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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-24-1988CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM March 24, 1988 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS..... 1. COUNCIL MEETING -- Monday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. Special City Council meeting in the City Council Chambers. 2. N.W. SUBURBS LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST MEETING -- Saturday, March 26, 8:00 a.m. A legislative breakfast meeting for city officials and legislators will be held in the Brooklyn Center Community Center Constitution Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway. The meeting agenda is attached. (M-2) 3. APRIL CALENDAR -- A copy of the meeting calendar for April is attached. M-3 FOR YOUR INFORMATION... 1. COUNCILMEMBER VASILIOU-S INQUIRY ABOUT CITIES WEEK ACTIVITIES -- On - March 7, 1988, the City Council approved the proposed activities for the May 1 through 7 Cities Week events. Included in the events approved by the Council, were presentations to school classrooms and an essay contest, including a videotaping of the winning essays. Councilmember Vasiliou requested clarification about a March 9 letter contained in the March 21 information memo which invited the school districts to participate in this program. Councilmember Vasiliou questioned the value of proceeding with the videotaping of the essays given the results of the residential survey. She also inquired about the source of funding for the video taping. The residential survey revealed that 50% of the respondents sub- scribe to cable television. This figure corresponds with the penetration rates heretofore quoted by the cable company. Of those subscribing to cable tv, a surprising 26% indicated they watched City Council meeting broadcasts. 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM March 24, 1988 Page two To quote from the survey report, "the reach of the City Council meeting broadcasts is the highest on record for the metropolitan area." This conclusion was borne out throughout the survey through a direct correlation between knowledge about the City and cable television watchers who view the Council meetings. The cost for the essay contest videotape is modest - estimated not to exceed $100 and requiring one day's shooting and editing. We proposed the video essay contest which was approved by the City Council on March 7 because: 1) The high cable viewship on the local government access channel as documented by the survey. 2) Our most popular cable programs involve segments on Plymouth's children engaged in various activities. 3) The modest cost of the program. 2. MINUTES: a. Planning Commission Minutes, March 9, 1988 (I -2a) 3. STATE LEGISLATORS EVALUATED -- The attached article, "The Good, the Bad, and the Embarrassing" is taken from the March issue of Twin Cities magazine. (I-3) 4. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter to Joanna Espiner, London, England, from Mayor Schneider, providing information and statistics on Plymouth. (I -4a) b. Letter to Pat Ryan, Ryan Construction Company, from Mayor Schneider, concerning compliance with the Flood Plain Ordinance. (I -4b) c. Letter from Randall Nord, President, Kingsview Heights Homeowners Association, to Bruce Hilger, Goff Homes, concerning the proposed Fernbrook Manor Development. (I -4c) James G. Willis City Manager JGW:jm attachments Mr. Hilger Page 2 Finally, I want to thank you for the professional manner in which you have con- ducted yourself during our dealings over Fernbrook Manor. This willingness to work with us was reported to Mayor Schnieder and Blair Tremere of the Planning Department during a special meeting with our Board to discuss these same issues. At that time we indicated that we would like to see increased property values reflecting the items previously mentioned. It is obvious the quality of the neighborhood would support this. We are glad to have you work with us to make your development blend in with our neighborhood as well as possible. I will look forward to seeing you at the next Planning Commission meeting on this project. Thank you, Randall R. Nord President Kingsview Heights H.O.A. cc: Kingsview Heights H.O.A. Board of Directors Virgil Schnieder; Mayor, City of Plymouth Blair Tremere; Director -Planning, City of Plymouth DATE: March 18, 1988 TO: City Officials and Legislators FROM: Mary E. Anderson, Golden Valley Mayor RE: Saturday, March 26th, 8:00 AM Meeting A meeting of City officials and legislators has been scheduled for Saturday, March 26th at 8:00 AM in the Brooklyn Center Community Center Constitution Nall. Orange juice, coffee and rolls will be available for $1.00. Legislators will be our guests. AGENDA 1. Introduction 2. Property Tax Reform 3. Pay Equity 4. Other 1 N N I N N OW N .-.. � N I •'f I I _ • '- Oo d •T7 OD N 'o (7 OHO '02, [[�'02, G7 G) •JJ O i� O O C=7 H n a C 7 G) L r n N v -- cn C— ,4 C)•• O H n r ,'3', O w C,% �v Fes+ rocs iia .ty H 00 sono r �+' z w9 Litz�n. i ooc) z oroa w o •,y Cj7 H r 1 Cy � � N N I z�•y Iowa-� i I cn '� z r � co cn � r 00 Indi i H b N I '...► I�� o �„r i i c � CI O z I i t7i H A� z cn c I n z an H V H C) z � wG) NI N.rj O ti b pO ; O C) to W V tD M C7 3 W ' C!� pr cnON I M W c`)o zo N � �H Ir• c7 �' 001x• z Ni�y ~ c z Fes-+ , x H •-t En --I Li DO Lo ' CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 9, 1988 The Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Pauba, Commissioners Wire Stulberg, Plufka, Marofsky and Tierney MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Zylla STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Blair Tremere Associate Planner Al Cottingham City Engineer Chet Harrison Planning Secretary Grace Wineman ©Y' Ul 1194. MOTION by Commissioner Wire, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Plufka to approve the Minutes for February 24, 1988, with the following addendum: The Planning Commission discussion and consideration of the City of Plymouth request for Rezoning, Planned Unit Development Concept Plan, Preliminary Plan/Plat and Conditional Use Permit, File No. 87097, should address their concern regarding access points to the site for proposed Fire Station III being from 33rd Avenue North and Dunkirk Lane; and, that these access points are so close together as to create a possible traffic circula- tion and safety problem. The Commission concern was that, upon completion of Medina Road extension to the north, there be should be access from Medina Road to the fire station site as proposed; and that detailed site plans should reflect this. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Pauba introduced the request by Plymouth Bible PLYMOUTH BIBLE CHAPEL Chapel, reading of the February 23, 1988, staff report was SITE PLAN AND waived. Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Sohn Clift, 36 CONDITIONAL USE Winnetka Avenue, Golden Valley, representing the church. PERMIT AMENDMENT Mr. Clift had no questions or comments. (88014) Chairman Pauba opened the Public Hearing, as there was no one present to speak on this item, the Public Hearing was closed. MOTION by Commissioner Wire, seconded by Commissioner Plufka MOTION TO APPROVE to recommend approval for the Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Plymouth Bible Chapel to construct a vestibule to the rear of the church building, subject to the conditions listed in the February 23, 1988 staff report. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. -55- VOTE - MOTION CARRIED Page 56 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1985 Chairman Pauba stated concern regarding the formal review process for an application such as this which is very small in scope and could possibly be handled administratively. Director Tremere concurred. These minor changes could be considered administratively, except when the property abuts areas residentially zoned, such as this church. He said that amended Ordinance language could be prepared defining the parameters for City review and approval of minor changes to a site and/or building that would not warrant the full review schedule for Planning Commission and City Council approval. Chairman Pauba introduced the request by Martin and Joan Leeper. An overview of the February 23, 1985, staff report was provided by Associate Planner Cottingham. Chairman Pauba introduced Dir. Sherm Goldberg, 12115 48th Ave. No., representing the petitioner. Mr. Goldberg stated the applicants, after talkinq to the City some time ago about metes and bounds division of the property, decided to submit a preliminary and final Registered Land Survey (R.L.S.) for consideration. He further explained that Mr. Leeper is the property owners' son, who wishes to build a home on the property. Chairman Pauba opened the Public Hearinq. Jim Held, 2810 Revere Circle, stated concern that Parcel D would be deeded to the City. It would be better to leave this as part of the lakeshore to retain the tax base of those lots which would garner a higher price because of the lakeshore. He purchased property with lakeshore and under- stood this and all property