Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 02-01-2002Dummy FEBRUARY 1, 2002 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 5:30 PM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 7. 00 PM 2. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 7.•00 PM 3. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 5:00 PM 4. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 7. 00 PM S. MONDAY, FEBRUARY Il, 7.00 PM 6. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 7.00 PM 7. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:00 PM 8. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 9. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: GOALS & PRIORITIES, MOWING REQUIREMENTALONG COUNTYROADS, Public Safety Training Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers Agenda is attached. (M-2) PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS OF CO. RD. 101 PROJECT, Plymouth Creek Center HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-4) YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Medicine Lake Room PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers PRESIDENTS DAY (OBSERVED), City Offices closed BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 10. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached (M-10) CITY CO UNCIL INFORMATION MEMO FEBRUARY 1, 2002 Page 2 ll. February, March, and April calendars are attached (M-11) 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) City new releases announcing request for proposals for purchase and rehabilitation of County Road 101 homes. (1-1a) b) Items submitted by Mayor Tierney: 1) Minnesota Transportation Alliance Legislative Update. (I -1b. 1) 2) I-494 Corridor Commission November 2001 Summary Report. (I-1 b.2) 3) I-494 Corridor Commission December 2001 Technical Status Report (I-1 b.3) 4) I-494 Corridor Commission/JTO December 3, 2001 meeting minutes. (I -1b.4) c) WH Link, an open video service (OVS) provider, has withdrawn its application for a cable television franchise. WH Link had submitted an application to the Northwest Suburban Cable Commission. As an OVS provider, WH Link is a hybrid of sorts that does not fall neatly into cable law. One of the main issues that the commission faced as it considered WH Link's application was the issue of the "service area." According to the commission's attorney, state cable law applies to OVS providers. The incumbent provider, AT&T, is required to serve all nine northwest cities. State law requires that any additional franchises granted have requirements that are no more or less burdensome than those required of the incumbent. WH Link was interested in only serving only one neighborhood of Plymouth and two neighborhoods in Maple Grove. The commission likely will now consider developing a draft model franchise that to help guide future application reviews. (I -1c) d) State Pollution Control Agency notice of a petroleum storage tank release investigation and corrective action at 1605 Annapolis Lane. (I -1d) e) Home Free Community Program 2001 year—end statistical report. (1-1e) 2. STAFF REPORTS a) Suburban Transit Association Legislative Agenda. (1-2a) 3. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities AMM FAX News (I -3a) b) Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) Update. (1-3b) c) Suburban Transit Association Legislative Report. (1-3c) d) League of Minnesota Cities Policy Committee Membership Nomination Materials. (I -3d) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO FEBRUARY], 2002 Page 3 e) Attached is a copy of H.F. 2593, authored by Representative Phyllis Kahn of Minneapolis. The bill would require that city councilmembers elected by wards run again at the next city election following redistricting, rather than continue to serve in office until their term expires. This bill is scheduled to be heard today (Friday) in the House Governmental Operations Committee. Since nearly all cities with wards have home rule charters, the League of Minnesota Cities is opposing this legislation which would override local home rule authority and the decisions of the local electorate to maintain the terms of elected councilmembers until their terms expire. (I -3e) PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ruth4l1i WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2002 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. OATH OF OFFICE - Planning Commissioners Kendall Griffith & Jason Rohloff 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. CONSENT AGENDA* 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Reliance Development Co., LLP. Conditional use permit amendment to allow 24 hour operation of the SuperAmerica gas/convenience store located at 4325 Peony Lane. (20004) B. Richard and Nancy DeCamp. Interim home occupation permit to operate a photography studio out of the home located at 17945 24th Avenue North. (2001147) C. Ryland Homes. Rezoning, preliminary plat and site plan for a 164 unit townhome development to be known as Townhomes at Nanterre for property located north of the intersection of Schmidt Lake Road and west of Vicksburg Lane. (2001148) D. North American Properties. Planned unit development amendment for The Reserve, to allow one of the four approved apartment buildings to have a front yard setback of 24 feet where 25 feet is the approved setback for property located at 5280 Annapolis Lane North. (2002001) 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair for 2002. B. Appointment of Planning Commissioners to serve as liaison to the Park and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. C. Accept Planning Commission 2001 Annual Report. 9. ADJOURNMENT M,� Plymouth Human Rights Commission February 7, 2002 Student Subgroup Meeting 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 1. Call to Order — Nwamaka Ejebe or Patty Ple-Plakon 2. Approve Minutes. 3. Approve Agenda. 4. Committee Reports: A. September 11 Response — Student meeting with schools B. Student HRC Workshop C. Domestic Partner Registration Project D. Intergenerational Project E. Response Plan Project 5. Report on Meetings/Special Events Attended — We will pass around a sheet for you to record any meetings you have attended or contacts you have made in the past month relating to human rights. This information will be included in the meeting minutes. A. Sandy Hewitt — Inter -religious Response to Hate and Bigotry. B. Sandy Hewitt — Safety Net Summit/Zero Disparities and 100% Access (Several publications from this seminar are in the Council library. Let Sandy Paulson know if you would like a copy.) C. Claudelle Carruthers — List of meetings attended; See 8-A. 6. Old Business. A. Letter from Golden Valley HRC supporting Plymouth's recommendations relating to the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council — Human Rights Coalition.New Business. A. Elect Officers — Chairperson and Vice Chairperson 8. Announcements and Articles (for your information). A. Suggestion by Claudelle Carruthers that Plymouth HRC be "A Friend" of Montgomery. Claudelle is unable to attend the Feb. meeting, so this item will be placed on the March meeting agenda. B. Correspondence from al Jumuah with information on Islam. C. Report from League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions. D. "Supreme Court Narrows Scope of Disabilities Act" article. 9. Adjourn. Upcoming Meeting Events List is Attached Next Meeting: March 7, 2002. M'jO Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items Feb. 12 • Assessment hearing on weed eradication and destruction charges, Roll 1 • Old Rockford Road/State Highway 55 area sanitary sewer and watermain improvements (1033) • Approve amendment to Section 2010.01 of the Plymouth City Code by adding a new provision relative to nuisances • Deny Resolution for a Lot Division and Variances to create two lots on property currently addressed 11209 Sunset Trail. Joseph and Barbara Cavanaugh • Approve resolution for a lot division/consolidation to deed the southern 15 feet of Outlots A and G to 13 property owners in the Bass Lake Estates 2nd and 3rd Additions as a result of the CSAH 61/Northwest Boulevard project. City of Plymouth. (2001153) • Presentation by North Hennepin Mediation Program, Director Beth Bailey -Allen • Approve revisions to the Personnel Policy amending Section 4 to incorporate the Sexual Harassment Policy into a Respectful Workplace Policy and adding a Possession and Use of Weapons Policy • Approve solicitation of bids for signals at Peony Lane/Schmidt Lake Road and at Old Rockford Road and Vicksburg Lane • Approve the Master Plan for Northwest Greenway • Mission Hills Lot Division • Accept 2001 Annual Report and 2002 Work Plan from Youth Advisory Council • Award of the Tree and Stump Removal Contract • Approve agreement for City's contribution to Health Insurance • Approve Lot Division/Consolidation to create one additional home site from Lots 5 and 6, Block 2, Mission View Loucks Associates. (200112 1) Feb. 26 • Hearing on Tax Increment Financing for Stone Creek Village • Preliminary Plat for "Hidden Terrace Townhomes" development. SVK Development, Inc. (2001107) (Tabled from January 22) • Hearing for the Vacation of Utility and Drainage Easement for Ponding within Lots 5 and 6, Block 2, of Mission View Addition (2001121) • Rezoning, preliminary plat, and site plan for a 164 -unit townhome development, Townhomes at Nanterre, located northwest of Schmidt Lake Road and Vicksburg Lane. Ryland Homes (2001148) • Interim home occupation permit to operate a photography studio at 17945 20 Avenue North. Richard and Nancy DeCamp (2001147) • Planned unit development amendment for The Reserve to allow one of the four approved apartment buildings to have a front yard setback of 24.25 feet where 25 feet is the approved setback located at 5280 Annapolis Lane North. North American Properties (2002001) Recognize two retirees from the Fire Department Accept 2001 Annual Reports and 2002 Work Plans from Environmental Quality Committee and Park & Recreation Advisory Commission Hearing to approve on—sale 3.2 malt liquor license for Joy Luck Wok, 101006`' Ave. N. March 12 • Amend Pawn and Second Hand Good Dealer Ordinance M' it OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday T Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 2002 Mar 2002 1 2 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 5:00 PM OPEN HOUSE: O. RD. 101 CO."..,., LANDSCAPING ELEMENT, Plymouth Creek center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,Councll Chambers s:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: GOALS & PRIORITIES; MOWING REQUIREMENT ALONG COUNTY RDs, Public Safety Training Rom 7:00 PM EOC, Council Chambers Ash Wednesday y (First Day of 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers Lent) 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 PRESIDENTS 6:30 PM BOARD 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HRA - DAY - City AND PLANNING Medicine Lake Offices Closed COMMISSION COMMISSION, Room RECEPTION, Plymouth Creek Center Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD, Police Dept. Library 24 25 26 27 28 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,Council Chambers 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM, TWINWEST STATE OF THE CITY MEETING, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM YOUTH SERVICES AWARDS PROGRAM, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 2/1/2002 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Feb 2002 Apr 2002 1 2 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN PLANNING RIGHTS COMMISSION, COMMISSION - Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 7:00 PM REGULAR 7:00 PM EQC, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers COUNCIL,Council COUNCIL Chambers MEETING, Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6:30 PM HOUSING SUMMIT, 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room Plymouth Creek Center Council Chambers 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY BOARD, Police Dept. Library 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL,Council Chambers 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESS COUNCIL, Radisson Hotel 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room Passover begins _Good Friday 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers at sunset 31 Easter I[- I - modified on 2/1/2002 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS April 2002 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN 9:00 AM YARD PLANNING RIGHTS & GARDEN COMMISSION, COMMISSION - EXPO, Plymouth Council Chambers Medicine Lake Creek Center Room 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 7:00 PM REGULAR 7:00 PM EOC, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers 5:00 