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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-27-1987CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 27, 1987 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS..... 1. BUDGET STUDY SESSION I -- Monday, August 31, 4:30 p.m., in the City Council conference room. 2. BUDGET STUDY SESSION II -- Tuesday, September 1, 4:30 p.m., in the City Council conference room. 3. CARLSON PARKWAY & I-394/CARLSON PARKWAY OFFICIAL OPENING -- Wednesday, September 2, official ribbon cutting and opening of the Carlson Parkway and Carlson Parkway/I-394 Interchange, at 10:00 a.m. at the north end of the Carlson Parkway bridge. 4. LABOR DAY -- Monday, September 7. City offices closed. 5. NEXT COUNCIL MEETING -- Monday, September 14, 7:30 p.m. 6. MEETING CALENDARS -- The September meeting calendars is attached. M-6 FOR YOUR INFORMATION...... 1. MINUTES: a. Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit, August 19, 1987. (I -1a) b. Plymouth Safety Committee, August 19, 1987. (I -1b) 2. GEESE -- Sergeant Tom Saba recently contacted DNR representatives and the Area Manager at the Carlos Avery Wildlife Refuge, to learn more about the goose relocation program and the proposed metropolitan area goose hunt. In addition, Tom made a visit to the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge near Thief River Falls. For many years, this wildlife refuge has been the home and a stop over for Canadian geese. A summary of Tom's finding is attached for the Council's information. (I-2) 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 27, 1987 Page two 3. SUMMONS NOTICE -- Attached is a Notice of Summons and Trial for Hennepin County Conciliation Court filed by the Hungry Pilgrim restaurant. In the course of a regular inspection, the Fire Inspector noted grease accumulation on the fan filter and ordered it cleaned. Soon after it was cleaned, the fan quit working. Restaurant representatives allege that the City is responsible for breakage of the fan because of the inspection order. (I-3) 4. PLANNING COMMISSION -- Attached is a report prepred by the American Planning Association entitled, "The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function, 1987." (I-4) 5. PETITION OF OoANN PRIBBLE -- The attached petition filed on behalf of JoAnn Pribble requests the City to establish a public roadwayconnecting 17330 - 19th Avenue North to 19th Avenue North. Mr. Pribble has been advised that the City Attorney will be reviewing the statutory basis for the request and we will respond to Mr. Pribble once the Attorney has completed his analysis. (I-5) 6. DEVELOPMENT SIGNS -- On Friday, August 28, three development signs will be placed at the following locations: 1) North of Trenton Lane and 45th Avenue North - Alexander Ritter, achary Lane Development, is requesting a Land Use Guide Plan amendment and revised Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plan/Plat and Conditional Use Permit for Woodlands 3rd Addition (RPUD 84-6/87045). The reguiding is for approximately 7 acres of LA -3 (high medium density residential) to be reclassified as LA -1 (low density residential). The revised plat is for the elimination of a 71 -unit multifamily building; and proposal to construct 7 four-plex buildings. 2) Southeast of Trenton Lane and 45th Avenue North - Oscar Naustdal is requesting approval for a Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a 74 -unit apartment complex. The application also includes consideration of a final plat and site plan. The zoning for the property is R-4 (high density multiple family). 3) 44th Avenue North and Juneau Lane - Harstad Companies is requesting approval for a revised Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plan/Plat and Conditional Use Permit for Kingsview Heights Third Addition (RPUD 85-1/87091) for one single family residential lot. These proposals will be heard by the Planning Commission at their September 9, 1987 meeting. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 27, 1987 Page three 7. COUNCIL FOLLOW-UPS: a. Advertising Activity of Cars at Plymouth Plaza Shopping Center ttac e is correspondence etween Al Cottingham an omas Carrico, Property Manager for Plymouth Plaza, concerning efforts the shopping center will be taking to curtail individuals from advertising automobiles in their parking area. Also attached is a letter from Mr. Dunn, Welsh Companies, to the manager of Plymouth Plaza at C.R. 6 and Highway 101 requesting follow up on the signs and cars. (I -7a) b. Virginia Fox Farm -- Attached is a report from Community Service Officer Jane Laurence relative to a conversation with Mr. Virginia on the status of his fox farm operation. (I -7b) c. Lot Division - Dwaine Johnson -- In an August 25 letter, Mr. Johnson is advised by red oore of the Council's decision to defer action on his Lot Division until after the settlement agreement has been executed between Mr. Johnson and the developers of Wooddale Addition. (I -7c) d. Update on Harrers' Complaint -- On Tuesday, August 25, Tom Saba was informed by the excavation company using the vacant lot adjacent to the Country House to store construction/excavation equipment and gravel, that the company will remove all their equipment from the lot in the next few weeks. e. Begin Junkyard -- Community Service Officers began their inventory of the Begin property on August 23. Attached is a memorandum from Jane Laurence which describes the inventory process and delays they are experiencing. A second memorandum, dated August 27, 1987, shows the results of the completed inventory. A copy is being provided to Mr. Begin as this inventory is the measure against which we will judge his compliance with the cleanup agreement. (I -7e) f. Speeding Complaints - 47th Place, 48th Avenue and Valley Forge Lane -- In response to a request from Councilmember Bob Zitur to initiate traffic surveillance in this area, the Public Safety Department has scheduled three 2 -hour traffic details for August 26 and 27. When completed, the Council will be provided with a summary report from the Police Department. i g. 5140 Zachary Lane -- Attached is a report from Joe Ryan on his site inspection of the accessory structure at this property. According to field measurements taken, Joe indicates that the accessory structure is approximately 39 feet into the City right-of-way property for Schmidt Lake Road. (I -7g) CITY COUNCIL INFORNATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 27, 1987 Page four 7. COUNCIL FOLLOW-UPS: h. Drainage Problem - 4415 Jonquil Lane - Attached are materials with respect to a drainage problem on private property. The Council elected to arrange a meeting between neighbors to discuss the problem and fiscal responsibility for the solution. In short, the City provided technical assistance and the neighbors are responsible for any financial costs associated with remedying the situation. Sherm Goldberg's duly 27, 1987 memorandum describes his findings from inspecting the site and the Council's policy on such matters. We have not received any further contact from the property owner. (I -7h) 8. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter to Peggy Taney, Minnesota Softdrink Association, from Councilmember Zitur, in response to her letter supporting the City's position on recycling efforts. (I -8a) b. Letter to Steve and Candy Kalland from Mayor Schneider with respect to a property damage letter they recently submitted. Fred Moore is following up on this matter. James G. Willis City Manager OGW Att. Ui i I U-1 26) a.. M-6 � I I ch • I N N ' i•• N ^ � C-)3(nO n3 TI in W C•)3(4� H p fit= OM M W H cO�mm z• c -)z cOt7Cmm z• ccCn0 (cn zc)�Oay M N - C*) r 3 H Cr7 r r w --I c N r•• �� w rwr`� M,.r oO Iowa O O C-) = CD C7 m CD C--) = o o M� n CD m x o ty .� m -M N N .- m °' - � � z Or 3 Z 3 z C n o O S I 10 t., n Co 3C- M co 3C-) •. y c3o3n OO t') owa oN„ r N O r30 d m. r G) Z C') m `N- H r nvc� (nw C> •• o m c Z O 70 N C-) o + m .-a o� r3C:) Z(n C N lJt n oCA m o m z I� Ln 3 ��v o•• r - C -)-4-0-n o•• ro zz i C= LI) CD z C) n z n z � ►-� v �-. i r• zv ,� rD W 3 co 3 N i N OVA zWoa C) C -) N �•-► i ►-+ e I C-)3� _ W co I N b O [=i C H Cn � d -TI 00 00 In 00 00 V i I I Ui i I U-1 26) a.. M-6 1 - la MINUTES PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT AUGUST 19, 1987 PRESENT: Nancy Holter, Barbara Roberts, Dennis Jacobson, Willis Johnson, Frank Boyles I. APPROVAL OF JULY 22, 1987 MINUTES The Committee reviewed the July 22, 1987 minutes and adopted them as presented. II. REVIEW OF JULY RIDERSHIP STATISTICS The committee reviewed the July ridership statistics. Ridership continues to falter as one would normally expect during the summer vacation months. The commuter and reverse commuter ridership year to date average is 377 riders per day, or 7 more than the target. The internal circulator, on the other hand, is below the target of 56 by 7 passengers. Overall, the total system is averaging 425 riders on a year to date basis, while the target is 432. Consequently, the total w ridership has failed to meet the target by 2%. It is hoped that fall ridership figures will make up this gap in ridership. III. FOLLOW UP ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS A. Fare Cards at Erickson's New Market Willis Johnson stated that fare cards have not yet been provided to Erickson's New Market as he has not been able to find the time to provide an orientation to store officials. Recognizing that there are two different types of fare cards, one from Medicine Lake Lines and the other from Plymouth Metrolink with two zones for each card. Willis assured the committee that before the September meeting, he will have accomplished this orientation and fare cards will be available at Erickson's New Market. B. Progress Report on Park and Ride Lot Expansion Frank Boyles stated that he and Tom Ravn; the Project Manager, met with concerned property owners at the site to discuss tree loss and storm water drainage issues. The project is scheduled to begin within the next month, and should require 10 working days to complete. Minnesota Department of Transportation officials intend to initiate daily work operations after 8:00 a.m. and complete them before 4:00 p.m., in order that there will be minimum conflicts with the operation of the bus service during construction. PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT August 19, 1987 Page two C. August 11 Promotion PACT members indicated that riders were very appreciative of the August 11 promotion. D. Bus No. 42 - Vibrating Noise Willis Johnson reported that his investigation shows the vibrating noise is emitted by the operation of the air conditioning unit. He indicates that the noise is a combination of the air conditioning unit and location of the engine on these vehicles. In discussing the matter with others, he finds that this is not a safety problem and has not been a problem identified by other persons. In the absence of other complaints, no further action is scheduled. E. Driver Communication on the Second 5:05 p.m. Bus PACT members indicated that communications between drivers has been good and that they will continue to monitor in hopes that communications will continue. IV. IDENTIFICATION OF NEW AREAS OF CONCERN; OR RECOMMENDATION Dennis Jacobson submitted that the first bus to leave the Park and Ride lot in the morning, via Old County Road 15, should leave a seat or two vacant in order that persons waiting along the route can have a seat, rather than having to stand all the way. Willis Johnson will convey this information to the driver. Willis Johnson stated that the southbound County Road 18 to eastbound 12 loop will be closed for approximately 1-1/2 years beginning Friday, August 21. It will be necessary for the bus to utilize alternate means and spotters will be initially located at three alternative routes to determine the fastest one. After the fastest route is identified, they will begin to use that route. Willis indicated it could mean arrival downtown later than riders have grown accustomed. Willis Johnson stated that signs are posted on South Shore Drive and Medicine Lake Drive by the railroad company, that the railroad area will be improved. These projects require approximately three days each and will impact three of the commuter routes. Frank Boyles stated he would ask the City Street Division to find out which street will be first in this improvement process. V. METROLINK PLANNING WORK PROGRAM Willis Johnson reviewed the existing reverse commuter route, showing how duplicate services are provided to the Minneapolis Industrial Park. He indicated that the proposed revisions would provide one route serving PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT August 19, 1987 Page three west of I-494 and Fernbrook Lane, a second servicing east of Fernbrook to Xenium Lane, including the Northwest Business Campus and Plymouth Industrial Park, a third serving the Minneapolis Industrial Park, south of Highway 55 and the final route serving the ITT area. Willis Johnson reviewed the current commuter routes, indicating that the Fernbrook route would remain as is. Portions of the County Road 15 route would be eliminated, as this route has grown very little over the last three years. This will eliminate some of the duplication between the existing County Road 15 and Dunkirk route and provide better balance between the two. The Dunkirk route would also gain capacity to cover the Parkers Lake development area. The County Road 6 101 route is intended to be shortened by requesting that one of the facilities located along Highway 101 provide parking for 12 to 15 persons who currently board Metrolink at the Medina Ballroom. The necessity to get on and off Highway 55 at peak times, in addition to the added mileage, makes this trip overly long and commonly results in waits at the Park and Ride lot. Frank Boyles and Willis Johnson will be checking with property owners in this area to determine whether or not they would be willing to allow their site to be used as a park and ride lot. Willis Johnson stated that the schedule should be completed by October 1, 1987 with the actual routes implemented by November 1. He stated that the intent would be to identify beforehand, any passengers effected negatively by the route changes, in person, describe the reason for the change and encourage their continued ridership through use of the Park and Ride lot, by providing a free fare card to assist them in making the transition. He stated that he and Frank Boyles would be working further on the internal circulator and that he would like to see the actual internal circulator routes changes occur in January, 1988, in order that appropriate emphasis can be given to changes being made in the commuter/reverse commuter routes. