HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 09-08-2000a
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2000
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.
NOTE: Ward 1 Councilmember Tim Bildsoe is available to meet with residents and
receive their comments in the Council Conference Room, beginning at 6:00
PMprior to Regular Council meetings.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 7: 00 PM REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING—TOPICS.•
HOLLYLANE, PLYMOUTH CIVIC
LEAGUE, MILLENNIUM GARDEN,
Public Safety Training Room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING:
INTERVIEW YOUTH CANDIDATES FOR
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake Room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 7: 00 PM
2. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
3. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 5: 00 PM
4. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 5:00 PM
5. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7: 00 PM
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
PRIMARYELECTION DAY
Polls are open from 7:00 AM — 8:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL SEAT FILINGS CLOSE
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CITY
COUNCIL RACE
PARK AND RECREA TION AD VISOR Y
COMMISSION (PRA C), Council Chambers
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
September 8, 2000
6. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16,
10: 00 AM -5:00 PM
Page 2
AUTUMN ARTS FAIR, Parkers Lake Park
7. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, PLANNING COMMISSION, Council
7:00 PM Chambers
8. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7: 00 PM HRA, Medicine Lake Room
9. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 7: 00 PM PUBLIC SAFETYADVISORY BOARD,
Public Safety Library
10. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-10)
11. September, October, and November Calendars are attached. (M -I1)
1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a) Letters from Planning Manager Barb Senness to residents regarding Planning
Commission items:
1) Neighborhood meeting on September 27 to review study findings for
Comprehensive Plan Update Study Area "E" (I -]a. 1)
2) Conditional Use Permit for Sprint PCS on the September 20 Planning
Commission agenda (7-1a.2)
2. MINUTES
a) Plymouth Human Rights Commission September 7 meeting. (I -2a)
3. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter from Park Director Eric Blank to Eric Lee and Brady Wolff regarding
development of a skate park in Plymouth. A copy of Eric and Brady's original
letter is attached. (I -3a)
b) Letter from Park Director Eric Blank to Blake Vittel regarding development of a
skate park in Plymouth. A copy of Blake's original letter is attached. (I -3b)
4. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
a) Municipal Legislative Commission's MLC UPDATE. (I -4a)
S. COUNCIL ITEMS
a) As of noon, Friday September 8, the attached filings have been made for the
November elections. For further information about filing, contact City Clerk
Sandy Paulson, 509-5080. (1--5a)
ly�•�
Tentative Schedule for \�
City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items \l
September 26
• Consider Speed Hump Request on Niagara Lane from Gleason Lake Drive to 91h
Avenue
• Public hearing on issuance of up to $3,000,000 of tax-exempt bonds for Daily
Printing, Inc. for its facility located at 2333 Niagara Lane
• Public hearing on On—Sale/Sunday Intoxicating Liquor License for LeCarnassier
LLC., d/b/a Red Robin America's Gourmet Burgers and Spirits, 15535 -34th Avenue
North
• Public Hearing on Levy Certification Tax Rate Increase
• Reconsider "No Parking" Restriction on 23rd Avenue (tabled from September 5)
October 10
• Consider Speed Hump Request on 8th Avenue (continued from July 25)
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
September 2000
Sunday Monday I Tuesday I Wednesday T Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Oct 2000
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Aug 2000
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LABOR DAY -
7:00 PM
6:30 PM EQC,
7:00 PM
City Offices
REGULAR
Medicine Lake
HUMAN
Closed
COUNCIL
Room
RIGHTS
MEETING,
Council
7:00 PM
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Chambers
PLANNING
Room
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
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5:00 PM
COUNCIL SEAT
FILINGS
CLOSE
PRIMARY
ELECTION DAY
- Polls are open
7 AM - 8 PM
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
Chambers
10:00 AM -5:00
PM AUTUMN
ARTS FAIR,
Parkers Lake
Park
5:30 PM
SPECIAL
COUNCIL
MEETING:
HOLLY LANE,
PLYMOUTH
CIVIC LEAGUE,
MILLENNIUM
GARDEN, Public
Safety Training
Room
17
18
19
20
21
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23
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,Room
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
9:00 AM - 3:30
PM,
PLYMOUTH
Council
7:00 PM PUBLIC
CLEAN-UP
Chambers
SAFETY
DAY, Public
ADVISORY
BOARD, Public
Safety Library
Works
Maintenance
Facility
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25
26
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30
11 -ESSI
OUNCIL, Rads nIIUSH.W
