HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 02-14-1992CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
FEBRUARY 14, 1992
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS....
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY:
FEBRUARY 17 5:55 P.M.
BOARD a COMMISSION
INTERVIEWS
Council Conf. Room
(Interview schedule
attached)
COUNCIL/PLANNING
COMMISSION STUDY -
SESSION
City Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 22 8:00 A.M. COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Discuss Financial Task
Force Report
City Council Chambers
FEBRUARY 24 6:30 P.M. PLYMOUTH FORUM
Cita Council Chambers
7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEETING
City Council Chambers
--------------------------------------------------------
2. CITY OFFICES CLOSED -- MONDAY, February 17. President's
Day.
3. CHARTER SUBCOMMITTEE -- Monday, February 17, 7:00 p.m.
The Plymouth Charter . Commission Subcommittee on
Initiative and Referendum will conduct a meeting in'the
Large Office Area Conference Room. Meeting notice
attached. (M-3)
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
February 14, 1992
Page 2
4. WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE -- Tuesday, February 18, 7:00
p.m. The Water Quality Committee will meet in the large
office area conference room.
5. -IRA -- Thursday, February 20. The Plymouth Housing.and
Redevelopment Authority will meet in the City Council
Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-5)
6. RECEPTION FOR METRO AREA LEGISLATORS/METRO COUNCIL
MEMBERS -- Wednesday, February 19. The Association of
Metropolitan Municipalities will be hosting a reception
for metro area legislators and Metropolitan Council
members from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Inn, St.
Paul. A copy of the announcement is attached. (M-6)
7. HENNEPIN PARKS EURASIAN MILFOIL MEETING -- Thursday,
February 20, 1:00 p.m.` Hennepin Parks will host a
meeting at the Parks Headquarters to review with
municipalities and lakeshore homeowners associations
proposed Eurasiar water milfoil legislation scheduled to
be introduced on February 18. A copy of the meeting
notice is attached. (M-7)
8. MEETING CALENDARS -- City Center and City Council
ca,lendars for February and March are attached. (M-8)
FOR YOUR INFORMATION.....
1. CHARTER COMMISSION -- The following- information on the
Charter Commission is attached:
a. Charter Commission Minutes, February 10, 1992. (I -la)
b. News Release announcing Charter Commission's decision
to develop a Home Rule Charter. (I -1b)
c Letter sent to Charter Commissioners on the
establishment and composition of its subcommittees.
(I -lc)
2. REDISTRICTING STATUS -- Since the state court
redistricting plan was approved on January 30, staff has
been working on a proposed City precinct plan. The City
is required to complete its local redistricting process
by March 30.
Staff has prepared the proposed plan by assigning each of
the 560 census blocks in the City to a precinct using the
"Paper Tiger" software provided by Hennepin County. We
will provide the County with our adopted precinct plan on
floppy disk. This will allow our precinct finder and
voter registration records to be amended by computer,
rather than manually as in past redistricting efforts.
This will save the City and County thousands of hours of
manual effort and should prove to be significantly more
accurate.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
February 14, 1992
Page 3
The reprecincting process for a City is relatively simple
when there is not a ward system. The census population
data within a precinct does not have to be equal or
comparable;. however, population needs to be considered
for purposes of a. smooth voting process and use of
equipment. It is also possible to address growth: If
the population in a certain area of the City is going to
increase over the next ten years, that precinct can be
made smaller -to accommodate the future growth. With a
ward system growth cannot be considered.
We intend to present the City Council with the proposed
plan and polling locations on February 24. The proposed
local plan is nearly identical to the maps previously
distributed to Councilmembers.
The new precinct boundaries and polling locations will go
into affect for the September Primary Election. Each
voter in the City will receive notice of their new
precinct and polling location prior to that election.
The Presidential Primary Election on April 7 will be
conducted in the existing polling locations.
3. PLYMOUTH FORUM - FEBRUARY 24 -- Linda Lahr, Bass Lake
Bottle Shop, will be at the Plymouth Forum to discuss
concerns she has with the County Road 10 road
improvements and the impact she believes the improvements
will have on her business if constructed as proposed.
Attached'is a letter from Ms. Lahr, and a memo from
Laurie Rauenhorst, on the February 24 Plymouth Forum.
