HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-03-2000''"�*s
CITY COUNCIL IN FORMATIONMEMOY
MARCH 3, 2000
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Ward 1 Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their
comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6:00 PM before each
Regular Council meeting.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 7: 00 PM
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 7:00 PM
2. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 7:00 PM
3. TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 7: 00 PM
4. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 7: 00 PM
5. THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 7: 00 PM
6. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15,
5:00-9:00 PM
7. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 7: 00 PM
8. THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 7: 00 PM
JOINT MEETING: CITY COUNCIL AND CHARTER
COMMISSION, Public Safety Training Room
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers
YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room
CAUCUS NIGHT STATEWIDE
PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers
Agenda is attached. (M-4)
PARK& RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION,
Council Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M-5)
OPEN HOUSE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
UPDATES, Council Chambers
HRA Medicine Lake Room
PUBLIC SAFETYAD VISOR Y BOARD,
Public Safety Training Room
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
MARCH 3, 2000
Page 2
9. SATURDAY, MARCH 18, OPEN HOUSE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
9: 00 AM -1: 00 PM UPDATES, Council Chambers
10.
11.
A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-10)
February, March and April calendars are attached. (M-11)
1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a) Community Development Department Northwest Notes. (I -I a)
b) Metropolitan Council notices of environmental services and budget meetings.
(I-1 b)
c) Letter from St. Louis County Commission Chair Steve Rauker supporting tax
policy reform. (I -1c)
2. STAFFREPORTS
a) Notice of election chair and vice chair for the Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission. (I -2a)
3. MINUTES
a) Park and Recreation February 10 meeting. (I -3a)
b) Charter Commission January 13 meeting. (1--3b)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter from Dr. Meskath Uddin to the Service Area Manager of the Canadian
Pacific Railway regarding the use of train whistles in Plymouth. (I -4a)
b) Letter from Jerry Lindberg regarding the North American Properties project at
36`h and Vicksburg. (I -4b)
c) Letter to the Mayor from State Representative Henry Todd Van Dellen regarding
legislative priorities. (I -4c)
5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter from Ruth Gregory to Public Safety Director Craig Gerdes regarding a dog
attack in her neighborhood. (1--5a)
A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (1-5)
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities AMM FAX News. (1-5a)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3
MARCH 3, 2000
b) Suburban Transit Association Legislative Report. (1--5b)
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.
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA M— q
® WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2000
WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Plymouth City Center
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be
enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or
petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in
normal sequence on the agenda.
CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M.
2. PUBLIC FORUM
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5. CONSENT AGENDA*
A. Satellite Industries. Site plan to add 21 parking spaces; variance from the side yard setback requirement for
parking and driveway; and a lot consolidation for property located at 2530 Xenium Lane North. (20013)
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. K P Marketing. Rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development) to RSF-3 (Single Family Detached
3) and a preliminary plat for 17 single family lots on the 4.75 acre parcel located east of Fernbrook Lane and
south of 47' Avenue. (20003)
B. Rottlund Homes. Planned Unit Development Sketch Plan for a 1,020 unit residential development with a
variety of housing types on a 125 -acre site located west of I-494 and north of Schmidt Lake Road. (20006)
C. Joseph and Nancy Wagner. Rezoning from C-3 (Highway Commercial) to C -W
(Commercial/Warehousing) for the Mid -Co AV property located at 3440 Kilmer Lane North. (20014)
D. City of Plymouth. Rezoning from C-3 (Highway Commercial) to C -W (Commercial -Warehouse) for certain
other properties abutting Kilmer Lane and text amendments to the C-3 and C -W Zoning Districts. (20026)
E. Loucks & Associates, Inc./Sprint PCS. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Amendment to install a 72 -
foot monopole antenna and related ground equipment for property located at 4455 State Highway 169.
(20015)
F. Steve Jantzen and Janis Beavers. Interim Use Permit to place 420 cubic yards of fill to create a berm on
the southeast corner of the property located at 1410 Yellowstone Lane North. (20016)
NEW BUSINESS
S. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
March 9, 2000, 7 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
c. Others
4. Report on Past Council Action
a. Accepted 1999 Annual Report
b. Approved Change Order No. 6 for the Plymouth Creek Center
5. Unfinished Business
a. Comprehensive Plan update
b. Plymouth Creek Center update
6. New Business
a. Plymouth Creek Center Rental Rates and Policies
b.
C.
d.
7. Commission Presentation
S. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting - April 13, 2000
:n\parks\staff \eric\prac\agendas\march.doc
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
Rezoning of parcels in Kilmer Lane area
Approve Disposition of Tax Forfeit Parcel in the City of Plymouth (Outlot A, Camelot
Overlook 03-118-22-24-0073) Tabled from February 29 Council Meeting
Recognition to Residents who received "We Care About Kids Day Role Model" Awards
(Councilmember Brown)
April 11
Public Safety Report on Alcohol Compliance Violation Penalties
April 25
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Highlights For More Information:
• Public open house meetings March 15 and 18
• Public hearing set for March 29
Call Community Development at 509-5450
• Check the City Web Site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us
• E -Mail us at AHurlbur@ci.plymouth.mn.us
Northwest Ncfts
rpr I T
CITY O�
PLYMOUTR
A Newsletter for
Residents and
Landowners
Issue 20
March 1, 2000
Draft Comprehensive Plan ready for
public review
Public meetings and hearing dates set
The schedule for public meetings
and hearings on Plymouth's updated
Comprehensive Plan has been set.
The City Council and Planning
Commission, at a joint session held on
February 12, gave their preliminary
approval to the draft plan, when they
decided that the draft is now ready for
review and comment.
Open house meetings will be held
on Wednesday, March 15 (5:00 p.m. to
9:00 p.m.) and Saturday, March 18
(9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) Both meetings
will be held at Plymouth City Hall,
3400 Plymouth Blvd. Staff and
consultants will be on hand to answer
questions and take comments on the
plan. The meetings will be informal,
with video presentations repeated
frequently so that residents can drop
in when it is convenient for their
schedules.
The Planning Commission will
hold a formal public hearing at a
special meeting on Wednesday, March
29 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be
held in the Council Chambers at City
Hall, and will be televised on cable
television channel 37. This meeting
will offer an opportunity for the
public to give comments on the plan,
orally or in writing. After the hearing,
the Planning Commission will make a
recommendation to the City Council
on any changes to be made to the plan
before it is formally submitted to the
Open Houses
Wednesday, March 15
5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
and
Saturday, March 18
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 P.M.
City Hall
Public Hearing
Wednesday, March 29
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Televised on Cable 37
Metropolitan Council for review.
City Council action has not yet
been scheduled, but is anticipated to
occur sometime in April. Following
Metropolitan Council review of the
plan, the City Council will make any
final changes and formally adopt the
plan, likely sometime this summer.
The City has been working on the
plan update for almost three years.
The update includes plans and policies
for land use and infrastructure
(including parks, transportation,
sewer, water and public facilities) from
now until the year 2020.
The draft Comprehensive Plan
document is contained in two
volumes, one containing the main
chapters of the plan and a second with
technical appendices. Copies of the
documents are available for review at
the Community Development
Department in City Hall during
regular City Hall office hours. A copy
is also available for review at the
Plymouth Community Library,
2 Northwest Notes March 1, 2000
located at 15700 36`t Avenue North
(phone 612-847-5825).
Those who have access to the
World Wide Web from their home
computers can review the plan by
visiting the City of Plymouth web
site. All of the plan chapters (policy
Plan, land use, housing,
transportation, sewer, water, etc) are
available on the web site. At the time
this newsletter was published, we were
still working on making all of the
City of Plymouth
graphics and maps available in a web -
compatible format.
