HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 09-07-2001Dummy
SEPTEMBER 7, 2001
PCO,MING.MEETINGSAND�EVENT
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
2.
3
4.
S.
6.
7.
8.
9.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, S: 00 PM
SPECLAL COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET STUDY
SESSION, Public Safety Training Room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 7: 00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 7.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7: 00 PM PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON PROPOSED
NEW TRANSIT SERVICES, Council Chambers
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7: 00 PM YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS MEETING,
Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-3)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),
7.•00 PM Council Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M-4)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7.00 PARK & RECREA TIONAD VISOR Y COMMISSION
PM (PRAC), Council Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M -S)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, AUTUMNARTS FAIR, Parkers Lake Park
10: 00 AM -5: 00 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS AT SUNSET
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers
7:00 PM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, H0VSING AND REDEVELOPMENT A UTHORITY.
6.30 PM (HRA) MEETING, Council Chambers
(Note special location and start time)
^`
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• `CITY`,COUICIL INFORMATION'-�1VIElVIO=
'
_�. �. IO;
SEPTEMBER 7, 2001
PCO,MING.MEETINGSAND�EVENT
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
2.
3
4.
S.
6.
7.
8.
9.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, S: 00 PM
SPECLAL COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET STUDY
SESSION, Public Safety Training Room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 7: 00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 7.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7: 00 PM PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON PROPOSED
NEW TRANSIT SERVICES, Council Chambers
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7: 00 PM YOUTHADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS MEETING,
Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-3)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC),
7.•00 PM Council Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M-4)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7.00 PARK & RECREA TIONAD VISOR Y COMMISSION
PM (PRAC), Council Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M -S)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, AUTUMNARTS FAIR, Parkers Lake Park
10: 00 AM -5: 00 PM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS AT SUNSET
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers
7:00 PM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, H0VSING AND REDEVELOPMENT A UTHORITY.
6.30 PM (HRA) MEETING, Council Chambers
(Note special location and start time)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMA TION MEMO
September 7, 2001
Page 2
10. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, PUBLIC SAFETYAD VISORY BOARD, Police
7.00 PM Department Library
11. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, PLYMOUTH CLEAN–UP DAY, Public Works
9:00 AM -3:30 PM Maintenance Facility
12. A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached (M-12)
13. August, September, and October Calendars are attached (M-13)
L NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a) Hennepin County fact sheet on Census 2000. (I -]a)
b) Request from the Taxpayers League of Minnesota for support of the "Taxpayer
Protection Pledge." (I -1b)
c) Information sheet about the September 22 Plymouth Fall Clean-up Day. (1-1c)
2. STAFFREPORTS
a) Planning Department memo clarifying I-494 Corridor Commission
disbursements. (I -2a)
b) Report on the August 8 Environmental Quality Committee meeting regarding the
Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation and Management Plan. (I -2b)
3. MINUTES
a) Youth Advisory Council July 9 meeting. (I --3a)
b) Environmental Quality Committee August 8 meeting. (I -3b)
4. BOARD AND COMMISSION ITEMS
a) Pamela Nolan's letter of resignation from the Northwest Hennepin Human
Services Council. (I --4a)
S. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
a) Suburban Transit Association 2001 Legislative Update. (I -5a)
- a
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 20019 7:00 P.M.
MEDICINE LAKE ROOM
AGENDA
1. Action and Discussion Items
a. Approve minutes from July 9 meeting
b. Receive update on New Year's Eve Activities
c. Receive update on Coffee house/Youth center proposal
d. Receive update on Youth Services Award Program
e. Discuss participation plans for Plymouth on Parade, October 4
Next Meeting: Monday, August 6, 7:00 PM, Medicine Lake Room
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 12, 2001, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Agenda Items:
7:00 PM
Call to Order, Chair: Kathy Osborne
• Review of Agenda
• Approval of Minutes (attached)
• Guest Introduction & General Forum:
Guests may address the EQC about any item not contained on the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the
forum. If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the Forum, the EQC will continue with the agenda.
7:15 PM
• Stream Assessment Presentation. Presentation on the results of the Stream Assessment within
Plymouth, Carolyn Dindorf, Henne in Conservation District.
7:40 PM
• Review of city ordinances and policies on tree preservation. Mr. Shawn Drill, Planning
Department, will give a presentation on status of the City's tree preservation and possible
improvement to the existing ordinance.
8:00 PM
• Plymouth Surface Water Incentive Program (SIP). Staff and PBEP have developed a
detailed implementation process for Plymouth SIP. Number of activities such as newsletters, billing
insert and workshops have also been planned. EQC members need to review the proposed program
and if acceptable, forward a recommendation to the City Council. Kris Hageman, Solid Waste
Coordinator.
8:15 PM
Medicine Lake Watershed Subcommittee Recommendation.
The plan, plus the additional EQC's recommendation, have been forwarded to the September 11,
2001 Council meeting for their approval. If approved, need to discuss plan implementation.
8:40 PM
• Water Restriction. There has been a request to review our city water restriction policy. The
current policy is based on odd and event days and addresses. The request is to review other options
that might more effectively promote water conservation.
8:55 PM
Plan for next meeting: October 10th! (Mark your Calendar)
(EQC members will help to determine agenda for next meeting)
• Plymouth Geese Relocation Program
• Bassett Creek Watershed Educational Efforts Update
• Plymouth Environmental Educational Programs
9:00 PM
ADJOURNED
NOTES:
DATEMPW91201AGe
Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
September 13, 2001, 7 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
c. Others
4. Report on Past Council Action
a. Approved new fees for Plymouth Creek Center & Fieldhouse
b. Reviewed proposed CIP
c. Reviewed Ice Center parking study
5. Unfinished Business
a. Millennium Garden update
b. Hilde Performance Center update
c. Greenwood youth sports update
d. West Medicine Lake Park restroom update
6. New Business
a. Presentation on Northwest Greenway study — consultant
b. Ice rink locations for winter 2001-02
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjourn
Next regular meeting — October 11, 2001
:n\parks\staffleric\prac\agendas\jSep01.doc
A, I q... -
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
September 25
• Oath of Office to three Police Officers
• Presentation from Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council
• Hearings on Alcohol Compliance Check Violations for Rainbow Foods, 16705 County
Road 24 (third violation); Davanni's, 3015 Harbor Lane (third violation); and Elm
Creek Golf, 18940 Highway 55 (second violation)
• Approve On -Sale Intoxicating Liquor and Sunday Licenses for Rudolphs Bar—B—Que
West LLC, d/b/a Rudolphs Bar-B-Que, 3500 Vicksburg Lane, Suite 500
• Set hearing to create TIF District for Stone Creek Village
• Glacier Vista
• Serber Home Occupation
• ' Discuss ordinance requiring property owners to maintain their property to the curb
(requested by Councilmember Johnson)
• Approve Final Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids for Parkers
Lake South/Niagara Lane Storm Sewer Diversion and Treatment Pond (1004)
• Approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment to incorporate Hydraulic and Hydrology
Study for northwest Plymouth
October 9
October 23
M-- ( 3
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
September 2001
Sunday Monday Tuesday a nes ay Thursday Friday
Saturday
1
Aug 2001 Oct 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
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
7:0D PM SPECIAL
COUNCIL
7:00 PM
PLANNING
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
MEETING:
BUDGET STUDY
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
COMMISSION -
SESSION, Public
Medicine Lake
Room
Safety Training
Room
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
5130 PM SPECML COUNCIL
MEETING: BUDGET STUDY
SESSION. SSA"
7;00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
7:00 PM EQC,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council Chambers
10:00 AM -5:00
PM AUTUMN
Chambers
ARTS FAIR,
Parkers Lake
7ooPMw6LID
MATION MEETING oN
Park
SR SERVICES,"
CNImOen
1%6
7A0 PM YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL, M.&*. U"
Roan
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Rosh Hashanah
begins at sunset
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
6.30 PM HOUSING i
REDEVELOPMENT a
Cnemnen{NOTESPEcuL
9:00 AM - 3:30
PM, PLYMOUTH
CLEAN-UP DAY,
Council Chambers
STARLOCA ZION)
Public Works
Maintenance
Facility
7:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY
ADVISORY BOARD, Police
LL ery
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
F 7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
Yom Kippur begins
at sunset
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
30
modified on 9/7/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
October 2001
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION-
Medicine Lake
1:00 PM -5:00
PM
PLYMOUTH ON
Room
PARADE
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
7:00 PM EQC,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PRAC,
Council Chambers
Medicine Lake
Chambers
Room
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
7:00 PM
PLANNING
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
COMMISSION,
Room
Council Chambers
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept. Library
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
7:30 AM LOCAL
BUSINESS
COUNCIL, Radisson
700 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
Medicine Lake
Hotel
Room
7:00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
28
29
30
31
Sep 2001 Nov 2001
DAYLIGHT
7:00 PM
6:30 PM
8:00 AM -NOON
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
SAVINGS ENDS-
(PROPOSED) i
VOLUNTEER
PBEp
set clocks back 1
hour
JOINT COUNCIL
RECOGNITION
BUSINESS
1 1 2 3
MEETING:
PLYMOUTH
EVENT,
Plymouth Creek
STORM WATER
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AND MAPLE
Center
MANAGEMENT
WORKSHOP,
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
GROVE, Public
Safety Training
PI mouth Creek
Y
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Room
Center
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30
30
modified on 9/7/2001
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
November 2001
Sunday Monday luesuay Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
Oct 2001 Dec 2001
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 1
COMMISSION -
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Medicine Lake
Room
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30 31 23 24 25' 26 27 28 29
30 31
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
r 7:00 PM PRAC,
Council Chambers
Medicine Lake
Council Chambers
Room
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
VETERANS
DAY
5:30 PM SPECIALEQC,
COUNCIL MEETING:
TRAIN WHISTLE
7.00Council
Council Chambers
l C ambe
7:00 PM HRA -
Medicine Lake
Room
(OBSERVED),
Ci�Offices
ORDINANCE,
Employee Lunch Room
losed
7:00 PM PUBLIC
SAFETY
7:0D PM REGULAR
COUNCILMEETING,
Council Chambers
ADVISORY
BOARD, Police
Dept Library
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
7:D0 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
7:Do PM
PLANNING
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY - City
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY - City
COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
Center Offices
Center Offices
Closed
Closed
Room
25
26
27
28
29
30
7:30 AML CAL
BUSINESS
7:00 PM PACT -
Bass Lake Room
COUNCIL, Radisson
Hotel
7:00 PM REGULAR
,
COUNCIL
MEETING, Council
Chambers
modified on 9/7/2001
IHennepin County
Office of Planning & Development
A-2308 Government Center r �`
300 Sixth Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0238
United States
Census
200OTM
rns ConsmzoOoaDok• trsdmiohoiab us.O"M'Qr
ON Cense, usedwfh pwmbshn.
