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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-17-1988R CITY O� PLYMOUTR CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION& MEMORANDUM November 17, 1988 RECYCLING CASH DRAWING November 17: No Winner Next Week: $200 Cash Award UPCOMING MEETIAGS AND EVENTS ..... 1. COUNCIL MEETING -- Monday, November 21, 7:30 p.m. Regular City Council meeting In City Council chambers. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION — -- Wednesday, November 23, 7:30 p.m. Planning Commission meeting in City Council chambers. Agenda attached. (M-2) 3. THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY -- City offices closed Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25. 4. EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY PARTY -- Sunday, December 11 at The Old Log Theater. The play is a British comedy, Tea for Two. Social hour - 5 p.m., Dinner - 6 p.m., Curtain time - 1:30 p.m. Cost: $7.50 per person. Please contact Laurie by Wednesday, November 30 if you plan to attend. 5. GROUNDBREAKING - NORTHWESTERN NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE & RYAN CONSTRUCTION -- Tuesday, November 22, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. AtEached Is an invita n to the groundbreaking celebration of 605 Waterford Park. (M-5) 6. MEETING CALENDARS -- Revised meeting calendars for November and December are attached. The Board of Zoning has scheduled a special meeting for Tuesday, November 29, and cancelled Its December 13 meeting. (M-6) 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM November 17, 1988 Page 2 FOR YOUR INFORMATION.... 1. SUBURBAN HENNEPIN REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM -_ Hennepin Parks has recently adopted its Five -Year -Capital Improvement Program. Their program contemplates a good deal of regional trail corridor acquisition and construction between 1989 and 1994. They propose to commence acquisition of additional trail corridor right-of-way from Elm Creek to French and from French to Theodore Wirth in 1989. In 1990, they propose additional acquisition from French Park to the Loose Line Trail. In 1993 and 1994 they propose the construction of the trail from Elm Creek to French and French to Theodore Wirth. Total estimated cost of this project is $5.6 million. This program is based, in part, upon funding made available through state bond sales and allocations through the Metropolitan Council. 2. COTTON CLUB -- Attached is a report from Laurie Rauenhorst on the issuance of the amusement center license for the Cotton Club. (1-2) 3. COUNTY ROAD 6/1-494 BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT -- On Tuesday, Novemb6i� 15, Phase 'I of the County Road 6/1-494 bridge reconstruction project was completed. Traffic was shifted to use this new bridge (the south half of the new bridge) until the other portion of the bridge is completed next summer. The contractor, Knutson Construction Company, was under a very short construction schedule to complete this portion of the project and did an excellent job in meeting the Phase I completion date. 4. POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT -- The September activity report for the Police Department is attached. (1-4) 5. CITY ATTORNEY BILLING -- The City Attorney's monthly client summary Tor -October is attached. (1-5) 6. "BUILDINGS DON'T VOTE" -- The attached article discussing the State's property tax system was taken from a recent issue of Corporate Report. (1-6) 7. MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SMALL CITIES -- The Minnesota Association of Small Cities, representing cities with populations of 5,000 and under, has approved a resolution supporting the MLC lawsuit against the State's 1988 tax bill. A copy of the Association's October newsletter is attached. (1-7) 8. HENNEPIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL & RECOVERY REPORT -- A copy of the County's newsletter is attached. (1-8) 9. CITIZEN COMMENT LINE CALLS -- Attached are copies of calls received on the Citizen Comment Line together with staff responses to each. (1-9) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM November 17, 1988 Page 3 10. CUSTOMER COMMENT COUNTER CARDS -- Copies of Public Service Customer Counter Comment Cards are attached. (I-10) 11. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter f rom Metropolitan Council, Solid Waste Division, concerning the release of the Hennepin County Transfer Station supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS). Two public informational meetings are tentatively planned for Tuesday, January 3, and Wednesday, January 4. The January 4 meeting site, yet to be announced, will be held somewhere between the Plymouth and Brooklyn Park transfer sites. (I -11a) b. Memorandum from Bob Zitur. (I -11b) James G. Willis City Manager JGW:jm attachments PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1988 WHERE: 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. PUBLIC FORUM 7:15 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL 3.* CONSENT AGENDA 4.* APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 9, 1988 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Request of Charles L. Hansen for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an amateur radio antenna system at his residence located at 12525 47th Avenue North comprised of towers of 25 feet, 35 feet, and 75 feet in height 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Review of Proposed Economic Development District #7 and Modification of Plans for Various Tax Increment Financing Districts B. Comprehensive Plan Review - Continued 7. OLD BUSINESS A. None 8. ADJOURNMENT 10:00 P.m- Northwestern NationalLifq'In* surance Company a' n Construction Company cordially inviteyou to attend the !roundbreaking celebration of 605,WaterfordPark.- Tuesday, November 22, 1988 from 4:00 to 6.-OOP.m. Location: Nortbwest quadrant of County Road 18 andHigbway 55 in Pbnnoutb, Minnesota. I RS VP —339-9847 ),.k. T -...NWNURYAW-� N 00 co cz LO 41 co ri) -H > T 00 FS4 p PL4 p ;0 FA rn Z. C:j PL4 W F-4 0 En C) �-3 F4 U cz z -0 En 0 H PL4 L) 0 r 1.4 0 P4 r- 0 Pd cz ,a P4 0 I 0 I V) Ln u -4 L, 0 u C) 0 ;� z 04 f-4 fnl H con 09.4 .. 0 cn .. o �%4 P4 f- 0 rl- LO V. CD CD z w = = uj z 0 H z 1 m cz 00 H 5 E-4 0 < a t" L) N C> LLI CC r-4 LLJ X: w z w P:, 0 1-4 LA- C) _j _j p 0 < 6-4 cl 0-4 C-) 0 0 r5 cc u C)m Orc LLJ C%*) =3 0120 a a- C) 0 04 En A4 F-4 W 0 1-4 LL. Q o" I) C> F4 L) :Ei L) P4 co 10 -=;Zl" V— 6 P� 0 1 0 C> u '2 W-4 0001 0 0 M u 0 0 o u cn u w :s In I rS 6 0 L; B 0 0 w 0 04 0 U) - c 0 1 00 00 U. cz to C, i 1 -004 OD co CIS U) IV co CN U) CIS 0 W 00 E-4 w E-4 P4 H L) L) C) 0 P4 L) L) co Ln 00 01-490 FM4 914 L) 0 914 L) co -2 V 6 Cl) 0.-1 lid 1-4 1-4 P3 L) :�- OS LL. \0 C, r- V4 9! P64 9 1 94 W -0 � �- — !: -" 0 L) 0 L) N m C) 0 0 L) 0 F74 r, o g �)t .r !0- Cf) .. M p FX4 H 0 rn 0 PA RD r. i < ""I IR, co a, 0 0 LL. as -0 z < Oo 0 co > 0 z C> r- CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: November 15, 1988 TO: James G. Willis, City Manager Laurie Rauenhorst, City Clerk'-**7rl FROM: 'f -A - SUBJECT AMUSEMENT CENTER LICENSE FOR COTTON CLUB INC. Today I issued the amusement center license to Cotton Club Inc. After the Council action approving the license, there were two items to be completed prior to license issuance: 1. A police inspection of the facility, and 2. Posting of house rules and hours of operation in one inch high letters within the facility. The required inspection was conducted on November 14. The inspection report is attached. Att. 7=- maw POLICE INSPECTION OF COTTON CLUB DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 1988 FROM: ROBERT NESBITT, POLICE INVESTIGATOR TO: LAURIE RAUENHORST, CITY CLERK ON NOVEMBER 14, 1988, AT 2:15 P.M., AN INSPECTION WAS MADE OF THE COTTON CLUB, LOCATED AT 3900 VINEWOOD LANE #10, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA. THE INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATOR ROBERT NESBITT OF THE PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT. JAN BEGIN, MANAGER OF THE COTTON CLUB WAS PRESENT DURING THE INSPECTION. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COTTON CLUB HAS POSTED A COPY OF THE HOUSE RULES IN TWO LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BUILDING. THE RULES ARE EASY TO READ AND ARE POSTED IN COMMON AREAS. THE LETTERING IS AT LEAST ONE INCH IN SIZE. I FOUND NO DISORDERLY CONDUCT EVIDENT DURING THE INSPECTION. THERE WERE NO JUVENILES PRESENT. MANAGEMENT WAS AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING THE CURFEW AND JUVENILES BEING IN THE BUSINESS DURING SCHOOL HOURS. THERE WAS NO ONE SMOKING IN THE BUILDING. SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING. CHEWING TOBACCO IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING. ONLY SOFT DRINKS WERE SEEN, THE MANAGEMENT REALIZES THAT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING. THE LIGHTING IS VERY GOOD INSIDE THE BUILDING. THERE ARE NO DARK AREAS. ALL AREAS CAN BE SEEN BY MANAGEMENT. THERE ARE SEVERAL DUMPSTERS FOR THE TRASH PICKUP. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM. THERE IS A FIREDOOR THAT IS MARKED. IT IS OPERATED WITH A PANIC BAR. I SAW NO FIRE HAZARDS. CONCLUSION: I DID NOT FIND ANY VIOLATIONS OF THE CITY CODE WITHIN THE COTTON CLUB. WE WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT RANDOM CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT MONTH CLASS I SEPTEMBER 1988 MURDER Csc ROBBERY ASSAULT BURGLARY THEFT AUTO THEFT ARSON 0 LID. LAW 0 24 26 98 16 2 1 0 -1 1 0 15 33 95 15 0 1 TOTALS 1987 167 1988 159 -.5% CLASS 11 FORGERY COUNTERFEIT FRAUD HAR. comm. STOLEN PROPERTY VANDALISM SEX OFF. NARC. OFFENSES FAM/CHILD D.W.I. LID. LAW DISORDER CONDUCT OTHER 3 15 17 4 28 0 4 1 52 3 5 34 2 0 23 1 44 1 4 18 4 31 7 4 1 27 TOTALS 1987 166 1988 165 0 CLASS III FATAL ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY PROPERTY DAMAGE SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT DROWNING MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUICIDE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS NATURAL DEATH ANIMAL BITES FIRE 0 12 84 0 0 72 1 2 3 5 20 0 17 54 0 0 67 1 2 0 3 28 TOTALS 1987 199 1988 172 -15.7% CLASS IV TOTALS 1987 1093 - 1988 1219 11.5% HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 198 549 19SR 490 -12% NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 496 1988 798 60.9% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 38% 1988 29% ASSIST 1625 1988 1715 5.5 ANIMAL FALSE LOCK OTHER WARRANT TRAFFIC SUSPICIO1. MISSING LOST PUBLIC DOMESTIC DETAIL ALARMS OUTS AGENCY SERVED DETAIL INFORMATIC!,,4 PERSON FOUND NUISANCE misc. 18 171 133 145 41 20 155 119 9 40 130 112 33 156 133 151 41 35 150 , 128 7 27 155 203 TOTALS 1987 1093 - 1988 1219 11.5% HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 198 549 19SR 490 -12% NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 496 1988 798 60.9% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 38% 1988 29% TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 1625 1988 1715 5.5 M-4 PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT I MONTH JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 1988 CLASS I MURDER CSC ROBBERY ASSAULT BURGLARY THEFT AUTO THEFT ARSON 0 14 5 178 240 859 118 15 0 21 4 174 269 788 139 9 TOTALS 1987 1429 1988 1404 -1.7% CLASS 11 FORGERY COUNTERFEIT FRAUD HAR. comm. STOLEN PROPERTY VANDALISM SEX OFF. NARC. OFFENSES FAM/CHILD D.W.I. LK). LAW DISORDERLY CONDUCT OTHER 42 100 164 17 551 21 91 21 314 74 32 309 1 26 1 55 1 197 16 371 43 1 126 15 298 1 70 44 422 TOTALS 1987 1736 1988 1683 -3.1% CLASS III FATAL ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY PROPERTY DAMAGE SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT DROWNING MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUICIDE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS NATURAL DEATH ANIMAL BITES FIRE 1 131 648 0 0 627 4 13 13 30 255 3 137 567 1* 0 627 6 13 11 31 268 TOTALS 1987 1722 1988 1664 -3.5% CLASS IV CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30t 1988 30t TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 14,71 1988 14,806 .61 ASSIST 236 1319 1036 1053 333 272 ANIMAL FALSE LOCK OTHER WARRANT TRAFFIC SUSPICION MISSING LOST PUBLIC 3842 1988 4841 26% DOMESTIC DETAIL ALARMS OUTS AGENCY SERVED DETAIL INFORMATION PERSON FOUND NUISANCE misc. 229 1361 1104 1174 342 229 1628 1097 70 207 1181 1203 1614 1269 52 202 1208 1461 CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30t 1988 30t TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 14,71 1988 14,806 .61 236 1319 1036 1053 333 272 TOTALS 1987 ---9825 1988 10055 2.3% HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 --4!U2--M8-42E6--3-4% NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 3842 1988 4841 26% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30t 1988 30t TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 14,71 1988 14,806 .61 PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT MONTH OCTOBER 1988 CLASS I MURDER CSC ROBBERY ASSAULT BURGLARY THEFT AUTO THEFT ARSON 0 1 0 13 21 126 4 0 0 4 0 22 33 116 3 2 TOTALS 1987 165 1988 180 9% CLASS 11 7m-4 I FORGERY COUNTERFEIT FRAUD HAR. comm. STOLEN PROPERTY VANDALISM SEX OFF. NARC. OFFENSES FAM/CHILD D.W.I. LIO. LAW DISORDERLY CONDUCT OTHER 6 7 16 3 48 2 12 3 54 6 2 37 1 5 1 0 1 21 1 1 57 1 2 5 1 36 1 16 0 1 48 TOTALS -L9a7 196 1988 192 CLASS III A FATAL ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY PROPERTY DAMAGE SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT DROWNING MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUICIDE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS NATURAL DEATH ANIMAL BITES FIRE 0 9 92 0 0 75 2 1 2 1 26 0 1 11 1 73 0 0- 66 0 4 1 1 0 1 27 TOTALS 1987 208 1988 182 -1 % CLASS IV - DOMESTIC ANIMAL DETAIL FALSE ALARMS LOCK OUTS ASSIST OTHER AGENCY WARRANT SERVED TRAFFIC DETAIL SUSPICION INFORMATION MISSING PERSON LOST I FOUND PUBLIC NUISANCE misc. 16 105 113 147 38 34 166 115 4 25 131 80 33 98 173 132 52 28 139 123 9 32 110 1 202 TOTALS 1987 974 1988 1131 16.1% HAZARDOUS VIOLA'nONS 1987 497 1988 427 -16.4% NONHAZARDOUS V10LATIONS 1987 465 1988 574 23.4% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30% 1988 12% TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 1,543 1988 1,685 9.2, PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT MONTH JANUARY - OCTOBER 1988 CLASS I MURDER CSC ROBBERY ASSAULT BURGLARY THEFT AUTO THEFT ARSON 0 15 5 191 261 985 122 15 0 25 4 196 302 904 142 11 TOTALS 1987 1594 1988 1584 0 CLASS 11 FORGERY COUNTERFEIT FRAUD HAR. comm. STOLEN PROPERTY VANDALISM SEX OFF. NARC. OFFENSES FAM/CHILD D.W.I. LIO. LAW DISORDERLY CONDUCT OTHER 48 107 180 20 599 23 103 24 368 80 34 346 31 55 218 17 428 1 45 131 1 16 334 86 1 44 1 470 TOTALS 1987 1932 1988 1875 -3% CLASS III FATAL ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY PROPERTY DAMAGE SNOWMOBILE ACCIDENT DROWNING MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUICIDE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS NATURAL DEATH ANIMAL BITES FIRE 1 140 740 0 0 702 6 14 15 31 281 3 1 148 1 640 1 1* 1 0 1 693 1 1 6 17 1 12 1 31 1 295 1 TOTALS 1987 1930 1988 1846 -4.6% CLASS IV TOTALS 1987 10,799 1988 11,186 3.6% HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 4909 1988 4693 -4.6% NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 4307 1988 5415 25.7% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30% - 1988 28% TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 169255 1988 16,491 1.5 ASSIST ANIMAL FALSE LOCK OTHER WARRANT TRAFFIC SUSPICION MISSING LOST PUBLIC DOMESTIC DETAIL ALARMS OUTS AGENCY SERVED DETAIL INFORMATION PERSON FOUND NUISANCE misc. 245 1466 1217 1321 380 263 1794 1212 74 232 1312 1283 269 1417 1209 1185 385 300 1753 1392 61 234 1318 1663 TOTALS 1987 10,799 1988 11,186 3.6% HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 4909 1988 4693 -4.6% NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1987 4307 1988 5415 25.7% CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 1987 30% - 1988 28% TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 1987 169255 1988 16,491 1.5 Law Offices LeFevere Lcf Ier KenncdN- O'Brien Drau,z a Proftssional ASS062tion CLIENT SUMMARY 2000 First Bank Place West Minneapolis Minnesota 55402 Telephone (612) 333-0543 City of Plymouth Attn: Dale Hahn 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Moy November 11, 1988 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FED. I.D. 41-1431093 Matter# Name Fees Disb Previous Total *110 General 5,617.75 563.20 0.00 6,180.95 Ill Prosecution - Court 5,879.25 459.07 0.00 6,338.32 Time 111A Prosecution -office 4,805.75 40.79 0.00 4,846.54 Time 1024 Codification 176.00 182.00 0.00 358.00 2577 Claims 16.00 0.00 0.00 16.00 General 4378 S. J. Groves office 80.00 0.00 0.00 80.00 Park 4598 Perl Land 368.00 0.00 0.00 368.00 Registration 4770 Foster Land 87.00 0.00 0.00 87.00 Acquistion-ProJect 431 5076 Water Treatment 256.00 0.00 0.00 256.00 Facility - Project 431 *continued on next page* FEDERAL I D NO 41-1403177 Law Offices Le evere Lef ler Kenne(IN- O'Brien &- Drawz 3 'Profrssiunal ASSOCi2tion CLIENT SUMMARY 2000 First Bank Place West Minneapolis Minnesota 55402 Telephone (612) 333-0543 City of Plymouth November 11, 1988 Attn: Dale Hahn 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FED. I.D. 41-1431093 Matter# Name Fees Disb Previous Total 5248 Project 648 - 72.00 0.00 0.010 72.00 Eminent Domain 5322 Project 762 - 110.00 4.50 0.00 114.50 Eminent Domain *5438 Plat Opinions 432.00 16.97 0.00 448.97 *5606 General Labor 24.00 0.00 0.00 24.00 Matters 5807 Bonds - Special 248.00 0.00 0.00 248.00 Matters 5820 TIF III Ryan 360.00 62.20 0.00 422.20 Development 5852 State V. Lang 680.00 0.00 0.00 680.00 5860 Plymouth Police 184.00 0.00 0.00 184.00 Negotiations (1989) 6035 Hanlon Hazardous 144.00 57.50 0.00 201.50 Building 6061 Hillsboro Manor Land 632.00 42.00 0.00 674.00 Registration *continued on next page* FEDERAL I D NO. 41-1403177 Of f ices LeFevere LA--fler KennedN- O'Brien 9- Drawz 3 Profcmicin2l AsS002tion CLIENT SUMMARY 2000 First Bank Place West Minneapolis Minnesota 55402 Telephone (612) 333-0543 City of Plymouth Attn: Dale Hahn 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 zz November 11, 1988 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- FED. I.D. 41-1431093 Matter# Name Fees Disb Previous Total *6064 First Bank Land 672.00 0.00 0.00 672.00 Acquisition 6092 City of Plymouth v. 368.00 0.00 0.00 368.00 Gary Berthiaums 6098 Begin Nuisance 1,312.00 0.00 0.00 1,312.00 Abatement & Assessment Appeal 6099 Begin special 24.00 0.00 0.00 24.00 Assessment Appeal (Project 544) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Client 66 Totals: 22,547.75 1,428.23 $23,975.98 *Retainer (Credit) 745.75 Total Due $23,230.23 FEDERAL I D NO 41-1403177 a A'. how CORPORATE REPORT.Minnesota 9 0 Buildin S Don t Voite This isjust one of the reasons Minnesota � commercial and industiialpropertiespay some of the highest rates on the land. ..I BY TERRY FIEDLER RESPONDING TO PLEAS from real estate interests to reduce mounting property tax burdens in Nhnnesota, state legislators dug in earlier this year and applied $146 million in income and