To check out the World Wide Web
version of the plan, visit the City's site
at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us and click
on "Comprehensive Plan" on the
home page.
Community Development Department
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
For More Information
For more information please
contact the Community Development
Department at 509-5400. Office
hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
Monday and Wednesday through
Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday. You may also send e-mail
to ahurlbur@ci.plymouth.mn.us.
Northwest Notes✓News on Planning for Northwest Plymouth
,AMA Metropolitan Council
/-/b
Working for the Region, Planning for the Future
Environmental Service
February 29, 2000
MCES PLANNING AND BUDGET BREAKFAST MEETINGS
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) is holding breakfast meetings in advance of preparing its
2001 budgets. These meetings provide communities and industries an opportunity to comment on and help plan
for and prioritize current issues, services and direction. This year, 2000, is year two of a three-year $20 million
budget reduction goal and MCES remains on -track to reach this goal in 2001. Your comments and participation it
the discussion at these planning meetings is important.
This year, comments and discussion will be focused on:
• Strategic Development: Smart Growth Alignment
— Strategic planning frameworks (alignment with Governor's plans/Council's plans/MCES's plans)
— Regional environmental agenda to be developed with stakeholder involvement in 2000
— MCES's 2000 and 2001 goals
• Customer Focus: Regional Constituency Building
— Legislative initiatives (e.g. SAC/system equity)
— Customer survey follow-up/implementation: meter/billing accuracy, and odors
• Water Resources Management: Quality of Life
— Comprehensive strategies for targeted pollutants
— Master planning (including potential capital investments and strategies to reduce capital costs)
— Grants (e.g., MetroEnvironment Partnership grant program)
— Beyond MUSA study areas
• Competitive Business Processes: High Performance Service
— Rates continue to decrease to meet 2001 goal
— New goal of being among top best five in retail rates of peer agencies by 2005
Follow-up meetings will be held in June to consider the draft MCES 2001 Budget and 2001-2006 Plan for
Allocating Resources (PAR). Our current schedule anticipates a public hearing at a July Metropolitan Council
meeting.
We will hold three meetings (listed below). Please make reservations by calling Katie Elliott at
(651) 602-1016; leave your name and affiliation and identify the meeting you will attend.
SCHEDULE FOR MCES PLANNING AND BUDGET BREAKFAST MEETINGS
(Maps to all three locations are included)
Tuesday, March 14: 7:30 a.m.
Maplewood Community Center Focus of this meeting
2100 White Bear Avenue planned for industrial users
Maplewood, MN
Wednesday, March 22: 7:30 a.m.
Bloomington City Hall
2215 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN
Thursday, March 23: 7:45 a.m. (NOTE: Later start time for this location)
Brooklyn Park City Hall Chambers
5200-851' Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN
For more information about MCES, visit our website at:
www.metrocouncii.org/environmentlindex.htm
230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1005 Fax 602-1183 TDD/TTY 229-3760
An Equal opportunity Employer
Maplewood
Community Center
2100 White Bear Avenue
Maplewood, Minnesota
Phone: (651) 779-3555
Tuesday, March 14
7:30 a.m.
CD
v
2
aA
From the North: South on Hwy 35E to Hwy 61, south to
Hwy 36. East on Hwy 36 to White Bear Avenue. South on
White Bear Avenue about 1/2 mile to the Center.
From the South: North on Hwy 494/694 to Hwy 36. West
on Hwy 36 to White Bear Avenue. South on White Bear
Avenue about 1/2 mile to the Center.
From the East: West on Hwy 36 to White Bear Avenue.
South on White Bear Avenue about 1/2 mile to the Center.
Or: West on Hwy 94 to Hwy 494/694. North to Hwy 36.
West on Hwy 36 to White Bear Avenue. South on White
Bear Avenue about 1/2 mile to the center.
From the West.: East on Hwy 694 to White Bear Avenue.
South on White Bear Avenue, about 2 miles to the Center.
Or: East on Hwy 94 to Hwy 35E. North on Hwy 35E to Hwy
36. East on Hwy 36 to White Bear Avenue. South on White
Bear Avenue about 1/2 mile to the Center.
Bloomington
City Hall Chambers
2215 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN
(612) 424-8000
Wednesday, March 22
7:30 a.m.
From 35W, exit at 98th Street. Go west on 98th
Street. Follow the curve to the left which turns
into Old Shakopee Road. Turn left at the next
light into the parking lot of City Hall at the
intersection of Old Shakopee Road and Penn
Avenue.
s
.r
s
Brooklyn Park
City Hall Chambers
5200 -85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN
(612) 424-8000
Brooklyn Park City Hall is located 2.5 miles west
of Highway 252 on 85th Avenue.
Thursday, March 23, 2000
7:45 a.m. (NOTE: later start time for this location)
J
-L -/C
Saint Louis County
a� 1810 12th Avenue East, 214 Courthouse, Hibbing, Minnesota 55746 (218) 262-0201
q Fax # (218) 262-0203
www.stlouiscounty.org
February 23, 2000 E-mail: raukars@co.st-louis.mn.us
STEVE RAUKAR
REBATE OR REFORM Commissioner
Seventh District
Dear City Officials,
Should we question the long term wisdom of the legislature's rush to rebate taxpayers' token
amounts to finance your next small appliance, and more importantly, to nail down voter support
at the ballot box? Yes and no. From a practical vantage, who couldn't use any amount of jingle
in their pocket. However, from a bigger vantage, does it really do much more than boost
consumer spending and sales tax receipts even more, and buy political good will in a very
important election year with redistricting on the horizon. Enough said.
From the vantage of a local government policymaker, the rebate does little to address the obvious
need for tax policy reform. While local governments, i.e. cities, townships and counties, rely on
property tax to fund delivery of essential services, we, too, pay sales tax on purchases. Yes, sales
tax on property tax dollars - double taxation if you will. When we discuss sales tax, it's a little
known fact that back in 1992 when the State of Minnesota was facing a financial crisis, a sales
tax was imposed (mandated) on local units of government to help the state through a difficult
time. Since that time, St. Louis County has paid over $6,600,000 on purchases and anticipates
another $1 million in 2000. The result: double taxation on the property taxpaying citizens of
Minnesota, and artificially raising the cost of government at all levels.
It raises the questions: Do local governments get rebates, too? In theory, why not? - in reality,
no. You might ask why wouldn't the legislature repeal such a bad policy at a time when dollars
are plentiful in the state coffers. Well, in the words of several key legislators, "What's to be
gained?", "Who would know?", "Where's the political gain? The issue has no constituency."
Maybe so, so what do you say, let's inform legislators statewide that this is bad policy and
demand a repeal of double taxation. Since the squeaky wheel gets the grease, I urge you to
weigh in, by phone, letter, e-mail. Create a constituency, mobilize. I believe that through a
concerted effort, taxpayers could save an estimated $90 million statewide from needlessly going
into the state coffers from local governments' already stressed budgets.
Our County Board has passed a resolution to expand awareness and to request the legislature and
governor to make this a high priority. The state's financial crisis has passed for now, and the
timeW-
Chair,
y is now. It's your money.
St
St. Louis County Board of Commissioners
"Working Together Serving People"
0 printed on recycled paper
DATE: March 1, 2000
TO: Joy Tierney, Mayor �' �4
FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: Election of Chairperson and Vice Chair
According to Section 305.03, Subd. 3, of the Plymouth City Code, the Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission are appointed by the
Commission from among the members of the Commission, subject to approval by the Mayor,
for a term of one year.
On February 10, 2000, the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission elected the following
officers:
Chairperson Donald Anderson
Vice Chairperson Mark Wahl
These names are being forwarded to you for your approval.
