HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 06-29-2001JUNE 299 2001
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
FA
3.
4.
S.
Ga
2
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 7: 00 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 17, 7: 00 PM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
THURSDAY, JULYS, 5:15 PM
MONDAY, JULY 9, 7. 00 PM
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 7: 00 PM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 7. 00 PM
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 7.00 PM
Dummy
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING,
JOINT MEETING WITHENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY COMMITTEE, Public Safety
Training Room
INDEPENDENCE DAYHOLIDAY
City Offices closed
MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH, City Center
Amphitheater
8:00 PM — Groundbreaking ceremonies for
the Hilde Performance Center (invitation is
attached.) (M-3)
YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL, Medicine
Lake Room.
PARK & RECREA TION AD VISOR Y
COMMISSION (PRA C), Council Chambers
PLANNING COMMISSION, Council
Chambers
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room
8. THURSDAY, JULY 19, 7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETYADVISORY BOARD,
Police Department Library
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
June 29, 2001
Page 2
9. SATURDAY, JULY 21, 9: 00 AM STEWARDS FOR GREENING TIRE &
TROWEL, depart from Plymouth Creek
Center
10. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached (M-10)
11. June, July, and August Calendars are attached (M-11)
1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC
a) City new releases:
1) League of Minnesota Cities recognition of the Youth Advisory Council
and the RFC—Connect program. (I -I a. l)
2) Announcement of fall classes for the Citizens Safety Academy. (I-1 a.2)
3) Announcement of the appointment of Dan Faulkner as Public Works
Director. (1-1 a.3)
b) On June 18, Councilmembers Bob Stein and Judy Johnson attended a
Robbinsdale School District 281 Board/Administration dialogue. One of the items
on the agenda was discussion about a proposed aquatic center. The enclosed
article which appeared in the New Hope/Golden Valley Sun Sailor describes the
meeting, as well as some information about the request. Councilmembers Stein
and Johnson wanted the Council to be aware of this issue. (I -1b)
c) Notice of consideration for reissuance of a permit for Honeywell -Plymouth
Operations, 12001 Hwy. 55. (I -1c)
d) Notice from Prudential Insurance of the layoff of 55 employees from the
Policyowner Relations Department located in Plymouth. (I -1d)
e) Meeting notice and packet for the Wayzata/Plymouth Area Chemical Health
Commission September 14 meeting. (I -le)
J9 Copy of a letter to residents who spoke at a recent Park and Recreation Advisory
Commission (PRAC) meeting about the proposed playground at the
Environmental Park. The following residents spoke and received a copy of the
letter: Bill Hunt, 14220 44h Place; Alan Litts, 14180 47`b Avenue; Katherine
Hagen, 6435 Main Street, Maple Plain; Beverly Romfo, 14215 44`x' Place; Sarah
Seltz, 4800 Cheshire Lane; Peg Matuseski, 14175 47`b Avenue; and Shirley
Galvin, 14000 44`h Place. (I -If)
2. STAFFREPORTS
a) The Plymouth Fire Department Monthly Report for May, 2001 (I -2a)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
June 29, 2001
Page 3
3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE
a) Response from Acting Transit Administrator George Bentley to Kathleen
Due -Lund regarding Dial–A–Ride services. A copy of Ms. Due–Lund's original
correspondence is also attached. (1--3a)
A summary report on 2001 correspondence is attached. (1-3)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a) Card from Kayla Boettcher at the League of Minnesota Cities regarding her work
with the Plymouth Youth Advisory Council. (1--4a)
b) Letter from Mayor Tierney to the Editor of the Sun–Sailor responding to an
earlier letter from Steve Gardner about the Reserve development project. A copy
of Mr. Gardner's letter is also attached. (I -4b)
c) Letter from Mayor Tierney to Al and Jayne Hilde regarding approval by the City
Council of the site plan and agreement for the Hilde Performance Center. (I -4c)
S. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities AMMFAXNews:
1) Issue dated June 25 (I -5a. 1)
2) Issue dated June 28, regarding passage of the tax bill (I -5a. 2)
b) League of Minnesota Cities Friday FAX (I -5b)
M-3
Vah
The Plymouth Civic heague
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU
to the groundbreaking ceremony of the
111'
HILDE PERFORMANCE CENTER
Thursday, July 5, 2001
at
MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH
'Fl!ease cor,-,e ,o E.he east s2i- 1e Vi .- a SO t.age at.
7:30 PM for refreshments prior to the ceremony.
We are pleased to announce that Eiji Oue will
be conducting the Minnesota Orchestra.
The groundbreaking will be held at th
PLYMOUTH AMPHITHEATE
Located off 34"' Ave. North between the City Office
and Lifetime Fitness Cente
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Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
July 10
• Recognition of Youth Town Forum Subcommittee members, LMC Awards, and
Minnesota Park & Recreation Association awards
• Approve location of playground in Environmental Park
• Adopt Multi -family Housing Policy
• Approve Preliminary Layout of County Road 101 from Highway 55 to County Road 47
(1026)
• Approve Tobacco License for Abe's Tobacco, 16605 County Road 24 # 103
• Approve Final Plat for Phase One of "The Reserve," a residential development to be
located west of I-494 and North of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Rottlund Homes.
(20092F)
• Approve variances to allow 1) a 7 -foot side yard setback where 15 feet is specified and
2) 31 percent impervious surface coverage where 25 percent is specified in order to
allow construction of a new attached two -stall garage for property located at 10140 26th
Avenue North. Nancy Mack (2001045)
• Approve a variance to allow a 6.1 foot side yard setback where 15 feet is required to
rebuild an existing garage at 1450 Larch Lane North. Daniel and Kathryn Thorson.
(2001050)
• Approve Winterhalter lot division for 3880 Troy Lane North. Schoell & Madson, Inc.
(2001058)
• I-494 Corridor Commission Agreement with LJR, Inc.; I-494 Corridor Commission
Dues Increase
• Approve Reguiding and Rezoning of certain properties to achieve consistency between
the newly updated Land Use Guide Plan and the City's Zoning Map, as required by
Minnesota Statutes 473.865. City of Plymouth. (2001042)
• Conditional use permit and variance to allow installation of a 125 -foot high monopole
antenna tower and related equipment shelter at the Hamel VFW, 19020 Hamel Road.
Ultieg Engineers. (2001046)
July 24
• Hearing on Plymouth Marketplace Senior Housing Revenue Bonds
• Approve plans for Plymouth Blvd. improvements, including parking bump -outs and
resurfacing
• Receive report on Hydraulic and Hydrology Study for Northwest Plymouth
• Approve Reguiding and Rezoning of certain properties to achieve consistency between
the newly updated Land Use Guide Plan and the City's Zoning Map, as required by
Minnesota Statutes 473.865. City of Plymouth. (2001042)
• Adopt Policy on IDR Bonds
9 Adopt Ordinance regarding conduct on rental licensed premises
AA -
1 -1
�1
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
July 2001
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
INDEPENDENCE
DAY - City Offices
Closed
5:15 PM MUSIC
IN PLYMOUTH,
City Center
Amphitheater
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
Chambers
Room
Chambers
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
7:00 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING:
JOINT ITH TING
ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY
COMMITTEE,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
Room
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept. Library
9:00 AM
STEWARDS
FOR
GREENING
TIRE &
TROWEL
TOUR, depart
from Plymouth
Creek Center
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
29
30
31
Jun 2001 Aug 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
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3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
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modified on 6/28/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
August 2001
Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
Jul 2001 Sep 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Council Chambers
Medicine Lake
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Room
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Chambers
Chambers
Room
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
7:00 PM
REGULAR
7:00 PM
PLANNING
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
COUNCIL
COMMISSION,
Room
MEETING, Council
Council Chambers
Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept. Library
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
7:00 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING.
7:00 PM PACT -
TOPICS: (1) South
Bass Lake ROOM
Shore Drive safety
improvements, (2)
Liquor issues, (3)
Secondhand smoke, (4)
Set future study
sessions, Police
Training Room
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:30 AM LOCAL
7:00 PM
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
SPECIAL
Hotel
COUNCIL
MEETING:
7:00 PM REGULAR
BUDGET
COUNCIL MEETING,
STUDY
Council Chambers
SESSION,
Police Training
L
Room
. I - I
i
I
modified on 6/28/2001
/A-11
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
September 2001
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday
Aug 2001
Oct 2001
1
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 31
28 29 30 31
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LABOR DAY - City
Offices Closed
7:00 PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL
MEETING:
BUDGET STUDY
SESSION, Public
Safety Training
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
Room
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
7:00 PM EQC,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council
Chambers
10:00 AM -5:00
PM AUTUMN
ARTS FAIR,
Parkers Lake
Park
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
Room
Rosh Hashanah
begins at sunset
7:00 PM
PLANNINGMedicine
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM HRA -
Lake Room
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY ADVISORY
BOARD, Police Dept.
Library
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
Yom Kippur begins
at sunset
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
30
modified on 6/28/2001
News Release
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2001
Contact:
Laurie Ahrens, 763-509-5052
City of Plymouth's Youth Council and REC-Connect recognized with awards
The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) recognized the City of Plymouth with two City
Achievement Awards at the annual LMC conference in Duluth. The City's online recreation
class registration system and Youth Council were honored at an awards ceremony on June 22.
Youth Advisory Council
The League of Minnesota Cities recognized Plymouth's Youth Advisory Council as a
leader in the state. The League awarded the citizen advisory group a City Achievement Award in
the category of Citizen, Youth and Community Involvement.
The Plymouth Youth Council provides the City Council with a youth perspective on
diverse issues while grooming young people to become tomorrow's community leaders. At the
same time, the Youth Council provides members with leadership opportunities, knowledge of
local government and hands-on experience in municipal government.
During its three year existence, the Youth Council has sponsored:
• Two Youth Jams, outdoor concerts featuring local bands.
• Youth Town Forums, which have enabled young people to exchange thoughts on current
topics with peers, elected officials and City staff members.
• Youth Service Awards, a program which recognizes outstanding service by teens in the
community.
In addition to sponsoring programs, the Youth Council also serves as a citizen advisory body
to the City Council. It studies diverse issues and offers recommendations to the City Council.
Among the issues the Youth Council has addressed are changes in curfew, operation hours for
public transit, new drivers license laws, the City's overnight parking ordinance, the labor
shortage, the city water quality program, zero tolerance policies in the high schools, DARE
program, cigarette/alcohol accessibility, gang influence, Y2K issues and local government career
shadowing programs.
The group has also worked to improve communications among Plymouth's four school
districts and expand recreation programming targeted at teens. Members of the Youth Council
have also been active in community service groups and promoting civic involvement among
young people beyond the city limits.
