mayor PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place ?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us CITY OF PLYMOUTH+ October 3, 2000 Mary Huschen 12615 58th Av. North Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Ms. Huschen: Thank you for your interest in City Center. The City has invested a lot of time and effort in planning for this area. While the City recognizes that many people will travel to City Center by car, the City's adopted plans all emphasize that City Center will have a strong pedestrian orientation. In fact, the creation of parking bays that you just read about in "Plymouth News" will enhance pedestrian access along Plymouth Boulevard by reducing the number of lanes a pedestrian must cross from two to one and by slowing down the traffic to make a pedestrian crossing safer than it is today. The new street lights that are planned will also provide a safer and more pleasant environment for pedestrians in the evening hours. Once all the sites in City Center are developed, there will be a continuous system of sidewalks on both sides of every street in the area. Where the City is requiring plazas of the larger developments, we are also requiring benches to further develop a pedestrian friendly atmosphere. The City further believes that the landscaping proposed for the medians along Plymouth Boulevard and the trees that the City requires every developer to plant next to the sidewalks in City Center will all contribute to creating an atmosphere that welcomes pedestrians. With all of these actions aimed at improving pedestrian access, safety, convenience and enjoyment, the City believes that City Center will become a place that residents of the City can enjoy, and especially on foot or on a bike. If you have any additional questions, please contact me at 509-5452. Sincerely, V11 10-21 t Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager PLYMOUTH A Geauti/u(Place To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.b.plymouth.mn.us p �C���d� D OCT 3X00 J-p,t, .21, Zob L—CITY OF PLYMOUTH CMWMTY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT &,ttiv A4 A-fi, IUB 4,h"u-"�4 &I'AtIv rlul�L A"*- T�c Lt4ltt tdlxw� &14- A44a-V tJ,4- ct )JD 4-- Aw-iA � A,17 P, 7,4a", -24,15 ,4a",-24,15 '55 -r -k 4v fj Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Thomas E. Murphy [murphyt@uswest.net] Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2000 11:19 PM To: sbot@ci.plymouth.mn.us Cc: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Thanks Steve, Thanks for stopping by the house in response to my phone call this morning. I appreciate you showing the interest as well as addressing the questions I had. I also wanted to let you know that I thought the whole reconstruction project was handled very well. Everything seemed to progress very smoothly and in an organized fashion which I think is great given what had to be done in a fairly short period of time. Thanks again to you and everyone else that worked on the project. Tom Murphy 4810 Orchid Lane N. murphyt@uswest.net 10/6/00 2000 City Council Attendence X - Absent DATE MEETING TYPE Johnson Bildsoe Slavik Brown Black Harstad Tierney 01/04/00 Regular 01/11/00 Special 01/18/001 Regular X 02/01/00 Regular 02/08/00 Special 02/12/00 Special 02/14/00 Special X X X 02/15/00 Special 02/15/00 Regular 02/29/00 Regular X 03/02/00 Special X 03/09/00 Special X 03/21/00 Regular 04/04/00 Special X 04/11/00 Regular X 04/18/00 Special 04/19/00 Special X X X X 04/25/00 Regular X 04/26/00 Special X X X 05/02/00 Board of Review X X 05/02/00 Special X 05/09/00 Regular 05/16/00 Board of Review X 05/16/00 Special 05/23/00 Regular X 06/06/00 Special 06/12/00 Regular 06/27/00 Regular 07/11/00 Regular 07/24/00 Special 07/25/00 Regular 08/08/00 Regular 08/21/00 Special 08/22/00 Regular 08/31/00 Special X 09/05/00 Regular 09/11/00 Special X 09/26/00 Special X 09/26/001 Regular 4C 1 aSSO(IatlOfl Of Metropolitan Municipalities DATE: October 4, 2000 TO: AMM Members FROM: AMM Staff RE: 2001 Legislative Policies (Draft) Policy Priorities Form Policy Meeting Flyer Enclosed is a draft of the AMM's 2001 Legislative Policies, a Policy Priorities form and a flyer advertising the AMM Policy Adoption Meeting. All members have the opportunity to debate and adopt the policies at the Policy Adoption Meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 at the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) building from 5-7 p.m. If you plan to attend, please call Laurie at 651-215-4000 by Friday, Nov. 3. We need your help in determining which policies the AMM should focus its time and resources on during the 2001 Legislative Session. Please review the enclosed Policy Priorities form and indicate your top five priorities. Please fax your completed form to the AMM office at 651-281-1299 by Thursday, Nov. 9. (You may also bring your completed form to the Policy Adoption Meeting.) Should you have any questions, please call us at 651-215-4000. Thank you for your assistance! 145 University Avenue West Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Telephone: (651) 215-4000 Fax: (651) 281-1299 E-mail: amm@amm145.org NAME: CITY: AMM POLICY PRIORITIES (2001) Please review the following list of priorities submitted by each of the AMM's four policy committees and indicate the top five priority policies you think the AMM should focus its time and resources on during the 2001 Legislative Session. Fax completed form to: 651-281-1299. (1 = highest priority; S = lowest priority) I -A Levy Limits (Revenue) I-B/C Local Aid (Revenue) I -K Class Rate Tax System (Revenue) I -O Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding (Revenue) II -A Mandates & Local Authority (General Legislation) III -D Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Program & Appropriations (Housing & Economic Development) III -H Economic Development Responsibilities (Housing & Economic Development) III4 Development Tools (Housing & Economic Development) III -K Workforce Development (Housing & Economic Development) IV -F Local Plan Implementation (Metropolitan Agencies) IV -K Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (Metropolitan Agencies) IV -N Water Supply (Metropolitan Agencies) IV -O Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment Systems (Metropolitan Agencies) V-A Transportation Funding (Transportation) V -B Regional Transit System (Transportation) V -C Metro Transit Property Tax (Transportation) V -G Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.): Traffic Law Compliance (Transp.) Other: Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AM* 145 University Ave. W.., St. Paul, MN 55103 ♦ Phone: 651-215-4000 ♦ Fax: 651-281-1299 Email: amm@amm145.org Oct. 4, 2000 4" 9 Nodation of 2000 P Metropolitan Municipalities Adoption Meeting Date: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 Time: 5-7 p.m. Where., League of Minnesota Cities Building (LMC) 145 University Ave. W. R. Paul, MN 55103 Cost: FREE I The Policy Adoption Meeting is one of two major meetings the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) holds each year for YOU -- the membership. All mayors, councilmembers, managers and administrators, as well as city staff are welcome to attend. This year, we will again have a more compact meeting format. A 45 -minute social featuring light hors -d'oeuvres will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the business meet- ing from 5.•45-7 p.m. There is NO charge to attend the social and/or meeting. This is your opportunity to debate and adopt the AMM's 2001 Legislative Policies and to determine the top priority issues the AMM will spend much of its time and resources on during the 2001 Legislative Session ryCtles are encouraged to send more than one representative to contribute to the policy discussion. Please R.S. VP by calling Laurie Jennings at 651-215-4000 by Friday, Nov. 3. Vote on the AMM 's 2001 Legislative Policies Determine AMMs 2001 lobbying priorities Network with your metropolitan peers 145UniversityAve. W. ♦ St. Paul, MN 551031 Phone: 651215-40001 Fax.• 651281-12991 Email.• amm@amm 145. org This flyerhas been mailed to allAMMmayors, councilmembers and managers/administrators. LMC Bu'ild'ing Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) 145 University Ave. W. ♦ St. Paul, Minnesota 55103 Phone: 651-215-4000 ♦ Fax: 651-281-1299 Email- amm@amm 145org Located one-half mile north of 1-94 at the corner of Rice Street and University Avenue. Please park in the west parking lot and enter the building through the west entrance. " Highway 36 Maryland Ave. Sherburne Ave. LMC' University Ave. v; State Capitol Office V)°C Bldg. LU LLn ro I-94 n' Located one-half mile north of 1-94 at the corner of Rice Street and University Avenue. Please park in the west parking lot and enter the building through the west entrance. January 2001 Q I- �0 1 Legislative POLICIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities 145 University Ave. W. ♦ St. Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Phone: (651) 215-4000 ♦ Fax: (651) 281-1299 E-mail:amm@amm145.org Table of Contents Municipal Revenue & Taxation (1) Levy Limits (I -A) 1 Local Government Aid (LGA) (I -B) 1 Homestead & Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) (I -C) 1 Tax Exempt Property (I -D) 1 Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases (I -E) 2 Development Access Fees (I -F) 2 Price of Government (I -G) 2 Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution (I -H) 2 Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility (I -I) 2 Revenue Diversification (I -J) 3 Class Rate Tax System (I -K) 3 Limited Market Value (I -L) 3 Smart Growth Incentives (I -M) 4 City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance (I -N) 4 Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding (I -O) 4 General Legislation Mandates & Local Authority (II -A) 7 Public Right -of -Way (II -B) 7 Witness Fee Costs (II -C) 7 2001 Legislative Policies i Table of Contents 911 Telephone Tax (II -D) 800 MHz Radio System (II -E) 7 Permit Approval: Zoning/Denial Findings (II -F) 8 Elections: Alley System Authority (II -G) 8 Housing & Economic Development (III) Livable Communities Act (III -A) 9 State Housing Policy (III -B) 10 Federal Housing Policy (III -C) 11 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Programs & Appropriation (III -D) 11 Tax & Public Finance Policy (III -E) 12 Affordable Housing Barriers (III -F) 13 Homelessness (III -G) 14 Family & Elderly Housing (III -H) 14 Community Housing Land Trusts (III -I) 15 Economic Development Responsibilities (III -J) 15 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) (III -K) 16 Property Tax Reform Impact on TIF (III -L) 17 Development Tools (III -M) 17 Workforce Development (III -N) 18 Building Permit Fee Surcharge (III -O) Group Homes (III -P) 19 19 Metropolitan Agencies (IV) Introduction: Metropolitan Governance Structure 21 Purpose of Metropolitan Governance (IV -A) 22 2001 Legislative Policies Table of Contents Regionally Provided Services: Funding (IV -B) 22 Regional Systems (IV -C) 22 Coordination of Local & Regional Plans (IV -D) 23 Growth Management Strategy (IV -E) 24 Local Plan Implementation (IV -F) 24 Metropolitan Council Focus on Planning (IV -G) 25 Budget Process & Work Program Evaluation (IV -H) 25 Criteria for Extension of Metropolitan Governance Authority (IV -I) 26 Restructuring of Metropolitan Agencies (IV -J) 26 Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (IV -K) 27 Parks & Open Space: Operation & Maintenance Capital Funding (IV -L) 28 Surface & Groundwater Water Management (IV -M) 29 Water Supply (IV -N) 30 Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment System (IV -O) 30 Waste Stream Management (IV -P) 30 Transportation (V) Transportation Funding (V-A) 33 Regional Transit System (V -B) 33 Metro Transit Property Tax (V -C) 34 Transportation Utility (V -D) 34 Highway Turnbacks & Funding (V -E) 34 '30 Transportation Planning Process: Elected Officials Role (V -F) 35 Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.): Traffic Law Compliance (V -G) 35 2001 Legislative Policies iii Table of Contents Airport Noise Mitigation (V -H) 35 Traffic Control Devices (MN/DOT Administrative) (V -I) 36 Committee Rosters (VI) 2000-01 Housing & Economic Development Committee 37 2000-01 Metropolitan Agencies Committee 38 2000-01 Municipal Revenue & Taxation Committee 39 2000-01 Transportation & General Government Committee 40 iv 2001 Legislative Policies Levy Limits (I -A) Municipal Revenue & Taxation (I) The AMM strongly opposes levy limits and urges the legislature to not re-enact them for 2002 or beyond. The AMM also opposes the imposition of artificial mechanisms such as valuation freezes, payroll freezes, reverse referenda, super majority requirements for levy, or other limitations to the local government budget and taxing process. Local Government Aid (LGA) (I -B) Local Government Aid (LGA) returns a portion of statewide resources to supplement local property taxes. The AMM supports its continuation with an annual inflation index, along with additional state resources to further reduce the reliance on the property tax. In addition, any LGA formula changes considered by the legislature must have a positive impact on the metropolitan area. Homestead & Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) (I -C) The Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) equals about one-third of the total local aid and should be continued as part of the local fiscal relationship, with an inflation or increased household growth factor restored for cities. If HACA continues to be used to offset lower valued home tax increases as a result of class rate compression, the legislature should provide an ongoing HACA index to offset continued tax shifts after the initial year. The AMM strongly opposes the conversion of city HACA to school aid. Tax Exempt Property (I -D) The AMM encourages the legislature to authorize cities to establish a program of payments in lieu of taxes by tax exempt governmental and non-governmental organizations, except constitutionally 2001 Legislative Policies Municipal Revenue & Taxation exempt property (churches and schools) for the cost of services such as police, fire and streets to their facilities. Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases (I -E) The legislature should reinstate the sales tax exemption for all local government purchases without requiring a reduction in other aids. Development Access Fees (1-F) The AMM supports authorization for cities to impose Development Access Fees for roads and stormwater control. In order to fairly provide for major street and stormwater improvements of primary benefit to a particular subdivision development but not directly assessable and to allocate cost so that new growth pays its fair share, the legislature should authorize cities to establish at their option a road and/or stormwater development access charge to be collected at the time that subdivisions are approved and/or at the time building permits are issued similar to park dedication fees. Price of Government (1-G) The price of government calculation in regard to local governments should be based on (1) changes in the sum of the levy and state aids, and (2) examination of long-term trends, not single year events. In addition, consideration should be given to service provision transfers between governmental units, increased demand for services by citizens and legislative mandates or tax rate changes. Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution (1-H) The AMM opposes the use of fiscal disparities to fund social or physical metropolitan programs since it results in a metropolitan -wide property tax increase hidden from the public. Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility (1-1) The AMM opposes proposals for exempting the Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) from the personal property tax. Under no circumstances should local units of government and their taxpayers be required to shoulder the burdens of tax relief for IOUs. 2001 Legislative Policies Municipal Revenue & Taxation The personal property tax is a significant portion of the metropolitan fiscal disparity pool and, if eliminated, would have a metropolitan -wide property tax impact. Revenue Diversification (I -J) The AMM supports revenue diversification for cities to reduce the reliance on local property taxes. Some examples include authorization for local sales taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, franchise fees, deed taxes to remain with city, development impact fees, or the creation of a separate income/sales tax fund that would grow with the economy. The AMM opposes legislated reduction or limitation on various license fees, development fees, or other general fees which would force increased property tax to pay for related services. Class Rate Tax System (I -K) The AMM opposes a change from the class rate tax system to a market value system, which would cause tremendous shifts of tax burden between classes of property, or applying future levy increases to market value, since this would further complicate the property tax system. Limited Market Value (I -L) The AMM strongly opposes further extension of artificial limits in valuing property at market for property taxation purposes. Limiting market value increase on existing property to a non - market index or set rate will cause various property tax system problems. Similar properties will be taxed differently if new or sold and improvements will be discouraged. Tax shifts will occur mainly on lower valued homes and the ability to issue bonds may be adversely affected. Finally, it will be politically difficult as well as costly to persons owning long-term capped properties when it becomes necessary to sunset due to vast differences in tax liabilities for like properties. The AMM believes that enhanced targeting for special circumstances such as low-income persons better serves the tax system. 2001 Legislative Policies 3 Municipal Revenue & Taxation Smart Growth Incentives (I -M) The legislature should enact financial incentives for cities to encourage smart growth and affordable housing in the form of a state appropriation to offset capital and administrative costs. A smart growth incentive should be a separate supplemental aid program, not part of the current local government aid fund or distribution formula. City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance (I -N) The legislature should not attempt to control or restrict city fund balances. These funds are necessary to maintain fiscal viability to meet unexpected or emergency resource needs of city governments, to purchase capital goods and infrastructure, provide adequate cash flow and to maintain high-level bond ratings. Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding (1-0) Recent analysis has demonstrated that the PERA coordinated plan has been using overly -optimistic actuarial assumptions for several years. The plan is expected to need additional funding of more than $100 million a year over the next 25 years to cover projected pension benefits. If the additional funding comes exclusively from employer and employee payroll contributions, the increased contributions would be 30 percent higher than current levels. Contribution rate increases may reduce employee's take-home pay, strain local budgets and result in property tax increases. City officials recognize that employer and employee contribution rate increases are an important part of the funding solution. To reduce the magnitude of the increases, the Legislative Commission on Pensions should consider the following alternatives: ♦ Supply PERA with state aid funded through reduced contributions to the Teachers' Retirement Association (TRA) and the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). In 1984, PERA and MSRS sufficiencies were similarly transferred to TRA when it was under -funded. ♦ Implement pro -rated service credit. PERA is the only major Minnesota pension plan that awards a full -year's service credit to part-time employees. 