Hennepin County Board of
Commissioners
Mike Opat, t d District, Chair
Mark Stenglein, 2nd District
Gail Dorfman, 3rd District
Peter McLaughlin, 41' District
Randy Johnson, 5t'' District
Mary Tambornino, 611 District
Penny Steele, 7th District
County Administration
Sandra L Vargas, County
Administrator
Richard P. Johnson, Deputy
County Administrator
Office of Planning &
Development
Gary L Cunningham, Director
Bill Dando
Jerry Driessen
Stacey Rude
4
1980 1990 2000
This is the fifth in a series of Fact Sheets containing frequently requested census
information for Hennepin County, Minnesota. Fact Sheets and other Census 2000
information are available at the Office of Planning & Development Census 2000 web
site:
http:/ / www.co.hennepin.mn.us/ opd/ Census -20001 Censushome.htm
or by contacting Jerry Driessen at:
jerome.driessen@co.hennepin.mn.us
(612) 596-7409
TDD/TTY (612) 348-7367
We need your comments and feedback about this document. Please fill out an online
survey at http://www.opdsurveys.org/censussurvey/censussurvey.htm
Fact Sheets are not intended for use in the 2002 redistricting process.
For information on redistricting in Hennepin County, please contact Michelle DesJardin,
Hennepin County Elections Manager, at michelle.desjardin@co.hennepin.mn.us, or by
phone at (612) 348-5103.
I n compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this material is also
available in alternative forms. Please call 612-348-4466 (voice) or 612-348-7367
(TDD/TTY) .
Number of Vacant Housing Units In Hennepin County,
30,000
1980-2000
GMlnne.poll.
24,627
■Suburb•
20,000
(]Hennepin County
0
19,669
11,004 12,690
12,006
10, 000
2
0,070 0,609
r 0,264 0,441__F]
1980 1990 2000
This is the fifth in a series of Fact Sheets containing frequently requested census
information for Hennepin County, Minnesota. Fact Sheets and other Census 2000
information are available at the Office of Planning & Development Census 2000 web
site:
http:/ / www.co.hennepin.mn.us/ opd/ Census -20001 Censushome.htm
or by contacting Jerry Driessen at:
jerome.driessen@co.hennepin.mn.us
(612) 596-7409
TDD/TTY (612) 348-7367
We need your comments and feedback about this document. Please fill out an online
survey at http://www.opdsurveys.org/censussurvey/censussurvey.htm
Fact Sheets are not intended for use in the 2002 redistricting process.
For information on redistricting in Hennepin County, please contact Michelle DesJardin,
Hennepin County Elections Manager, at michelle.desjardin@co.hennepin.mn.us, or by
phone at (612) 348-5103.
I n compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this material is also
available in alternative forms. Please call 612-348-4466 (voice) or 612-348-7367
(TDD/TTY) .
Census 2000 Fact Sheet 5, September 2001 Hennepin County Office of Planning & Development '3
Occupied Housing Units and Percent Ownership by City and Race of Householder, 2000
One Race: Includes Hispanic/Latino Ethnicitv Add for Total i
'This category combines the Census 2000 racial classifications "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander".
2This category includes all other responses not described by the five Census 2000 racial classifications.
"Only part of these cities are in Hennepin County. The Hennepin County portion of Chanhassen is commercial/industrial property.
Total Occupied
White
Black or
American
Aslan and
Some Other
Two or More
Hispanic/
Units
African
Indian or AL
Pacific
Race
Races
Latino
American
Native
Islander'
(ofanyrace)
# of
%
# of
%
# of
%
# of
%
# of
%
# of
%
# of
%
# of
0/0
City
units
owned
units owned
units
owned
units
owned
units
owned
units
owned
units
owned
units
owned
Bloomington
36,400
70.6
33,447
73.0
1,041
24.7
103
43.7
1,265
58.2
237
34.6
307
45.0
586
36.0
Brooklyn Ctr.
