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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-07-2000DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: MEMO CITY OF PLYMOU� 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLY ._ March 7, 2000 Mayor and City Council, City Manager Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager j Goals and Priorities Update Dummy The goals and priorities selected by the City Council at the March 2 study session will be on the March 21 regular agenda for adoption. Those goals and priorities are as follows: • Comprehensive Plan implementation • Additional Open Space Acquisition • Traffic, Speeding, Crosswalk -- Education and Enforcement • Water Resources Plan implementation and funding plan • Millennium Garden • Housing Issues • Targeted Redevelopment Additional issues selected as priorities for the coming year are: • Town Meeting • Liquor Compliance Procedures • Comprehensive Citizen Education Program • E -Government • City Center Streetscape • Plan for Fire Station 4 The Council also asked that staff provide a list of all goals and priorities that were not selected for the final list. Those goals are as follows: • South Shore Drive - north/south segment • Skatepark • Develop policy on budget surplus • Programs for teens/intergenerational at Plymouth Creek Center • Transportation issues/park and ride • Transit Hub • Plymouth Business Council - advisory committee? • Business retention program • Reorganize social service management • Community Foundation • Landscaping throughout City • County Road 101 • Parking at LifeTime/Ice Center • Plymouth identity/Rename schools • Make Ryerson Steel a park • Merge Medicine Lake and Plymouth • Merge transit with Maple Grove • Less hard water • Consider establishing long-term goals • Utilize survey results • Minnesota Wild • Ferndale North • Create Council "Office" • SE Park • Consider other advisory boards, i.e. history; Stewards for Greening Plymouth Y MARCH 10, 2000 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. NOTE: Ward I Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6:00 PM before each Regular Council meeting. TUESDAY, MARCH21, 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 7: 00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE ON BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED, Council Chambers TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 7: 00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 7: 00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATES AND COUNCIL SALARIES, Council Chambers TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 7: 00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 2. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, OPEN HOUSE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 5:00-9:00 PM UPDATE, Council Chambers 3. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 7: 00 PM HRA, Medicine Lake Room 4. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 7: 00 PM PUBLIC SAFETYADVISOR Y BOARD, Public Safety Training Room CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO MARCH 10, 2000 Page 2 5. SATURDAY, MARCH 18, OPEN HOUSE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 9: 00 AM -1:00 PM UPDATE, Council Chambers 6. MONDAY, MARCH 20, 7:00 PM M 8. 9. 10. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 7: 00 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 10: 00 AM -4:00 PM YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room PLYMOUTHADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT, Hadley Lake Room REVERSE COMMUTE JOB FAIR, Plymouth Radisson Hotel/Conference Center A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-9) February, March and April calendars are attached. (M-10) LT �' . 1 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) Notice from the Pollution Control Agency of the file closure for a petroleum tank release at Plymouth Terrace Apartments, 9630 37`h Place N. (1-1a) b) Notice of plans for the Hopkins School District to participate in the "Kids Voting" program during the 2000 general election. (I -1b) 2. CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter from Public Works Director Moore to County Commissioner Mark Stenglein regarding the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and West Medicine Lake Drive. (I -2a) b) Letter from Doug and Karen Bros regarding the Highway 101 project. (1-2b) c) Internet communication from the League of Minnesota Cities' Remi Stone regarding testimony by Mayor Tierney on the joint and several liability bill. (1--2c) d) Letter from Lynette Haux regarding the Highway 101 project. (I -2d) 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter from Public Works Director Moore to Jarod Ballard regarding traffic on Peony Lane. Jarod's original correspondence is attached. (I -3a) b) Letter to Travis Olson from Public Works Director Moore regarding the City's snow plowing policy. Attached is a copy of Travis' original letter. (I --3b) CITY CO UNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3 MARCH 10, 2000 c) Letter to Kristin Goermann from Public Works Director Moore regarding street lights in her neighborhood. Attached is a copy of Kristin's original letter. (I -3c) d) Letter to Mansi Bhandari from Public Works Director Moore regarding a traffic signal at County Road 9 and Old Rockford Road. Attached is a copy of Mansi's original letter. (I -3d) e) Letter to Christine Schofield from Public Works Director Moore regarding street lights along Ferndale Road. Attached is a copy of Christine's original letter. (I -3e) f) Letter to Alexandria Pedersen—Green from Public Works Director Moore regarding traffic on Vicksburg Lane. A copy of Alexandria's original letter is attached. (I -3f) g) Letter to Lindsay Novak from Public Works Director Moore regarding traffic on Vicksburg Lane. Attached is a copy of Lindsay's original letter. (I -3g) h) Letter to Todd Noha from Public Works Director Moore regarding the City policy on speed humps. Attached is a copy of todd's original letter. (I -3h) A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (I--3) 4. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities AMM FAX News. (I -4a) Please Note: the release schedule of the League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax often varies during the legislative session. It may appear in Council packets separately. Tentative Schedule for City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items March 21 Public hearing on charter amendment to eliminate obsolete language Public hearing for Wayzata to issue revenue bonds for Hammer Residences, Inc. Sketch plan for Bernardi property, 1020 units Rezoning of parcels in Kilmer Lane area Recognition to Residents who received "We Care About Kids Day Role Model' Awards (Councilmember Brown) Affirm City Council Goals and Priorities Rezoning, preliminary plat for 17 single family lots, east of Fernbrook and 47th Avenue Accept unaudited financial statement and authorize fund transfers April 11 Public Safety Report on Alcohol Compliance Violation Penalties April 25 Comprehensive Plan - approve for submission to Metropolitan Council z W W 2 J V LL LL 0 C) 0 N V L O- ZZ W< Oa t0 Vin: y 7 OOZ ou E � �zL CO O �WU QUc 0000 00 mxU in T i I L LL M M J tim T O co >+ O xu ��U " c v �wod RS m U'U Cho �m wW waea 0 U m wa LL E r�U ��mm z m0 ooil v c L Uo,-E az ~xzE ZU U Q Jam Om 005° vU o� a2 'wEo L vai��K SOo —UQf 20 20 a>s <.W �z.>_m i`�� i5`"� �a om om �O� aWmc O ui oim OO , o�i.� 0002 OL , m o>`' .> . o>�m OW Q m cO�OF rUJ r00F rU rJ I�Q(n M ==LL2 p WZ u L) as zE �� ZUfn av z - �ag H = Om w= U QZ o0a U za ui� 'C OE LIJ aOy mZE Q zzzzo aw6m, d 2 0 ��a �OU li 0 d a��aQ o o2 E a�n� o m oOr 000 c'm o00w0a IBJ I 00 tn �Tc) r 4 rJ c, �OMOD .. 00 N N 2 u °g o ��'� C7, O� C'V)� fC �Z,n �U - w 7E a>Y _m g;t N ^NN x Owa w 0a< UOFWmm v 7 �m W zo LU2 ai m .MNN 0 2UU LLI w0 Ujm � OF Z C Q mzoo H OLO �a O ¢ UV) rUU U u� E E 'of V) 0. 0. 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Q o� awn 5- N �c woon mN Awa W OU w2L pal m m x.�U mwU �3 ILU.