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c) WH Link, an open video service (OVS) provider, has withdrawn its application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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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ADVISORY
7:00 PM
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7:00 PM EQC,
Council Chambers
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Council Chambers
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COUNCIL
Chambers
MEETING, Council
Chambers
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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
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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
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Easter
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modified on 2/1/2002
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
April 2002
Sunday
Monday
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Saturday
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7:00 PM HUMAN
9:00 AM YARD
PLANNING
RIGHTS
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COMMISSION,
COMMISSION -
EXPO, Plymouth
Council Chambers
Medicine Lake
Creek Center
Room
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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
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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
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BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
8:30 AM
HUMAN
COUNCIL,Council
Hotel
RIGHTS
Chambers
COMMISSION
7:0 PM REGULAR
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STUDENT
COUNCILMEETING,
WORKSHOP,
Council Chambers
Plymouth Creek
Center
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
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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—
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SPECIAL COUNCIL MEET NO
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(IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
BOAROOF EOUAllUTM i
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APPEAL): WATER DEPLETION
OF CITre AQUIFERS s
FUTURE WATER
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WATER�TE�
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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
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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
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V
3400 Plymouth Boulevard g,'2
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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
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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
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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