11,430
68.7
9,186
75.1
1,386
31.5
74
56.8
497
69.4
104
38.5
181
51.4
212
40.1
Brooklyn Park
24,432
73.4
18,864
81.0
3,352
34.6
127
46.5
1,444
79.1
255
36.5
390
48.7
498
38.8
Champlin
7,425
88.7
7,170
89.1
77
54.5
28
78.6
87
89.7
22
86.4
41
80.5
61
83.6
Chanhassen'
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
Corcoran
1,784
96.0
.1,744
96.2
5
100.0
4
75.0
17
88.2
7
85.7
7
100.0
11
72.7
Crystal
9,389
77.6
8,625
80.3
343
36.7
40
52.5
224
58.0
59
55.9
98
53.1
144
57.6
D2yton•
1,544
96.4
1,507
96.5
6
100.0
4
75.0
5
100.0
17
94.1
5
80.0
26
92.3
Deephaven
1,373
95.8
1,356
95.9
2
100.0
5
80.0
6
83.3
2
100.0
2
100.0
6
100.0
Eden Prairie
20.457
78.3
18,980
80.3
413
40.2
33
54.5
807
62.6
66
37.9
158
49.4
230,
43.9
Edina
20,996
76.5
20,108
77.8
219
35.6
22
59.1
497
52.5
37
64.9
113
43.4
148
52.7
Excelsior
1,199
40.1
1,154
41.3
7
0.0
4
50.0
15
13.3
9
0.0
10
0.0
21
9.5
Fort Snelling
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
Golden Valley
8,449
81.5
7,919
82.9
273
57.9
15
60.0
152
70.4
20
50.0
70
57.1
89
50.6
Greenfield
817
88.1
802
88.3
2
100.0
3
66.7
5
60.0
1
100.0
4
100.0
3
66.7
Greenwood
285
90.9
278
90.6
1
100.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
3
100.0
2
100.0
4
100.0
Hanover*
113
95.6
112
95.5
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
1
100.0
Hassan
778
97.7
773
97.7
1
100.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
1
100.0
2
100.0
3
100.0
Hopkins
8,224
37.9
7,219
41.2
327
9.8
49
18.4
395
15.4
112
16.1
122
20.5
246
15.9
Independence
1,088
94.9
1,080
95.0
0
0.0
1
0.0
4
100.0
0
0.0
3
100.0
3
66.7
Long lake
756
71.3
734
72.6
8
12.5
1
100.0
3
66.7
2
0.0
8
25.0
3
33.3
Loretto
225
74.2
224
74.1
0
0.0
1
100.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
Maple Grove
17,532
92.7
16,863
93.0
172
76.7
39
92.3
329
91.5
45
86.7
84
84.5
134
88.8
Maple Plain
770
64.4
758
64.9
2
0.0
3
66.7
3
66.7
2
0.0
2
0.0
6
16.7
Medicine lake
159
74.2
154
73.4
0
0.0
0
0.0
4
100.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
1
100.0
Medina
1,309
91.7
1,286
91.8
7
85.7
1
100.0
10
100.0
2
100.0
3
66.7
6
100.0
Minneapolis
162,352
51.4
122,054
58.0
23,176
32.1
2,403
27.4
6,514
34.5
3,735
24.7
4,470
29.6
7,017
26.8
Minnetonka
21,393
75.7
20,551
77.1
280
27.9
24
37.5
369
48.2
59
54.2
110
48.2
165
58.2
Mtka. Beach
215
94.9
212
94.8
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
100.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
0
0.0
Minnetrista
1,505
94.8
1,476
94.7
6
83.3
2
100.0
14
100.0
3
100.0
4
100.0
6
100.0
Mound
3,982
80.6
3,886
81.1
21
38.1
7
42.9
34
76.5
11
63.6
23
56.5
23
60.9
New Hope
8,665
56.1
7,819
59.5
420
15.2
37
29.7
207
40.6
90
25.6
92
30.4
192
22.9
Orono
2,766
94.1
2,720
94.2
9
88.9
3
100.0
18
94.4
4
75.0
12
91.7
17
76.5
Osseo
1,035
56.9
1,008
57.6
6
16.7
3
33.3
10
20.0
1
100.0
7
42.9
6
66.7
Plymouth
24,820
76.5
23,295
78.1
487
40.7
51
51.0
748
62.3
70
40.0
169
43.8
•246
52.4
Richfield
15,073
67.6
13,003
73.6
937
17.5
89
28.1
550
52.0
285
21.8
209
35.9
541
25.5
Robbinsdale
6,097
74.0
5,650
75.6
257
44.4
31
51.6
72
70.8
37
67.6
50
62.0
81
65.4
Rockford*
57
98.2
55
98.2
0
0.0
1
100.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
1
100.0
Rogers
1,195
92.4
1,177
92.4
3
66.7
1
100.0
3
100.0
4
100.0
7
100.0
6
100.0
St. Anthony
2,402
86.0
2,287
87.0
18
61.1
14
92.9
63
57.1
8
75.0
12
83.3
19
89.5
St. Bonifacius
681
85.2
668
85.5
2
0.0
1
100.0
3
100.0
6
60.0
2
100.0
8
87.5
St. Louis Park
20,782
63.6
19,155
66.6
703
19.1
59
39.0
530
39.1
137
20.4
198
34.8
354
29.9
Shorewood
2,529
93.7
2,493
93.7
9
88.9
0
0.0
13
84.6
4
100.0
10
90.0
t0
100.0
Spring Park
930
25.1
898
25.7
10
10.0
3
0.0
9
11.1
2
0.0
8
0.0
5
20.0
Tonka Bay
614
91.4
606
91.6
2
50.0
1
100.0
1
100.0
3
66.7
1
100.0
8
62.5
Wayzata
1,929
60.3
1,886
61.0
8
25.0
4
50.0
15
40.0
6
16.7
10
30.0
14
35.7
Woodland
173
96.0
172
95.9
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
1
100.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
County Total
466,129
66.2 1
391,416
71.1
33,998
31.9
3,291
33.1
14,946
49.3
6,468
28.7
7,010
36.9 1,11,161
32.3
'This category combines the Census 2000 racial classifications "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander".
2This category includes all other responses not described by the five Census 2000 racial classifications.
"Only part of these cities are in Hennepin County. The Hennepin County portion of Chanhassen is commercial/industrial property.
2' Census 2000 Fact Sheet 5, September 2001 Hennepin County Office of Planning & Development
Change in Housing Units by Hennepin County City, 1990-2000
Change in Number of Housing Units
-1000 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Percent Change in Housing Units
-50.0% 0.0% 50.0% 100.0%
r
Plymouth
5,642 Rogers"
_
Eden Prairie
- M4-- 5,621 Greenfield
�-
-T-7-M.-
Maple Grove
4,777 Saint Bonifacius
Brooklyn Park
3,581 Hanover (part)
38.1 %
• k -
Minnetonka
2,109
Maple Grove
- 36.8%
Champlin
7-� 1,982
Eden Prairie
36.5%
Bloomington
1,289
Champlin
- 35.8%
Rogers`
970
Hassan*
32.7%
Edina
686
Loretto
31.0%
Saint Louis Park
462
Medina
_ s 28.8%
Shorewood
456
Plymouth
28.8%
Greenfield
350
Minnetrista
23.2%
Medina
299
Shorewood
21.3%
Minnetrista
295
Brooklyn Park
16.8%
Saint Bonifacius
277
Corcoran
15.3%
Corcoran
240
Independence
14.8%
Wayzata
216
Dayton (part)
13.3%
Hassan`
194
Wayzata
11.8%
Dayton (part)
183
Minnetonka
10.5%
Mound
153
Greenwood
9.2%
Independence
144
Maple Plain
9.2%
Orono
122
Tonka Bay
5.3%
Robbinsdale
88
Spring Park
4.9%
Saint Anthony (part)
77
Orono
4.4%
Maple Plain
66
Mound
3.9%
Golden Valley
57
Bloomington
3.6%
Loretto
54
Edina
3.3%
Spring Park
46
Saint Anthony (part)
3.2%
Tonka Bay
33
Osseo
2.5%
Hanover (part)
32
Saint Louis Park
2.2%
Deephaven
27
Deephaven
2.0%
Osseo
26
Minnetonka Beach
1.8%
Greenwood
25
Robbinsdale
1.4%
Minnetonka Beach
4
Woodland
1.1%
Woodland
2
Golden Valley
0.7%
Chanhassen (part)
0
Chanhassen (part)
0.0%
-1
Excelsior
-0.1%
Excelsior
-5
Medicine Lake
-0.6%
New Hope
-7
Fort Snelling
-0.6%
Crystal
-14
Long Lake
Brooklyn Center
-49
New Hope
Long Lake
-60
Crystal
Hopkins
-114
Rockford (part)
Minneapolis
-115
Brooklyn Center
Medicine Lake
-182
Hopkins
Richfield
-737
Richfield
p®-66.7%Rockford
(part)
p®-4,060
Minneapolis
am-100.0%jFort
Snelling
Rogers has Increased in area and Hassan Township has decreased in area since 1990.
352.7% ®a
E 73.8%
66.3%
Office of Planning
& Development
Census 2000 Fact Sheet
Hennepin County: Housing Ownership,
Rental and Vacancy
September 2001 bs
Percent of Population Ling in Rented Units
by Census Trail
.4t, 2000
Hassan
While 71.9 % of
ano
er
White Hennepin
3tLouisfvw
County
,°';-jw,'+
householders
Greenfield
Corcoran
owned their
nd
homes in 2000,
Ro d
less than 50%
�,..t
❑Loretto
of householders
''`•
from other
Independence
F
:. Medina
racial groups
Percent of Population
were
(M:a��e
Plain
In Rented Units by Census
homeowners.
Tract, 2000
Dayton
Champlin
Brooklyn Park
O$
Maple Grove
9' & �3�•:
Brooklyn
'uteri ,
Plymouth -
d" Robb sdale'
13
r^ "' St An h o ny
w
Med ne
Iden Valley
R
€'_I
Minnetonka'
nd
good
Chanhas a
Nam
Eden Prairie
Orono
3tLouisfvw
Minnetrista
,°';-jw,'+
My us
°' MI nka
nd
gaacn,f�'' a
CONTENTS:j£t
Pa�
Ton e e
t ifacius``�sT
Page 1
B
;'Shore o, ce
Percent of Population
Living in Rented Units
Percent of Population Living
Page 2
In Rented Units by Census
Change in Number of
Tract, 2000
Housing Units by City,
1990-2000
0%-24%
Page 3
y 25%-49%
Occupied Housing
50°,6-74°.6
Units and Percent
Ownership by City and
75%-98%
Race of Householder
No Occupied Units
Page 4
Number of Vacant
Lakes
Units, 1980-2000
Dayton
Champlin
Brooklyn Park
O$
Maple Grove
9' & �3�•:
Brooklyn
'uteri ,
Plymouth -
d" Robb sdale'
13
r^ "' St An h o ny
w
Med ne
Iden Valley
R
€'_I
Minnetonka'
nd
good
Chanhas a
Nam
Eden Prairie
Snelling
3tLouisfvw
Snelling
August, 2001
TAXPAYERS LEAGUE of MI
ONE CARLSON PARKWAY, SUITE 120, PLYMOUTH, MI
Dear Candidate or Elected Official,
1 am writing to ask you to sign the enclosed copy of the "Stop the Tax (
Pledge.