sales tax revenues to local property tax relief The monev amounted to a 3 percent decrease in propert y taxes against 1988 lcvie.s, and much more significant relief for some clas scs ofresidential and commercial and industrial real estate The reliefwas welcomed, but the $146 mi Rion worft qui!e offiet the estimated 1989 prop- erty tax.increase — of $322 million. "There's going to be quite a surge in the metro area, and most people arc expecting a property tax decrease next year," says Robert Renner, an attorney with Mcsserli & Kramer, who represents the Muni- cipal Legislative Conirnis- sion, a group of suburban cities. "They're going to act auite a survrise when they get their bills injanuary." Taxes on residential properties payable in 1989 probably will increase by about 8 percent statewide, and tax bills for commercial and industrial properties will rise by an average of 9 percent for properties with a market value ofless than $60,000 and by 5.4 percent for properties Terry Fiedler is associate editor Of CORPORATE REPORTMINNESCMA. X CORPORATE REPORT MINNES 0 T A =_ (V exceeding that value, according to a Min- nesota House OfRepresentatives Research Department study. As usual, the Twin Cities will probably see even greater increases than the rest ofMinnesota: for the average home, a 10.6 percent hike, and increases of 15.2 percent for commercial and industrial properties worth less than $60,000 and 8.5 percent for those worth more than that. That property tax increases are again set to outpace inflation shouldn't be sur- prising. From 1978 to 1988, net (after credits) property taxes rose 121 percent in Minnesota, while the Minneapolis -St. Paul consumer price index went up 84.3 percent. Nowhere was the burgeoning burden felt more than in the business community; that's because legislative decisions favoring owners of homes and farms have over the years heaped a greatly disproportionate share of the tax burden on the owners — and tenants — of com- mercial and industrial properties. State Revenue Department data show that commercial and industrial properties - accounted for 33 percent of all property 42 '4 0 V F NIB E R 1 9 8 8 77w Minneapolis Fedpays h&r real estate taw than the New York Fed, whkh is located in the Wall Street area of Manhattan. tax revenue collected in this state last year, even though commercial and industrial properties composed just 15 percent of the niarker value of Minnesota's taxable real estate. Farnis accounted for 21 per- cent of the market value and 9 percent of property tax revenues. Residences made up 48 percent of the value of all taxable real estate, but home owners paid only 28.9 percent of all property taxes. Owners of commercial and industrial properties are annually charged an aver- age of 5 percent to 6 percent of the assessed market value in property taxes, homes 13 percent, and farms about I percent. The disparities arise from polit- ical dynamics; an old saying at the state political circles is "Buildings don't vote' Owners of commercial and industrial properties here pay two or three times the rates paid in most other states, and the combination of rapid increases in prop- erty tax rates and disproportionate shar- ing of the load has raised new complaints about the state's business climate. Tom Howell, manager of state and local taxes for Pillsbury, was involved with officials ofseven other Minnesota companies in a national study of property taxes pub- lished a year and a half ago. "I wasn't sur- prised that Minnesota was number one [the highest taxing state]:'he says. "I Was surprised by how much it was number one.". Other studies offer similiar evidence I that business -property taxes here are .I.,funusually high. A comparison of the taxes per square foot paid by the country's 12 Federal Reserve banks and their branch offices for 1987 shows that the Minneapolis Fed was taxed at the highest rate by far, $4.69 a square foot. The runner-up was the New York Fed, which is located in the Wall Street area ofManhattan — and required to pay $3.42 a square foot. The Boston Fed was seventh at S230 a square foot and Los Angeles eighth at S2.02. The Federal Reserve facility in Oklahoma City was assessed the least, 17 cents per square foot. 0 Dayton Hudson Corporation con- ducted a study comparing property taxes that would be payable in 1988 for general merchandise retail stores, each with a market value of S5 million, in 43 cities in 28 states. Three Minnesota cities were in- cluded: St. Paul, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park. The three highest tax cities, according to the research were, in order, St Paul, Minneapolis, and St. Louis Park. e In a study of 53 cities worldwide by Colliers International/Towle Real Estate Company, Minneapolis placed third in operating expenses as a percentage of total rent for 10,000 square feet of Class A space on a five-year lease. It trailed only Denver and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Property taxes were by far the largest component of Minneapolis' operating expenses. ,a A study by Minnesota Mutual Life drawn from statistics of the Building Owners & Managers Association, showed that taxes per square foot in 1987 were a much higher percentage of rent per square foot in each of the Twin Cities than for six comparable cities: Austin, ICX2S, Denver, Phoenix, art rd, In- 2cknowlcdged to be a high -tax state, and di2napOliS, and Seattle. Minneapolis was business representatives have long com- first at 30.5 percent, and St. Paul was se- pWned about taxes ofall kinds. No other cond at 21.9 percent. Phoenix was third tax 2ffCCtS as many businesses 2S property at 15.8 percent. taxes however —A 1. : 1 9 y every us ncss pays a property tax, either as a building owner or as a tenant whose rent state- ment includes a p2ss-along fee for prevaili.ng local tax rates. Unlike workers' compensation premiums, property taxes have an impact on both manufacturing and- service companies. Unlike unemployment compensation costs, pro- perty taxes must be paid even by com- panies with few employees. Unlike cor- poratc income taxes, companies small and large and profitable and unprofitable all take a beating. Small and start-up businesses, for which income taxes are often not impor- tant, have an especially difficult tinie dealing with property tax bills that can escalate quickly, and often with un- predictable leaps. Says Paul Anderson, general manager of Minnesota Business 111 41 tf I � #I., r, y-,.: %",- Frustrations with property taxes have caused building owners and tenants to challenge the only aspect of the tax system they can — assessments. John Gendler of the Minneapolis law firm of Smith Gendler &Shiell, which specializes in cases involving commercial real estate, says that the number of petitions to reduce assessed values "has definitely in- creased" in recent years. "Certainly, part ofthe reason is that many people are pay- ing 5 percent of assessed V21L]e," he says. "You can't sit back and ignore the situa- tion any more than you can sit back and ignore utility expenses:' Assessments comprising 10 percent of Hennepin County's total tax base were under appeal as Of this summer. . -Minnesota has, of course, long been 44 NOVEMBER 1988 Systems, a 35 -person office automation service company: "$5,000 a year for a lit- tle business like ours is no small amount We caret c2t that. We have to find a way to pass that through, and that's tough to do in the highly competitive world we live in:' Franklin Brown. CEO of Pharmacia Deltec, a rapidly growing, $40 million medical technology company located in Arden Hills, describes Minnesota's tax structure as puzzling. Pharm2cia Deltec is the product of a merger ofthree com- panics, two of which were moved to the statm "The Twin Cities is 2 great place for a medical company to St2rt," he says. "Unfortunately, as soon as a company really begins to expand, things like the property taxes and workers' COMP and unemployment comp force you to look at other states:' There is widespread sentiment this fall among both business lobbyists and many of Minnesota's legislators that action should be taken in the upcoming legislative session to reduce commercial and industrial property taxes. "Ifyou get legislators one on one or in small groups, most agree that commercial and in- dustrial property taxes are too high:'says Burt Dahlberg, president of Kraus Anderson Inc., a Minneapolis real estate and construction company. Meanwhilet DFL Senator Doug Johnson, the chair- man of the Senate Tax Committee and a principal sponsor of Minnesota's 1988 Omnibus Tax Act, thinks that the biggest issues that the Legislature will deal with next year will involve property taxes, and the Minnesota 7axpayers; Association now says that it considers property taxes to be the states most serious problem, displacing income tax rates. Governor Rudy Perpich — who pro- posed an all -but -ignored property tax relief package last session — said in a September 29 news conference that he believes commerCi2l and industrial pro- perty taxes to be too high. The press con- ference had been called to defend Min- nesota against criticism of its business climate. Serious property tax reliefcould be cx- pensive and laden with ramifications for municipal (or state) spending. Rep- resentatives of several business groups, including the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks and the Minnesota Business Partnership, have suggested cutting taxes on commercial and industrial buildings by half, phasing in annual cuts of 10 percentage points every year for five years. That, however, would cost an average of some $200 million to $300 million per year. To raise that much money elsewhere would require raising income or sales tax rates, or perhaps cx- tending the sales tax to clothing — all measures that business groups are loathe to advocate Indeed, business groups have failed to advocate specific plans even to reduce spending to allow for adjustments in property tax rates, let alone to specify alternative sources of revenue. "You can'tjust say lower commercial and industrial [rates] without saying how it should be done," says Glenn Dorfman, st2ff vice president for governmental af- fairs for the Minnesota Association of Realtors. "Clearly, they should be lowered, but typically business people refuse to accept increases in income tax, reduced services, or higher residential or seasonal recreational property taxes to at- t2in their goal:' - One reason for this is thatiust figuring out how the property tax system works is a feat in itself — a feat that not many Minnesotans have mastered. A poll this year indicated that two-thirds of all Min- ncsotans had no idea that the state government paid any part of their local property tax bills. Not surprisingly, state officials would like it to be more widely known that the state itself is not a beneficiary of property tax revenues. Printed on every property tax statement mailed (from the 87 county treasurers) to property owners is the disclaimer: "The state of Minnesota does not receive any property tax revenues. The state of Min- nesota reduces your property tax by pay- ing credits and reimbursements to local units of government:' Although it is true that it is the local units of government — cities, school boards, counties — who levy all property taxes, the state is hardly a passive spec- tator of the process. The Legislature establishes the load that each type ofpro- Perry carries through the classification system and largely controls how much money municipalities have to raise locally by raising and lowering state aids to local governments. If state government doesn't actually play the game, it does set all of the rules. The rules these days include a myriad of property tax classifications. "Min- nesota's classification structure is unique:' says Don Paterick of the Minnesota Tax- payers Association. "Many states [more than 30] have a single class and one tax rate. California has just one class. Min- nesota had 70 -some, but with simplicity as a buzzword, the [1988) Legislature cut it to 40:' At one time, there was simplicity in the s tax system. When Minnesota gained t statehood in 1858, it selected a constitu- tional provision requiring that all proper- i ty be taxed at the same rate. That provi- sion was removed in 1906. It was three t decades later, when the Depression made raising enough from property taxes to a run local governments a problem, that t the state introduced corporate income t 46 NOV E M BE R 19 8 8 Pauf,*�MN innC2POIii, MN - L ouis P2rk, M11 Cson, At... I W2uker, WI rt 2nd, OR Cross6. WI mrbom,Mf, &YMC, IN �S,in MI n2h2,NE. Tipc, AZ - Des Moincs,'iA ��-is', MO FL uston,TX C 0. OH prrungton. Antonio, TX� uxl�211s,SD UMPT1o&s:---.; Vtiie'eoi;m�nides lived are asiej Vark .4 et eq ixtu an e id z� in RCE: Da i t on .11�11 TAXES .$27.9,000.:. ,,,257,000.. ,`2k,500-- :.:202J.300.' - '191,400':` 51,515: 550 142 956 %,."127,500 12 3,200 i-,-121,000 120,400 600 at taxes and personal income taxes and began to distribute property tax relief funds to municipalities. A third major form of taxation — the sales tax — also was instituted, in 1967, in response to the inability of local governments to collect enough property tax money to finance their o�vn operations. Since then, the intergovernmental transfer of tax dollars has expanded steadily. In 1988 alone, $750 million rais- ed from state income and sales taxes will have been put directly into property tax relief — that is, into funds earmarked PCCifIC211Y to be used in place of addi- ional property taxes. Another $2.25 )illion in indirect relief to municipalities, ncluding school aid and health and velfare payments, is also flowing from he state's coffers this year. Bill Blazar, man2ger of governmental ffairs for the Dayton Hudson Corpora - ion, says the buvdowiis weaken the rela- ionship between local officials and tax- =_ Lo payers, diluting the accountability of municipal officials to their constituents. For example, whenever municipalities now levy an additional dollar, 54 cents of the dollar comes from the state; local tax- payers directly pay only 46 cents. To some municipal officials, spending recycled income tax and sales tax revenues may well seem like spending so- meone else's money. A breakdown of the states 1987-89 biennial budget shows that property tax relief currently accounts for almost 23 percent ofall ofthe state!s spending. Only K-12 education got more money, 26 per- cent. Somehow, the system seems to have gone arniss when taxes arc raised for the mere purpose of funding relief from other taxes, especially given the con- siderable administrative costs associated with such money shuffling. A more direct system of taxation would reduce the administrative costs of state government, although it would also mean curtailing the credits and aids to municipalities, which in turn would in- crease regional disparities in local government services. The Realtors Association's Dorfman says that the state should grant subsidies only to Min- ncsota's poorest municipalities, to enable all children to receive a quality education and to ensure that the poorest people are given the medical care, food, and shelter that they need. If Dorfman had his way, the rest of the state's cities, counties, and school districts would pay directly for locally provided services and fund the services directly with taxes on local pro- perties. "We're the 13th most affluent state in the country," he says. "Incredible amounts of money are spent on 'poor people� and the majority ofit is really go- ing to the middle class:' State spending cuts are often hailed as the solution, but spending cuts also seem difficult to endure, and therefore to enact. Spending on elementary and secondary education, which constitutes the biggest part of the state budget, is nearly a sacred COW. Health, welfare, and corrections often appear to be ripe for reductions, though, in fact, more than half the total spent in those areas goes for health care, which few people want to see cut. The next biggest area ofspending is on higher education, where there actually have been calls for more spending from some segments of the business community. Pressures could be brought to bear on local governments to reduce their spen- ding, of course. Dayton Hudson's Blazar is enthusiastic about a little-publicizcd provision in the 1988 Omnibus Tax Bill called Truth in Taxation, which was pat- terned after programs in effect in other states aimed at sensitizing taxpayers to changes in their property taxes, and therefore helping to keep local spending in check. Ile Truth in Taxation provisior requires local governments to scn� notices to every taxpayer, advising therr, of their current -year property taxes, the liability that they are expected to have in the following year, and where the matter will be aired; other forms of public notices are also required. Normally, tax- payers have received their tax: bills, and sometimes become upset about them, only after it has been too late to do anything about them. Probably the most fertile — but also the most controversial — possibility for property tax reform rests among pro- posals to revise the way that Minnesota distributes the tax burden. One type of disparity now at work is the disparity in tax rates for the various types of proper- ty. "It comes down to a fairness issue," says Dennis Doyle, president of Welsh Companies, the states largest manager of commercial space. "Why should homes pay 1 or 2 percent or farms at half a per- cent and commercial/industrial at 4 or 4.5 percent?" Kraus Amderson's Dahlberg, who has long been active in discussions about property taxes, says that he doesn't want to see home owners pay much more than the average rate of perhaps 1.5 percent to 2 percent that they do now — which is less than home owners pay in most states. He believes that commercial and in- dustrial property tax rates should be reduced to 2.5 to 3 percent of market valuc� Of course, averages can be deceiving. There arent many metropolitan -area home owners who think they're getting 2 bargain in their property tax bills. That's because geographic disparity cx- ists; as Well. Even a cursory look at the tax situation leads to the conclusion that the Legislature is exporting Twin Cities area wealth to other parts of the statc� An August 1988 report by Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department shows that in 1987 the metropolitan area paid 65 percent of all property taxes collected in Minnesota, yet receivcdjust 45 of all state aid. More specifically, metropolian-arca residents got 63 percent of the property tax bite, but received only 47 percent of all pro- perty tax credits. Altogether, $905 million was swept from the Twin Cities area and into other regions in a single year. Outstate home owners are definitely bencficiarics of the system that taxes homes of comparable worth anywhere from threc-tenths of 1 percent to 3 per- cent Of market value. Some areas of the state receive credits that other regions dorf t — such as taconite credits on the Iron Range. IR Representative Bill Schreiber of Brooklyn Park says that Governor Perpich's home in Gilbert, 48 NOVEMBER 1 988 which Perpich h2S considered selling, is valued at more than $240,000 — and that only $552 in taxes were paid on the home last year. Schreiber notes that the owner of a $220,000 house in his home com- munity would have' paid more than $5,000 in property taxes. The tax system also discriminates in other ways. For instance, school aids are determined by local market values ofrcal estate — and lately, property values have been rising in few areas of the state other than the Twin Cities. That means that local governments in the metropolitan area, where homes and businesses are already paying bigger tax bills as a result ofrising assessments, have been forced to further raise taxes to make up for the loss in aids. "Particularly in school aids, you get the double hit:' says Representative Gordon Voss, a DFLer from Blaine, "The major question is how much subsidy should the metro area give before the economic engine of the state gets hurt? There has been a big decrease in value out there The dual economy is going to stress Min- ncsota a lot more:' The average home outside of the Twin Cities area is valued at $42, 100, according to the Minnesota House Research Department, while the average house within the metropolitan area is worth $83,000. The implication here is that very few home owners outside of the Twin Cities have houses in the 3.3 percent pro- perty tax bracket. (The 1988 Omnibus tax bill included a provision forming another bracket of 2.5 percent tax capaci- ty for homesteads valued between $68,000 and $100,000, giving a definite break to urban and especially surburban home owners.) "Generally speaking, for the services you get in Minnesota, ifyou have a house under $70,000, you're getting a good deal:' Schreiber says. "Ifyour house is in excess of $120,000, you're paying too much, sometimes as high as 3 percent." An assumption behind the two - bracket tax on homes is that individuals with homes of higher value also have a greater ability to pay high taxes than do individuals with homes oflower value. A draft of a study by the House Research Department dated March 1988 debunks that notion, however, in a comparison of property taxes and incomes. Factoring in homestead credits, refund programs, and income tax deductions, the study linked the net property taxes for a represcntivc sample of 10,500 against the reported incomes of those home- steads. The results showed that 1988 final net payable property taxes were about twice as high for metropolitan area residents as for non -metropolitan tax- payers in each of 12 income groups. For example, Twin Cities area homes =_ ko inhabited by people with household in- comes of between $25,001 and $35,000 paid a mean final property tax of$643.08, while households of the same income bracket elsewhere in the state paid $374. In the $65,001 -to -$75,000 income r2nge, the metropolitan-2rea property tax was $89837, versus $539-56 outstate. In the $95,001-3105,000 income br2ckct, the figures were $1,357.52 and $690.92. Like homesteads, commercial and in- dustrial properties fall into higher tax capacity br2ckcts as they increase in value — and, as with homesteads, that tends to bring higher taxes within the metropolitan area, although commercial and industrial property tax r2tCS in other parts of the state are also high, rcl2tive to rates in other states. As per the 1988 tax bill, the first $100,000 ofmarketvalue for commercial and industrial properties is a tax capacity of 3.3 percent, while values above that have a tax Capacity of5.25 per- cent. It hardly needs to be noted that most buildings above $100,000 in value are located in the Twin Cities area. "In the late 1970s to early 1980s, the Legislature was getting a lot of gufffrom owners of buildings for high property taxes:'says Municipal Legislative Com- mission lobbyist Robert Renner. "To get around that, they put in a split rate. That played well in Main Street, outstatc Min- ncsota, and got rid ofthc heat. The metro people with the $6 million buildings didn't get anything, though:' That the geographical disparities exist is a result of what Don Patcrick calls an "ineffective metropolitan lCgiSl2tiVC delegation that's not working for the metropolitan area as a whole:' He notes that 10 years ago, legislative leaders, such as Nick Coleman of St. Pa'ul and J2ck Davies of Minneapolis, made sure that the metropolitan area got its fair sharm. Now, however, legislators from Greater Minnesota seem to hold more sway. . In the latest tax bill, for instance, the' seven -county metropolitan area received just $72 million of the $146 million in property tax relief, and the area could Make a strong case for getting a lot more. Senator DougJohnson, DFL -Cook, who wiclds tremendous clout at the Capitol, says that he favors no one region. "Those arc uninformed political 2ttacks:'hc says. "Look at the record. The goal is ofreliev- ing high taxes everywhere, not just the Range." But it is the issues of geographic disparity that the business community must address if it's to make any headway. A consensus position among business lobbyists, presented in detail, appears to be the first necessity, though. "People in this state have an annoying proclivity for not saying things directly enough:' says Dorfman of the Minnesota Association of Realtors. "But if they don't on this one, this could drag on for 30 years:' - Mr Minnesota 0 Association Of n' Small Cities SM 611 Iowa Avenue, SlopleS, M. - =-a A L L TA L----. innesota 56479 ..'J.,October, 1988 The position of small cities.can be improved by working together By Nancy Larson ,,—Another fiscal year has gone by, and it's time to prove their constituent's positions'. figure out budgets and decide how to allocate funds During the 1989 session, representa, i 'es* co'un- ..Ahat always seem tobe in short supply. ties, townships, schools, and a variety of city coali- What should you do? Dropping out or not joining tions will be lobbying for changes in the property tax will all all the Minnesota Association of Small Cities may seem ..bill. These changes affect sm. municipalities like an option that will save you money. But like all in one way or another. As your representative, I will short-range solutions, it could end up costing you be worldng to protect the position of cities with. more in the end. populations of 5,000 and under, but our bargaining City budgets are strongly affected by what happens power will depend on the number of cities who belong at the State Legislature, especially during times like to the Association. these when we are facing massive changes in the And just as you have budget crunches, so do we!' State's property tax system. During this transitional Like most small cities that we represent, we run a sim- period, many different groups are vying for the pk operation on a limited budget. But due to the com- ,.."Legislature's attention and trying to maintain or lim- Dues (cont. on page 3) Association of Small Cities hires Nancy Larson as executive director M, Wt Her education�al backgr By Duane Knutson Dassel, for the position'. The decision - ound is imT After spending several weeks was made in St. Cloud during the pressive and desirable for the posi- reviewing over 80 applications for the board's regular monthly meeting. tion of executive director of the positi ' on of executive director of the Larson is no stranger to the ex- .'Association. She received her B.S. Minnesota Association -of ' Small ecutive board. She has worked with degree this summer, graduating with .-,-,,-,,Cities, the board of directors voted, the Association for the past year as top honors and a grade point average ,.�,.�,'on Aug. 13, to hire Nancy Larson, '.editor of Small Talk. In that capaci- of 3.97. She was also named one of St. ty, she has attended board meetings :Cloud State University's Outstan-l"'* and become involved in the issues ding Students.for 1987-89. Larson -Y-facing members of MOASC. has also continued to be active in her:`��", Larson has also worked as a community as well as taking an ac reporter and staff person for the tive role in' several school Dassel-Cokato Enterprise & organizations. I';.,:-Dispat6h and as an intern reporter Prior to the board's decision, I had, I for the St. Cloud Daffy Times. Other a conversation with Sen. Roger Moe experiences she has had during the the Majority Leader of the Senate: - past four years include interning as whose remarks had a positive impres- a Legislative aide for Senate Majori- sion on the board. He told me that ty Leader Roger Moe, working as a Nancy was a great person to have on student director for the St. Cloud his staff. Her work habits are ex State University Survey, and work- cellent, her knowledge of the Capliol ing on several public relations' pro- and its workings are more than con- jects for the United Way of St. siderable, and her personality and Clou ability to converse with people -are d. These positions were all under- truly outstanding, he said. taken at the same time Larson was Larson will work out of her ho e-,,,., attending St. Cloud State Universi- in Dassel where she lives with lY GLO "LA " V r. AAACLJ V 9 Larson No nt. on page 2) NancyLarson political science and public relations. Letter, resolution. question fairness of last year's Property Tax Bill During the past few months, several "hidden" provi- sions have been found in last year's Property Tax Bill. Qne following letter to the editor which was printed in several major -the that is especially onerous to small cities is the exclusion newspapers across state. of cities with po ulation under 2,500 from p receiving state The Minnesota Association of Small Citie-s�" aid dollars through the new Alternative Local Government agrees with