4 2001 Legislative Policies Municipal Revenue & Taxation ♦ Exclude all seasonal employees from participation in PERA. ♦ Explore the possibility of former employees taking refunds by offering a portion of employer contributions as part of the refund. ♦ Reduce the guaranteed interest for deferred members' benefits. ♦ Increase the plan's vesting period from three to five years prospectively. ♦ Increase the amortization period for the plan's unfunded liability from 20 to 30 years. ♦ Restructure the POST fund in one or more of the following ways: 1. Eliminate the post-retirement fund and combine the assets and liabilities of retirees with the active fund. 2. Redirect some POST fund earnings to the active funds. Currently, retirees are given all the benefits of high rates of investment return, and are also guaranteed annual increases even in years of poor investment performance. 3. Pay excess mortality costs (when pensioners live longer than expected) out of the post-retirement fund rather than the active pension funds. 4. Spread POST fund investment returns over a 10 -year period rather than a five-year period. ♦ Not approve any benefit changes which increase the ongoing cost of the plan. 2001 Legislative Policies 5 Municipal Revenue & Taxation 2001 Legislative Policies General Legislation (II) Mandates & Local Authority (II -A) The AMM opposes statutory changes which erode local control and authority or create mandated additional tasks requiring new or added local costs without a corresponding state appropriation or funding mechanism. New unfunded mandates cause increased property taxes which impedes the ability to fund traditional service needs. Public Right -of -Way (II -B) The AMM supports the continued effort of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) to protect the authority of cities to maintain jurisdiction over municipal public rights-of-way, to establish relevant criteria and to obtain reasonable compensation for its degradation and to retain franchise and fee collection authority for gas, electric and cable services. Witness Fee Costs (II -C) Since one-third of fines for city -related prosecutions remain with the county and adequately fund this cost, the AMM opposes shifting witness' fees from counties to cities for these actions. 911 Telephone Tax (II -D) The AMM supports the current distribution of the 911 -access fee and the limit of 30 cents per line per month to offset basic maintenance costs and enhanced upgrade. Any fee granted legislatively in excess of 30 cents should be returned directly to the municipality or public safety answering provider (PSAP) where collected. Fee increases granted by the legislature should be a specific amount not a general authorization and only for a specific purpose. Phase 2 Wireless enhanced 911 costs should be recovered from a direct charge to cell phone users. 2001 Legislative Policies General Legislation 800 MHz Radio System (II -E) The AMM supports the continuation of the Metropolitan 800 MHz Radio System legislation and board, as long as cities are not forced to modify their current systems or become part of the 800 MHz Radio System until they so choose. The system should provide a phased transition guaranteeing uninterrupted service and be technically capable of allowing communities the flexibility to form various coordinated arrangements for dispatching and service provision. In that one of the prime advantages of this system is the fact that local public safety agencies and other units of local government throughout the region will be able to communicate with each other, regional funding of the entire system should be considered. Any such funding should take into account the reasonable useful life of current systems. Permit Approval: Zoning/Denial Findings (II -F) The permit approval statute delineating time limit requirements should be modified so that in the case of a rezoning or issues requiring super -majority votes, a motion such as a motion to table that extends action beyond the 60- or 120 -day time requirement constitutes a denial, not an approval in order to uphold the super majority requirement of the zoning statute. Current law provides automatic approval if no action is taken. In addition, if an approval resolution fails for any permit request the city should be allowed by statute to provide a denial resolution with findings of fact at the next regular meeting or granted an automatic time limit extension. Elections: Alley System Authority (II -G) The AMM supports permissive authority for statutory cities to adopt an alley system for filing for city council seats. 8 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development (III) L------- j Livable Communities Act (III -A) The 1995 Legislature enacted the Livable Communities Act (LCA) to stimulate housing and economic and community development in the metropolitan area. The act permits cities to access about $11.0 million in funding for pollution clean-up, housing and redevelopment. As a participant, a city must adopt affordable and life cycle housing goals and a plan to achieve the goals. Since its inception, the Metropolitan Council has been responsible for program implementation, including the completion of an annual progress report. The report for the 1996 calendar year indicates progress toward achieving the stated goals but also raises concern regarding the preservation of affordable housing, particularly the demolition of housing units. The AMM has maintained that the LCA should not be amended until there are progress reports and experience with the LCA. Based on the reports and experience of cities, the AMM recommends: ♦ The LCA should be continued. ♦ The LCA should be amended to eliminate the requirement that a city annually elect to be a participant in the act and require by November 15 that a resolution to withdraw be approved. ♦ The state should appropriate funds for the LCA. The appropriation should not replace the current funding sources but should be in addition to them. ♦ The Metropolitan Council, in cooperation with the LCA participants, should develop a benchmark to measure a city's efforts to provide affordable housing. The benchmark should 2001 Legislative Policies 9 Housing & Economic Development replace the Affordable Life Cycle Housing Opportunity Amount (ALHOA). ♦ The LCA amount should be amended to permit a development agency to apply for an LCA program provided the development agency receives from the city council in which the project will be located approval to submit the application and receive the grant. State Housing Policy (III -B) The AMM recognizes and is encouraged by the efforts of the legislature regarding the production and preservation of affordable housing. Over the past several sessions the legislature has provided the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) with additional funds to address housing issues. For example, the 1999 Legislature significantly increased the MHFA's biennial appropriation for housing production programs. The 2000 Legislature provided funding for rental and owner -occupied housing production. To continue the expansion of the state's economy, the governor and legislature should recognize the importance of housing to economic vitality and family stability and should adopt policies that preserve existing housing, permit the production of safe affordable housing and provide resources to produce and preserve housing. The AMM recommends the following: Land Use Standards and State Incentives ♦ Minnesota cities are responsible for and should retain the authority to regulate the location, size and amount, and type of housing within their boundaries. Minnesota cities, where the county has capacity, should partner with the county to provide affordable housing. ♦ The state, in an effort to encourage more affordable housing, should authorize cities on a voluntary basis and provide incentives for such concepts as density bonuses and mixes of housing types and price ranges. The incentives can be, but not be limited to, property tax class rates and sales tax exemptions for construction materials. 10 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development ♦ State funding provided for the incentives should not reduce existing programs. Federal Housing Policy (III -C) While the state of Minnesota continues as a partner with local government in addressing housing issues the federal government, the traditional leader in housing policy development, has decreased its involvement in the issue. The federal government's lack of commitment has caused the other partners -- state and local governments -- to increase their housing commitments. The state and local efforts have made an impact but without a strong federal presence, the state and local efforts will be limited. Therefore, the AMM strongly encourages the federal government to be actively engaged in housing policy and programming. Historically, the federal government has provided funding for housing production and rent subsidies. Over the last decade the federal government has reduced its funding commitment and has caused a shortage of affordable housing. Therefore, the AMM recommends that the federal government increase its participation and funding in housing. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Programs & Appropriations (III -D) The MHFA's current biennial budget totals $173.0 million. The budget funds several programs that rehabilitate rental and owner - occupied housing, produce new housing, prevent homelessness, and finance the preservation of affordable federally subsidized housing. The current budget consists of $121.0 million from the state general fund and $52.1 million in federal funds. All of the federal revenue is a "one time" appropriation as is $41.0 million from the general fund. Being aware of the vital role of housing in family stability and in the economy, the legislature should: ♦ Approve a permanent appropriation that is equal to one percent of the state's biennial general fund budget. ♦ Maximize its investment in housing by primarily funding programs that leverage investments from non -state sources. 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development ♦ Continue the housing preservation program for federally subsidized housing that could be converted to market rate housing. Tax & Public Finance Policy (III -E) State housing policies should include more than appropriations and could encompass tax policies and regulatory reform. Over the past several sessions the legislature has considered legislation to reduce property tax on rental housing, exempt construction materials and supplies used in the production or rehabilitation of affordable housing from the sales tax, authorize additional tax exempt bonding for housing, establish a low income housing tax credit and reform housing regulatory practices. Many of the proposals have not been adopted but should be considered as part of a housing strategy. The legislature should: ♦ Provide a sales tax exemption for construction supplies and materials used in the construction or substantial rehabilitation of affordable housing. ♦ Exempt public agencies from paying the mortgage and deed tax when developing or providing for affordable housing and redevelopment. ♦ Establish incentives such as an aid or credit program that encourages cities to approve multi -family housing including affordable housing. ♦ Modify the tax exempt bond allocation process so that additional bonding authority is made available for residential rental housing. ♦ Continue the policy of not reducing a person's or household's Minnesota Family Investment Program monthly grant if they are residents of public or section 8 housing. ♦ Modify the property tax on residential rental property to encourage rehabilitation and new production. 12 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development Affordable Housing Barriers (III -F) During the past several years the area's housing market has experienced a vacancy rate that is less than two percent. As a result of the market it is difficult to find affordable housing. Primarily private market forces affect the housing supply but public policies also have a role on the supply and price of housing. Being aware of the various factors impacting housing production, the Metropolitan Council, the legislature and the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) are attempting to identify barriers to affordable housing. Among the policies being examined are taxes, state and local regulations and fees, land supply, development procedures, and comprehensive planning implementation. The Metropolitan Council, through the Mayors' Housing Advisory Task Force, is in the process of examining the role of local government in housing production. The task force is reviewing such issues as zoning, development regulations, fees and public awareness. The task force report should be available in late 2000. The Legislative Auditor is conducting a study that is focusing primarily on the effect of state policies and practices on the cost and supply of affordable housing. The study will also examine the state's role in defining local powers. The auditor's report is due in January 2001. BATC has conducted several studies that have recommended that the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) be expanded so that more developable land be made available. BATC is also working on reports related to public development procedures and fees. Most metropolitan area cities have adopted housing goals associated with participation in the Livable Communities Act (LCA). Since the inception of the LCA, many cities have approved and in most cases are participating in the development of affordable housing. The ability to remove barriers should assist cities in the production of affordable housing. The AMM supports efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing and will develop specific legislative proposals as the studies are completed and reviewed. 2001 Legislative Policies 13 Housing & Economic Development Homelessness (III -G) Programs to assist the homeless are generally funded by a variety of public and non-profit sources. Many of the programs such as the Stuart McKinney Homeless Prevention Act require operating agencies to develop a community-based planning process to identify needs of the homeless and adopt programs—continuum of care —to meet these needs. Continuum of care includes services and housing types (shelters, transitional and permanent). In the metropolitan area, counties in collaboration with other local governments and service providers have developed continuum of care plans that have the goal of moving the homeless to needed services or permanent housing. However, a recent study completed by Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis regarding homelessness in the county found that homeless adults can not find permanent affordable housing. They also found that there is a need for more coordination among the numerous metropolitan agencies involved in homeless assistance. The report notes that in several regions of the state counties coordinate their continuum of care plans. Therefore, it is recommended that: ♦ The supply of permanent assisted housing, particularly single room occupancy, be increased. ♦ Metropolitan counties should work together to initiate a coordinated planning process. Family & Elderly Housing (III -H) Demographic trends indicate that Minnesota's population is aging. For example, the Metropolitan Council projects that the region's population age 65 and older will nearly double from the year 2000 to 2020. Since most of the population owns single family housing and they will be smaller households there could be a demand for smaller housing units. The elderly population will also be older than their predecessors. In the metropolitan area, the Metropolitan Council reports that the number of persons age 75 and over will increase from approximately 110,000 in the year 2000 to 180,000 in 2020. Being aware of the trends, the legislature should: 14 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development ♦ Provide additional resources to serve the low income elderly. Resources should include housing as well as related services. ♦ Direct state agencies to provide information and technical assistance to local governments regarding the population changes and their impacts on public services. ♦ Develop policies that encourage the development of housing for the elderly that is affordable and provides an attractive alternative to current housing and preserves the current housing. Community Housing Land Trusts (III -1) An affordable housing land trust is a non-profit corporation that is used to create an expanding and perpetually affordable supply of owner -occupied housing. The land trust attempts to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the public investment. Land trusts are operative in Minnesota and 22 other states. Currently there are at least two land trusts in Minnesota -Rondo Community Land Trust in St. Paul and Northern Communities Land Trust in Duluth. Land trusts are being considered in Washington County and in suburban Hennepin County. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) was authorized to assist in the funding of land trusts. The one-time funding permitted land trusts to provide gap financing, interest rate subsidies, predevelopment financing and financial underwriting costs. To assist the land trusts, it is recommended that: ♦ A land trust capacity building program be authorized by the 2001 Legislature. The land trusts would be authorized to provide such services as gap financing, interest rate subsidies, predevelopment financing and underwriting. The program should be administered by the MHFA and be appropriated at least $500,000. Economic Development Responsibilities (III -J) The state should continue to recognize cities as the primary unit of government responsible for implementing economic development policies and land use controls. New or amended economic 2001 Legislative Policies 15 Housing & Economic Development development programs designed to address specific economic circumstances within cities or counties should use problem definition as the criteria rather than geographic location, city size or similar criteria. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) (III -K) The Minnesota Legislature during the previous session made several changes to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Act. Among them were amendments relating to pooling, the use of increment for public facilities and the impact of property tax changes on TIF. Being aware of the amendments and the need to redevelop, the TIF law should be amended to: Local E ort ♦ Eliminate the LGA/HACA penalty or allow an exception from levy limits. If the penalty is not eliminated, the restrictions on the source of payment should be removed. ♦ Authorize the use of federal grants and other local funds for local contributions. TIF Use ♦ Exempt redevelopment districts from the five-year rule. ♦ Reaffirm that cities alone should be authorized to approve city initiated tax increment districts and that counties and school districts should continue to have the ability to review and comment on TIF. ♦ Permit all cities to establish housing replacement (scattered site) districts and allow TIF to be used for historic preservation. Housing ♦ Modify the housing district income qualification requirements to allow the levels to vary according to individual regions of the state or counties. ♦ Remove the LGA/HACA penalty imposed on housing districts established between 1990 and 1993. 