EB/np
cc: City Manager
—L- _ �,-) a,
MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING
February 10, 2000
Page 5
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Singer, Musliner, Fiemann, Thompson, Meyer,
Wahl; staff Bisek, Blank, Pederson; Councilmember Slavik; Planning Commissioner
Stein
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the February meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Chair Anderson introduced Mary Meyer and Ellie Singer, recently appointed commissioners.
The rest of the commissioners introduced themselves and stated how long they've been on
the board. Chair Anderson also introduced Kelli Slavik, Councilmember, and Robert Stein,
Planning Commissioner. Staff introductions followed.
a. COMMISSIONER FIEMANN MOVED TO REAPPOINT DON ANDERSON AS THE
CHAIR AND MARK WAHL AS THE VICE CHAIR OF THE PARK AND
RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON
SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Musliner wanted to clarify a statement in January's minutes regarding the
presentation made by Karol Greupner on the events survey she conducted. The statement
read that the longer the event, the higher the attendance. The statement should have read the
longer the event has been in place, the higher the attendance. A MOTION WAS MADE BY
COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MEYER TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY MEETING WITH THIS
CLARIFICATION. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek announced that Recreation Supervisor Cindy Anderson had a baby
boy on January 17th.
She stated that Fire and Ice pictures are on display across from the Park and Recreation
window. Mary thanked those who volunteered. Regina Callies is an intern with us, who
helped chair the event, Mary said. She's a student at the U. This Saturday we are
participating with the Wayzata School District in a workshop. On Monday, Mary and
Regina are meeting with the Youth Advisory Council and discussing a possible youth
coffee house. Mary said we are working on the E -connect website. This will allow people
to register for classes over the Internet. PRAC members may be asked to help test the
product. Mary stated that we are in the process of working with Wayzata on evaluating
our contract with them. We provide swimming lessons for them and lifeguarding services
at their beach. At issue is the shortage of staff and by continuing to provide services to
PRAC Minutes/February 2000
Page 6
Wayzata, we may end up shortchanging Plymouth's beaches. We are going to be
advertising this weekend for our seasonal clerical position. This person would work
approx. 32 hours per week, beginning in March. Mary said we are working on a redesign
of the cover for the Plymouth Leisure Times which will be on the front of the August
issue. Mary said staff has also been working on a design of the letterhead, brochure,
business cards, etc., for the Plymouth Creek Center. Commissioner Meyer asked for a
definition of the Youth Advisory Council. Mary explained that Councilmember Judy
Johnson started it. Director Blank said they have seven members. They have studied
such things as the city curfew for youth, overnight parking in the City; they've made
presentations to other cities that are thinking of forming youth councils, etc. They are
going to help us come up with some programming for teens. Mary said this winter for the
first time, we had a teen ski and snowboard club for 9th -12th graders. Mary said our
largest teen program is employment. We train youth as lifeguards and water safety
instructors and then employ them. Commissioner Musliner said that the water quality at
Parkers Lake is very bad. She also said it's important when thinking about the Wayzata
Beach to consider that many Plymouth residents use that beach, including her family.
Commissioner Singer asked how we decided that last year's unguarded beach was
successful. Director Blank said we reported no incidents there and attendance was about
the same as previous years. Looking ahead, if staffing shortages continue to be an issue,
we may have to go to unguarded hours at our other beaches, stated Director Blank.
Commissioner Fiemann asked about where kids can go to become lifeguards. Mary said
lifeguard training is expensive. She said we offer training during winter break. It costs
several hundred dollars for someone to become certified. They get lifeguard training, Red
Cross CPR and first aid. It's more involved than basic first aid. We have a reimbursement
training program, whereby we reimburse them for half their cost if they end up working
for us. If they come back and work for us a second year, we give them back another
$100. The going rate for lifeguarding is $9 per hour starting wage.
Commissioner Musliner was concerned about a child who fell through a slush hole
during Fire and Ice. She said that apparently staff knew about it but did not barricade the
area. Mary knew about the child falling through but was not aware that staff knew about
the hole ahead of time. She explained what happens when the rink is made. Wherever
snow is pushed up to make a berm, the ice underneath gets insulated. It's easier to fall
through the ice near these berms. Director Blank said he will look into this further and get
back to Commissioner Musliner.
Mary discussed the Plymouth Creek Center brochure she distributed and what it
contained. This packet of materials is what gets mailed to individuals interested in renting
the Center. Plans are to begin renting out the facility in June.
c. Others.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. The Council approved the 2000 park rental fees and policies.
b. The Council approved Change Order No. 5 on the Plymouth Creek Center.
PRAC Minutes/February 2000
Page 7
c. Council approved the Millennium Garden project and have given the go ahead to begin
the fund raising on the project and to hire a consultant to design the garden. Director
Blank explained that the garden area in City Hall's lobby is to help advertise the
Millennium Garden. We're considering using a brick made of recycled glass for the Buy
a Brick program. This is one of the ways residents can help fund the project. We're going
to have a design competition to select the final designer. Our goal is to have a preliminary
design by May. There was an article in the Lakeshore Weekly about the Millennium
Garden that has already generated interest in the Buy a Brick program. Commissioner
Meyer will help with the garden project because of her expertise and experience working
at the Landscape Arboretum.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Comprehensive Plan update. Director Blank stated that the Comprehensive Plan meeting
will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. over at the Reserve. By 4 p.m. staff hopes to have gone
through the entire document. The goal is to get through it and make sure that all
governing bodies are in general agreement that it's ready to be reviewed by the public.
Surrounding communities also have an opportunity to review it. Director Blank said the
plan is to have it adopted by the City Council and Metropolitan Council in June.
Commissioner Singer thinks one of the tables is labeled wrong. Commissioner Meyer
said she did not get the document. Commissioner Thompson said in order to have
received it, you had to respond to a letter that had been sent previously.
b. Plymouth Creek Center update. Director Blank distributed some financial information on
the fieldhouse. So far the fieldhouse has been a tremendous success. We took in $21,000
in November in revenue, in December $25,895. In January, we took in $40,000+. We
expect this trend to continue. The bubble is scheduled to come down in late April. We
need 40 strong individuals to disassemble the dome. The expenditures for staff is quite
low. Estimated gas bill to be $45,000 for six month season. Electric bill is right on. When
Director Blank looks at the whole six months, estimates surplus revenue to be between
$75,000 and $90,000. The excess revenue will go into a fund to cover replacement costs
for the turf and the fabric dome. Director Blank said we have a tremendous walking
program. It just keeps expanding. Staff is keeping track of all the walkers. At the end of
the indoor season, we will have a full report on the revenue and we might be able to
lower the rate for Plymouth groups using the fieldhouse. Soccer, lacrosse, girls fastpitch
softball and walking are the four major programs going on there.
Commissioner Musliner is on the Early Childhood Education Board through Wayzata
School District. She's hoping we can hold some type of open gym time at the fieldhouse
during the day for pre—schoolers. Director Blank is looking forward to finding groups to
use the fieldhouse during those open daytime hours. One such group would be the
children who are home—schooled.
Director Blank reported on the progress at the Plymouth Creek Center. He said the
bathroom tile is in, the floors are in, painting is going on, workers are hanging the ceiling,
etc. Major completion is scheduled for the end of March or early April. We selected all
PRAC Minutes/February 2000
Page 8
the furniture for the building yesterday, including office furniture and banquet room
furniture. This came in $15,000 under budget. The furniture should be delivered March
27. We hope to have some programming in there by mid-April. The caterer has been
meeting with wedding parties. Chair Anderson wanted to know if we would have a
meeting there sometime. Director Blank said at least once a year we'd meet there.
c. Approve 1999 Annual Report. Director Blank went over the 2000 work plan. He said
golf could become an issue that needs to be reviewed within a year as opposed to three
years. Commissioner Musliner said she saw an article about bark parks in the January
parks magazine. There is a lot of interest in bark parks all across the country. Director
Blank said there is an archive on the Internet through NRPA where you can look up
information on any topic relative to parks and recreation. Director Blank explained that
the annual report is a historical document. He explained that we've been doing this for 20
years. It's an ordinance requirement, so this document must be approved by the Parks
Commission. Commissioner Thompson asked about the decline in team sports as noted
on pg. 14 and thought that this should be addressed. Mary explained that kids coming out
of high school are not going into adult softball programs in the same numbers as they
used to. Commissioner Thompson also wants more years compared regarding the
budgeted expenditures on pg. 8, and she would also like previous years' figures for the
Ice Center shown on pgs. 22-23. Commissioner Musliner suggested moving the title
Sources of Revenue over to the right on pg. 8, so that it's not over the title Expenditures.