(I-3)
4. POLICE SERVICE QUESTIONNAIRE -- Attached is a memorandum
from Dennis Paulson on a new "Police Service
Questionnaire" program the department plans on
implementing to assist in measuring the level and quality
of service provided by police officers. The
questionnaire will be sent out to a random 5 percent of
individuals having contact with the police department.
If the Council has any comments or suggestions on the
form, please let me know. (I -4Y
5. DOMESTIC ASSAULT PROJECT - ANNUAL REPORT -- Attached is a
copy of Plymouth Domestic Assault Intervention Project's
1991 Annual Report. (I-5)
6. MINUTES:
a. Water Quality Committee, January 21, 1992. (I -6a)
b. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, January 16,
1992. (I -6b)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
February 14, 1992
Page 4
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
a. Police Department, January, 1992. (I -7a)
b. Fire Department, January, 1992. (I -7b)
8. EXEMPT PROPERTY REEVALUATION 1992 ASSESSMENT -- Attached
is a report from the City Assessor on the reevaluation of
all exempt property within the City of Plymouth. By
statutory requirements, all exempt property must be reval
ued every six years. A comparison of the last two exempt
assessment years (1980 and 1986) is also included. (I-8)
9. HENNEPIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT NEWSLETTER -- The January
newsletter published by the Hennepin Conservation
District is attached for the Council's information. (I-
9)
10. 'MAKING EMPOWERMENT WORK' -- Mayor Bergman has provided
the attached article for the Council's reading. (I-10)
11. CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE -- Information on calls received on
the City's customer service line is attached. (I-11)
12. PLYMOUTH EMPLOYEES:
a. Memo from Councilmember Edson on the traffic control
provided by the Plymouth Police Reserve at the Zachary
Lane School Carnival held February 7. (I -12a)
b. Letter of appreciation to Fred Moore from members of
the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Business -Education
Partnership for participating in the Career
Exploration 1992. (I -12b)
13. CORRESPONDENCE:
a. Letter from David Shea to Mayor Bergman on use of soy -
ink for City printings, and city policies on energy -
environmental issues. (I -13a)
b. Letter from Nancy Whitehead, to City Council,
commenting on the WalMart development. A response is
also attached. (I -13b)
c. Letter from James Commers, King Videocable, to Mayor
Bergman, on a new program of public service
announcements. (I -13c)
d. Letter to David Barstad, from City Manager,. in -
response to a voice mail message in having the new
trail on Schmidt Lake Road cleared for pedestrian use.
(I -13d)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
February 14, 1992
Page 5
e. Letter sent to Plymouth Homeowner Associations
offering to provide publicity on cable channel 37 and
the Plymouth News of homeowner association. sponsored
spring clean up programs. (I -13e)
f. Letter from James Strommen, Holmes & Graven, to City
Manager, forwarding a check payable to the City for
attorneys' fees and costs awarded by the Court with
regard to the Begin Contracting Co. lawsuit. (I -13f)
James G. Willis
City Manager
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
APPLICANT FINALISTS FOR
BOARD & COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1992 y
City Council Conference Room
5:55 P.M. Ed Albro
6:05 P.M. Robert Raugland
6:15 P.M. Walter Schuelke
Jay Naftgzer is out of town on Monday and unable to attend the
interview.
r�
CIM FEB 14 "92
M-3
` NOTICE OF CHARTER COMMISSION
SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING .
The Plymouth Charter Commission Subcommittee on Initiative and
Referendum will conduct a meeting on Monday, February 17, 1992,
beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Large Office Area Conference Room
of the'City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. This meeting may be
postponed or adjourned to Thursday, February 20, 1992 at 7:00
p.m. in the Large Office Area Conference Room.
The meeting is open to the public.
Please call me at 550-5010 for further information regarding this
meeting.