REC-Connect
The City's online registration program for recreation programs was singled out for
recognition. Plymouth was the first city in the state and among the first in the country to offer
web -based registration for its recreation classes. The online system, called REC-Connect, was
launched last fall. It is available on the City web site, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us.
REC-Connect gives people access to recreation class information 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Participants can browse through program offerings as well as register and pay for
classes online using a credit card. REC-Connect also allows users to learn more about park and
recreation facilities. The site includes details on the amenities at each park as well as driving
directions.
By serving as a beta site for Class Software Solutions, Plymouth was able to initiate this
e -government service at a relatively low cost. A team of City of Plymouth staff members worked
with Class Software to develop the software.
Web program registration has been well received by Plymouth residents. During the first
day of spring program registration, 12% of all registrations were completed on-line. Before City
offices opened at 8 a.m., the percentage was even higher at 24%. As residents become more
aware of and more comfortable with on-line registration, Recreation Superintendent Mary Bisek
expects these numbers to increase.
-30-
10�1
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact:
June 26, 2001 Mike Goldstein, 763-509-5129
Plymouth Citizens Public Safety Academy set for fall; applications being accepted
If you would like to find out how the Hollywood versions of police and fire work stack up to the real
thing, apply to be part of the Citizens Public Safety Academy. The academy, sponsored by the Plymouth Police
and Fire Departments, promises attendees insight into the day-to-day world of Plymouth police officers and
firefighters. The free, 11 -week class will start this fall.
The interactive sessions cover diverse topics, including fire operations, crime lab, emergency response
team, investigations, auxiliary services and dispatch. Students also learn about the challenges facing these
professions.
The academy features:
• Classroom instruction on methodologies, laws, equipment and technologies;
• Field experience; and
• Personal interaction with department members.
"The academy has received excellent reviews from past attendees. Course graduates appreciated the
interactive nature of the academy. Participants do not just listen to lectures, they have an opportunity to
experience a hands-on learning environment," said Lt. Mike Goldstein.
Apply now
The academy is offered on Tuesday evenings from Sept.l l through Nov. 30, 7 - 9 p.m. (No class on Nov.
6.) Class size is limited to 25-30 students. Interested persons, 18 years old or older, may call 763-509-5166 for
an application. Please leave your name, mailing address and phone number. Applications must be postmarked
by Aug. 31. The application process will include a criminal history check on each applicant.
-30-
a
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release
June 28,2001
Contact:
Dwight Johnson, 763-509-5051
Dan Faulkner Named Plymouth Public Works Director
A person familiar to many in Plymouth has been named as the City of Plymouth's new public works director.
Dan Faulkner was appointed to the post on June 28. Faulkner has worked for Plymouth since 1989 as the City
Engineer.
As Public Works Director, Faulkner will have overall responsibility for the construction and maintenance of
the City's streets and sewer and water systems. The Public Works Department is also responsible for providing
recycling, public transit, and water quality programs and also plays a major role in reviewing new developments in the
City. Faulkner's appointment fills a vacancy that was created when long-time Public Works Director Fred Moore
retired in early June.
After 12 years as City Engineer, a position in which he managed the development, design and construction of
Plymouth's public utility systems and streets, Faulkner is looking forward to taking on a broader role in the
community. "The work we do in the Public Works Department of the City has a direct impact on quality of life in our
community. I plan to focus on how we can continue to support and maintain the high quality of life we have in
Plymouth. We'll accomplish this through projects and programs that meet our high standards and a dedicated work
force that provides a high level of customer service," Faulkner said.
City Manager Dwight Johnson noted that Faulkner was selected from a group of 16 candidates who
participated in an extensive selection process. "Dan Faulkner has been outstanding as our City Engineer for the last
twelve years," Johnson said. "He will combine his extensive knowledge of the City with his personal ability to
communicate and collaborate with many diverse groups. He is very customer focused and has strong commitment to
providing excellent public services."
Faulkner brings 28 years of public sector engineering experience to his new position. In addition to serving as
the Plymouth City Engineer, he served as City Engineer for the City of Lenexa, Kansas for three years. He also worked
as an engineer for the City of Kansas City, Missouri.
-30-
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MNSun Community tenant is sought for Hosterman pool
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Page 1
By Sue Webber
Sun Newspapers
(Created 6/27/019:25:55 AM)
If a community tenant can be found for the now -closed Hosterman Middle School swimming pool,
District 281 will spend $25,000 to repair the ceiling and agree to maintain the building shell.
That was the consensus of the District 281 School Board June 18.
The board directed Superintendent Stan Mack to seek such a tenant and negotiate a lease
agreement for the pool that would permit District 281 to lease it for curricular and/or co -curricular
activities.
The option would be similar to the district's collaboration with the city of New Hope on a recently
completed gymnasium at Cooper High School, said Tom Walerius, District 281's senior associate
for business services.
"We would provide the building, and someone else would take care of it," Walerius said. "The
district would take care of the shell and the tenant would take care of the interior of the building."
Following recent assessments of the Hosterman pool by four different sets of consultants, district
officials concluded that opening the pool would cost between $57,600 and $70,600 immediately,
and another $296,200 of additional repairs in the future.
Superintendent Stan Mack said district officials would work quickly —within the next three to four
weeks — to launch a search for a tenant.
In a later telephone interview, Mack said the district is compiling a list of prospective tenants –
such as cities, YMCA, the Courage Center, and the New Hope-CrystaEPlymouth Swim Club,
along with area health care centers, convalescent homes, nursing homes and assisted living
facilities —that will be invited to consider becoming "shareholders" in the Hosterman pool in return
for access to the pool between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at a 'reasonable cost."
Bob Wittman, District 281's senior associate for community education, will head that search, Mack
said.
win
"There is a tremendous amount of daytime utilization [at the pool] at a most attractive time for
adults, particularly retirees," Mack said. Part of the TwinC
A master scheduler from the lead agency agreeing to become a pool tenant —or a joint powers
board of several agencies —would be needed to allocate the pool times, Mack said. The district
would not continue to fund the pool coordinator's position that has existed until now, Mack said.
"From an operational standpoint, they would have to stand on their own," Mack said
However the district could act as the fiscal agent for the pool operation, Mack said
If and when a tenant is found, District 281 would repair the pool's ceiling, maintain the building
shell (roof and walls), provide access to the pool through the building and maintain and allow
parking.
The tenant would pay all costs of operation, including cleaning and chemical treatment, heating
costs (water, locker rooms and pool area), electrical, licenses and insurance. The community
tenant also would schedule users, set pool rates, pay a coordinator, lifeguards and instructors; and
maintain and repair the interior, including pool and floor tile, seating, pumps, filters and all pool
equipment.
The repairs would take about 10 weeks, Wittman said.
Walerius told the board last week the remaining items could be negotiable
"I don't want the other items negotiable," Boardmember Bev O'Connor said. "That says we're
willing to use taxpayer money, and I'm not willing to vote for that."
Boardmember Deb Oetjens agreed. "It's all taxpayer money," she said, adding that she would find
it difficult to "buy into large number of negotiations" when the district has other pressing needs,
such as wrestling space at Cooper High School and a lunchroom at Noble Elementary.
Hosterman's pool was closed March 31 because the suspended ceiling panel support system was
corroded, and district officials deemed the area unsafe for swimmers.
The building, which was closed as a District 281 middle school one year ago because of declining
enrollment, now is home to a variety of District 287 special education programs.
The closing of the Hosterman pool has left the district with two viable swimming pools, one at
Plymouth Middle School and the other at Sandburg Middle School.
"We have information from the athletic directors that all classroom needs can be met in two pools,"
Board Chair Bob Hemz said.
The swimming pool at the former Robbinsdale Junior High was closed Jan. 1, 2001, because the
city of Robbinsdale no longer could afford to operate it for its park and recreation programs.
"We tried hard to keep RHS pool open, but the cost is $37,000 a year," Walerius said. "We
promised we would fix the pool if the city of Robbinsdale signed a five-year lease, but they couldn't
sell enough memberships to do that."
Hosterman's swimming pool was built in 1960, the pool at Sandburg in 1966 and the Plymouth
Middle School pool in 1968.
Users include middle school physical education classes (including those from the Technology and
Language Campus in Robbinsdale), boys and girls high school varsity teams from Armstrong and
Cooper high schools; middle school swim teams; adapted physical education; community
education swimming instruction; and the New Hope -Crystal -Plymouth Swim Club.
District 281 currently leases space for student divers at Breck School, since diving wells were
removed from all the school pools some time ago.
The superintendent said last week that district officials are sensitive to 'the whole level of
emotional ties and neighborhood ties" to the Hosterman pool.
However, Mack reiterated the district's position that its mission is the education — not the
recreational needs — of its students.
"It is important to provide a community opportunity for the community to come forth and save the
Hosterman pool; it's a valuable community asset," Boardmember ReNae Bowman said.
Several parents of Cooper swim team members have sent the district e-mails, Mack said,
supporting the district's decision to seek a Hosterman pool tenant as a "fair and reasonable
Page 2
compromise."
City officials weigh in on the pool issue
Prior to last week's School Board meeting, the issue of the Hosterman pool also was raised at a
meeting of school board members, District 281 staff and representatives from the cities comprising
District 281.
The cities of Plymouth, Golden Valley and Robbinsdale were represented for the entire meeting;
three representatives from New Hope showed up mid -meeting. The cities of Brooklyn Park,
Brooklyn Center and Crystal were not represented at all.
"What can we do to cooperate to meet the demands for indoor pool facilities?" said Board Chair
Bob Hernz.
City officials agreed that a needs assessment should be conducted.
"A lot of things have to be investigated; needs differ according to the population were talking
about financially," Golden Valley Mayor Mary Anderson said. "It's too bad Crystal and New Hope
aren't here because they're an important part of our district. I'm interested in starting the process.
If we wait until we're in crisis, its much more difficult."
Public-private partnerships will be an important part of the solution, according to Golden Valley
City Councilmember Marti Micks.
School district officials said earlier that a cooperative indoor pool facility, built, financed and shared
by the seven cities comprising District 281, would be one solution.
Such a facility with Robbinsdale, Crystal and New Hope as the primary partners — the only three
communities wholly and exclusively within District 281— would cost between $2.5 and $5 million,
Walerius said earlier.
Within the district, there are indoor pools in Brooklyn Center and at the YMCA in New Hope, and
also at the Plymouth Lifetime Fitness Center. New Hope, Crystal and Plymouth also have outdoor
pools.