Commissioner Musliner asked for an explanation of the Tree Trust organization. Director
Blank said they've been working with the City for 20 years. This is a non-profit group of
young people that are hired to work on numerous projects. They are supervised by
University of Minnesota forestry students. They started planting trees as their very first
project, hence the name. Chair Anderson asked if the City still uses ICWC crews.
Director Blank said yes. Commissioner Singer said that of all the orientation materials
she received, the Annual Report was the most helpful.
COMMISSIONER SINGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE 1999 ANNUAL REPORT.
COMMISSIONER WAHL SECONDED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES.
6. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank talked about the possible need for a third sheet of ice at the Ice Center. We've
had to turn kids away from the Learn to Skate program. He said that two weeks ago, the MN
Wild faxed to all cities in the metropolitan area a request for proposal to build the MN Wild a
training facility. The MN Wild would rent five hours a day from the community that is
awarded this proposal. They want ice time seven days a week, 11 months a year. It would be
difficult to give them this much time, unless we add another sheet. We have to respond by 4
p.m. Friday. We need to solve the parking problems we have there now. If we build a third
PRAC Minutes/February 2000
Page 9
sheet of ice, it can only go on the east side of the building. This would take away some of the
parking spaces. We need to generate 260 more parking spaces. We may have to build a
parking ramp. We've talked to the Wayzata Hockey Association about a contribution from
them to help with this parking issue. Director Blank said the ice arena is turning a profit of
$100,000 a year. A third sheet of ice would be almost all profit. Commissioner Fiemann
asked about the demand on the current rinks. Director Blank said we open at 7 a.m. and close
at 11:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights we close at 1 a.m. Director Blank is
confident that we could fill up a third rink several months a year. During the non -demand
months, we could use it for other activities by removing the ice. Commissioner Fiemann
asked if the City Council is looking into the parking problem at LifeTime. Director Blank
said the President of LifeTime is willing to work with us on this issue. Director Blank feels
that an additional 100 stalls will solve the parking problem 95% of the time. Director Blank
said the east parking lot is always full whenever any type of big game is going on. Even if we
don't go with a third sheet of ice, we have to look at solving the parking problem.
Planning Commissioner Stein stated that this was his last meeting, and he wanted to
congratulate the Park Commission. He thinks this group contributes more to the City than
any other committee. A new Planning Commissioner will be appointed to attend the rest of
the meetings in 2000.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Proposed Minutes
Charter Commission Meeting
January 13, 2000
A meeting of the Plymouth Charter Commission was called to order by Chairman Sipkins at 7:00
p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on January 13, 2000.
CHARTER COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Sipkins, Commissioners Donovan,
Schwartz, Thompson, McKee, Marofsky, Murphy, Bobra, Pauba, Preus, Garst, Walling, and
Willis.
ABSENT: Commissioners Johnson, Martin, and Thompson.
OTHERS: Assistant Manager Ahrens, and City Clerk Paulson.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Commissioner Marofsky, and seconded by Commissioner Pauba, to
approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioners Thompson and McKee suggested a few minor corrections be made to the
minutes.
Motion was made by Commissioner Marofsky, and seconded by Commissioner Bobra to
approve the amended minutes. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consideration of Issue of Mail Ballot for Special City Elections
A considerable amount of discussion was held relative to the issue of requiring a mail ballot
election for Special City Elections. The commissioners referred to the six percent voter turnout
for the referendum on the new Activity Center and Field House and whether that turnout is a fair
representation of the populace, especially for a project this size. It was noted that the turnout is
much greater for the General Elections, and perhaps it would be more appropriate to include City
questions on those ballots rather than conducting Special Elections where the turnout is much
lower. Some of the commissioners felt strongly that a mail ballot election, even though the cost
is approximately $7 per voter compared to $2 per voter for regular special elections, should be
the method to conduct special elections. The commissioners also were concerned that citizens
Proposed Charter Commission Minutes
January 13, 2000
Page 2 of 3
could perceive the notion that the Council strategically plans the vote for major projects to not
coincide with the General Election in order to receive the low voter turnout.
Motion was made by Commissioner Donovan, and seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
schedule a Joint Study Session with the City Council on the issue of mail balloting and any other
options to increase voter turnout. Commissioner Schwartz offered a friendly amendment to the
motion that copies of all the materials that the Commissioners received are provided to the
Council prior to the Joint Study Session. Commissioners Donovan and McKee accepted this
amendment. With all members voting in favor of the amended motion, the motion carried.
Consideration of City Charter Amendment to Eliminate Excess Language in Section 12.13
Commissioner Marofsky briefly discussed excess language contained in the City Charter for
Section 12.13, Subds. 2-6. He explained this language is outdated and obsolete.
Motion was made by Commissioner Donovan, and seconded by Commissioner Garst, to approve
the language amendment and recommend the Ordinance be presented to the City Council for
formal action. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consideration of Issue to Change Mayor's Term of Office from 2 to 4 Years
Assistant City Manager Ahrens requested the Charter Commission to review this item. She
stated the Council noted that the Mayor has very similar legal duties as a Councilmember, and
the cohesiveness and continuity of the Council could change every two years. Also, there is the
expense of an election campaign every two years. In response to a question, she stated there is
not a term limit.
The Commissioners requested this item be discussed with the Council at the Joint Study Session
when the mail ballot issue is discussed to determine the Council's reasons for proposing the
issue.
Consideration of City Court Issue
Assistant City Manager Ahrens reported the item of city court didn't appear on the Council's list
of legislative agenda items.
Motion was made by Commissioner Willis and seconded by Commissioner Preus to decline
studying this issue. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Proposed Charter Commission Minutes
January 13, 2000
Page 3 of 3
Designation of Committee for By -Laws Review
Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated it has been recommended that the Charter Commission's
By -Laws should be reviewed.
Commissioners Murphy, Marofsky, and Sipkins volunteered to review the By -Laws and present
any recommended changes to the Charter Commission at the next meeting.
Schedule Next Meeting
Assistant City Manager Ahrens stated due to the Council's busy meeting schedule, a Joint Study
Session with the Charter Commission probably couldn't be conducted until March. She stated
she would inform the Commissioners of the Joint Study Session date once a date is selected by
the Council.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Commissioner McKee, and seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to
adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
City Clerk
T. A. Bagus
Service Area Manager
Canadian Pacific Railway
1997 Floan place Suite # 17
Telephone: 612-347-8225
Dear Mr. Bagus,
St. Paul, MN 55117
Date- 2/21/00
The night time trains those run on Minnesota - Glenwood Line are becoming more noisy, speedy,
frequent, heavier and lengthy. -chis line is located south of Wayzata High School (Plymouth). I live
few hundreds feet south of this line in a newly developed community (Plum Tree).
I am sure you have the residential area restrictions such as speed limit, honking etc. but you
need to see how many of the night time drivers comply with these regulations. At night, we woke
up due to the extreme noises, tremors, and shakes. It feels like earthquake. Two of those trains
are worst of all - one between 2 and 3 a.m., and the other between 5 and 6 a.m. On the early
morning of Feb 19th and Feb 21 st, it was the worse of all shakes.