around the lake would remain private property. He asked if "hardship" is a basis for this request and what that hardship would be. He does not want the "same thing to happen here as what happened on Medicine Lake," since he found public access there to be objectionable. Arnold Palmer, 5550 Juneau Lane, stated that the Leepers are good neighbors and good people; however, he is opposed to opening the lake to the public and would prefer it be kept as private land for the people living there. He understands the Leepers want their son to live on the property, but the dedication of property to the City would be a problem as this lake is not large enough to merit public access. He believes the Leeper's property is saleable as it is. Ed Michalek, 5615 Juneau Lane, stated concern about public access and the increased traffic this would cause. This is a small lake and public access is not feasible as there is not adequate area for vehicle parking, or boat launching. Cw_ MARTIN AND JOAN LEEPER - VARIANCE FROM THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PRELIMINARY AND FINAL REGISTERED LAND SURVEY (87095) Page 57 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1985 Brad Syverson, 1100 International Centre, Minneapolis, deferred comment. Karen Lonsdal, 5655 Juneau Lane, agrees with the concerns expressed, especially the public access to the lake. This is a beautiful natural area; the lake is really just a "pond" and not suitable for boating. Even now, Juneau Lane is a "speedway", there are problems with young people driv- ing too fast in this area and there is a problem with litter. To have public access would create a "real free- for-all." Planner Cottingham explained that the City's Comprehensive Park Plan anticipates acquiring the land around the lake; but this is not to say there will be public access nor park development; dedication is a requirement for subdivision of property throughout the City. Steve Weld, 5605 Juneau Lane, had similar concerns. He noted that urban utility extension is years away and this parcel should not be taken from the tax rolls if it can't be used now. He inquired what the future intent would be for park amenities. This would increase traffic and it would seem best to "leave it alone." Brad Syverson, 1100 International Centre, stated he is Mr. Palmer's attorney. His legal concerns are that this pro- posal could be injurious to neighboring properties and that a hardship should be shown as the basis for approving this proposal. Director Tremere confirmed it is not the intent of the City to establish public access to the lake; but he could not say this would never happen. In an urban environment, park dedication is a normal function of the subdivision process. The main question, is whether this property, in an unserviced area of the City, should be divided at all. If not, the matter of park dedication is moot. Commissioner Marofsky inquired if the R.L.S. could be approved without park dedication at this time; and, when sewer and water is accessible in the future, couldn't the City then seek the additional land and fees to meet this requirement. Director Tremere answered that dedication of land for park and open space relates to the division now, since the R.L.S. will create the separate parcels that could be conveyed. Future divisions will generate further dedication under the policy enforced at that time. Chairman Pauba closed the Public Hearing. Sherm Goldberg stated that setting aside park dedication until further division of the property would be alright with the Leepers. He stated their wish is to have their son live near them, and he believes there is precedent for this. Page 58 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner Wire MOTION TO DENY to recommend denial of the Variance from the Urban Develop- ment Policy for the division of property for Martin and loan Leeper, based on the reasons cited in the February 23, 1988, Planning Staff Report. Commissioner Wire stated his recommendation for denial is because no hardship has been demonstrated by the petitioners. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. Chairman Pauba introduced the request by Vantage Companies. Commissioner Marofsky asked to be excused from consideration of this application because of a potential conflict of interest. The Chair and Commission concurred. Chairman Pauba requested that Planner Cottingham provide an overview of the February 25, 198S staff report. Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Kelly Doran, Vantage Companies, who introduced Mr. Matt Nicoll, Vantage Companies; and, Dave Field, who is selling the property. Mr. Doran outlined the background for this application. He stated that the evolution has been for office/ warehouse and "high tech" development. Their proposal provides a uniform, high quality development, rather than the development of eleven different sites, with different building types and construction materials. He stated there would be no detri- mental impact to surrounding properties by approving this Land Use Guide Plan Amendment. Chairman Pauba inquired if any thought had been given to developing the property for office use under the current guiding. Mr. Doran stated that the market is not strong enough now and that the site is not conducive for office development. Chairman Pauba stated there are some inherent problems with developing for development sake. Mr. Doran stated there is nothing to restrict the property owner from selling the property site -by -site to small users who have shown an interest in purchasing sites for develop- ment; that would be appropriate for the present guiding; however, they believe a uniform plan is the best use of the property. Commissioner Plufka stated it seems he is hearing that this plan offers buildings that "look like office buildings" but VOTE - MOTION CARRIED VANTAGE COMPANIES LAND USE GUIDE PLAN AMENDMENT (88002) Page 59 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 the request for requidinq would give them the flexibility they need for their proposed plan; and, would it not be true that those driving by would not equate these structures with industrial uses. Mr. Doran answered affirmatively. Chairman Pauba opened the Public Hearing. Tom Leverenz, 14008 Rockford Road, stated concern about the traffic issues with development in this area. It is increasingly difficult to get in and out of his drive. He suggested that because the City is reviewing a guide plan amendment for this property which has not sold as currently guided, that the residential property owners in this area be given the same consideration. He believes it is just a matter of time until residents wanting to sell their property will have a similar problem with unsaleable property. Kelly Doran explained that a traffic study showed a reduction in the number of trips during the peak drive time hours from those uses under the proposed guiding. Dave Field, 3434 Heritage Dr., stated he has owned the property since 1969. In the 1970's, the City promoted the idea that the property be reguided from IP (planned industrial) to CL (limited business) classification. He is impressed with the Vantaqe proposal and the current property ownership wants to sell the entire parcel to one owner. It is his opinion that the City should support this unified development proposal in -lieu of site -by -site development. Chairman Pauba closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Wire stated concern about this intersection having much more activity now; and, whether there should be additional retail -type uses in this area. It may be feasible to return this property to a planned industrial land use. Director Tremere explained that B-1 zoning does not allow retail uses, whereas, by Conditional Use Permit, retail uses are allowed in the I-1 District. Commissioner Plufka stated that it does not appear that this plan reflects typical industrial land use, however, the plan causes no special problems considering the other development in the area. This proposal makes more practical sense in that it is a unified plan, whereas fractionalization could increase traffic from the site and have an impact on the busy intersection. Chairman Pauba stated that a unified development is good planning, however, he is not convinced that this constitutes the highest and best use for this property. Page 60 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 MOTION by Commissioner Stulberq, seconded by Commissioner Plufka to recommend approval for the Land Use Guide Plan Amendment for Vantage Companies, subject to the three conditions listed in the February 25, 1988 staff report, changing Condition No. 1 as follows: Approval of the Land Use Guide Plan Amendment to re- classify the designation from CL (limited business) to IP (planned industrial) is based on the development plan as proposed; and, if in fact development does not occur as proposed, the present Land Use Guiding designation would be preserved. and changing Condition No. 3 by deleting the last sentence so that it reads as follows: A Development Contract shall be executed and a Building Permit shall be issued, with