Mayor Wedell of Shoreview regarding Aid formula. his unhappiness with a portion of the rece I., Suburban cities were also dissatisfied with the new tax passed Tax Bill. I refer to his "letter to the editor" law—enough so to file a lawsuit against the state of Min. in the August 12 issue of the Minneapolis Star-:-,,*'*.f�l-.",�VI-�--'�$-- nesota. Although the Association of Small Cities has not Tribune. joined in the lawsuit, it has approved the resolution of sup- All cities in Minnesota with population of 2,500' port which is printed below. or less were completely eliminated from the "Aux- WHEREAS, the "i9'88 Om'nibus* Tax Bill fliary Aid" part of the LGA formula. This "Aux - fliary Aid" formula is used to determine the'-:-` significantly changed the mechanics of property tax administration and implemented new formulas amount of auxiliary aid a city in Minnesota will for the distribution of Local Government Aid, receive because of financiid disparities and total,,-.. -tax rate per household. This formula is a tax base --,.,,.....Alternative Local Government Aid, and Dispari equalization formula that equalizes 50 percent.of iy Aid but -did nof re'solve inequities 'either existing* in the Minnesota property tax system, and the city's revenue or the city's revenue WHEREAS, the 1988 Tax Bill did not simplify the administration of the property tax system nor guaranty amount. How anyone in the Minnesota Legislature, or;-- did it achieve any major goals of property tax persons who designed this tax bill, or anyone liv- relief, and ing in Minnesota could call this a fair and equitable WHEREAS, cities under 2,500 in population way to treat the 700 plus small cities in Minnesota is beyond belief. were intentionally excluded from receiving state aid dollars through the new Alternative Local I can only speak for the City of Fertile, where Government Aid formula, and I am the Mayor. I do not have computer runs for WHEREAS, the new Disparity Aid provision of all the cities in Minnesota. Fertile lost over $21,000 the 1988 Tax Bill rewards high spending and -in Local Government Aid because* F&Aile is in the penalizes frugal budget practices, and group under 2,500 population. WHEREAS, the new Disparity Aid provision At the last board meeting of the Small Cities will ultimately reduce local government officials Association, the board unanimously agreed to ok pose this action of being left out of this responsibility to set local budgets thus reducing accountability. portion of the Tax Bill. The Minnesota Association of NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY Small Cities will try every way we know to get in - in this THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SMALL cluded part of the Local Government Aid ui a. CITIES TO BE IN AGREEMENT WITH AND :,form SUPPORT THE MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION (MLC) AND THE ASSOCIA- Duane Knutson, President --.'TION OF METROPOLITAN ....Minnesota Association of Small Cities MUNICIPALITIES '(AMM) IN THEIR EF-_ FORTS CHALLENGING THE CONSTITU- It is because of inequities such as these that the Small Cities Association feels it must take an even more active TIONALITY OF THE -1988'TAX BILL. -,.,-,recent palftilit he'Ugislative pr&eisisi.Board'x4embers feel that decisions to hire MAOSC President Duane Knutson also expressedhis an executive dire�tor and join with , concern regarding the inequities of the Tax Bill in the other municipal groups in a joint prope rt are solid steps in that direction. r�y n Larson,..-.,-*.*. (cont from page 1) husband, Merle, and daughter, Melissa. She also has a daughter, Vic.. toria, who attends St. Cloud State University, and two sons, Patrick and Andrew, who are serving in the armed forces. They both are married and each has two children. - . '_1 :`,� As President of the' Minnesota Association of Small Cities, I look,,';,, -,-- forward to working with Nancy Lar-`_*�-';-&-Z;-,1' son during the coming year. 0099-OVE 6H NVI 'S11CdeOuU.1Vq CLZE I!WJ@d OlVd 30ViSOd 31VU >nne jaded alqelaAoaj UO PaIuUdl L'USS A _10V 1! 1': 1,' E OOT11_. A' PaouA pin, 1uuiuuOi1Auq JO Juatni'lluda(] Slum') utds)tj(iollat4ijoi.iocia.ii-cloodsV N 896 1. jecloloo 9t,99 -en (2:19) 91t,gg *uullq 'sT1od-e9uu11q 002 91TnS '*qS pie *S ZZ9 AZLMUa W JUGXUU0JTAUa JO quawlavdaCI Alunoo uTdeuuej-j dn-r—% a special rz;.Port I Response i4overwhelming Y) at collection of household hazardous wastes More than 6,500 Hennepin County resi- dqnts brought their unwanted household grid garden chemicals to the county's collection of household hazardous wastes in September, about twice the number of people that county officials had anticipated. The response was so overwhelming at five collection sites throughout the county Saturday, Sept. 10—more than 6,000 vehicles—that residents were given another opportunity to dispose of hazardous materials on three days of the following week at the county's pub- lic works facility in Hopkins. Another 570 people brought materials to the Hopkins location. The County Board authorized the extra site to help serve some of the people who were either discouraged by the long lines at the five collection sites Sept. 10 or were turned away at the end of the day. Hennepin's first countywide collection of unwanted or unusable household and garden chemicals was held over three Saturdays in September 1987, with 15 drop-off sites. About 4,400 people par- ticipated. "The response on the part of the public this year was overwhelming," said project coordinator Loren Janson, of the county Department of Environment and Energy. "We had anticipated about 3,000 people to participate and more than 6,500 people actually did. The col- lection shows that the public is becom- ing more and more aware about keeping household hazardous wastes out of landfills where they can contrib- ute to groundwater pollution." The project gave county residents an opportunity to safely dispose of rnateri- als that contain many of the same chemicals as industrial hazardous wastes. In addition to groundwater con- tamination, these materials pose a threat to waste haulers and the county's transfer stations and waste -to -energy plants. County officials thanked the more than 100 volunteers who helped staff the col- lection sites. Volunteer staffing was coordinated by Citizens for a Better En- vironment and Thorpe Bros. Real Es- tate. Cities provided the five collection sites Sept. 10. The county paid for the disposal of the wastes collected and su- pervised staffing of the sites. Although a complete summary of materials collected is not yet available, the Department of Environment and Energy hazardous waste unit compiled these preliminary figures: 6,570 par- ticipants; 6,800 used tires; 4,800 used batteries, compared with 3,000 in 1987; and more than 80 tons of assorted waste chemicals, including more than 250 55 -gallon drums of waste paint. Participant totals at the six drop-off lo- cations: Bloomington, 1,400 residents; Crystal, 1,100; Minnetonka, 1,200; Har- riet Avenue site, Minneapolis, 1,400; Washington Street N.E. site, Minneapo- lis, 900; and the additional site in Hop- kins, 570. County officials said the program cost is expected to be slightly less than the 1987 collection project's total of $533,000. Most of the cost is for in- cineration or disposal of materials at federally permitted hazardous -waste fa- cilities in Kansas and Illinois. More collections are being planned for 1989. County plans for the future also include permanent drop-off locations for household and garden chemicals. k� a speulal report Hennepin County Solid Waste Disposal & Recovery Hennepin sets solid -waste tip fee., approves use of weighing stations The Hennepin County Board has set the amount that the county will charge trash haulers for solid -waste disposal at $75 a ton, effective in mid -1989, and has approved the use of 22 sites as possible interim facilities for weighing. garbage and trash. Both actions are necessary before two waste -to -energy plants handling county waste begin operations next year. Tip fee The $75 -per -ton tip fee is designed to cover all of the county's solid waste transfer, processing, recycling and com- posting costs. The fee will be paid by haulers to dispose of their waste at the county's designated sites, including four transfer stations and the waste -to - energy plant near downtown Min- neapolis. County officials said the $75 -per -ton fee will result in an increase of about $6 to $8 a month in a typical garbage bill for county households. Approximately 60 percent of the revenue generated by the fee will be used to cover county costs for two waste -to -energy plants—the facility be - in fg built by Blount, Inc., just northwest downtown Minneapolis and the Northern States Power Co./United Pow- er Association project under construc- otion in Elk River—as well as the cost of disposing of the residue and ash from the two projects and landfilling non- prGcessible and excess waste. Twenty-two percent of the revenue from ,the fee will be used to pay for the con- struction and operation of transfer sta- tions, where waste will be transferred from garbage -collection trucks to larger trucks for hauling to processing facili- ties. The county plans to build four transfer stations—in South Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Plymouth. - Hennepin helps cities fund their recy- tling programs, and about 16 percent of the revenue will be used for recycling grants to cities, for operating the county's yard waste -composting facili- ties and for the recycling portion of transfer stations. Two percent of the fee is earmarked for household hazardous waste management and administration costs. The $75 -per -ton tip fee is expected to go into effect about June 1. 