PM THRU APRIL 16 - COMMENCES - COUNCIL,Council COUNCIL PLYMOUTH FINE set clocks ahead 1 Chambers MEETING, Council ARTS COUNCIL hour Chambers PRIMAVERA SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6:00 PM SPECIAL couNCILMEETING: DINNER WITH 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 7:00 PM HRA - Medicine Lake Room HENNEPINCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS, Council Chambers Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY 8:00 PM BOARD OF APPEAL & EQUALIZATION, ADVISORY BOARD, Police Dt e P • Library Council Chambers 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 7:30 AM LOCAL BUSINESS COUNCIL, Radisson 8:30 AM HUMAN COUNCIL,Council Hotel RIGHTS Chambers COMMISSION 7:0 PM REGULAR 0 STUDENT COUNCILMEETING, WORKSHOP, Council Chambers Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PACT - Bass Lake Room 28 29 30 Mar 2002 May 2002 7:00 PM BOARD OF APPEAL EOUAUiATION S M T W T F S S M T W T F S (RECONVENEDL Court O"inib— 1 2 1 2 3 4 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEET NO 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 (IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BOAROOF EOUAllUTM i 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 APPEAL): WATER DEPLETION OF CITre AQUIFERS s FUTURE WATER 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 TREATMENT: WATER�TE� 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 modified on 2/1/2002 News Release For Immediate Release January 29, 2002 Contact: Jim Barnes, 763-509-5412 City seeks proposals to buy and rehabilitate four homes The City of Plymouth is requesting proposals from housing and rehabilitation construction firms interested in buying and rehabilitating four homes that the City purchased as part of the Co. Rd. 101 reconstruction project. Proposals are due at city offices by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 19. The City will require various degrees of rehabilitation on each home. Minimum bids may range from $155,000 to $180,000, depending on the home. "We hope to find a single firm to purchase all four homes, but we recognize that individual firms may not have the resources to undertake the project as a whole. As a result, we are accepting proposals on single homes as well as proposals to purchase all four," said Plymouth Housing Manager Jim Barnes. For information on the request for proposal or to inquire about the homes, call Jim Barnes at 763-509-5412. Pre-bid inspections will be arranged upon request. -30- PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Pface To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Ross Tho>f nnson, Jr. — Policy and Legislative Consultant I-494 Corridor Commission — Written Report for January 23, 2002 Monthly Report for November 6, 2001— January 11, 2002 To date, first year of contract, a total of 678.5 hours (13.05 hours/week average) have been spent on I-494 Corridor Commission policy and legislative activities, constituent and community outreach and communication with member cities. The hours consist of meetings, phone calls and preparation time. Policy and Legislative Activities Minnesota Business Transportation Coalition The I494 Corridor Commission continues to be represented at the meetings of this group. Originally called together by the MN Transportation Alliance, the group is now headed by the MN Chamber of Commerce, with Ron Lifson, LDI Fibres, a Minneapolis Chamber member as the chair. The Coalition has met several times and has been organized to emulate the groups that fought the Worker's Compensation and Property Tax reform battles. Membership continues to grow and is made-up primarily of Chambers of Commerce. Individual businesses, industry associations and highway/corridor coalitions make up the balance of its membership. The 1-494 Corridor Commission should decide whether or not we wish to be a part of this groups and if so, will we provide financial support to the group. Terwilliger/Johnson Meetings We continue to be a part of this group and are represented at the meetings by Chair Hovland and myself. This is a series of meetings convened by Senators Terwilliger and Johnson focused on transportation funding issues. The balance of the group is made up of people with an interest and background in state transportation issues and funding. It does include representatives of the MN Chamber. Talks continue, the group hopes to meet again this month and is looking for some common ground to move forward. RossThorfinnson, Jr., Policy and Legislative Consttltant.1-494 Corridor Commission- Monthly Report, November 6, 2001-Jamtary 11. 2002. Cant V - Page 2 MN Transportation Alliance Legislative Committee The I-494 Corridor Commission has been represented at the MN Transportation Alliance Legislative Committee meetings. Most of the time and energy of this group has focused on the MN Chamber's legislative effort and the MN Business Transportation Coalition. In addition, the group has been spending its time developing a legislative agenda for the MN Transportation Alliance and its lobbyists. Congressman Ramstad A meeting is scheduled for this week with Congressman Ramstad in his local office. The purpose of the meeting is to update the Congressman in regards to the recently completed preliminary redesign of the 1-494/Hwy. 169 Interchange. The redesign eliminates the stoplights on mainline Hwy. 169 and provides other major improvements to enhance movement in and around the interchange. Congressman Ramstad has had a strong interest in the project, MnDOT is asking our help in getting the Congressman to help fund the reconstruction. We will also be discussing some issues in regards to the addition of a westbound ramp onto I-494 in the East Bush Lake Road area, and soliciting his help with some of the issues. March 2002 Congressional Visits — Washington DC Again this year, we will be visiting our Congressman and Senators in Washington DC during March immediately following the National League of Cities Congress of Cities event. The NLC event is to be held March 8-12, 2002. The I-494 Corridor Commission visits will be scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, March 12, 2002 and the morning and early afternoon of Wednesday, March 13, 2002. City elected officials and city managers that are attending the NLC event are encouraged to extend their stay by one night and join us as we meet with our Congressional Delegation. I encourage the I494 Elected Official Representatives to make plans to join us. I also encourage them to speak with their fellow council members and encourage them to join us Those attending the NLC event and extending their stay in Washington DC to attend the Congressional Delegation visits should make plans to leave Washington DC in the late afternoon or evening of Wednesday, March 13, 2002. All meetings will be scheduled to allow sufficient time to catch a late afternoon or evening flight home. Additional information will be provided at the January 23, 2002 Corridor Commission meeting. RossThorf nnson. Jr.. Policy and Legislative Consultant, 1-494 Corridor Commission- Monthly Report. November 6.1001—January 11. 2002, Cont'd —Page 1 I-494 Federal Lobbying Effort A meeting was held with Washington DC transportation lobbyists Ken Butler and John Brimsek. They were referred to us by a representative of another transportation coalition that feels they have been very effective in promoting their issues and needs in Washington DC. Additional information will be provided at the January 23, 2002 Corridor Commission meeting in regards to the meeting and the projected costs of a Federal lobbying effort. I494 Corridor Commission Lobbying and Political Efforts — South Area Advocacy Group A formal proposal will be presented as an action item at the January 23, 2002 Corridor Commission meeting. I-494 Corridor Commission Monthly Technical Status Report December 2001 Submitted by: Lisa Raduenz, LJR, Inc. Consultant To: I-494 Corridor Commission The following information is provided to the I-494 Corridor Commission as an update on monthly technical activities performed by the consultant during the month of December 2001. I-494 Corridor Commission Work Plan Maior Activity Area #1— Funding 494 Corridor Commission Draft 2002 Legislative Platform As part of this activity, Raduenz continues to monitor and research the potential legislative platforms of other transportation groups for similar initiatives. The groups that are actively meeting to discuss potential legislation include the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, local Chambers of Commerce, the Transportation Funding Group, the I35W Solutions Alliance and the Northern Crossings Coalition. During the month of December, 2001 she attended four meetings of the groups listed above to determine policy issues related to the 2002 I494 Corridor Commission legislative platform. Raduenz also performed the following activities related to the funding activity area in December 2001: ➢ Researched potential vanpool shoulder usage issues, nationally and locally ➢ Met with Bonnie Berezovsky of the Minnesota Senate Research and Counsel on draft bill language ➢ Met and discussed potential language of vanpool shoulder usage bill with Met Council representatives and MnDOT area managers ➢ Prepared a draft of vanpool shoulder usage bill for submittal to Senate Research and Counsel staff ➢ Set appointments for 494 Corridor Commission representatives to meet with Minnesota legislative delegation ➢ Set appointments for 494 Corridor Commission representatives to meet with Washington, D.C.-based lobbyists on 494 platform 494 Chamber Subcommitee Meetings No 494 Chamber Subcommittee meetings occurred in December, 2001. However, Raduenz met separately with the Edina Chamber Executive, Shelly Fischer, and the Bloomington/Greater Minneapolis Chamber Vice President, Ron Marien, on transportation funding proposals and options. 1 Hennepin County Transit Study Proposal Raduenz requested and set a meeting to meet with Hennepin County Transportation and Community Works staff members to discuss the 494 Corridor Commission proposal for a corridor -wide transit study. This meeting occurred on December 18, 2001 and was attended by both Raduenz and Chair Jim Hovland. Objective. To request federal funding in 2002 to conduct a corridor -wide bus transit study along 494 from the airport area to the junction of 494.1694. Outcome: Hennepin County staff members agreed to consider a scaled-back 494 Corridor Commission request of up to $150, 000 for a corridor -wide study of transit needs and potential service options. Hennepin County staff suggested that the 494 Corridor Commission look to other funding sources (i.e., Minnesota Legislature and'or the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit) to fund or provide inkind support of specific activities requested under the proposal (market research on trip origin and destinations). Ongoing activity: Raduenz continues to streamline the proposal based on other potential activities in the region (i.e., Sector S Transit Study provided by Metro Transit in 2002) in order to determine what activities may be critical to providing coordinated public transit services to the 494 Corridor Commission cities. She has had conversations with Met Council staff in December 2001 to determine if they would be willing to do some of the trip origin/destination work as part of the Sector S study to be performed in 2002 and will continue working with the agency and other parties to coordinate the effort. She also has inserted language in the 494 draft legislative platform that would request funding to perform the study in late 2002 or early 2003. 