- CLLU = d ILU O> azo awl mow <Z azc ooU ow oO 0 0 '0 0 SKU M 20 lou N CN E E ¢� WW 0 NW 0. aZ y D= Oo d o= xu =u CU O 5° �° o O 02 O� 2z �U OO az az E .0 �� N 20 00 N N R C 7 O O ch a 7R March 8, 2000 Mr. Mike Salloway Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Miller Management Company 3947 Excelsior Boulevard Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 RE: Petroleum Tank Release Site File Closure Site: Plymouth Terrace Apartments, 9630 - 37th Place North, Plymouin Site ID#: Leak000012956 Dear Mr. Salloway: We are pleased to let you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Site Remediation Section (SRS) staff has determined that your investigation and/or cleanup has adequately addressed the petroleum tank release at the site listed above. Based on the information provided, the SRS staff has closed the release site file. Closure of the file means that the SRS staff does not require any additional investigation and/or cleanup work at this time or in the foreseeable future. Please be aware that file closure does not necessarily mean that all petroleum contamination has been removed from this site. However, the SRS staff has concluded that any remaining contamination, if present, does not appear to pose a threat to public health or the environment. The MPCA reserves the right to reopen this file and to require additional investigation and/or cleanup work if new information or changing regulatory requirements make additional work necessary. If you or other parties discover additional contamination (either petroleum or nonpetroleum) that was not previously reported to the MPCA, Minnesota law requires that the MPCA be immediately notified. You should understand that this letter does not release any party from liability for the petroleum contamination under Minn. Stat. ch. 115C (Supp. 1997) or any other applicable state or federal law. In addition, this letter does not release any party from liability for nonpetroleum contamination, if present, under Minn. Stat. ch. 115B (1996), the Minnesota Superfund Law. Because you performed the requested work, the state may reimburse you for a major portion of your costs. The Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Act establishes a fund which may provide partial reimbursement for petroleum tank release cleanup costs. This fund is administered by the Department of Commerce Petro Board. Specific eligibility rules are available from the Petro Board at 651/297-1119 or 651/297-4203. 520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (651) 296-6300 (Voice); (651) 292-5332 (TTY) St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar; www.pca.state.mn.us Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 20% fibers from paper recycled by consumers. 1 YA. Mr. Mike Salloway Page 2 March 8, 2000 If future development of this property or the surrounding area is planned, it should be assumed that petroleum contamination may still be present. If petroleum contamination is encountered during future development work, the MPCA staff should be notified immediately. For specific information regarding petroleum contamination that may remain at this leak site, please call the SRS File Request Program at 651/297-8499. The MPCA fact sheet #3.35 Leak/Spill and Underground Storage Tank File Request Form (August 1997) must be completed prior to arranging a time for file review. Thank you for your response to this petroleum tank release and for your cooperation with the MPCA to protect public health and the environment. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please call me at 651/297-8581. Sincerely, Jelil Abdella Project Manager Site Remediation Section Metro District JA:tf cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Clerk, Plymouth Richard Kline, Fire Chief, Plymouth Greg Lie, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer Eric Jensen, Peer Environmental, Minneapolis Minnesota Department of Commerce Petrofund Staff 7AADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 1001 HIGHWAY 7 HOPKINS, MINNESOTA 55305-4723 "Passion for Learning... Learning for Life" HOPKINS SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent Michael L. Kremer, Ph.D. 612.988.4021 Fax: 612.988.4020 March 3, 2000 Mayor Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Joy, mere is a new and exciting opportunity awaiting iearners in the Hopkins School District — "Kids Voting." The program is aimed at fostering the development of active, engaged, and well-informed citizens. And with the assistance of our community members, we hope to bring this innovative program to learners in our District. "Kids Voting" was created by a national non-profit, non-partisan organization to promote the development of well-informed, lifetime voters. It works with schools to prepare students for the upcoming election and teaches the value of their right to vote. The program culminates with students casting their own ballot on election day with their parents in their home communities (see enclosed). District 270 social studies teachers recently met with Lars Sandstrom, Executive Director of "Kids Voting Minnesota," to learn more about the program. Teachers were not only impressed by the "Kids Voting" curriculum, but also with the level of state support to assist local efforts. We now find ourselves anxious to'get the program off the ground! The "Kids Voting" Program is designed to be a communitywide initiative. In order to achieve optimal success, we need your assistance! Please plan to join us in the Eisenhower Community Center Boardroom from 8-9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, to meet Lars Sandstrom where we will– learn more about "Kids Voting" and explore how we can work together to make it happen in the Hopkins School District. We look forward to seeing you! Please RSVP to Dee McCarthy at 952.988.4050. Sincerely, 44M 1 Michael L. Kremer, Ph.D. Superintendent BW/DM Enclosure Q0� vuj� Bob Muller Director Teaching & Learning r i I Dee McCarthy District Curriculum CpQxd' ator Social Studies AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR — x v t7 CD cw C CD � CD CD CD CD � car Oq � a.w o. � n•c � � � v ry0 O ¢ O • K O n . M• � �' O . ° �* y 0 �* con cn W o C O m l m C O, ..',Q cr O Ot.. ... O ID o o v CD _ �._... 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Moe Q O O i U-4-emsentative vote for 1 ld If You Live In District 1 0 Aleta Edin, Rep. 0 Colin Peterson, DFL If You Live In District 8 0 Chris Wright, Grossroots O Ken Pentell, Green Party 0 Frank Germann, Libertarian Q Fancy Ray McCloney, People's Champion 0 Thomas Fiske, Socialist Write In M 0 Stan (The Man) Estes, Reform 0 Jerry Shuster, Rep. 0 James L. Oberstar, DFL Q Write In -Secretary of State Vote for 1 0 Alan Shilepsky, Reform 0 Mary Kiffmeyer, Rep. 0 Edwina Garcia, DFL 0 Write In -,State.Auditor - Vote for l O Judi Dutcher, Rep. Q Nancy Larson, DFL a Write In State Treasurer Vote for i 0 James N. (Jim) Dunlop, Reform 0 Kevin Knight, Rep. O Carol Johnson, DFL Q Write In Attorney General Vote for 1 0 Jim Mangan, Reform Q Charlie Weaver, Rep. 0 Mike Hatch, DFL Supreme Court Judge Vote for 1 O Write In 0 Alan C. Page, Incumbent 0 Roger A. Peterson 0 Write In 1 OO OO OO � MARKING INSTRUCTIONS A00 00 0G) • Use number 2 pencil only. �—'F ® 00 Q • Make dark marks that fill the circle completely. Correct * Mark Q 00 •Erase cleanly any mark you wish to change. 00 00 00 Incorrect • Make no stray marks. Marks @T ® 0 0 0 C �,yernor.and;Lieutenant Governor � Reform Republican Democratic- Former -La hor Jesse Ventura Norm Coleman Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III and Mae Schunk and Gen Olson and Roger D. Moe Q O O i U-4-emsentative vote for 1 ld If You Live In District 1 0 Aleta Edin, Rep. 0 Colin Peterson, DFL If You Live In District 8 0 Chris Wright, Grossroots O Ken Pentell, Green Party 0 Frank Germann, Libertarian Q Fancy Ray McCloney, People's Champion 0 Thomas Fiske, Socialist Write In M 0 Stan (The Man) Estes, Reform 0 Jerry Shuster, Rep. 0 James L. Oberstar, DFL Q Write In -Secretary of State Vote for 1 0 Alan Shilepsky, Reform 0 Mary Kiffmeyer, Rep. 0 Edwina Garcia, DFL 0 Write In -,State.Auditor - Vote for l O Judi Dutcher, Rep. Q Nancy Larson, DFL a Write In State Treasurer Vote for i 0 James N. (Jim) Dunlop, Reform 0 Kevin Knight, Rep. O Carol Johnson, DFL Q Write In Attorney General Vote for 1 0 Jim Mangan, Reform Q Charlie Weaver, Rep. 0 Mike Hatch, DFL Supreme Court Judge Vote for 1 O Write In 0 Alan C. Page, Incumbent 0 Roger A. Peterson 0 Write In 1 State Constitutional Amendments -- ; 1 Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the some effect as voting no for the amendment 0 Yes AMENDMENT ONE Extend Use of Lottery for Environmental Trust Fund Q No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to extend to the year 2025 the dedication of lottery proceeds to the environmental and natural resources trust fund and to maximize the long term total return to the fund? Q Yes AMENDMENT TWO Preserve Hunting and Fishing Heritage Q No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to affirm that hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are a valued part of our heritage that shall be forever preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the public good? I _ Q Yes AMENDMENT THREE Abolish Treasurer Office in 2003 0 No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to abolish the office of state treasurer? ��Stof�.Repre�xentative�,�Y , : � ; 1 If You live In District 6B 0 Warren E. Nelson, Reform Q Jim Stauber, Rep. Q Thomas Huntley, DFL If You live In District 1A Q Allan Kehr, Rep. If You live In District 1B O Davy Jones, Reform Q Gail Dahlberg, Rep. Q Michael Jaros, DFL If You live In District 8A Q Ray Wheeler, Rep. Q Mary Murphy, DFL 0 Willard Munger, DFL �t�yCommissioner_ District 2 1 Q Joanne M. Fay Q Kathryn Lane County!mmissioner �- District a 1 Q David Akerson Q Mike Forsman 0 Jon Paul Paquette Q Rick Wahlberg Q Write In O Write in 0 Write In O Write In Q Write in O Write In Q Write In _ Mark Reflex) by NCS MM223278-1 654321 ED99 Printed in U.S.A. M M ,t 199"'1''Duluth/Hermantown _ Side two 1 State Constitutional Amendments -- ; 1 Failure to vote on a constitutional amendment will have the some effect as voting no for the amendment 0 Yes AMENDMENT ONE Extend Use of Lottery for Environmental Trust Fund Q No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to extend to the year 2025 the dedication of lottery proceeds to the environmental and natural