HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-06-2000Dummy
OCTOBER 6, 2000
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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
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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
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9
10
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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
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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
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hour
Lake Room
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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
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7:00 PM PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
S
6
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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
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25
7:00 PM PACT -
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
Bass Lake
HOLIDAY - City
HOLIDAY - City
Room
Center Offices
Center Offices
Closed
Closed
26
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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
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Nov 2000
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
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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
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7:00 PM
7:00 PM HRA -
PLANNING
Medicine Lake
COMMISSION,
Room
Council
Hanukkah
Chambers
begins at sunset
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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
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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
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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
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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
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OCT 3X00
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L—CITY OF PLYMOUTH
CMWMTY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
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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