494-169 Interchange Meetings Raduenz is attending meetings at the invitation of MnDOT project managers to discuss potential funding sources for a redesigned interchange at 494 and TH169. Officials from the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Hennepin County have been meeting for several months to look at potential new designs for the interchange that would eliminate or reduce signalized intersections and provide better traffic flow in the area. During the month of December, 2001, Raduenz attended two meetings of this group. She performed the following activities related to this task: ➢ Attended two meetings and reviewed interchange plans ➢ Met separately with Tom O'Keefe, 494 area manager at MnDOT, to discuss policy and funding issues related to the project ➢ Requested a presentation to be made to the I-494 Corridor Commission on the issue at its January 2002 meeting ➢ In process of preparing a draft resolution supporting the project for the Commission to approve Analyzing potential for funding on either state or federal levels Objective: To assist MnDOT and local 494 cities in finding funding to improve the 4941169 interchange as part of other improvements made to TH 169 beginning in 2002. Some funding must be identified within the next six months if this project is to be included in environmental assessments MnDOT has scheduled to begin during 2002; if no funding is identified, the project will not be "put on the shelf" or contained on any project listings in the next ten years without a special Congressional or state legislative earmark. Outcome: MnDOT has prepared a plan that is designed to be built in stages, and that will be able to handle future traffic in the area. The new plan also includes one of the 494 Corridor Commission's top infrastructure improvement projects, a Washington Avenue Bridge, which will provide traffic relief to the Eden Prairie, Bloomington and Edina arterials in the area, as well as the Golden Triangle. Funding needs to be identified and the support of the 494 Corridor Commission is requested by MnDOT in order to push the project forward Ongoing activity: Raduenz is meeting with MnDOT project managers and local engineers to determine costs of the project and to assess potential for funding. She will present the issues to the Commission for its decision at the January 2002 meeting. I-494 Corridor Commission Work Plan Major Activity Area #2 — I-494 Reconstruction Efforts Mainline 494 Activities See report above under the "funding" category. 494 Parallel RelieveYVArterials A meeting of the 494 Engineers' group was held on December 6, 2001. At the meeting a presentation was made by the consultant hired by MnDOT to plan a new interchange at Hwy. 62 and 35W. Other issues, including the 494/169 interchange, were also discussed at this meeting. Two cities, Bloomington and Edina, requested the assistance of the Commission in a issue along 494 at East Bush Lake Rd. Raduenz has informed Chair Hovland of the issue and at report time is waiting for further action from him. Transit and HO Facilities No activity occurred this month. 3 1-`!.%`2 \,VL ILl1Vl VVlit111aJJa v.• ••V• - ---- Traffic -Traffic Management Planning TDMActiWties business will need to be identified for prospective participation), a list of contacts will be developed and phoned to request attendance at a meeting in the area in early 2002. (This is an approach similar to what was used within the Golden Triangle TMA membership recruitment process). Raduenz is still in the process of developing a formal request for TMA start-up funding to the Metropolitan Council for this TMA. Golden Triangle TMA Technical Support Raduenz met with Irene Wright, GTTMA Executive Director, three times during the month of December to work on the following: ➢ Guaranteed Ride Home Taxi Agreement language ➢ Vanpool program issues in Golden Triangle ➢ Brochure development for GTTMA employer outreach piece I-494 Corridor Commission/JPO Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, December 3, 2001 (Unapproved) I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 1:38 p.m. by Chair Jim Hovland at the Southwest Metro Transit Commission. Those in attendance were: Jim Hovland, City of Edina Bruce Sylvester, City of Richfield Dick Allendort City of Minnetonka Irene Wright, GTTMA Jan Mosman, City of Eden Prairie Larry Lee, City of Bloomington Mike Opatz, City of Maple Grove Tom O'Keefe, MnDOT Lisa Raduenz, LJR, Inc. John Kragness, Southwest Metro Craig Larsen, City of Edina Barb Senness, City of Plymouth Randy Newton, City of Eden Prairie Clarence Shallbetter, Met Council Dave Lindahl, City of Eden Prairie H. Consent Agenda. Chair Hovland moved to amend the agenda to include both the November 7, 2001 minutes and the 494 Treasurer's report for approval under a new area entitled "consent agenda". Senness and Allendorf seconded the motion. Motion carried. III. Business Items. PreseniatiowDiscussion of Nonprofit 494 Advocacy Group. Thorfinnson provided a verbal report and update on the State Chamber of Commerce group that is regularly meeting to determine a transportation funding approach to recommend to the Legislature during the 2002 session. According to Thorfinnson, the group, whose members include many local Chambers of Commerce around the state, has settled on a three-step proposal to the Legislature that would provide $100 million in bonding for bridges and transit; $150 million in funding with a 3.5 cent gas tax increase, and a highway/MVST transfer that would produce an additional $135 million in revenue. Together the three steps would provide about $430 million in "new" funds for the first year of the proposal, with escalation through the fifth year to about $485 million per year in "additional" or "new" funds for transportation purposes. Thorfinnson reported that the Minnesota State Chamber Board of Directors was set to meet that week to discuss the proposal and he was not sure "where it would end up, as Olson (David) might have trouble selling it to his Board". About 20-25 local Chambers of Commerce are participating on paper, according to Thorfinnson, but have provided little or no financial support for the group. Thorfinnson believes that there may be other groups, including unions, that will decide to join the group in the next several weeks, and that joining the coalition is something the 494 Corridor Commission should consider doing. He also cautioned the group that it was important to talk about the "greater needs of the corridor" and that $400 or $500 million was not really designed to address the needs of statewide major projects, including the rebuild of 494 along both the north/south and east/west sections. Senness asked about statewide support of the Chamber position. Thorfinnson responded that while the Chamber of Commerce is being applauded for "stepping to the plate at long last", he has also been attending meetings of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance Legislative Committee, which includes the counties, the Met Council, truckers, construction industry and other groups like the Corridor Commission. Thorfinnson reported that this group would be recommending to the Alliance Board of Directors to support the Chamber coalition's effort. He recommended that the Commission "applaud the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce for going to the table" but indicated that the Commission "needed the freedom to go for the bigger issue". Thorfinnson also reported on a series of breakfast meetings he has attended at the request of Senators Dave Johnson and Roy Terwilliger and that have included Ron Marten, Phil Riveness, Fred Corrigan and David Olson of the State Chamber. According to Thorfinnson, the two Senators would like to be "on the front end of any funding initiative in transportation". He stated that he believes that Senator Dave Johnson is still focused on the idea of a referendum to decide whether or not a half cent sales tax should be administered within the Twin Cities metro area while Roy Terwilliger is headed in "a different direction". He also said that "Rebuild Minnesota", another initiative, is a 20 year multi -billion dollar package, but that he does not know where this effort will end up. He summed it up by saying that he has been stuck between two or three different conversations and in-between he has tried to meet with several business and Chamber representatives to pitch the idea of a larger group advocacy effort in the western and southern suburban areas. Thorfinnson said that he is calling it an "advocacy" group, but not labeling it as any group representing only southern areas of the metro. He said he has had nothing but positive responses to his queries and that there is quite a bit of feeling that these areas "are not at the table" when it comes to receiving transportation funding on the state or federal levels. Thorfinnson asked the Commission to decide if they would wish to pursue the course of action that he has described previously, and, if so, he would be willing to put together a proposal that addressed the issues and structure a new organization may provide. He indicated that there would be a general "slowdown" in the ability to contact others due to the holiday season, but that he would like to bring a proposal back to the Commission at its next meeting for discussion, and then take it to the individual City Councils as an FYI/update item on early 2002 agendas. Mosman asked Thorfinnson when he planned to visit City Councils. Both Hovland and Thorfinnson responded that it would be "after Christmas, probably the second or third Council meeting of the new year". Senness remarked that she had been only "half kidding" at the last meeting when she remarked that the organization under discussion could look to the organization she was involved with in the middle 80's known as "Improve 494" along the corridor. She mentioned that after she left her position at the Met Council she also left behind the files that contained information about the group and that there should be some files there somewhere. Lee remarked that Senness' comment filled him "full of confidence because either the structure or the timing of the organization had been wrong". Senness responded that private 2 and developers along the 494 corridor had felt like the cities should "step to the plate" and that is why the effort had been abandoned and how the 494 Corridor Commission came into being. Lindahl remarked that Larry Laukka was "the one who thought cities should step to the plate" and perhaps the rest of the group had not believed this needed to be the case. Thorfinsonn remarked that from the discussions he had been having that those interested in joining the effort were "excited that the cities would be putting their money into a new group". Hovland stated that he saw the "Dave Johnson/Roy Terwilliger" legislation as a way to get things done by the year 2010 and that they wanted a plan to "link money to". He remarked that the charge is to link a plan that connects transit, roads and bridges and that the "Illinois First" effort was a good example. Hovland explained that "Illinois First" provided $12 billion over five years for the funding of a combination of highway, transit, schools and environment, with $9 billion of the monies designated to highways. He applauded the two senators for having the courage to stay out front on a very complicated issue, and indicated that the Commission can help formulate what the needs are and give them some ideas on politically-acceptable funding. He indicated that he has asked himself the question "do we have an obligation to sell this?" as he has pondered various funding proposals and that Senator Terwilliger disagrees with Thorfinnson in that he (Terwilliger) thinks that the 494 Corridor Commission is more effective than "we think we are". Hovland believes that the new entity would help put messages out to the general public and keep up a public relations campaign. Senness remarked that she had heard the news that morning and that there was a state projection for a significant funding shortfall and wondered how it would affect "all of us as funding will be a difficult thing". She added that if the Commission could get more public opinion on transportation funding that it would be the "way to go". Thorfinnson added that Senators Johnson and Terwilliger wish to put together a "Let's Build Minnesota" list together and let people add projects to the list, but that it would be a very tough sell. He stated that David Olson of the Minnesota Chamber knows that there is not much to getting a transfer of Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MUST) revenues during this session so he is pushing that because it is a "no risk deal", but, according to Thorfinnson, this action creates a "hole in the general fund of about $130 million". He restated that one of the Senators (Johnson) is headed down the road of "letting the people decide" while the other one (Terwilliger) is "trying to do what is good for Minnesota". Allendorf remarked that he was "losing the focus" of what was being recommended to the Commission and that he is the "strongest advocate for moving 494 up on the funding list". He stated that when someone says 494 is a priority item that has, in the past, meant that the project will receive funding in the year 2016 or later. He asked Thorfinnson if he was envisioning a public relations campaign that alerts people on 494 about funding issues or an educational campaign about funding needs. Thorfinnson responded that the group should be doing both things in order to be effective. Hovland added that the needs should be outlined and the group should 3 continue to be involved on the federal level. He also stated that the group needed to educate people and that it should keep transportation funding "in front of people and make it a