16 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development Reporting ♦ Clarify that the Office of State Auditor (OSA) must give cities 60 days to respond to a violation of the TIF law prior to sending a notice of the violation to the county attorney. The notice to the city must also state that at the end of the 60 -day period any resolved issues will be sent to the county attorney for possible action. ♦ Authorize the OSA to conduct a compliance review of a tax increment district within 12 months of the date the district is decertified or the increment is completely expended, whichever is later. The State Auditor, upon completion of the review and resolution of outstanding issues, must issue a certification that the district is complete and not subject to further actions by the office. ♦ Clarify that an error of a non -substantive manner is not a violation of the law and therefore the city should not be formally cited for a violation of the reporting provisions of the TIF Act. ♦ Require that the OSA provide reporting entities with a checklist of specific items that will be part of a compliance or final review of a district. Property Tax Reform Impact on TIF (III -L) It is anticipated that during the 2001 Session, the reform of the property tax system could continue. As part of the "Big Plan" the Office of the Governor is proposing a restructuring of the property tax system through changes in the way education is funded. It is possible that there will be additional proposals that could impact the tax levy or the class rates and the changes could impact TIF. Therefore, it is recommended: ♦ That the TIF grant program be continued and the appropriation be sufficient to meet the impacts of tax reform. Development Tools (III -M) Over the past several sessions, the legislature has provided cities with development tools to redevelop property, clean up polluted 2001 Legislative Policies 17 Housing & Economic Development sites and encourage business retention and expansion. The tools include, but are not limited to, TIF, tax expenditures and loans and grants. Many of the state tools have supplemented local efforts. To continue this state local relationship, the legislature should: ♦ Continue the Minnesota Investment Fund. ♦ Support increased funding for the pollution clean-up program administered by the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED). ♦ Require condemnation commissioners to consider the cost of correcting pollution problems in determining the final value of property. ♦ Establish an indemnification fund to provide financial security for institutions and individuals as they invest in developing and clean-up of polluted sites. ♦ Eliminate the requirement to match a portion of the clean-up grant program with local general funds. ♦ Make permanent the Redevelopment Fund established in 1998. Workforce Development (III -N) Minnesota cities have been responsible for development and redevelopment activities. Using such tools as federal and state grants, TIF and revenue bonds, cities have stimulated the commercial and industrial property development that has permitted companies to grow and increase employment opportunities. To continue to be competitive, however, companies are continually training its workforce in the use of new tools, systems and technologies. Business and government are concerned about the state's workforce. The governor's office has prepared a work force development framework that is intended to make Minnesota a world competitor in the 21st Century. The framework has the goal of keeping Minnesota's businesses competitive by supporting a flexible, skilled workforce and supporting efforts to increase personal income. To achieve these goals, the governor's office is recommending strategies that would eliminate obsolete and 18 2001 Legislative Policies Housing & Economic Development redundant programs and identify and promote well -paying jobs and skills of the future. The framework also recommends that there be collaboration among agencies and that available resources for workforce development are adequate and strategically focused. Being aware that cities are responsible for redevelopment and economic development and that workforce is a major component of the development it is recommended that: ♦ Workforce legislation authorize cities to be involved in workforce planning and programming. ♦ Appropriate a portion of the workforce funding for programs administered by cities to train and or re-train employees of companies participating in local government redevelopment or development activities. Building Permit Fee Surcharge (III -O) Local governments collect a half -percent surcharge on building permits. The proceeds of the surcharge are paid to the state and are used to support the State Building Codes and Standards Division. Prior to 1991, any excess proceeds were remitted on a pro -rated basis to the local governments. To help with the development of affordable housing it is recommended that: ♦ The proceeds from the building permit surcharge fee be paid to the MHFA for the support of affordable housing and that the building codes and standards division be funded from the state general fund. Group Homes (III -P) ♦ State and county agencies must provide timely notification to cities of facility license requests and renewals and provide adequate opportunity to respond. Cities must also be aware of the special care needed by residents of such facilities in case of public safety emergencies. ♦ Clustering of community residential facilities because of economic, geographic or other factors should be avoided. 2001 Legislative Policies 19 Housing & Economic Development Standards of non -concentration for state or county -issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) should be established. ♦ There must be an ongoing screening process, particularly in the correction area, to insure that persons placed in a residential facility will benefit from such an environment and will not be a danger to themselves or others. The licensing authority must be responsible for removing any person found incapable of living peacefully in such an environment. ♦ Facilities licensed by the corrections department should not be exempt from reasonable local land use regulations. ♦ A fair share concept should be considered within the metropolitan area. However, this concept should consider other factors including transportation facilities, job availability and other needed support services. ♦ The licensing authority and/or legislature should allow cities to participate in the search for facility locations in order to meet needs of the providers, facility residents and the neighborhood. 20 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies (IV) �q Introduction: Metropolitan Governance Structure The Metropolitan Council was established in 1967 to coordinate "the planning and development of the seven county metropolitan area. To fulfill its responsibilities, the Metropolitan Council has worked with local governments to establish policies regarding growth and development in the region. Over the years, the Metropolitan Council has been authorized by the legislature to be involved in the development of regional parks and the operation of regional services. In the following years the Metropolitan Council was mostly advisory, but was given responsibility for regional policy development and coordination in the areas of wastewater treatment, transportation and airports. The Metropolitan Council was given limited approval authority for development proposals, which were of metropolitan (regional) significance but was not given direct operational authority. The Metropolitan Council's responsibilities have been expanded over the years. The Metropolitan Council was given direct operational responsibility for regional transit and wastewater treatment in 1994. In the following year, the legislature directed the Metropolitan Council to implement the Livable Communities Act (LCA). The Metropolitan Council's role with the LCA is to negotiate affordable and life cycle housing goals for cities and provide grant funds for the clean-up of polluted lands and demonstration projects that foster a mix of land uses and housing types. The Metropolitan Council's role has evolved since its inception to long-range planning and the operation of regional services. 