Future planned structure ( Wayzata High School Stadium within a few hundred feet) as well as
the existing structures may suffer from fatigue and I am afraid it may give away due to these
shakes.
I hope you will take care of this matter. I also called few months earlier and complained about the
same problem.
May I suggest a few things:
• Night trains should be less speedy , lighter cargo, less noisy, and smaller in length.
• It needs monitoring to see drivers comply with the existing restrictions for residential area
driving.
Thanks,
Sincerely,
Meskath Lin, MD.
18000 48th Court North
Plymouth, MN 55446
Tel 612-478-6524
CC- 1. Chuck Schneider
2. Lundgren Bros
.,,:%O. City of Plymouth
4. Principal, W.H. School
5. John Bergene
a-
-L— [
February 29, 2000
Mayor Joy Tierney
and City Council Members
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
I watched the marathon city council meeting on February 15, 2000,
dealing with the approval of the North American Properties plan for
developing a Lund's store, restaurants and shops in "Downtown
Plymouth". I find it incredible that a few vocal nearby residents almost
thwarted approval of this plan. I want to weigh in as one of the other
50,000+ residents of Plymouth in favor of this plan, including the access
to 36th Avenue.
The agitated residents who spoke at the meeting and complained about
too much light, noise, traffic, congestion, etc. had to know that all of
these factors would be present when they chose to live there. The plan to
develop "Downtown Plymouth" in one manner or another has been on the
drawing board since we moved here ten years ago. These residents have
the convenience of being able to walk to the library, grocery store,
theatre, health club, etc. It follows that these benefits come at the cost of
increased traffic and congestion, but that is no reason to deny the rest of
us an upscale Lund's store and restaurants.
Please give North American Properties access to 36th Avenue and let's get
on with this project. It's a good plan for the City of Plymouth and its
residents. I am disappointed that the City Council is so willing to bend
over backwards for the few, self-interested residents who appeared at the
meeting at the risk of losing a good thing. Please don't forget about the
rest of us.
k
I yours,
1,JT. Lin be g
Berkshire Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55446
Henry Todd Van Dellen
State Representative
District 34B
Hennepin County
Minnesota
House ofentatives
Repres
•w1�L :~Ib�•t.`SO
COMMITTEES: TAXES, PROPERTY TAX DIVISION; TRANSPORTATION POLICY; WAYS AND MEANS
February 29, 2000
The Honorable Joy Tierney
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
Dear Joy:
Thank you for your letter and enclosures containing City of Plymouth's 2000 legislative
priorities. I will be mindful of them during this session and please do not hesitate to contact me
with issues or concerns that come up during the legislative session.
Sincerely,
HeT. Van Del'el
State Representative
HTVD/pc
14615 43rd Ave North Plymouth Minnesota 55446 (612) 553-9088
571 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1298 (651) 296-5511
FAX (651) 296-2080 TTY (651) 296-9896
ca
08/17/1994 11:11 612-4752643
RUTH GREGORY
Ruth Gregory
14811 Gleason Lake Dr. Plymouth, Mn 55447
Phone: 475-4955 Fax: 475-2643
E-mail: gregory@cpi.umn.edu
3/1/00
Mr. Craig Gerdes
Chief of Police. City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
Dear Mr. Gerdes,
PAGE 01
:15)_(L1
It has come to my attention today that there was a hearing in reference to the violent Pitt bull
attack on my neighbor Dolores Buker on 2/2/00 My first question is why were the neighbors not
notified of either the attack or the hearing?
I am shocked and extremely dismayed that these violent animals have been allowed to return to
their owners, in my neighborhood! Why were these violent animals not destroyed? I have seen
the injury they have caused to my neighbor, who required surgery after the attack. Don't we have
laws about the destruction of animals that attack people? This is now an issue of public health.
I have a vulnerable child age 14 who will ride past this house in the summer. She walks past
Bucker's on the way home from school. I should not have to restrict her walking or bike riding in
the neighborhood for fear of her life. Seeing what these animals were capable of doing to an adult.
my fear is that a child or vulnerable youth could loose a limb if not their life!
It is my understanding that these dogs were free in their back yard when they attacked Ms.
Buker. What would happen if a child stuck an arm through their fence? Will the City of
Plymouth be the responsible party in the case of another attack? I am offended to think that my
tax dollars could end up being spent to defend the city for knowingly allowing dangerous animals
to remain free. Doesn't the city have an affirmative duty to protect it's citizens?
Are the ordinances on our city books strong enough to protect the residents of this city? If not
we need to change them. These animals have proven to be dangerous in the extreme. What would
it take to have these dogs destroyed? I look forward to your written response.
Yours Very Truly,
Ruth Gregory &roc
cc: Mayor Joy Tierney
All Members of the City Council
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From: AMM To: Laurie Ahrens
AMM FAX
NEWS
Date: 2/28100 Time: 5:04.52 PM
Page 1 of 1
"__U
qwnww
Association of
Metropolitan
Municipalities
Feb. 28 -Mar. 3, 2000
First deadline nears:
Several local government bills to be heard
ith the first committee deadline
set for Friday March 3, several bills
impacting local governments are sched-
uled for hearings. Among the bills slated
for action are the following:
• Public Corporations: (HF 2673/SF
2521). The bill has cleared the House
Local Government committee and has
been referred to the Civil Law Commit-
tee. The Senate bill has passed the
Judiciary Committee and is to be heard
in the Local Government Committee
today. The bill should pass and could
be amended to limit a local
government's ability to establish a non-
profit corporation.
• Business Subsidy. (HF 3057/SF 2893).
House Local Government will hear the
bill on Monday. It is anticipated that the
bill will pass without substantive
amendments. In the Senate the Jobs,
Energy and Economic Development
Committee will hear the bill on Tues-
day. The author Senator John Hottinger
has prepared an amendment that
incorporates many of the House
changes but also includes several
other changes. The Senate amend-
ment will not raise the minimum
subsidy subject to the act but will retain
the $25,000 limit. The amendment will
also require local government busi-
ness subsidy policies to require a
wage floor. The wage floor is to be
determined by the city.
AA13f Far News is faxed periodically
to all A3131 city managers and
administrators. The information is intended
to be shared with mayors, comtcilntembers
and staff'in order to keep officials abreast of
important metro cityissnes.
PCopyright 2000AM31
145 UniversityAlnenue West
St. Pau4 MN 55103-2044
Phone: (651) 215-4000
Far: (651) 281-1299
E-mail• amm dainm145.org
Eminent Domain. (HF 591/ SF 45). The
House bill is scheduled on Wednesday
for a hearing in the Civil Law Commit-
tee. The bill as amended in the Local
Government Committee relates to
costs and notifications in eminent
domain proceedings. The bill was
introduced as a property rights bill. The
amended bill would extend the notice
for a "quick take" acquisition from 90
days to one-year. The amended bill
removes the court's discretion in
awarding payment for costs incurred by
the owner in the eminent domain
proceedings and in direct purchase
situations, the $500 cap on appraisal
fees is eliminated and other fees
incurred by the owner are entitled to be
reimbursed.
Sewer Availability Charge (HF 3622/SF
2829). The bill would change the way
the sewer availability charge (SAC) is
calculated. The method of calculation
as authorized by the bill would include
the cost of growth in constructing the
sewer project. Currently growth
capacity is not calculated. The bill has
not been scheduled in the House.
Metropolitan Council --State Agency (HF
3529). The bill is scheduled for a
hearing today. The bill would make the
Metropolitan Council a state agency.