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. FB:kec MINUTES PLYMOUTH SAFETY COMMITTEE August 19, 1987 PRESENT: Gary Smith, Sohn Wenner, Steve Herwiq, Sohn Ward, Tim Oie, Russ Elzy, Lyle Robinson, Sohn Sweeney ABSENT: Mark Peterson, Frank Boyles ALSO PRESENT: Dave Drugg, North Star Risk Services; Bobbi Leitner, Judy McMillin I. OLD BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF DULY MEETING MINUTES The duly 8 meeting minutes were approved as submitted. B. REPORT ON SAFETY ACTIVITIES 1. Respirator Program - Implementation & Training Status -- Sohn weeney reported that a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 a.m. at the Public Works garage or 7:30 a.m. at the City Center for the purpose of introducing the policy to maintenance employees. 2. Apron for Grinder -- The committee discussed the memorandum from Jim Kolsacl relating to the location of the three heavy duty leather type aprons for use by maintenance employees. The aprons have been placed in: 1) the equipment center near the grinder; 2) the mezzanine storage room for use when cutting hoses; and 3) one apron provided to park maintenance for use when sharpening mower blades. The committee discussed whether an apron was required for use on the signing truck. Gary Smith stated he would investigate and report back to the Committee. 3. Skid -steer Loader & Trailer -- The committee reviewed the duly 16 memorandum from Jim Kolstad addressing Safety Committee concerns with the skid steer loader and trailer. The committee concurred with dim Kolstad's recommendation to purchase a new trailer specifically designed for the Case 1845C in 1987 if funds are available at the end of the year, otherwise in 1988. 4. Follow up on : a) Green Trailer -- The committee reviewed the duly 28 memo from Mark Peterson concerning safety items associated with the green Toro trailer. Sohn Ward reported that the three trailers used by public works to haul Toro mowers exceed the maximum width requirements for highway usage. He noted that In order for the trailers to be considered legal for hiqhway use, permits would have to be obtained from the State, and PLYMOUTH SAFETY COMMITTEE August 19, 1987 Page two the trailers would have to be appropriately flagged on the left side. The Committee recommended that trailers be checked for legal width requirements. Dave Drugg also asked that the City consider from a liability standpoint the following points: (1) The fabrication/modification of trailers by the City. Trailers which are built by the City without specifi- cations, or trailers which are modified (i.e. brakes added to a fabricated axle), may be considered a high risk if involved in an accident. (2) Training on the hauling and backing of trailers should be mandatory for all temporary park maintenance employees. b. Testing of Compressed Air Equipment -- The committee was advised that the City's present air system as well as pressure vessels, are inspected twice a year by the State of Minnesota, Department of Labor, Division of Boiler Inspec- tion. c. Air Operated Post Pounder -- The committee was advised through a memorandum from Tom Vetsch, that a ball valve was installed on the air operated post pounder to eliminate the possibility of the equipment accidentally activating. The controllers of other post pounders were examined for the problem of self -actuating, and because they do not have the same type of valve, guards are not required. d. Fresno Screens & fish-eye mirrors - As recommended, a fresno screen was installed in the back window of City Van #17. The committee recommended that instead of waiting for employees to request the installation of fish-eye mirrors and/or fresno screens on city vehicles, that a standardized approach be taken and that all city vehicles be outfitted with like -equipment. e) Strobe light operation on city vehicles - The committee was advised that City dump truc s equipped with strobes are wired so that when the engine is shut off, the strobes will not operate. This was done because the strobe light operation causes a large drain on the battery when a vehicle is not running. The committee discussed whether vehicles should be kept running in order to operate the lights. However, because of the possibility of engine damage due to continuous idling, the committee would not recommend this practice. Dave Drugg suggested the City check with the vendors of strobe light equipment to see if new technology for lower drain -type equipment is available. John Sweeney also recommended that for liability reasons, unattended vehicles at work sites without strobe lights operating be studied. PLYMOUTH SAFETY COMMITTEE August 19, 1987 Page three II. NEW BUSINESS A. Personal Injury/Vehicular Accident Review Guideline revisions for accidents occurring after 6/30/87. This item was deferred to the September meeting. B. Review of Vehicular Accidents -- The Committee reviewed eight vehicular accidents involving ity employees. Five accidents were determined to be preventable, and one accident non -preventable. Two accidents were deferred to the September meeting for additional information. Memorandums will be sent to appropriate supervisors on the committee's findings and recommendations. Committee review of the above accidents resulted in the following recommendations or items for follow-up: 1. Intersection of Olive Lane and 26th Avenue - Sohn Ward stated he would o -ow up on the property owner notification sent by doe Ryan on city ordinance provisions concerning site visibility at this intersection. 2. Defensive driver's training and "rodeo" -- Committee members inquired as to when the drivers training classes and "rodeo" will be held. The committee recommended that the time schedule for classes include a session in the spring, especially for temporary public works and park maintenance workers. Dave Drugg recommended that in addition to the defensive driver's traininq classes which involve all employees, that remedial training classes for employees involved in accidents be established and available if appropriate. 3. Parkers Lake Park -- Because of recent accidents involving park maintenance vehicles hitting posts/barriers at the Parkers Lake Park, an access for city vehicles for entrance onto the park property should be examined. 4. Accident involving Kevin Begin -- This accident was deferred to the September meeting for additional details concerning the accident. Lyle Robinson indicated he would obtain details on the traffic path of both vehicles, and turning radius at the intersection. 5. Memorandum inviting City employees to Safety meeting -- The committee recommended that an VP" section be added to Invitation memorandum to employees in order to know the employee's availability to attend the meeting. C. Review of Personal Injury Accidents -- A total of nine personal Injury accidents were reviewed y the Committee. Eight accidents were determined non -preventable, with one accident preventable. Memorandums to City supervisors will be prepared conveying the committee's findings and recommendations. PLYMOUTH SAFETY COMMITTEE August 19, 1987 Page four Committee review of the above accidents resulted in the following recommendations or items for follow-up: 1. Tailgate lift for City Vehicle #212 -- The committee recommends that because of the two recent inJuries associated with lifting the Bomage plate compactor, that the purchase of the tailgate lift take place in 1987, rather than 1988. 2. Guidelines for Excavation over Two Feet -- The guidelines should be studied to determine if excavation of graves should be included, and if so, how addressed in the policy relative to shoring requirements, entering excavation, etc. At present, no guidelines or procedures have been established involvinq grave excavation. 3. Grinding/Filing Mower Blades -- The committee recommends that the addition of leather g oyes to the personal protective equip- ment checklist for this activity be investigated. Committee members stated some concern with the gloves becoming entangled with the grinder, and asked that Mark Peterson and Frank Boyles discuss this further to clarify if leather gloves should be placed on the checklist. 4. Poison Ivy Identification -- To assist employees in correctly identifying poison ivy, posters should be placed at the public works garage. D. Profit in Safety Belt Conference -- The committee deferred discussion of this item until the September meeting. E. Other Business The Policy pertaining to groups of two or more public work employees working together was deferred to the September meeting. Several committee members indicated that they were unaware of the policy involving excavation guidelines until this meeting. It was recommended that Safety Committee policies and procedures be reviewed periodically with employees. Committee members recommended that a review of accident reporting procedures and reports fill-in be provided to City supervisors. A number of accidents reviewed at this meeting contained either Incorrect or insufficient information on the report forms. In one instance, a supervisor had made a statement of liability involving a vehicular accident. A safe lifting class for maintenance employees has been scheduled for September 16. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m. Date: August 24, 1987 To: Director Carlquist From: Sgt. Tom Saba Subject: Geese Geese are federally protected wildlife and as such are largely regulated by federal law. The general public would not be allowed to hunt, trap, net or otherwise move these protected birds. "Moving Permits" are available for municipal projects which are cooperative programs with the DNR. The process involves a municipality planning such a project, ie, stating the problem, selecting alternatives, making recommendations and presenting the project plan to the DNR with supporting information. If approved, the DNR would issue the permit and provide technical assistance, but the majority of the work, and the costs, would be the responsibility of the municipality. As you know, a goose hunt has been approved for the metropolitan area. Cities should be more liberal in their attitude towards hunting restrictions if they want to have some impact on the local geese population. I realize this will be a problem for our City because of the very small lakes in and near dense residential areas, however the City issues the hunting permits and can control the number of hunters in a certain area, who gets a hunting permit and other related restrictions. Although this is a much more liberal position, it may permit limited hunting that can be done safely in some areas within the City. The DNR has taken a more liberal approach and may permit hunting over the water. (In other words, a couple of permit "hunters" could shoot some geese over the water on small ponds in residential areas.) I would strongly question the impact that a limited hunt would have on the geese population in Plymouth. Two weeks ago I stopped at one of the largest wildlife areas in Minnesota, the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge on Mud Lake near Thief River Falls. This wildlife area has for years been the home for hundreds of thousands of geese and a stop over for similar numbers of Canadians. This year when I stopped, I did not see any geese. I spoke to the area manager who told me their population is considerably down and the new eggs that number less than 500 are eaten by scavengers. It is obviou$ to me that we have quite the opposite experience in the metropolitan area. It has taken many years to draw the geese to the metro area. The attraction has been the nesting and food so abundantly provided by our kind metro area residents. Daily I see dozens of people out feeding the geese. (The only person I saw at Agassiz was the wildlife manager.) The long term solution to the problem will be to educate the public so as not to provide such a welcome habitat for the geese. Prevention combined with other some term efforts will discourage and reduce the large geese population in the metro area. Note: Information source for. this editorial, Paul Rice, DNR Regional Enforcement Supervisor, phone #296-8609. Moving Permit information and local authority on geese, Lloyd Knutson, Carlos Avery Wildlife Area Manager, phone #296-5200. State of Minnesota I vial. County of Hennepin AUG 19��'"" HUNGF:Y PILGRIM INC 13705 27TH AVE N PLYMOUTH, MN r55441 CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD PLYMOUTH, MN 55447 HC 4369 (5-81) SUMMONS AN I OF TRIAL Conciliation Court Z_3 Summons and F1_AINTIF'F, Notice of Trial No. `dEF".3U9 8 8 17 C) 6 DEFENDANT �1 y A 'Ile State of Minnesota to the above named defendant: You are hereby summoned to appear at the hearing of the above entitled case on at in SEPTI='MBER 04, 1987 10:15 AM ROOM 859C HENNEPIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER The plaintiff above named has filed a claim with this Court against you, including $6.00 filing fee, for the total amount of f for: 718.63 PLAINTIFF ALLEGES THAT TIME DEFENDANT IS INDEBTED TO THE PLAINTIFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $703.63 PLUS FILING FEE, BY REASON OF THE FOLLOWING FACTS: DEC. 1986 CITY INSPECTOR MET WITH AND GAVE PRECISION CLEANING LENGTH OF TIME RESTAURANT HAD BEEN OPEN ANT TYPE OF CLEAING NEEDED. CITY OF PLYMOUTH INSPECTOR CAME OVER WITH PRECISION CLEANING WHEN FAULTY WORK AND DAMAGE OCCURED. CITY OF PLYMOUTH INSPECTOR SET UP MEETING WITH PLAINTIFF, INSPECTOR & PRECISION CLEANING TO RESOLVE DAMAGE EXPENSE. CITY OF PLYMOUTH DENIED LIABILITY IN LETTER OF AUG. 3, 1987. If you fail to appear and answer this claim at the above time and place, judgment will be entered against