all fees paid, prior to March 9, 1989, or this Resolution will be void and the reguiding will not take place. Director Tremere pointed out that the deleted language in Condition No. 3 was established and has been used by the City Council. Commissioner Tierney stated she is also concerned about the increase in traffic at this busy intersection. She inquired about this neighborhood's loss of certain amenities provided with development proposed under the CL guiding that would not be part of development plans for industrial use. Director Tremere explained the City's rationale for reguid- ing the property to the CL classification in 1979; arid, that the owner then agreed that this would be a positive change. This is a key intersection; if the property were left as presently guided, office development would not detract from the "Downtown Plymouth" area, for example; and, with reguiding, there is the possibility of "missed opportunities" such as the development of hotels, corporate headquarters, etc. This property would not necessarily need to develop as 11 separate small lots; it could be marketed as a single site or several larger sites. Commissioner Plufka stated that the concern regarding increased traffic would be valid for uses listed in the Zon- ing Ordinance for office limited business which could be considered "retail" in scope, such as daycare, barber and beauty shops, plus those requiring Conditional Use Permits, such as restaurants, theaters, versus those uses in the planned industrial district which are only for those employed within the district. MOTION TO APPROVE Page 61 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 Further discussion ensued regarding types of use in the industrial versus the limited business district. Chairman Pauba stated that despite the discussion regarding a reduction in peak hour traffic, he does not support the request and that the property should retain the present guiding, as the highest and best use. Roll Call Vote. 4 Ayes. Chairman Pauba, Nay. Commissioner Marofsky, abstained. Chairman Pauba opened the Public Hearing. Director Tremere explained that, at Commission direction, this Public Hearing is held to receive input, and the Commission may elect to continue the Public Hearing if necessary, or to give direction to staff regarding amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. He reviewed correspondence dated March 8, 1988, received from Ryan Construction Company concerning the Zoning Ordinance parking requirements. Chairman Pauba recognized Mr. Bill McHale, Ryan Construction Co. Mr. McHale explained that the correspondence was pre- pared by Mr. Al Schackman. Mr. McHale stated he would answer questions for the Commission. Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Ron Clark, Ron Clark Construction Co. Mr. Clark asked the Commission to consider a reduction of shopping center parking requirements. He believes the City of Plymouth Ordinance parking standards require twice the amount of parking for convenience centers and shopping centers than that required by other municipalities such as Bloomington and Minnetonka, for example. This, is also an aesthetic and systems consideration, because it creates a "sea of asphalt" and causes excessive "run-off." Mr. Clark stated that the question is what you really need for parking at peak hours. Convenience shopping and the smaller retail shopping areas of Plymouth do not require parking over a long period of time, the shopper's stay is short and the turnover is quick. He stated it would be worthwhile if the City would check with other suburbs to see how they are handling their parking requirements; how it works for them; and, that it should reveal those require- ments as more than adequate. Chairman Pauba stated that Plymouth has received good information from other communities. VOTE - NOTION CARRIED REVISIONS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE PARKING STANDARDS FOR SHOPPING CENTERS AND RETAIL USES Page 62 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 Bill McHale, Ryan Construction Company, stated that it is critical to the City to be able to work with a developer who is bringing in a prime development which will increase the tax base and the number of employees in the City. It would be a significant loss to the City of Plymouth if that development were to go to another community because that community has requirements that are more suitable to the developer/employer/taxpayer. He also noted that cars are smaller and some latitude should be given for this. He stated that specialty stores, such as Byerly's, Cub, and Rainbow food stores, are more sensitive to the parking they believe is required for their site and, of their own volition, provide parking above City requirements. However, the City must review their Ordinance standards to be sure they are not so stringent that development opportunities are lost for the City. He urged the Planninq Commission to act on the information made available to them. Extensive discussion ensued. Commissioner Marofskv stated the short-term problem is the discrepancy in the Zoning Ordinance for shopping center parking; and, the long-term problem is the need to distinguish types of centers and uses. MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner MOTION REQUESTING Stulberg directing that staff draft language amending the DRAFT AMENDMENT TO Ordinance so that the standard for shopping centers in both ZONING ORDINANCE the B-2 and B-3 Districts is 6 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area. Commissioner Plufka stated there are two issues: what constitutes the numbers and configuration of parking spaces for certain non-residential land uses and what are proper design standards. Staff should list appropriate new categories and show what those new numbers should be by analyzing the commercial uses and evaluating the Barton-Aschman Report. Open space should be provided in conjunction with "proof -of -parking" plans. Consideration could be given to having a "proof -of -parking" standard and a standard for the minimum amount to be installed. He realizes that developers would like to "free -up" some of the space now required for parking, for buildinq. Commissioner Wire agreed. He stated that staff should delineate the uses in the B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts, as these have uses where long-term parking is needed. MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO TABLE Plufka to Table the MOTION for further discussion. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. VOTE - NOTION CARRIED Page 63 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner Marofsky, that staff prepare further comparative information relative to the parkinq standards for the various retail and shopping center uses listed in the Ordinance; and, that based on the requirements called for within the Study, a standard be developed utilizing a "margin" of parking between a minimum to be installed and a "proof -of -parking" level that may be deferred; and, take into account shared parking and type of compatible use. Mr. Bill McHale, Ryan Construction Co., stated that they are also concerned about the shared parkinq requirements for uses from the satellite stores to the anchor tenant. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. Commission Plufka stated that the Ordinance standards for parking lot construction should be simplified. Director Tremere explained Ordinance flexibility and the importance of function and workability of parking lot design. He stated that direction is needed as to specific adjustments to current standards. He stated that "small car spaces" such as those used in ramps and lots in the City of Minneapolis could be considered. MOTION DIRECTING STAFF VOTE - MOTION CARRIED MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO DRAFT Plufka, directing that City staff draft revised standards REVISED STANDARDS with "recommended" dimensions for parking. layout and design with minimum standards for mandatory items such as bay width, stall width, fire lanes, and yard setbacks. Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED Chairman Pauba stated that the Public Hearing would be continued at a future meeting date, to be determined, and those persons presenting the blue Agenda Cards would be notified. Director Tremere inquired if the Motion on the Table should be indicated for that agenda. Chairman Pauba answered affirmatively. OLD BUSINESS Chairman Pauba requested a brief synopsis of the request by DAVID PETERSON Planner Cottingham, who explained the reduction in density HEW-LYN, INC J FCC and the additional landscaping and buffering provided. CORP. REVISED MPUD CONCEPT PLAN Commissioner Marofsky inquired about the acreage for Outlot PRELIMINARY PLAN/ E. Planner Cottingham stated that the consultant verified PLAT, REZONING that at .5 acre. Commissioner Marofskv noted that the berm- AND CONDITIONAL ing on the west side of the apartment building appears to USE PERMIT (87109) Page 64 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 have been eliminated, and that between the apartment build- ing and residences, it appears there is landscaping only and no berminq. This was confirmed by Planner Cottingham. Chairman Pauba introduced Greg Frank, McCombs, Frank, Roos, representing the petitioner. Mr. Frank stated they would provide berming and have followed the direction given by the Planning Commission. He noted the open space by type and explained the trail system. Director Tremere explained the street connections planned with phases 3 and 4 of this development. Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Glenn Olander-Quamme, 10750 55th Place Porth, neighborhood spokesperson. Mr. Olander-Quamme stated they have not recently met as a neighborhood association. He wanted to express their appreciation to Mr. Peterson for working with them and show- ing them his plans. The consensus of the board is that the concept is good and has benefit. A remaininq concern is the easterly apartment building and the density at this locat- ion. He inquired if the proposal is at the upper limit of the density range. Planner Cottingham stated the application is reviewed for overall density and he explained the calculations. Mr. Olander-Quamme inquired if the density for the entire PUD is at the upper limit. Planner Cottingham answered that for the total area, the density would be at the higher end of the LA -2 and LA -3 density range; it is within the appropriate ranges however, and does not exceed the Ordinance standards. Mr. Olander-Quamme inquired if this is the developer's option. Planner Cottingham explained the density as calculated for a Planned Unit Development. Mr. Olander-Quamme stated that he would still like to see some reduction in density, and traffic is still a major concern. The early plan showed a long cul-de-sac; this plan shows a plat with one "big" cul-de-sac; and, it should be an "absolute" that 56th Avenue be extended to assure that traffic from this development will have a secondary access without coming through his neighborhood. Further discussion ensued regarding utility and road extension. Mr. Olander-Quamme inquired about the berming from the town - homes. Mr. Frank explained the installation and elevations. Page 65 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 Mr. Olander-Quamme summarized the ,concerns regarding density, access from 53rd and 56th Avenues, and that additional berming be installed to provide transition and privacy from the townhomes to the single family residential areas. Mr. Frank asked that there be coordination between this developer and the City regarding street extensions to see that this is accomplished as the phasing is completed. There would be temporary access from Trenton Lane. He further explained the intent to install 6 ft. berming with plantings that will give a "softer" effect and will provide efficient screening. Director Tremere explained the proposed condition about street extension and commencement of Phases 3 and 4. The completion of the roads should be timed to coincide with or precede development of the latter phases. Commissioner Marofsky inquired about the tot lot location. Mr. Frank stated the tot lot is to be available for all. Commissioner Marofsky inquired, if the Homeowner's Associa- tion is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the tot lot, would the apartment complex pay any portion. Mr. Frank stated no, but this is not a significant expense. Mr. Olander-Ouamme inquired about blocking off construction traffic from neighborhood streets. Planner Cottingham explained the construction access during the phase when large earth moving equipment is used would be via the tempo- rary access from County Road 10; and, that once the Certifi- cate of Occupancy is issued for the first home, the bar- ricades could be removed. Commissioner Plufka noted that development is occurring all over the City, and that it is not feasible for the City to provide special protection from construction traffic to one area of the City. Discussion ensued about alternatives for construction traffic. MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner Plufka to recommend approval for the Revised MPUD Concept Plan, subject to the conditions as listed in the February 25, 1988 staff report. NOTION TO APPROVE FPUD CONCEPT PLAN Vote. 6 Ayes MOTION carried. VOTE - NOTION CARRIED • Page 66 Planning Commission Minutes March 9, 1988 MOTION by Commissioner Marofsky, seconded by Commissioner NOTION TO APPROVE Stulberg to recommend approval for the Rezoning, PUD Preliminary Plan/Plat and Conditional Use Permit, subject to the conditions as listed in the February 25, 1988 staff report with the addition of the following: Condition No. 18. Additional berming shall be installed south and west of Block 11. Condition No. 19. The Minutes of this meeting shall he provided with the Final Plan when presented to the Planning Commission. NOTION CARRIED Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. OTHER BUSINESS Director Tremere noted that the Commission should formulate a statement of direction for the City Council regarding Community -Based Residential facilities. Once authorization is received from the City Council, Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments can be prepared. The size factor and growth potential of churches in the residential zones was discussed. Director Tremere explained that, as institutional uses, churches could be considered too. The Council has asked staff to review churches with respect to size. Commissioner Stulberg stated this should be a separate issue from the community-based residential facilities. ADJOURMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M. The Good, the B RONI A DISTANCE. POLITICS APPEARS TO BE A MATTER of issues, not personalities. Where a politician stands on school aid, the business climate, abortion, fiscal policy, and civil liberties seems to be a far more important con- sideration than whether you might want to invite him or her over for dinner. The closer you get to the political process, however, the more it becomes apparent that politica is just as much a question of per- sonalities. And it is with personalities—not issues—that this ar- ticle concerns itself. In judging individual legislators, I have dis- regarded labels like liberal and conservative, pro-life and pro - choice. Instead I have focused on the same criteria that legisla- tors use in judging each other: not h th league is right-wing or left-wing, il tion he or she took on a given b' a legislator is trustworthy or ven dim, courteous or rude, open -mi gant, diligent or lazy, humble or vain, parochial or broad- minded. The relative quality of the Minnesota State Legislature is of more than idle interest. These are, after all, people whose ac- tions intimately affect our everyday lives. One of the many unin- tended consequences of the Reagan Revolution has been to shift more power from the federal level of government to the states. Dutch hoped that this would put more power in the hands of con- servatives; instead it has increased the hold of the Democratic party on state governments. But then, he was going to balance the budget, too, wasn't he? How good is the Minnesota legislature? Better than most. Oh, we have our knaves and dolts, but certainly no more than our fair share. What venality exists is on a petty scale when compared with other states. On the other hand, we are blessed with more than our share of effective, upright legislators, some veterans of the process, some newcomers, men and women informed by a genuine concern for the public good. As we all know from listening to Garrison Keillor, Minnesota is a funny kind of place. We don't do things the way folks in other parts of the country do them. If we have relatively clean politics, it could also be argued that we have a remarkably forgiving elec- torate. Where else would a Rudy Perpich have been tolerated so long—not to mention re-elected? In what other state would an Endotronics-like affair not snowball into a political scandal that destroys the public careers of a host of officials, including the ly Uchard Broderick governor? Yet for all the things that vex and bemuse observers of the state's political scene, Minnesota's much -vaunted repu- tation for clean politics is not entirely rooted in mythology. Most of our legislators play by the rules and scrupulously segregate personal interests from the political process. In this, as in other ways, the state's political culture is unique. There are a few things to keep in mind about the following in- formal, highly impressionistic evaluation of the best and the worst members of our state legislature. First, the 1986 election swept a lot of new faces into the Capitol—and swept away a few familiar ones (there are some 30 freshmen in the House alone). It usually takes a while for new legislators to prove themselves one way or r. There are undoubtedly many out - ng new senators and representatives—as a few knaves—who will not be discussed or the simple reason that the book isn't hem yet. Maybe next year. Second, in compiling this list re I have tended to steer clear of members in the leadership, ex- cept in those instances