Transportation
Funding
The Senate Transportation Policy committee
has hearings set for Thursday at noon and
6 00 p.m. for SF 2678 (Sen. Flynn) which is
the Governors Transportation bill we can
only speculate at what amendments will be
attached. The House Transportation
Finance committee will discuss the
governor's bill HF 2891 (Rep. Molnau)
wednesday at 8:00 a.m. The House passed
HF 3588 (Rep. Molnau) to Capital Invest-
ment last week. It contains bonding authority
of $200 million for metro and $100 million
for outstate highways plus $44 million for
local bridges. HF 446 (Rep. Kuisle) was
heard Monday at 8:00 a.m. and amended to
include a constitutional amendment for 30
percent of MVET to replace auto tab fee
reductions. Deleted from the bill was a 20%
MVET dedication to transit. It will be sent to
House Tax committee on Wednesday
Camera Cop
HF 3322 (Rep. Biernat) was heard and
laid over in the Crime Prevention Commit-
tee last Tuesday (2/22/00). There was a
possibility of a hearing this week, how-
ever, barring a miracle, it won't happen.
The Senate position is still one of photo-
graphing the driver instead of the license
plate. The Transportation Policy Commit-
tee Chair Rep. Workman insists that the
bill be referred to his committee which
presents two problems. He opposes the
bill and since deadline is this Friday, there
is not enough time.
Levy Limit hearing
he House Property Tax subcommit
tee heard several local bills related
to special levies and were laid over for
omnibus bill consideration. Chair Rep.
Erhardt indicated that he did not want
general testimony concerning the pros
or cons of levy limits. Therefore, only
specific issues related to Robbinsdale
levy problems were discussed. Neither
the AMM, LMC or County Association
were allowed to testify. Apparently what
we had understood from Tax Committee
Chair Rep. Abrams was incorrect. This
was not a meeting to discuss the merits
of levy limits. At this point no such
meeting has been scheduled. Stay
tuned.
L — (/p
SUBURBAN
TRANSIT LEGISLATIVE REPORT
ASSOCIATION
"'{F ; _ • REPORT 2000-3
" FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2000
LEGISLATORS PURSUE BONDING AUTHORIZATION
FOR METRO TRANSIT
Representative Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka) and Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL -St. Paul)
have introduced bills that would increase the bonding authority provided to the
Metropolitan Council during the 1999 Legislative Session.
Last year, the Metropolitan Council requested $52 million in bonding authority to fund
capital improvement projects for transit services. The Legislature authorized only $36
million, leaving Metro Transit with no option except to cut some projects that had been
previously approved for funding.
To eliminate that deficit, House File 3530/Senate File 2935 would increase the 1999
authorization by $16 million, fulfilling the full request as submitted last year. Neither bill
has received a committee hearing — House File 3530 awaits action in the House Local
Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee, while Senate File 2935 has been
referred to the Transportation Committee. The STA plans to strongly support passage
of this legislation, and we will keep you informed as the bills progress through the
legislative process.
Representative Carol Molnau (R -Chaska) and Senator Dean Johnson (DFL -Willmar)
have introduced nearly identical legislation, with the only difference being that their
legislation includes a general fund appropriation of $3.7 million to Metro Transit and $1
million to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for grants to public transit
systems for building transit facilities and hubs. House File 3559/Senate File 3306 have
also not yet received any legislative action.
The STA Legislative Report Is prepared by Thomas J. Poul and Jennifer J. Peterson
Messerli d Kramer PA., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, SL Paul, MN 55103
SENATOR DICK DAY INTRODUCES "FREEDOM TO DRIVE" AGENDA
Senator Dick Day (R -Owatonna) has introduced a number of bills that, taken together,
represent one of his primary legislative pursuits for the 2000 Legislative Session - the
Freedom to Drive Agenda (the Agenda). Senator Day's initiative includes a resumption
of his assault on ramp meters and high -occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes; a
transportation -funding package; a prohibition on left -lane driving for purposes other than
passing; and a bill to increase the speed limit on a portion of Interstate 35E through St.
Paul. On February 16, a hearing was held to consider his various proposals.
Senate File 2480 would place a moratorium on the use of ramp meters this October.
During the break, the effects turning off ramp meters would have on traffic flow and
safety. Senate File 2480 was amended and approved by the Senate Transportation
Committee on February 16. It now heads to the Transportation Budget Division for
consideration. Senate File 2481 would open the HOV lanes on Interstates 35W and
394 to general traffic and the dedicated center lane on 1-394 would be opened to east-
bound traffic during the morning rush hour and to west -bound traffic in the evening.
Senate File 2481 has been referred to the Transportation Budget Division where it
awaits action. You might recall that Senator Day pursued both of those proposals last
session, but was defeated following testimony by MNDoT, the STA and other
transportation groups. The STA will again oppose passage of these bills as they
remove important incentives for transit users.
Senate File 2482, the speed limit increase legislation, has already been disposed of by
the Transportation Committee. At the February 16 hearing, officials from Minnesota
Department of Transportation (DOT) testified against increasing the speed limit on 1-35E
through St. Paul from 45 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour. DOT explained to the
Committee that they feel bound by a federal court order not to raise the speed limit at
this location (sometimes called a "practice freeway" by disdainful legislators). The court
order was part of a settlement reached in the 1980s between DOT and area residents
opposed to the freeway. Following testimony and debate, the Committee voted against
approval of Senate File 2482.
Senate File 2483 is Senator Day's transportation funding proposal. He would reduce
vehicle registration taxes from the current formula ($10 added to 1.25 percent of a
vehicle's base value) to $10 plus one percent of the base value. Senator Day's bill
would require the dedication of 50 percent of tab fees to the general fund and 50
percent to the highway user tax distribution fund. Finally, he is proposing a
constitutional amendment that would dedicate 50 percent of the motor vehicle excise
tax to the highway user tax distribution fund.
This legislation was scheduled for a hearing on February 16, but no action was taken at
that time. Instead, Senate File 2483 was referred to the Transportation Budget
Division.
2
Senate File 2484 would prohibit driving in the left-hand lane unless overtaking slower
vehicles. Mark Rask, author of American Autobahn, testified on behalf of the bill. Mr.
Rask said the bill eases stress for all drivers, as slow and fast moving vehicles work
together. To illustrate how traffic would flow under such a policy, Mr. Rask showed
video footage of the German Autobahn, a comparison that some Senators felt was
inappropriate as there is little similarity between the rural Autobahn highway and
Minnesota's urban freeways. Senate File 2484 was approved by the Committee and
referred to the Transportation Budget Division.
At this time, no House companion bills have been introduced for Senator Day's
legislation. We will continue to monitor and update you on the progress of the Freedom
to Drive Agenda.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS CONTINUE ASSAULT ON LRT
House Republicans, calling light rail transit (LRT) a "boondoggle," recently announced
plans to repeal the nearly $100 million in bonding that has been authorized during the
past two years. Last year, LRT funding was included in a bill that provided tax cuts and
other funding initiatives as a compromise between the governor and legislators.
House Republicans have never been overly supportive of LRT, and they recently
expressed frustration with the cost of building the Hiawatha Corridor, and with the
projected benefit -cost return of $0.42 for every $1.00 spent. Instead of LRT, the
Republican caucus has announced that they will pursue more cost-effective alternatives
such as dedicated busways.
While Republicans might garner enough votes to pass the repeal in the House,
prospects of such legislation passing the Senate are much more slim, as the
Democratic majority supports LRT. Furthermore, as LRT is one of Governor Ventura's
favorite projects, it is unlikely that he would sign a bill calling for its repeal. No specific
legislation has been introduced yet, but we will let you know when it is.