you by default for the amount claimed. All correspondence and inquiries should be addressed, and all checks made payable, to the Hennepin County Conciliation Court. Conciliation Court 8570 Government Center Minneapolis, Minnesota 55487 Dated: SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Telephone: 348-2602 Fundi n, 1987 • • • s • s E • s � s Welford s Sanders • r Judith • i • i i i • i t i • • t t • E i s s E • i E E • i • • E • • i • • • s t • American g . ! • ,,Number00 Advisory • Welford Sanders is principal research associate for the American Planning Association and Judith Getzels is direc- tor of research. Cover design by Dennis McClendon Planning Advisory Service is a subscription research service of the American Planning Association. Eight reports are produced each year. Subscribers also receive the PAS Memo each month and have use of the Inquiry Answering Service. Israel Stollman, Execu- tive Director; Frank S. So, Deputy Executive Director; Judith Getzels, Director of Research; Sylvia Lewis, Publications Director. Planning Advisory Service Reports are produced at APA. James Hecimovich, Editor; Adele Rothblatt, Assistant Editor. © May 1987 by the American Planning Association, 1313 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637. APA has headquarters offices at 1776 Mas- sachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036. The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function, 1987 Welford Sanders and Judith Getzels Planning commissions have been active in local govern- ments for well over 50 years. Broadly speaking, commis- sions serve planning departments and legislative bodies as advisors and representatives of citizen interests on mat- ters involving planning, zoning, subdivision, and land development in general. Although the Standard City Plan- ning Enabling Act (1928) indicates that the commissioners' primary role is to "formulate a comprehensive plan and keep it up-to-date;' the difficulty of concentrating on com- prehensive planning in the face of day-to-day work de- mands has been a persistent theme through the years. Fur- thermore, the size and location of a jurisdiction, the number and budget of full-time staff, and the amount of development activity, all make a difference in the work and the influence of individual planning commissions. Nevertheless, despite the ups and downs of community growth, and the increasing technical know-how of plan- ning departments, the composition and functions of plan- ning commissions demonstrate remarkable consistency. Although planning department staffs continue to believe that commissioners ought to spend more time on com- prehensive planning, both staff and commissioners are largely satisfied with the composition of their commis- sions and the nature and quality of their work. This report updates and compares information on the composition of planning commissions reported by APA (and ASPO) in 1950, 1965, and 1979. It is based on infor- mation obtained from two surveys of selected characteris- tics of planning commissions. One survey was distributed to the planning directors of the 1,085 city, county, and combined city/county planning agencies that subscribe to APA's Planning Advisory Service. Five -hundred -twenty- eight questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 49 percent. Table 1 presents the distribution of respon- dents by population and type of agency. This year, for the first time, a second questionnaire was sent to planning commissioners directly. The objectives of this survey were to obtain first-hand information on the activities of commissioners, to learn about the prob- lems they experience in carrying out their duties, and to identify their training needs. The information gained from the commissioners survey was requested by a special Task TABLE 1. POPULATION OF JURISDICTIONS RESPONDING TO STAFF QUESTIONNAIRE Population of Jurisdiction City Commissions No. Percent County Commissions No. Percent Combined Commissions No. Percent Total No. Reported No. Percent Under 25,000 130 33.4% 12 11.4% 5 14.7% 147 27.8% 25,000-50,000 118 30.3 17 16.2 4 11.8 139 26.3 50,000-100,000 88 22.6 22 21.0 10 29.4 121 22.9 100,001-250,000 41 10.6 38 36.2 5 14.7 83 15.7 250,001-500,000 8 2.1 10 9.5 6 17.6 24 4.6 Over 500,000 4 1.0 6 5.7 4 11.8 14 2.7 Total 389 100.0% 105 100.0% 34 100.0% 528 100.0% Percentage 74% 20% 7% 100% 1 TABLE 2. POPULATION OF JURISDICTIONS RESPONDING TO COMMISSIONERS QUESTIONNAIRE Population of Jurisdiction City Commissions No. Percent County Commissions No. Percent Combined Commissions No. Percent Total No. Reported No. Percent Under 25,000 206 71.3% 20 35.1010 11 40.7% 237 63.5% 25,000-50,000 47 16.3 18 31.6 8 29.6 73 19.6 50,000-100,000 15 5.2 10 17.5 3 11.1 28 7.5 100,001-250,000 9 3.1 4 7.0 3 11.1 16 4.3 250,001-500,000 9 3.1 4 7.0 2 7.5 15 4.0 Over 500,000 3 1.0 1 1.8 - - 4 1.1 Total 289 100.0% 57 100.0% 27 100.0% 373 100.0% Percentage 78 % Force on Planning Commissioners convened by APA's Board of Directors to investigate how APA can better serve commissioners. This survey was sent to 3,131 planning commission chairs randomly selected from the Interna- tional City Management Association's list of 10,151 cit- ies, counties, and combined city/county agencies. Three hundred and seventy-three responses were returned, a 12 percent response rate. Table 2 presents the distribution of these respondents by population and type of agency. The lower response rate for the commissioners survey was anticipated; not all of these respondents were APA mem- bers or familiar with APA. Both questionnaires were designed to elicit descriptive data as well as opinions. The first section of the report highlights major find- ings. Next, the structure of the planning commission is examined including their size, length of terms of office, and methods and amount of compensation. The profile section looks at the sex, age, race, and occupation of the more than 4,000 commissioners identified by the 528 com- munities responding to the staff survey. The activities of the planning commission are examined next -data from both staff and commissioners are analyzed. Staff opin- 2 15% 7% 100% ion of the performance and usefulness of their planning commissions is also examined, and the opinions of com- missioners on critical issues and how their job perfor- mance can be improved are also covered. Finally, the train- ing needs of planning commissioners are considered, along with opinions from both staff and commissioners on the most effective training tools for planning commissioners. I:. SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS The characteristics of commissioners have remained remar a testa eErtsome res Y of APAs surveys. Commissioners identified as bug= - men still r cate o re ortin - 7.5 percent, the same percentage as report in 1965. The per.- cen4F-or commissioners worlZing to M-ec-om-Tin-ed fields of architecture, en ineertn , rea d- ing remains exactly the same in 1987-23 ercent-as it was to 1Y6 0. U the years, lio-we-ye-r, t e percentage of educators, homemakers, and ed ner-on- serving on commissions Fias increased. ere are more women on commissions han in the past, but the percent of minority commissioners is virtu - TABLE 3. SIZE OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS Number of Commissioners City Commissions No. Percent County Commissions No. Percent Combined Commissions No. Percent Total No. Reported No. Percent 5-6 74 19.00% 20 19.0% 1 2.9% 95 18.0% 7 181 46.50 28 26.7 3 8.8 212 40.2 8 7 2.00 8 7.6 1 2.9 16 3.0 9 97 25.00 27 25.7 8 23.5 132 25.0 10-15 28 7.00 17 16.2 19 56.0 64 12.1 16-20 1 .25 2 2.0 - - 3 .6 Over 20 1 .25 3 2.8 2 5.9 6 1.1 Total 389 100.00% 105 100.0% 34 100.0% 528 100.0% TABLE 4. LENGTH OF PLANNING COMMISSIONERS TERh1S Length of Term City Commissions No. Percent County Commissions No. Percent Combined Commissions No. Percent Total No. Reported No. Percent 2 years or less 42 12.1 % 15 15 o -c 2 5.9 ck 59 12.3 4c 3 years 111 32.0 28 28 15 44.1 154 32.0 4 years 118 34.0 45 45 15 44.1 178 37.0 5 years 51 14.7 8 8 2 5.9 61 12.7 6 or more years 20 5.8 3 3 - - 23 4.8 Indefinite 5 1.4 1 1 - - 6 1.2 Total 347 100.0 cb 100 100.0 °c 34 100.0 cic 481 100.0 °b ally unchanged since the 1979 survey began to collect minority data. The average planning commissioner is somewhat older than in the past, a fact supported by the increase in the number of retirees. Zoning and subdivision review continues to dominate t o wor sc a' idoners t planning directors would still like to se_ a their co_mmis- ers seen more time on lon -ran nni Most of the planning commissioners surveyed, however, are satisfied with this division of labor. As in 1 Q 1Pcc than half of the communities resnt�r,rl;no �� f orientation programoar-new ccoomm Boners or ongoiing'�or ng train m-missioners. ack o s to 7- resen a ajer tom_wy_ r better training for planning commissioners. STRUCTURE OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS For the most part, the structure of planning commis- sions -the number of members; length of terms; and how often they meet -has not changed since APAs 1979 report on the planning commission. The 1987 survey found that: • Most city and counfX planve eiter seven or ning._mem}Zers. (See Table 3.) • Combined city/county planning commissions typi- cally have more members than either city or county planning commissions. • The length of term for most planning commissioners, whether terve on city, county,or com- eco missions, is three or four years:(See Table 4.) • Most city and county commissions meet_ once a month; most combined city/county commissions meet more frequently. (See Table 5.) As was the case in 1979, most_x_omm_umi aj Yrp - pensate co_m_missionsj��i g r work. (See Table 6.) Only �ercent of the cities and 29 percent of the combined commissions reported that they compensate their commis- sioners. A larger proportion (40 percent) of counties com- pensate their commissioners. Most of the communities that compensate their com- missioners do so on a per meeting basis. In most rases, the compensation paid to commissioners is still relatively small, with most commissioners receiving no more than $50 per month or between $10 to $50 per meeting. A few communities (seven percent) reported that they reimburse commissioners for expenses related to their attendance at meetings. PROFILE OF COMMISSIONERS The survey obtained information on the sex, race, age, and occupation of 4,380 planning commissioners. Survey results indicate that more women serve on planning com- TABLE 5. FREQUENCY OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS 3 City County Combined Total No. Frequency of Commissions Commissions Commissions Reported Meetings No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent Twice a week 3 1.0% 2 2.2% 1 3.0% 6 1.4% Once a week 22 7.4 3 3.3 10 29.4 35 8.3 Once every two weeks 111 37.4 30 33.0 15 44.1 156 37.0 Onoe a month 161 54.2 56 61.5 8 23.5 225 53.3 Total 297 100.0% 91 100.0% 34 100.0% 422 100.0% 3 TABLE 6. NUMBER OF PLANNING COMMISSIONERS RECEIVING COMPENSATION Amount of Compensation Per Year $100 or less $150-250 $251-500 $501 or more Total Per Month $50 or less $51-100 $101-500 Total Per Meeting $10 or less $11-25 $26-50 $51 or more Total Compensated Not Compensated Total City County Combined Commissions Commissions Commissions A 18 9 1 28 7 19 25 4 55 89(24%) 283(76%) 372 1 1 2 4 14 9 41(40%) 61(60%) 102 1 1 2 1 4 3 8 10(29%) 24(71%) 34 I otal No. Reported 1 1 6 8 19 / 10 12 37 37 140(28%) 368(72%) 508 missions today than in 1979, but planning commissions • More than nine out of 10 are white, although in large still consist primarily of white, male professionals. Over cities the rano is c oser o seven out of 10. all, commissioners are also older. More specifically, the e Almost eight out of 10 are 40 years old or older. survey revealed that: • Nearly eight out of 10 commissioners are men. With respect to occupations: TABLE 7. COMPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS, BY SEX The Planning Commission: its Composition and Function, I979. PAS Report No. 348, March 1980 4 City Commissions County Commissions Combined Commissions Comparison of Total No. Reported 1979-87 Population Male Female Male Female Male Female 1979' ale Female 19 1987 Under 25,000 750 306 69 15 36 7 481 855 86 328 25,000-50,000 704 182 119 19 30 12 854 853 189 213 50,001-100,000 500 140 129 44 108 16 965 737 172 200 100,001-250,000 247 87 275 71 96 21 793 618 163 179 250,001-500,000 59 23 86 24 57 9 310 202 71 56 Over 500,000 24 14 51 7 30 13 174 105 48 34 Total No. 2,284 752 729 180 357 78 3,577 3,370 729 1,010 Percentages 75% 25% 80% 20% 82% 18% 83% 77% 17% 23% The Planning Commission: its Composition and Function, I979. PAS Report No. 348, March 1980 4 TABLE 8. COMPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS, BY RACE Population White Black Hispanic Asian American Indian Total No. Under 25,000 1,031 38 0 1 - 1,0:9 25,000-50,000 968 52 20 5 - 1,045 50,001-100,000 850 95 19 1 - 965 100,001-250,000 733 53 11 8 - 805 250,001-500,000 174 18 8 1 1 202 Over 500,000 113 11 8 1 - 133 Total No. 3,869 267 75 17 1 4,229 Percentages 91.5% 6.3% 1.8 % .4% .02% 100 gc • About t ers, omebuilders, or in real estate. • Slightly more than one in 10 commissioners is retired. Ratio of. Male to Female Commissioners The percentage of women on planning commissions has increased since 1979. (See Table 7.) Twenty-three percent of the commissione s identiF. ,n P -y 10 commissioners) were women, whereas 17 percent of the commissioners surveyed in 1979 were women. The grea es incr ases ve occurre in city and county com- missions. The percentage of women serving on city and county commissions increased at nearly every population level -from jurisdictions with fewer than 25,000 people up to those with a population of over 500,000. Overall, however, there was almost no change in the percentage of women serving on combined city -county commissions since 1979. Racial Composition of Commissions The current survey revealed that there has been virtually no change in the percentage of minorities serving on plan- ning commissions since the 1979 survey. In 1979 about eight percent of the commissioners surveyed were minorities, compared to 8.5 percent of the commissioners surveyed in 1987. (See Table 8.) And, as was the case earlier, the repre- sentation of minorities was highest in larger cities. (See Table 9.) In 1979, 16 percent of the commissioners serving in cities with a population over 250,000 were minorities, and, in 1987, commissions in cities of over 250,000 had a minority representation of 18 percent. Age of Commissioners The average age of planning commissioners is signifi- cantly higher than it was in 1979. At the time of the earlier survey, 36.6 percent of the reporting commissioners were in their forties; 30 percent were in their thirties. The 1987 survey found that 35.4 percent or 1,507 commissioners were in their fifties and 33.9 percent were in their forties. (See Table 10.) There has also been a dramatic reduction in the number and percentage of commissioners under 30. Only 1.2 per- cent of the commissioners surveyed in 1987 were under 30 compared to slightly more than 5 percent in 1979. At the same time, the number of commissioners over 65 has doubled. The current survey found 8.4 percent of all com- TABLE 9. COMPARISON OF COMPOSITION OF CITY PLANNING COMMISSIONS, BY RACE, 1979' -87 Population White Black Hispanic Asian American Indian Total No. 1979 1987 1979 1987 1979 1987 1979 1987 1979 1987 1979 1987 Under 25,000 384 902 8 29 10 9 - 1 1 - 403 941 25,000-50,000 735 808 29 49 11 20 2 5 - - 777 882 50,001-100,000 643 572 27 34 10 19 4 1 - - 684 626 100,001-250,000 347 286 33 40 13 6 1 2 - - 394 334 250.001-500,000 106 25 19 8 4 6 4 1 - 1 133 41 Over 500,000 52 28 12 8 7 2 1 - - - 72 38 Total No. 2,267 2,621 128 168 55 62 12 10 1 1 2,463 2,862 Percentages 92.1% 91.6% 5.1% 5.9% 2.2% 2.2% .5% .3% .1% .03% 100.0% The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function, 1979. PAS Report No. 348, March 1980. 