Laurie Rauenhorst
City Clerk
City of Plymouth
Posted: February 12
CSM FEB 14'92
AGENDA
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ANNUAL MEETING
February 20, 1992 at 6:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes for January 30, 1992 Meeting
3. 'Nomination and Election of Officers
4. Senior Housing Program - Review of Developer Proposals
5. Annual Contribution Contracts for Section 8
6. Attorney to represent Plymouth HRA
7. Other Business
8. Adjournment
(hra/agenda.2-20)
0
CSM FEB 14'92
M— l0
i
BOARD OF DIRECTORS '
PRESIDENTBob
association of
SL Paul
3t Paul
metropolitan
VICE PRESIDENT
municipalities
Karen Anderson
To: Member City Managers
Minnetonka
PAST PRESIDENT
Larry Bakken
.golden VaAey
DIRECTORS
Don Ashworth
Jan. 31, 1992
.,hanhassen
Bill Barnhart
To: Member City Managers
%nneapolis
From: Vern Peterson, Roger Peterson, Nicole Debevec, AMM staff
William Burns
Fridley
Re: Reception for Metro Area Legislators, Metropolitan Council Members
Joan Campbell
Minneapolis
Enclosed is your invitation to the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities' legislative
reception, scheduled for Feb. 19, 1992, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Inn near the state
David Childs
New Brighton
Capitol. We are inviting members of the Metropolitan Council to the reception to provide both
you and Council members a chance to discuss issues of mutual concern in a more relaxed
Tom Egan
atmosphere. Also, we are inviting key legislators whose districts are outside of the metro area,
Eagan
since they either chair powerful committees of concern to AMM or hold influence with their
parties at the Capitol.
Richard Enrooth
St. Anthony
We are asking that you take a few minutes in the next few weeks to contact your legislators and
Kenneth Mahle Jr.
urge them to attend the reception. Also, please share this invitation with members of your
Woodbury
council, should they be interested in attending.
Betty McCollum
North St. Paul
It is important that our cit res nd b Friday, Feb. 14 to Carol Williams at the AMM office,
P Y Y. Po Y Y
227-4008.
Frank Ongaro '
St. Paul
Thank you for your attention to this issue. We look forward to seeing you Feb. 19.
Barbara Peterson
Orono
Craig Rapp
Brooklyn Park
Tom Spies
Bloomington
Brenda Thomas
Roseville
Gloria Vierling
Shakopee
Gene White GIM FED 14092
Prior Lake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vern Peterson
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 5510-1 (61 %'1 227 a; ��•::
The Association of Metiopolitan Municipalities
Cordially Invites you to a Reception For
State Legislators from the Metropolitan Area and
Metropolitan Council Members
Wednesday, February 19,1992
4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Program from 530 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Buffington -Prentiss Rooms
Kelly Inn - St. Paul - State Capitol
St. Anthony at Rice Street
Bob Long, Council member
St. Paul
President
Please Reply to Carol Williams, 227-4008
By Friday, February 14, 1992
Briggs & Morgan
Miller & Schroeder Financial Inc.
Holmes & Graven
_4p
M - t0
Karen Anderson, Council member
Minnetonka
Vice President
Supported financially in part by:
Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lindgren, Ltd.
Piper, Jaffray & Hopwood
Registered with:
�e�
onasne �ro
CIM EEB 14'92
CIM EEB 07'92
FiENNEPIN
PARKS
� 0 V � 10 * i /V1 -1-1 k--- A-1 k
Suburban Hennepin
Regional Park District
12615 County flood 9
Plymouth, MN 55441-1248
Telephone (612) 559.9000
Fax (612) 559-3287
Board of Commissioners
Judith S. Anderson
Choir
Bloomington
Nicholas P. Eoloff
Vice Chair
Brooklyn Center
Susan Nelson Baser
Crystal
Shirley A Bonine
Mople Plain
David J. DombrovM
St. Louis Park
Bill Weir
Edina
James M. White
Orono
Douglas F. Bryant
Superintendent &
Secretory to the Board
February 11; 1992
Mayor Kim M. Bergman
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Bergman:
Hennepin Parks hosted a meeting on January 14, 1992, to discuss
options for funding Eurasian water milfoil control programs.
Municipalities and lakeshore homeowners associations from
suburban Hennepin County attended.
At the conclusion of this session, it was agreed that another
meeting would be held to review proposed legislation.
Accordingly, it has been scheduled for Thursday, February 20th
at 1:00 p.m. at Hennepin Parks Headquarters in French Regional
Park. Our primary aenda will be to review an' Eurasian water
milfoil bill that will be introduced on February 18th at a press
conference at the Capital. I'm sorry that I cannot provide this
legislation in advance of the meeting, but the Park District has
been informed that this information will not be available until
the press conference is conducted. As a result, this will be
available for your consideration on the 20th.