where an individual's qualities are so out- standing that they cannot be overlooked. Thus, figures like Roger Moe and Bob Vanasek do not appear. Suffice it to say, however, that you do not become Senate majority leader or speak- er of the House unless your colleagues consider you an effective legislator and politician. Third, after appearing to be on the verge of permanently tak- ing over the legislature a few years ago, the Independent - Republican party has fallen on bitter times. The 1986 election was a statewide debacle for the IRs. Not only did the party lose control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, but the num- bers of Republican members in the Senate and the House were reduced to near -inconsequential levels. Of the more than 130 members of the House, only 50 belong to the IR caucus. The per- centages in the Senate are stacked even higher against the Repub- licans. Only 20 out of 67 senators belong to the IR. Not surpris- ingly, then, more DFLers than IR members show up in this evalu- ation, although I have tried to be as bipartisan as possible in as- signing praise or blame. Finally, the information in this article is based on conversations with reporters, lobbyists, legislative staffers, and legislators themselves—people who know the legislature best. All were promised anonymity for what I trust are obvious reasons. After all, we're dealing in personalities here. w e era col- anothe or what posi- standi l, but whether well as al, intelligent or here, f nded or arro Uthein on t EHtarrassiv• Minnesota state legislators on parade. Richard Broderick is a Twin Cities–based freelance writer. TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 57 Keeping His Nose to the Grindstone Senator John Brand/, DFL, District 62. Served four nonconsecutive terms in the House. Elected to the Senate in 1986. Home: Minneapolis. Vice chair, Taxes and Tax Latus Committee. b AS A LONGTIME MEMBER OF THE HOUSE R' and now a freshman senator, Brandt has a n gallery of admirers in both chambers—and -► on both sides of the aisle. "He's support- _ ,:• ed issues that everybody else runs away from holding their noses," says one polit- ical reporter. Brandt is a liberal who nevertheless demands that accountability, in terms of measurable results, be built into any bill he authors or supports. Equally strange for a liberal, he does not believe that government is automatically better suited to perform asocial task than the private sector. This has led him to question the scope and appropriateness of state involvement in such bodies as the Metropolitan Stadium Commission. Sometimes his insistence on placing public good over personal political advantage costs him dearly. Specifically, he lost his seat in the House in 1978 partly because of his refusal to grandstand on the issue of airport noise (his district in south Minneapolis is right on the flight path). "With a local issue like that," observes a former IR leader who served with Brandt in the House, "the usual thing is for guys to raise hell, introduce radical legislation they know will never pass, and wink at their colleagues and say, `This is what I'm doing to get re-elected.' But that was beneath him." Such rock -bottom integrity was one of the reasons that Brandt, though new to the Senate, was chosen to sit on the select committee looking into former representative Randy Staten's var- ious transgressions. "If Brandt thought Staten was guilty, no one could question the decision," says the former IR leader. Traffic Control Senator Florian Chmielewski, DFL, District 14. First elected 1970. Home: Sturgeon Lake. Chair, Employment Committee. President pro tem of the Senate. BACK WHEN DICK GUINDON CREATED HIS polyester -clad caricature of Minnesota -t legislators, he might have been thinking of Florian Chmielewski, the Iron Range legis- jr lator who has gained a renown of sorts for his bad scalp rug and loud clothing. When his name comes up among cot - leagues, the response is usually something along the lines of, "Well, he's not the greatest intellect ever to have graced the Capitol." Evidence suggests that the dimness may be mostly an act. Through 17 years in office, Chmielewski has shown himself to be a master of manipulating the legislative process and a log -roller of formidable skill. Many are the sena- tors who find themselves voting for bills they have opposed in principle because Chmielewski has called in a chit on some favor he once delivered at considerably less political cost to himself. When you sup with Florian, bring a long spoon. Such savvy can be a good or bad thing, depending upon the use to which it is put. Unfortunately, Chmielewski too frequent- ly places the narrowest parochial interests ahead of statewide con- cerns. Moreover, he is not above abusing his position. The most 58 TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 recent instance of this came late last year when it was revealed that Chmielewski had used his name and rank to obtain confiden- tial information from State Highway Patrol Chief Roger Ledding about a trooper who'd had the audacity to arrest Chmielewski's daughter for speeding. The senator even threatened to drag Floyd Hanson, the offending trooper, before his Employment Commit- tee, toward what end is not clear. "I would like to have Super Cop Hanson before my committee when I return from my business trip March 10," Chmielewski wrote to Ledding. Hanson was never called to testify, but the incident casts an unpleasant light on Chmielewski's philosophy of public service. Clean Gene Senator Gene Merriam, DFL, District 49. First elected in 1974. Home: Coon Rapids. Chair, Finance Committee. MERRIAM IS ONE OF THE TOP THREE OR four legislators in the state; indeed, many rank him number one. The reasons? His range of knowledge; his attention to detail; his integrity and com- mon sense. "He reads everything related to legislation," says one DFL senator. "He does a better job on the Judiciary [the Judiciary Committee, of which Merriam is a member] than law- yers who sit on the committee." "He's the voice of common sense in the Senate," comments a lobbyist. "He's the guy who sits on the floor with the entire stat- ute spread out in front of him during debates. He's the one who brings things back to details. He's like a super staff person." "Public service is his highest priority," observes an IR legis- lator. "Sometimes to his political disadvantage." Case in point: Merriam, a "pro -lifer," voted against a rules amendment backed by the Minnesota Citizens Concerned far L Ic (MCCL). The amendment would have made it easier to bring a bill out of com- mittee to the floor for a vote by the full Senate. The MCCL backed the amendment because it would have meant by-passing the Judiciary Committee, which considers most legislation dealing with abortion issues and which has a pro -choice majority. As a result of bucking the pro-life lobby, Merriam may, have jeopardized his chances of ever running for Congress from the Sixth District. Washington's loss would be Minnesota's gain. Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered Bill Senator A. W. "Bill"Diessner, DFL, District 56. Elected 1982. Home: Afton. Chair, Injured Workers Compensation Committee. Vice chair, Veterans Committee. BILL DIESSNER IS THE MYSTERY MAN OF the Senate—the mystery being "What's he doing here?" Fellow senators cite his ap- parent chronic state of disorientation, his incoherent ramblings, and his general strangeness. "He's just weird," adjudges a DFLer who served with Diessner on a couple of committees. Another senator, .Iso a Democrat, recalls a bill Diessner supported at the begin - Ing of the last session that was ostensibly designed to protect a omeowner's right to shoot an intruder. "The way the bill was written," says this senator, "if I trespass on your property, even if I have no criminal intent, you could kill me. We could have had people shooting kids cutting across a corner of their yards and getting away with it. [Diessner] had no grasp of the bill's impli- cations or even what was in it, although he sponsored it." Compassionate Majority Representative Ann Wynia, DFL, District 63B. Sixth term. Home: St. Paul. House majority leader. . Chair, Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. WYNIA BECAME MAJORITY LEADER WHEN Bob Vanasek replaced Fred Norton as House speaker. She is a liberal DFLer who '� 11' can still understand and work with the party's more conservative members, prin- k " cipally its pro-life faction. Over the years, she has made it her business to speak on behalf of those who normally have a hard time making themselves heard in public debate—such people as AFDC recipients and inmates and patients at state facilities. Small wonder she has received numerous awards from organizations for the poor and downtrodden. At the same time, Wynia is a shrewd politician with a real zest for the political process. She expends considerable energy keep- ing open the lines of communication within the large and poten- tially fractious DFL caucus. She showed a rare ability to transcend the usual liberal antibusiness bias with her work on