"Our instructional purpose is for an indoor facility," Superintendent Stan Mack said. We would not
go into the outdoor business at all. The demand the board is hearing [from its constituents] is a
swimming pool for recreational uses, but our principal mission is not to supply recreational
facilities."
Swimming pool proposals have not met with easy acceptance in area cities.
The residents of Golden Valley twice have rejected bond issues for swimming pools. The vote for
an indoor recreation center failed by a wide margin in 1987, and a referendum for an outdoor
facility was narrowly defeated in 1992,
Plymouth voters rejected a proposal for a community center in 1984; another try at a community
center was stopped in 1989 when the Plymouth City Council voted against it before it was put to
the voters. In 1994, however, Plymouth successfully collaborated with Lifetime Fitness in 1994 on
a pool/ice arena complex.
This site and its contents Cr2000, 201. Sun Newspapers
- Main Offloe: 9524629-0797 -
Created and maintained by Quantum Digital Interactive
Email: jcorbo@quantumsite.com
Page 3
O DISTRICT 281
O
a
WW
t
RODDIk5NLE
area schools
We are a progressive and dynamic
learning organization that develops
caring, creative and productive citizens.
Board/Administration
Dialogue with
City Representatives
Monday, June 18, 2001
5:30 p.m.
Education Service Center
4148 Winnetka Avenue North
New Hope, MN
• Introductions and Reflections on Successful Cooperation Efforts — Hernz
• Aquatic Center Discussions
• Referendum Levy — School District and Other Municipal Taxing Implications
• Economic Development and Housing Issues
0 Potential Areas of Future Cooperation
l�
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
June 25, 2001 k_..
CERTIFIED MAIL NO. 7000 1670 0005 76113356RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED r`N
The Honorable Joy Tierney"
Mayor, City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447-1448
RE: DRAFT REISSUANCE NPDES/SDS PERMIT NO. MN 0063266
Honeywell -Plymouth Operations, 12001 State Highway 55, Plymouth, Hennepin County, Minnesota
Dear Mayor Tierney:
THIS IS AN OFFICIAL REQUEST OF THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY THAT
YOU POST THE ENCLOSED PUBLIC NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING:
The Minn. R. 7001.0100, subp. 5C, requires that:
"The Director shall circulate permit public notices in one or more of the following ways:
(1) by posting the notice in the post office, public library, or other buildings used by the general
public in the designated geographical areas; and/or
(2) by posting the notice at or near the entrance of the applicant's premises, if located near the
facility or activity that is the subject of the permit application."
Accordingly, we submit the enclosed public notice for posting in the city, town, or village hall.
We request that the notice is posted on the date referenced in the notice and that it remains posted for
30 days. Any questions regarding this notice, please call the staff member listed within the notice.
Sincerely, O
dQ�
urie O'Brien
Administrative Support Unit
Major Facilities Section
Metro District
Enclosure
520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (651) 296-6300 (Voice); (651) 282-5332 (TTY)
St. Paul • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Duluth • Mankato • Marshall • Rochester • Willmar; www.pca.state.mn.us
Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 20% fibers from paper recycled by consumers.
r y Page 1 of 4
Permit MN 0063266
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
METRO DISTRICT
PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO REISSUE
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) AND
STATE DISPOSAL SYSTEM (SDS) PERMIT MN 0063266
Public Comment Period Begins: June 25, 2001
Public Comment Period Ends: July 25, 2001
Current Permit Issued: May 29, 1996
Current Permit Expiration Date: March 31, 2001
Name and Address of Permittee
Facility Name and Location
Honeywell, International Honeywell — Plymouth Operations
101 Columbia Road 12001 State Highway 55
Morristown, New Jersey 07962 Plymouth, Hennepin County, Minnesota
RECEIVING WATERS: Medicine Lake via a series of storm sewer ponds which are
converted natural wetlands and an intermittent creek.
Description of Permitted Facility
The principal activity at this facility is the manufacturing of microelectronic circuits, sensors,
and other devices. The discharge authorized by this permit consists of reject water from the
Reverse Osmosis (RO) system; "Reject A" in the double pass mode and both "Reject A" and
"Reject B" in a single pass mode, and cooling tower blowdown at an average rate of 54,000
gallons per day and a maximum rate of 74,000. The water source is either the city water supply
or an on-site well. The water is dechlorinated prior to use or prior to discharge. The reject
waters and cooling tower bleedoff are ultimately discharged to Medicine Lake (water use
classifications: 2B, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5 and 6) via a series of storm water detention ponds which are
converted natural wetlands (water use classifications: 21), 31), 4C, 5 and 6) and an intermittent
creek (water use classifications: 2B, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5 and 6). Under the existing permit, the
Permittee was reviewed and approved for a maximum discharge of 144,000 gallons per day.
Approval at this level required the Permittee to do wetland monitoring. The City of Plymouth's
comprehensive wetland management plan has placed this wetland/storm water basin into their
lowest quality class. Waters used to flush and clean RO system, industrial process water, and
sanitary wastes are discharged to the sanitary sewer.
Preliminary Determination on the Draft Permit
The MPCA Commissioner has made a preliminary determination to reissue this NPDES/SDS
permit for a term of approximately five years.
Printed on recycled paper containing at least 10% paper recycled by consumers
Page 2 of 4
Permit MN 0063266
A draft permit is available for review at the MPCA office at the St. Paul address listed below,
and may be copied between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A copy of the
draft permit will be mailed to you if the MPCA receives your written or oral request at either of
these offices. If you have questions on this draft permit or the Commissioner's preliminary
determination, please contact Deborah A. Schumann at (651) 297-5791.
Written Comments
You may submit written comments on the conditions of the draft permit or on the
Commissioner's preliminary determination.
Written comments must include the following:
1. A statement of your interest in the permit application or the draft permit;
2. A statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including specific references to
sections of the draft permit that you believe should be changed; and
3. The reasons supporting your position, stated with sufficient specificity as to allow the
Commissioner to investigate the merits of your position.
Petition for Public Informational Meeting
You also may request that the MPCA Commissioner hold a public informational meeting. A
public informational meeting is an informal meeting that the MPCA may hold to solicit public
comment and statements on matters before the MPCA, and to help clarify and resolve issues.
A petition requesting a public informational meeting must include the following information:
1. A statement identifying the matter of concern;
2. The information required under items 1 through 3 of "Written Comments," identified above;
3. A statement of the reasons the MPCA should hold a public informational meeting; and
4. The issues that you would like the MPCA to address at the public informational meeting.
Petition for Contested Case Hearing
You also may submit a petition for a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a
formal evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge. In accordance with Minn. R.
7000.1900, the MPCA will grant a petition to hold a contested case hearing if it finds that:
(1) there is a material issue of fact in dispute concerning the application or draft permit; (2) the
MPCA has the jurisdiction to make a determination on the disputed material issue of fact; and
(3) there is a reasonable basis underlying the disputed material issue of fact or facts such that the
holding of the contested case hearing would allow the introduction of information that would aid
the MPCA in resolving the disputed facts in making a final decision on the draft permit. A
material issue of fact means a fact question, as distinguished from a policy question, whose
resolution could have a direct bearing on a final MPCA decision.
Page 3 of 4
Permit MN 0063266
A petition for a contested case hearing must include the following information:
1. A statement of reasons or proposed findings supporting the MPCA decision to hold a
contested case hearing according to the criteria in Minn. R. 7000.1900, as discussed above;
and
2. A statement of the issues proposed to be addressed by a contested case hearing and the
specific relief requested or resolution of the matter.
In addition and to the extent known, a petition for a contested case hearing should also include
the following information:
1. A proposed list of prospective witnesses to be called, including experts, with a brief
description of proposed testimony or summary of evidence to be presented at a contested
case hearing;
2. A proposed list of publications, references, or studies to be introduced and relied upon at a
contested case hearing; and
3. An estimate of time required for you to present the matter at a contested case hearing.
MPCA Decision
You may submit a petition to the Commissioner requesting that the MPCA Citizens' Board
consider the permit issuance. To be considered timely, the petition must be received by the
MPCA by 4:30 p.m. on the date the public comment period ends, identified on page 1 of this
notice. Under the provisions of Minn. Stat. §. 116.02, subd 6(4), the decision whether to issue
the permit and, if so, under what terms will be presented to the Board for decision if. (1) the
Commissioner grants the petition requesting the matter be presented to the Board; (2) one or
more Board members request to hear the matter before the time the Commissioner makes a final
decision on the permit; or (3) a timely request for a contested case hearing is pending. You may
participate in the activities of the MPCA Board as provided in Minn. R. 7000.0650.
The written comments, requests, and petitions submitted on or before the last day of the public
comment period will be considered in the final decision on this permit. If the MPCA does not
receive written comments, requests, or petitions during the public comment period, the
Commissioner, or other MPCA staff as authorized by the Commissioner, will make the final
decision on the draft permit.
Comments, petitions, and/or requests must be submitted in writing on or before the end
date of the public comment period identified on page 1 of this notice to:
Deborah A. Schumann
Metro District/Major Facilities
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 551554194
--*,j
Prudential
Mayor Joy Tierney
City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Tierney:
Stephen M. Dodson
Vice President, Human Resources
The Prudential Insurance Company of America
80 Livingston Ave.
Roseland, NJ 07068-1701
Tel (973-716-4477 Fax 973-716-2986
June 22, 2001
Re: 60 Day WARN Notification - Additional activity
further to activity on June 12, 2001
In accordance with the Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification Act ("WARN"), we are
writing to inform you of the anticipated mass layoff of 55 employees in our Policyowner Relations
Department located at 13001 County Road 10, Plymouth, MN 55442. This is a continuation of the
layoffs in our Policyowner Relations Department at the same location that affected 30 employees
on June 12, 2001.
Notice of separation will take place on June 22, 2001. The effective date of separation for those
employees is August 22, 2001. They will continue to receive pay and benefits during this 60 day
notice period. As with the layoffs announced on June 12, 2001, these layoffs are expected to be
permanent. Additionally, the affected employees are not represented by a union and are not
entitled to bumping rights.
In accordance with WARN, we have attached herewith a list of the job titles of the positions which
are affected by this additional activity as well as the earlier activity on June 12, 2001, and the
number of affected employees in each job title
For further information, please contact me at (973) 716-4477.
Sincerely yours,
Stephen M. Dodson
Vice President, Human Resources
W5 "4� \ -e.