If you have any questions in advance of the meeting, Z can be
reached at 559-9000.
DFB: 1cz
cc: Judith Anderson, Chair
Shirley Bonine, Commissioner '
r NNEMN Tom McDowell, Director of Natural
,,,, John Barten, Water Quality Manager
Year of
Clean
Wa'� 2294A/20
RECYCLED PAPER - Conserving Our Resources
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Sincerely,
Dougla Bryant
Superintendent and
Secretary to the Board
Resources Management
'All
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COUNCIL CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 1
February -March 1992
February 20
5:30pm **PRISM Dinner - Valley Comm. Church, G.
Valley
6:30pm HRA
7:00pm CHARTER SUBCOMMITTEE
February 21
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COUNCIL CALENDAR: MARCH 2 - 15
March 1992.
March 2 DAY`-`]
17,,00pni COUNCIL MEETING 7:00pm CHARTER COMMISSION
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2/14/1992
Unapproved
CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA
CHARTER COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1992
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the
Plymouth Charter Commission was held in the Plymouth City Center on
Monday, February 10, 1992.
I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by the Chair
at 7:00 p.m. The Commission was assembled in the City Council
chambers.
II. Roll Call. Upon roll call, the following members were
present: Bobra, Bujold, Crain, Dur' -.ley, Foley, Milner,
Patterson, Peterson, Pribble, Schnei.;er, Singer,- Speck,
Tierney and Wirth. Ford was absent. The Chair stated that
Ford had called prior to the meeting indicating his inability
to attend. Also present were Attorney Kennedy, City Manager
Willis and Assistant City Manager Boyles.
III. Approval of Minutes. Motion by Foley, seconded by Singer,
that the minutes of the January 13, 1992 meeting of the
Commission be approved. Motion carried.
IV. Public Forum. The Chair announced that the Commission would
hear testimony from persons in the audience. The Chair
pointed out that written comments and voice mail messages had
been received. Summaries and copies of those comments were
placed on file. The following persons appeared before the
Commission.
Mr. Milner. Favored the -adoption of a charter; the use
of initiative and referendum (IRR); any devices to let
the people participate; should use the Minnetonka charter
as a model.
Mr. Anderson. Urged adoption of a charter with IRR with
substantial percentage of voters at the last general
election required to sign the IRR petition; IRR needed
for the major issues that can divide a city. A
discussion ensued about what subjects should be subject
to referendum, e.g., budget? Kennedy pointed out the
court limiting IRR to legislative rather than
administrative matters.
Mr. Wenzel. Asked whether - a charter like Minnetonka
would have helped in the City's community center dispute.
A discussion ensued about advisory elections. Schneider
PL10000`112 1 ciM FEB 14'92
pointed out that advisory elections are .not possible
under the Minnetonka city charter. Kennedy pointed out
that advisory elections are authorized for statutory
cities only on one -!,,specific subject and not in any
charter that he is aware of.
Mr. Zylla. Indicated that he had served as a city
administrator and city manager in Plan A and Plan B
cities; urged retention of council-manager plan; felt
that statutory Plan B form worked well for cities of any
size; stated that IRR was unnecessary and that the
elective process was the ultimate referendum. In
response to a question, he stated that he saw no
geographic or demographic reason for Plymouth to adopt a
charter.
Mrs. McGraten. Stated that a five -member council was to
small for Plymouth and that IRR was necessary.
Mrs. Speck. Urged the adoption of a charter containing
a ward system, IRR and even -year elections.
Mrs. Johnson. Urged adoption of a charter with IRR.
Mr. Dietz. Stated that IRR should be adopted with
limitation as to amount of money involved (e.g., any
expenditure over $X); urged recall as a method of
removing Councilmembers. Kennedy discussed limitations
of recall to misfeasance and malfeasance and its limited
usefulness for its intended purpose.
At 8:30
portion
recessed.
p.m., the Chair announced that the public forum
of the meeting was completed. The Commission
The Commission reconvened at 8:45•
p.m.
V. Discussion of Charter Recommendation. The Chair suggested
that the Commission focus on those issues listed in the agenda
that would require adoption of a charter (i.e., ward systems,
IRR, Council other than seven members) so that the decision
about recommending a charter can be expedited.