GOVERNOR VENTURA'S TRANSIT INITIATIVE INTRODUCED
House File 2891/Senate File 2678, authored by Representative Carol Molnau (R -
Chaska) and Senator Carol Flynn (DFL -Minneapolis) is Governor Ventura's
transportation and transit proposal for this session. This legislation creates a
multimodal transportation fund, to which 46 percent of the motor vehicle excise tax
revenue would be dedicated and utilized as follows:
(1) twenty-five percent for appropriation to the metropolitan council for transit
capital, operating, and associated development purposes; and
3
(2) seventy-five percent of the revenue would be available for appropriation to
the Commissioner of Transportation for statewide surface transportation
purposes including, but not limited to, highways, transit capital and service
expansion needs outside the metropolitan area, commuter rail capital and
operating expenses, right-of-way preservation, grants to local units of
government for comprehensive planning related to transportation
investments, and other transit capital and highway purposes.
This fund would supplement, not replace, existing transit and transportation revenues.
For expenditures of funds from the transit account, the Metropolitan Council shall give
priority to transit service expansion and transit capital projects that:
(1) are consistent with the regional master transit plan and the transit capital
improvement program;
(2) support other public investments in infrastructure, housing, schools, and
other public services;
(3) encourage development that includes a mix of housing, retail, office, and
open space in a pedestrian -friendly environment; and
(4) respond to the needs of growing communities that actively foster transit -
oriented development and work with transit providers in developing
solutions to mobility needs in their localities.
As discussed in previous issues of the Legislative Update, the 54 percent dedication
would require passage of a constitutional amendment by the electorate while the 46
percent dedication is statutory, a proposition that concerns some legislators.
This legislation also provides for a stable and predictable bonding authorization for the
Metropolitan Council. If House File 2891/Senate File 2678 becomes law, the
Metropolitan Council will have an annual increase in bonding authority based upon the
previous year's authority adjusted for inflation using the United States Department of
Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics Minneapolis -St. Paul Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers (CPI -U) for the previous taxes payable year. The annual inflationary
increase will be capped at three percent. The STA is on record strongly supporting this
provision.
We will keep you up to date as the entire bill moves through the 2000 Legislature.
0
LEGISLATION OF INTEREST
House File 3521 was introduced on February 16. This legislation, authored by
Representative Tom Hackbarth (R -Cedar), would appropriate funding to the
Metropolitan Council for express bus service between Anoka and downtown
Minneapolis. House File 3521 would also provide for building a park and ride at the
intersection of Highway 65 and Anoka County Highway 22. This legislation does not yet
specify the amount of the appropriation. There is not yet a Senate companion bill for
House File 3521.
House File 3664 was introduced on February 17 by Representative Dan Larson (DFL -
Bloomington). This legislation would forbid MNDoT from artificially increasing waiting
periods on ramps or to encourage, influence, or force the traveling public to use
alternative routes or alternative modes of transportation. This legislation is in response
to complaints about increased traffic by residents in neighborhoods near freeway
access points. A Senate companion bill has not been introduced for this legislation at
this time.
Senator Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon) has introduced Senate File 2283, a bill that
would provide $3.7 million to the Metropolitan Council for transit services during fiscal
year 2001. The STA plans to support this legislation, which has not yet received a
hearing in the Transportation Committee. It also appears that Governor Ventura will be
willing to support this deficiency appropriation.
Representative Peg Larsen (R -Lakeland) has again introduced legislation to abolish or
change the structure of the Metropolitan Council. House File 3489 would abolish the
Metropolitan Council as a separate entity and transfer its duties to various existing state
agencies. House File 3529 would provide legislators with greater control over the
actions and policies of the Metropolitan Council by making it a state agency. This is the
third session during which Representative Larsen will pursue abolition of the
Metropolitan Council. She is opposed to the Metropolitan Council in large part due to
her belief that it is unresponsive to legislators and operates with too much autonomy.
5
Attn: Mayor Joy Tierney
Council Members
Cheif Gerdes
Enclosed is a letter that is concerning the well being of two of our family members
Mar 03 Z008 15:84:57 Via Fax -> G12+589+586® Administrator Page 881 of 902
SAecial
z'Aage edition
L FR
Li
IDA Y Ax Number 5
0 1 a A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities March 3, 2000
Legislative highlights fr®m the week ®f Feb® 28
Bleacher safety modifica-
tions advance and retreat
The House Government Opera-
tions Committee approved a bill
Thursday to modify the bleacher
safety requirements offered by
Rep. Fran Bradley (R -Rochester).
Under the bill, bleachers less than
55 inches would be exempt, the
compliance date would be moved
to August 1, 2001, and existing
bleachers with 9 -inch or less gaps
would be grandfathered. Under
current law, bleachers less than
30 inches are exempt and all
bleachers must conform to the
4 -inch gap standard by Jan. 1, 2001.
The House committee action may
be for naught. The Senate Govern-
ment Operations Committee late
last night defeated a similar bill
offered by Sen. Deanna Wiener
(DFL -Eagan) on a 5-4 vote. We'll
have to see if the Senate bill can
be reincarnated, or if another bill
becomes a vehicle for further action.
Transportation funding
On Thursday, the Senate Trans-
portation Committee considered a
delete -all amendment to a bill
offered by Sen. Carol Flynn (DFL -
Minneapolis) that would modify
funding for transportation and
transit. The proposal would reduce
license tab fees, replace lost
revenue with sales tax from motor
vehicle sales, create a multi -modal
fund with additional motor vehicle
sales tax receipts, and dedicate the
sales tax on motor vehicles to the
multi -modal fund.
The Flynn proposal on tab fee
reductions is less aggressive than
the governor's proposal to limit
license fees to $75 per vehicle.
The governor's proposal would
require the dedication of 54 per-
cent of the sales tax on motor
vehicles to maintain the Highway
User Tax Distribution Fund. The
balance of the sales tax on motor
vehicles would be dedicated to a
multi -modal fund.
The Flynn proposal would maintain
the funding for the Highway User
Tax Distribution Fund through a
25 percent dedication, and make
an additional $300 million per year
available to fund transportation and
transit projects across the state
through the multi -modal fund.
The debate is far from being
resolved. The House has yet to
solidify its transportation funding
strategy. There are bills in the
House that loosely resemble the
governor's proposal. And a bill was
introduced yesterday that would
speed up current projects by
transferring nearly $400 million
from the general fund and $77
million from the trunk highway fund
to the Dept. of Transportation for
state road construction projects.
House budget resolution
The House Ways and Means
Committee adopted a budget
resolution yesterday that estab-
lishes spending targets for the
finance committees. The committee
with the largest authorization is
transportation finance, with $350
million to allocate for transportation
projects. The next highest commit-
tee is K-12 education finance with
$28 million. These targets do not
include tax cuts, which the tax
committee may pass, or capital
projects to be paid through state
bonds.
The Senate will set its own budget
targets soon. Differences will have
to be resolved between House and
Senate leaders as the omnibus
spending bills move into confer-
ence committee.
Omnibus pension bill
The Legislative Commission on
Pensions and Retirement com-
pleted its omnibus pension bill at
midnight Monday. The bill does not
address the significant funding
deficiency of PERA, which will be
studied over the interim. The bill
includes several changes to the
volunteer fire relief statutes,
including increases in the maximum
pension benefit allowed and
clarifying that the open meeting law
applies to relief association boards.
The bill also establishes a task
force that includes a League of
Minnesota Cities representative to
study retiree health care benefits
over the interim.
The bill passed the Senate Gov-
ernment Operations Committee late
last night and awaits similar action
in the House.
Contlnued on page 2
For more Information on city legislative Issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team.
(651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122
Mar 83 Z888 1S:8S:48 Via Fax
FRIDAYF,4x
M,4crcH 3, 2000 — PAGE 2
Rule petition law
A bill extending the sunset of the
1999 rule petition law passed the
House Governmental Operations
Committee yesterday. The law
authorizes local governments to
petition the state for amendment or
repeal of a state agency rule if the
rule is unreasonable or if a less
costly method of achieving the
purpose of the rule is found. The
bill, carried by Rep. Sherry
Broecker (R-Vadnais Heights), will
extend the sunset to July 31, 2006.