5 TABLE 10. COMPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS, BY AGE Age City Commissions County Commissions Combined Commissions Comparison of Total No. Reported 1979-87 No. Percent Distribution No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent 1979' 1987 1979' 1987 Under 30 41 1.4% 7 .8% 5 1.5% 207 53 5.1% 1_2% 30-39 661 21.8 165 18.0 73 23.2 1,231 899 30.0 21.1 40-49 1,045 34.5 292 31.9 105 33.3 1,499 1,442 36.6% 33.9 50-65 1,050 34.7 355 38.8 102 32.5 987 1,507 24.1 35.4 Over 65 229 7.6 97 10.5 30 9.5 170 356 4.2 8.4 Total 3,026 100.0% 916 100.0% 315 100.0% 4,094 4,257 100.0% 100.01"0 The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function, 1979. PAS Report No. 348, March 1980. missioners to be over 65 years old, compared to 4.2 per- cent of the commissioners surveyed in 1979. Occupations of Commissioners The 1987 survey revealed that most planning commis- sioners are either businessmen or are engaged in the fol- lowing occupations: real estate, 8.1 percent; education, 7.8 percent; engineering, 6.8 percent; and law, 6.4 percent. (See Table 11.) Over 11 percent of the commissioners surveyed were retired, reflecting the significant number of commis- sioners that are over 65. Slightly more than 6 percent of the commissioners identified themselves as homemakers - about the same percentage as 1979, but considerably more than the 2.2 percent reported in 1950. The fact that the number of women serving on commissions has grown con- siderably, while the occupation category "homemaker' stays the same, is a good reflection of the increasing num- ber of women employed outside the home. Table 12 compares selected occupations of planning commissioners identified in three previous surveys. In- TABLE 11. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS OCCUPATIONS, 1987 Occupation Number Percentage Architecture 169 4.0% Engineering 278 6.8 Homebuilding 173 4.2 Real Estate 332 8.1 Business 1,130 27.5 Law 262 6.4 Education 320 7.8 Homemaking 258 6.3 Retired 460 11.2 Other 726 17.7 Total 4,108 100.0% r� cluded in Table 12 are the planning -related occupations that some staff members believe should be a part of the occupational make-up of their planning commission. Each of these categories-architecture/engineering, real estate/ homebuilding, and law -experienced some increase be- tween 1979 and 1987 after a significant decline between 1965 and 1979. Three categories -education, homemak- ing, and retired -have increased substantially since 1950, with the most dramatic change occurring in the "retired" category. The percentage of retired persons working as commissioners has almost tripled since 1950. Staff Satisfaction with the Selection of Commissioners Three-quarters of the planners responding to the survey indicated that they were satisfied with the waycommis- sioners ommts- stoners are se ec a In t eir-community and are-eaualiv satisfied with the make-up of their current commission. TABLE 12. COMPARISON OF SELECTED PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' OCCUPATIONS, 1950-87 Occupation 1950 1965" 1979"' 1987 Architecture and Engineering 11.1% 14.7% 9.9% 10.8% Real Estate and Home Building 10.9 13.9 9.7 12.3 Law No Data 6.7 4.6 6.4 Education 2.3 3.3 6.6 7.8 Homemaking 2.2 3.2 6.9 6.3 Retired 3.9 5.0 8.3 11.2 Other 69.6 53.2 5.4 45.2 Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function. PAS Report No. 9, October 1950. The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function. PAS Report No. 195, February 1965. The Planning Commission: Its Composition and Function, 1979. PAS Report No. 348, March 1980. Time Spent (Percent) None 1-5% 6-20 21-40 41-60 61-80 81-95 96-100 Total No. Reported St FF ►},�► .. ore .iicc�tie .� .v�►4�om' , _ _� t cQ n- fl�tssloon 215D t2no Pd . r e wh;ch commissioners were selected. Of these, many felt that the selection process was too political and that a more formal process, based on minimum qualifications, would result in a better commission. These planners believed that the selection process should provide for a more diverse, better trained, and more dedicated commission. There was no ..nanirnitg in what o Cygations iizht rnntribute to malting. a _b t er-commission. Many of the planners that were not satisfied with the make-up of their commission believed that the commission needed to have a better balance of occupations. While some believed that their commission was unduly dominated by developers and Realtors, others believed that what their commission lacked was sufficient representation from the building community or the real estate sector. A number of plan- ners also believed that more commissioners in planning - related fields, such as architecture and engineering, would be desirable. And finally, some of the planners dissatis- fied with the make-up of their commission believed that there should be greater representation by women and minorities. THE WORK OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION Planniry� cc m;cdnners mntimie to spend most of their time on zon" tters and subdivision -review. Ninety- five percent of the .,sperid4ome time .on zoning, withover half of the � commissions devotLng more than 40 nernPnt of th it � Toning concerns. Subdivision applications accounted for more than 40 percent o t e work schedules of37 ereent oof e WMj111 spssurtoveyed. _ Table ble 13.) -iv -r- cent of the commissim-,surveyed devote some time to -"bdi ion aRplications. a�.�.$�m.ore nl nnine cl not engage a a proportion of camtr►issioners time. Morthan0 per of the com- missipns surveygd spend no more than five per=t of their time on long-range planning, and most 1 percent) devoted no more an 20 percent of their time to suc�an�ni_n n y seven percent reported that they devote more than 40 percent of their work schedule to long-range planning. And, finally, over half of the com- missions spend no time on administrative duties. About half of the planners surveyed (52 percent) indi- cated that they were not satisfied with the amount of time commissioners were spending on various activities. County planners, however, were the exception; most expressed satisfaction with the work schedule of their commissioners. In most cases, planners that were dissatisfied with the work schedules of their commissioners believed that they should spend more time on long-range planning. Planning com- missioners were also asked if they were satisfied with the amount of time they were able to devote to various activi- ties. Most commissioners (66 percent) indicated that they were not bothered by the fact that their work schedules were dominated by zoning and subdivision matters, leav- ing little time to devote to long-range planning. This find- ing suggests that there is some disagreement between plan- ners and commissioners over the most appropriate role for the planning commission in community planning and land - use regulation. In addition, there was little agreement among planners themselves as to what constitutes the ideal amount of time the commission should spend on planning. For example, one community indicated that its commission spent 20 per- cent of its time on long-range planning but should devote up to 50 percent of its work schedule to it, while another reported that it was not satisfied with its commission spending 'only" 60 percent of its time on long-range plan- ning. Some respondents believed that the planning com- mission'should spend 100 percent of its time on planning matters; others believed that devoting five percent of the work schedule to long-range planning was sufficient. 7 TABLE 13. BREAKDOWN OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIVITIES Long -Range Zoning Subdivision Planning Administration Other Commissions Commissions Commissions Commissions Commissions No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent 27 5.1% 80 15.3% 35 6.9% 275 52.60/-c 258 49.0% 18 3.4 76 14.5 122 23.9 150 28.7 97 18.4 64 12.1 172 32.8 256 50.3 75 14.3 95 18.0 120 22.7 121 23.1 61 12.0 18 3.4 55 10.4 140 26.5 51 9.7 20 3.9 4 .8 13 2.5 108 20.5 20 3.8 8 1.6 1 .2 7 1.3 47 8.9 4 .8 5 1.0 - - 2 .4 4 .8 - - 2 .4 - - - - 528 100.0% 524 100.0 % 509 100.0% 523 100.0% 527 100.0% St FF ►},�► .. ore .iicc�tie .� .v�►4�om' , _ _� t cQ n- fl�tssloon 215D t2no Pd . r e wh;ch commissioners were selected. Of these, many felt that the selection process was too political and that a more formal process, based on minimum qualifications, would result in a better commission. These planners believed that the selection process should provide for a more diverse, better trained, and more dedicated commission. There was no ..nanirnitg in what o Cygations iizht rnntribute to malting. a _b t er-commission. Many of the planners that were not satisfied with the make-up of their commission believed that the commission needed to have a better balance of occupations. While some believed that their commission was unduly dominated by developers and Realtors, others believed that what their commission lacked was sufficient representation from the building community or the real estate sector. A number of plan- ners also believed that more commissioners in planning - related fields, such as architecture and engineering, would be desirable. And finally, some of the planners dissatis- fied with the make-up of their commission believed that there should be greater representation by women and minorities. THE WORK OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION Planniry� cc m;cdnners mntimie to spend most of their time on zon" tters and subdivision -review. Ninety- five percent of the .,sperid4ome time .on zoning, withover half of the � commissions devotLng more than 40 nernPnt of th it � Toning concerns. Subdivision applications accounted for more than 40 percent o t e work schedules of37 ereent oof e WMj111 spssurtoveyed. _ Table ble 13.) -iv -r- cent of the commissim-,surveyed devote some time to -"bdi ion aRplications. a�.�.$�m.ore nl nnine cl not engage a a proportion of camtr►issioners time. Morthan0 per of the com- missipns surveygd spend no more than five per=t of their time on long-range planning, and most 1 percent) devoted no more an 20 percent of their time to suc�an�ni_n n y seven percent reported that they devote more than 40 percent of their work schedule to long-range planning. And, finally, over half of the com- missions spend no time on administrative duties. About half of the planners surveyed (52 percent) indi- cated that they were not satisfied with the amount of time commissioners were spending on various activities. County planners, however, were the exception; most expressed satisfaction with the work schedule of their commissioners. In most cases, planners that were dissatisfied with the work schedules of their commissioners believed that they should spend more time on long-range planning. Planning com- missioners were also asked if they were satisfied with the amount of time they were able to devote to various activi- ties. Most commissioners (66 percent) indicated that they were not bothered by the fact that their work schedules were dominated by zoning and subdivision matters, leav- ing little time to devote to long-range planning. This find- ing suggests that there is some disagreement between plan- ners and commissioners over the most appropriate role for the planning commission in community planning and land - use regulation. In addition, there was little agreement among planners themselves as to what constitutes the ideal amount of time the commission should spend on planning. For example, one community indicated that its commission spent 20 per- cent of its time on long-range planning but should devote up to 50 percent of its work schedule to it, while another reported that it was not satisfied with its commission spending 'only" 60 percent of its time on long-range plan- ning. Some respondents believed that the planning com- mission'should spend 100 percent of its time on planning matters; others believed that devoting five percent of the work schedule to long-range planning was sufficient. 