IRR. After a brief discussion abut election dates, the
Commission discussed IRR. Foley opposed on grounds that it
inhibits the decision-making responsibility the City Council;
makes for single -issue type elections. Bobra favors because
it can be used as an ultimate weapon to compel a recalcitrant
Council to act. Crain supports because with proper procedural
safeguards, it -is used only in extreme cases and is an
appropriate outlet for voter dissatisfaction; Bujold asked
for clarification about the application of IRR. Kennedy
reviewed the - distinction between administrative and
legislative matters, indicating that adoption of a dog leasing
law would be legislative, but that the use of money from dog
licenses would be administrative, and cited the Minnesota case
DJK29494 cim FEB 14'92
PL100-112 2
of Oakman v. Eveleth where the legal principles were
discussed. Speck felt that IRR would ameliorate the lack of
confidence in elected officials that he perceived.- Duntley
speculated about why IRR is seldom used and indicated the risk
of its being used for special interest single issues or issues
of marginal importance. Bujold questioned whether a charter
recommended for IRR only could be "sold" to the electorate.
Bobra asked about IRR experience. Pribble read data from a
Citizen's League report indicating infrequent use, and stated
his support for it.
IV. Charter Recommendation. Crain moved, seconded by Patterson,
that the Commission recommend the preparation of a city
charter for submission to the voters at the November 1992
election. Wirth stated a preference for working out the
details of IRR before adopting the motion. Bujold argued that
the general principle was adequate for purpose of the motion.
Foley stated that he favors adoption of a charter because it
would have a beneficial effect on the voters of the City.
Pribble and Patterson agreed. Pribble moved the previous
question, seconded by Foley. Motion carried with- Bujold,
Wirth and Schneider dissenting. The Crain motion was then put
to the Commission and the motion carried unanimously. In
response to a question from Willis, the Chair stated that the
Commission action in adopting the Crain motion contemplated a
goal of the submission of a charter at the November 1992
election.
Bujold asked about costs connected with preparation of a
charter. Willis stated that the City Council had budgeted- the
sum of $10,200 for the year 1992 based on the Commission's
estimate of cost.
The Chair suggested that the Commission approach its task by
setting up subject matter committees. After discussion, it
was agreed by consensus that four subject matter committees be
established as follows: 1. Form and structure to consider a)
name, boundaries and general provisions, b) form of
government, c) Council procedures, and d) nominations and
elections. 2. Finance and administration to consider a)
administration of City affairs, and b) taxation and finance.
3) Miscellaneous to consider a) public improvements and
special assessments, b) eminent domain, c) franchises, d)
public utilities and e) general provisions. 4) initiative and
referendum (Note: these groupings are based on the chapter
headings of the League of Cities Model Charter). Moved by
Bujold, seconded by Bobra, that membership in the four
committees be selected by the Chair and that the attorney act
as resource for each of the committees. Motion carried
without dissent.
The Chair requested.members to express their preference for
committee assignments and that he intended to appoint one of
the present or former Councilmembers now on the Commission
DJK29494
PL100-112
3
CSM FEB 14'92
\w
(Tierney, Crain, Schneider and Duntley) to each committee. It .
was agreed that this procedure be followed and that each
committee be instructed to make a progress report at the March
9, 1992 meeting. Motionitarried without dissent..
The Chair then announced that the law firm of ' Holmes & Graven,
Chartered, of which Mr. Kennedy is a member, had been
discharged as Plymouth City attorney and that the Commission
might wish to consider the reappointment of Mr. Kennedy or a
replacement. After discussion, moved by Singer, seconded by
Foley, that Kennedy be reappointed as Commission attorney.
Motion carried without dissent.
There being no further business to come before the Commission,
the Commission adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
David J. Kennedy
Acting Secretary
DJK29494
PL100-112 4 CIM FE6.14'92
Z - 1b
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
February 11, 1992 Virgil Schneider,
377-0083 (work)
559-1111 (home)
PLYMOUTH CHARTER COMMISSION OPTS TO DEVELOP A HOME RULE CHARTER
After six public meetings and two public forums, the
Plymouth Charter Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to
prepare a home rule charter which will establish the format,
structure, and procedures which may ultimately guide Plymouth
local government operations.