priority". Hovland stated that recently there had been an election in the Commonwealth of Virginia where the democratic candidate had suggested that a sales tax referendum (people decided for themselves to tax themselves) backfired on the Republican candidate. Thorfinnson added that other information presented by Senator Johnson indicated that outstate people were now complaining about metro area roads and not their roads. He stated that Johnson got "beat up on the metro roads issues and that the outstate people may have a better handle on needs than the metro area residents". Lee remarked that putting together a "catalog of needs for a 20 year period is a massive job" and that a few years back an Assistant Commissioner at MnDOT tried to do it and that no one at the legislature "got it". He said he was "not sure" that this approach was the "best way" and that it may be better to keep the local affects of increased transportation funding somewhat "obscured". Thorfinnson responded that the Commission was trying to "respond to two different legislators in our areas" and that a "20 year plan is not hard to provide, but it's fiscally -constrained and that is not what we need to provide". Thorfinnson stated that the 20 year plan must also include a statewide "wish list" in order to make the most sense. Lee responded that a 20 year plan or list could be done with another 3 or 4 "wish list" projects on it, but that people would have to support the "20 year plan in order to get the wish fist items". Thorfinnson responded that during the last legislative session they took "six or eight corridors, like Highways 65, 61, 36, 212 and others" and added it to the list of 2025 projects. He reminded members that he was talking about taking MnDOT's numbers through 2025 and adding "wish list items to the fist in order to make it representative and comprehensive. Senness stated that education should be an area in which transportation takes its cue. She mentioned that last year there was quite a bit of press about transportation issues and it was hard to miss it as it was included "day after day" in the media. She said that we should "use that to our benefit and that there are a number of simple messages we can do". Hovland asked the group if we should be selling ourselves as the 494 Corridor Commission or something broader than that. He reminded the group of Allendorf s remark as to what the focus of the discussion should be—do we do it as part of ourselves or do it as part of a larger group. Thorfinnson responded that he thinks there is an opportunity to do it as a larger group but that there needs to be a "front person who has a passion for it". He indicated that for the time being, he could fill that particular role, but there needed to be "a face on it". Allendorf mentioned two things he was thinking about. He said he wanted to look at "a 494 model for advocacy and public relations" and mentioned the Crosstown Commons interchange project that proposed to shut down for four years last year. Allendorf added that "if somehow we could bring that reality to 494—shutting it down for 12 years" in order to "not lose the focus of 494 as a priority". 4 Thorfinnson stated again that the effort of working with Senators Johnson and Terwilliger is "part of a larger effort" and that he is over there trying to help them making something happen. Allendorf remarked that Laukka got involved with the 494 issues because he and other developers had land that would be not as valuable if congestion increased along 494, and he got out of it because he "went broke". Thorfinnson responded that developers and building owners are the people he has been talking with. Hovland summarized the discussion by asking the group to agree on this date to put a proposal together for a structure based on the discussions in front of the group. He indicated that he felt there was concensus among group members and that no motion should be needed to advance the discussion to a formal proposal for a "touchstone" 494 effort as part of a larger advocacy group. Lee stated that if the Corridor Commission continued to be the catalyst of the group there would be a need to keep others involved in the process. Thorfinnson remarked that there was a group of developers starting to meet and there was a scheduled meeting in the next week or two that he and Raduenz were invited to attend to discuss the idea. Lindahl asked how the group should move forward—should 494 discuss the concept and let those interested step up and develop a plan? Thorfinnson responded that he was confident that an independent board could be set up relatively soon of people that "buy in" to the idea. Hovland responded to Lindahl's question by indicating that Thorfinnson would "trot the concept around and then get buy in from others". Thorfinnson added that he had already floated the board concept around with a dues -paying membership requirement and with the 494 Corridor Commission one of several board members. He added that his hope was that the group could raise enough money to lobby in St. Paul and D.C. and that it would include an advocacy component to educate people. He stated that the new structure would "allow us to channel our efforts to those who have expertise in D.C. and to get connected to lobbyists in D.C. that have enough influence because we cannot or will not do it." Hovland stated that there is an educational side to the discussion. He indicated that Himle Horner has surveyed people to determine if they would want a referendum and David Jennings was going to see if he could get two or three questions on the Himle Horner survey before the legislative session began. Allendorf posed a theoretical question by asking if "Tom (O'Keefe) were to make a speech about 494 being a priority, what would that mean"? He asked if that meant that 494 would be a priority when O'Keefe retired? Mosman attempted to clarify the direction of the conversation by asking Thorfinnson if his first priority was to get connected in D.C. and get "effective lobbyists" at the Capitol who talk "nothing but transportation". Thorfinnson responded that "people will go ballistic if they are told that things will happen, but not until 2025." A few general questions were asked by group members about the current 494 reconstruction schedule and Mosman asked if the group was "trying to tie in with Highways 35W and 212". Thorfinnson again answered her question by indicating that business leaders and others are now "seeing the bigger picture of the south metro area and starting to focus on 494". He added that "if we're successful, we'll start picking up other areas of the metro" and that he was not sure 5 that he would be able to keep the advocacy group to simply a 494 focus, as others would have nowhere to go. Hovland closed the discussion by asking Thorfinnson to return to the January 2002 meeting with a proposed structure and other details about the new advocacy group. IV. Consultant Reports on Commission Progress. Hovland then asked members if they had any questions about the written report that Raduenz had submitted for technical issues of the 494 Corridor Commission. Senness responded that she had some thoughts on how to shorten the time it took Raduenz to compile the monthly report and that she would share them with her separately. Opatz asked if there was any new information on the vanpool/shoulder lane issue. He indicated that as a regional transit provider he was unsure how he might respond to that idea and that "we better be careful what we wish for". He went on to describe incidents his buses had experienced with drivers who would not allow them to pass while operating on the shoulder and who had purposely blocked public transit buses operating on shoulder lanes that were properly designated. Raduenz responded that she had listened to most of the objections posed by regional transit providers and MnDOT and had attempted to address them in her draft bill language preparations. Senness added that a good marketing campaign targeted to the general public would educate people on the issue. Wright added that many of her TMA members were excited about the proposal and had already written letters of support and sent them to the MnDOT Commissioner and state leaders. Hovland added that he had heard from local business leaders about the issue as a way to increase TDM participation along the 494 corridor. V. Miscellaneous. Hovland asked Wright if she would like to brief the Commission on the progress of the Golden Triangle TMA. She stated that she is working with the Golden Triangle Executive Committee on a strategic plan for the organization and will report on the item in more detail at the next meeting of the 494 Corridor Commission. Senness raised an issue for clarification based on a memorandum sent to Commission members from the I494 Corridor Commission Treasurer, Larry Jacobson of Plymouth. She indicated that she did not have "any big thoughts on tips and that it seems that we should be buying our own lunches". Hovland asked Senness if that was the policy for the City of Plymouth. She responded that staff members purchased their own lunches when on business. Lee stated that the City of Bloomington reimbursed staff members for lunch meeting expenses. Minnetonka indicated this was the policy for their city as well, and Larsen indicated that Edina also reimbursed staff members for business lunch expenses. Lee asked if anyone knew the ruling for governmental units. Mosman responded that the State Auditor did an extensive study of Southwest Metro expenses and issues and did not indicate that business lunch expenses were inappropriate. Hovland remarked that he would "frankly prefer to have a bowl of cereal at home" than have to attend the numerous business meetings 0 on behalf of the Commission but that he believed the expenses for business meetings over meals, when it was the most appropriate time for most 494 business to occur, were justified. Allendorf suggested that a "statement of claims" be considered under consent agenda items, similar to what is done at city council meetings if necessary. Discussion then continued among members as to the most appropriate course of action. The group decided to make a motion to develop a policy for the conditions under which meeting meal expenses would be considered appropriate and to cap the annual amount to be expended for meal expenses. Allendorf made a motion to reimburse any breakfast, lunch or dinner receipts for 494 Commission -related business, with a cap on individual meal tips at no more than 20 percent of the total bill. He further amended the motion to indicate that these meal expenses would be approved as long as they are contained within an annual line item on the Commission budget page capped at a maximum expenditure of $1,000 per calendar year and included as part of the monthly financial report present to the Commission. Mosman seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. VI. Neat Meeting. The next regularly -scheduled meeting of the I-494 Corridor Commission is set for Wednesday. January 16. 2002 — 8:30 AM at Southwest Metro Transit Hub. VII. Adjournment. Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Lee, with a second by Larsen. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. 