- AClic
Vt1AYZATA/PLYMOUTH AREA CHEMICAL HEALTH COMMISSION
600 RICE STREET o WAYZATA, MINNESOTA 55391 � 612/473-0234
Meeting Notice
Friday, September 14, 2001
7:00 am
Wayzata School Administration Building
Conference Room
210 County Road 101 North
Plymouth, Minnesota
A. Introductions — 7:00
B. Review and accept/amend minutes — 7:05
C. Treasurers Report — 7:10
D. Public Safety Update — 7:15
E. School Updates — 7:25
F. Agency Update — 7:35
G. Clergy Update — 7:40
H. 501 c3 — 7:45
I. Other — 7:50
J. Adjourn
Next WPACHC Meeting: October 12, 2001
r..
i:j.,) PLEASE UON'T UO NOTHING
WP/ACIqC
IIVAYZATA/PLYMOUTH AREA CHEMICAL HEALTH COMMISSION
600 RICE STREET o WAYZATA, MINNESOTA 55391 9 612/473-0234
Wayzata -Plymouth Area
Chemical Health and Violence Prevention Commission
Minutes
June 8. 2001
Members Present:
Jennifer Welk, Donna Marget, Theresa Hunter, Lydia Kihm, Martha
Anderson, Barbara Hickok, Carol Berganstal, Kim Rowe, Craig Gerdes,
Judy Hanson, Tim McCarthy, Bill Nelson
Introductions:
Minutes:
Minutes approved
Treasurer's Report:
Public Safetv:
Plymouth:
Alcohol compliance checks first round has been completed. 50 checked
with 5 failures.
Tobacco checks going well.
The State will be using the Best Practices Program around the state.
Wayzata:
Wayzata tobacco checks are on hold.
Agency Update:
Hennepin County:
6/27/01 at CMS 7-8:30 in room A413
developing action chart — get focused
Concept of having Chief Gerdes attend WSH open house.
Parent responsibility of alcohol
i
.2 PLEASE DON T DG NOTHING
CICC:
Cordella Anderson
Bullying
Parenting with a vision
Teens Alone:
Renee Hanson will be on Teens Alone board.
Youth advisory board
2 students from each high school
Andre is leaving — he ran chemical health at TAP
Newsletter will be sent to grade 5-12 parents
School Update:
Nice senior breakfast.
Junior class assembly " Stepping Up"
Welcome back day will be done on a smaller scale.
Focus on schools
SDFS $35,000 VP $15,700
Drug culture with kids — how to address the issue
Connecting with others
Mentoring
Link 4 — LCTS funded
Anti bullying
Youth sharing with adults
Health curriculum
MN Student Survey
Early fall
Anxious to see if goals were met
Prom parties
12 parties sponsored — serving 400 kids
School climate
Cutting 3.8 million
WMEP $5000 grant to work with Roosevelt High to join efforts
501 c3
Other:
Cross promotion to youth events
Get a stronger youth presence
Bill, Martha, Mandy and Donna are working on the final steps.
Financial subcommittee: Bill and Mandy
Writing subcommittee: Martha and Donna
Forming by-laws: Lydia and Judy
Basic structure
Simple
Membership — open
Would like to do it in 15 days
Articles of incorporation
List officers
Activities of group:
Promote safe and healthy families
Prom party
Publications, newspapers and newsletters
Community forums
Community integration and collaboration
Gary Swedberg sent a thank you card to the commission
NEXT MEETING: September 14.2001
June 26, 2001
Bill Hunt
14220 44th Place
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear Mr. Hunt:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTI+
You recently appeared before the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to discuss the
proposed playground at the Environmental Park. This item is now scheduled to go to the City
Council on Tuesday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The City Council will receive copies of all past
communications that have been sent to the City regarding this issue. If you would like to send
additional letters or e—mails, please have them to the City no later than Thursday, July 5th, so
they can be included in the Council's packet of information.
If you have any questions regarding this subject, I can be reached at 509-5201. Thank you for
your time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely,
Ft , z, 6k,
Eric Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: PRAC
City Council
PLYMOUTH ABeauti [Pface7oLive
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
wwwxi.plymouth.mn.us
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,. �a $C�'^ �s ��,� k A 4as 1 � c r ��'a §� � s +. _ .,,Y ��s� r t fi ti -� e s+ •.
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PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
MONTHLY REPORT
h MAY 2001
t �s;�
PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT
MONTHLY REPORT
MAY 2001
Monthly Synopsis
Year-to-date (YTD), the Department has answered 504 calls for service. This compares to 482
calls for service in 2000 (YTD). The busiest three hour period in May was 3:00 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.
The busiest days were Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Fifty-nine percent of calls for
service were received between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During May, the
Department answered 123 calls for service. Sixty-three percent of these calls were "Duty Crew"
calls.
Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows:
Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 43
Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 37
Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 43
May 2001 in-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows.
Duty Crew and non -duty crew times, as well as station response, are noted.
Duty Crew
In -Service
On -Scene
1:10
6:51
Non -Duty Crew
4:45
8:56
Station I
4:07
8:53
Station II
7:06
11:29
Station III
0:54
1:25
Significant or Unusual Events
In May, the following responses are notable:
May 4 Wildland fires (2:43 p.m.)
May 14 Vehicle accident/rescue (12:30 p.m.)
May 17 Vehicle accident/rescue (8:40 a.m.)
May 29 Vehicle accident/rescue (4:15 p.m.)
Training
During the month of May, seven topics were offered during nineteen regularly scheduled training
sessions. These topics included Ropes & Knots, Company Operations, Air Bags, Driving and
Pumping, Multi -Level Operations, Live Fire, and Computer Training. Additional training
opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew.
PLYMOUTH
FIRE
MINNESOTA
Plymouth Fire Department
Monthly Fire Prevention and Life Safety Education Report
Type of Program Number Time Spent Total Monthly
of Programs Per Program Program Hours
Station Tour
1
1 Hour
1 Hour
Birthday
1
1 Hour
1 Hour
Pa /Station Tour
Pre-school Visits
2
1 Hour
2 Hours
Smokebuster
Program
Bike Helmet Sales
1
3 Hours
3 Hours
K-6 Education
Safety
Pilgrim Lane Kick-
Fairs/Community
Off to Safety Day
8 Hours
Events
Car'CargM Picnic
2 Hours
10 Hours
Neighborhood
Watch Program
Safe Escape House
Career Talk
Plymouth Creek
Kid's College
Pre-empted by fire call
Fire Department
Open House
Lester the Smoke
Detector Contest
Fire Extinguisher
2
Training
1 Hour
2 Hours
Misc. Community
ECFE Dad's Class
Presentation
2 Hours
2 Hours
Misc. Outreach
Changed Battery for
homeowner with
vaulted ceiling; and
Prepared escape plan I
1 Hour 1
1 Hour
ki
6/19/01
PLYMOUTH •REPORT
2t �j eu4 4
71
'1 11 111
',• p i�;
'1 111 111
Ffiff11So-fici Fillf= S FA Fill/
1 1
•
1 1
1 ,
•
,1,1
Jill 111 1111
6/19/01
40
30
20
10
0
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT
Calls by Time of Day
IEms-
117
�
�0ru
Em"M
)600- 0900- 1200- 1500- 1800- 2100- 0000- 0300-
0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 0000 0300 0600
Calls by Day of Week
Events By Category
Fires
21%
Other
45%
Alarms
34%
6/19/01
❑May -00
®May -01
May -00
■ May -01
DUTY CREW STAFFING
May 2001
5% 1%2%
30%
62%
■ 4 Firefighters
0 Firefighters
■ 2 Firefighters
■ 1 Firefighter
■ No Staff
CALLS FOR SERVICE
May 2001
37%
0 Duty Crew
63%
■ Non -Duty
Crew
.'
a
MEMO
d
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
DATE: June 26, 2001
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: George C. Bentley, Acting Transit Administrator
SUBJECT: Kathleen Due -Lund Letter
Attached please find responses to the Kathleen Due -Lund letter regarding Dial -A -Ride services.
I have written a response to her letter as has Jim Baldwin of Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc., both
indicating a desire to work with her in resolving her transportation needs.
If you have any questions or would like additional information please let me know.
attachment
F\pw\Engincering\TRANSrf\MEMOS\2001\CC Memo Due -Lund 6_26 0i.doe
3400 Plymouth Boulevard - Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482
June 22, 2001
Ms. Kathleen Due -Lund
3940 Lancaster Lane, #327
Plymouth, MN 55441
SUBJECT: Letter Regarding Dial -A -Ride Service
Dear Ms. Due -Lund:
Phone 763-509-5521
Plymouth Metrolink is the
Fax 763-509-5510 public transit system operated
Web www.ci.plymouth.mn.us by the City of Plymouth.
Thank you for your correspondence regarding your problems and concerns with Plymouth Dial -A -
Ride services. I always appreciate hearing from system riders because they provide the most
important perspective there is on our transit program — the perspective of the end user.
It is regrettable that you have had difficulties in achieving satisfactory communications with Dial -A-.
Ride dispatch. Obviously, we want all of our customers to feel satisfied, not only with the service
operations but also with the service staff that they deal with.
As a result of your correspondence I have been in contact with Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. to
determine what can be done to assist you in meeting your transportation needs. Jim Baldwin, the
Operations Manager for Laidlaw, has responded to your letter to John Mathews. A copy of that
letter is enclosed.
Based on that letter and on conversations I have had with Laidlaw, it appears that the problem stems
from miscommunications. The policy is that those who have standing orders on Dial -A -Ride will
have their place on the bus held by request for a two week period to allow for vacations and other
situations that may arise. After that two week period that open place on the vehicle can be filled by
another rider. This policy is necessary to maximize the efficient and effective use of the vehicle.
Unfortunately, the impression you were left with, for whatever reason, was that your place on that
vehicle would remain open until you returned. That, of course, did not happen, nor should it have
based upon the policy. ;
It appears that there are alternate times currently available to help you make your trip, and I hope
you are able to avail yourself of one of these alternate times. As Mr. Baldwin states in his letter you
should call either him or Paul Buherin at Laidlaw for assistance in setting up your ride.
\\py—nt\ntdnkl\pwTj4o ccr6ng\TRANSrMTRS\2001\KDue-LW4_DA 622 Ot.dx
Kathleen Due -Lund
Dial -A -Ride
June 22, 2001
Page 2
It is important that you are aware that Plymouth Dial -A -Ride does have adequate numbers of
vehicles and drivers on the road at any given time to meet the needs of the community. This is not
to say that at certain times of the day there are not challenges in meeting the demand, but Laidlaw
has done an excellent job over the years in managing the needs of the public vs. the necessity to
operate Dial -A -Ride services as efficiently as possible.
This balance between meeting the needs of the community and achieving efficiency in operations is
important because the system is funded with public dollars. Currently that funding comes from the
Metropolitan Council through a region -wide property tax for transit operations. The Legislature is
currently considering a change in that funding from property. taxes to the sales taxes on, motor
vehicle sales, but whatever the . source it is still public. funding and requires efficient resource
management.