As you know, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota has been very active over the last few years in the
fight for lower taxes and smaller, more responsive government. Since we began working at the
legislature in 1998, state taxes have been lowered substantially.
We are very proud of the achievements we have made at the state level in reducing and reforming
Minnesota's burdensome tax system.
The property tax reform and reduction passed by the legislature this spring presents an almost unique
opportunity. On the one hand, it is our hope that local units of government will take this opportunity to
reshape their budgets and their priorities to ensure that the family's budget takes precedence over the
city's and county's budget. On the other hand, we fear that some local units of government will
attempt to use this time as an opportunity to grab as much of the tax cut for their own coffers
as they can.
We encourage you to allow the citizens of your community to put their families' budgets ahead of the
government's. Signing our pledge to hold the line on government spending is a good first step in that
direction.
The Taxpayers League will be releasing the names of the candidates who have (and have not)
signed our pledge. Please sign the pledge and return it to us no later than August 30th if possible.
You can mail a Xerox of the pledge to us at the above address, or fax a copy to 763-249-5960. Feel
free to contact me if you have any question at 763-249-5955.
aSince
Linda Runbeck,
President
P.S. The Taxpayers League will be holding a press conference on Labor Day, Monday
September 3rd. if you are interested in participating, please call us at (763) 249-5952. We will be
announcing our "Stop the Tax Grab" Campaign, and present elected officials and candidates
who have joined our campaign.
MAIN LINE: (763) 249-5950 FAX: (763) 249-5960
W W W.TAXPAYERSLEAGUE.ORG
TAXPAYERS LEAGUE of MINNESOTA
Believe that the.property t ax cut
yassedby the Minnesota State
Legislature- must beyassedon to
taxpayers in its entirety;
�lierefoy-e,
I pCedge to the people of
That'l w ill o /��'"/�/� /�j'//� os e any budget
that' exceeds Castyears s endin
g
ya r{=pr
a �
n�
.
a
fe'v Cs.��
e
Signed
j�- I Q_."
r
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 22, 2001
LOCATION: Plymouth Maintenance Facility; 14900 23rd Ave. N.
CONTACT PERSON: Margie Vigoren or Kris Hageman, 763-509-5506
ITEMS ACCEPTED
Appliances
$15 for dryers, freezers, garbage disposals, humidifiers, microwaves, stoves, washers, water heaters,
dehumidifiers, dishwashers, furnaces, refrigerators and trash compactors.
$15 for air conditioners.
Not accepted: plastic water softeners (these are accepted for $10 as construction waste.)
Batteries
No charge Automotive and household.
Not accepted: Industrial batteries.
Carpet/
$.25/ Square Yard.
Padding
All carpet and pads accepted — for disposal only.
Padding- $3 for all.
Electronics
No charge for home computers, TV's, stereos, other audio equipment.
Upholstered Furniture,
$5 — twin, full, queen mattresses or box spring; $6 - chairs;
Mattresses &
$7 — recliner $ 8 - loveseats, king mattresses or box springs;
$10 - sofas; and $20 - hide -a -beds.
Box Springs
Windows, doors &
$5 each for window sash, window or door frame, interior doors, single sinks,exterior doors & toilets
plumbing fixtures
$10 each for tubs, shower units
$7.50 - $15 (depending on size) for garage doors
Scrap Metal
No charge for all -metal items such as swing sets, grills, auto parts and pipes. There will be a small charge for
items containing non-metal parts paid directly to the vendors.
Tires
$2 - car (with or without rims),
$3 - light truck; and $8 for semi truck tire.
Charitable donations
No charge for clothing, household items, small appliances, small electronics, toys, hardware, tools, and small
(formerly called
furniture in usable condition.
Goodwill/Easterseals)
NO upholstered furniture accepted for donation (only for disposal as listed above.)
Fluorescent Bulbs
No charge for fluorescent bulbs. Small businesses may also drop off fluorescent bulbs, but only if they verify
that they generate 10 or less a year. Small businesses will be asked to fill out a form with their name, address
and contact person.
.f , -Z qc-
101
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MN 55447
DATE: August 31, 2001
TO: Plymouth City Council
FROM: Barbara Senness, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Clarification on I-494 Corridor Commission Disbursements
The Mayor contacted me recently about disbursements for the I-494 Corridor
Commission she noted in the CIM. I thought it might be helpful to explain to all of the
Council members about the nature of those disbursements. As part of Plymouth's
responsibilities as a member of the I-494 Corridor Commission, the City is currently
serving a two-year term as treasurer for the organization. This job rotates from
member city to member city and entails taking in funds received from 1) the federal
government through the Metropolitan Council and 2) other member cities (dues
payments) and paying the Commission's bills. Consequently, if you notice
disbursements for the I-494 Corridor Commission in your weekly packets, they are
related to the treasurer activity and not to City of Plymouth activities.
�z
° <
��rrsW' ME �#" .��F«':0` >*�;''+!is«i�."'.Y'zpREiSS`-' RnS..a '";; 1.;=- .r. •S + `rn.a
'1:`,° ': CTI'Y�,OF�PLYIViOUTH,,'�':'t Ls,
:$' '":fit,-•�„�;, °•�', Yt asaN• �sv49 c%�; 8,� ��a -, w°•`;, r''Si °iy°-'K ::� - ���P.`_ct• �.a f "4�.��'tr•z.
5' Y: rrr.��'” �;'"..,•'�' r� "t.l Li��,: a• +,$�; .'i �.� •�li, -.e :��+�t h.«i " •�,• ^- .,.. �� 1.y> ,�,.'.»f ,t t"" t�`�m , r� Y,.
';i. >tx.,�. ,r4.�y . '`toY :. �", g; y,s•#"hd���i-'�" $•'•g .�t. ."a, i """, t es.' .r '�Ar" :, 'r..• pa �,a
3;400'PlymouthBoulevard.F
a *. ;r: a 9,�3'. �. 'a•s.,..: ... .3 !M• •; ��a4. �
:,`Plymoutli;MN'55447.
DATE: September 4, 2001
TO: `9 "-Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E., Director of Public Works
FROM: Shane Missaghi, Water Resources Engineer
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF AUGUST 8, 2001 EQC MEETING REGARDING
MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED IMPLEMENTATION AND
MANAGEMENT PLAN
A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council, the Environmental Quality Committee,
and the Medicine Lake Watershed Sub -Committee was held on July 17, 2001, at 7:00
p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth. After hearing
presentations on the implementation plan and general lake management, the council made
the following motions: "To accept the Implementation Plan as presented. City staff and
the EQC are to identify those areas/concerns where suggestions and modifications have
been requested this evening and present a report/recommendation to a future EQC
meeting for their consideration."
As instructed by the Council, a list of discussions, questions and comments received
during the July 17 meeting plus staff recommendations when appropriate were presented
to the EQC for their review on August 8, 2001 meeting. The EQC considered and
discussed each issue with the following recommendations:
Alum Treatment:
A number of comments were made about both in -lake and in -stream alum treatment. It
was indicated that in -lake alum treatment may be used in conjunction with other activities
such as dredging. Frequency of alum application in a lake was discussed in length. A
number of people shared their concern that due to alum treatment cost and potential
consequences it should be treated as a last resort and as a one time treatment. However,
it was also suggested that alum treatment not be necessarily saved as a last resort, but
rather, regardless of all other efforts, if certain water quality parameters are not met, the
City would then use alum treatment to reach lake water quality goals.
\\ply_nt\ntdiskl\pw\Engineering\WTRQLTY\MINUTES\2001\EQC Ju1y17_01_report Counci1.doc
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF AUGUST 8, 2001 EQC MEETING REGARDING
MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED IMPLEMENTATION AND
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Page 2
EQC Recommendations: The proposed Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation and
Management Plan includes an evaluation component in the 5h year (2006). This
component should include the review and assessment of the 14 objectives that were set
by the sub -committee and listed in the plan. Alum treatment will be considered at that
time if significant improvements are not made in the following objectives:
• Summer average concentration of 38 ug/L for in -lake phosphorous,
• Minimum water clarity of 1.5 to 1.75 M (5 to 7')
• Eliminate bad odors through control and management of algae and other
undesirable plants, and
• Improve swimming
Geese Control:
There was a questions on how geese effect water quality. Mr. Steve McComas of Blue
Water Sciences, explained that geese waste could be a significant contributor to excess
nutrient in a lake. Goose feeding habits also damage many of the emergent aquatic
plants. Buffer strips along the lake would help discourage geese.