resources trust fund and to maximize the long term total return to the fund? Q Yes AMENDMENT TWO Preserve Hunting and Fishing Heritage Q No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to affirm that hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are a valued part of our heritage that shall be forever preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the public good? I _ Q Yes AMENDMENT THREE Abolish Treasurer Office in 2003 0 No Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to abolish the office of state treasurer? ��Stof�.Repre�xentative�,�Y , : � ; 1 If You live In District 6B 0 Warren E. Nelson, Reform Q Jim Stauber, Rep. Q Thomas Huntley, DFL If You live In District 1A Q Allan Kehr, Rep. If You live In District 1B O Davy Jones, Reform Q Gail Dahlberg, Rep. Q Michael Jaros, DFL If You live In District 8A Q Ray Wheeler, Rep. Q Mary Murphy, DFL 0 Willard Munger, DFL �t�yCommissioner_ District 2 1 Q Joanne M. Fay Q Kathryn Lane County!mmissioner �- District a 1 Q David Akerson Q Mike Forsman 0 Jon Paul Paquette Q Rick Wahlberg Q Write In O Write in 0 Write In O Write In Q Write in O Write In Q Write In _ Mark Reflex) by NCS MM223278-1 654321 ED99 Printed in U.S.A. M M February 29, 2000 CITY OF PLYMOUTH+ Commissioner Mark Stenglein HENNEPIN COUNTY A2400 Government Center Minneapolis, MN 55487-0240 SUBJECT: INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL COUNTY ROAD 61 (NORTHWEST BOULEVARD) AND WEST MEDICINE LAKE DRIVE CITY PROJECT NO. 5019 Dear Commissioner Stenglein: In April and October of 1999 the Plymouth City Council adopted motions requesting that Hennepin County install traffic signals at five intersections within the City of Plymouth. We have had previous correspondence on the installation of the signal at County Road 61 and Sunset Trail. The City Council has been presented with resolutions and plans for approval for the installation of traffic signals at four of the five intersections. I expect the City Council to approve these agreements at their meeting on February 29, 2000 and forward them back to the County for final approval. The purpose of this letter concerns the installation of the traffic signal at the intersection of County Road 61 (Northwest Boulevard) and West Medicine Lake Drive. We have been informed by the County staff that this intersection cannot be approved for the installation of a signal because of the County policy on installation of traffic signals. The County Board would need to make this approval. The County policy regarding the installation of permanent traffic signal system states as follows: "The County will not normally install, or allow to be installed, traffic signals at intersections with a priority factor of less than 30." The County priority factor at this intersection is 27. This intersection does meet the warrants for a traffic signal as established in the Minnesota Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices. Hennepin County has further established a priority ranking of signals that meet these warrants to determine which signals will be funded by the County. FApw\Engineering\PR0JECTS\50I9U.TRS\Steng1ein_2_29.doc PLYMOUTH A Beauti (Place ?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®,,.,,, ,W," www.d.plymouth.mn.us Commissioner Mark Stenglein Page 2 The County's priority ranking system does not take into consideration the major reason the City is requesting the installation of this traffic signal. The City has a trail system along West Medicine Lake Drive and both sides of Northwest Boulevard. On the west side of Northwest Boulevard is the neighborhood park for homes on both sides of the County road. The French Regional Park is on the east side of County Road 61. The existing traffic volumes on County Road 61 exceed 10,000 vehicles per day. Currently there are only safe places for pedestrians to cross County Road 61 either one-half mile north or one- half mile south of the West Medicine Lake Drive intersection. Because of the City park and Hennepin Regional Park at this location, an additional crossing is necessary for pedestrians to use the park and city trail systems. The signal would also meet the needs as established by the warrants. Plymouth realizes that this traffic signal was not specifically programmed in the County's 2000 Capital Improvements Program, but the City has stated and is willing to pay 100% of the cost to install the signal. The City of Plymouth is requesting County Board approval to allow the City of Plymouth to install a traffic signal at the intersection of County Road 61 and West Medicine Lake Drive. This signal installation would be in accordance with plans to be approved by the County and with no installation cost paid for by the County. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: Jim Grube, Director of Transportation HENNEPIN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DEPT. 1600 Prairie Drive Medina, MN 55340-5421 Mayor and City Council Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager F: \pw\Engineering\PR0JECTS\5019U.TRMStenglein_2_29. doc March 3, 2000 Joy Tierney City Council Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Joy: In the early stages of the Highway 101 expansion plans, the County and the City of Plymouth actively enlisted community involvement. Needless to say, we were relieved that the City created the perception that they were genuinely interested in our involvement and concerns. However, as the expansion plans have progressed and the Council has cast their vote, we are now beyond disappointed that the citizen's concerns have fallen on deaf ears. We acknowledge that Highway 101 needs improvement. We have concerns, however, with several facets of the current proposal. Total Expansion Plans The area of Highway 101 between County Road 24 and Highway 55 represents a mature, fully developed residential area. The only new development for this area is the Cornerstone Commons project. In addition, the anticipated growth for the area north of Highway 55 is slated to remain low density, rural, and agricultural until 2020. No evidence seems to exist that such robust expansion plans are necessary to support the traffic demands. Moreover, the current proposal alludes to unspoken plans for incorporating the current project with a larger, future expansion that would build a continuous north -south arterial from Wayzata to 1-94 in Maple Grove. What a mistake it would be to execute a plan piecemeal without identifying, reviewing, and analyzing the potential impacts and benefits of each segment of the entire plan. Landscape plans The community was lead to believe that the expansion plans included a generous landscaping project, and that many of the existing buffers would remain intact. It now appears this budget has virtually been slashed. In addition, it appears that many homeowners with property backing up to Highway 101 will lose their property as the expansion cuts into their protective burm. This will reduce sound protection and privacy from the roadway, and subsequently, will greatly affect the quality of life and property values for the homeowners of both Heather Run and Boulder Crest. We selected our property because Lundgren Brothers factored the potential expansion into their lot lines, without impacting current property. 2 Speed Limitations A recent Plymouth newsletter indicated that a flashing pedestrian light at Greenwood Elementary was included in the expansion plan. According to the most recent plan, this flashing light has now been removed. Why? Are you not interested in creating and ensuring the safest environment possible for our youngest community members? Moreover, the our children will face added treacherous conditions because the intersection at Highway 101 and Medina Road could potentially be 6 lanes wide to accommodate the turn lanes. Safety should be a number one consideration, and this proposal certainly puts many people at risk. Access to Small Businesses North of Medina Road Customers entering and exiting the small businesses north of Medina Road will be forced to make dangerous U-turns. This inaccessibility will certainly result in lost business opportunities for these businesses, and will likewise create hazardous, accident-prone conditions for commuters on Highway 101. We are confident that the County and City of Plymouth won't make any foolish mistakes with implementing the current plans. More importantly, we are confident that City won't mislead ifs community by allowing this project to be a part of a greater expansion project. What a detrimental impact this would have, especially after all the efforts taken to engage the community in this project. Thank you in advance for listening and responding to our concerns. Sincerely, Doug & Karen Bros 3365 Olive Lane N Plymouth, MN 55447 Home: 763.404.2923 Email: dbros@isd.net -t� .1.0 -2,111z- ----- Original 2,111z- -----Original Message ----- From: Stone, Remi [mailto:RStone@LMNC.ORG] Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 2:51 PM To: Jlyons@ci.plymouth.mn.us' Subject: FW: More successful LMC elected officials and staff cross traini ng -----Original Message ----- From: Stone, Remi Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 2:48 PM To: Miller, Jim Cc: Hennen, Jack; Carlson, Gary; 'jtierney@ci.plymouth.mn.us' Subject: More successful LMC elected officials and staff cross training Jim - just a quick FYI. The joint and several liability bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today. Part of the reason for this bills success is the fact both Mayor Joy Tierney and our very own Jack Hennen did an outstanding job explaining to the committee why changing the law will result in a more equitable out come for Minnesota's city property tax payers. By the way, this is the second time both Mayor Tierney and Jack have aided and abetted our department. Mayor Tierney on defeating the property rights legislation and this issue. Jack on this issue and GIS March 8, 2000 Addressing Mayor Joy Tierney, Council Members: Judy Johnson, Tim Bildsoe, Kelli Slavik, Brad Brown, Ginny Black and Scott Harstad, I just wanted to write you in support for the project slated to expand County Road 101. 