a bill that loos- ened some restrictions on the banking industry. She is considered highly discreet and trustworthy. The Best Argument Yet Against Raising the Per -diem Representative Ken Kludt, DFL, District 9A. First term. Home: Moorhead. Vice chair, Judiciary Committee. Chair, Child Abuse/Child Protection Subcommittee. TALK ABOUT YOUR FREE -SPENDING Democrats! Rarely does a freshman legislator—and �- a member of the House, at that— distinguish himself in quite the manner of this priapic DFLer from the Red River valley. In June 1987, Kludt was arrested for soliciting prostitution in St. Paul's red-light district on Universi- ty Avenue. But the gods who govern farce and tragedy seem to have taken a special interest in this young man's political career from the outset. To get to the House, Kludt defeated Joel Carl- son, the New Right frosh whose principal claim to notoriety was his infamous call for a 30 -percent cut in AFDC payments. Soon after Kludt's election, an 83 -year-old man was arrested for violat- ing campaign laws. The charge: He'd distributed government sur- plus cheese while urging voters to cast their ballots for Kludt. (The charges were later dropped.) In May, just a little over a month before his own arrest, Kludt was featured in a Star Tribune arti- cle about the stresses and strains of a legislator's life. "Every Sunday evening when Rep. Kenneth Kludt prepares to leave his home for the five- to six -hour drive back to the Capitol, 21/2 -year-old Karoline grabs his leg and cries for her daddy to take her along," the article began. Maybe Kludt should have given in to his daughter's pleas. Cer- tainly he could have used a chaperon. Ducking out of the spe- cial session called to consider the Dayton Hudson antitakeover bill, Kludt drove up to a police decoy and told her to stay put while he drove around the block to make sure there were no police in the area. When the decoy got in the car, he lamented, "I only have twenty dollars!" That, she told him, was sufficient for oral sex. After the arrest, Kludt compounded the embarrassment by claiming that he was doing personal research into prostitution and that he'd done nothing illegal—although he had acted immorally (a modified Jim Bakker defense). After his arrest on Wall Street, Ivan Boesky developed a sud- den interest in Talmudic studies. Kludt's response was more typi- cally Minnesotan: He joined Alcoholics Anonymous (the Michael Deaver defense). Eventually he pleaded guilty to all charges. In January, he was implicated in investigations into prostitution rings allegedly operated by St. Paul bar owner Earl Montpetit. His po- litical future is on hold pending the outcome of Gary Hart's campaign. Third -tier Champion Representative Craig Shaver, IR, District 45A. Third term. Home. Wayzata. SHAVER IS AN EFFECTIVE, REASONABLE, and informed advocate for the so-called third -tier suburbs that he about equidistant `t "' from the core of the city and the heart of 2 the country. The issues in the third tier are school funding and tax fairness. Shaver speaks up for those concerns without fall- ing into the trap of parochialism. As a moderate in a caucus that, in part, brought itself low because of a penchant for dogmatism, he brings a dry, outsider's humor to the often immoderate proceedings at the Capitol. It was Shaver who suggested during last spring's embarrassing fracas over color - coding election ballots that instead of using blue for the DFL and a distinctly golden -toned yellow for the IR—colors that were thoughtfully chosen by the DFL without, it must be pointed out, any consultation with the House Republicans—the DFL color should be a nice shade of pink (as in pinko) while the IRs could have red, white, and blue. Shaver's jest almost deflated the preposterous debate, but hotter heads prevailed (see more un- der John Sarna). The Big Easy Representative James Rice, DFL, District 57A. Ninth term. Home: Minneapolis. Chair, Agriculture, Transportation and Semi -State Division of the Appropriations Committee. "HE'S A GUY WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN COM - low fortable at Tammany Hall or in Cook t County under Mayor Daley," says a lob- i b ' t of un +l,`- yes J' Rice. "If he was a woman, we'd ' say he was `of easy virtue.' " With going on 18 years in the House, Rice is probably as close as we get in Minnesota to an old- fashioned machine pol. Colleagues like him personally, but express a lack of trust in him. He is effective to TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 59 the degree that he knows how to work the legislative process, bu he is abrasively partisan and an unthinking supporter of organize( labor. To House members on both sides of the aisle, he's knowr as the legislature's "last shady character"—although, as John Sar na has shown, Rice may not really be the last. Rising Stars: The Senate Senator Gary DeCramer, DFL, District 27. Elected 1982. Home: Ghent. Vice chair, Transportation Committee. Senator Dave Fredrickson, DFL, District 20. Elected 1986. Home: Murdock. Vice chair, Agriculture Committee. ALTHOUGH NEITHER MAN has been in the Senate i long, they have already made an impression with their individual integrity, common sense, and breadth of vision. It re- mains to be seen whether t' these two have the charisma or drive to rise to leadership posi- tions. In any event, they are examples of the kind of talented legis- lators who are still, thankfully, being sent to the Capitol. There's a Job Waiting for This Guy at Fallon McElligott Senator foe Bertram, DFL, District 16. Elected 1980. Home: Paynesville. Chair, Soil and Water Conservation Subcommittee. BERTRAM TAKES THE CAKE FOR THE MOST gratuitously sexist public comment of the year by a Minnesota politician. During a ra- dio interview in December, Bertram joked that a friend had given his wife "leather goods" for Christmas—"a boot in the butt and a belt in the mouth." Ha, ha. Merry Christmas. The remark touched off the predictable storm of protest among feminists, but it is not expected to hurt Bertram in his own legislative seat. However, it may very well have squashed talk of Bertram running for Congress in the Seventh District. Kind of a deserved boot in the butt for Joltin' Joe. How Good Is He? Representative Bill Schreiber, 1R, District 48B. Seventh term. Home: Brooklyn Park. House minority leader. HOW GOOD IS BILLSCHREIBER? WELL, ONE indicator is the fact that he was featured in a promotional film made by the National Association of State Legislators, which _ presumably would want to highlight the best. Schreiber was the chair of the power- ful Tax Committee before being selected to lead the decimated IR minority in the House. Even ideological opponents admire his intellect and in- tegrity, although some hard -charging Republicans think he's a little too sedate to be in the leadership. "He should no more lead a minority caucus than Donna Rice should serve on a church board," complains one IR representative. "He's comfortable be - 60 TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 ung professorial but has no zing. Talking to him is like sitting down with your uncle, which is fine—unless you're looking for some- one to lead you in the charge up a hill." That same legislator, it should be pointed out, lavished praise on Schreiber's grasp of complex issues. Others, however, think he may be the most effective leader the IR House members could have in this, their pain's season of dis- content. He is articulate and respected by liberals as a partisan Republican who nonetheless is "not strange," as one lobbyist puts it. "The IR caucus is well organized for the off-year elec- tions," says this same lobbyist. "Bill holds the caucus together. There is not as much factionalism." Partly that's because of the thankfully small representation of religious right-wingers in this session. With a few exceptions, the IR members are sober and responsible legislators, not crusaders in the holy war against secular humanism. "His chief joy is not to get headlines but to make the process work," says a leading Republican. "He's the kind of guy who excels in negotiations where compromise is necessary. He doesn't get hung up on ide- ology, but finds the middle ground. As a result, he's able to work with the majority and help the IR caucus have a lot more influence than the sheer number of legislators might warrant." San Juan Hill Representative Gordon Voss, DFL, District 52A. Eighth term. Home: Blaine. Chair, Taxes Committee. "HE'S CLOSE TO BEING BRILLIANT," SAYS AN IR House member of Gordie Voss, "but how he got elected is a mystery." Indeed. Vengeful, vindictive, arrogant, and rude is how his colleagues on both \' sides of the aisle describe the Blaine Democrat. And those are the nicer things they say. The late State Senator Nick Coleman once reportedly said of Voss, "If you sent away for a trainload of jerks and only Gordie Voss showed up, you'd feel Eke you got your money's worth." As chair of the Taxes Committee, Voss has potentially a lot of power—but his penchant for making enemies limits his impact. "He treats everyone badly, no matter what party you