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake
Rosh Hashanah
begins at sunset
5:30 PMS
COUNCIL MEETING:
Room
INTERVIEW YOUTH
APPLICANTS TO YOUTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL 8
HUMAN RIGHTS
COkMRoomION, Medicine
7'.00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
modified on 9/8/2000
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
October 2000
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6:30 PM EQC,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
1:00 PM -5:00
PM
PLYMOUTH ON
PARADE
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM TASTE
OF
CHOCOLATE,
Plymouth Creek
Center
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
COLUMBUS
DAY
(OBSERVED),
Public Works
Division closed
5:30 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL
MEETING: CITY
MANAGER
EVALUATION,
Bass Lake Room
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
Chamf ee s Council
Yom Kippur
begins at sunset
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PLANNING
COMMISSION,
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
Room
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Public
Safety Library
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23
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25
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27
28
7:00 PM
YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL,
Radisson Hotel
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake
Room
7:00 PM -9:00
PM LEAGUE
OF WOMEN
VOTERS
CANDIDATE
FORUM,
Council
Chambers
Chambers
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Nov 2000
Sep 2000
DAYLIGHT
SAVINGS
ENDS - set
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modified on 9/8/2000
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
November 2000
Sunday Monday Tuesday
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Saturday
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S M T W T F S
Dec 2000
S M T W T F S
6:30 PM EQC,
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM - 8:30
PM, VOLUNTEER
RECOGNITION
EVENT, Plymouth
Creek Center
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
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GENERAL
7:00 PM PRAC,
VETERANS
YOUTH
ELECTION -
Council
DAY
ADVISORY
Polls open 7 AM
Chambers
(OBSERVED),
COUNCIL,
- close 8 PM
City Offices
Medicine Lake
Closed
Room
12
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15
16
17
18
7:00 PM
REGULAR
7:00 PM
PLANNING
7:00 PM CHARTER
LaOke MMRoomIOIJ, Bass
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
COMMISSION,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake Room
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY ADVISORY
BOARD, Public Safety
Library
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7:00 PM PACT -
THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING
YOUTH
Bass Lake
HOLIDAY - City
HOLIDAY - City
ADVISORY
Room
Center Offices
Center Offices
COUNCIL,
Closed
Closed
Medicine Lake
Room
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30
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL,
Radisson Hotel
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
Chambers
modified on 9/8/2000
September 6, 2000
Dear Property Owner:
atv of
PLVMOUTR
You are invited to attend a neighborhood meeting to review potential changes to Plymouth's
Land Use Plan that may affect your property.
On August 8, 2000, the City of Plymouth adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan. During the
course of updating the plan, the City identified several areas that have a potential for change in
land use. Our records indicate that your property is located in one of the areas where change
may occur. Your property is in what the City has designated "Study Area E."
A neighborhood meeting for landowners in this area is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday,
September 27, 2000, in the City Hall lunchroom. The neighborhood meeting is an opportunity
for you to learn about the City's study of this area and how potential changes in land use might
affect your property. This is an opportunity for landowners to discuss land use options with staff
and provide feedback prior to a formal public hearing.
A public meeting to review the study area findings and set a public hearing date for any proposed
land use changes is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. A
listing of meeting dates is attached.
Your comments and questions regarding the study area are welcome. Please write or e-mail
Kendra Lindahl, the principal reviewer (klindahl@ci.plymouth.mn.us) or telephone her at (763)
509-5453. All comments will be shared with the City Council and Planning Commission as we
go forward with the planning process.
Sincerely,
Barbara G. Senness, AICP
Planning Manager
Enclosure
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD
PLYMOUTH A Bc
Location Map -20043
City of Plymouth
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PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 e TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
Public Process
Land Use Plan Changes in Study Area E
Meeting Date and Time
Activity
Wednesday, September 27, 2000
Staff meeting with property owners in Study Area E
7:00 p.m.