1 know the current roadway is like driving on a washboard and has been for a number of years, getting worse during the winter and thaw months. With the addition of the new high school and all of the new homes being built in the northwest Plymouth area over the past few years I know the number of drivers using this roadway has increased significantly. I would also like to note the high school uses this area of roadway for students to run track and cross country, this is very dangerous as the roadway is currently. I would like to see the project move forward as stated by the county, with trails on BOTH sides of the roadway. This is the only way for safety for all who would use the trail systems Plymouth is so famous for. This roadway should have been expanded years ago and I do know that the newer homeowners in the area i.e. Heather Run and Boulder Crest knew that the roadway would be expanded when they built their homes in this area. I also know that homes for sale in the area just sit (as they are currently) because potential buyers don't want to buy a home on an unimproved roadway not knowing what may happen to their properties in the future. By holding up this project you will just prolong the selling process for anyone who lives in this area who may wish, or need to move. Plymouth has done numerous projects of this type in the recent past and they have turned out great. County Road 9 and Zachary Lane are much nicer roads to travel on because of these past projects, not to mention nicer looking roadways. I also am concerned with the location of Greenwood Elementary School in this area and please note there are NO signs mentioning an upcoming school zone. Please take a drive up 101 into Maple Grove and see the signs north and south of Rush Creek Elementary School. Please go see these signs, take note, and think of what type of safety you would like if your child were living in this area and potentially crossing this roadway to school. The school zone signs are the only thing I would propose to add to this project. - Thank you all for your efforts in all you do for the City of Plymouth. Sincerely, Lynette Haux 13705 57th Ave. North Plymouth, MN 55446 763-519-0726 March 9, 2000 Jarod Ballard 3560 Ranier Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447 QTV OF PLYMOUTF+ SUBJECT: PEONY LANE AT WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL Dear Jarod: I am responding to your letter to the City concerning traffic at the intersection of Peony Lane and the Wayzata High School. Both the City and the school continue to monitor traffic at this intersection to determine safety improvements which will alleviate any substantial accident problems. You probably noticed that in January for a period of time there were Police Officers directing traffic at the intersection. This did not increase the speed of traffic into the school, but actually slowed the flow of traffic into the school during the morning arrival period. Instead of the Police Officers directing traffic at this intersection, they continue to monitor traffic and if a situation arises, then they will direct traffic at the intersection. Except for a 15 minute period in the morning and a 15 minute period in the afternoon on school days there is very little traffic at this intersection. Because of this very short period of time, it does not justify the installation of a traffic signal. Traffic signals will not necessarily reduce accidents. For your information, the most accidents at this intersection are from vehicles exiting the parking lot and not noticing a vehicle is slowing or stopping in front of them and it is a rear end accident. Traffic signals will not help this situation. As Plymouth continues to grow and additional houses are built in the area, traffic will continue to increase and a traffic signal will be justified. By our current projections, this will probably not be for two or three years and at that time a signal would be installed. Until then, the City and school district will continue to monitor traffic for appropriate safety provisions. If there are any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: /Mayor and City Council N \ w\Enyneernng\G EN ERA L LTRS FRED\2000\6a11ard.doc PLYMOUTH A Beauti/u(1'lace '-o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®:r.�•• ..,�:.. www.d.plymouth.mn.us City of Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447 Jarod Ballard 3560 Ranier Ln. N., Plymouth, MN 55447 January 23, 2000 Dear City of Plymouth, My name is Jarod Ballard and I'm a student at Wayzata High School. Our school has been open for two years and we are already experiencing traffic problems. Many of the upper-classman drive to school and others usually get rides. Many students are late for school and many accidents are occurring at the intersection in front of the school. People are trying to turn, busses are trying to get through and citizens going to work are having hard times because of the traffic issues. We've even had policemen come to safely guide traffic. What I'm trying to say is that I think we should do something about this. Although there are some people who might say that it is fine the way it is. They think the uncontrolled intersection should remain one and think more students should take the bus instead of driving because then traffic won't be as bad. They also say as long as police are there to guide traffic things run more smoothly the system works out better. If we kept our uncontrolled intersection then it would remain to be difficult for people going through the intersection, and in the future it may get worse. If students that drive or get rides took the bus then the busses would most likely be overpopulated because on my bus freshmen, some sophomores, and very few juniors and seniors ride the bus and it is crowded. And when the police do come to the intersections it takes even longer than it does without them and then students are even more late for school. I recommend that we put a traffic light up at the intersection. Then that way busses can go through, drivers can turn into the school parking lot, citizens can easily get. out of their neighborhood, and with a crosswalk pedestrians can safely walk by. By having a traffic light we won't need police to help traffic, students will get to school faster if the process works well, and with a controlled intersection it will run more safely. Our school is new, so it will be around for a long time. That's why I'm concerned about this topic because I want to make it easier for the students who attend this school, and the students who will be attending for many years to come. Respectfully, nJarod Ballard n` March 9, 2000 Travis Olson 18135-8 1h Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55447 SUBJECT: SNOWPLOWING Dear Travis: Ciiv OF PLYMOUTR I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning the snowplowing on 8th Avenue. As you state in your letter, 8th Avenue changes from a public street to a private driveway at its westerly end. It is a public street adjacent to your property and the private driveway portion is within the Rustin property. This has been an unusual winter for snow. The Plymouth adopted policy for plowing of all streets within the city is that it is done after we receive a minimum of 2 %i inches of snow. With less than 2 %2 inches of snow, there is plowing done on our more major streets within the city, but local residential streets such as 8th Avenue are not plowed. I believe it is for this reason that you noticed that 8th Avenue was not plowed the earlier part of this snow season. It has been plowed several times with the heavier snowfalls we received in the later part of January and February. If you notice that the two Queensland Lane cul-de-sac streets have been plowed and 8th Avenue has not been plowed to the end by the City, please contact me or the Street Maintenance Division in order that we can have this corrected. If there are any questions on our snowplowing policy or other items, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: Mayor and City Council C/R File 2000-10 I \pw\Engineering\GENERAL.LTRSTREM-1000\Olson.doc PLYMOUTH A'BeauhJul Place �ro Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®.�.,..