belong to," says one House DFLer. "And if you cross him in the smallest way, watch out. He'll get you." Among other things, colleagues accuse Voss of following his own personal agenda—which fre- quently includes the settling of scores for slights real and imagi- nary. As chair, his high-handed ways have rendered him rela- tively ineffective, despite his acknowledged expertise. Put off by his arrogance, other committee members this past session vir- lually cut him out of the bill -writing process. "The (taxi bill we wrote was very different from the one he wanted," says a DFLer in the committee. "He charged up the hill and no one followed." Freshman of the Year Representative ferry Bauerly, DFL, District 18B. First term. Home: Sauk Rapids. Vice chair, Education Finance Division of the Education Committee. THE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR IN THE HOUSE—AND THE MAN OF the future in education—Bauerly is a businessman and farmer welcome specimen as a DFLer. who served with distinction on his local school board before running for the legis- lature. Generally, it takes new members a full session before they begin to grasp the complexities of school aid and property tax issues; because of his background, Bauerly is already considered a master of these ar- cane matters. He also represents a rare and a successful businessman who ran and won The Next Jim Rice? Representative John Sama, DFL, District 58A. Eighth term. Home: Minneapolis. Chair, Commerce Committee. "IF HE WORKED A LITTLE HARDER, HE }" could be another Jim Rice," says a former Y state legislator of John Sarna. "They are gentlemen of similar virtues." A whiff of ve- xe nality surrounds Sarna, who in the past has been known for having overly cozy rela- tions with lobbyists. "The functional equivalent of a Chicago -style politician visited upon Minnesota," is the opinion one IR House member holds of Sarna. "Service is of secondary importance. What mat- ters most is, `What's in it for me?' " An example of what some colleagues deem thuggish behavior was Sarna's effort last spring to push through an amendment to the state's election laws that would have color -coded ballots. It was a blatant attempt to discourage vote -splitting, something that is apparently frowned upon in Sarna's district in northeast Min- neapolis. Sarna introduced the proposal without bothering to ask IR members what color, if any, they might choose. Sarna's policy was so repugnant that in one of its few victories in the session, the IR minority, joined by some 20 DFLers, managed to vote down the proposal. Unperturbed, Sarna rein- troduced the proposal as a tag -on to an unrelated unemployment compensation bill—a hardball tactic that has become increasingly common in the U.S. Congress but is still somewhat rare in Min- nesota. Then–House Speaker Fred Norton demonstrated his dedication to democratic values by cutting off the microphones of IR members attempting to filibuster Sarna's end -run. In the ensuing uproar, one IR member collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital. The whole incident, which took up several hours, occurred just four days before the end of the session, at a time when discussion of several major bills was still pending. It may have been the legislature's blackest hour, and Sarna played a major role in causing it. A Junior Gene Merriam Senator Randy Peterson, DFL, District 19. Elected 1980. Home: Wyoming. Chair, Education Aids Division of the Education Committee. "SORT OF A JUNIOR GENE MERRIAM" IS THE WAY A FELLOW SENA. tor describes Peterson. Like Merriam, Peterson is a legislator of unimpeachable integrity, a hard-working, intelligent, and artic- ulate public servant. He attained his chairmanship by virtue of seniority, but he has won respect for his mastery of one of the most complex subjects handled by the legislature: property taxes. Peterson has been known to buck the state's powerful education lobby, yet he is the man educa- tion lobbyists approach to get things done. In the 1987 session, Peterson tackled perhaps the thorniest school aid issue of all—the redistribution of allocations to give a larger share of the pie to poorer, outstate school districts at the expense of richer city and suburban districts. The more well- heeled districts are raising the predictable outcry, and the mat- ter has been rolled over to this session. The fight, therefore, is far from over, but don't count Peterson out just yet. The Scholar -Legislator Representative Ann Rest, DFL, District 46A. Second term. Home: New Hope. Vice chair, Taxes. WITH A COUPLE OF GRADUATE DEGREES, Rest may be our most scholarly legislator. _ Certainly she brings a scholar's patience �' and attention to detail to her work in the House. She is one of perhaps a half-dozen House members who genuinely under- stand tax -increment financing. In her two g terms, she has earned the respect—and no doubt, the gratitude—of her colleagues. She's one to watch in the future. Diminishing the Minority Senator Mel Frederick, JR, District 30. First elected 1970. Home: Owatonna. Assistant minority leader and minority whip pro tem. FREDERICK IS KNOWN ASA GUY WHO OPER- ates from a personal agenda; "in it for him- self' is how one fellow Republican r describes him. An executive with an invest- ment firm, Frederick is reputedly not above soliciting business from colleagues at the Capitol. He reportedly also helped en- gineer Glen Taylor's downfall as head of the Senate IR caucus because he was peeved by the selection of Taylor, head of a large Mankato company, as Corporate Report Minnesota's Executive of the Year in 1987. Far from growing in his leadership role, Frederick appears to have cut his leader- ship position down to his own, not very exalted size. Don Quixotic Senator Don Storm, JR, District 42. Elected 1982. Home: Edina. Assistant minority leader. MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE QUESTIONS HE asks than for the answers he provides, Storm is an outspoken and prescient gad- fly who was among the first to probe into problems surrounding the World Trade Center and the St. Paul Port Authority. He is viewed as somewhat quixotic, but nonetheless sound on basic issues. TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 61 the Mesabi An Ego Bigger District 6B. Representative Joe Begich, DFI,, Seventh term• Home: Eveleth. to ent and lhorkers Compens Chair, Unemployment Division y►n : of the Labor Management Relations Committee. POLITICS IS A FIELD THAT AT eR CTSe` en^ORE tn an than its share of big egos, y ard, Begtch stands : area so rich in self-reg µ,ell be very out. In the legislature he may arrogance* unmatched for pomposity and i �--_•' To watch the bowing and scraping he ex - To as his due from local Iron Range offi- cials is to marvel at how a state politician urtier- For so thoroughly take on the airs of a Versailles has COemarkably could though, h all his puffed-up self-esteem, ch comments a parochial view of things. Th World of est of Duoe Bluth and ends at Grand fellow House member, begins Rapids. ................................................ Kahn's Game Representative Phyllis Kahn, DFL, District 58B. Eighth term. Home: Minneapolis. Chair, State Departments Division ^f tl,o Appropriations Committee. KAHN HAS THE REPUTATION OF BEING ONE of the most pugnacious members of state government. Even colleagues who hate her abrasive style admire the way she runs her committee. Hers is a voice that cannot be dismissed—or, apparently, stilled—whether she chooses to raise it on behalf of funding for women's athletic programs or against the evil weed tobacco. Her energy never seems to dissipate, whether she lends it to cosponsoring political ads or helping to engineer the ouster of Minneapolis School Board incumbents. Some DFLers in the House think Kahn might be more effective if she toned down her style a wee bit. Don't hold your breath. Kahn clearly enjoys controversy. And besides, she is easily one of the most entertaining politicians in a state that is short on po- litical entertainment. Mediagenic, but.. . Representative Karen Clark, DFL, District 60A Fourth term. Home: Minneapolis. Chair, Job Development and Training. CLARK PROBABLY GETS AS MUCH PRESS coverage as any legislator who is not in a leadership position; yet for all her ink, she is lightly regarded by colleagues. "She'sLir- relevant," sniffs a DFL House member. "Ineffective and cliched," opines an IR representative. "She views the world strict- ly in black -and -white terms." This lack of esteem is not simply a case of media -envy, although Clark's knack for getting mentioned in the press is held against her by other members who view her well -covered statements as empty grandstanding. Even liberal members perceive her as an 62 TWIN CITIES MARCH 1988 activist more interested in taking highly publicized stands than in accomplishing am thing tangible. "She's constantly trying to show her constituency that she hasn't been co-opted," observes one lobbyist. "But in doing so, she's made herself completely ir- relevant to the legislative process." Uncle Wayne Representative Wane Sirnoneau, DFL, District 