7 GAnnandale Office 'W,flL1NK* Phone: 320-274-7271 Toll Free: 877-827-5945 Fax: 320-274-3440 Address: P.O. Box 340 Your Communications Company Annandale, MN 55302-0340 Rockford Office Phone: 763-477-3668 Toil Free: 877-794-5465 Fax: 763-477-3054 Address: RO. Box 330 Rockford, MN 55373-0330 www.wh-link.com A joint venture between Lakedale LINK Communications Company & Wright -Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association January 23, 2002 Gregory Moore Executive Director Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission 6900 Winnetka Avenue North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428 Re: WH LINK Open Video System Application Dear Mr. Moore: On October 23, 2001, WH LINK, LLC submitted an Open Video System Application to the Commission for the purpose of offering video programming services in the Cities of Plymouth and Maple Grove. The Application was prepared in response to the Application Form issued by the Commission, including WH LINK's comments to the Commission's proposed Model Open Video Services Franchise Ordinance. The initial Application and the proposed OVS Franchise Ordinance both contemplated authorization for WH LINK to provide video programming services over its existing digital system within the scope of WH LINK's telephone service area. Likewise, both the process and the proposed OVS Franchise Ordinance sought to harmonize the provisions of federal and state laws. WH LINK was enthusiastic and optimistic about the prospect of working with the Commission to pioneer a Minnesota solution for the provisioning of competitive video programming services by an OVS operator. At this time, however, WH LINK has determined to formally withdraw its Application. Based on our most recent discussions with the Commission's staff and its legal counsel, as well as the recommendations and decisions of the Executive -Negotiating Committee, it is clear that the Commission has changed its direction and views toward the requested outcome. Specifically, the Commission has now been advised by its legal counsel that any such franchise granted to WH LINK must be governed by the cable provisions of Minnesota Laws Chapter 238. The further requirement that WH LINK be obligated to build out and provide video programming services within all nine Member Cities with a density standard of 35 homes per mile under essentially the same terms applicable to the incumbent cable operator is wholly unfeasible. WH LINK further believes such standards and requirements are unlawful and essentially ignore all provisions of federal law applicable to an OVS operator. Accordingly, WH LINK hereby withdraws its Application. WH LINK nevertheless encourages the Commission to further consider the item discussed at the Executive -Negotiating Committee meeting relating to the Commission's adoption of a model franchise ordinance to govern all future applicants, including a less restrictive service area requirement. Perhaps such a result would better provide a prospective applicant with amore clear understanding of the Commission's expectations before submitting an application. Such a result would also enable an applicant to avoid expending its time, energies and resources to participate in a process only to have the Commission change its position toward the end of the process. Sincerely, 41:� Gene R. South, Sr. President GRS:sim cc: Adrian Herbst-Baller Law Firm Mark Vogt - Wright Hennepin Electric Coop Derek Groth-WH LINK Mark J. Ayotte-Briggs and Morgan January 29, 20Q2 Gail Dahlstrom SSG Corporation 512 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency RE: Petroleum Storage Tank Release Investigation and Corrective Action Site: Auto Stop, 1605 Annapolis Lane, Plymouth Site ID#: LEAK00014617 Dear Ms. Dahlstrom: Notice of Release The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been informed that a release of petroleum has occurred from storage tank facilities which you own and/or operate. We appreciate your timely notification so this site can be handled in an efficient manner. Legal Obligations Federal and state laws require that persons legally responsible for storage tank releases notify the MPCA of the release, investigate the release and, if necessary, clean up the release. A person is considered legally responsible for a tank release if the person owned or operated the tank either during or after the release, unless specifically exempted under the law. If you believe that you are not legally responsible for this storage tank release, please contact the project manager listed below. If you are not legally responsible for the release, but hold legal or equitable title to the property where the release occurred, you may volunteer to take corrective action. Responsible persons and volunteers who take corrective action may be eligible for reimbursement for a major portion of the costs of corrective action. The legislature has established the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Account to reimburse responsible persons and volunteers. The account is administered by the Petro Board which is part of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Final decisions regarding the amount of reimbursement are made by the Petro Board. All questions about eligibility and reimbursement should be directed to the Petrofund staff at (651) 297-1119 or (651) 297-4203. Request to Take Corrective Action The MPCA staff requests that you take steps to investigate and, if necessary, clean up the release in accordance with the enclosed MPCA fact sheets. The site investigation must fully define the extent and magnitude of the soil and/or ground water contamination caused by the release.. A report (Excavation Report and/or Remedial Investigation/Corrective Action Design (RI/CAD)) which details the results of the investigation or concludes that excavation was sufficient to clean up the release must be submitted to this office within 10 months of the date of this letter. Please refer to MPCA fact sheets for information pertaining to the amount of work needed at the petroleum release site(s). 520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (651) 296-6300 (Voice); (651) 282-5332 (TTY) St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar; www.pca.state.mn.us Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 20% fibers from paper recycled by consumers. Gail Dahlstrom Page 2 January 29, 2002 Sites with free product (free-floating petroleum), drinking water supply impacts, surface water impacts, indoor vapor impacts, fire or explosion hazards, or ground water impacts which pose a significant threat to public health or the environment, are considered high priority for staff review. If one or more of these situations apply to your site, an RI/CAD report must be submitted within 90 days. In addition, if you know or discover that there is free -product from a well, excavation, or borehole, you must notify the MPCA within 24 hours and IMMEDIATELY begin interim free product recovery. If you have not already done so, the MPCA recommends that you hire a qualified consulting firm registered with the Petrofund staff that has experience in conducting petroleum release site investigations and in proposing and implementing appropriate corrective actions. A list of registered contractors and consultants is available from the Petrofund staff. The MPCA reserves the right to reject proposed corrective actions if the requirements of the site investigation have not been fulfilled. Please note that, under Minn. R. 2890.0075, subp. 2, you must solicit a minimum of two competitive proposals on a form prescribed by the Petro Board to ensure that the consulting costs are reasonable. Questions about bidding requirements should be directed to Petrofund staff. Required Response MPCA staff requests a response to this letter within 30 days. Please tell us whether you intend to proceed with the requested work. If you do not respond within this time frame, the MPCA staff will assume that you do not intend to comply, in which case the MPCA Commissioner may order you to take corrective action. Failure to*cooperate with the MPCA in a timely manner may result in reduced reimbursement from the Petro Board. See Minn. R. 2890.0065, subp. 1, item C. The enclosed fact sheets will provide you with the information necessary to complete a successful investigation and cleanup. If you have any questions concerning this letter or need additional information, please contact me at (651) 297-8577. Please reference the above LEAK # in all correspondence. If you are calling long distance, you may reach the MPCA St. Paul office by calling 1-800-657-3864. Sincerely, 2____ Stacy Hendry -Van Patten Project Manager Petroleum Remediation Unit Petroleum and Landfill Remediation Section Majors and Remediation Division SHV:ais Enclosures cc: Sandra Paulson, City Clerk, Plymouth Richard Kline, Fire Chief, Plymouth Dave Jaeger, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer Scott Hafner, Quik Trip Inc., LaCrosse, WI r 00 40OHome Free Community Programs 3409 Kilmer Lane N. Business Plymouth, MN 55441 Crisis Line Fax January 22, 2002 Dwight Johnson City Manager 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Johnson: (763) 545-7080 (763) 559-4945 (763) 545-7071 I have enclosed the year-end statistical report for 2001. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to us working together in 2002. Thank you for your continued support to Home Free and Battered Women. Sincerely, 67 Laura Landis Program Coordinator Home Free Community Program CC: Craig Gerdes, Chief of police Sgt. Lindman Elliot Knetsch, City Prosecutor Pat Murphy, Mission Inc. Mary Monteon, Home Free Nita Quinn, Home Free O r M O V' tf) 000 r CM M O N O O CA N M O r r O f` �N r rr� Otn (D cr)Nf�tO(DONo) V co CDOOT- ITCCO 00 04 � O O N I` N N r V' C) r V' O f- `- r h N O 0 r V r N CA M ,a. I` M r tf) r� f0 N CO r N CV O O U) N coN = H r r H cy O N U 0 VCD rN O 0 N t- U N t'- NrN C CD 0 0 I,- V r �t U) N C) T- U) O CO) M w 1-- d Q 0 O Oo N co M h O r V- r 0 Ota r r M r 0 st CD r 00 r O r r v M v U) CD N lf) M r r' O V �._. V C0 0 ZN rM., N H Ci O 0 r M N tt) N 0) r O N� M U) r f` M N O 0 O CC)r N O CA NM V N O N r O N v V. M LOO co N r N O 0 O M N CD tt 000 CD 0 O CA O 00 M CD 00 � 0 0 r tf) N O } N M N M M N M Cl) M N 0 CO r 0 V' C00 CI O O M N O O r O r O) 0 � O N r c- O M 1n N v r co O 00 V co 0 N CD N r N r r O N v M U) CA = N F - � r r 0 00 0V co CD N N M M � O t_ C) V o) tf) ti N � co CND r Q NCY CD N r r r O CO w M N M H OF N OU)OTM�U)CnONv U') V c00 _ ItMNr U ) 0 rN (Ar N r V W N Q O MZ N W 0 aF. 1- Nr N 00 Cl) tfrCDN MM CO 0)MCe) N N r`-NO0040 N �N r r N Cl O N r m ID to E L W C. U pt 0 F- (1) �_ > W > o O --o U a. fn U o� W t:CL O nU) m N ao�°' CL E v m 0 t) O m C to v 0 W m :30 to � E 'a a) 0 (D it w N = 0 O N CA ¢ 0f� C C Z= C N U) m Z m 'd n. >. U) a O w 3 y L m ltf `+) ..N-..2 W C w- 0 c 0 N U>> l� y U U m O W L U) U) c N t N Z m> m C N OO C(ca o :=. m U m Q C C y IN H O m c a d. ti < rn o o J o� o E Q w v¢ t U C1 ti m ti N C9 N w Q �' �' g C€ rs Ui U U U 0 m �m� > c E E m ELLG- nn •-O°�)EmE d C 0o0 00 0 0 0 0> a a¢o�zU= O O O 000=Ucnu.cnUF-LLn w o fo cu >,o M" fvL�- 5 � t o u) DATE: January 28, 2002 TO: Mayor and City Council Dwight Johnson, City Manager Dan Faulkner, Director of Public Works FROM: George C. Bentley, Acting Transit Administrator "Ti SUBJECT: Suburban Transit Association Legislative Agenda Attached is the 2002 Suburban Transit Association (STA) Legislative Agenda as adopted by the Board of Directors on January 8, 2002. Some of you may have already received this report from Messerli & Kramer (STA lobbyists). You will note under "Regional Bonding" (Page 2) that Plymouth Metrolink is not mentioned. This is because we have already received an $800,000 grant for new vehicles and a promise from the Metropolitan Council staff that they will work with us if we have additional needs. We also have approximately $165,000 coming from our National Transit Database (NTD) funding for 2000 reporting. (The NTD funding for 2000 reporting was delayed in Congress due to the September 11 attacks.) In addition to the STA agenda, the Minnesota Public Transit Association, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce are all advocating increased funding for transit and for highways, including support for a gas tax increase. This is the first time in memory that the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is advocating increases in highway and transit spending and supporting a gas tax increase, which could be significant and possibly decisive for many legislators. Legislation was introduced in advance of the 2002 session by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL — Willmar), HF 2592, that would create a Metropolitan Transit Authority and transfer all , transit responsibilities from the Metropolitan Council (and Metro Transit) to this new Authority. The Authority would be made up of County Commissioners from the seven county metro area, and funding would come from a .5% sales tax that would have to be approved by the voters in each county. It is unclear what would happen if voters did not approve the new tax. F:\pw\Engineering\TRANSnT'\NUSC\2002\CC Mena re Legistive Agenda 1 2g_02.doc , 3 MEMO F A �S '? ax Egg hi 4 ' CITY'OF PLYMOUTHt � V 3400 Plymouth Boulevard g,'2 - S ` W Plymouth, MN 55447' .:.