Also, in your letter to John Mathews you listed several points regarding specific problems you had
experienced during the time you were using the system. While each of these points is a concern, it
is not. possible at this late date to follow up on them: If, asI truly hope you do, you can arrive at a
reasonable trip schedule using Dial -A -Ride services, please* contact me immediately if "you
experience any safety or operational problems so they can be followed up promptlyand resolved
I was the person who helped you get set up with Dial -A -Ride previously, so I am particularly -
interested in any difficulties you "may be having. 'I encourage you to contact Jim Baldwin or Paul
Buherin at Laidlaw to assist you in setting up a ride. I appreciate your willingness to be flexible,
and we will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.
If you have any questions or would like additional information please let me know
Sincerely, .
�J
George 7Bentley
Acting Transit Administrator
enclosure
cc: Plymouth Mayor and City Council
John Mathews, Jim Baldwin and Paul Buherin, Laidlaw Transit Services
F.WMEn&ari%WRAMn%LTU\2W1VC Duo-[Amd DAR 622 01.&C
L41DL4w
TRANSIT SERVICES, IPJC.
- ` TW
June 22, 2001
Kathleen Due -Lund
3940 Lancaster Lane #327
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Kathleen Due -Lund,
I'm responding to your letter to John Mathews dated June 17, 2001 regarding you
concerns with the Plymouth Dial -a -Ride service.
I would like to apologize for the concerns you have with Plymouth Dial -A -Ride
because at Laidlaw Transit Services, we make every attempt to please our Customers and
Passengers.
Dial -A -Ride is a shared -ride service, meaning other passengers may be picked up and
dropped off during your ride. Rides are scheduled on a first-come, first -serve basis. Dial -A -
Ride will schedule standing orders (recurring rides), after a passenger has ridden for a
minimum of two consecutive weeks. Because it is a shared -ride service, we ask that you be
flexible with your pick-up times and allow yourself enough time so other pick-ups and drop-
offs can be made while enroute to your destination.
When a passenger cancels or suspends a standing order for more than two weeks, we
cannot hold a spot open awaiting their return. Two weeks is the maximum, which would
allow passengers to take vacations without losing standing orders. During the time of a
suspended standing order, we fill those slots with other demand rides to keep up the number
of rides performed. When a passenger with a cancelled or suspended standing order that has
been gone for more than two weeks, we have them book their rides for two weeks before
returning to a standing order. This time allows us to find best time, as close as possible to the
requested time, for that ride.
It is my understanding that your ride requests were not granted at the specific time you
wished, however, alternative times were provided to you. The other passenger you referred to
that lives on your street goes to central Plymouth, while another passenger who lives in the
same area and also rides at that time goes to north -central Plymouth while you go south at that
time of day. Rides are grouped for riders going the same direction so that we may maximize
system efficiency for the City of Plymouth.
I assure you that we do have a full compliment of drivers in Plymouth daily. If drivers
do leave our employment, we fill the routes with other trained drivers or supervisors to insure
that all ride request needs are met.
If in the future the availability should arise for your specific requested ride time we
will make every effort to fit you into that time slot. However, I would like to offer you what I
believe would be suitable alternative times for your requested ride so that you may still arrive
at work on time and have the shortest possible for your trip. We would be able to pick you up
3400 SPRING Street N.E., MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 56413
PHONE: (612) 378-7833; FAX: (612) 378-6626
Monday through Friday at 06:50 and return you at 15:45. If you choose to utilize these times,
please contact myself or Paul Buharin at (612) 378-7833 so we can get your rides set up.
win
perations Manager
cc: John Mathews
George Bentley
tot
June 17, 2001
Plymouth City Council.:;
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Council Members,
I am a 15 -year resident of the City of Plymouth. I have seen many things grow, including
bus service. For 7 years I worked downtown and was amazed at how quickly and easily I
could ride downtown on the Metrolink. To any of you responsible for this service I give
applause.
My company moved to Hopkins Crossroads and 394 about 20 months ago. While I like
working so close to home, it presented issues for getting to work. Busing downtown and
back out is not a good option! Thanks to assistance from George Bentley, I was able to
hook up with Plymouth Dial -A -Ride. Not a perfect system but it worked to get me to the
office.
I had surgery at the end of October, and since then I have been getting a run-around from
Laidlaw Transit I am enclosing my letter to Mr. Matthews, and asking for help in
getting service to and from work.
I am also curious to learn how this service is funded The cost I pay cannot cover the cost
of running the buses. Do tax dollars come into play? As a renter, I pay a high property
tax through my rent, and I would like to know if this is funding a service that can't be
provided to me due to poor attitude on the part of Laidlaw.
Sincerely,
Ka een Due -Lund
3940 Lancaster Lane #327
Plymouth MN 55441
952-594-7630
763-525-0202
m
June 17, 2001
John Matthews, Manager
Laidlaw Transit
3400 Spring Street NE
Minneapolis MN 55413-2910
Dear Mr. Matthews:
I am a very unhappy resident of the City of Plymouth, who would like to be using your Plymouth Dial -
A -Ride services.
Nineteen month's ago, with the assistance of George Bentley, I began using the Dial -a -Ride service to
get to and from work. After several months of winter I stopped taking the bus home but I continued to
take the bus to work until the end of October 2000, when I had surgery.
I informed your company that I would need to stop my morning standing order for 6 weeks while I
recuperated. I was told that instead of canceling my order, they would put me on hold, reserving my
place on the bus so I could be sure of getting back on the route. I had to extend my leave until the
beginning o f January and I called at the end of December to resume rides beginning Tuesday,
January2nd. I was told that was fine, I was on the list. On January2 I waited for the bus and finally
had to call for a ride to work. I later called to ask what had happened and to confirm pickup for
Wednesday. I was then told there was no room on the bus and I could not ride for at least 3 weeks.
After 3 weeks I called again and was told I could not ride — no space, for several more weeks.
A couple weeks ago I called to start riding again with a standing order. I was told fine, they could pick
me up at 7:15 a.m. and have me to work at 7:30 a.m., but I would need to call in every day for 2 weeks
first. On Friday of that week I called to set up a ride for Monday, and was told I could not get a ride.
After pushing I was told best you could do was pick me up at 6:45 a.m. but could not guarantee when I
would arrive and that it could be a long ride. I was told a driver had quit and to call back in September.
I know there is one other person on my street who lives by me and works close to me. She had rides
picking her up at 7:15 a.m. and getting her to work at 7:30 a.m. — was she also dumped? If this is the
driver who quit, are you not trying to replace him until September?
Let me point out:
• During my riding days I was NEVER a no-show,
• I was stood up by you many times and left scrambling to get to work,
• I had a bus driver run a red light across Highway 55 during rush hour at night,
• When you added someone to the route who took all of us living/working along Highway 169 &
55 over to Vicksburg to the library, I stayed with the route, even though it lengthened the ride,
• That the quality of service and the attitude I get when I call in depends on who answers the
phone — and no one ever gives their name or provides a name willingly.
From the enclosures, let me point out:
• Plymouth Dial -A -Ride states that I can reserve multiple trips with just one phone call but I was
not given that option. It also discusses no-shows but I have sat many times for the same no-show
• Laidlaw Transit Services Promises state that policies and procedures support treating
communities you serve with honor and respect, you stand by your word, every individual
contributes to dependability
What I want, Mr. Matthews, is to have Dial -A -Ride service to work and back every day, getting me
there by 7:30 a.m. and picking me up after 3:30 p.m., five days a week, without spending forever on the
bus. I know routes can change daily, and I am willing to be flexible. Right now I am without a ride and
that is difficult. I know you are the one game in town, but the attitude I get from your dispatcher is that I
am here for your advantage, and you are not here to provide service to the community or me. I would
appreciate having you call me so we can discuss this situation. If we cannot resolve transport, I need to
discuss a refund of my 10 -ride punch card with 8 rides left that the drive urged me to purchase. My
phone numbers are provided below.
Sincerely,
0�_
Kathleen Due -Lund
3940 Lancaster Lane #327
Plymouth MN 55441
Work: 952-594-7630
Home: 763-525-0202
Enclosures — 2
Plymouth Dial -A -Ride `Service & Scheduling' page 1
Laidlaw Transit Services `Our Promises' page 1
CC: Mark Wells, Senior Mgr, Business Standards & Client Services — Laidlaw Transit
Susan Spry, National Director of Business Development, - Laidlaw Transit
George Bentley, Transportation Consultant, City of Plymouth
Joy Tierney, Mayor, City of Plymouth
Elwyn Tinklenberg, Commissioner, MN Department of Transportation
Plymouth City Council
Wdcumc to Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. Page l of
About Laidlaw Transit Services
• t' ► Our Promises
•EEL -Ili
• ► At Laidlaw Transit Services, our philosophy is simple—Make a promise, keep
► 1 promise. We feel the word "promise" denotes more than a simple guarantee. It get.,
to the heart of what we do everyday. To each of our clients, passengers, anc
• employees, our promises are as follows:
► 1. Conduct ourselves professionally and honorably
Decisions are principled and enhance our commitments. Company communication;
'" ► are positive, open, and honest. Policies, procedures and programs support treatinc
• ► employees and the communities we serve with honor and respect. Employess are
:,. ► well mannered and ethical.
2. Honor our commitments to customers
LTS stands by its word. Proposals and contracts are accurate statements of ou
ability to deliver agreed upon services. Company statements are truthful. LTE
people work together to make this happen.
3. Provide safe, dependable service
Safety means freedom from harm. There can be nothing more important than the
safety of our people and those we transport.
Everyone we transport depends on us to get them to and from their destination
They trust that we will fulfill this promise day in and day out. Under normal condition;
passengers can expect us to be on schedule. Under adverse conditions passenger.
can trust us to be safe. LTS never compromises safety.
Every individual at LTS contributes to safety and dependability.
4. Partner for constant improvement
Transit operations are enhanced while in our care.
We actively participate with stakeholders to identify issues and solve problems. We
use thoughtful analysis to improve operations and decision-making. Timell
communications are used to inform those that will be affected by proposed changes
Improvements are evaluated to ensure effectiveness and permanency.
S. Positive community impact
LTS provides an atmosphere where employees are proud to work and passenger:
happy to ride. We keep clean, well maintained properties and vehicles. LTS leader;
are actively involved in local transit councils and advisory boards. We encourage
employees to get involved in local community activities. LTS assists in communit,
emergency planning and provides transportation services for crisis situations anc
special needs.