7 TABLE 14. SET TIME PERIODS FOR ZONING AND SUBDIVISION DECISIONS FROM PLANNING COMMISSIONS Subdivision Decisions Under 30 Days 2 City County Combined - Total 5 Commissions Commissions Commissions Reported Time Period No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent No. Percent Zoning Decisions 15.9 7 12.9 2 10.5 45 Under 30 Days 4 2.3% 1 2.4% - - 5 2.1% 30-60 Days 101 56.7 27 64.3 18 85.7% 146 60.6 61-90 Days 36 20.2 5 11.9 2 9.5 43 17.8 3-6 Months 15 8.4 2 4.8 1 4.8 18 7.5 6-12 Months 22 12.4 7 16.6 - - 29 12.0 Over a Year - - - - TABLE 15. EXTENSIONS ON ZONING DECISIONS Total 178 100.0% 42 100.0% 21 100.0% '241 100.0% Subdivision Decisions Under 30 Days 2 .9% 3 5.5% - - 5 1.6% 30-60 Days 168 74.3 38 70.4 17 89.5% 223 74.6 61-90 Days 36 15.9 7 12.9 2 10.5 45 15.1 3-6 Months 11 4.9 3 5.5 - - 14 4.7 6-12 Months 9 4.0 2 3.7 - - 11 3.7 Over a Year - - 1 2.0 - - 1 .3 Total 226 100.0% 54 100.0% 19 100.0% 299 100.0% TABLE 15. EXTENSIONS ON ZONING DECISIONS Extensions on Population Total Zoning Decisions Under 25,001- 50,001- 100,001- 250,001- Over (Percent) 25,000 50,000 100,000 250,000 500,000 500,000 No. Percent City Commissions None 26 23 22 4 2 2 79 23.0% 1-10% 66 66 44 26 2 1 205 60.0 11-25% 13 7 9 4 2 1 36 11.0 26-50% 5 6 3 2 1 - 17 5.0 51-75% - - - 1 - - 1 .3 76-100% 1 1 - - - - 2 .6 Total 111 103 78 37 7 4 340 100.0% County Commissions None - 3 3 4 4 3 17 21.0% 1-10% 8 7 15 18 4 1 53 66.0 11-25% - 1 1 6 1 - 3 4.0 26-50% - - - 1 - - 6 8.0 51-75% - - - - - - 1 1 76-100% - - - - - - - - Total 8 11 19 29 9 4 80 100.0% Combined Commissions None 1 1 5 - 1 - 8 28.0% 1-10% 2 2 3 4 3 2 16 55.0 11-25% 1 - 1 - 1 1 4 14.0 26-50% 1 - - - - - 1 3.0 51-75% - - - - - - - - 76-100 % - - - - - - - Total 5 3 9 4 5 3 29 100.0% TABLE 16. EXTENSIONS ON SUBDIVISION DECISIONS Extensions on Subdivision Decisions (Percent) Under 25,000 25,001- 50,000 Population 50,001- 100,001- 100,000 250,000 250,001- 500,000 Over 500,000 No. Total Percent City Commissions None 29 26 29 7 1 2 94 30.04-C 1-10% 64 50 38 22 2 — 176 56.2 11-25% 8 7 3 4 2 — 24 7.7 26-50% 5 7 1 1 — — 14 4.5 51-75% — 1 1 — — — 2 .6 76-100% 1 2 — — — — 3 1.0 Total 107 93 72 34 5 2 313 100.0% County Commissions None — 5 3 5 2 2 17 23.6% 1-10% 7 8 9 17 4 1 46 64.0 11-25% — 2 2 1 — — 5 6.9 26-50% 1 — — 2 — 1 4 5.5 51-75% — — — — — — — — 76-100 % — — — — — — — — Total 8 15 14 25 6 4 72 100.0% Combined Commissions None 3 1 2 1 — — 7 25.0% 1-10% 2 3 7 3 4 2 21 75.0 11-25% — — — — — — — — 26-50 % — — — — — — — — 51-75% — — — — — — — — 76-100 % — — — — — — — — Total 5 4 9 4 4 2 28 100.0% Decision -Making Ability Like the 1979 survey, the current one included ques- tions on the time it takes commissions to render decisions. Planning commissions continue to be accused of not ren- dering decisions within a reasonable time frame, so plan- ning directors were asked once again if mandatory time frames had been established for zoning and subdivisions applications and, if so, how often commissioners needed more time to reach a decision. Forty-s1Y r Prrpnt of the communities responding indi- cated that s cific time frames had been established for Hing decisions, and 57 percent indicated that time Mmeshaa een established tor su tvision decisions. For Hing an suSdivision r on time Frame re utred by sof w= ' 'es was 30 Sys -the same as it was . 1979. (See Table 14.) —Commissloners rare y needed extensions. Over80 ce o ave., R -Me c es or tonindecisions indicated that their commission needed extensions on y 10 percent (or less) of the time. (See Table 15.) Only one county commission, three city commissions (fewer than one percent of the 111 cities with limits), and none of the combined commissions reported that extensions were needed the majority of the time. No less than 90 percent of all commissions that have time limits for subdivision decisions indicated that their com- mission needed extensions only 10 percent (or less) of the time. (See Table 16.) None of the county or combined commissions and only five of the city commissions indi- cated that they needed extensions the majority of the time. Frequency of Agreement In order to shed some light on planning staff/planning commission relations, planners were asked, "How fre- quently does the planning commission follow staff recom- mendations?" Planners for at least 95 percent of the city and county commissions and nearly 90 percent of the com- bined commissions indicated that their planning commis- sion followed staff recommendations most of the time. (See Table 17.) Similarly, over 85 percent of the communities 9 TABLE 17. FREQUENCY OF COMMISSION/STAFF AGREEMENT Commission Follows Staff Recommendations City Commission No. Percent County Commission No. Percent Combined Commission No. Percent Total No. Reported No. Percent All of the time 3 .80/c 2 1.7% 1 2.9% 6 1.1 % Most of the time 360 94.0 106 93.9 30 85.7% 496 93.4 Some of the time 18 4.7 5 4.4 4 11.4 27 5.1 Not very often 2 .5 - - 2 .4 Total 383 100.0% 113 100.0% 35 100.0% 531 100.0% responding at each level of government indicated that the city council, county board, or other legislative body fol- lowed planning commission recommendations most of the time. (See Table 18.) Staff Satisfaction with the Performance of the Planning Commission Are planners satisfied with the performance of their planning commission? Do they believe that the role the planning commission is playing in their community is a useful one? Overall 80 percent of the fanners reWZ=d- ing to the surveyi- ndicated that -thev were both satisfied wit the performance of t ei:)Ianning commission and be ,eve that the ro e the a .commis i i -s playing int eir community is a A=c - ]here were some sig- nificant differences, however, between the responses o -combined commissions and city or county commissions. In each case, p arming directors of combined commissions were less satisfied with the performance of their commis- sion. Sixty-five percent of the directors of combined com- missions were satisfied with the performance of their com- mission, compared with 81 percent of the city and 80 percent of the county planning directors. A similar pattern of responses was recorded for the question of whether planners believe their commission plays an effective role in the community. TRAINING FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONS Staff and commissioners we, e111 me, Ut the top three suahttsZbEemphasizedinxrainingzOm- missioners for their job Both groups believed that trainin>z Legislature Follows Commission Recommendations All of the time Most of the time Some of the time Not very often Total 10 focusing on L 211 though commissioners and staff emphasized that the substance of local laws was the most important material to be covered, staff also reported that commissioners ought to know more about general planning law as well. After legal matters staff and co di- cate tat training ought to cover the basir elements o ffann-in - enera com re ensivepractice O zoning a^� ctihrliyicIa�nn'�� on The third subject area most freq_ a necessary topic for training programs concerned the roles and responsibilities ot panning commissioners. Specifics range rom ow to run a meeting to ow to ensure flue process in public hearings. Information on the legal powers of commissioners was often asked for. Training currently is being accomplished in most cases through programs rather than through literature. Forty- two percent of the communities responding to the staff questionnaire provide orientation programs for new com- missioners; 32 percent provide handbooks. While only 23 percent of commissioner respondents indicated that their community provided orientation programs, many com- missioners indicated that an agency at the regional or state level offered such a program. Taken together, 45 percent of commissioners had available either an orientation pro- gram provided by their community or a program offered by an agency at another level of government. Small communities are less likely to offer orientation programs. Only 13 percent of commissioners responding from communities under 25,000 reported that their com- munity offered programs, although 34 percent did indi- TABLE 18. FREQUENCY OF COMMISSION/ LEGISLATURE AGREEMENT City County Combined Total No. Commission Commission Commission Reported No. Percent 6 1.5% 338 87.6 40 10.4 2 .5 386 100.0% No. Percent No. Percent 2 1.9% 86 83.5 15 14.6 1 2.9% 28 82.4% 5 14.7 103 100.0% 34 100.0% No. Percent 9 1.7% 452 86.4 60 11.5 2 .4 523 100.0% TABLE 19. HOW STAFF RANKED VARIOUS PLANNING TOOLS Rank' 1. Planning conferences 2.5 2. Special training workshops 3.1 3. In-house training programs 3.1 4. Manuals 2.4 5. Videotapes 2.5 1= not very useful; 2 —somewhat useful; 3— useful; 4 —very useful. tate the availability of programs at the state or regional level. Whether or not an orientation program is offered, a substantial number of planning commissioners do attend planning workshops. Sixty-one percent of the communi- ties responding to the staff questionnaire reported that their commissioners attend conferences or workshops, and 76 percent report that they are willing to pay for confer- ence expenses. In most cases, staff indicate that they will pay 100 percent of expenses. Almost as many of the commissioners (who represent both communities affiliated and not affiliated with APA) reported that they attend some kind of training workshop. The lowest proportion again was in the under -25,000 population category, but, even in this group, 45 percent attended workshops. Both commissioners and staff ranked training tools. For both groups, special training workshops and in-house training programs received the highest grades. (See Tables 19 and 20.) TABLE 20. HOW PLANNING COMMISSIONERS RANKED VARIOUS PLANNING TOOLS Rank' 1. National planning conferences 1.7 2. State or regional conferences 2.5 3. Special training workshops 3.2 4. In-house training programs 3.3 5. Manuals 2.7 6. Videotapes 2.7 1=not very useful; 2—somewhat useful; 3—useful; 4—very useful. Both groups cited time and money as the two major obstacles to receiving training. Furthermore, it was the impression of 20 percent of staff respondents that com- missioners, in fact, were not interested in training in any case—which implies that staff will have to consider how best to offer on-the-job training. We can conclude from the responses to the training questions that commissioners enjoy attending workshops provided that they are not too far from home or take too much time, and that training oriented specifically to the local community or home state is desired most. CONCLUSION Despite questions occasionally raised about the effi- ciency of the planning commission and attempts to re- structure the commission format, APA's surveys conducted over a 35 -year period indicate little change. Although there is always room for improvement, the commissions must be fulfilling their function satisfactorily. RECENT PLANNING ADVISORY SERVICE REPORTS 352 Energy -Conserving Development Regulations: Cur- S16; PAS subscribers S8. rent Practice. August 1980. 58 pp. S12 (xerox). 376 Improving Street Climate Through Urban Design. 353 Local Economic Development Planning: From June 1983. 34 pp. S16; PAS subscribers 58. Goals to Projects. September 1980. 34 pp. S12; PAS 377 Flexible Parking Requirements. August 1983. 38 pp. subscribers $6. S16; PAS subscribers S8. 354 The Mechanics of Sign Control. October 1980. 378 Working With Consultants. October 1983. 33 pp. 26 pp. S12; PAS subscribers S6. S16; PAS subscribers S8. 355 Salaries and Tenure of Professional Planners. 379 Appearance Codes for Small Communities. October November 1980. 18 pp. S12: PAS subscribers S6. 1983. 26 pp. S16; PAS subscribers $8. 356 The Cluster Subdivision: A Cost -Effective Ap- 380 Analyzing the Economic Feasibility of a Develop- proach. December 1980. 29 pp. S12; PAS sub- ment Project: A Guide for Planners. November scribers $6. 1983. 38 pp. S16; PAS subscribers S8. 357 Setting Zoning and Subdivision Fees: Making Ends 381 Increasing Housing Opportunities for the Elderly. Meet. January 1981. 22 pp. S12; PAS subscribers December 1983. 16 pp. $16; PAS subscribers S8. $6• 382 Planners' Salaries and Employment Trends, 1983. 358 Analyzing Neighborhood Retail Opportunities: A February 1984. 18 pp. S16; PAS subscribers $8. Guide for Carrying Out a Preliminary Market '383 How To Set Up a Planning Agency Library. April Study. February 1981. 22 pp. S12; PAS subscribers 1984. 38 pp. PAS subscribers $8. $6• `384 Regulating Radio and TV Towers. June 1984. 38 pp. 359 Reducing Landslide Hazards: A Guide for Plan- PAS subscribers $8. ners. March 1981. 29 pp. $12; PAS subscribers S6. 385 Affordable Single -Family Housing: A Review of De - 360 Regulating Mobile Homes. April 1981. 28 pp. S12; velopment Standards. August 1984. 117 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $6. PAS subscribers S8. 361 Oblique Aerial Photography for Urban Plan- 386 State and Local Regulations for Reducing Agricul- ning. May 1981. 26 pp. $12; PAS subscribers $6. tural Erosion. September 1984. 42 pp. $16; PAS sub - 362 Loft Conversions: Planning Issues, Problems, and scribers $8. Prospects. August 1981. 38 pp. S12; PAS sub- 387 Traffic Impact Analysis. October 1984.34 pp. $16; scribers $6. PAS subscribers $8. 363 Linking Plans and Regulations: Local Responses to 388 Planning Software Survey. November 1984. Consistency Laws in California and Florida. 32 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. September 1981. 26 pp. $12; PAS subscribers S6. 389 Tax Increment Financing: Part 1. What Is TIF? Part 364 Reducing Earthquake Risks: A Planner's Guide. 2. Determining Potential Gains and Losses of TIF. October 1981. 82 pp. $18; PAS subscribers $9. December 1984. 19 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. 365 Accessory Apartments: Using Surplus Space in 390 Infrastructure Support for Economic Development. Single -Family Houses. December 1981. 24 pp. $12; September 1985. 38 pp. $16; PAS subscribers S8. PAS subscribers $6. '391 Home Occupation Ordinances. October 1985. 38 366 Planners' Salaries and Employment Trends, pp. PAS subscribers $8. 1981. January 1982. 22 pp. $12 (xerox). 392 Innovative Capital Financing. December 1985. 367 Zero Lot Line Development. March 1982. 22 pp. 38 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. $12; PAS subscribers $6. `393 Managing Municipal Information Needs Using 368 Designing Effective Pedestrian Improvements in Microcomputers. April 1986. 22 pp. PAS sub - Business Districts. May 1982. 60 pp. $16; PAS sub- scribers $8. scribers $8. 