� . DATE: January 28, 2002 TO: Mayor and City Council Dwight Johnson, City Manager Dan Faulkner, Director of Public Works FROM: George C. Bentley, Acting Transit Administrator "Ti SUBJECT: Suburban Transit Association Legislative Agenda Attached is the 2002 Suburban Transit Association (STA) Legislative Agenda as adopted by the Board of Directors on January 8, 2002. Some of you may have already received this report from Messerli & Kramer (STA lobbyists). You will note under "Regional Bonding" (Page 2) that Plymouth Metrolink is not mentioned. This is because we have already received an $800,000 grant for new vehicles and a promise from the Metropolitan Council staff that they will work with us if we have additional needs. We also have approximately $165,000 coming from our National Transit Database (NTD) funding for 2000 reporting. (The NTD funding for 2000 reporting was delayed in Congress due to the September 11 attacks.) In addition to the STA agenda, the Minnesota Public Transit Association, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce are all advocating increased funding for transit and for highways, including support for a gas tax increase. This is the first time in memory that the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is advocating increases in highway and transit spending and supporting a gas tax increase, which could be significant and possibly decisive for many legislators. Legislation was introduced in advance of the 2002 session by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL — Willmar), HF 2592, that would create a Metropolitan Transit Authority and transfer all , transit responsibilities from the Metropolitan Council (and Metro Transit) to this new Authority. The Authority would be made up of County Commissioners from the seven county metro area, and funding would come from a .5% sales tax that would have to be approved by the voters in each county. It is unclear what would happen if voters did not approve the new tax. F:\pw\Engineering\TRANSnT'\NUSC\2002\CC Mena re Legistive Agenda 1 2g_02.doc Memo to City Council STA Legislative Agenda January 28, 2002 Page 2 The future of this proposed legislation is unknown at the present time, but would need a lot of work in a very short period of time to be considered this year. I will be working with the STA lobbyists and the lobbyist for the Minnesota Public Transit Association and will keep you posted on developments as they occur. If you have any questions as the session unfolds please call me at any time. Attachment: STA Legislative Report F:\pw\Engineering\TRANSIT\MISC\2002\CC Mena re Legistive Agenda 1 2g_02.doc SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE REPORT REPORT 2002-1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2002 11 STA ADOPTS 2002 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA The STA Board of Directors adopted its 2002 Legislative Agenda on January 8, 2002. (The first three paragraphs outline the challenges facing opt -out service providers, specifically with the unknowns relating to the transition from the property tax to MVET for operating revenue.) The STA's top three priorities for 2002 are, in no particular order: • $50 million in regional bonding authority for transit capital • Preservation of MVET dedication for transit operating costs, including 20.5% in 2002 and additional 2.0% in 2003 • Support for comprehensive long-term transportation funding package, with transit as an integral component 2002 STA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Since their inception, opt -out transit service providers have been very successful at attracting and retaining large and growing numbers of suburban riders. Opt -out ridership has increased over 100% since 1991 for each of the four opt -out transit service providers. This success has not come without challenges, though. Opt -out transit service providers are frequently faced with overcrowded buses and overflowing park-and-ride lots, with. many of these riders coming from outside the transit taxing district. The STA Legislative Repo is preparedby Tom Poul and Liz Shields Keating Messer] i 8 Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone(651)228-9757 Fax(651)228-9787 Because of this high demand for service, it is imperative to preserve the initial 20.5% of MVET dedicated to metro area transit operating costs in order to maintain existing service. The MVET dedication should not be jeopardized in efforts to balance the state budget. The additional 2.0% of MVET scheduled to become available in 2003 is critical to providing service to meet increasing demand, specifically in areas outside of the transit taxing district. Because of the transition schedule, the full impact of MVET as a revenue source will not be known until the fall of 2002. The Suburban Transit Association will continue to evaluate the projected level of funding, and determine whether or not a request for additional funding will be necessary during the 2002 session. A. BONDING FOR TRANSIT REGIONAL BONDING Regional bonding authority refers to bonds issued by the Metropolitan Council and backed by the property tax. The Metropolitan Council will be seeking regional bonding authorization for transit capital projects for FY2003-04 for mandated and service preservation needs. The Legislature authorized $45 million in bonds in 2001. The Metropolitan Council may be seeking authorization of $50 million per year in 2002. However, formal approval from the Governor and Met Council has not yet occurred. The STA strongly supports significant regional transit bonding authority to provide for basic transit investments such as bus fleet replacement, garage upkeep and construction, park-and-ride, transit hubs and other passenger facilities. Opt -out projects that would benefit from this authorization include: MVTA SMTC Midlife bus overhauls - $85,000 Replace buses - $10,854,643 Add buses - $156,246 Midlife bus overhauls - $692,250 Replace buses - $3,125,000 Maple Grove Transit Transit hub - $1,724,983 Shakopee Area Transit • Add dial -a -ride vans- $210,000 STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDING The STA strongly supports the use of state general obligation bonding to expand the number of hubs, stations, and park-and-ride facilities in the region. This funding would supplement the revenue available from regional bonding to meet additional transit capital needs. 2 B. PRESERVATION OF MVET DEDICATION LEVELS PASSED BY 2001 LEGISLATURE The 2001 Legislature statutorily dedicated 20.5% of the sales tax on motor vehicle sales (MVET) for transit operating revenue in the metropolitan area, and 1.5% for Greater Minnesota. An additional 2.0% of MVET revenue is dedicated to metropolitan area transit operating costs beginning in 2003, and the STA strongly supports dedicating this funding to bus transit. Because of the funding shortfall during the transition period from the property tax to MVET, some out -opt transit service has already been eliminated. If the level of dedicated funding declines, it is highly likely that additional service will be eliminated. C. FUNDING FOR TRANSIT SERVICE OUTSIDE THE TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICT Because there is a significant funding shortfall due to the transition from the property tax to MVET for transit, there is currently no funding available for service expansion outside the transit taxing district. However, due to an increasing demand for express service from areas outside the taxing district, and because the resources of the opt -out system and Metro Transit are being strained, a feasible solution must soon be found to provide adequate revenue to address this critical problem. There is a general perception that there should be an expansion of service areas now that funding for transit operating costs comes from a statewide fund, however the funding for transit capital remains on the property tax and is only levied within the transit taxing district. In order for expansion of service to become a reality, additional funding is needed for both operating and capital expenses. 1) Additional revenue is needed to fund operations of expanded express service routes. 2) The capital levy should be spread on the whole 7 -county metropolitan area in order to provide transit facilities and buses in areas outside the current transit taxing district. 3) Expansion of transit service should be handled in a systematic fashion in order to avoid inefficient geographic leapfrogging of service provision. D. LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION FUNDING OPTIONS The STA supports a comprehensive transportation funding package that considers and plans for transportation and transit needs well into the future. The STA believes that the solution must include a multi -modal approach encompassing highways, bus transit and rail options. The STA supports implementation of the Hiawatha Avenue light rail transit corridor and implementation of commuter rail lines as part of an overall, integrated metropolitan transit system that provides convenient and seamless transit service to suburban residents. Some of the funding sources that the STA would support to meet these transportation and transit needs include: HIGHWAY FUNDING Increased and/or indexed gas tax Dedicated metro area sales tax Trunk highway bonding TRANSIT FUNDING • Additional MVET • Dedicated metro area sales tax • General fund E. SUPPORT TRANSIT ADVANTAGES ON HIGHWAYS Suburban transit service relies on transit advantages in order to provide timesaving, convenient travel options. Convenient transit options encourage ridership, and therefore decrease overall congestion by reducing single occupant vehicles on highways. The three advantages that provide the most effective utilization are bus - only shoulder lanes, HOV lanes and ramp meter bypass. • BUS ONLY SHOULDER LANES The STA supports the expansion of designated bus -only shoulder lane miles as a cost-effective means to make transit a timesaving alternative to driving. HOV LANES The STA strongly supports the ongoing use of the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on 1-35W and 1-394. HOV lanes provide effective mass transit advantages, especially efficient travel times on some of the most congested highways in the region. This efficient travel time draws an increasing number of riders to mass transit services, which further reduces congestion. The STA will closely monitor the HOV lane study mandated by the 2001 Legislature, in whatever form it occurs. • RAMP METER BYPASS The ramp meter bypass system allows transit vehicles the opportunity to bypass stagnant traffic, and provides efficient ingress to the highway. • DEDICATED BUSWAYS The STA supports the use of dedicated busways in efforts to make transit a timesaving alternative to driving. 4 F. BIODIESEL INITIATIVES STA service providers use nearly 9 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, and as such are very interested in learning more about alternative fuel blends such as biodiesel. At the present time, the STA is concerned that there may not be sufficient long-term data available on the effects of biodiesel on fuel injection system durability, engine oil degradation, and combustion deposits. In light of these concerns, and because of the impact that biodiesel use could have on engine warranties, the STA urges a cautious approach in implementing a biodiesel mandate. If a biodiesel proposal is brought forward that would allow transit service providers the option of participating in a biodiesel pilot program, at no cost to the provider, some STA members may be interested. STA service providers would need to be held harmless with respect to the additional cost of biodiesel fuel, the additional administrative costs associated with participating in a study, costs associated with fuel delivery and storage, and the potential for additional engine maintenance needs in order for this to be a palatable option. STA ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2002 On January 8, the STA Board of Directors elected officers to lead the association for calendar year 2002. Mayor Nany Tyra -Lukens (Eden Prairie), who served as 2001 STA Vice Chair, was elected Chair. Her duties include presiding over all meetings of the Board and Legislative Committee, as well as representing the STA at the Legislature as needed. Councilmember Meg Tilley (Eagan), one of the newer members of the STA Board, was elected Vice Chair. Her duties will include filling in for Chair Tyra -Lukens as needed, and assisting with leading the association. Executive Director Beverley Miller (Minnesota Valley Transit Authority) was elected Secretary -Treasurer. Her duties will include managing the finances of the STA and assisting the other officers as needed. Congratulations to all new officers! The STA thanks outgoing officers Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, Burnsville (Chair), and Councilmember Scott Harstad, Plymouth (Secretary -Treasurer) for their hard work and dedication during the long and difficult 2001 legislative session. 5 Jan 31 2992 17:99:58 Via Fax -> - AMM FAX 763+589+5869 Laurie Ahrens T �a Pa�._.