• Review staff recommendations
• Get feedback from affected property owners
Wednesday, October 18, 2000
Planning Commission meeting
7:00 p.m.
• Review study area findings and set date for public
hearing
Wednesday, November 15, 2000
Planning Commission meeting (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
• Hold public hearing on proposed land use changes
Tuesday, November 28, 2000
City Council meeting (tentative)
7:00 p.m.
• Consideration of proposed land use changes
Interim Ordinance expires on December 31, 2000
September 8, 2000
SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CARLSON & HARRINGTON,
INC./SPRINT PCS (20127)
Dear Property Owner:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a
request by Carlson & Harrington, Inc./Sprint PCS, under File 20127, for a conditional use
permit to co -locate 12 panel antennas to be roof -mounted on the Wellington Apartments at
17210 County Road 6.
Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal.
You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the
Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 20, 2000, in the
Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be
invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to
call the City Planning Department at 509-5450 for more information.
INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development
Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays.
Sincerely,
*nw IXYD^Ag' ]
Barbara G. Senness, AICP
Planning Manager
20127propnotice
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Location Map -20127
Carlson 8 Harrington /
17210 Co Rd 6.
Request for a CUP.
PLYMOUTH sl2Cit) of
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MIN Ptyrtaath Minnesota
www.d.plymouthnn.us
Land Use Guide Plan
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CC , city center
Co, commercial omce
IP, Planned Industrial
LA -'-Living Area 1
LA -2, Living Area 2
• LA -3, Lng Area 3
LA -4, Living Area 4
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Plymouth Human Rights Commission
September 7, 2000
Minutes
Commissioners
Present
Absent
Harold Lederman
Claudelle Carruthers
Jackie Fraedrich
Mitzi Heath
Lisa Hunter
Patricia Izek
Joan Jensen
Rebecca Malinsky
Perssis Meshkat
Ruth Ruffin
Becky Wheeler
Vacant - student
Vacant - student
Vacant - student
Ginny Clark
Vacant -school district 270
Also present: Councilmember Brad Brown and Assistant City Manager Laurie Ahrens.
A meeting of the Human Rights Commission was held beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the
Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September 7, 2000.
Laurie Ahrens noted that no quorum was present for official business of the Commission;
however, internal Commission business and discussion could be conducted.
Apartment Issues
Ruth Ruffin reported on a housing issue that she has been working on for the past several
months with a resident of Lakeview Commons. The resident has had problems with the
landlord, and her lease was not renewed. The resident believes this action relates to race.
The resident was referred to HomeLine, Interfaith Outreach, and the City's housing
division. Legal Aid has represented her in court on the issue, but the outcome is yet
unknown. She receives housing assistance and is very concerned about being homeless
with three children. Her termination date is September 30.
Laurie Ahrens reported on a contact with a senior resident of Coachman Trails who
indicated that two young on-site managers are very nasty to senior residents. The
resident believes there is some age -based discrimination occurring. She was advised to
contact HomeLine, as well as notify the City's housing division. The resident had
already notified the management company and owner of the property, but has had no
positive response.
Brad Brown reported that a group of residents from Kimberly Meadows apartments
appeared at the City Council meeting earlier this week. They have received a letter from
the owner notifying them that the owner may be discontinuing the Section 8 contract. He
explained that many of the Section 8 contracts are expiring after being in effect for 20
years. The City Council pledged to support them in any way possible, but the City's
options are quite limited. He said that the City's housing division is working with MHFA
to try to identify financing alternatives. Ruth Ruffin reported that residents of Willow
Woods have received a similar notice.
Discussion was held on all of these issues related to apartment complexes in the City.
Harold Lederman suggested that Lakeview Commons and Coachman Trails be notified
that the Human Rights Commission has received a complaint from a resident, describing
the nature of the complaint, and offering assistance to resolve the problem.