2001 Legislative Policies 21 Metropolitan Agencies Purpose of Metropolitan Governance (IV -A) The AMM affirms its support for the existence of a metropolitan governance system to deal with appropriate regional issues and concerns. The purpose of the metropolitan governance system should be: ♦ To facilitate region -wide planning with the cooperation and consideration of the affected local units. ♦ To provide certain region -wide services that do not duplicate those that can be provided by local governmental units, either individually or jointly. ♦ To fulfill other specific responsibilities mandated by the state and federal governments. Regionally Provided Services: Funding (IV -B) The Metropolitan Council should continue to fund its regional services and activities through the existing combination of user fees, property taxes, and state and federal grants. The current revenue system provides better visibility to the customers. The Metropolitan Council should be responsible for determining user fees. The fees should be consistent with regional system plans and goals assure that the service quality can be of high quality as measured by industry or public policy standards and be established by an open, visible procedure including, but not limited to, public notice and hearings. A clear linkage between revenue and service should be maintained. Fee proceeds from one service should not be used to fund another regional service. Regional Systems (IV -C) The regional investment in metropolitan systems must be maintained and preserved by preventing adverse impact because of the lack of integration and coordination between regional and local planning. 22 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies Regional system designation should only be approved if there is a compelling metropolitan problem or concern that can best be addressed through the designation. Prior to requesting legislative approval for a system, the Metropolitan Council must discuss the proposal with the region. Coordination of Local & Regional Plans (IV -D) The regional planning process must, on a continual basis, have the input of local government officials. To ensure input, the Metropolitan Council should hold hearings and provide public notice and copies of proposals regarding amendments to the Metropolitan Development Guide. Metropolitan system plans must be specific in terms of locations, capacities and timing to allow for consideration in local comprehensive planning. System plans should clearly state the criteria by which the local plans will be judged for consistency. The system plans should also clearly state the criteria that will be used to find that a local plan has a substantial impact on or contains a substantial departure from the metropolitan system plans. The Metropolitan Council should continue to offer assistance to cities. The assistance should include but not be limited to staff support, research, policy guidelines, system statements and procedures for the review and evaluation of plans and amendments. The Metropolitan Council, in its review of local plan amendments, must have a procedure that will: ♦ Recognize that the Metropolitan Council's role is to review and comment, unless there is a substantial impact on or departure from the system plans. ♦ Establish an open dialogue between cities and the Metropolitan Council, including public meetings and public hearings. ♦ Be aware of the statutory time constraints imposed by the legislature on plan amendments and development applications. 2001 Legislative Policies 23 Metropolitan Agencies ♦ Provide for immediate effectuation of plan amendments, which have no potential for substantial impact on systems plans. ♦ Require the information needed for the Metropolitan Council to complete its review, but not prescribe additional content or format beyond that is required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (MLPA). Growth Management Strategy (IV -E) The Metropolitan Council should continue its flexible guided growth policy regarding Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) expansion requests as outlined in the Regional Blueprint. The Metropolitan Council in cooperation with State Planning and the counties adjacent to the region should develop growth management strategies for the collar counties. The strategies should focus on policies that can be implemented by local governments within the adjacent counties and state agencies rather than extending the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council to additional counties. All strategies should complement and recognize gro-vth policies being implemented within the region. ♦ If regional services are to be extended to the collar counties, the services should only be extended if there is a specific problem (environment or transportation) that can be best resolved by extending the service. The area receiving the services must pay for the service extension and agree to growth management strategies consistent with those of the metropolitan area. ♦ In developing and providing incentives for implementing its regional objectives, the Metropolitan Council should consider and give credit for a city's experience in implementing its comprehensive plan and the Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint. Local Plan Implementation (IV -F) Local governments are responsible for zoning. These zoning decisions should not be conditioned upon approvals by the Metropolitan Council or other governmental agency. The AMM is open to the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures prior to judicial remedies. 24 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies Alternative dispute resolution could reduce costs and time for all parties involved in the dispute. The AMM strongly opposes the creation of an appeals board that could supersede city planning or zoning decisions. Metropolitan Council Focus on Planning (IV -G) Long-range planning should continue to be the primary function of the Metropolitan Council. In conducting long-range planning, the Metropolitan Council should periodically update and revise the vision for the region. As part of its long-range planning, the Metropolitan Council should include analysis of trends, plans, policies and programs that could impact or link the regional growth centers in Greater Minnesota to the metropolitan area. In addition to its long-range planning function, the Metropolitan Council should maintain and expand its technical and research services to cities. The services should assist cities in completing its planning mandates but also in conducting special studies and projects. For cities to meet their planning mandates, the Metropolitan Council must ensure that its planning, data collection and dissemination functions are fulfilled in a timely manner and are consistent with its statutory obligations. Budget Process & Work Program Evaluation (IV -H) The Metropolitan Council's annual budget should present revenue and expenditure budgets by the services provided. Mandated and non -discretionary projects should be identified along with their funding sources. Previous year's history should also be provided. The annual budget should maintain linkages between expenses and revenues.In addition, the funds or reserve funds raised for a particular service should not be used or commingled with the funds raised for any other service or activity. The Metropolitan Council's work program should meet four tests: ♦ The issue or problem identified is important to the region's well-being. 2001 Legislative Policies 25 Metropolitan Agencies ♦ Metropolitan Council intervention or activity will produce a positive result. ♦ The Metropolitan Council's action does not duplicate or serve as a substitute for a state level program or effort or what should be a state level activity. ♦ The Metropolitan Council is the most appropriate agency to intervene or perform the activity. Criteria for Extension of Metropolitan Governance Authority (IV -1) The legislature, if granting the metropolitan governance structure additional responsibility or authority, should be specific in the grant. New or expanded authority should be considered only when one or more of the following exist: ♦ The service, function or activity has been shown to be needed and it can be demonstrated that it cannot or is not being effectively or efficiently provided through existing general purpose units of government. ♦ The service, function or activity is not an appropriate state level or local government level activity or function. ♦ Regional intervention is needed for protection of the region's investment in an existing metropolitan system. Restructuring of Metropolitan Agencies (IV -J) The Sports Facilities Commission and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) are currently metropolitan commissions. The legislature should make the sports facility commission a local commission if the back-up tax is limited to one city or is expanded to additional cities. If the tax is extended to other cities, the commission should be restructured to have membership from those cities. The legislature should clarify the status of the MAC so that it becomes either a metropolitan or state directed agency. The determining factor in the agency decision is the nature of the commissions back-up tax. If the tax will be a metropolitan area tax, its membership should come from the metropolitan area. If the 26 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies back-up tax is statewide, then the MAC should have statewide representation. In selecting membership on the MAC board, the governor should give primary consideration for representation from communities impacted by the operations of the MAC airports. Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (IV -K) The legislature has debated proposals to amend the process to select Metropolitan Council members. Proposals to elect the members directly or to elect county commissioners as Metropolitan Council members have been discussed but not enacted into law. The AMM has studied the governance issue and has released a separate "Metropolitan Governance Report" (October 1998). The report notes that there is no regional crisis that requires a governance change, but did recommend that Metropolitan Council members serve fixed, staggered terms. The AMM further recommends that no changes be made to the Metropolitan Council unless a governance proposal meets a set of criteria. The intent of the criteria is to fashion a regional governance structure that has a distinct mission, but does not establish a political subdivision with local government powers or one that is a state agency. The Metropolitan Council should have a distinct mission of long-range planning and operation of legislatively - authorized regional services. The criteria include: Terms of Office Members should serve fixed, staggered terms. Metropolitan Council Powers The Metropolitan Council should continue to be a long-range, planning agency and potentially an operator or oversight agency for regional services. As such, the Metropolitan Council must maintain planning, coordinating and local assistance as a high priority. 