394 Regulating Satellite Dish Antennas. May 1986. 30 369 A Planner's Guide to Low -Level Radioactive Waste pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. Disposal. August 1982.53 pp. $12; PAS subscribers '395 Planners' Salaries and Employment Trends, 1985. $6• June 1986. 18 pp. PAS subscribers $8. 370 Regulating Videogames. September 1982. 30 pp. '396 Standards for Self -Service Storage Facilities. Sep - $12; PAS subscribers $6. tember 1986. 22 pp. PAS subscribers $8. 371 Changing Development Standards for Affordable 397 Siting Group Homes for Developmentally Disabled Housing. October 1982. 30 pp. $12; PAS subscrib- Persons. October 1986.46 pp. $16; PAS subscribers ers $6. $8 372 Using Microcomputers in Urban Planning. Novem- 398 Regulating Manufactured Housing. December 1986. ber 1982. 22 pp. $8. 38 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. 373 Water Conservation in Residential Development: 399 Aesthetics and Land -Use Controls. December 1986. Land -Use Techniques. December 1982. 34 pp. $16; 46 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. PAS subscribers $8. '400 The Planning Commission: Its Composition and 374 Preparing a Historic Preservation Ordinance. Function, 1987. May 1987. 11 pp. PAS subscribers February 1983. 46 pp. $16; PAS subscribers $8. $8. 375 Planning for Underground Space. Apri11983.54 pp. Available only to subscribers of Planning Advisory Service. WILLIAM C. PRIBBLE, JR. ATTORNEY-AT-LAW August 23,1987 ` Mr. James Willis City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 re: JoAnn Pribble Petition Dear Mr. Willis: OF COUNSEL THEO. WANGENSTEEN, JR. Enclosed please find the petition of JoAnn Pribble respectfully asking the City Council to exercise its authority to establish a public cartway of appropriate width over and across Oakdale West 3rd Addition. Would you please place this matter on the agenda of the Council, after appropriate notice to all affecteci parties, for a meeting in September. ThanKyou for your courtesies. Sincerely, Wifli�. Pribblo6, Jr. Enclosure cc: With Enclosure Virgil Schneider Jerry Sisk Robert Zitur David Crain Maria Vasiliou wcp/vv AUG 251987 �f CITY Of PLYMOUTH 13100 WAYZATA BOLTUVA RD, SUITE 120, MINNETONKA. MINNESOTA, 55343 (612) 59 IN RE: Petition of JoAnn I. Pribole TO: Virgil A. Schneider, Mayor of and the City Council of the City of Plymouth Petitioner respectfully represents and shows: i. Tnat Petitioner resides at 17330 19th Avenue North in the City of Plymouth, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, and at all times herein was the owner in fee simple of the property describea on attached Exhibit A containing in excess of five (5) acres (the "Property"). 2. That the City of Plymouth, ("City"), is one of the municipal corporations organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota; that it has a legislative body created by law and designated as the City Council thereof, that the Mayor of the city is the presiding officer, that the City of Plymouth has general control of its property and affairs and general jurisdiction over the streets and highways therein. 3. That Virgil A. Schneider is the mayor of the City and tnat the members of the City Council thereof are Maria Vasiliou; Jerry Sisk; Robert Zitur; and David Crain. 4. That the City of Plymouth has., in addition to their otner powers, those conferred upon towns. 5. That one of the powers of a town is to establish a cartway at least two rods wide to provide public access for an owner of a tract of land containing at least five acres, who has no access except over the lands of others, after appropriate notice and hearing. %1 14(3)Petitiori' b. That Petitioner's only access to the Property is by a private driveway easement twelve feet in width Oakdale Third Addition, owned by Don D. Myron and Donna L. Myron ("Myrons"), and such access is not sufficient for the best use of the Property in its urban setting. 7. That Petitioner has attempted to acquire an appropriately wide access from the Myrons. WHEREFORE, Petitioner respectfully requests that the City pursuant to its statutory authority establish a public road at least two rods wide connecting the Property with a public road (19th Avenue North) over and across Oakdale Third Addition. Jor I. Pribble Dated: August 22, 1987 -2- 14(3)Petition VERIFICATION State of Minnesota) ) ss. County of Hennepin) JoAnn I. Pribble being first duly sworn, deposes and says that she has read the above Petition and that the same is true of her own knowledge. Suoscribed and Sworn to before me this 22nd day of August 1987 Notary Publ`Ic / • MNLLOW C PRIBBLE JR. • NWARY PUBUC MINNESOTA HENNEPIN COAly < MY COMMPu+on Expires Jan. 15, 19LK3 -3- 14 (3) Pet° i tiort 1.17 Jo I. Pribble r William C. gribble, 13100 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 120 Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343 (612) 593-0040 Reg. No. 88158 Attorney for Petitioner The North 30 acres of the Southwest Quarter- of the Northwest Quarter of Section 29, Township 11E. �.,nge 22, except the following described three parcels: PAP.CEL I: Beginning at a point on the West line of said Southwest Quarter 60 feet of the Northwest corner thereof: thence East parallel to the North line of said South- west Quarter 400 feet; thence South parallel to the West line of said Southwest Quarter 643 feet; thence West 400 feet of a point on the West line of said Southwest Quarter 643 feet South of the point of beginning; thence North to the point of beginning. PARCEL 2: Commencing at a point on the South line of said North 30 acres 430.4 feet East of the Southwest corner thereof; thence Northeasterly at an angle of 76 degrees 45 minutes to said South line 125.7 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 180 feet and an arc of 50 degrees 59 minutes; thence tangent to the end of said curve 74.1 feet; thence deflecting left along the tangential curve having a radius of 126 feet an arc of 74 degrees 16 minutes to the point of beginning of the property being described. Thence continuing on said left deflecting curve a radius 126 feet an arc of 74 degrees 15 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 42.94 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 800 feet an arc of 8 degrees 58 minutes; thence to a point 400 feet East of the West line of said Southwest Quarter, measured parallel to the North line of said Southwest Quarter, 452.66 feet South of the North line of said Southwest Quarter, measured parallel to the West line thereof; thence North parallel to the West line of said Southwest Quarter, 392.66 feet; thence West parallel to the North line of said South- west Quarter, to the West line, thereof; thence North along said West line of the Northwest corner of said Southwest Quarter; thence East along the North line of said Southwest Quarter to the Northeast corner thereof; thence South along the East line of said Southwest Quarter, 428.57 feet; thence West parallel to the North line of said Southwest Quarter, 550.71 feet; thence Southwesterly to the point of beginning. PARCEL 3: Commencing at a point on the South line of said North 30 acres, 430.4 feet as -t o-Fthe Southwest corner thereof; thence Northeasterly an angle of 76 degrees 45 minutes to said South line, 125.7 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 180 feet and an arc of 50 degrees 59 minutes; thence tangent to the end of said curve 74.1 feet; thence deflecting left along a tangential curve having a radius of 125 feet an arc of 74 degrees 16 minutes to a point; thence con- tinuing on said left deflecting curve of radius 126 feet an arc of'74 degrees 15 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 42.94 feet to the point of actual beginning of the property being described; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 800 feet an arc of 8 degrees 58 minutes; thence to a point 400 feet East of the West line of said Southwest Quarter, measured parallel to the North line of said Southwest Quarter, 452.66 feet South of the North line of said Southwest Quarter, measured parallel to the West line thereof thence South parallel to the West line of said Southwest Quarter to a point distant 400 feet East of the West line and distant 703 feet South of the North line of said Southwest Quarter; thence in a straight line Northeasterly to.the point of actual beginning herein. .Together with right of way easement for driveway 12 feet wide the center line of which is described as follows: Beginning at a point on the South line of the North 30 acres of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 29, Township 118, Range 22, distant 430.4 feet East of the Southwest corner thereof; thence Southwesterly at an angle 76 degrees 45 minutes to the South line of said North 30 acres 301.63 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 135 feet an arc of 75 degrees 53 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 130.$6 feet; thence deflecting left along a tan- gential curve having a radius of 210 feet to State Highway No. 101, and there -ending. Subject to a right of way easement for driveway 12 feet wide, the center line of which is described as follows; Beginning at a point on the South line of the North 30 acres of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 29. Township 118, Range 22, distant 430.4 feet East of the Southwest corner thereof; thence Northeasterly at an angle of 76 degrees, 45 minutes to said South line 125.7 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 180 feet, an arc of 50 degrees 59 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 74.10 feet; thence deflecting left along a tangential curve having a radius of 126 feet an arc of 148 degrees 31 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 42.94 feet; thence deflecting right along a tan- lential curve having a radius of 800 feet a distance of 20 feet and there ending. ogether with a non-exclusive easantnt for driveway purposes over that part of Outlot 3. Oakwood Manor, lying Southeasterly of a line drawn parallel with and distant 12 feet northwesterly of, measured at right angles to, the Southerly line of said Outlot 3. Ail lying and being in the County of Hennepin and State of Minnesota. Together with right of way easement for driveway 12 feet wide, the center line of which Is described as follows: Beginning at a point on the South line of the North 30 acres of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW h of NW ;) of Section 29. Township 118, Range 22. distant 430.4 feet East of the Southwest corner thereof; F_ � t 4 ( R / T 114 t:,ence Southwesterly at an angle of 76 degrees 45 minutes to the South line of said North 30 acres 301.63 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 135 feet an arc of 75 degrees 53 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 130.86 feet; thence deflecting left along a tangential curve having a radius of 210 feet to State Highway No. 101, and there ending. Subject to a right of way easement for driveway 12 feet wide, the center line of which is described as follows: Beginning at a point on the South line of the North 30 acres of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SW 4 of NW k) of Section 29, Township 118, Range 22, distant 430.4 feet East of the Southwest corner thereof; thence Northeasterly at an angle of 76 degrees, 45 minutes to said South line 125.7 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangential curve having a radius of 180 feet, an arc of 50 degrees 59 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 74.10 feet; thence deflecting left along a tan- gential curve having a radius of 126 feet an arc of 148 degrees 31 minutes; thence tangent to the end of last said curve 42.94 feet; thence deflecting right along a tangen- tial curve having a radius of 800 feet a distance of 20 feet and there ending. Together with a non-exclusive easement for driveway purposes over the part of Outlot 3, Oakwood Manor, lying Southeasterly of a line drawn parallel with and distant 12 feet northwesterly of, measured at right angles to, the Southerly line of said Outlot 3. All lying and being in the County of Hennepin and State of Minnesota. 4 r"01"t WY CITY OF PLYMOUTH- August 13, 1987 Mr. Paul Dunn Welsh Companies, Inc. 11200 West 78th Street Eden Prairie, MN 55344 s - -7a. RE Cars being sold at Shopping Center at County Road 6 and Highway 101 Dear Mr. Dunn: It has been brought to my attention that at different times people are parking their personal cars on the property owned by Welsh Companies, Inc. at County Road 6 and Highway 101 for the purpose of selling these cars. This is a violation of the City's Ordinances and since your company is the fee owner of the property we would appreciate your cooperation in posting signs on the property advising these people that this parking lot is not to be used as a used car lot. I would appreciate your assistance in this matter. feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Al Cottingham Associate Planner AC/Ig cc: Chron File If you have any questions please 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 5592800 BIRTCHER WELSH August 19, 1987 Mr. Al Cottingham Associate Planner City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Plymouth Plaza Shopping Center Dear Mr. Cottingham: Eden Ail Telephone �6121444-"I i,D We are in receipt of your letter dated August 13, 1987 relative to the advertising of cars for sale at the above -referenced property. You should know that we are aware of the problem, and are closely monitoring the situation. We are currently checking the property each day and keeping a record of the cars that are advertised for sale and recording the phone numbers that are listed. We are then calling the people and asking them to remove their cars from the parking area, and informing them that the area is not to be used as a car lot. Please be advised that we have not authorized any persons to advertise their cars for sale in the parking area. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you advised. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, ------------- Thomas H. Carrico Property Manager Birtcher Welsh THC/nlh/1041TC cc: P. Dunn Albuquerque Chicago Dallas Denver Houston Laguna Niguel Los Angeles Mil«aukee Minneapolis Palm Desert Phoenix Portland Salt Lake Cit} Seattle Washington. D.C. ►lelshCompanies August 26, 198 Mr. Virgil Schneider, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Schneider: 1110011'e;t 18Th greet t„t-; I �­owie. V nr�•tivi, 7.1 5sio (-; AUG 27 1987 GII � fir Attached please find a copy of a memorandum I have addressed to the pro- perty manager for our shopping center at Highway 101 and 6 in Plymouth. I want to assure you that we will follow-up more aggressively on this con- tinuing problem until the problem no longer exists. I would also like to ask that you or any other Council member contact me personally if you feel this property is not being managed properly. I will personally follow up on any suggestions or recommendations that you have. Sincerely, E.//Paul' Dunn Vice President EPD/lmy cc: Dave Crain Bob Zitur Jerry Sisk Maria Vasiliou P.S. Contrary to a statement made at the Council meeting on August 24, 1987, the sales at Tyra's Red Owl store are exceeding the projections originally made for that location. In addition, the other merchants at that corner are enjoying excellent business with regular increases in sales each month that they report. WelshCc meanies Date: Augwnwt 26, 1987 11): Tom rrico Paza- !�rom: Paul Dunn Subject: Plymouth Phway 101 and 6, Plymouth, Minnesota Memorandum At the City Council meeting on August 24, 1987 several Council members men- tioned the ongoing problem of cars parked in our parking lot that are also advertised "For Sale". Al Cottingham also wrote to us relative to this matter earlier this month. - I would like you to monitor this situation on a daily basis until it is no longer a problem. If necessary, please obtain stickers to be placed on the windshield of the cars that are in violation of this rule. Also, please be prepared to have cars towed away that are in the lot more than one day. I would also like you to keep me informed of any tenants who violate our signage regulations for the center. I cannot over emphasize the importance of these two issues and look for your close follow up to correct them. CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: August 26, 1987 TO: Sgt. Saba FROM: Jane Laurence SUBJECT Virginia Property Status I just spoke with Sam Virginia; he called to dispute a citation he received for "Dog at Large". After dealing with that matter we discussed his fox operation at some length. I thought I would pass on the details of the conversation to you and, perhaps, the City Administrators. Sam has had no offers on his property. He is very pessimistic about - his prospects of selling. His partner, Bill Ruff, has moved half of the animals to a relative's farm. Sam has not found any place that will allow him to move his remaining 40-4S fox to. Sam stated that he has decided not to try to fight the City on this issue but to just "go peaceably" and let the City "pick up the fox". He apparently has no intention of removing his operation by the deadline (Sept 30). He wondered how the City would be removing the fox and stated he was glad he would not have to be involved in that project since it would likely be quite a bit of work. I wanted you to be aware of Mr. Virginia's intentions so that we can be prepared when the deadline arrives. Additionally, Sam and Joyce Virginia are in the throws of a divorce which he attributes to the strife brought on by the City in forcing his compliance with the Wild Animal Ordinance. i Jane Laurence --7c- August 25, 1987 Mr. Dwaine Johnson 5110 Vicksburg Lane Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 f 1141 CITY OF PLYMOUTF+ Subject: Lot Division (87077) Dear Mr. Johnson: Yesterday, August 24, 1987, I discussed your Lot Division Application with your wife, Audrey, and your attorney Eileen Roberts. I had called both of these people, since I had not received a response to my August 13, 1987, letter concerning the execution of the settlement agreement between you and the developers of Wooddale Addition. In that letter I stated that it would be my recommendation that the City Council defer any action on the Lot Division until the settlement agreement had been signed by both parties. I was informed that your attorney and the attorney for the developers were working on differences which you had in the proposed settlement agreement. At the City Council meeting on August 24, 1987, your Lot Division was considered by the City Council. As I stated in my previous letter to you, I recommended to the City Council that action be deferred since the settlement agreement had not been executed. The City Council deferred action on the Lot Division. As I discussed with Eileen Roberts, the next City Council meeting at which this item will be considered is September 14, 1987. She stated to me that this should allow ample time for the settlement agreement to be executed. Would you please see that I receive a copy of the executed settlement agreement after your negotiations are completed. When I receive the agreement, your Lot Division will again be placed on the City Council Agenda. If there are any questions or if I can be of any assistance, please contact me. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works FGM:kh cc: James G. Willis, City Manager Jim Thomson, City Attorney File No. 87077 Mary S. Vujovich 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 DATE: August 23, 1987 TO: Sgt. Saba FROM: Jane Laurence SUBJECT Begin Detail MEMO Following your suggestion, I came in one hour early and revised my schedule on Sunday to start two hours earlier. I combined the two so that Dave and I had three hours on Sunday afternoon to begin the Begin project. We first talked to Larry and he gave us permission to start. He denied permission to use spray paint to assist us in coding the vehicles. He also is insisting that he get copies of all the photos we take. We started at the west side of the property and checked each vehicle for color and model (to help us distinguish it), license or vin (if available), engine and transmission, and number of tires. We also recorded tires that we;°laying around as we progressed through the area. After two hours we had inventoried 112 vehicles and about 400 tires (I haven't totaled them). We had only completed about 1/6 of the total vehicles. We then came to a pile of veh4,eq-that were blocked, stacked and awaiting crushing. We both tried to count the vehiclesand came up with approximately 110 vehicles and - about 350 tires. Before leaving we walked through the remaining acreage and estimated that there were at least 400 -500 more vehicles to check. Larry tried to tell us that he is already way ahead of schedule on blocking and stacking but, except for the pile of 110 cars, there are very few that have been blocked. I've attached the notebook we are using for your review. This is going to take several more hours if we continue in this fashion. With your permission, Dave and I would like to try to finish this by working on it on Wednesday. It is very beneficial to work with two people on this since it takes onCto record information as the other climbs around giving descriptions, counting tires, and noting engine status. It is possible for me to start at noon or/even earlier on Wed. Let me know (and Dave) how you want us to proceed on this. Jane (�U- CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: August 27, 1987 TO: Sergeant T. Saba FROM: CSO Jane Laurence SUBJECT Larry Begin Salvage Yard, status report. A baseline inventory of the Larry Begin property was conducted by Community Service Officers Jane Laurence and Dave Phillips. It was accomplished in time blocks spread over August 23rd, 26th, and 27th. The purpose of the inventory was to establish the exact number of vehicles present, and the number of vehicles which have had their engines, transmissions, and bodies separated and stacked for crushing. Additionally, an inventory was made of the number of tires, waste barrels, and batteries piled around the property, and an approximation of the number of dumpsters (20 yard capacity) that will be required to haul away the miscelaneous materials. Total number of junk vehicles: 699 Vehicles blocked and stacked for crushing: 414 (Still need to have tires removed, however) Remaining vehicles (43 have been blocked but 285 none have been made accessible for crushing) Total number of tires: 2,500 to 2,600 About half of these are in piles, the other half are still attached to vehicles. Number of 55 gallon drums observed: 27 Contents unknown. Number of 12 volt batteries observed: 100 to 150 Batteries still in vehicles 240 to 260 Estimated dumpster loads of misc junk: 63 This includes engines, driveshafts, chassis, autobody parts, lumber, appliances, furniture, snowmobiles, bicycles, pipes, scrap metal, and cans. An appointment was made with Steve Bray, of the Hennepin County Environmental Health Department (935-1544) to perform an in- spection of the Larry Begin property at 2:00 pm on September 2nd. The purpose of this will be to identify any rodent infestations and related health problems. Mr. Bray will also be consulted about the disposal of tires, batteries and barrels of waste products. During the inspection, Officers observed that a large area that had obviously been used previously as a dump had been covered over with fill and excavated smooth. In talking with Larry about it he did state that portions of the old dump were underneath the fill. This area is about the size of a city cul-de-sac and a spur of street about one block long. It is a substantial area. I later spoke with Building Official Joe Ryan who confirmed that a grading permit had been issued at one time to Larry Begin to perform some filling and excavating. Joe informed me that it is doubtful that City officials had knowledge that the grading would be performed over a dump. Joe suggested that perhaps the PCA could be consulted on this matter. Officers also observed an adult female German Shepherd and her pup, and an adult female black lab and her five puppies. None of the dogs were leashed and all were observed scrounging their meals from the garbage. Larry stated that only the shepherds were his and the labs belonged to a friend that had dropped them off after the dog had the pups. He was advised to remove the labs within a week or they would be impounded. A supplement to this report will be produced following the inspection by the County Environmental Health Department. RIO �t oil! 1 4j M oilI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIT 1114, One pile of tires. Miscellaneous autoparts and debris. PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPT. OFFENSE OR INCIDENT "4z--,- N Gradc�.l F. 11 Sio SUPPLEMENTARY/CONTINUATION REPORT DATE & TIME OCCURRED tae in LandLI Junk Fi-�-}--}-�-�-} .. , . Stq�ke:,l Autos-A/oE+�•81a �.,.. dunk Vek;cles - 84s:cdllY ;,j tart P; les A5sarfed 5 4 Cu- PaA, A1yl--t vte5f `7 C...C�,,.e��tN FIeS Ho,6e _ shd� Shed ElI Re 5nt . 5: to S6acK CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 August 26, 1987 MEMO DATE: TO: Blair Tremere, Director of Community Development FROM: Joe Ryan, Building Official QM, 5140 ZACHARY LANE NORTH SUBJECT As per your request, our Division performed a site inspection of the above referenced property to determine whether the placement of the accessory structure is in compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Listed below is a summary of our findings. The property is 145 feet by 185.21 feet in size. The City obtained ownership of the north 40 feet of this property under a Quit Claim Deed, for right-of-way purposes for Schmidt Lake Road. I. The accessory structure is 8 feet by 15 feet in size, and is located approximately 39.5 feet from the north side of the home. According to our field measurements, the existing home is located approximately 25 feet from the southerly lot line, and is approximately 73 feet long, thus having a setback distance of 7 feet between the north end of the home to the northerly property line. Based upon these figures, it appears as though the accessory structure is located 39 feet into the City right-of-way property for Schmidt Lake Road which would be considered a violation of the Zoning Ordinance. The locations and dimensions of the property and structures referenced above were taken by field estimation only. Accurate field dimensions and locations of the property should be verified by our Engineering Department. Please contact me if you have any questions. CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: May 22, 1987 TO: City Councilmembers FROM: Virgil, Schneider, Mayor SUBJECT DRAINAGE PROBLEM AT 4415 JONQUIL LANE I have spoken with and visited the home of Mr. Hanuman Vyas, 4415 Jonquil Lane. Mr. Vyas' home was built in about 1981. He is the second homeowner. The development or grading plan for the homes in this area called for a drainage swale to have been installed between the back lots. Unfortunately, the grading or drainage plan was not followed and the swale was not installed. Mr. Vyas is now concerned that an unusually large amount of water drains onto his property. The swale would have otherwise directed the water to an adjacent storm water holding area. This is classic example of the need for the City to obtain as -built surveys of residential properties as well as those of commercial and industrial properties. Mr. Vyas is maintaining that since the City was responsible for assuring that the development occurred in accord- ance with the drainage plan, that it is now responsible for corrective steps to assure that storm water is appropriately drained from the property. The real problem, as I see it, is determining the actual extent of flooding and damages occurring on the property. From my conversation with Mr. Vyas, he stated there is no water damage in the basement. From my visit of the site, there is no standing water on the lot or other evidence such, as dead sod, to suggest that there are pockets or pools of standing water on the property for any length of time. As I see it the Council has three options to consider: 1) The first option is to do nothing on the basis that no damage has been demonstrated and that this is properly a matter between the private property owners and their building contractors. 