Ginny Clark suggested that she and Ruth Ruffin meet to identify and discuss issues that
have occurred in the past relating to the Wayzata School District. Jackie Fraedrich
offered a suggestion that it may be a positive step for the district to identify a contact
person in each school so that when the Human Rights Commission is notified of a
concern or the District is aware of an incident, one person can coordinate the response
and communication. Laurie Ahrens suggested that the Human Rights Commission invite
school liaison officers, CONECT, and the City's Housing Supervisor to future meetings
for a dialogue on various issues. Jackie Fraedrich also suggested a meeting with the
special education directors from the four school districts. These topics will be placed on
future agendas when a full commission is appointed.
Ordinance relating to Handicapped Transfer Zones
Laurie Ahrens reported that the City Council has adopted an ordinance relating to
handicapped transfer zones. For several years, a resident has been concerned about
handicapped access issues at her apartment complex. She felt that the police department
should ticket vehicles that block a pedestrian curbcut used by handicapped individuals.
In 1999, the Human Rights Commission was contacted by the resident and recommended
to the City Council that an ordinance be considered relating to enforcement of no parking
at curbcuts in the City. The Council referred this to the Public Safety Advisory Board,
and the Police Department identified a state statute that allows cities to designate areas as
transfer zones for disabled persons. Since the location of the transfer zone is on private
property, the cooperation of the apartment owner was needed as well, in order to properly
resolve this issue and to allow the police department to issue citations on private property.
Plymouth on Parade
Ruth Ruffin noted that the Human Rights Commission is registered as a unit in the
Plymouth on Parade on October 7. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and she encouraged all
members to participate. The Human Rights Commission will host a booth at LifeTime
Fitness following the parade. Ruth Ruffin and Patricia Izek will make arrangements for
the event.
Membership
Laurie Ahrens reported that Commissioners have received no response from Perssis
Meshkat or Rebecca Malinski as to whether they want to continue membership. There
are two additional student vacancies on the Commission. The City Council will be
conducting interviews of students interested in membership on September 26 and
appointments should be made in early October.
Report on Essay Contest
Joan Jensen has everything organized and prepared for the annual essay contest. She will
soon begin distribution of materials to teachers, with a deadline for submission in March
rather than December as in past years.
Annual League of Human Rights Conference
Members were requested to contact staff if they are interested in attending the Annual
League of Human Rights Conference in Shoreview on September 23.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
September 6, 2000
Eric Lee and Brady Wolff
1105 W. Medicine Lake Dr.
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Eric and Brady:
IT C
PLYMOUTFF
I received your letter regarding a skate park in Plymouth. I am happy to report that soon the
Park Commission and City Council will consider if we should build a skate park th4t would be
open the summer of 2001. This facility would be located in the parking lot immediately east of
the Plymouth Ice Center. At this time, I am anticipating that it would be a very inexpensive,
or possibly free, skating facility. Further news about the possible development of this facility
will be in the "Plymouth News" and the City's recreation brochure, "Plymouth Leisure
Times," in future months.
Thank you for taking the time to write. I am forwarding your letter to both the Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission and the City Council, so that they are aware of your interest
in this subject.
Sincerely,
9,Pz- &,vz
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
Cc: Wity Council
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
Auaust 23, 2000
City of Plymouth
3400 Plvmouth Blvd,
Plymouth. MN 55447-1482
Dear City of Plymouth,
My name is Eric Lee and I am 11 vears old. My friend Brady Wolff and I are anxious for
a skate park in the Plymouth area. We would run fund raisers for the making of the
Dark and find volunteers and other workers to build this park. We can't do this alone.
We need the City of Plymouth's heir). Brady and I need your help finding the property
and the facilities for the before mentioned park. The facilities would include a medium
sized building with men and women rest rooms to accommodate customers. Please
consider our Idea and please write us back as soon as you can. Thank you for your
time.
Sincerely.
So
Eric Lee and Brady_ Wolff
1105 W. Medicine Lake Dr. i
Plymouth, MN 55441
September 6, 2000
Blake Vettel
715 Alvarado Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Blake:
j
CITY OF
PLYMOUTH+
I received your letter regarding a skate park in Plymouth. I am happy to report that soon the
Park Commission and City Council will consider if we should build a skate park that would be
open the summer of 2001. This facility would be located in the parking lot immediately east of
the Plymouth Ice Center. At this time, I am anticipating that it would be a very inexpensive,
or possibly free, skating facility. Further news about the possible development of this facility
will be in the "Plymouth News" and the City's recreation brochure, "Plymouth Leisure
Times," in future months.