� www.d.plymouth.mn.us Travis Olson 18135 8th Avenue North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Mayor Joy Tierney 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 RE: Snow Plowing January 6, 2000 Dear Mayor Tierney: I would like to talk to you about snow plowing at the end of my street. The City is supposed to clear the street unless it is a private drive. They plow to about three -quarter's of the street and the rest is not a private drive. So it it's possible to have the City finish the whole street, I would appreciate it greatly. My street is 8th Avenue North in Plymouth, just off Highway 101 North. 0 Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, -'.Is Travis Olson March 9, 2000 Kristin Goemann 325 Vinewood Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55441 SUBJECT: STREET LIGHTING Dear Kristin: Ciry of PLYMOUTR I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning street lights in your neighborhood. As you state in your letter, generally newer neighborhoods in Plymouth have more street lights than the older neighborhoods. Plymouth has established a policy that the neighborhoods that benefit from street lighting should directly pay for the street lighting. Street lighting within neighborhoods in Plymouth is not paid from general property tax dollars. Each property that is in a neighborhood that has street lights pays directly for these lights on their city utility bill. At the time a new development is started, the developer who owns all the land at that time has the option to request street lighting and agrees that all future property owners will pay for the lighting. If the developer does not make this request and properties are sold, then a petition needs to be submitted by the property owners requesting the City to install street lights. After a petition is received signed by a minimum of 50% of the property owners, the City Council holds a public hearing in order that all property owners can voice their opinion on street lights and then determine whether street lights are installed. If the lights are installed, then these properties also pay for the light with their utility bill. I agree that street lights do add for safety in neighborhoods, but Plymouth has made this a choice of each neighborhood. From past experience, when we have had a public hearing on installing street lights, neighborhoods are generally very evenly divided on those wanting street lights and those not wanting lights. If you would like a petition to circulate in your neighborhood requesting street lights, please contact me and I will provide you with a petition. If there are any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: Mayor and City Council C/R 2000-01 N.` p,,Engineering\STRLGHTS' LTRS`2000\Goemnn.Joc PLYMOUTH ABeauti�ulTlace'!-o Liz.'e 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us 1-3-00 Kristin Goemann 325 Vinewood Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441 Mayor Joy Tierney Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: Street Lights Dear Mayor Tierney: I am a Freshman at Wayzata High School, and I have a concern about street lights around neighborhoods. Whenever a new neighborhood is built, there are usually many street lights installed at every comer. That is not the case for older neighborhoods, though. Many of the houses in my neighborhood are newer homes, but we still have no lights. I think this is very dangerous and also scary at night. In the winter months it gets dark about 5:30, and that's when people get home from work. Many of them still need to walk their dogs, and they end up doing so in the dark. Cars coming down the street cannot see them well and they could easily get into an accident. Having a dark neighborhood is also not safe. People could be sneaking around in the streets during the night without being seen. It's not just my neighborhood that has no lights, I have seen many others. I would very much like to see this changed. I think there should be at least a few lights in each neighborhood. I would feel safer being in a well -lit area. I hope there is something you can do about this. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If it is at all possible, I would love to hear back from you. Sincerely, f) oy� tm� Kristin Goemann March 9, 2000 CITY ITV OF PLYMOUTH+ Mansi Bhandari 4470 Garland Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55446 SUBJECT: COUNTY ROAD 9 AND OLD ROCKFORD ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNAL Dear Mansi: I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning the intersection of Old Rockford Road and County Road 9. As you state in your letter because of the growth of the city, traffic is increasing in all areas. Your concern is the intersection of County Road 9 and Old Rockford Road. As a result of increased traffic, County Road 9 was upgraded and reconstructed about three years ago to provide the necessary facility for current traffic and projected traffic for a 20 year period. You state that because of accidents you have seen you feel there is a need for a traffic signal at County Road 9 and Old Rockford Road. There is a manual entitled "Uniform Traffic Control Devices" which must be complied with by Minnesota and all states regarding the installation of traffic control devices, including traffic signals. This manual has been developed over many years and gives the criteria when a device should be installed to improve safety. Although traffic signals do reduce some type of accidents, studies indicate that they do cause different types of accidents such as rear -end collisions. Since this is a County road, the approval and responsibility to install signals is the Hennepin County Department of Transportation. The City had requested that the County study the Vicksburg Lane, Plymouth Boulevard, and Old Rockford Road intersections and the need for traffic signals. I am pleased to inform you that they will be installing a traffic signal at County Road 9 and Vicksburg Lane this summer. This will somewhat alleviate some problems at the other two intersections by causing gaps in the traffic flow on County Road 9. The City will continue to work with the County in determining the need for traffic signals at the other two intersections and for their installation when they can be justified. Thank you for your concern regarding safety within the city. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: VMayor and City Council C/R File 2000-02 N. \pw\.EngineeringNTraf ficS ignals� Ltrs�Bhandui. Joc PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To L.iz,e 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®� •••�• www.b.plymouth.mn.us � 34 Mansi Bhandari 4470 Garland Lane North Plymouth, MN 55446 The Honorable Joy Tierney Administrative Offices 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 January 7, 1999 RE: The need for a stoplight at County Road 9 and Old Rockford Road Dear Mayor Joy Tierney, Hi, my name is Mansi Bhandari, and I am currently in the 9t' grade at Wayzata High School. I have been living in Plymouth for about three years, but 1 used to live here about eight years ago. When 1 used to live here, Plymouth had just begun to develop and there was not that much traffic. Since then, Plymouth has grown to be a large and very safe suburb. Because of this safety and convenience of everything, more and more people arc moving into the Plymouth arca every day, which leads to a large increase in traffic. An intersection that is greatly affected by this is the intersection where County Road 9 meets Old Rockford Road. This intersection really needs a stoplight. In my past three years of living here, I have seen more than four accidents occur at thus crossing, and have had a few fairly close calls in the vehicle I was traveling in. People get impatient having to wait at the stop sign for so long, especially during rush hours. Adding a stoplight would make the traffic flow so much smoother, and I know it would nuke a lot of people happy. I would really appreciate it if you wrote me a response to my request. It is very important to me that a stoplight gets added here, because seeing people in accidents really depresses me. 1 would be forever grateful if you added a stoplight at County Road 9 and Old Rockford Road. Thank you for your time! Sincerely, M,uisi Blumdari March 9, 2000 Christine Schofield 515 Alvarado Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55447 SUBJECT: STREET LIGHTS FERNDALE ROAD Dear Christine: atv of PLYMOUTFF I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning street lighting on Ferndale Road. As you state, this street has recently been improved by the cities of Plymouth, Orono, and Wayzata. There currently are street lights at each one of the three street intersections into the area where you live. The decision to improve Ferndale Road had to be a joint decision by Orono and Plymouth since our city boundaries are the center of the road. As a result of neighborhood input from the residents in Orono and the residents in Plymouth, the decision was made to keep the rural character of the road as much as possible. A street lighting system along the entire roadway would not comply with this decision. Plymouth has provided safety at the street intersections on the Plymouth side of the road, but a street lighting system on the other side would be the responsibility of Orono and street lights at the southern end would be the responsibility of Wayzata. Because of neighborhood concerns, Plymouth does not have any streets that have a continuous street lighting system, but only lights at intersections. The street lighting within your neighborhood is paid for monthly by all the property owners as part of their utility bill from the City. It is fortunate that your neighborhood has made the decision to have street lights. In order for additional street lights to be installed, they would need to be requested by the other neighborhoods at the additional street intersections or installed by Orono or Wayzata. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works r' cc: /Mayor and City Council N; `pw,. Engmeering\STRLG HTS',LTRS',2000',Schot field. doc PLYMOUTH A'.Beautilul Phice'ro Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Christine Schofield 515 Alvarado LN Plymouth, MN 55447 Mayor Joy Tierney 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 January 4, 2000 RE: Lighting on Ferndale Road Dear Mayor Tierney: My name is Christine Schofield. I am a freshman at Wayzata High School. I am writing to you because I am concerned with the safety of the people living in Ferndale North and everyone else who drives on Ferndale Road. Ferndale Road was just redone by the cities of Plymouth, Wayzata, and Orno, but I have noticed a lighting system was not installed. I live in Ferndale North, which is a neighborhood right off of Ferndale Road, so I am a witness to the problem it causes. It is very hard to see at night or in the morning. It is especially hazardous for the elderly, who have a hard time seeing anyway. Many workers and high school students leave in the morning when it is still dark. My bus stop, along with many other students, is on Ferndale Road. It would be very easy for someone to stop along the side of the road and pick us up without anyone noticing. I hope you will consider my concerns about putting a lighting system on Ferndale Road. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, t- 'V % ,P Christine Schofield March 9, 2000 CITU OF PUMOUTR Alexandria Pedersen -Green 15930-48 1h Avenue N. Plymouth, MN 55446 SUBJECT: VICKSBURG LANE TRAFFIC Dear Alexandria: I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning traffic on Vicksburg Lane. You state in your letter that you feel there is a need for a four lane road all the way from Wayzata to Maple Grove. You also reference the traffic backups in the mornings and afternoons. Throughout all roadway systems in metropolitan areas such as Minneapolis or St. Paul, there is not adequate funding to build roadways to accommodate all of the morning and afternoon peak hour traffic in order that it can flow unobstructed. I am sure you have noticed all of the meters placed on the ramps to the freeway system in order that the freeways can better accommodate traffic. This is also true for the local street systems such as Vicksburg Lane within Plymouth. If Vicksburg Lane was made a four lane roadway at this time, it would still have backups in the morning and evening peak hours. This would be caused by either stop signs or the need for additional traffic signals at the various intersections. Except for two hours of the five weekdays, there is only a minimum amount of traffic on Vicksburg Lane between Old Rockford Road and Maple Grove and the traffic flows freely. Plymouth has a five year Capital Improvements Program to prioritize and fund the most justified street construction projects. Included within the program is a traffic signal and improvements at the intersection of Old Rockford Road and Vicksburg Lane in 2001. This will alleviate some of the peak hour traffic congestion at this intersection. As traffic continues to increase on all of our city streets, are monitored and priorities are established for the funding of roadway improvements. A traffic signal will be installed this summer at Vicksburg Lane and County Road 9 and the existing four way stop will be removed. This will improve the traffic flow at this intersection on Vicksburg Lane. As with our personal lives, the City must establish priorities for the expenditure of available funds. These expenditures not only include roadway improvements, but public safety protection such as Police and Fire. Each year through the adoption of the Capital N.'.p—Engineering,GENERAL LTRSFRED,2000 Pedersen -Green. doc PLYMOUTH A' Beauti/iclPlace 'To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®.e.M. www.d.plymouth.mmus Alexandria Pedersen -Green Page 2 Improvements Program and the City budget, the City Council weighs all priorities within the city. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, `-� �- Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works i cc: „'Mayor and City Council C/R File 2000-04 J ipw\Engineering\G EN E RA L .LTRS\ FRED\2000\Pedersen-Green-doc Alexandra Pedersen -Green 15930 48th Ave. North Plymouth, MN 55446 Mayor Tierney 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: Vicksburg Road January 7, 2000 Dear Mayor Tierney My name is Alexandra Pedersen -Green. I am a ninth grader, currently attending Wayzata High School. I am writing to you about changing Vickesburg into a four -lane road. The amount of time in which you are doing this is not adequate. This road is frequently backed up in the mornings and afternoons. I live just off the Northern part of Vickesburg on the two-mile stretch of road that's only two lanes wide. This is a traffic bottleneck and as a result is bumper to bumper traffic twice a day. As a result drivers who are frustrated take unnecessary risks trying to merge into traffic. The present arrangement slows commuters and increases the chances for accidents. I think that you should make Vickesburg a four -lane road from Maple Grove to Wayzata as soon as possible. This will increase traffic flow, which will improve commute times, and lessen potential accidents. Thank you for your time in considering these issues on behalf of the motorists using Vickesburg and the residents who are effected by the traffic. I would appreciate a letter in return about your thoughts on this issue. Sincerely, Alexandra Pedersen -Green March 9, 2000 Lindsay Novak 4540 Upland Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55446 ;CITV)COF PLYMOUTFF SUBJECT: VICKSBURG LANE TRAFFIC Dear Lindsay: I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning traffic on Vicksburg Lane at the intersection of 46th Avenue. You addressed several concerns in your letter. One of your concerns is your safety in crossing Vicksburg Lane to get on or off your school bus. As you are aware, all traffic from either direction must stop for a school bus when it has activated its flashing red lights. Your safest opportunity to cross Vicksburg Lane is when the bus has arrived at the intersection and has stopped all traffic. When you are getting off the bus, the bus should remain stopped with its lights flashing until you have safely crossed Vicksburg Lane. If this is not being done, I would suggest you talk to your bus driver or officials at the school. Another item you addressed is the safety of students who may be walking or riding their bikes to the elementary school south of Old Rockford Road. You are also stating your concern for their safety to cross Vicksburg Lane. Plymouth has completed a trail system to provide for the safety of pedestrians within your neighborhood. This trail system goes southerly from 46th Avenue along the major wetland area to Old Rockford Road and then westerly to Vicksburg Lane. You may want to discuss with any school children that are having problems with crossing Vicksburg Lane that they should use this route, and then their crossing of Vicksburg Lane and also Old Rockford Road will be at an "All -Way" stop. You also addressed the concern for a traffic signal at Vicksburg Lane and 46th Avenue. There is criteria established in a manual adopted for all states indicating when a particular traffic safety device such as signs or signals will benefit the safety of traffic. Traffic signals, if they are installed at improper times, can cause more accidents than they reduce. We have reviewed the intersection of 46th Avenue and at this time it does not justify the criteria for a traffic signal. As traffic continues to increase on Vicksburg Lane, this will be monitored to determine if there is a need. Within the next few weeks, an "All -Way" stop will be constructed at the intersection of Schmidt Lake Road and Vicksburg Lane. This is approximately three blocks north of 46th Avenue. This will cause additional gaps in the N p-Engincering GENERAL LTRSS FRED12006 Norak. doc PLYMOUTH ABeauti/u(Ptace'To Lire 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®...,...a. www.d.plymouth.mn.us f Lindsay Novak Page 2 traffic which should make it more convenient for motorists to enter Vicksburg Lane from 46`h Avenue. I thank you for expressing your concerns regarding traffic on Vicksburg Lane. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: vMayor and City Council C/R File 2000-14 I \pw\Engineering GENERAL`. LTRS ,t: RED\.000\Novak doc Miss Lindsay Novak 4540 Upland Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55446 January 10, 2000 Ms. Joy Tierney Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Stop Sign needed Dear Mayor Tierney I am a freshman at Wayzata High School and a resident of Plymouth. I am concerned about the intersection of 46`" Avenue North and Vicksburg Lane. It is a dangerous intersection because the cars go very fast making it unsafe for pedestrians trying to cross and for cars trying to get out onto Vicksburg from 46'. I am especially concerned about this problem for a few reasons. One reason is that my bus stop is on the west side of Vicksburg and I live on the east side. I have to cross Vicksburg at this intersection every moming at 6:40 a.m. and every afternoon at 2:45 p.m. There is always heavy rush hour traffic in the momings. It is still dark out at 6:40 a.m. and drivers might not be able to see me and could hit me. It sometimes takes five or ten minutes to wait for traffic to slow before I can safely get across the road. In the afternoon, there is less traffic but getting across is still hard. There is an elementary school down the road, Plymouth Creek, which lets some of the kids walk to and from school in the spring and fall. The school puts safety guards on a few intersections right near school, but not on the intersection of Vicksburg and 46`". I know many elementary age kids from my neighborhood, on 46t" Ave. East of Vicksburg, that decide to walk or bike to school in the spring and fall. These kids cross this intersection at prime rush hour because of the elementary start times. I think that it is very scary to have these young kids trying to cross this busy intersection. When driving a car getting onto Vicksburg off of 46th can be quite a hassle. The cars on Vicksburg do not slow and it is dangerous to pull into such speedy traffic. My solution to the problem is to install a four-way stop sign. There is currently a two-way stop sign there stopping traffic from 46"'. A four-way stop sign would be a great thing because of the safety it would ensure and the accidents it would prevent. Please consider this request to install a stop sign to save lives. Please respond to me with your ideas as soon as possible. You can reach meat (612) 555-0833 or at sbncvak(0-),uswest.net. I would really appreciate a response and to see action taken on this issue. Sincerely, Lindsay Novak f- ;5CITVC0F PLVMOUTR March 9, 2000 Todd Noha 240 Peninsula Road Medicine Lake, MN 55441 SUBJECT: SPEED HUMPS Dear Todd: I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning the speed humps on Southshore Drive. You are specifically addressing the speed hump on the north/south portion of Southshore Drive by the Willowood Estates Development. You further state that at times your school bus driver has not seen the speed hump and the students within the bus have been jarred. It is very unfortunate that a school bus driver does not obey the traffic signs for this speed hump. There is a warning sign about 300 feet on either side of the speed hump and additional warning signs directly at the speed hump. Since I would think the driver is in this area on numerous occasions, they should be aware of the speed hump. The purpose of the speed humps along South Shore Drive is to calm the speed of traffic and have them drive within the 30 m.p.h. posted speed limit. These speed humps were installed after speeding and safety concerns were brought to the City Council by the residents of Plymouth. Through traffic studies we determined that the majority of the traffic was traveling at about 39 m.p.h. on South Shore Drive before the installation of the speed humps. This is approximately 9 m.p.h. above the posted speed limit. Since the speed humps have been installed, our studies indicate that the speed of traffic is now about 29 m.p.h. just below the posted speed limit, and therefore, they have achieved their purpose. It is very unfortunate that this type of traffic measures must be undertaken in order That motorists will obey the speed limit within residential neighborhoods. The speed hump by the Willowood Estates was installed because of the pedestrian crossing from this residential development to the city neighborhood park on the other side of the street. The speed of traffic was too fast for a safe pedestrian crossing. Recently the City of Medicine Lake and the Plymouth City Council have had discussions concerning the speed humps. We are looking at other measures such as additional stop signs or road improvements which may allow the removal of this speed hump. We have V. pw, Engineering` GENERA L'LTRS' FRED^_000.Noha. doe PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place 'Ta Line 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us Todd Noha Page 2 also checked the height of the speed hump and during the three years which it has been in existence, traffic has misshaped the asphalt placed to create the speed hump. When we receive warmer weather, the speed hump will be reshaped and even when your bus driver ignores the warning, it should be less of ajar. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, A Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: �,Mayor and City Council C/R File 2000-08 N: \pw\ Engineering, GENE RA L`,LTRS\FRE D\2000\N oha. doc January 7th, 1999 240 Peninsula Road Medicine Lake, MN 55441 Mayor Tierny Plymouth Town Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: Speed Humps Dear Mayor Tierny: I have a fairly pressing concern that should be brought to the city's attention. There are a series of five speed humps on South Shore Drive, north of Highway 55, the first of which, located right outside Willow Woods Estates, being a potentially dangerous hazard. As a student of the Wayzata School District (District #284), I have, while riding the school bus to and from school, felt the harmful effect of this speed hump first-hand. Quite often the school bus driver fails to see the speed hump and, consequentially, will drive over the hump at an alarming speed. Children, especially in the rear of the school bus, are hurled off their seats into the air and occasionally hit their heads on the ceiling of the bus. These speed humps are a serious endangerment of the children of Plymouth and Medicine Lake, and should be removed. I am slightly curious as to the purpose of this speed hump in the first place. The last four speed humps were obviously put into place to hinder speeding in the highly residential area east of the Medicine Lake City Hall. The first speed hump, however, is placed in an area near railroad tracks where traffic is slower and not nearly as much of an issue. Not only does this speed hump cause a hazard for the children, but it also is a large danger to any cars traveling on South Shore Drive. Many cars can not safely go over the speed humps at the suggested limit of 15 mph. Many cars will `bottom out', causing damage to the underside of the vehicle. The speed hump located a quarter mile north of the intersection of Highway 55 and South Shore Drive should be removed for everyone's best interest. Please write back, as I would greatly appreciate any comments or questions you would have. Sincerely ��.E7&/,/, Todd Doha a� a 0 El -� o o U 3 U 3 to -0o N cd�.� � �ami � ° � x cd 0 cd (n3 r.¢• cd cd � Nc� cC >,�o X. a>01 E ,� ouua) 0 Gn 0 0910QUu0000 0 0 0 0 oO O o O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o O o 0 0 o� 0, o, o, Cl) kn O O O O N O •—+ O N N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O I O I q O 1 O 1 O 1 O 1 O 1 O 1 I vj N I I Vn N I 1 to N I �n N I �n N I I to N I Wn N I kn N I kn N I to N I W) N I �n N I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o O o 0 0 O O o 0 o O o o O O o 0 O Q Q O Q O O O O O O O M MI MI M MI M M M M I M I M i M I o O I o I o I O I o I O I O O O O o 0 0 0 0 0 o O o 0 0 0 0 O o o O o 0 0 0 0 I 0 I 0 I 0 I I I I 1 I I I I N N O O o O o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 to :- to to o x 3 O o rn a. 0 w o U b O O v� O v� O o -� x °o o 4. o o O . -- U CA Q%Cd O v Z G� O I V U '� 03 cd vN N o v� c7r. O a ro o En o d d ti H E~ 0 0 0 0 o o 0 0 0 0 ; 0 0 06 a� a 0 0 0 I'D >, � � O 0 U •-" cdrn O O OU ` 0 9 YO o ; 3 ° OD 16. a)o En rA o �a°. cU a ow Ln 40. U 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N O i N N O O O O O O O M O O O O O O O O O O N i O O ' 0 N O M -- O C> 0 o 0 0 0 O 0 II I � � 0 C14.M-+ � N O O � N O ~ O ~ O i O i i O M -- O 10 yE' O to O U i -0 O O ° U 10O s. O O U 0 0 U •tna -- 0 O as p0O-+ cd O r. Cd � 0 ° 0 o 4r Q. c0 cd Id CEn u cn E �+ O U O N 4-4 U O U 3 N O O U 0 oo C z �x Cd -0 0 o 0 'v '� 0 0 - O 0 0 ri .-. ct .-- vi -- t� .