EQC Recommendations: Continue the City's geese re -location program and continue
the City's educational effort in establishing buffer areas surrounding open water areas.
New Products & Technology:
Various new products and technologies were discussed, including:
• Barley bales, which inhibits the growth of few common algae. This product has been
most effective in much smaller lakes and would not be feasible in Medicine Lake.
• Reverse Aeration. A couple people introduced the concept of reverse aeration
(pumping oxygen into the bottom of the lake) which helps to improve water quality.
This technique is effective and suitable only for small lakes.
• To use bio -manipulation ( such as fathead minnows) to improve water quality.
EQC Recommendations: Variations of bio -manipulation are included in the Medicine
Lake plan. While not all bio -manipulations are feasible for Medicine Lake we should
continue to research new products and techniques, identify those feasible for Medicine
Lake, and be open to new approaches.
Structural Best Management Practices (BMP):
Structural BMP, such as wet ponds and dry ponds were discussed in depth.
• Mr. McComas explained the differences between the dry and wet cells and how they
help to improve water quality by allowing some of the sediments in the runoff to
settle before entering a lake or wetland.
\\ply_nt\ntdiskl\pw\Engineering\WTRQLTY\NGNUTES\2001\EQC Ju1y17 01_report Counci1.doc
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF AUGUST 8, 2001 EQC MEETING REGARDING
MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED IMPLEMENTATION AND
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Page 3
• A resident asked to be careful not to cut and remove trees in order to make room for
the ponds proposed in the plan.
• It was cautioned that adequate maintenance and cleaning must be provided for these
ponds.
• There was a concern that the proposed ponds will be treating only a small portion of
the lake's watershed, and that the larger portion of the watershed (Plymouth Creek
watershed) has been left without any treatment.
EQC Recommendations: It appears that much neighborhood education is needed to
better inform resident on the purpose and functions of the proposed structural BMP such
as wet or dry ponds. Upland preservation (including trees) must be included in the early
design stages of any proposed ponds to ensure that upland resources are protected too.
It is correct that no specific structural BMP are proposed for the Plymouth Creek
watershed. Given the large size of this area no single site could effectively treat the
area's runoff. However, in the past few years a large number of water quality ponds have
been constructed to treat portions of the watershed. This year the City began monitoring
the upper half of this watershed and Hennepin Parks is continuing to sample and monitor
Plymouth Creek's outlet into the lake. Based on the new monitoring information, all
potential sites where one or a series of ponds would provide significant benefit will be
identified.
General Comments & Questions:
Representatives from both Parkers and Schmidt Lakes, shared their concern that it is very
important to continue to work on these lakes along with Medicine Lake and that activities
to improve these lakes should not be hindered by this or other plans. Comments were
also made that the City needs to better enforce its erosion control, on-site swage
treatment, and tree preservation ordinances.
EQC Recommendations: The EQC recognizes both Parkers and Schmidt Lakes as
important water resources. It is also important to recognize that the proposed Medicine
Lake Watershed Implementation and Management Plan is a dynamic and flexible plan.
The recommendation items may be changed as new information or technology becomes
available. The timing and sequences of some of the minor recommendation items may
also change by the Aquatic Vegetation Management Group. City, EQC, and other
partners will continue to look for additional funding to implement all of the components
of the plan.
cc: Ronald S. Quanbeck, P.E., City Engineer
N.\pw\Engineering\WTRQLTY\MINUTES\2001\EQC July17_01 report Council.doc
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
JULY 912001
Council Members
Present Absent
Katie Bonneville
Brianna Cohen
Katelyn Donnell
Amy Na en ast
Jameson Johnson, Co–Chair
Paul Lenhardt, Co–Chair
V
Eric Jun els, Alternate
Alison Ra acz
Also present were Councilmember Judy Johnson, City Manager Dwight Johnson, Lieutenant
Joel Franz and Deputy City Clerk Kurt Hoffman.
Minutes
The minutes of the June 11 and 25 meetings were approved.
Tobacco Ordinance — Best Practices Program
Lieutenant Joel Franz presented the Police Department proposal to establish a Best Practices
Program for tobacco retailers. This would be an agreement between retailers and the Police
Department similar to the one established for alcohol sales. He reviewed the guidelines for
retailers to follow and the incentives to reward those who successfully passed compliance checks
and met the guidelines. He said the proposal is scheduled to go before the City Council in
August. He asked the Youth Advisory Council for their comments on the proposal.
Council members suggested the Police Department look into further incentives for employers
who succeed in catching under -age people attempting to purchase tobacco and alcohol. They also
suggested representatives of the Police Department be invited to speak at the next Youth Town
Forum.
Motion was made by Paul Lenhardt, seconded by Jameson Johnson, to support the Police
Department's Best Practices program and to find additional incentives for successful participants
in the program. Motion carried unanimously.
Citizens' Academy
Motion was made by Amy Nagengast, seconded by Jameson Johnson, to request the Police
Department to extend the Police/Citizens Academy to permit 16–, 17–, and 18 year old
Plymouth residents to participate. Motion carried unanimously.
Coffee House/Youth Center
Youth Advisory Council members were invited to visit several area coffeehouse/teen centers with
members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission on Monday June 16. Dwight
Youth Advisory Council
July 9, 2001 Meeting
Page 2
reported that the PRAC discussed the Youth Advisory Council's recommendation at its June
meeting and is interested in further study of the recommendation.
Youth Advisory Council Terms and Appointment Dates
Without objection, the agenda was amended to allow a discussion of the calendar and selection
process for the Youth Advisory Council. Jameson suggested moving the appointment process to
May, with applications going out in March and interviews being conducted through the month of
April. He said that outgoing Council members could continue to attend as non—voting members,
and could work through the summer to help new appointees with orientation. He said changing
the appointment calendar in this way could help the Council be more productive in planning and
carrying out its goals and objectives.
Jameson said this would give the City more time to advertise. It would give members of the
Youth Advisory Council an opportunity to plan over the summer for activities and goals to carry
out during the school year. The Council members discussed the possible changes in the selection
process.
Motion was made by Jameson Johnson, seconded by Amy Nagengast, to recommend to the City
Council moving the application process for Youth Advisory Council positions to March, with
interviews being conducted in April, and formal appointment by the City Council in May.
Motion carried unanimously.
Council members agreed to discuss designation of subcommittees to another meeting.
End—of—Term Party Plans
The Council members consider possible dates for an informal gathering to send off departing
Council members. Kurt will send out an e—mail survey for possible dates.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Members Present
Members Absent
r -0-110M
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
MINUTES — MEETING NO. 108
Wednesday, August 8, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Kathy Osborne, Andy Walstead, Karen Chesebrough and Terry Jaffoni
Bruce Larson, Chris Graham and Terri Goodfellow -Heyer
Others/Staff Present Ginny Black, City Council Liaison
Brian Vlach, Hennepin Parks
Shane Missaghi, Water Resources Engineer
Margie Vigoren, Recycling Coordinator
Patty Hillstrom, Secretary
Guest None
Call to Order Ms. Osborne brought the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Minutes It was moved by Andy Walstead, seconded by Terry Jaffoni and
unanimously approved by the committee that the minutes for Meeting
No. 107, June 13, 2001, be approved as written.
General Forum Jennifer Haefner informed the EQC of her long term (3-5 year) idea of
introducing vermi composting and stated that she will also be involved
with the speakers bureau.
Music in Plymouth Ms. Vigoren noted that everyone did a good job pulling people to the
EQC booth at the Music in Plymouth event on July 5, 2001.
Ms. Osborne commented on how well the Hamline University/Center
for Global Environmental Education students staffed the watershed
model.
Official Thank You Mr. Missaghi expressed the need to thank the members of the Medicine
to the Medicine Lake Watershed Subcommittee for their assistance in developing a plan
Lake Watershed for Medicine Lake and asked for ideas from the EQC.
Subcommittee
Members Ms. Osborne suggested a letter signed by the mayor.
Environmental Theater Slides - Ms. Vigoren explained her idea to educate the public
Activities about water quality issues at the Mann Theater in Plymouth. Slides with
a water quality message would be shown before every movie in each of
Page 1 of 3
D: ITEMP1080801.doc
the theaters all day long. Six month or one year increments of
advertising can be purchased for $650 per month with a $150 charge for
changing the slide.
This project would replace the billboard project in the EQC budget and
Mr. Missaghi stated that there is sufficient funds.
Councilmember Black stated that this would be an opportunity to share
with the watershed districts and their 2nd generation plans.