Thank you for taking the time to write. I am forwarding your letter to both the Park and
Recreation Advisory Commission and the City Council, so that they are aware of your interest
in this subject.
Sincerely,
F,�� &We -
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
Cc: i/City Council
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Pface To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
®.—�— www.d.plymouth.mn.us
September 4, 2000
Mr. Eric J. Blank
Director
Plymouth Parks and Recreation Board
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Blake Vettel
715 Alvarado Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
(763) 476-1870
My name is Blake Vettel. I am a fourth grader at Gleason Lake Elementary School. I
like to skateboard and rollerblade.
I am writing you this letter because I think it would be a good idea to build a community
skate park for skateboarding and rollerblading in Plymouth. We need a skate park in
Plymouth so there is a safe place for kids like me to skateboard.
I would like to know what I can do to help the city get a skate park like Maple Grove,
Hopkins, Chaska and Brooklyn Park. I have included some information on building
skate parks that I found on the Internet.
I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.
Sincerely,
BlakeV ette
—� %et4--�
Cc: Mayor Joy Tierney
San
It seems to us that most towns and cities have a need for a
skate park. Many cities have banned skating from the best
areas in town but forgot to give the skaters a place to ride.
Skate parks are something the city should provide for it's
citizens. Mori citier- tttealkand`recreation
department that would be responsible for providiiiig a
skatelwk and that "hom-you should conteot.4 Here are
a few suggestions to get a professionally built TrueRide
skate park in your town.
• Form an organization. Nothing gets the attention of (� F
city officials more than a large group of its citizens. Include eveerryon`�e;
;?n
A ete rs, moths aii3 dads,
cops, retailers, city councilors, anyone who thinks you have a good cause and can help to get you a
park.
• Petitions. Have a petition drawn up and get as many signatures as you can. Present it to your city
and ask them to build you a skate park.
• Prove there is a need. You have to make the city realize a skate park needs to be built. Once you do
this they will allocate the funds to have the park built.
• Find and suggest a good location. Many towns have old tennis courts that are not in use that would
work great for a skate park.
• Be patient. The whole process could take up to a year or more
• Be persistent. Don't take no for an answer, but keep
a smile on your face and don't get into an arguing
match.
• Suggest they phase in new pieces every year. If the
city has little money to spend, maybe you start with
just a Mini Ramp or a small street course until you
have a full park. Once they see how popular a skate
park is and that it works they will see it your way.
• Be informed. Give examples of other cities that have built parks. Be ready to answer all their
questions. They'll need proof that a skate park is a good idea. Know about insurance, injury statistics
(the Center for Disease Control will have this information), equipment costs, and how the park
should be operated in your town.
Once the city agrees to build you a park, ask them to contact TrueRide; because you want a high quality,
long lasting, solid skate park that is true to ride! We will help to design a park that will work within their
budget. TrueRide will build the equipment and deliver and install the skate park correctly.
Insist your organization be involved in deciding which equipment to buy from TrueRide. This is your park
and you should decide what ramps the park will consist of.
Very important, once you have your park, respect the rules of the park. Having your city build you a park
I oft
9/4/00 9:34 AM
KIderS Arena. Uo YoU weed A')Kale 1'ark: nup-. www.truernle.conuuu_yuu_iwea_a_skate_park.htm
is a privilege and you should appreciate that you have one. Take care to thank those who made it happen.
Good Luck!
2 of 2 9/4/00 9:34 AM
MUNICIPAL
LEGISLARVE
COMMISSION U P D A T E
`qEP ® EW r UPDATE 2000-6
THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2000
MLC ELECTION UPDATE
Five of the 41 legislators who represent MLC communities have decided not to run for
reelection this fall. Senator Linda Runbeck (R -Circle Pines) and Representative Betty
McCollum (DFL -North St. Paul) are leaving the state capitol to vie for the Fourth District U.S.