Business subsidies bills
H.F. 3057, introduced by Rep. Dan
McElroy (R -Burnsville), and the
companion bill S.F. 2893, intro-
duced by Sen. John Hottinger
(DFL -Mankato), received hearings
in the House and Senate this week
The two versions contain some
considerable differences.
The House bill still increases the
$25,000 threshold to $100,000.
The Senate bill contains new
requirements communities must
adopt prior to awarding any new
business subsidies, and require-
ments dealing with time limits for
the goals that must be identified in
the subsidy agreement. Provisions
that appeared in the original
version of the Senate bill, including
a relocation impact study require-
-> 61Z+S89+S868 Administrator Page 88Z Of 88Z
ment, additional relocation report-
ing requirements, and certain
details regarding the specific wage
floor requirement, are no longer
included.
The House bill was re-referred to
the tax committee and the Senate
bill was sent directly to the floor.
We expect the two bills to be
reconciled in conference commit-
tee. Look for more details in the
next Cities Bulletin.
County plat review
S.F. 702 (Vickerman) was passed
by the Senate Transportation
Committee to the Senate floor
yesterday. The House Transporta-
tion Committee will hear H F. 672
(Kuisle) today and it will likely be
referred to the Local Government
Committee. Unlike the original
version, this bill does NOT require
county approval for city plats.
This bill:
• Clarifies the comment period for
cities, towns and county plats.
• Requires counties to develop
guidelines for their use when
reviewing plats abutting county
roads.
• Does NOT allow county approval
of city or town plats.
• Does NOT interfere with approval
timelines.
With this amendment, the League
of Minnesota Cities and the Asso-
ciation of Metropolitan Municipali-
ties no longer oppose this bill.
MINNESOTA
CITIES,
Building ,
Quality
Communities
League of Minnesota Cities
Annual Conference 2000
LMC's 87" Annual Confcrcncc
Junc 13-16, 2400
St. Cloud, Nlinncsota
Mark your calendar now
and plan to join us
for LMC's premier
conference event!
Attending LMC's Annual
Conference 2000 is a smart
way to collect strategies and
information, renew your
enthusiasm, investigate new
products and services, and
spend time with colleagues
who will remind you of your
commitment to outstanding
leadership.
Plan now to join us in St.
Cloud, and we'll warmly
welcome you there!
See future issues of Cities
Bulletin and the April issue
of Minnesota Cities magazine
for more information on how
to register for this event, or
download the housing and
registration
forms from
our Web site: T M�
www,lmnc.org,
3-3-2000
Dear Mayor Joy Tierney and City Council Members,
We are residents of the City of Plymouth and we are being slandered by one of our
Neighbors (Delores Buker). She is making our lives very difficult to be model citizens of the city of
Plymouth.
Here are the facts:
Two weeks after we moved in to our house our Ms. Buker's son came to us to talk about the
situation of all of our dogs chasing each other back and forth along our mutual fence line. Ms.
Buker's son told us that he would be putting up boards along the fence. We offered to do so also.
The next day we put up boards along more of the fence than we agreed to. Mr. Buker failed to fol-
low his own agreement.
Four months later, I (Gregory Brandt) had let the dogs out into our fenced in yard. A few
moments later when I was in the bathroom, and heard Delores Buker yelling at my dogs. I imediate-
ly ran out to the back yard to find Ms. Buker hitting our dog Cocoa in the head with a shovel. Our
other dog Cha -Cha in defence of her sister Cocoa, bit Ms. Buker's arm while hitting our dog Cocoa
in the head. As I got to where the commotion was, Ms. Buker had dropped the shovel and my dogs
had backed away from the fence and her dog's lip was fish hooked on the fence. She then asked
me to get her dog loose, and as I reached over the fence I was bitten by her dog and I started
bleeding. I still continued to get her dog loose and I was bitten a few more times. I then instructed
her to go in her house, while I went to call the police and paramedics.
*As the police officers investigate the scene they come up with a judgement that she was in
the wrong.
*She immediately complained to the police and now has both of our dogs declared
dangerous.
*By Minnesota State Statute 347.50. sub 2 a dog cannot be declared dangerous if it was
provoked into biting.
*Cocoa did not bite any person at all. She should not be declared dangerous or potentially
dangerous.
*Cha -Cha bit my neighbor in defense of her sister, who was being beaten by a shovel. There-
fore she was provoked.
*The police officer at the scene said that my dog did nothing wrong in defending her sister
and property.
*My dogs were quarantined in my home. If the animal control officer thought that my dogs
were dangerous they would have put them in the city kennal for 10 days.
*My dogs cannot go outside without a muzzle on since the incendent.
*1 was bit by her dog and nothing is being done with her dog, probably because I did not
complain at all.
*When I brought my dogs to the vet I waited until after the exam to tell them what had hap
pened. The vet had already noted on the exam sheet that the dogs were very freindly well
behaved. The vet stated that the dogs had to have been provoked because neither dog
had shown any sort of agression toward any of the doctors or the other animals at the clinic.
*We also have a cat that enjoys the company of our dogs.
*My wife(Rebecca Brandt) is a piano teacher that teaches in our home. We have children
that come to our home for lessons everyday. The dogs just loves to be petted by them. There
has never been a sign of aggression out of these dogs before, especially not with children.
*Our closest friends(Richard and Sarah Eads) who lived with us and our two dogs for a year
and a half have no fear that our two dogs would even think of harming their 6 month old baby
girl Madeline Rose Eads.
*Our dogs get along with our other neighbors dog.
* We also have many friends, family members, and neighbors who think that the situation is
very unfair.
*Ms. Buker went to Chanel 4 news with her story in order to give us a bad name, but at the
end of the news story she also stated that it was her fault.
*Ms. Buker then attempted to spread the rumor that our dogs should not be in the neighbor
hood.
*Because of the news story, a stranger from St. Cloud, Lisa Jacobson, found our house to
talk to us. She stated that the news story made her upset, and said she knew that it was only
telling one side of the story. She wanted us to know that other people understand situations
like this and that people do care about our situation.
*Mrs. Moore, a neighbor, offered to go to court if we needed her to give a statement of
character against Ms.Buker.
*It seems that our neighbors, except for Ms. Buker, agree that Ms. Buker was in the
wrong. They don't seem to care to much for her, and feel she is doing this to get attention.
* I do not want to dislike any of my new neighbors and this is a very unfortunate situation. I
want to continue to live in the city of Plymouth with my wife and two dogs. Because my dog
was provoked, I feel that declaring either of my dogs dangerous is unacceptable to me and
everyone I know.
*1 am sending this letter to you in regards of me (Gregory Brandt) having to defend my dogs
in front of Chief Gerdes on Wednesday March 8, 2000.
Sincerely,/ xz"
c�GG�
Gregory and Rebecca Brandt
130 Niagara Ln N.
Plymouth, Mn 55447
DATE: February 28, 2000
TO: Mayor and City Council, Charter Commission, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager ''-/
SUBJECT: Joint Council/Charter Commission Meeting
A joint meeting of the Plymouth City Council and the Charter Commission will be held
on Thursday, March 9, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the second
floor Training Room of the Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Attached is an agenda for this meeting. Members of the City Council are also receiving
three packets of information: 1) History on the Mail Ballot and Special Elections Issue,
2) All -Mail -Ballot Elections, and berslof the Charteayor Term of r Commissione. All . If Ifese materials have
any member of the
been previously provided to mem lease give me a call at
Charter Commission would like another set of these materials, p g
(612) 509-5052.