Ms. Vigoren will compile more information about this project and
consult with Ms. Osborne and the EQC.
Speakers Bureau - Ms. Vigoren is working with Nancy Anderson,
Volunteer Coordinator, to form a group of residents volunteering to
speak about environmental issues. Volunteers will be trained and
opportunities to speak would include schools, the Yard & Garden Expo,
Music in Plymouth, early childhood education programs, etc.
Ms. Osborne volunteered to speak on solid waste topics.
Ms. Jaffoni complimented staff on their great efforts in promoting public
awareness of environmental issues.
Plymouth The Plymouth Stormwater Incentive Program provides incentives for
Stormwater commercial accounts and businesses to reduce their Stormwater Utility
Incentive Program Fee by making efforts to save water and minimize runoff. Businesses
(SIP) are able to choose from a variety of measures with percentage values of
discount. When their plan is approved the discount will be applied to
their fee.
Ms. Vigoren stated that workshops will be held to educate businesses
within Plymouth about the new Stormwater Management Plan and
present information on how to take advantage of the Stormwater
Incentive Program. The first of three workshops will be held on
October 31, 2001.
Ms. Vigoren reported that information about the incentive plan will be in
the Plymouth newsletter and welcomed ideas from the EQC on ways of
reaching businesses.
The Stormwater Incentive Program will be presented at the September
12, 2001, EQC meeting for their review, approval and recommendation
to the City Council.
Page 2 of 3
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Mr. Missaghi will provide a matrix to the EQC prior to the September
12, 2001, EQC meeting.
Review of Plymouth Ms. Vigoren stated that backyard composting is strenuously promoted
Compost Ordinance by Hennepin County and she would like to educate the public on the
benefits and the how to's of composting. Food waste is currently
disallowed in the City's composting ordinance and she asked for a
recommendation from the EQC for staff to put together changes to the
ordinance which would include certain types of food waste. She will
provide a draft of the new ordinance at the next EQC meeting.
Ms. Vigoren reported that there will be a bin distribution event with
Hennepin County, the City of Minnetonka and the City of Plymouth on
October 6, 2001. Composting bins valued at $60 will be sold for $15.
Medicine Lake As requested by the City Council, the following are responses by the
Watershed EQC to questions and comments from the City Council at the Special
Subcommittee Council meeting on July 17, 2001:
Recommendations
a Alum Treatment - In 2005, when all other efforts have been
implemented, the need for alum treatment will be evaluated.
Expected improvements to Medicine Lake by the year 2004-5 will
be added to the plan.
a Geese Control - It was the staff recommendation to continue with the
geese relocation plan.
a New Products and Technology - New products and techniques will
continue to be researched, identifying those feasible for Medicine
Lake and keeping an open mind to new approaches.
a Structural Best Management Practices - Based on new monitoring
information all potential sites for pond construction will be
identified.
A motion was made by Andy Walstead to accept the existing plan and
making changes if additional funds are available in the future.
The motion was amended by Karen Chesebrough, seconded by Terry
Jaffoni to accept the existing plan with edits.
Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 at
7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Hillstrom
Page 3 of 3
D: ITEMP1080801.doc
Date: September 5, 2001
The Plymouth City Council, Attention Mayor Tierney
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, Bruce Hoheisel
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Advisory Commission, 1
Re: Advisory Commission Appointment
Dear Council Members, Cntincii Staff, and Commission Memb
I must resign my appointment to the Human Services Advisory . ,,.iiaxiaaoavii <•a,vt.Ltva,y
immediately. When I sought the appointment I was not working fulltime. Since my
appointment last January, I have had to miss several meetings due to conflicts with my job.
I do not anticipate a change in the demands on my time, therefore, I am leaving my
position with the commission in order that my slot may be filled by another Plymouth
resident. I have enjoyed my short tenure on the commission and wish everyone the best.
Sincerely,
K a�
Pamela Nolan
Plymouth Resident
14
SUBURBANTRANSITAsSOCIATION League of Minnesota Cities Building
145 University Avenue West, Suite 450
r- ,.4? St. Paul, Minnesota 55103
Telephone: (651) 228-9757
Facsimile: (651) 228-9787
TO: Suburban Transit Association (STA) City Managers/Administrators
FROM: Tom Poul and Bill Schreiber
STA Legislative Consultants
DATE: August 31, 2001
RE: " 2001 Legislative Update
Please find enclosed a brief summary of transit and transportation related developments
that transpired during the 2001 legislative session. You may want to include this
summary in an informational packet for your council members. In a nutshell, the most
significant provision with respect to transit was the elimination of the property tax levy
for transit, and the transition to the motor vehicle sales tax as a funding source.
A full legislative report with relevant statutory language included was sent to STA Board
members. If you would like a copy of this full report for your records, or if you would like
an electronic copy of this brief summary, please do not hesitate to contact Liz Shields
Keating at 651/228-9757 or Ikeating(cD-mandklaw.com. Thank you.
Members: Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth Metrolink,
Shakopee Area Transit, Southwest Metro Transit Commission
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
2001 REGULAR AND SPECIAL SESSIONS
MINNESOTA LEGISLATIVE REPORT
AUGUST 14, 2001
PREPARED BY
TOM POUL, BILL SCHREIBER
& LIZ SHIELDS KEATING
MESSERLI & KRAMER P.A.
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
2001 Legislative Summary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................1
11. LAWS ENACTED DURING THE 2001 SESSION
A. OMNIBUS TAX BILL
Chapter5..........................................................................................5
B. OMNIBUS TRANSPORTATION FINANCE BILL
Chapter8.........................................................................................7
C. PUBLIC FINANCE BILL
Chapter214.....................................................................................10
D. OMNIBUS STATE DEPARTMENTS FINANCE BILL
Chapter10..................................:....................................................10
111. BILLS THAT DID NOT BECOME LAW DURING THE 2001
SESSION
A. BIODIESEL LEGISLATION...................................................:............11
IV. CONCLUSION.............................................................................12
1. INTRODUCTION
It began before the beginning and ended long after The End...
The 82' Session of the Minnesota Legislature began months before the official gavel
was dropped. "No more Mr. Nice Guy" might best characterize the tone and substance
of several of the campaigns, with both sides delivering kidney punches fueled by tons of
money flowing into party and caucus coffers. When the annual gathering was officially
called to order on January 3, 2001, the tone of the campaigns carried over into its first
days. Even before the swearing-in, the swearing had begun.
While the House Speaker is vested with the sole authority to appoint committee
membership, he or she usually makes only a few changes to the requests of the
minority as to their committee preferences. This time was different. Despite tradition,
Speaker Steve Sviggum repeatedly rejected the requests of the minority members - the
final count totaled 64 deviations.
In the Senate, which is generally the model of congeniality, the opening day was also
marked by controversy. Fourteen -year veteran DFL member Bob Lessard (I-Int'I Falls),
who was forced to run in the general election as an Independent against one of his
former Democratic colleagues, took the unusual step of joining the Governor's
Independence Party minutes before the 2001 Session opened.
The next day, Gov. Ventura delivered his State of the State address — one of the
earliest on'record. It was full of challenges, promises and threats. Ventura put enough
on the legislative table to give any lawmaker pause — income and property tax cuts, tax
rebates, sales taxes on a host of new items, K-12 education spending hikes and higher
education spending cuts, teacher pay incentives, telecommunications reform, single -
year sessions, campaign finance reform and, even the specter of the unicameral ghost.
Then, he went on vacation and prepared for his new sideline job as a color
commentator for the eXtreme Football League.
However, beyond the political maneuverings of the opening days, the first weeks of the
Session were absent much urgency as lawmakers waited for the Governor to present
his budget recommendations, the more substantive guide to the Administration's
intentions.
Once the Governor outlined his budget at the end of January, the ball started rolling. At
issue on the tax front was the most massive reform in the state's tax code in almost 30
years. Governor Ventura opened the debate by proposing a major shift in school
funding that would move most school operating costs off the property tax rolls and into
the state's general fund budget. He also promised a significant tax rebate and one of
the tightest state operating budgets in recent history, slashing hundreds of millions of
1
dollars out of higher education budget and holding a firm rein on agency initiatives. With
a nearly $1.2 billion surplus projected for the coming biennium, the Governor's
preference was to "send the money back" rather than spend additional dollars on
growing infrastructure needs and agency requests.
Not to be outdone, the House Republican majority responded by pledging to pass a
budget that was even tighter than the Governor's in all areas other than education and
nursing home reimbursement. They also proposed slashing transportation, economic
development and criminal justice systems while attempting to craft a tax reform
package that placed emphasis on reducing property taxes on homes and businesses.
Many observers, however, believed that the House Majority would be praying for some
relief from their budget cutting fervor when the time came to face off with their Senate
counterparts.