Our efforts ensure that value is returned to the communities we serve.
Home Page 1 Our Purpose 1 Our Promises l Our People j Our Services
News l Locations I Jobs l Contacts 1 Pre -Owned Buses
http://www.laidlawtramit.com/public/promises.asp 6/17/01
1'1',1110(1,;1 \I ."i • I'llhlll I f.11l..lL - lAdl-.",
Plymouth Dial -A -Ride
Page l UI
Service
PLYMOUTH Dial -A -Ride is shared door-to-door transit service
for Plymouth residents and their guests. A deluxe
primminibus will take you anywhere in Plymouth as
well as to Ridgedale Shopping Center, Wayzata
Bay Center, Golden Valley Center or the K -Mart in
D/AL@A•R/DE New Hope. Use Dial -A -Ride for trips to work,
school, medical appointments, shopping, or other
needs.
Scheduling
Advance reservations are encouraged.
You can reserve your ride up to five
working days in advance of your trip. You
can also reserve multiple trips during
those five working days with just one
phone call. The reservations line is 763-
559-5057 and is open from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m., Monday through Friday. Tell the
reservationist the day, time, and place
you want to go. Also, be sure to request wheelchair assistance if needed. Same-day
rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
No-shows, riders who make a reservation and then are not present when the bus
arrives to pick them up, cost the system a great deal of money and often cause
other passengers unnecessary delays. To avoid problems with the new extended
reservations system, Plymouth Metrolink Dial -A -Ride will also be enforcing a new
no-show policy. Anyone who does not cancel their reservation within 48 hours of
their scheduled pick-up time on three occasions during any 30 day period will be
suspended from using the Dial -A -Ride system for the next 30 days. This policy will
also be enforced for riders using standing orders.
The purpose of the no-show policy is to discourage abuse of the system which
diminishes its value for others. Three no-shows are provided to allow for occasional
illnesses or other unforeseen problems. Please call 763-509-5519 to cancel your
reservation more than two days in advance of your ride.
If you have any questions about Dial -A -Ride, call 763-509-5521.
If you need Metro Mobility service, please call 651-221-0015.
' Regular Hours of Service
Monday -Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
_ v ' —One -Way Fares
http://ci.plymouth.mn.us/city_scrvices/public—transit/plymouth—dial—a_ride.html
6/17/01
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June 26, 2001
Editor
Plymouth Sun -Sailor
13911 Ridgedale Dr. Suite 110
Minnetonka, MN 55305
To the Editor:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTI-F
In a recent letter to the editor, Steve Gardner raised issues that are of concern to all Plymouth residents,
notably preservation of trees and effective use of public resources. However, Mr. Gardner's letter
contained several inaccuracies that I would like to correct.
Mr. Gardner voiced several concerns about a recently approved residential development that will be
built in northwest Plymouth. The development, called The Reserve, will be built on land that
previously was farmed. The site is west of I-494 and north of the Canadian Pacific Railroad tracks.
Mr. Gardner noted that The Reserve resulted in the loss of a significant number of trees. However, he
failed to note that once The Reserve is completed, the site will have more trees than it did when the site
was farmed. The City's 1995 tree preservation ordinance, together with our landscaping requirements,
provide strong incentives to preserve existing trees and replant new trees where preservation is not
possible. In fact, it is interesting to note that comparisons of aerial photographs show that Plymouth
has more trees today that it had 50 years ago when much of the City's land area was being farmed.
Mr. Gardner also expressed concern about the cost of public facilities that he stated are being
constructed for the sole benefit of The Reserve. Notably, he cited a bridge over the Canadian Pacific
railroad tracks and a water tower. These facilities have been in the City's long range plans for many
years and will serve thousands of current and future residents beyond this development. The
developers are paying their fair share of these facilities.
Finally, Mr. Gardner's letter stated that the affordable housing units proposed in The Reserve will be
located on the development's least desirable lots. The 25 homebuyers who will be using the
affordability assistance can buy any of the 112 Villa townhomes. They are not limited to certain units.
The City Council takes seriously its responsibilities to strive to maintain and enhance the quality of this
community and all of its natural resources. We must balance diverse environmental concerns, the
rights of property owners, the need for lifecycle housing and a myriad of other issues as we look at
how our community develops. The City's recently revised Comprehensive Plan shows a community
that embraces a variety of housing styles, business and industry, institutions such as schools and places
of worship, parks, trails and natural open spaces. All of these elements together are what makes
Plymouth a desirable place to live and work.
Sincerely,
Joy Tierney
Mayor of Plymouth
PLYMOUTH ABeautifulP&a?o Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
THE ;
575TTIERs
6
' &- -- -�- - -
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arge.trees
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these were 100-. f
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W4 city:.—: m=
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1 �C
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
June 29, 2001
Al and Jayne Hilde
Route 65
9555 Snake River Road
Jackson, WY 83001
Dear Al and Jayne:
On Tuesday night, the Plymouth City Council approved the site plan and agreement for the
future Hilde Performance Center. On behalf of the City Council and all of the citizens of
Plymouth, I want to offer our sincere thanks for your generous gift.
You have left quite a legacy on Plymouth, both through your leadership as Mayor and through
this impressive performance center that will be enjoyed by generations of residents for years to
come.
We look forward to seeing you at the groundbreaking celebration at Music in Plymouth
on July 6!
Sincerely,
ala.•
Joy Tierney
Mayor
PLYMOUTH ,I Beaut fu[Pface?o Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000
www.b.plymouth.mmus
AMMFAX sa , ` Association of
Metropolitan
NEWS Municipalities
June 25-29, 2001
Legislature Nears
Closure
Two
spend g
in Bills ApprOved
Agency (MHFA) are consolidated
into larger related programs.
The MHFA along with the Office of
Strategic and Long Range Plan-
ning are directed to conduct a
study of inclusionary housing. The
report is to be presented to the
legislature in 2002.
The bill does not contain any
language permitting or mandating
cities or developers to produce
inclusionary housing.
• The Governor's proposal to use
$24.0 million in federal funding
(TANF)Ifor housing is in the bill.
This is one time funding.
s of Tuesday, .lune 26, the
Legislature, in acting special
session, had approved two
budget bills. On Monday both the
House and Senate approved the
higher education and natural
resources budget bills. The eco-
nomic development and early
childhood bills were passed by the
House on Tuesday, and are ex-
pected to pass in the Senate today
(Wednesday). The tax bill is sched-
uled for Mouse floor action Wednes-
day.
The economic development bill
(HF 5) includes appropriations and
policies related to work force devel-
opment, economic development,
housing and tourism. The budgets
of the Departments of Trade and
Economic Development, Commerce,
Economic Security. the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency and the
Minnesota Historical Society are all
under the jurisdiction of the bill. The
highlights of the bill are as follows:
AMM News Fnx is f4=d to all AUMCHY legislative
rrwnagers and adndnistrato>�eshare
contacts and Board menOWL
this fax wish your mayors, c6undbw01berS
and staff to keep there abreast of lnP"
tant metro City issues.
145 University Avenue Wei#
St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
Phone: (651),21.S-4000
Fax; (651) 281-1299
E i1; anrttt(a�anunl4S.org
Z99 10 Z®® aBpd
The Department of Economic
Security is abolished and its
duties and responsibilities are
tran.;ferred to the Department of
Trade and Economic Development
and the Department of Com-
merce.
The overall budget for the depart-
ments covered by the bill was no
increase to the base budget.
While there may be some one-
time spending and increases to
spE:cific programs, the budget
target was no dollar increase.
• The various programs of the
Minnesota Housing Finance
Tax Bill Nearing Completion
,s of 10:00 p.m. Tuesday
night, the tax -working group
h�id completed its tax bill. Its
anticipated that the tax bill will be
taken up on the House and
possibly, Senate floor this after-
noon (Wed.). A subsequent fax on
Thursday (after bill passage) will
provide more details -The bill
contains the following:
• Property tax reform that is
centered on rate compression
and the takeover of the general
education levy.
• State aid programs that will take
over some county services,
target tax relief to property
owners, and increase the LGA
suasKU atinvI g99S+69S+ZI9 <-
appropriation to ensure all
classes of property get tax relief.
A grant program that will have
the Commissioner of Revenue
provide grants to tax increment
finance (TIF) districts that
experience shortfalls resulting
from the reform. The grants will
begin in 2003 and in each year
thereafter. The program is
initially funded at $195 million.
Levy limits for two years, calcu-
lated in a manner that does not
penalize cities that either did or
did not increase levies for
payable 2001. The initial House
provision for reverse referen-
dum in 2004 was NOT included.
xe3 PiA IZ:81:Si I@gZ �Z unr
Jun ZO Z001 17:44:19 Via Fax —>
AMM FAX
NEWS
.lune 25-29, 2001, no. 2
61Z+599+5060 Laurie Ahrens Page 00Z Of 003
Association of
metropolitan
Municipalities
House and Senatepass tax bill
Both the House and the Senate approved
the tax bill WI) by wide margins Thurs-
day afternoon.
The centerpiece of the bill is a state take-
over of the general education levy, at a
cost of approximately $900 million. To
help fund this state takeover, the bill cre-
ates a new, state -imposed property tax
levy on all C/I and cabin properties. The
levy will be $592 million in 2002, with an
increase based on the implicit price de-
flator (IPD) in future years. Revenue
from the levy growth will be dedicated
to a new education funding account be-
ginning in 2004.
The bill also contains considerable class
rate compression. For residential home-
stead and residential nonhomestead
properties, the class rates will be 1.00/6
forthe firsttier (all value under $500,000)
and 1.25% for the second tier (all value
over $500,000).
The class rate for two and three unit
rental properties will be 1.5% for 2002,
and then drop to 1.25% begining in 2003.
The rate for apartments will be 1.80%
for 2002, 1.50% for 2003, and 1.25%
ANAP News Fax is faxed to all ANN city
managers and adnunistrators, legislative
contacts and Board members. Please shore
this fax with your mayors, councilmembers
and staff to keep them abreast of impor-
Cant metro city issues.
145 Univershy Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55103-1044
Phone: (651) 215-4000
Fax: (651) 281-1299
E-mail: am m@amin145. org
begining in 2004. Apartments con-
structed after June 30, 2001 would go
directly to a 1.25% class rate. The class
rates for 4d apartments will be 0.9% for
2002, 1.0% for 2003, and then 1.25%
begining in 2004.
Commerical/industrial property will have
a 1.5% class rate for the first tier (all
value up to $150,000) and 2.0% for the
second tier (all value over $150,1100.)
Agricultural property will have a 0.55%
class rate for the first tier (all value, un-
der $600,000) and a 1.00% class rate
for the second tier (all value over
$600,000).