�Ins Page 982 Of 993 rovidin _ finers in P g sem � d solutions NEWS January 28 -February 1, 2002 as Association of Metropolitan Municipalltits 145 [/niveryW Avenue West SG Paul, KIV 55101-2044 Phone, (651) 215-4000 Fax: (651) 281-1299 E-mail, ammfpam nl45.ory AMM Fax News is fazed to all AMA! city managers and adindrik wom legidadve cam tads and Board members, Please swan this fax with your mgyors, councllmernbcra and staff to keep them abreast of lnfortant mdro crry issues- Metropolitan Council Releases Subregional Household Forecasts The Metropolitan Council's new regional forecast calls for 460,000 new households in the seven -county metropolitan area by the year 2030. At the January 30 meeting of the Council's Regional Growth policy Committee, Council members heard more about how this forecast breaks out for differ- ent parts of the metropolitan area. Council staff have compiled household projections, based on the continua- tion of current trends, by quadrant of the metro area (northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest, and central) and by development stage (central cit- ies, fully developed suburbs, developing suburbs, etc.). The quadrant analysis projects that the largest increase in households will be in the southeast quadrant, which would see a 98.77 percent increase in their total number of households by the year 2030; followed by the north- west quadrant (53.59%) and the southwest quadrant (52.62%). When bro- ken down by development stage, the numbers project both the developing suburbs and cities in the rural area will have more than twice as many households in 2030 than they did in 2000. Trend Based Forecasts for Total Households by Quadrant Trend Based Forecasts for Total Households by Development Stage 2000 census 2030 forecast w/o Increase (2000-2030) Central Cities 274,461 290,461 5.83 Northeast Metro Northwest Metro 121,203 236,028 177.841 362,522 45.73 53.59 Southeast Metro 122,538 243,565 96.77 Southwest Metro 267,224 407,843 52.62 Metro Total 1,021,454 1,482,188 45.11 Trend Based Forecasts for Total Households by Development Stage 2000 census 2030 forecast % Increase (2000-2030) Central Cities 274,461.00 290,461.00 5.83 Fully Developed Suburbs 359,018.00 404,018.00 12.53 Developing Suburbs 302,047.00 625,961-00 107.24 Cities in Rural Area 35.213.00 71,410.00 102.79 Rural Area 50,715.00 90,338.00 78.13 Metro Total 1,021,454.00 1,482,188.00 45.11 I. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES RELATED TO 2001 TAX REFORM The 2001 legislative session was a watershed year for property tax reform. Many of the reform measures that have been supported and promoted by the Municipal Legislative Commission since its inception were enacted into law last year. These measures include significant class rate compression, flattening the tier on residential homesteads, phasing out limited market value, reducing the impact of fiscal disparities, and lessening the overall property tax burden. The MLC applauds the efforts of the 2001 Legislature to make the property tax a more local tax, thereby increasing accountability, simplicity, equity and predictability at all levels. It should be noted, however, that some of the measures enacted as part of this historic tax bill actually counteract this movement towards local accountability, and should be corrected. These measures include an increasingly inequitable local government aid formula, the imposition of levy limits, and a significant reduction in the usefulness of tax increment financing as an economic development tool. The MLC has adopted the following policies to address these concerns: A) STATE AIDS LOCAL GOVERNMENT Al Residents of each city contribute to the local government aid (LGA) system through sales and income taxes paid. The LGA formula should provide for a method of equitable redistribution. The changes made by the 2001 Tax Law did not resolve the inequities in the LGA system. It also introduced the market value homestead credit, which further complicated the transfer payment system. The Legislature should pursue long term solutions to the transfer payment system before additional stop -gap measures are explored. If LGA is reduced to offset the state budget shortfall, the MLC urges that those cities that receive little or no state aids should not be penalized disproportionately. MARKET VALUE HOMESTEAD CREDIT The market value homestead credit is a new credit created by the 2001 Tax Law that replaces the education homestead credit. The new market value homestead credit is equal to 0.4% of the market value of each homestead, to a maximum of $304 per homestead. The credit is phased out at a rate of 0.09% of the value over $76,000. The credit is phased out completely at $415,777 of market value. V The MLC opposes any reduction in the market value homestead credit, scheduled for payment to cities in October and December of 2002, as a means to solve the state budget deficit. Cities have already established their levies for 2002 relying on the provisions of the 2001 Tax Law, which include the revenues provided by way of the market value homestead credit. Furthermore, this credit has already been factored into parcel -specific property tax notices issued to taxpayers. Any changes to the system should be made prospectively and should provide a method for cities to recover lost aid in their local levies. B) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLS The 2001 Tax Law presents serious problems for the many tax increment financing (TIF) districts that were created in good faith by local units of government. Existing districts are facing default, and future uses of this economic development tool have been significantly reduced. The TIF Grant Fund created by the Legislature to offset shortfalls in current districts is insufficient to address cities' needs, and is very difficult to access. In order to remedy this situation, the MLC recommends that cities be allowed to capture the state -levied property tax on commercial -industrial property within existing TIF districts. In addition, cities should be allowed to extend the life of current TIF districts. The Legislature has historically been reluctant to grant local units of government flexibility and latitude relating to economic development incentives. It is more urgent than ever for the state to partner with cities in order to provide incentives for economic development, redevelopment and production of affordable housing. The MLC will work closely with the League of Minnesota Cities TIF Task Force to develop recommendations for future legislation. C) LEVY LIMITS The MLC is strongly opposed to levy limits for the following reasons: • Local spending decisions are best made by locally elected officials who have a clear understanding of the needs and desires of their constituents. Local governments have been making responsible spending decisions for years without imposition of levy limits by the Legislature. In fact, because locally elected officials are responsive to their constituents, most MLC cities plan to levy below the limit for property taxes payable in 2002. 3 D) TRANSPORTATION FUNDING The MLC supports a comprehensive transportation funding package that considers and plans for state as well as local transportation and transit needs well into the future. This legislation should provide a fair and equitable revenue collection system, and would include: (1) an increase in highway funding; (2) a new formula that would distribute more highway dollars for high density population areas; (3) a local option to impose transportation utility fees; and (4) adequate funding for efficient metropolitan transit systems. Minnesota needs a sound roadway system to remain economically competitive in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and general commerce. It needs efficient and affordable transit systems that can deliver people to and from employment locations. The MLC would support any of the following revenue sources for additional transportation funding: • Metro -wide referendum on additional sales tax to accelerate transportation projects and infuse money into transit capital and operating needs Option to impose local transportation utility fees • Trunk highway bonding • Gas tax increase and/or indexing E) SALES TAX ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURCHASES The MLC strongly supports a repeal of the sales tax on local government purchases. The Legislature should permanently eliminate this unwise policy of requiring political subdivisions to raise taxes to pay another unit of government. If the Legislature fails to repeal this unwise tax policy, it should, in the alternative, require the truth in taxation statement to indicate its effect. F) SUPPORT REPEAL OF LAW REQUIRING ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX LEVIES Legislation adopted in 1999 requires cities to conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution if their levy certification tax rate would increase while market values remained the same as the previous year. The MLC opposes this mandate and would support repeal of the 1999 law for the following reasons: n • The formula established to calculate the comparison tax rates uses the current tax base for both years. A tax rate comparison using the same tax base for both years is confusing to the public because it ignores changes in the tax base that have occurred. • The formula used in this calculation does not allow for growth and inflation. • The new requirement serves no apparent purpose, particularly with extensive truth in taxation notice and hearing requirements in place. The MLC believes that a better mechanism of providing this information to property tax payers would be to include it on the truth in taxation form. Cities could then discuss this information with the public at their annual truth in taxation hearing. 7 SU$URBAN G TRANSIT / LEGISLATIVE REPORT ASSOCIATION REPORT 2002-1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2002 STA ADOPTS 2002 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA The STA Board of Directors adopted its 2002 Legislative Agenda on January 8, 2002. (The first three paragraphs outline the challenges facing opt -out service providers, specifically with the unknowns relating to the transition from the property tax to MVET for operating revenue.) The STA's top three priorities for 2002 are, in no particular order: • $50 million in regional bonding authority for transit capital • Preservation of MVET dedication for transit operating costs, including 20.5% in 2002 and additional 2.0% in 2003 Support for comprehensive long-term transportation funding package, with transit as an integral component 2002 STA LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Since their inception, opt -out transit service providers have been very successful at attracting and retaining large and growing numbers of suburban riders. Opt -out ridership has increased over 100% since 1991 for each of the four opt -out transit service providers. This success has not come without challenges, though. Opt -out transit service providers are frequently faced with overcrowded buses and overflowing park-and-ride lots, with many of these riders coming from outside the transit taxing district. The STA Legislative Report is preparedby Tom Poul and Liz Shields Keating Messerij & Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, St Paul, MN 55103 Telephone(651)228-9757 Fax(651)228-9787 Because of this high demand for service, it is imperative to preserve the initial 20.5% of MVET dedicated to metro area transit operating costs in order to maintain existing service. The MVET dedication should not be jeopardized in efforts to balance the state budget. The additional 2.0% of MVET scheduled to become available in 2003 is critical to providing service to meet increasing demand, specifically in areas outside of the transit taxing district. Because of the transition schedule, the full impact of MVET as a revenue source will not be known until the fall of 2002. The Suburban Transit Association will continue to evaluate the projected level of funding, and determine whether or not a request for additional funding will be necessary during the 2002 session. A. BONDING FOR TRANSIT REGIONAL BONDING Regional bonding authority refers to bonds issued by the Metropolitan Council and backed by the property tax. The Metropolitan Council will be seeking regional bonding authorization for transit capital projects for FY2003-04 for mandated and service preservation needs. The Legislature authorized $45 million in bonds in 2001. The Metropolitan Council may be seeking authorization of $50 million per year in 2002. However, formal approval from the Governor and Met Council has not yet occurred. The STA strongly supports significant regional transit bonding authority to provide for basic transit investments such as bus fleet replacement, garage upkeep and construction, park-and-ride, transit hubs and other passenger facilities. Opt -out projects that would benefit from this authorization include: MVTA • Midlife bus overhauls - $85,000 • Replace buses - $10,854,643 SMTC • Add buses - $156,246 • Midlife bus overhauls - $692,250 • Replace buses - $3,125,000 Maple Grove Transit • Transit hub - $1,724,983 Shakopee Area Transit • Add dial -a -ride vans - $210,000 STATE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDING The STA strongly supports the use of state general obligation bonding to expand the number of hubs, stations, and park-and-ride facilities in the region. This funding would supplement the revenue available from regional bonding to meet additional transit capital needs. 