2001 Legislative Policies 27 Metropolitan Agencies Additional Pozwrs New powers must not expand or override city responsibilities, especially land use regulation authority. The Metropolitan Council must not become an agency with general local government powers. State Role The legislature should focus on broad oversight of the Metropolitan Council's mission and services. Local Government Local elected officials must be involved in the selection process of Metropolitan Council members and there must be a mechanism to facilitate meaningful dialogue and input between the Metropolitan Council and cities. Collar Counties The metropolitan region clearly includes the seven designated counties and the adjacent eleven Minnesota counties, as well as three Wisconsin counties. The needs of the entire metropolitan region beyond the current seven county region must be addressed. Metropolitan Council Members The selection process must strive to appoint Metropolitan Council members who have an understanding of and will be responsive to the district represented, as well as be responsive to the best interests of the region. The selection process should limit the potential influence and support (including financial) of special interests. Parks & Open Space: Operation & Maintenance Capital Funding (IV -L) The governor and the legislature should continue to appropriate funding for the operation and maintenance of regional parks. The level of funding should be equal to the statutory goal of 40 percent of the total budget. Regional parks essentially serve the role of state parks in the metropolitan area and the acquisition, development and improvement of the parks should continue to be funded, in part, with state resources. 28 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies Surface & Groundwater Water Management (IV -M) If legislation is considered for surface water management, it should be based on the following principles: ♦ The legislature should provide full funding if it mandates additional water management planning or implementing activities by local units of government. ♦ Local units of government should continue to be responsible for the organization and operation of surface and groundwater management, since they are the closest to the problem. Therefore, legislation enacted in 1999 limiting representation on boards of Water Management Organizations (WMOs) should be repealed. ♦ New state requirements should not add to local costs and duplicate reviews/ approvals should be reduced or eliminated. The AMM would support the following initiatives/ action: ♦ A state grant program similar to those currently administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BOWSR) should be established to assist WMOs in the metropolitan area to implement their plans. ♦ The legislature should clarify that the joint power WMOs can, with the approval of its participating governments, separately levy a tax for its programs. ♦ A thorough assessment of the BOWSR structure and authorities to ascertain if it should continue to be the approval and oversight agency for surface water management planning and activities in the metropolitan area. ♦ A thorough assessment of the metropolitan area surface water management planning and permitting process with the objective of developing improvements in conflict resolution, better coordination between state and local agencies, and streamlining the project permit approvals process. ♦ Compliance by local units of government located outside of the metropolitan area with the same standards and requirements 2001 Legislative Policies 29 Metropolitan Agencies for surface water management as those imposed on local units within the metropolitan area. ♦ A technical evaluation of the impact of 2:1 wetland replacement in the urbanized area on the goal of greater urban densities as stated in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint. Water Supply (IV -N) Additional legislation pertaining to local or regional water supply planning is not warranted. If legislation, however, is proposed it should be based on the following principles: ♦ Local units should retain the basic responsibility for water supply planning and management as in current law. ♦ The state should fund additional mandates. ♦ Potable water should not be designated a regional system. Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment System (IV -0) The regional wastewater treatment system has improved the water quality of the regions major river and lakes. The system should not be permitted to break up or to diminish its effectiveness. Since all users benefit equally, the regional user rates should be uniform by type of user. Waste Stream Management (IV -P) The legislature should enact legislation which will: ♦ Establish goals to reduce, recycle and reuse packaging materials and establish fees, taxes or deposits to encourage accomplishment of the goals. The revenues would be waived when the goals are met. Available revenues would be used to promote or enhance local programs to achieve the goals. ♦ Continue the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) as an agency that primarily assists local governments to manage waste effectively. 30 2001 Legislative Policies Metropolitan Agencies ♦ Continue the role of cities in waste stream management unless a state or metropolitan system is established to achieve the same goal. ♦ Distribute all proceeds from any funding system for solid waste management activities and require distribution of funds to all entities involved in the system. ♦ Provide that host communities for solid waste facilities will not have a financial liability for costs associated with operating and monitoring the facility. Such costs should be borne by the operator and in the absence of regulations should be assumed by the state. ♦ Maintain, at a minimum, the current compensation level permitted through surcharge fees and increase the level as well as making the compensation available to all types of solid waste facilities. ♦ Define municipal solid waste not to be a hazardous substance. The definition would enhance the ability of local governments. 2001 Legislative Policies 31 Metropolitan Agencies 32 2001 Legislative Policies Transportation Funding (V-A) Transportation (V) The AMM strongly supports increased funding for transit and highways, both of which are a critical need in the metropolitan area. In addition, funding for mass transit including transit ways, light rail or heavy rail in existing corridors should be dedicated in a manner consistent with current highway funding. Funds allocated to the metropolitan area should be flexible so that the most efficient and cost effective transportation solution may be chosen and the main metropolitan problem (congestion relief) can be addressed. The AMM supports a constitutional amendment dedicating the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax and/or other revenue source to a new Surface Transportation Multimodal fund from which an appropriate amount is allocated to the Highway User Tax Distribution fund to replace the auto license tab fee reduction of 2000, and the remaining amount to be used for transit and/or highway needs as priority dictates. The AMM will support a general gas tax increase only if accompanied by this constitutional amendment provision. Regional Transit System (V -B) To provide travel choices to reduce congestion and automobile dependency the Regional Transit System should be a combination of integrated traffic management systems which include use of HOV lanes, express buses, exclusive transit ways, light rail transit, and commuter rail corridors built to connect residents to job, retail and commercial centers, plus a variety of other transit modes, including taxi, bus, pedestrian and bicycle. The AMM supports an increase in Metropolitan Transit Funding at a minimum to support the current system but preferably at a level 2001 Legislative Policies 33 Transportation to increase metro transit capability to equal growth and provide much needed congestion relief. Park-and-ride facilities for mass transit modes adequate to connect the regional centers, major trip generators and communities, both urban and suburban, should have integrated feeder systems to accommodate local buses, automobiles, van pools, bicycles, as well as walking facilities. The Metropolitan Council should work with local units of government to encourage appropriate land use controls along designated transit corridors to promote transit ridership. Metro Transit Property Tax (V -C) The property tax for Metro Transit is approaching $100 million annually and provides nearly 40 percent of the metro area transit revenues, which is the highest in the U.S. The AMM supports transit property tax relief through the use of alternative revenue sources such as a dedicated portion of metro area sales tax. Shifting the property tax levy amount to a state appropriation is unacceptable since over two-thirds of the total transit operations budget would then be subjected to the uncertainties of the state appropriation process. The AMM also opposes using city HACA or LGA to offset the transit levy since this is merely