Other provisions of special interest to
metro -area cities include:
Levy Limits. The bill contains levy lim-
its for cities with populations over 2500
for taxes payable in 2002 and 2003. The
2002 levy limit will be the greater of ei-
ther 1) a two year adjustment to the pay-
able 2000 revenue base, or 2) a one year
adjustment to the actual levy for pay-
able 2001, plus aids and minus specials.
The adjustment factors are the IPD,
which is 4.3 percent for 2001 and 3.0
percent for 2002, household growth, and
half of new CII growth.
PERA Special Levy. If the state de-
partments bill includes an unfunded man-
date to increase the employer contribu-
tion to PERA (proposed at .375, per-
cent), cities and counties will be allowed
to special levy for the unfunded amount.
City and Town RACA are eliminated.
Local Government Aid (LGA). An
additional $140 million is appmpriated for
City LGA, however, the formula is modi-
fied for local effort and to increase caps.
Therefore, a number of cities, including
several in the suburban metro area, will
not only lose HACA, but will also have
their LGA reduced, possibly to their 1993
aid base. Cities do have the authority,
within the levy limit provisions, to levy
back for lost aid.
Truth in Taxation. The requirement
for a hearing is dropped in 2002 and 2003
if the year to year increase is at or less
than the IPD.
The transit property tax levy for op-
erating expenses is replaced by a statu-
tory dedication ofthe motor vehicle sales
tax (MVST). The metro share is 20.5
percent of MVST for 2002/03 ($109.8
million per year) and 22.5 percent of
MVST for 2004105 ($125.1 million per
year). The capital levy for transit is ex-
tended to the entire metropolitan area.
Homestead Credit. The current Edu-
cation and Ag Homestead Credits are
eliminated and a new Market Value
Homestead Credit is created. The new
credit will be equal to 0.4% of market
value up to $304, less 0.09% times any
value over $76,000.
Property Tax Refund (Circuit
Breaker), The maximum property tax
refund for homeowners is increased
from $440 to $1,450 and the maximum
qualifying income is increased from
$61,930 to $77,520.
Jun 20 2881 17:45:11 Via Fax
coniiaued from page I
Limited market Valine is phased out
over six years.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The
Local Development Article (XV) con-
tains amendments to the tax increment
financing act, special TIF laws, amend-
ments to economic development laws
and the TIF grant program. The TIF act
amendments include many of the tech-
nical amendments contained in a previ-
ous tax bili but do not include several
policy amendments. Among the amend-
ments not in the bill are the pre -1990
amendments, the definition of blight and
—> 612+589+5868 Laurie Ahrens Page 003 Of 003
the repeal of the conclusiveness clause.
The bill does continue the authority of
the Office of State Auditor (OSA) to
enforce the TIF Act. The LGA/HACA
and local contribution are repealed.
The article includes several sections re-
lated to the grant program. The comm is-
sioner of revenue will administer the
grant program, with the first grant io be
made in 2003. The appropriation is $91.0
million for the first year ofthe grant pro-
gram and $38.0 million in each subse-
quent year. To apply for a grant a mu-
nicipality or authority must use its avail-
able TIF from a]1 districts and take local
actions as defined in the bill. The local
actions are the removal of the certified
tax levy and changing the fiscal dispari-
ties election, if needed, to take the con-
tribution from outside the district. Dis-
tricts for which certification was re-
quested prior to August 1, 2001 and have
a bond or binding contract that was is-
sued or approved before August 1, 2001
or was issued pursuant to a binding con-
tract entered into by July 1, 2001 are eli-
gible to apply for the grant.
Items not in the tax bill include the
reverse referendum provision initially in
the House bill and an airport noise m iti-
gation proposal initially in the Senate bill.
Jun ZZ Z801 15:43:86
LMC
L-vw of Mlnwnoes CI%W
Via Fax -> 61Z+589+5868 Administrator Page 881 Of 88Z
Z' fib. I
speCtalivn
.2 -nage
RIDAYFAx Number 25
A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities June 22, 2001
A light at the end 'of
the tunnel?
Ventura makes tax offer
Around noon today, the governor
presented a tax offer to House and
Senate leadership that he believes
"reflects the bottom line priorities of
all three sides" and will allow the
Legislature to bring the session to
a close. The Senate apparently is
agreeing to the compromise and the
House will apparently react in the
near future
Although we have few details on the
offer at this time, the compromise
bill apparently fully implements the
May 25 agreement for property tax
and school finance reform and
relief It contains the state takeover
of the general education property
taxes and includes much of the class
rate compression contained in the
original House tax bill
Unlike the May 25 agreement, the
proposal will increase payments
under the Local Government Aid
formula, and reserves additional
funds for city aid payments until the
Legislature restructures the Local
Government Aid formula The
increase will offset the large reduc-
tions in HACA included in the May 25
agreement.
The proposal addresses another
contentious issue—the governor is
proposing to enact the statewide
business property tax, which was a
House proposal, but he is suggest-
ing the revenue should be dedicated
to education, which was a Senate
position. This latter issue may not
be agreeable to the House.
We will provide more information on
these developments on Monday.
Tax Working Group
delays further
negotiations
Despite a week of fairly productive
dialogue, the House/Senate Tax
Working group concluded its Thurs-
day meeting with a comment by
House Chair Ron Abrams that the
group has gone about as far as it
can go. He went on to state that
they now need agreement from
House and Senate leadership on
the remaining major divisive issues,
which include the level of the state-
wide business property tax, whether
to dedicate the state property tax to
education, the long-term impact of
class rate compression on homes,
and the level of funding for LGA.
At this time, it is unclear whether
the governor's Friday compromise
proposal will break the logjam.
With only about one week remaining
before the state's spending authority
expires, any further delays will
undoubtedly make a timely resolu-
tion of the state's budget almost
impossible. Many of the appropria-
tions groups have not met in the
past week and several have not met
since the end of the regular session.
In addition to the lack of agreement
on many of the major issues, it
may not be physically possible to
assemble the volume of legislation
needed to keep the state running.
If the Legislature decides to attempt
a completion on all of the major
bills, next week will be extremely
busy. However, the Senate introduced
a "lights -on" bill Thursday that may
be the only hope of averting a state
shutdown. The House and the
governor have not agreed to the
lights -on approach', therefore, even
that alternative could fail to avert a
shutdown.
The Tax Working Group has
announced they would meet at the
call of the chair. From the tone of
the concluding discussions, a Friday
meeting sounds unlikely. The group
may meet over the weekend.
Levy limit agreement
On Tuesday, the working group
agreed to the general form of levy
limits. Under the proposal, the pay
2002 levy limit for cities over 2,500
population will be equal to the
greater of a limit computed with the
actual 2001 levy plus aids plus one
year of growth adjustment orthe
pay 2000 levy plus aids inflated for
two years of growth adjustments.
The growth adjustment includes
three factors,
1) The annual percentage increase
in households within the city
2) The percentage increase in
inflation as defined by the implicit
price deflator (an inflation adjust-
ment).
3) The annual percentage increase
in new construction of commer-
cial and industrial property within
the city.
Rep Abrams offered this compro-
mise approach to levy limits, which
was based on a recommendation by
city and county lobbyists The League
provided working group members
with information that showed the
largest city levy increases in 2001
were strongly correlated with rapid
population growth. Up to that point,
many working group members
believed the major reason for some
ror fr• information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of )Minnesota Chive dnt,?roovernmental Relations team
(651) 281-1700 or (800) 975-1172
Jun ZZ Z001 15:43:59 Via Fax m> G1Z+589+5868 Administrator Page OOZ Of OOZ
FRiDAYFAx
JUNE 22, 2001— PAGE 2
city levy increases was the fact that
levy limits were sunset for 2001 and
that some cities were taking advan-
tage of the repeal.
The "greater of compromise should
provide a levy limit significantly less
onerous for some cities and counties
than the original House proposal.
Under the original House plan, levy
limits were based on the pay 2000
levy plus aids inflated for two years
of growth adjustments. This original
calculation would have severely
limited levy increases for cities with
larger increases for pay 2001.
Maintaining the option of the original
House levy limit calculation means
those cities with very small levy
increases in 2001 will not lose levy
authority for the 2002 levy year.
The only remaining issue with levy
limits is whether any additional
targeted levy increases will be
defined as "special levies" which are
outside any limitation. For example*
under past levy limits, levies for debt
service, legal judgments or natural
disasters have been excluded from
the limitation. Most of the past
special levy definitions will likely be
preserved. We have been suggest-
ing to the group that any increased
employer contribution to address
the PERA coordinated plan defi-
ciency be exempted from levy limits.
The working group will likely decide
the issue of new special levies at
the last minute.
Although the working group has
settled most of the levy limit issues,
they have not decided whether a
reverse referendum process will be
included in any final bill. Again, we
expect the reverse referendum issue
to be decided at the last minute.
State shutdown
preparations
This afternoon, the Department of
Employee Relations and several
other state agencies are hosting a
meeting with representatives of
local government to discuss poten-
tial issues that may impact cities
and counties if non-essential state
operations cease on July 1.
The state has outlined some broad
parameters under which state
operations would continue. Depart-
ment of Employee Relations Com-
missioner Julien Carter outlined a
short list of state services determined
to be most crucial to protecting and
preserving life, health, and safety.
Carter mentioned specific examples
of services that would be continued,
including custodial care of residents
in state nursing homes and veterans'
homes, operation and supervision
of correctional facilities, basic law
enforcement and emergency
services, child support and public
assistance nursing care, as well as
food and dairy inspection services.
Earlier this week the League distrib-
uted a memo to members that
attempted to identify implications of
a state budget shutdown Perhaps
the most visible and immediate
impact on cities could be a delay in
the distribution of LGA, HACA, and
MSA (street funding) programs A
copy of the memo is available on
the LMC web site at www.lmnc.
org
Sign up for the LMC legislative issues listery
Sign up for the up -and -running Intergovernmental Relations Legislative
Listserv! Visit the LMC web site at www.Imnc.org/forms/listserv.cfm to
sign up and receive periodic, up-to-the-minute legislative news.
We hope members will find this service especially informative as the
Legislature continues to work to bring the session to a close.
Jun Z9 Z001 14:Z4:36 Via Fax -> 61Z+589+5969 Administrator Page 001 Of 003
f" t :1311>
LMC 3 -pa
L.a�w ofMTn,Mre,ls C9t1« RIDAYFAx Number 26
Cw,.r er«a P A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities June 29, 2001
To -the -wire tax bill completed, other bills to follow
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the
joint House/Senate tax working
group put the finishing touches on
the compromise tax bill and both the
House and Senate passed the bill
on Thursday. The completion of the
tax bill should ensure that the four
appropriations bills passed earlier
this week (Higher Education, Family
and Early Childhood, Environment/
Natural Resources/Agriculture and
the Jobs/Housing) are signed by the
governor. Gov. Jesse Ventura had
earlier asked the Legislature to give
him the tax bill before he would sign
any of the appropriations bills.