1989. The county will establish the effective date a minimum of 60 days before the tip fee goes in to effect. Weighing stations Hennepin officials said the use of some interim weighing stations will be neces- sary next year since the Brooklyn Park and Bloomington transfer stations are scheduled for completion in late 1989, with the south Minneapolis and Plymouth stations expected to open in late 1990. Of the 22 Possible garbage -weighing stations, county officials said only a small number will be used, including two transfer stations in Minneapolis that are now operated by the city, and a few in the suburbs. The county plans to de- cide early next year which suburban sites it will select after meeting with ci- ties and garbage haulers. The list Of Potential interim facilities: Minneapolis north transfer station; Min- neapolis south transfer station, Osseo transfer station, southwest corner of State Highway 152 and old County 18, - county truck station, Corcoran; county public works facility, Hopkins; county truck station, Orono; county truck sta- tion, Osseo, county -owned land in Ma- ple Grove; county -owned land in Medina; Reuter Recycling, Inc., Eden Prairie; NSP facility, Elk River; Packer river terminal, Minneapolis; Minneapolis patching plant; Minneapolis water works, Fridley; southeast corner of 24th Avenue South and East 82nd Street, Bloomington; state truck station, Bloomington; Chicago Avenue Transfer, 333 E. 78th St., Bloomington; state truck station, Eden Prairie; state truck station, Fort Snelling; state central serv- ices, Fort Snelling; Hennepin Coopera- live Seed Exchange, Dayton; and the Blount facility, Minneapolis. County officials said only five sites could potentially be used as interim tran§fer stations: the two Minneapolis transfer stations; the Osseo transfer sta- tion; the Reuter facility; and the Blount plant. Collectio''n -d'ay County residents brought In more than 80 tons of assorted waste chemicals, 6,8G0 used tires and 4,800 used batteries to Hennepin's September collection of household hazardous wastes. (Article on reverse aide.) 10/25/88 CALL: Anonymous caller said he was concerned that Forester's Meats was permitted to have so many signs in the area of the Water Treatment Plant. He said he previously had contacted the City to ask that Forester's Meats be required to remove the signs and was told that something would be done but nothing had been to date. He asked that Forester's Meats be required to comply with the sign ordinance. itxiul CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMD= BaMEVARD, PLYMXTIH, NIMESOTA 55447 DATE: November 1, 1988 TO: Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator FROM: Joe Ryan, Building Official C� SUBJECT: FORESTER'S MEATS In response to your memo of October 27, 1988 our office performed a site inspection at the above referenced property in order to determine whether any violation of the sign regulations of the Zoning Ordinance existed on the property. Our findings revealed an 18 inch by 24 inch freestanding sign located along the northwest corner of Zachary Lane and "old" County Road 9 found to be in violation of the ordinance. The owner of Forester's Meats was contacted and requested to have the sign removed by November 2, 1988. Our office will follow up on this matter accordingly. Please contact me should you have any further questions. JR/tw cc: File 11/1/88 CALL: Mrs. Nelson, 6160 Dallas Ln. N. (557-1636) called regarding the intersection at Bass Lake Rd. and Hwy. 47. She said that turning left or right onto Hwy. 47 is very dangerous. She is particularly concerned about hazardous conditions at the intersection this winter when the roadway is icy. Mrs. Nelson would like the City to investigate installing a stoplight at Bass Lake Rd. and Hwy. 47. The call was referred to Fred Moore on 11/3. =_ 4� M November 14, 1988 Mrs. Nelson 6160 Dallas Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 CITY CO� PLYMOUTR SUBJECT: COUNTY ROAD 10 AND COUNTY ROAD 47 INTERSECTION Dear Mrs. Nelson: This letter is in response to -your telephone call on the City of Plymouth's "Citizen Comment Line." You submitted comments with regard to the intersection of County Road 10 and County Road 47. Since this intersection is the junction of two county roads, it is under the responsibility of the Hennepin County Department of Transportation. Because of other inquiries, Chester Harrison, City Engineer, has requested that the County investigate this intersection for the need for traffic signals. Before traffic signals can be installed, conditions must meet criteria as established in a manual adopted by the State of Minnesota. We are expecting to hear from the Hennepin County Department of Transportation before the first of the year on their 'decision in determining if there is a need for traffic signals. I might suggest that you contact Dennis Hansen with Hennepin County (935-3381) on the status of their study. If you have any further questiops, or if you need additional information, please contact Chester Harrison, City Engineer. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works FGM: kh cc: Chester J. Harrison, Jr., City Engineer Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator -It 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 CALL: An anonymous resident called with three concerns. Two related to the water treatment plant and the third to the controversy surrounding basketball hoops in cul-de-sacs. he resident objected to.the rila'ndTscaping at the new water tr'eatment plant. He said that all other new buildings in Plymouth have a very high standard of landscaping. He said that the water treatment did not meet that standard. He added that the treatment plant is located on a gateway to a residential area and it is important that it be attractively landscaped. This was referred to Fred Moore for informational purposes. 2) The resident said that the City needs to very carefully monitor that water is adequately ditched away when it is backwashed from the water treatment plant. e e c� c, t._ In the past, he has noticed that it has flooded Zachary Ln. He is concerned that this may occur during the winter when ice will form and create hazardous driving. conditions. This was referred to Fred Moore. 3) The caller commented that the "brouhaha" surrounding basketball hoops in cul-de-sacs was an example of the City "poking into the wrong set of problems." He said that the Council should not be playing "big brother." He added that he does not live on a cul-de-sac but wishes he did so that he could have a basketball hoop. This call was referred to the City Manager for informational purposes. L/2/88 4e \e^ ' CALL: An anonymous resident called to report that there are four to five inch ruts in the blacktop on 44th Ave. off of Goldenrod Ln.. He wanted to make the City aware of it because it may pose a hazard to city snowplows this winter -- and in turn cost taxpayers to repair them. The caller said that a crew came and put down a layer of blacktop but no roller came to smooth it. This information was referred to Fred Moore. 11/1/88 CALL: An anonymous resident on had a concern about high 19th Ave. N. He did not street. 19th Ave. North speed traffic on give another cross He said that high speed traffic is a problem both day and night. He added that cars often travel at speeds of 50 to 60 miles per hour. He noted that the light pole on one curb was knocked down three times -- until it finally was moved. He said cars often drive over lawns and sprinkler heads. He would like to have the matter looked into. He suggested that either the speed limit be lowered or that a stop sign be installed. The call was referred to Fred Moore on 11/3. RESPONSE: Fred said a stop sign is not needed. He said the problem is more appropriately handled by the Police Department with a speed enforcement corridor. His suggestion was routed to Dick Carlquist. 11/7/88 CALL: W Curt Stephan, 17220 - 19th Ave. N. Mr. Stephan's telephone number is 473-5139. Mr. Stephan said that he had returned from a four-day weekend to find that someone had driven over his lawn for "about the fifteenth time." Mr. Stephan said this has been a reoccurring problem. Motorists run over trees, bushes, sprinkler heads and knock over mailboxes. He said that a light pole near his house had been knocked over three times. Mr. Stephan said the problem is that the curve is too sharp for the 35 mph speed limit. (NOTE: I visited the location. The posted speed limit is 30 mph.) He asked that: 1) someone from the City to drive the stretch of road so that the problem can be observed first hand; 2) the speed limit be lowered; and 3) someone from the City Council respond to his concerns. 7 -0, - Cx' � November 9. 1988 Mr. Curt Stephan 17220 19th Avenue'North Plvmouth. Minnesota 55447 CITY O� PUMOUTR SUBJECT: CARELESS DRIVING ON 19TH AVENUE NORTH Dear Mr. Stephan: Thank vou for usina the customer comment special call line. I have referred this matter concernina the sDeedina and careless drivina of vehicles on 19th Avenue North to the Patrol Commander. We will schedule special radar enforcement in your area. When I receive the results of this special enforcement activity, I will share them with you. I am sorry that you have been bothered by such a frustrating and aaaravatina problem. I hope that we can help. S 1 ncere I v. ��Richard J. /ariqauis Public Safetv Director RJC: as cc: James G. Willis - City Manaaer Lieutenant Dennis Paulson Helen LaFave - Communications Coordinator - I . -.