House seat vacated by Congressman Bruce Vento. Other retiring state legislators include
Representatives Peg Larsen (R -Lakeland), Sherry Broecker (R -Little Canada), and Todd Van
Dellen (R -Plymouth). Shoreview City Councilmember Mady Reiter is running for the District
53 state senate seat vacated by Senator Linda Runbeck.
Three MLC legislators, Representatives Dan McElroy (R -Burnsville), Barb Sykora (R -
Excelsior) and Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka), are running unopposed in the 2000 election
cycle. Others have their work cut out for them with challengers in the Primary Election as
well as the General Election. Christopher Howard, Sr. is challenging Senator Bill Belanger
(R -Bloomington); Dick Campbell is running against Senator Ed Oliver (R-Deephaven); and
Michele Bachman is running as the Republican endorsed candidate against Senator Gary
Laidig (R -Stillwater).
Results of these primary elections will be provided in the September issue of the MLC
Update. We will also include a report on mayoral and city council elections in September,
after filings for these seats have closed.
The MLC Update is prepared by Robert G. Renner, Jr. and Elizabeth 1. Shields
Messerli B Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West Suite 450, St Paul, MN 55103
Telephone (851) 228-9757 Fax (851) 228-9787
1
r
CITIZENS LEAGUE ISSUES FINAL REPORT ON
AFFORDABILITY OF PROPERTY TAXES
As part of an ongoing effort to assess the wellbeing of the property tax system in Minnesota,
the Department of Revenue entered into a contract with the Citizens League to perform a
study focusing on the affordability of residential and seasonal recreational property taxes.
The study followed a format similar to the Citizens Jury® on Property Taxes that took place
last summer. Approximately 30 people with varying degrees of understanding of the property
tax system met regularly throughout the spring and summer to learn about the various
aspects of the property tax system, and to make recommendations for improvements.
As the committee members learned more about the property tax system in Minnesota, they
realized that while market values of homestead and seasonal recreational property have
been rising rapidly in recent years, property tax increases have not kept pace. For taxes
payable in 2000, property taxes increased by 3.3% while market values increased by 9.5%.
Taxes on seasonal recreational property are actually expected to decline slightly, while
market value grew by 11.9%.
One option for property tax relief that the committee had
limited market value. The report holds that a system based
be based upon market value. Any distortion to this system
makes the system even more complex. Furthermore, the to
value is not targeted to those most in need. The report sta
property tax affordability (as defined by percent of income
targeted tax refunds.
The three major findings of the report are as follows:
significant concerns about was
upon market value should in fact
unfairly shifts the tax burden and
x relief created by limited market
tes that the best way to address
consumed by property taxes) is
1. The problem of market value increases driving property tax bills beyond an owner's
ability to pay is not widespread enough to warrant an overhaul of the system.
2. Additional targeted relief is necessary for individuals whose property tax bills
consume an excessive percent of their income.
3. There are many problems associated with policies that artificially limit market value.
In order to address these issues, the report recommends:
1. Eliminating the cap on property tax refunds for homeowners
2. Allowing the current limited market value law to sunset.
3. Opening the property tax deferral program up to homestead property owners of all
ages.
The report also recommends that assessment practices and outcomes be reviewed more
closely by the State Legislature and Department of Revenue. The report points to a lack of
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uniformity in residential assessments as a major reason for low taxpayer confidence in the
property tax system.
To address this problem, the report recommends that:
1. The Legislature conduct formal, biennial reviews of the state's assessment
practices and outcomes.
2. The Department of Revenue step up its oversight of local assessment practices
and outcomes, with a specific focus on improving the uniformity of assessments.
For a complete copy of the report, please visit the Citizens League website at
www.citizensleague.net.
COMMISSIONER MATT SMITH ADDRESSES MLC BOARD
On July 27, Revenue Commissioner Matt Smith attended the MLC Board of Directors
quarterly meeting. The Board of Directors was eager to hear firsthand about the progress of
the tax reform initiatives that are an integral part of Governor Ventura's "Big Plan."
Commissioner Smith first gave an overview of the general process of tax reform, touching on
the criteria of a good tax, design alternatives, implementation options, and the important
distinction between tax reform and tax relief. He then addressed issues of importance to
local government officials, such as general versus specific aids, performance based aid, and
the quality of property tax assessments.