The Senate DFL majority took a more traditional and "balanced" approach to the
biennial budget. They offered a budget proposal and spending targets that would have
used roughly half of the projected state surplus for tax cuts while spreading the
remainder among education, transportation and health and human services programs.
Topping the DFL spending list was an additional one-time expenditure of $300 million
for transportation, as well as general fund increases of $783 million for education and
$344 million for health and human services programs.
The problem for each of the players was finding a partner to dance with. With little
interest in concession and the belief that their tax plan would be the thing of which a
"legacy" could be made, the House refused several compromise offers from the Senate.
In the meantime, the Governor's office had omitted the "details" of the tax plan,
claiming that this was the responsibility of the Legislature. The Governor's refusal to
engage in the legislative process throughout most of the Session would set the stage
for a "train wreck" as the legislative clock ticked toward the appointed hour for
adjournment.
Beyond tax reform, the issues in play ranged from abortion waiting periods to the
mandated use of biodiesel-blended fuels across the state. Along the way, law
enforcement was subjected to charges of racial profiling, they fended off an initiative to
allow. more Minnesotans to carry handguns and secured added dollars to upgrade
criminal record tracking systems. The liquor industry battled with grocers over whether
to permit wine sales at the local food store. The Minnesota Twins opened a winning
season but could not get lawmakers to lend them the money needed to build a new
baseball stadium. Commuter rail promoters struggled unsuccessfully against a hostile
House Transportation Committee Finance chair while the debate over alternatives to
metro highway congestion and decaying rural roads and bridges went nowhere.
But, in the end, it was the debate over tax dollars that proved to be the demise of the
regular Session. The House Republicans saw their legacy in the making and pressed
2
relentlessly for major property tax reform for homeowners, businesses and renters. The
Senate Democrats, in turn, held out for more public education funding and targeting of
property tax relief toward the middle of the valuation scale. And, the Governor spent
his time berating both sides while jumping back and forth between them in an attempt
to pick and choose from among the competing interests.
From a tactical perspective, the 2001 Session was a disaster. Despite the annual
criticism of lawmakers always waiting to the end to finish their work, legislative
leadership exacerbated the situation by setting late deadlines for completion of
committee work. The result was too much time for development of partisan positions
on a host of issues and too little time for resolution of the differences in conference
committees.
So, at midnight on May 21s', with plenty of finger pointing but little to show for their five-
month effort, lawmakers adjourned the regular Session and headed home deadlocked
over the same issues that prevented compromise over the previous 4 1/2 months - tax
reform and education spending. The tax bill and seven of eight major spending bills
were left unfinished and threats of a first-ever state government shutdown seemed to
offer little leverage over either issue.
That's when the newspapers set to pounding on the major players - most particularly,
Governor Jesse, the most media sensitive and savvy Chief Executive in years. Forced
to wade in, he finally sided with the House and, at the end of a week, the Senate
acquiesced to the most massive tax reform package in more than thirty years. Indeed,
Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe - the wily political standard bearer of the liberal
agenda for more than two decades - confessed to being outflanked. "This is the
Republicans' and governor's plan," he said. "When it's two against one, it's difficult to
negotiate."
Then, the Governor blinked. Without the details of a comprehensive tax and spending
agreement being worked out in advance, Ventura called a Special Session opening on
June 11t. For the first two weeks, lawmakers returned to the Hill every three days only
to be sent home again to await word of an agreement on the "tax package." Major
spending conference committees dissolved and resurrected as "working groups" but,
could accomplish little without spending targets to structure their work. And, in the
bowels of the Capitol the chairs of the House and Senate tax committees locked horns
in a battle over a "legacy."
Hours, then days, then weeks passed without results. Often times, the issues seemed
to multiply as the key legislative players disputed just what it was that they had
supposedly agreed to earlier in the day. And, the Administration began to lay plans for
an unprecedented government shutdown - seemingly, the only club remaining for
forcing an end to the debate.
Finally, with less than seven days to go, the dam broke. Senate leaders acquiesced
3
(once again) to sweeping across-the-board property tax reform and took as a
consolation prize less commercial -industrial property tax relief, a limited measure of
increased funding for public education, and increased local government aid. The 2001
tax bill was passed by lawmakers - with the Senate Majority Leader and Tax Committee
Chair voting against the bill - two days before a government shutdown was to take
effect. Then, one -by -one, the other major spending bills were enacted in a marathon
final session that lasted into the wee hours of the deadline morning.
The remainder of this report will focus on initiatives that were pursued
Legislature that relate specifically to opt -out transit communities. As
been a pleasure to work with the Suburban Transit Association, and
Messerli & Kramer P.A. look forward to representing you at the Capi
beyond.
4
this year at the
always, it has
the lobbyists at
tol in 2002 and
II. LAWS ENACTED DURING THE 2001 SESSION
2001 OMNIBUS TAX BILL
CHAPTER 5
SPECIAL SESSION H.F. 1
(REP. RON ABRAMS & SEN. LARRY POGEMILLER)
EFFECTIVE DATES VARY
a. Elimination of transit levy; dedication of MVET for transit operating costs
The most significant provision in the Omnibus Tax Bill, as it relates to transit service
providers, is the elimination of the property tax levy for transit operations. The
elimination of the transit levy has been a priority of the Republican caucus for several
years. As such, the Suburban Transit Association opted to try to make the best of the
situation, rather than expend valuable political capital attempting to stave off the
inevitable.
At this point, it is unclear what the full impacts of the new transit funding system will be.
Overall, MVET is less stable than the property tax base. However, growth and
expansion of the system is strictly limited by the property tax, a significant problem that
is increasing overtime.
As with any major funding shift, we anticipate some unique challenges during the
transition period. The Suburban Transit Association will continue to work closely with
the Metropolitan Council and Department of Finance ensure a smooth transition. If
necessary, it will be possible to go back to the Legislature in the 2002 session to correct
transition problems, including obtaining a supplemental appropriation.
Key components of the MVET transfer are as follows:
A Metropolitan Area Transit Fund is established in the state treasury. 20.5% of
MVET is dedicated to the fund in FY03 and thereafter (based on 2001 property tax
levy, = $116.93m).
A separate Metropolitan Area transit appropriation account is established in the
general fund. 2.0% of MVET is dedicated to the account beginning in FY04, to be
used for metro transit systems subject to legislative appropriation.
22.5% of FY04 and FY05 MVET is dedicated to metro area transit operating costs
(-= $132.19m in '04, $136.15m in '05).
The Metropolitan Area Transit Fund is to be administered by the Met Council.
5
The December, 2001 property tax payout will be last one.
$5 million in transition funding is appropriated. (The Met Council requested $15.5
million). This transition funding shortfall could be the biggest challenge facing -opt-
out service providers. The Suburban Transit Association will continue to work with
the Metropolitan Council and the Department of Finance to make sure that adequate
revenue is available without completely draining reserve funds.
The Met Council must annually provide each opt -out transit system with financial
assistance at least equal to the operating assistance grants received or transit tax
levied for Pay01.
Appropriations from Met Council will go directly to opt -out service providers, not to
cities.
Opt -out appropriations are to be increased proportionately by the growth in the
Metropolitan Area Transit Fund and by the relative growth in the city's market value
base relative to the growth in market value tax base of the metro area as a whole
(same as current growth factor of market value).
Authority of Met Council and opt -outs to levy property taxes for the operating costs
of transit systems is eliminated.
Emergency levy provision: if MVET increases by less than the CPI, the Met Council
can seek approval from Dept. of Finance to issue certificates of debt. The Met
Council must wait until after an actual loss — the levy option does not kick in based
on a projected loss.
Municipalities may levy property taxes for capital "and other related activities."
Language contained in the Tax Bill expands the geographic area subject to the
capital levy to include the entire 7 -county area, and provides for new as well as
existing levies to be spread against the expanded area. However, a provision in the
Transportation Finance Bill requires cities and the Met Council to reach an
agreement on expanded service before the capital levy can be spread outside the
Transit Taxing District. The Transportation Bill language takes precedence over the
Tax Bill language.
A separate Greater MN transit fund is established in the state treasury. 1.25% of
MVET is dedicated to the fund in FY03 and thereafter. Greater MN transit systems
receiving MnDOT operating assistance are required to report to MnDOT the amount
of their operating revenues derived from property taxes for 2001 by July 31, 2001.
Increases in Greater MN transit fund grants are limited to 6.0% per year.
0
Opt -out governance structures are not impacted.
The feathering program is eliminated.
b. Transit vehicle purchases exempt from state sales tax
Article 12, section 85 provides that purchases of vehicles used for transit outside the
metropolitan area and for transit in opt -out areas in the metropolitan area are exempt
from the state sales tax.