substituting one property tax levy for another. Whatever alternative revenue source is used should provide for significant growth, which currently is about 7.8 percent, and maintain current optout transit funding at comparable levels. Transportation Utility (V -D) The AMM requests the legislature to authorize cities to establish a transportation utility for street maintenance and reconstruction of aging infrastructure, similar to the existing storm water utility, so that costs of improved facilities can be more fairly charged to the users rather than the general population as a whole. Highway Turnbacks & Funding (V -E) The AMM supports jurisdictional reassignment or turnback of roads on a phased basis using functional classification and other appropriate criteria subject to a corresponding mechanism for 34 2001 Legislative Policies Transportation adequate funding of roadway improvements and continuing maintenance. Cities do not currently have the financial capacity other than significant property tax increase to absorb the additional roadway responsibilities without new funding sources. The existing municipal turnback fund is not adequate based on contemplated turnbacks. '3C' Transportation Planning Process: Elected Officials Role (V -F) The AMM supports continuation of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), a majority of local elected officials membership on the TAB itself and the TAB process, which was developed to meet federal requirements for designation of the Metropolitan Council as the Metropolitan Planning Organization that is responsible for the continuous, comprehensive and cooperative (3C) transportation planning process to allocate federal funds among metropolitan area projects. This process requirement was reinforced by the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and the 1998 Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA21). Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.): Traffic Law Compliance (V -G) The AMM requests legislative action authorizing utilization of motion imaging recording system technology for governmental units, including cities, on streets and highways to assist promotion of safety and traffic law compliance enforcement. The technology has been proven and is currently used for law enforcement by numerous states, municipalities and other countries. The state should at least implement a pilot project on municipal streets in the metropolitan area. Airport Noise Mitigation (V -H) Equitable noise mitigation programs needs to be developed to address the increased traffic and noise due to the expansion of the MSP International Airport. In 1996, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) was charged with developing a mitigation package for legislative consideration in 1997. Also, in 1999, the Governor's Community Stability Funding Task Force was created to identify and recommend funding sources for implementation of noise mitigation measures. Significant funding for noise mitigation still has not been identified or appropriated. The AMM believes 2001 Legislative Policies 35 Transportation costs associated with all types of noise mitigation should be borne by the airport (MAC) and the state. The airport is considered a statewide facility and provides tremendous economic benefit to the region -- a benefit that does not come without responsibility to the citizens adversely impacted. The MAC and state should seek long- term solutions and provide stable and significant funding to mitigate noise impacts. Funding may include, but is not limited to, those funds recommended by the 1999-2000 Governor's Community Stability Funding Task Force. By 2003, the year the new North/South runway will be operational, the Environmental Quality Board should establish guidelines for airport noise (including low frequency) in consultation with the MAC, Metropolitan Council, MSP Noise Mitigation Committee and affected cities. Noise mitigation programs should be implemented as soon as possible to the 60 DNL -- as enacted by the legislature in 1996. In addition to the MSP International Airport, impacts, including environmental and low frequency noise, must be identified at all MAC airports and applicable mitigation measures implemented by MAC. Traffic Control Devices (MN/DOT Administrative) (V-1) The AMM understands the need for the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The AMM also recognizes that unique situations within municipalities occasionally may not be adequately addressed by the standards in the manual. Therefore, the AMM encourages the Department of Transportation to more strongly take into consideration unique local conditions and circumstances when examining local requests for traffic control devices. In addition, the AMM would support the establishment of a peer appeals review board to review, when requested by a local municipality, specific situations when the quantitative warrant criteria in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices are not met. 36 2001 Legislative Policies Committee Rosters (VI) Housing & Economic Development Craig Waldron (Chair), Administrator, Oakdale Janis Callison, Councilmember, Minnetonka Dave Callister, Clerk -Administrator, Osseo Mike Campbell, IGR Director, St. Paul Sharon Cassen, Councilmember, New Hope Dan Donahue, Manager, New Hope Matt Fulton, Manager, New Brighton Tom Goodwin, Councilmember, Apple Valley Patrick Harris, Councilmember, St. Paul Regina Harris, HRA Director, Bloomington Vivian Hart, Councilmember, West St. Paul Andrea Hart Kajer, IGR Director, Minneapolis Brian Herron, Councilmember, Minneapolis Jan LeSuer, Councilmember, Golden Valley Lonni McCauley, Mayor, Coon Rapids Peter Meintsma, Mayor, Crystal Joan Molenaar, Councilmember, Champlin Ron Rankin, Community Development Director, Minnetonka Char Samuelson, Councilmember, New Brighton Mark Sather, Manager, White Bear Lake Marlaine Szurek, Councilmember, Columbia Heights 2001 Legislative Policies 37 Committee Rosters Jerry Turnquist, Councilmember, Oak Park Heights Liz Workman, Councilmember, Burnsville Metropolitan Agencies Mary Anderson (Co -Chair), Mayor, Golden Valley Sandra Krebsbach (Co -Chair), Councilmember, Mendota Heights Larry Bakken, Councilmember, Golden Valley Bill Barnhart, Government Relations Representative, Minneapolis Cathy Busho, Mayor, Rosemount Mike Campbell, IGR Director, St. Paul Joan Campbell, Councilmember, Minneapolis Matt Fulton, Manager, New Brighton David Grant, Councilmember, Arden Hills Ken Hartung, Administrator, Bayport Marvin Johnson, Mayor, Independence Jane Kansier, Planning Coordinator, Prior Lake Barrett Lane, Councilmember, Minneapolis Larry Lee, Director of Community Development, Bloomington Tom Link, Director of Development & Prot. Serv., Inver Grove Heights Lynn Moratzka, Councilmember, Hastings Mark Nagel, Manager, Anoka Dave Schaaf, Mayor, Oak Park Heights Terry Schneider, Councilmember, Minnetonka Charlotte Shover, Councilmember, Burnsville Russ Susag, Councilmember, Richfield Mike Ulrich, Acting.Administrator, Mounds View Donn Wiski, Councilmember, Roseville 38 2001 Legislative Policies Committee Rosters Municipal Revenue & Taxation Frank Boyles (Chair), Manager, Prior Lake Karen Anderson, Mayor, Minnetonka Larry Bakken, Councilmember, Golden Valley Curt Boganey, Manager, Brooklyn Park Scott Botcher, Manager, Chanhassen Edward Burrell, Treasurer & Finance Director, Roseville Thomas Burt, Administrator, Rosemount Dave Callister, Clerk -Administrator, Osseo Don Collier, Councilmember, New Hope Tom Cran, Budget Analysis, St. Paul Steve Devich, Assistant Manager, Richfield Pat Harris, Councilmember, St. Paul Ken Hartung, Administrator, Bayport Terri Heaton, Chief Financial Officer, Bloomington James Keinath, Administrator, Circle Pines Jim Knutson, Finance Director, Anoka Tom Lawell, Administrator, Apple Valley Joe Lynch, Administrator, Arden Hills Michael Madigan, Councilmember, Woodbury Peter Meintsma, Mayor, Crystal Tom Melena, Administrator, Oak Park Heights John Moir, Finance Officer, Minneapolis Mike Mornson, Manager, St. Anthony Jim Norman, Administrator, Ramsey Steve O'Malley, Deputy City Manager, Burnsville Ryan Schroeder, Administrator, Cottage Grove 2001 Legislative Policies 39 Committee Rosters James Smith, Councilmember, Independence Jerry Splinter, Manager, Coon Rapids Deb Sturdevant, Councilmember, Champlin Kathy Thurber, Councilmember, Minneapolis John Wallin, Finance Director, Edina Jim Willis, Administrator, Inver Grove Heights Transportation & General Government Veid Muiznieks (Chair), Councilmember, St. Paul Park Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmember, Arden Hills Bob Bruton, Councilmember, North St. Paul Charlie Crichton, Councilmember, Burnsville Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to City Manager, Richfield Dan Donahue, Manager, New Hope Sharon Feess, Councilmember, Brooklyn Park Mary Hamann -Roland, Mayor, Apple Valley William Hargis, Mayor, Woodbury Jon Hohenstein, Administrator, Mahtomedi Wayne Houle, Assistant Engineer, Edina Barbara Johnson, Councilmember, Minneapolis Mike Klassen, St. Paul Steve Larson, Councilmember, New Brighton Charles Lenthe, Director of Public Works, Blaine Sandra Masin, Councilmember, Eagan Mark McNeill, Administrator, Shakopee Dore Mead, Councilmember, Minneapolis Ed Nelson, Councilmember, Brooklyn Center Jerry Newton, Councilmember, Coon Rapids 40 2001 Legislative Policies Committee Rosters Samantha Orduno, Administrator, Richfield Dave Schaaf, Mayor, Oak Park Heights James Smith, Councilmember, Independence Julie Wasiluk, Councilmember, Maplewood John Weaver, Councilmember, Anoka Donn Wiski, Councilmember, Roseville Heather Worthington, Administrator, Falcon Heights Duan Zaun, Mayor, Lakeville 2001 Legislative Policies 41