2) A second option would be to have the City essentially assume full responsibility for the matter and pay costs to cure through the storm sewer reserve fund. I am uncomfortable with this option and the precedence it creates, especially given the fact that there is no demonstrated damage observable on this parcel. DRAINAGE PROBLEM AT 4415 JONQUIL LANE May 22, 1987 Page two 3) A third option would be to act as catalyst or liaison between Mr. Vyas and his neighbors in an attempt to work out an agree- ment whereby the neighbors would agree to share the financial responsibilities amongst themselves to alleviate this problem. I support option 3. I am seeking Council direction on the option desired. If a meeting were held with neighbors, my preference would be to have myself and one or more Councilmembers participate in this process informally rather than make it a formal agenda item. Please give me your thoughts at the dune 1 Council meetinq. VS:jm CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: June 3, 1987 TO: Sherman Goldberg FROM: Frank Boyles, Assistant City Manager\ ` SUBJECT WATER PROBLEM INVOLVING MR. HANNAMAN VYASS Last night the City Council elected to pursue option 3 in dealing with the Hannaman Vyass drainage problem. Option 3 provides that the City will arrange a meeting between Mr. Vyass and his neighbors and provide engineering recommendations, only in hopes that the neighbors will provide the financial where with all needed to solve the problems noted. Would you identify the neighbors involved and arrange a meeting here at City Center, including yourself and Mayor Schneider, In order that this matter can be resolved. Please let me know your progress by June 10. cc: James G. Willis Virgil Schtneider June 18, 1987 CITY O� PUMOUTR Dear Resident: We have had correspondence from your neighbor, Mr. H. P. Vyas, 4415 Jonquil Lane North, relative to a drainage problem in the backyard of his property. Mr. Vyas is concerned that the runoff from your properties created a drainage problem in his backyard. The drainage swale that was proposed, along the rear property lines of the adjacent lots, as part of the overall grading plan for the area, was not implemented by the builders of the several homes. Mr. Vyas has been in contact with the City Council relative to the drainage problem. The City Council has directed me to arrange a meeting between Mr. Vyas, his neighbors and the Mayor in order that we might be able to help with the engineering recommendations in solving the problem. I have set a meeting for 7:00 p.m., June 23, 1987, at the Plymouth City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, Minnesota. At this time the Mayor will be there in order to help resolve this matter. For your convenience, I am enclosing a self addressed stamped envelope. Please note on the attached sheet, if you can attend this meeting. If you have any questions, please contact me at 559-2800. Yours very truly, X& I Sherman L. Goldberg, P'.E. City Engineer SLG:kh Enclosure cc: Mayor Virgil A. Schneider James G. Willis Fred G. Moore 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 DRAINAGE PROBLEM 4415 Jonquil Lane North Drainage Problem Meeting: June 23, 1987 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota Please check the appropriate blank I will be able to attend the above scheduled meeting I will not be able to attend the above scheduled meeting (signature) PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM AND RETURN TO THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH July 27, 1987 Mr. Vyas 4415 Jonquil Lane Plymouth, Mn. 55442 Dear Mr. Vyas: As you recall on June 23, 1987 the Mayor and I met with you and your neighbors relative to the drainage problem. After several discussions it was agreed upon that the City would take additional elevations on the backyards of your neighbor's property as well as observe the problem after the next heavy rainfall. On Sunday, July 5, 1987 you called me and I went over to your house and observed the backyard after approximately two inches of rainfall. There was a cl_Wr �i&ication of an area of about 25 feet in diameter that was low and had =y Vater in it. Your neighbor to the south also had water which extended from your property onto his property. Both yards were squishy and quite wet in a large area., On Monday, July 6th, 1987 I went to inspect your backyard again. The standing water was gone, although the yard as well as the neighbor's yard was still squishy. I chatted with you and indicated that I didn't think the swale that you wanted built would alleviate your problem entirely. You would still have your low area holding water and the problem would still be there. On Tuesday, July 7, 1987 I inspected the backyard again. Very little of the original "wet" area remained. The yard could be cut with the lawnmower without any difficulty. Conclusion: It is my opinion that the swale that you request the neighbors construct along the rear property line will not solve your problem. You need to provide an outlet for the low area in your backyard. This would best be done by constructing a swale across your neighbor's lot to the south which would also provide an outlet for the water that stands in his yard. As the Mayor indicated in his opening remarks at the Meeting, the City was getting involved in this project to the extent that they would identify the problem and a solution. We would not provide a means of financing such a solution. 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 xa• r t, CITY OF PLYMOUTR As you recall on June 23, 1987 the Mayor and I met with you and your neighbors relative to the drainage problem. After several discussions it was agreed upon that the City would take additional elevations on the backyards of your neighbor's property as well as observe the problem after the next heavy rainfall. On Sunday, July 5, 1987 you called me and I went over to your house and observed the backyard after approximately two inches of rainfall. There was a cl_Wr �i&ication of an area of about 25 feet in diameter that was low and had =y Vater in it. Your neighbor to the south also had water which extended from your property onto his property. Both yards were squishy and quite wet in a large area., On Monday, July 6th, 1987 I went to inspect your backyard again. The standing water was gone, although the yard as well as the neighbor's yard was still squishy. I chatted with you and indicated that I didn't think the swale that you wanted built would alleviate your problem entirely. You would still have your low area holding water and the problem would still be there. On Tuesday, July 7, 1987 I inspected the backyard again. Very little of the original "wet" area remained. The yard could be cut with the lawnmower without any difficulty. Conclusion: It is my opinion that the swale that you request the neighbors construct along the rear property line will not solve your problem. You need to provide an outlet for the low area in your backyard. This would best be done by constructing a swale across your neighbor's lot to the south which would also provide an outlet for the water that stands in his yard. As the Mayor indicated in his opening remarks at the Meeting, the City was getting involved in this project to the extent that they would identify the problem and a solution. We would not provide a means of financing such a solution. 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 Mr. Vyas Page 2 July 27, 1987 Therefore, we are recommending that if you want to proceed with any work that you get together with your neighbors and work it out. For your information I am enclosing a copy of the City Council's policy relating to stormwater drainage issues arising on private property. If you have any questions regarding the matter, please contact the undersigned. Yours very truully,,i� 4-&-J Sherman L. Goldberg, P.E. City Engineer SLG:sm cc: Fred Moore Mayor Schneider James Willis iW 4r :.inn:,: ".. »� August 18, 1987IN- CITY N CITY OF PUMOUTR Peggy Taney Manager of Development and Promotion Minnesota Softdrink Association 2353 Rice Street North Roseville, MN 55113 Dear Ms. Taney: Thank you for your August 3, 1987 letter supporting the City's position on recycling efforts. Like you, we believe the only responsible City position is to recognize the necessity for recycling through our daily actions. I have shared your letter with members of the City Council. Yours very truly, �4 zn� Bob Zitur Councilmember BZ:kec 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 r 00 00 00 Minnesota Soft Drink Association August 3, 1987 Councilman Robert Zitur City of Plymouth 12185 -48th Circle Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Councilman Zitur: OFFICERS: DAVE BANG. President JIM KUEPPERS, Vice President JOE WALKER, Treasurer DAVE LOCEY, Exec. Vice President We wanted to contact you expressing our support for your efforts in pursuing the source separation program of recyclable material. As you may or may not be aware, the Minnesota Soft Drink Association operates MSD Recycle, which is the largest processor and purchaser of beverage containers in Minnesota. We purchase beverage containers through permanent redemption sites and through mobile purchasing units that operate out of approximately 30 grocery store lots throughout the Twin City area. We also work closely with Super Cycle, purchasing the beverage cans which they collect off the curb. We strongly believe in creating a number of recycling options, since some people will prefer one way of recycling over another. Some people will want to get paid for recycling their beverage containers, while others will place the material on the curb, rather than be bothered with the money. Most beverage containers will be redeemed since they do have value. However, we believe the important point is that residents be involved in the process. If all residents have to do is throw everything away, then they lose the awareness of recycling, and continue to do what they have done in the past. We believe that a strong curbside program compliments a strong recycling redemption program, and thus strongly support both. The Minnesota Soft Drink Association and MSD Recycle intends to work closely with Super Cycle and other source separation recyclers in an attempt to get the maximum recycling achieved of not only the beverage products, but all of the recyclables. Again, we appreciate the efforts of the Council, and we look forward to working/in the City of Plymouth in promoting more recycling. YFg���T truly, Pney� Manager of Development and Promotion 2353 RICE STREET NORTH ROSBALLE, MINNESOTA 55113 (612) 484-3315 A progressive Minnesota Trade Organization August 25, 1987 Steve & Candy Kalland 1775 Ithaca Lane Plymouth, MN Dear Mr. & Mrs. Kalland: z $b Thank you for your August 12, 1987 letter regarding property damage which occurred as a result of the recent rain storms. I have forwarded your letter to Public Works Director, Fred Moore, to investigate and report on the problems identified in your letter. Fred will be contacting you directly with respect to his findings. Sincerely, "'L Virgil Schnedier Mayor VS:kec cc: Fred Moore S.F. 9/3/87 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CITY OF PLYMOUTR z $b Thank you for your August 12, 1987 letter regarding property damage which occurred as a result of the recent rain storms. I have forwarded your letter to Public Works Director, Fred Moore, to investigate and report on the problems identified in your letter. Fred will be contacting you directly with respect to his findings. Sincerely, "'L Virgil Schnedier Mayor VS:kec cc: Fred Moore S.F. 9/3/87 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 r 12 August 1987 Virgil Schneider, Mayor of City of Plymouth, City Council and James Willis, City manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, NM 55443 RE: Property Damage at 1775 Ithaca Lane North Dear City of Plymouth: t_ AUG 241987 (;IIYOrf'LtiViUUI}i Upon the advise of city councilman Bob Zitur, we are writing this letter to present our problem. My husband, son and I have been residing at 1775 Ithaca Lane North since December of 1985. Periodically, we have noticed a back-up of water/mud after a rainstrom, into our lawn/driveway. We feel this problem is caused by the following: An incline downhill(towards our house) on,18th Avenue North and a low curb around 18th Avenue North to Ithaca Lane. The curb is so low that instead of forcing water around the bend to the storm sewer on the other side of our driveway, the water just fills up our front lawn and driveway.(see diagram) Secondly, there is only one existing sewer to handle water flow on 18th Avenue and also the whole of Ithaca Lane. There a small under the road sewer north of our property -but water from our area hardly ever gets that far. Thirdly, because of a combination of frequent rainstorms and a construction site at 14510 18th Avenue, we have had tremendous amounts of mud and dirt running onto our property. This problem came to a dramatic head on July 23rd's record rainfall. Water started backing up into our driveway, lawn and eventually into our home(about 10:00 p.m.) In just 1/2 hour, our home was filled with over 9 inches of water. We have estimated our damages at several thousands of dollars, which our insurance does not cover. 1 We propose that City Engineer, Fred Moore inspect the area for approval of a higher curb to be made around the curve of 18th Avenue and Ithaca Lane. For the short term, we feel this would slow down the amount of water into our property. Also this would force water to the available sewer -next to our driveway. In the long term, we propose a second sewer to be located on 18th Avenue. Also, we recommend that the under the road sewer located in Cimmaron be enlarged to accommodate the area. In the meantime, we are trying measures of our own to raise the lowness of our property; Relandscaping to slope away from our foundation of our house and a drainage system to force water away from our house and into a culvert/drainage sewer under the road (in Cimmaron) . My husband and I would appreciate any help you can give us on resolving this problem. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Steve and andy Kalland