The Board of Directors then had the opportunity to ask questions regarding levy limits,
simplification versus fairness in property tax reform, and the revenue sources available to
local governments. Commissioner Smith encouraged members of the Board of Directors to
contact him via e-mail with concerns or ideas relating to tax reform and other issues that
affect cities. He can be reached at matt.smith(aD-state.mn.us.
The Board of Directors is appreciative for the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Smith,
and looks forward to maintaining open lines of communication regarding issues of importance
to MLC communities.
PUBLIC STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS ANNOUNCED
According to Commissioner Smith, the next step in the tax reform process is a series of
"public stakeholder" meetings. These meetings will be held throughout the month of October
at the Department of Revenue, and will address the tax reform concerns of different
constituencies:
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Monday, October 2, 2000
Business Tax Reform options: includes property and
business income tax
Tuesday, October 3, 2000
Business Tax Reform options: continued, with an
update on national streamlined sales tax
Wednesday, October 11, 2000
Housing/Real Estate Tax Reform options: includes
property tax on households, apartments, cabins and
assisted living facilities; mortgage and deed tax
Monday, October 16, 2000
Individual Tax Reform options: includes individual
income tax and other consumption taxes (cigarette,
alcohol)
Monday, October 23, 2000
Health Care Tax Reform options: includes Minnesota
Care tax, insurance gross premium tax, sales tax issues
related to health care
Thursday, October 26, 2000
Exempt Entities: includes sales tax issues, property tax
issues
Monday, October 30, 2000
Regulated Industries: utility tax reform
Specific agendas and times for these meetings will be publicized within the coming weeks.
For more information, or to RSVP to attend a meeting, please contact Julianna Nelson of the
Department of Revenue at julianna.nelson@state.mn.us.
TWO VACANCIES IN MLC CITY MANAGER POSITIONS
City Manager Dave Childs has left the City of Minnetonka to accept the position of City
Manager in South Lake Tahoe, California. Ms. Geralyn Barone, the Assistant City Manager
of Minnetonka, is filling in as Acting City Manager while a national search is underway to find
a permanent replacement. The City of Minnetonka hopes to fill this position within the
coming months.
City Manager Michael McGuire has left the City of Maplewood to pursue other interests.
Public Works Director Ken Haider is filling in as Acting City Manager while the Maplewood
City Council works to fill this position permanently. The City of Maplewood is currently in the
process of narrowing the field of candidates, and hopes to fill this position by mid to late fall.
Both Dave Childs and Mike McGuire previously served as officers of the MLC Board of
Directors, and will be missed. We wish Dave and Mike well in their new endeavors.
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2001 LGA AND HACA PROJECTIONS AVAILABLE
Projections for 2001 LGA and HACA are now available. Data for MLC cities is listed below:
CITY
PROJECTED
2001 LGA
Projected 2001
HACA
TOTAL
Apple Valley
$4037640
$2,773,720
$3,177,360
Bloomington
1051669
37726,836
37832,505
Burnsville
3961375
3,331,257
3,7271632
Eagan
71,383
21097,502
21168,885
Eden Prairie
59,611
111447914
1,204,525
Edina
0
9791624
9791624
Lakeville
4981805
1,7481820
2,247,625
Maplewood
7361850
17598777
27335,627
Minnetonka
637104
271007315
211633419
Plymouth
741527
17851,619
1,926,146
Roseville
413356
117817336
118227692
Shoreview
311903
1,010,936
110421839
Woodbury
431201
113357166
113787367
Totals
$21526,424
$25,480,822
$28,007,246
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Mayor
Ward 1
Ward 3
At -Large
City of Plymouth City Council Filings
for November 7, 2000, General Election
Joy Tierney
17915 20`h Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55447
Daniel "Cadillac" Gustafson
1305 Olive Lane #114
Plymouth, MN 55447
Sandy Hewitt
2800 Weston Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Jan Haugen
15760 27`h Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55447
Bob Stein
2740 Medicine Ridge Road
Plymouth, MN 55441
Jonathan A. Eklin
1032027 Ih Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
Judy A.Johnson
12540 30`h Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
Bill Bennett
1083538 Ih Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441-1406