51B. Seventh term. Home:'Fridley. Chair, Governmental Operations Committee. "UNCLE" WAYNE SIMONEAU IS A PERENNIAL power in compensation issues, from unem- ployment insurance to pension funding. He could easily have been another labor hack, but instead he emerged as a thoughtful legislator willing to take a look at all sides of a matter. He was a major sponsor of the 1983 unemplovment compensation bill that displeased labor no end butjust happened to be good pub- lic policy. At the moment, he is in something of an eclipse, hav- ing dropped out of the leadership loop because of his opposition to former political friend Bob Vanasek's successful bid to become House speaker. Still, he is a respected and influential House member who is likely to come back strong in the session ahead. Trog Senator Carl Kroening, DFL, District 57. Elected 1980. Home: Minneapolis. Chair, State Departments Division of the Finance Committee. _ IN THE COMMENTS FROM THE INDIVIDUAL lobbyists, staffers, reporters, and legislators surveyed for this story, Kroening's name popped up as often as anyone's. The opin- ions, alas, are not positive. He is known as a man who hasn't changed his mind in 20 years, a creature of organized labor ren- dered ineffective by his unthinking oppo- sition to any proposal originating from the business communi- ty. "A troglodyte," says one lobbyist, a liberal Democrat. Profiles in Courage Senator Darrel Wegschied, DFL, District 37. Elected 1982. Home: Apple Valley. Vice chair, Governmental Operations Committee DARRIL WEGSCHIED IS CITED BY COL. leagues for his political courage. If that isn't rare enough, he also gets high marks for in- telligence, diligence, and ethics as well. He is a liberal DFLer who nonetheless brings t, an open mind to labor -business issues— sometimes to the displeasure of the DFL leadership. A case in point: his authorship of an unemployment compensation biil that passed both cham- bers only to be vetoed by Governor Perpich at the behest of or- ganized labor. "He's gutsy," says an admiring lobbyist of liberal leanings. "/hen he gets done with a bili, he understands the de- tails." His willingness to take on complex and unglamorous is- sues is just one of the reasons Wegschied has emerged as one Df the Senate's most effective members. W i* March 15, 1988 Joanna Espiner Edward Pond Associates, Ltd. 9 Alfred Place London WCIE 7EB England Dear Ms. Espiner: CITY O PLYMOUTH Plymouth, Minnesota is delighted to be included in your display on the north end of the Royal Parade Subway. I hope the following information is useful. Approximate Latitude: 450 North Longitude: 93° West Correct Town Name: Plymouth State: Minnesota Approximate Population: 43,840 Details of logo: A copy of the Plymouth logo is enclosed. The Plymouth symbol characterizes the unique qualities of the City. "P" is the primary design element; it stands for Plymouth, people, planning. - Blue represents the City's many lakes, streams and ponds and its efforts to keep the air and water clean and pure. - The green leaves symbolize Plymouth's concern for its natural environment and its agriculture, recreation and open space. - The gear illustrates the goal of a stable, diversified economic base with a firm foundation on its commerce and industry. Motto: "A City in a Country Setting" The motto reflects Plymouth's unique, complimentary blend of residential, business, industrial and open space. Comprising nearly 36 square miles, Plymouth is a growing second tier suburban community of about 44,000 people. Our natural amenities include numerous lakes, marshes, ponds, woodlands and hills. The community boasts a strategic geographic location in the metropolitan area and is served by a well-developed regional transportation system. City was Founded: 1858 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA. 554"47. TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 Joanna Espiner March 15, 1988 Page 2 Major Local Industries: major employers in Plymouth include various manufacturers, computer system manufacturers and a major insurance company. As requested, a slide of a "typical" view in the City is enclosed. I hope this information is helpful. Thank you for the opportunity to include information on Plymouth, Minnesota in your display. Sincerely, e �- /.VZ-- Virgil Schneider Mayor VS:kec �- H aAld l l qV Februar 1988. Edward Pond Associates Dear [�X. S"1O/ chartered designers PLYMOUTH ENGLAND 1988 Fourth Centenary Celebrations of The Defeat of the Invincible Spanish Armada. ROYAL PARADE SUBWAY. CERAMIC MURAL. I have recently completed a large ceramic mural for the City of Plymouth which will be a main permanent feature of this year's celebrations. Queen Elizabeth II will walk through the subway on July 22nd and I have been commissioned to prepare a design scheme and complete installation for both the North and South Entrances and flank walls in time for the Queen's visit. My scheme for the North End is to include details of every Plymouth, New Plymouth and Plympton in the world, and to show the location on a giant map of the world. So far we have found fifty-six locations. We want to make sure that your town is included correctly. This is a matter of some urgency and we would like to have your reply by return with as much information as you can give me please. If you do not know, or things like a Coat of Arms does not exist just ignore the question. 'Confirm - Latitude. Longitude. �;_'• `;lt Correct Town Name - State or Country - Population on 1st January 1988 aprox. Details of Coat of Arms or other Insignia. Details of Motto or Slogan. Date the Town was founded. Major local industry. ?.Photograph of a typical view. Brochure or any other details. Air Mail by return please. Thankyou for your help. Yours sincerely, d p.p Edward Pond. PS If veri ication of contact:- Robert Vickery Christopher Shepley - City But please get moving'. creditability is required please - Devon County Architect. Exeter. Planning Office. Plymouth. England. Edward Pond Associates Limited 9 Alfred Place London WME 7EB Telephone 01 63 7, 1042 Telex TLaIRG EPOND Fax 01278 6954 Directors Ed,..ard Pond lane Pond Amanda Cade Registered in England 128453 S March 15, 1988 Mr. Patrick G. Ryan Vice President Ryan Construction Company 700 International Centre 900 Second Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55402 k q CITY Or PUMOUTR SUBJECT: COMPLIANCE WITH FLOOD PLAIN ORDINANCE Dear Pat: Thank you for your quick response to my inquiry about filling. I had received a telephone call suggesting that the filiwork was not in full compliance with the ordinance. I have investigated this matter with the Plymouth Inspection Department, together with the materials you provided. Without shooting elevations, I am satisfied that your company is in compliance with the City's permit. Thanks again for your cooperation. Sincerely, IVr- gil Schneider Mayor VS:kec cc: City Councilmembers 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 554 7. TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 Mdren 16, 1988 Goff Homes Attn: Mr. Bruce Hilger 1959 Sloan Place Maplewood, MN 55117 Dear Mr. Hilger: 4420 Harbor Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 I am writing this letter on behalf of the members of the Kingsview Heights Homeowners Association regarding Goff Homes' proposed Fernbrook Manor Development. As you will recall, on 3/1 and 3j11length, 88 we discussed, at en th our concerns over the quality, price range and amenities of the subject development. To summarize these telephone conversations, I have listed below those items you indicated would be incorporated into the development to address our concerns: 1) Brick facing on first story of buildings towards Fernbrook 2) Shutters on all windows on buildings towards Fernbrook 3) Different roof lines on each building towards Fernbrook 4) Landscaping around all four (4) sides of all buildings including rock and shrubs 5) Professionally landscaped entry sign constructed with brick and timbers 6) Wrought iron railings on all decks 7) Curbing throughout all parking and drive areas 8) Berms along north and south property lines with berming or other landscaping (terracing, etc.) treatment along Fernbrook as allowed by topography. The items listed above, along with some added creativity in the placement of buildings, roads, drives, etc, on the site would go a long way in upholding the standard of excellence the residences of Plymouth strive for, and the standard of excellence we know Goff Homes is capable of providing. It is also our hope that you would limit these units to being owner occupied through proper language in the by-laws that will be established. Plymouth is a modern growing community with a large portion of its land as yet undeveloped. As a result, there will be many opportunities for builders of quality residential homes to continue construction in the area. Since this is your first development in Plymouth, we believe, and perhaps you may realize, that it should be a showplace serving as a model for your future developments. Perhaps you would find value in this in the long run to you and your future plans.