--� 00 --� C; -- O N From: AMM To: Dwight Johnson Date: 3/6/00 Time: 2:52:46 PM Page 2 of 3 AMM FAX NEWS "0 AtSO(12t1011 Of Metropolitan Municipalities March 6-10, 2000 Page 1 of 2 Several bills address transportation funding he House has failed to develop a comprehensive bill dealing with transportation funding but has passed several bills out of the Transportation Committee. How- ever, the Senate has modified one bill that has become the major transportation package for that body. HF 3588 contains $300 million earmarked for trunk highway bonds and $44 million for bridge bonds. This bill was referred to the Capital Investment Committee. HF 446 provides a constitutional amendment for 30 percent of MVET to go to the trunk highway (HUTD) fund. This bill was referred to the Tax Committee. HF 3967 provides a 50 percent auto tab rebate for tab fees be - A31,11 Fax News is faxed periodically to all A161M city managers and adnunistrators. The information is in- tended to be shared with mayors, councilmeinbers and staff in order to keep officials abreast of important metro city issues. Oc Copyright 2000 AMM 145 University Avenue West St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone: (651) 215-4000 Fax: (651) 281-1299 E-mail: amm(�,)amm145. org tween $35 and $500. This bill is in the Tax Committee. HF 2005 transfers 54 percent of MVET to the HUTD fund and provides $40 million in transit capital bonding for the Metropolitan Council. This bill is also in the Tax Committee. Yet to be heard is HF 4020 which provides a $452 million general fund transfer for metro bottlenecks and outstate inter- regional corridors. The Senate Transportation Policy Committee, however, has modified SF 2678 to become the major funding package. It contains: ♦ $125 M auto tab fee reduction. ♦ Creates a multimodal fund. ♦ Transfers 25 percent of MVET to the HUTD fund to replace the tab fee reduction. ♦ Transfers to the multimodal fund 25 percent of MVET in 2002 and 2003, 50 percent of MVET in 2004 and 2005, and 75 percent of MVET in 2006 and beyond. If the constitutional amendment in 2000 does not pass, tab fee reduction and MVET transfers are replealed. Also provided is $100 million in trunk highway bonding for 10 years and $40 million capital transit bonding authority per year for the Metropolitan Council. A number of non -highway expen- County plat bills are amended Two bills (HF 672-Kuisle/ SF 702-Vickerman) have been substantially amended to basically clarify current statutes. This legislation does NOT require county approval of city plats that abut county roads. The bill: ♦ Clarifies that the city is responsible for transmitting the preliminary plat to the county. ♦ Requires counties to de- velop guidelines through compre- hensive plans or hearings with city input and in consideration of city guidelines. ♦ Requires guidelines to provide for development/redevel- opment/variance scenarios. ♦ Does not require county approval but does require city/ county to meet and discuss differences. ♦ Does not change approval timelines. The Senate bill passed the Transportation Committee and was referred to the floor on 3/2/ 00. The House bill passed the Transportation Committee and was referred to Local Govern- ment on 3/3/00. ditures are transferred out of the HUTD fund. This bill is in the Trans- portation Finance Committee. From: AMM To: Dwight Johnson Date: 3!6100 Time: 2:52:46 PM Page 3 of 3 T, 4%Sr March 6-10, 1999 0 AMM Fax News ♦ Page 2 of 2 Legislature passes first deadline Policy committees winding down, gearing up for next deadline he legislature marked its first deadline on Friday, March 3. A bill needed to clear all policy committees in one House. The second deadline is March 10 and by that date a bill must clear all policy committees in both the House and the Sen- ate. As a result of the deadline less bills are being introduced and the Tax and Finance committees are beginning to meet more frequently. As of March 3, several bills im- pacting cities met deadline and were either sent to a Finance or Tax committee or to the House or Senate floor. Some bills also did not make deadline. A summary of several bills follows. MET COUNCIL TASK FORCE (HF 39361SF 3727) The bill was introduced in the House on Monday, Feb. 28, heard in two House policy com- mittees and referred to the floor on Thursday, March 2. The Senate companion was intro- duced today. The bill would establish an 18 -member task force to study and make recom- mendations to the legislature by Jan. 1, 2001 on the appropriate role and responsibilities of metropolitan government. Task force members will include legislators, local govern- ment officials, Metropolitan Council members, and union officials resenting Metro- politan Council employees. The AMM will appoint the two city officials to serve on the task force. The Senate bill should be heard this week. BUSINESS SUBSIDIES (HF 30671SF 2893) The House file passed out of the Local Government Commit- tee and is in the Tax Committee. The Senate file passed the Jobs, Energy and Economic Development Committee on Thursday, March 2 and has been sent to the floor. The Senate bill was amended to exempt business loans of $75,000 or less from the act. The Senate bill also includes a requirement that the city's busi- ness subsidy policy include a wage floor. The House bill does not have the wage floor and raises the exemption threshold from $25,000 to $100,000. It is probable that a conference committee will resolve the differ- ences in the two bills. EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS (HF 691/SF 43) The House bill was scheduled for a hearing last week but it was not heard. The bill, there- fore, did not meet the deadline but it is possible that it or similar legislation could be attempted to be amended to other relevant legislation. HF 591 as amended would have extended the timeframe for "quick takes" and provided authority for the pay- ment of fees and costs of the property owner. Mar 18 Z888 14:49:44 Via Fax L-M-C- Lft" of Ml,411wota Clow Clltyr P Wftft hg rwa4ma Bill would increase threshold for joint and several liability -> 61Z+589+5868 Administrator Page 881 Of 881 = FRIDAYFAx = Number 6 A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities March 10, 2000 On Wednesday, the Senate Judi- ciary Committee heard, passed, and re-referred to the Senate Floor a bill that would increase the threshold for joint and several liability. The bill, S.F. 242, intro- duced by Sen. John Hottinger (DFL -Mankato), was amended in committee to increase the thresh- old to 50 percent for municipalities and 40 percent for others. Plymouth Mayor Joy Tierney and Jack Hennen, an attorney with the League of Minnesota Cities Insur- ance Trust, testified in support of the bill on behalf of the League of Minnesota Cities. Other proponents included the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, the Civil Justice Coalition, the Minnesota School Boards Association, and the Minnesota Society of CPAs. Those testifying in opposition to the bill included the Minnesota Trial Law- yers Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Attorney Gen- eral's Office, and private citizens. The public policy questions legisla- tors are struggling with is whether it is fair for defendants to pay an entire damage award in cases where their percentage of fault is very low, as in current law, or whether it is fair to allow seriously injured people to potentially face a degree of lower compensation if the bill becomes law. Municipalities should be aware that several members of the committee made it clear .they believed that if municipalities are granted an increase in the joint and several liability threshold, then the Legisla- ture should seriously consider the issue of government immunity and eliminating the tort liability caps currently in place. The companion bill, H.F. 90 intro- duced by Rep. Dave Bishop (R - Rochester), passed the House last year and has been waiting for Senate action. The Senate is now in the position to address the issue on the Senate floor. Senate committee revives bleacher safety bill The Senate Governmental Opera- tions Committee reconsidered S.F. 3272 (Weiner, DFL -Eagan) Thurs- day. After the bill was successfully brought back for reconsideration, the bill was amended to allow for an exception for retractable bleachers with gaps less than 9 inches, five - tiered bleachers, and an extension in the compliance deadline from Jan. 1, 2001 to Aug. 1, 2001. The House companion, H.F. 2846 is pending House floor action. Looking ahead— Property tax proposals forthcoming The Property Tax Division of the House Tax Committee will review the property tax proposal of Rep. Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka) on Wednesday. The details have not yet been released, but Rep. Abrams has previously expressed support for continuing the property tax class rate compression that has been enacted in the past three years. His proposal will likely recommend that the upper tier of commercial/industrial property be reduced from 3.4 percent to 3 percent. As in the past, home- owners will likely be protected from shifting taxes through increases in either the Education Homestead Credit or HACA to local govern- ments. The proposal may also contain an extension of levy limits. While Rep Abrams has stated lie is not a big fan of levy limits, he has indicated he considers them to be justifiable when major changes to the tax system are enacted. The Senate will also reveal its omnibus property tax proposal next week. The bill is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday in the Property Tax and Local Government Budget Division. In recent years the Senate has not supported levy limits, so hopefully the Senate bill will not contain a levy limit extension. The governor has proposed no major changes to the property tax system this year, although he does advocate an extension of levy limits. The governor's staff is work- ing on a proposal to overhaul the tax system for consideration in the 2001 legislative session. For more Information on city legislative Issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations train. (651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122