-. ES 0 61.2) 559-2800 �; - PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PLYMOUTH, MINNE -,A SF;447. TELEPHONE (' =- R 0(e Noveimber 14, 1988 Mr..Kurt Stephan 17220 19th'Avenue Plymouth, MN 55447 CITV (0- PLYMOUTR SUBJECT: CURVE ON 19TH AVENUE Dear*Mr. Stephan: I have reviewed your comments concerning the curve on 19th Avenue which you placed on the City of Plymouth's "Citizen Comment Line." The posted speed limit on 19th Avenue is 30 m.p.h. as established by the State of M�innesota in all residential areas. The City of Plymouth does not have the authority to lower this speed limit. As you a�e aware, the City of Plymouth has placed an "Advance Warning" sign for this curve. After I drove the roadway several times it was possible to drive the speed limit, although you must pay close attention to the curve. It would be my opinion that cars which are leaving the roadway are exceeding the posted speed limit. In order to provide additional warning to a motorist, we will be installing a 25 m.p.h. warning sign under the'existing curve signs. This will give additional notice to motorists who are unfamiliar with the area. Sincerely, Fred C. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works FGM: kh 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 11/15/88 CALL: An anonymous caller who is taking a workout class at Parkers Lake Pavilion said that there are no lights in the parking lot. She added that she nearly drove into the lake. She asked that the City install adequate lighting for those people using the park and pavilion during the evening. The suggestion was routed to Eric Blank. Awn �"Pc ca 40� bjej1d J.'dw-r- It- W 3 J(,Cj "'4r%'L =- % 0 MEMO DATE: November 16, 1988 TO: Dick Carlquist, Public Safety Director FROM: Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator SUBJECT: CUSTOMER COMMENT CARD The attached Public Service Counter Customer Comment Card was received on November 8. The card compliments you on your "great" service. I Willi d the O'Briens a letter thanking for their comments. cc: Frank Boyles James G. Willis CITY OF PLYMOUTH PUBLIC SERVICE COUNTERS'CUSTOMER COMMENT CARD We value your opinion about the service you . receive'- at the Public Service - .Counters! Please complete this card and drop It In a Customer Comment Box. Date n, Time 73 o With which department(s) did you deal 11T Name of person you saw Al. I Did you have an appointment? Yes 2c, No Was service prompt? Yes -A, Was'service courteou*s? No Yes Is there Information you still require? A10 H w serve coul d we you better eeA4 Q -4 - our .'dame would be appreciated;-. however'' If,, you -should a pref er re'"" nonymous"'we -still.value yo' ur observatIons'.:1 ail a Jel t—Address Phone =-%O! MEMO DATE: November 8, 1988 TO: Joe Ryan, Building Official FROM: Helen LaFave, Communications Coordinator)�j SUBJECT: CUSTOMER COMMENT CARD The attached Public Service Counter Customer Comment Card was received on November 8. The customer comments on the length of time required to receive a plumbing permit. Please send me a copy of your response to Mr. Johnston by November 23. rank Boyles cc: L�� 4 CITY OF PLYMOMM PUBLIC SERVICE COUNTERS CUSTOMER COMMENT CARD We value your opinion about the service you receive at the Public Service Co . unters! Please complete this card.and drop It,in a Customer Comment Box.-., Date. With which-'department(s) did you deal Name of person you saw Did. yot� have an'ap' Intmeni? Yes No PO W as 3ervice prompt? Yes Was service courteous? Ye's NO Is there Information you still require.? zz- you better? H6w-!qoij1 d 14'e. -serve Uj A IWO, 'OF 44, AM " i -W4.47 ki-, e .-,apprect owevere;",, -'Youi. "'should prefeF`4"t-'651�t6malh o. All - would b ated; Y)ukT;%name h anonymous,,,w��..s�lll -value �youk -observations 5 Al 7� �T -1 "IR -:_IP ress Phone 00"� k \014.0 logo I Id I METROPOLITAN COUNCILMears Park Centre, 230 East Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN. 55101 612 291-6359 November 10, 1988 Warren Porter, Solid Waste Division Manager Department of Environment and Energy 822 South Third St., Suite 300 Mpls., MN 55415 Warren Porter: Enclosed are the staff materials for Council review preparatory to the release of the draft SEIS of the Hennepin Resource Recovery Transfer Station Project. The release was tabled by the Council's Environmental Resources Committee in October to obtain a clearer description of potential measures for separating some components of the waste stream that would be delivered to the incineration facility. Your department's cooperation in providing the information referenced in the staff materials is appreciated. The subject has been rescheduled for the following meetings at the Council: Environmental Resources Committee - Wed. Nov. 169 3:00 Pm. Metropolitan Council - Thurs. Dec. 1, 4:00 pm. It would be helpful if you or one of your staff would be available to respond to questions at these meetings. Cordially, �) 41�a A)Jo-� Wayne Nelson cc: Daniel Luteneggerp Barton-Aschman Associatesp Inc. Brian Mark, Plymouth Business Action Assoc. Ray Peterson2 Phillips Neighborhood Improvement Assoc. Al Mattson, Maple Grove Economic Development Director Gary Berg, Brooklyn Park Planning Director Blair Tremere2 Plymouth Planning Director Perry Smith2 Minneapolis City Engineer METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Mears Park Centre2 230 East Fifth Streetq St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 612-291-6359 DATE: November 8t 1988 -1 -Mn TO: Environmental Resources Committee a FROM: Solid Waste Division (Wayne Nelsont 291-6406) SUBJECT: Release Of The Hennepin County Transfer Station SEIS A draft supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) has been prepared for changes in the proposed transfer station network to manage solid waste in Hennepin County. The committee tabled releasing the document in October pending clarification from Hennepin County of its intentions to separate some waste stream components at transfer stations prior to delivery to incineration facilities. The county's preliminary plans in this regard are presented as Attachment 1 and the information will also be integrated in the project description for the SEIS. The scoping decision specified the issues and information to be addressed in the study. It was issued by the Council on March 249 1988, and amended to include a Brooklyn Park site on July 14, 1988. The draft SEIS was prepared for the Council by a consultant team. The prime contractor was Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc. and the subcontractors were Lynne Bly and Associatesp Inc. and Barrientos & Associatesp Inc. Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules require that an informational meeting be held not less than 15 days after publication of a notice of draft SEIS availability in the EQB Monitor. The public comment period must remain open for 10 days after the public meeting (until January 18). Two informational meetings are tentatively planned as follows: Tuesdayq January 39 1989, 7:00 pm. Stewart Park Multipurpose Meeting Room 2700 12th Ave. S. Minneapolisq MN Wednesday January 49 19892 7:00 Pm - Somewhere between the Plymouth and Brooklyn Park sites For purposes of Council review prior to public release of the document, an executive summary including a title page and table of contents is being distributed to Advisory Committee and Council members. Full copies of the 200 page preliminary draft document will be provided if requested. Preliminary distribution on this basis saves about a $10 per copy in reproduction cost and minimizes the copies distributed before final editing of the official release document. Release of the document is intended to elicit public comment before the adequacy of its contents is determined. 71:-0 t% \**.w ATTACHMENT 1 MSW SEPARATION AT PROPOSED MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH TRANSFER STATION Hennepin County is planning to implement a demonstration program at the Minneapolis South transfer station to separate recyclables and materials not suitable for incineration. While the specifies of the design will be determined in a subsequent design contract9 it is anticipated the facility may include equipment such as conveyorsq handpickingg and simple separation equipment like a screen and a magnet. Conveyors could be installed adjacent to the tipping floor. Separation equipment could be placed in an area between the tipping floor and the recycling floor and/or on the recycling floor. Materials to be separated from MSW could include newsprint, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, ferrous metals and automobile batteries. Sreening could produce a bottom fraction with a large concentration of grit. This grit would be sent to a landfill. The desired result would be recovery of recyclables and production of a better burning waste for the mass -burn facility No MSW separation is currently planned for the proposed Plymouth or Brooklyn Park transfer stations. Most of the MSW from these transfer stations will go to the Anoka County Resource Recovery processing facility in Elk River where it will undergo mechanical separation and screening. 11 DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT 4000MMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO November 15, 1988 Jim Willis, City Manager Bob Zitur, Councilmember For Your Information and File As of today we are no longer associated with Merrill Lynch Realty. The real estate licenses of Donna, Amy, and me are now with The Relocation Center, Edinborough, Edina. This is a step up for Donna and Amy. I do not plan on being active in the industry. BZ:lr cc: Mayor and Councilmembers