C.' Light rail transit vehicle purchases exempt from state sales tax
Article 12, section 57 provides that Metropolitan Council purchases of light rail transit
vehicles and equipment are exempt from the state sales tax.
PROVISIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TAX BILL
a. Increased/indexed gas tax
b. Metro area sales tax for transportation/transit projects
c. Elected Met Council
d. Abolishment of Met Council
2001 OMNIBUS TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY FINANCE BILL
CHAPTER 8
SPECIAL SESION S.F. 7
(SEN. DEAN JOHNSON & REP. CAROL MOLNAU)
EFFECTIVE DATES VARY
Overall, the Omnibus Transportation Finance Bill was a disappointment in that it failed
to include a mechanism to provide ongoing, increased funding for transportation and
transit projects. Below is a list of funding and policy provisions that were included.
FUNDING PROVISIONS
a. Metro Transit general fund appropriation
$68.101 million in FY02 and $68.101 million in FY03 was appropriated to the Met
Council for transit operating assistance. The biennial total is $136.202 million, with
Metro Mobility limited to $42 million. Language specifies that the agency base is
$65.601 million.
7
b. Tab fee shortfall
32% MVET is allocated to cover tab fee shortfall to highway user tax distribution
fund.
c. Transit advantages
$2 million is appropriated for transit advantages: shoulder lanes, park -n -rides
(excludes LRT, commuter rail).
d. Greater MN transit assistance
$17.501 million in FY02 and $17.501 million in FY03 is appropriated for Greater
Minnesota transit operating assistance.
e. Duluth transit funding formula
This provision changes the funding formula for Duluth by repealing the special
funding category for operating costs.
I
POLICY PROVISIONS
a. HOV lane study
$100,000 is appropriated to fund a study opening 1-394 and 35W HOV lanes to all
vehicles. The consultant's report will be due to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2002. A
caveat to this requirement is that it prohibits any action that would result in loss of
federal funds.
b. Limitations on expansion of capital levy
The Met Council may not levy for transit capital in cities outside the transit taxing
district unless the Met Council and governing body of city or town have agreed to a
service extension plan. This supercedes the provision in the Tax Bill that allows the
capital levy to be spread upon the entire 7 -county area.
c. TAB membership
This provision makes several changes to the makeup of the Transportation Advisory
Board. The TAB is now authorized to appoint its own chair (now appointed by the
Met Council). Additionally, county boards and the Assoc. of Metro. Municipalities
will now appoint some of the members.
d. Busway study authorization amended
This provision amends 2000 language to allow Met Council to study busways in
northwest LRT corridor in Hennepin County and the part of the southwest corridor
between Hopkins and Minneapolis. It prohibits busway studys in a portion of the
southwest corridor located in Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and in the
Midtown Greenway and Kenilworth corridors in Minneapolis.
e. Crosstown reconstruction moratorium
This provision imposes a 1 -year moratorium on the Crosstown/1-35W reconstruction
project. A consultant's report on alternative options is due to the Legislature by Jan.
15, 2002.
f. Highway construction congestion mitigation
MnDOT is prohibited from spending trunk highway funds to pay operating costs for
bus service. intended solely to mitigate effects of trunk highway construction
projects.
g. Major Transportation Projects Commission
The threshold of $5 million is changed to "25% of estimated annual construction
district budget" for Major Projects Commission oversight.
h. Design -build authorized
MnDOT may award design -build contracts for transportation projects.
i. Smart growth — highway projects
Restrictions are placed on the ability of the Met Council and MnDOT to impose
"smart -growth" requirements on highway projects.
j. Performance based funding for small providers
The small providers (DARTS, etc.) operating subsidy is amended by removing the
sunset on the subsidy and lowering the recipient's potential cost from 100% to
41.5%.
k. Prohibitions on LRT/commuter rail studies
MnDOT and the Met Council are prohibited from studying LRT and commuter rail
unless funds are appropriated to study the specific route, including origination and
destination.
I. LRT budget requirements
LRT budgets submitted to Legislature or Governor must include total operating
costs.
m. High speed rail
MnDOT must notify the Legislature of funds spent to study high-speed intercity
passenger rail.
Z
PROVISIONS NOT INCLUDED IN TRANSPORTATION BILL
a. Photocop
b. Northstar Corridor funding
c. LRT taxing district (operating costs)
d. Constitutional dedication of MVET for transit/transportation
e. Buydown of fare increase ($18 million)
f. Repeal of Riverview Corridor funding ($19 million)
2001 PUBLIC FINANCE BILL
CHAPTER 214
REGULAR SESSION S.F. 2208
(SEN. LARRY POGEMILLER & REP. RON ABRAMS)
EFFECTIVE DATES VARY
Of interest to transit service providers in the Public Finance Bill is the provision that
authorizes the Metropolitan Council to levy up to $45 million for transit capital projects.
Though the Tax Bill authorizes this tax to be levied throughout the 7 -county
metropolitan area, a provision in the Transportation Finance Bill prohibits the'expansion
outside the current Transit Taxing District unless affected communities and the Met
Council have agreed on a service expansion plan.
2001 STATE DEPARTMENTS FINANCE BILL
CHAPTER 10
SPECIAL SESSION S.F. 9
(SEN. RICHARD COHEN & REP. PHIL KRINKIE)
EFFECTIVE DATES VARY
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Of interest in the 2001 Omnibus State Departments Bill is the establishment of a
legislative commission charged with oversight of the Metropolitan Council's operating
WE
and capital budgets, work program, and capital improvement program. The
commission will be comprised of seven 'state senators and seven state representatives
who reside in or represent a portion of the seven -county metropolitan area. The chair
of the commission will alternate biennially between the House and Senate.
The powers and duties of the commission are to monitor, review, and make
recommendations to the Metropolitan Council and to the Legislature for the following
calendar year on:
1) the tax rate and dollar amount of the Metropolitan Council's property tax
levies and any proposed increases in the rate or dollar amount of tax;
2) any request for an increase in the debt of the Metropolitan Council;
3) the overall work and role of the Metropolitan Council;
4) the Metropolitan Council's proposed operating and capital budgets, work
program, and capital improvement program; and
5) the Metropolitan Council's implementation of the operating and capital
budgets, work program, and capital improvements.
The Commission will also monitor and make recommendations on appointments to the
Metropolitan Council.
III. BILLS THAT DID NOT BECOME LAW DURING THE 2001 SESSION
BIODIESEL
The proposal for mandated use of bio -diesel blended fuel was heard by more
committees and had more floor votes than any other agricultural issue during the 2001
session. Late in the Session, the Senate adopted a mandate that all diesel fuel sold in
Minnesota for internal combustion engines contain a 2% bio -diesel blend beginning on
July 1, 2003. The House adopted a position of requiring the use of a 2% biodiesel
blend in all state and transit vehicles beginning on July 1, 2002.
The Suburban Transit Association worked diligently to exempt opt -out transit and Metro
Transit vehicles from the mandate provision, and was successful in doing so in
conference committee and again on the floor. However, when the Omnibus Agriculture
Policy Bill came to a final vote on the floor of the House, the biodiesel provision was
eliminated altogether.
11
IV. CONCLUSION
The 2001 Session was a busy one for the STA. Many of the initiatives that had been
percolating for several years, such as the HOV lane study and the elimination of the
transit levy, came to pass during the lengthy 2001 session. Though the final language
has passed the Legislature and been signed into law by the Governor, many questions
remain as to how the changes will impact opt -out transit service providers both
immediately and long into the future.
The significance of the changes wrought by the 2001 Legislature cannot be overstated.
However, because the implementation of the MVET transfer will not take place for
another year, the 2002 legislative session will provide an opportunity to address funding
shortfalls and other transition problems. In the long run, funding transit operating costs
out of a statewide fund will provide the opportunity to expand service into the high
growth areas outside of the current Transit Taxing District.
Overall, the most troubling aspect of the 2001 legislative session was the absence of a
long-term funding mechanism for transportation and transit and the overall punitive
actions by the Legislature toward the Metropolitan Council and the Department of
Transportation. We hope that these relationships improve and that attitudes change for
the upcoming 2002 session.
This was the sixth legislative session that Messerli & Kramer P.A. served as legislative
counsel for the STA. Please accept our thanks for the opportunity to serve as the voice
of opt -out transit at the State Capitol. If you have questions or comments about this
report, please contact Tom Poul, Bill Schreiber, or Liz Shields Keating at 651/228-9757
or at tpoul &-mandklaw.com , bschreiberCa)-mandklaw.com , or Ikeating(a mandklaw.com.
12