2 B. PRESERVATION OF MVET DEDICATION LEVELS PASSED BY 2001 LEGISLATURE The 2001 Legislature statutorily dedicated 20.5% of the sales tax on motor vehicle sales (MVET) for transit operating revenue in the metropolitan area, and 1.5% for Greater Minnesota. An additional 2.0% of MVET revenue is dedicated to metropolitan area transit operating costs beginning in 2003, and the STA strongly supports dedicating this funding to bus transit. Because of the funding shortfall during the transition period from the property tax to MVET, some out -opt transit service has already been eliminated. If the level of dedicated funding declines, it is highly likely that additional service will be eliminated. C. FUNDING FOR TRANSIT SERVICE OUTSIDE THE TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICT Because there is a significant funding shortfall due to the transition from the property tax to MVET for transit, there is currently no funding available for service expansion outside the transit taxing district. However, due to an increasing demand for express service from areas outside the taxing district, and because the resources of the opt -out system and Metro Transit are being strained, a feasible solution must soon be found tc provide adequate revenue to address this critical problem. There is a general perception that there should be an expansion of service areas now that funding for transit operating costs comes from a statewide fund, however the funding for transit capital remains on the property tax and is only levied within the transit taxing district. In order for expansion of service to become a reality, additional funding is needed for both operating and capital expenses. 1) Additional revenue is needed to fund operations of expanded express service routes. 2) The capital levy should be spread on the whole 7 -county metropolitan area in order to provide transit facilities and buses in areas outside the current transit taxing district. 3) Expansion of transit service should be handled in a systematic fashion in order to avoid inefficient geographic leapfrogging of service provision. D. LONG-TERM TRANSPORTATION FUNDING OPTIONS The STA supports a comprehensive transportation funding package that considers and plans for transportation and transit needs well into the future. The STA believes that the solution must include a multi -modal approach encompassing highways, bus transit and rail options. The STA supports implementation of the Hiawatha Avenue light rail transit corridor and implementation of commuter rail lines K as part of an overall, integrated metropolitan transit system that provides convenient and seamless transit service to suburban residents. Some of the funding sources that the STA would support to meet these transportation and transit needs include: HIGHWAY FUNDING • Increased and/or indexed gas tax • Dedicated metro area sales tax • Trunk highway bonding TRANSIT FUNDING • Additional MVET • Dedicated metro area sales tax • General fund E. SUPPORT TRANSIT ADVANTAGES ON HIGHWAYS Suburban transit service relies on transit advantages in order to provide timesaving, convenient travel options. Convenient transit options encourage ridership, and therefore decrease overall congestion by reducing single occupant vehicles on highways. The three advantages that provide the most effective utilization are bus - only shoulder lanes, HOV lanes and ramp meter bypass. BUS ONLY SHOULDER LANES The STA supports the expansion of designated bus -only shoulder lane miles as a cost-effective means to make transit a timesaving alternative to driving. HOV LANES The STA strongly supports the ongoing use of the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on 1-35W and 1-394. HOV lanes provide effective mass transit advantages, especially efficient travel times on some of the most congested highways in the region. This efficient travel time draws an increasing number of riders to mass transit services, which further reduces congestion. The STA will closely monitor the HOV lane study mandated by the 2001 Legislature, in whatever form it occurs. • RAMP METER BYPASS The rarnp meter bypass system allows transit vehicles the opportunity to bypass stagnant traffic, and provides efficient ingress to the highway. DEDICATED BUSWAYS The STA supports the use of dedicated busways in efforts to make transit a timesaving alternative to driving. 4 F. BIODIESEL INITIATIVES STA service providers use nearly 1 million gallons of diesel fuel per year, and as such are very interested in learning more about alternative fuel blends such as biodiesel: At the present time, the STA is concerned that there may not be sufficient long-term data available on the effects of biodiesel on fuel injection system durability, engine oil degradation, and combustion deposits. In light of these concerns, and because of the impact that biodiesel use could have on engine warranties, the STA urges a cautious approach in implementing a biodiesel mandate. If a biodiesel proposal is brought forward that would allow transit service providers the option of participating in a biodiesel pilot program, at no cost to the provider, some STA members may be interested. STA service providers would need to be held harmless with respect to the additional cost of biodiesel fuel, the additional administrative costs associated with participating in a study, costs associated with fuel delivery and storage, and the potential for additional engine maintenance needs in order for this to be a palatable option. STA ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2002 On January 8, the STA Board of Directors elected officers to lead the association for calendar year 2002. Mayor Nany Tyra -Lukens (Eden Prairie), who served as 2001 STA Vice Chair, was elected Chair. Her duties include presiding over all meetings of the Board and Legislative Committee, as well as representing the STA at the Legislature as needed. Councilmember Meg Tilley (Eagan), one of the newer members of the STA Board, was elected Vice Chair. Her duties will include filling in for Chair Tyra -Lukens as needed; and assisting with leading the association. Executive Director Beverley Miller (Minnesota Valley Transit Authority) was elected Secretary -Treasurer. Her duties will include managing the finances of the ST,4 and assisting the other officers as needed. Congratulations to all new officers! The STA thanks outgoing officers Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, Burnsville (Chair); and Councilmember Scott Harstad, Plymouth (Secretary -Treasurer) for their hard work and dedication during the long and difficult 2001 legislative session. 5 L MIc Laag" of Minnesota Cities Cities r vmoting exeel'cnae January 23, 2002 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone: (612) 281-1200 0 (800) 925-1122 Fax: (612) 281-1299 • TDD (612) 281-1290 TO: Members of the League of Minnesota Cities (Please distribute to interested city officials) FROM: James Miller, Executive Director RE: LMC POLICY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP It is time to begin preparing for the 2003-2004 legislative session. The LMC's policy development process begins with the formation of the LMC's four policy committees. Now is your opportunity to help the LMC establish its legislative policies and direct its legislative program for the coming two-year period. As the member of an LMC policy committee, you will be volunteering to participate in a total of three or four policy committee meetings during the months of July, August and September. The attached schedule will show you the dates and times that have been tentatively set aside for these meetings. These meetings will be held at the LMC offices in St. Paul. The policy development process will conclude with the LMC's annual Policy Adoption Conference on November 22, 2002, where the full membership will ratify the policy committee recommendations. The four intergovernmental relations policy committees, which will deal with both state and federal issues are: IMPROVING LOCAL ECONOMIES U Growth Management and Land Use C� Boundary AdjustmeiA U Housing b Transportation C> Economic Development and Redevelopment b Telecommunications and Information Systems IMPROVING CITY SERVICE DELIVERY b Environmental Mandates Q- Elections Q, Ethics U Open Meetings b Government Innovation and Cooperation b Public Safety IMPROVING THE FISCAL FUTURE PERSONNEL SERVICES OF CITIES b Personnel b Financial Management of Cities b Pensions b Property Tax b Labor Relations b State Aid Programs. b Data Practices AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Tentative Schedule of 2002 policy committee meetings: SERVICE DELIVERY LOCAL ECONOMIES FISCAL FUTURES PERSONNEL SERVICES Tuesday Wednesday Friday July 9 July 10 July 12 9:30 - 12N 1- 3:30 9:30 - 12N Mid July St. Croix Room St. Croix Room St. Croix Room August 13 August 14 August 16 9:30 - 12N 1:30 - 4 9:30 - 12N Mid August St. Croix Room St. Croix Room St. Croix Room September 17 September 18 September 20 9:30 - 12N 1:30 - 4 9:30 - 12N Mid September St. Croix Room St. Croix Room St. Croix Room I would like to serve a two-year term on: Note: pease rank your from 1 (first choice) to 3 (last choice) ❑ IMPROVING LOCAL ECONOMIES ❑ IMPROVING CITY SERVICE DELIVERY ❑ IMPROVING THE FISCAL FUTURE OF CITIES ❑ PERSONNEL SERVICES Name: City & Title: Address: City/Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: FAX: E-mail: HX No. 2593, as introduced 2 C Page 1 of 2 Legislature Home I Search I Help 1 t.lnka to the World Minnesota House of Representatives KEY: sskexr = old language to be removed underscored = new language to be added NOTE: If you cannot see any difference in the key above, you need to change the display of stricken and/or underscored language. Authors and Status in List versions HX No. 2593, as introduced: 82nd Legislative Session (2001-2002) Posted on Dec 10, 2001 1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to elections; city elections; providing for 1.3 the election of certain council members elected by 1.4 ward after reapportionment; amending Minnesota 1.5 Statutes 2000, section 205.84, subdivisions 1 and 2. 1.6 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.7 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 205.84, 1.8 subdivision 1, is amended to read: 1.9 Subdivision 1. [GENERAL PROVISIONS.] (a) In a city 1.10 electing council members by wards, wards shall be as equal in 1.11 population as practicable and each ward shall be composed of 1.12 compact, contiguous territory. Each council member shall be a 1.13 resident of the ward for which elected, b4it , rhaRge in ward 1.14 dies-dcuas pct disr;ualif 1.15 4-1e ---,4-,4-- € a 4-Q&& 1.16 (b) In a city where council members are elected by ward to 1.17 serve for four years, at the first municipal general election 1.18 after ward boundaries are redefined under subdivision 2, all 1.19 council members must be elected to new terms. In a city where 1.20 council members are elected to staggered terms, the council 1.21 shall provide by ordinance for the manner in which some members 1.22 will be elected initially to four-year terms and some to 1.23 two-year terms. 1.24 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 205.84, 1.25 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 2.1 Subd. 2. [EFFECTIVE DATE.] After the official 2.2 certification of the federal decennial or special census, the 2.3 governing body of the city shall either confirm the existing 2.4 ward boundaries as conforming to the standards of subdivision 1 2.5 or redefine ward boundaries to conform to those standards as 2.6 provided in section 204B.135, subdivision 1. If the governing 2.7 body of the city fails to take either action within the time 2.8 required, no further compensation shall be paid to the mayor or 2.9 council member until the wards of the city are either 2.10 reconfirmed or redefined as required by this section. An 2.11 ordinance establishing new ward boundaries pursuant to section 2.12 204B.135, subdivision 1, becomes effective on the date arc 2.13 state ^ * that filings open for the state general election 2.14 in the year ending in two. 2.15 Sec. 3. [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 2.16 Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final 2.17 enactment. http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/cgi-binlgetbill.pl?session=ls82&version=latest&number=HF. 1/31/02