The K-12 education finance bill was
passed on the House floor Thursday
evening The Senate will consider the
bill when they convene at 10 a. m.
Friday The Health and Human
Services bill was completed late
Thursday; the Transportation and
State departments working groups
met into the early morning but have
yet to complete their work They are
expected to reconvene this morning
The tax compromise is largely
based on the governor's proposal of
June 22 and includes, among other
provisions, a state takeover of the
general education property tax levy,
$140 million appropriation increase
for LGA with several formula
changes, levy limits for counties and
cities over 2,500 population for two
years, the repeal of homestead and
agricultural credit aid (HACA), a
new state property tax, class rate
compression and a new market
value homestead credit. The com-
promise does not include a reverse
referendum component.
The bill provides the bulk of property
tax relief through the elimination of
the general education property tax
levy. This will reduce property taxes
by approximately $1.2 billion. In
addition, the tax bill will increase the
general education funding level by
folding a portion of existing school
operating referendum levies into the
general education aid formula.
Homeowners will receive additional
tax relief through a new $319 million
market value homestead credit and
agricultural land will receive $17 mil-
lion of relief through a new agricultural
land credit Homeowners will also
receive additional tax relief though
an expanded property tax refund.
For cities, the bill implements
significant changes to the state's
property tax and state aid systems.
HACA, which currently provides
$200 million in aid to cities, is
eliminated. The property classifica-
tion system is substantially modified
and class rates are compressed.
Levy limits are implemented for two
years. The LGA formula is modified
and the appropriation is substantially
increased. Following is a brief
summary of some of the most
significant changes affecting cities.
Local Government Aid
The LGA formula changes include an
appropriation increase of $140 mil-
lion and the creation of a new LGA
reform account that is funded with
$14 million beginning in 2003.
The formula has several changes
including an increase in the "local
effort rate' to reflect the loss of city
HACA, a new one-time increase
limit for cities of the first class equal
to 102.5 percent of its 2001 LGA plus
HACA, and a one-time limitation for
all other cities equal to 40 percent of
the sum of its net levy for taxes
payable in 2001 plus its 2001 HACA
For non -metro cities over 10,000
population, the city aid base is
increased in 2002 by the lesser of
$60 times the population over 5,000
or $2,500,000. The maximum
increase permitted in 2002 is also
adjusted to reflect this increase.
The LGA provisions include special
adjustments for the cities of Osseo,
Hopkins and Newport. The 1993 aid
base (grandfather) remains in place
but a number of cities will receive
less LGA in 2002 than they received
in 2001 due to the other formula
changes.
Although the tax bill contains an
LGA reform account, it does not
contain any formal reform study
language. During negotiations on
the bill, the tax chairs had discussed
a possible interim study to redesign
the formula to account for newly
available demographic data from
the decennial census.
We will have a copy of a computer
simulation of the impact of the bill
on LGA available on the League's
web site at www.imnc.org.
Levy Limits
Under the bill, levy limits are imposed
for two years. The pay 2002 levy limit
will be equal to the greater of a limit
computed with the actual 2001 levy
plus 2001 state aids plus one year
of growth adjustment (see definition
below), orthe pay 2000 levy plus
2000 state aids inflated for two years
of growth adjustments. This structure
will not penalize either those cities
that enacted large levy increases for
2001 or those cities that enacted
very small levy increases in 2001.
For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team.
(651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-1122
Jun Z9 Z001 W Z5 20 Via Fax
FRIDAYFAx
JUNE 29, 2001 — PAGE 2
The growth adjustment includes
three factors:
1) The annual percentage increase
in households within the city
2) The percentage increase in
inflation as defined by the implicit
price deflator (an inflation adjust-
ment).
3) The annual percentage increase
in new construction of commer-
cial and industrial property within
the city
The levy limit calculation automati-
cally adjusts the property tax levy for
changes in state aids. Therefore, the
elimination of HACA and changes to
the LGA formula will automatically
increase or decrease the levy
authority for a city. In addition, the
®> 61Z+509+5860 Administrator Page OOZ Of 003
levy limits are structured so that if a
city does not use all of its levy
authority in any year, that authority
is carried forward as additional levy
authority in subsequent years.
The bill exempts levy increases
necessary to fund employer contri-
bution increases for the PERA
coordinated plan. Cities can exceed
the levy limit by passing a local
referendum.
The Department of Revenue will be
requesting from cities the necessary
information to compute levy limits
and existing special levies in early
July. The cities and counties will have
to reply by July 20, 2001 or their levy
limit will be computed solely based
on the pay 2000 levy limits.
Class Rates under the Omnibus Tax Bill
Property Classification
Current
Law
Proposed
Class Rates
Local State
Tax Tax
Residential Homestead:
Over $150,000
3.4%
Up to $76,000
1.0%
1.0%
$76,000 - $500,000
1.65%
1.0%
Over $500,000
1.55%
1.25%
Residential Non -homestead°
Up to $76,000
1.2%
single unit:
0.4%
$76,000 - $500,000
Up to $76,000
1.2%
1.0%
$76,000 - $500,000
1.65%
1.0%
Over $500,000
1.65%
1.25%
2-3 unit and undeveloped land
1.65%
1.5%'
Apartments.
' Rate increased to 1.0% in pay 2003, classification abolished in pay 2004.
Regular
2.4%
1.8%2
Small city
2.15%
1.8% x
Low-income
1.0%
0.9%'
Commercial -Industrial -Public Utility:
Up to $150,000
2.4%
1.5%
1.5%
Over $150,000
3.4%
2.0%
2.0%
Electric generation machinery
3.4%
2.0%
11/81
Seasonal Recreational Residential.
Up to $76,000
1.2%
1.0%
0.4%
$76,000 - $500,000
1.65%
1.0%4
1.0%
Over $500,000
1.85%
1.25%4
1.25%
' Rate reduced to 1.25% in pay 2003 and thereafter.
x Rate reduced to 1.5% in pay 2003 and 1.25% in
pay 2004 and thereafter.
' Rate increased to 1.0% in pay 2003, classification abolished in pay 2004.
Exempt from referendum market value tax.
Truth -in -Taxation
The bill makes several changes to
the proposed property tax notices,
although many of these changes
apparently will not take effect until
the fall of 2002. The delay is based
on concerns raised by county auditors
about the difficulty of reprogramming
their computer systems because of
the late conclusion of the session.
For 2002 Only: Due to the late
enactment of the bill, it will include
several one-time changes to the
truth -in -taxation system. T -N -T
hearings this fall will not be manda-
tory; however, a city can choose to
hold a hearing The parcel -specific
notice will be simplified to give the
counties more time to reprogram
their computer systems. The distri-
bution of the notice also will be
delayed until mid-December
The modified 2002 parcel -specific
notice will contain the total tax paid
in 2001 and the proposed tax for
2002 itemized for each local unit of
government This form of the notice
should minimize taxpayer concerns
about city levy increases due to the
loss of state aid because a compari-
son of the 2001 actual city tax and
the 2002 proposed city tax will not
be reported on the notice.
The bill provides the commissioner
of Revenue with the authority to
grant waivers from this fall's modi-
fied parcel -specific notice require-
ments if the county can demonstrate
that they cannot reasonably comply
with the notice requirements.
For 2003 and beyond: The current
truth -in -taxation hearing requirement
that applies to cities over 500 popu-
lation is modified to provide an
exemption if the proposed levy
increase is less than inflation as
defined by the implicit price deflator
for government consumption
expenditures; currently, the IPD is
estimated to be 3.4 percent.
- Jun Z9 Z001 14:Z6:14 Via Fax -> 612+589+5868 Administrator Page 003 Of 003
FRiDAYFAx
JUNE 29, 2001— FAGE 3
The current requirement that cities
over 500 population adopt a resolu-
tion authorizing a tax rate increase
is repealed for taxes levied this fall
and replaced with a modification to
the required truth -in -taxation adver-
tisement Under the bill, the adver-
tisement must now show three tax
rates, 1) the current local tax rate,
2) the proposed rate if no levy
increase is adopted and 3) the tax
rate under the proposed budget.
The parcel -specific notices must
contain a phone number for taxpay-
ers to call if they have questions
about the notice.
Tax Increment Financing
Article 15 contains this year's local
development provisions, most
notably, mechanisms to address the
impact of the overall property tax
reform components of the bill.
Generally, cities and development
authorities with tax increment
financing (TIF) districts impacted by
property tax reform will be required
first to implement "local solutions"
before they will be permitted to
apply for the "state solution " Local
solutions include an expanded
pooling authority and a special
deficit authority under which the
frozen tax rate may float and, in the
metropolitan area and on the Iron
Range, the fiscal disparities option
may be changed The state solution
is an increased and continuing
appropriation to the existing TIF grant
fund. In 2002, $91 million will be
appropriated, and in 2003 and there-
after $38 million will be appropriated.
Concerns with the "pipeline projects"
have been addressed largely by
extending the deadline for issuing
bonds and entering into binding
contracts from June 2 to Aug. 1,
2001. Additionally, "pay as you go"
deals are eligible for the TIF grant
fund if the agreement specifies a
fixed dollar amount. TIF grants will
not be available where agreements
provide for "all the increment gener-
ated" or a percentage of all the
increment generated. However, the
city or development authority will
have the ability to voluntarily provide
increments to the level anticipated
prior to property tax reform.
Several technical modifications to
the TIF and abatement statutes that
surfaced early in the regular session
in the TIF "technical" bill are also
part of the local development article.
Among these more minor changes
is specific authorization for TIF
authorities to pay project costs with
interfund loans and receive reim-
bursement, with interest, from tax
increments.
Several issues that have been the
subject of much discussion over the
past six months were not included
in Article 15'.
• Limitations on pre -1990 districts
• TIF consultant registration require-
ments
• Special taxing authority require-
ment for deficits
• Elimination of the conclusive
effect of findings
• Blight test ("structurally substan-
dard") definition modifications
• OSA enforcement authority
abolishment and beginning/end of
time changes
• Line -item budget modifications
• Prohibition on dropping parcels
from a TIF district in order to grant
an abatement
We are compiling a complete
summary of the tax bill and other
major appropriations bills. We hope
to have the summary completed
and included in the Jury 11 issue of
Caries Bulletin.