The.Commission hopes to have the charter completed in time
for the November election. Plymouth voters will decide whether
to adopt the charter through the election process.
To meet the November deadline, the Commission has formed
four subcommittees. They are:
1. Form and structure
2. Finance, budget, and administration
3. Transition and miscellaneous
4. Initiative and referendum
Three to five Commission 'representatives will serve on each
subcommittee. The subcommittees parallel the recommended
organization of the League of Minnesota Cities Model City
Charter.
The subcommittees will meet at least once prior to the
Commission's March 9 meeting. All meetings of the subcommittees
CIM FEB 14'92
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
P
are open to the public. For dates and times, check cable channel
37 or call 550-5000. At the March 9 Charter Commission meeting,
each subcommittee will deliver a report on their progress to
date.
Plymouth currently operates as a statutory city. Statutory
cities derive their powers from state statutes and only have
those powers specifically granted by law. Home rule charter
cities can exercise any powers that their locally adopted
charters give them as long as those powers do not conflict with
state law. In developing a home rule charter, the Charter
Commission will specify the framework, operating procedures and
regulations associated with Plymouth city government.
-30-
CIM FEB 14'92
4 Z 1 c.
February 13, 1992
Kapila J. Bobra
2600 Pineview Lane
Plymouth, MIST 55441
SUBJECT: PLYMOUTH CHARTER COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEES
Dear Mr. Bobra:
Based upon the preferences expressed by Charter Commission
members, subcommittees have been established as follows:
SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBER
1. Form and Structure
John Duntley (Convener)
Sandy Patterson
Tim Peterson
Tyrone Bujold
William Pribble
Dave Crain (Convener)
Kapila Bobra
Todd Wirth
Pauline Milner
Joy Tierney (Convener)
Ellie Singer
Gerard Ford
- - - - } . __u
Virgil Schneider (Convener)
Pat Foley
Jon Speck
HOME WORK -
544-1620
544-5469
553-0278
546-5588
541-1125
546-2211
476-4435
349-8755
473-8120
593-0041
559-1642 540-4105
559-1061 348-6774
553-9802 925-2535
559-2779
473-1681
59370138
557-7137 228-2500
559-1111 377-0083
542-9005 339-4511
473-4116 853-3014
Subcommittee members can expect a telephone call from their
convener to arrange for one or more meetings between now and the
next Commission meeting on March 9.
CIM FEB 14'92
� i; Q c�'; r•;iQ(,TH BGUI.'cVARL. PLYA/l?UTI-i tv..i�i�dE�(�TA 5: 4 TFL �i�NOtvc (612) 550.5000
-=- \ c.-,
February 13, 1992
Page 2
All meetings of the Charter Commission or its subcommittees are
open meetings under state law. Accordingly, they must be open to
the public and publicized in advance. Please schedule all
meetings at Plymouth City Center by calling Laurie. Rauenhorst at
550-5014 at least five business days before your meeting date.
This will provide the city staff with sufficient time to post a
meeting notice at City Center and cable TV.
I would suggest that each subcommittee decide upon a Chair as the
first order of business. Then a plan of action can be
established. Next, begin preparing specific recommendations in
the assignment area. Each subcommittee should use the model
charter which we previously received as an outline for
discussion. An oral presentation of each subcommittee's progress
should be made at the March 9 Charter Commission meeting.
To expedite progress and economize on the attorney's time, -please
save any legal questions or concerns for the March 9 meeting.
In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
A
Virgil Schneider
Chair
VS:kec
cc: David Kennedy, Holmes & Graven
James G. Willis, City Manager
Laurie Rauenhorst, City Clerk
CIM FEB 14'92
February 11, 1991
Mayor Kim Bergman & City C,aMCil Mm3nbers
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, M. 55447
Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members:
I am scheduled on the agenda for the Open Forum at the February 24, 1991, City Comnci.l
meeting.
My husband and I took possession of Bass Lake Bottle Shop at 11540 Bass Lake Road on
May 23, 1991. We were fully aware of the road construction that will widen County Road
10 to a 4-1ane highway. however, it was not until the July, 1991 Plymouth Newsletter.
that we found out about the center median that will block our access from east bound
traffic.
The City expects this traffic to go to a left turn lane at Deenaood and make a U-turn to
cane back. This is what I will have to do to get to work. I feel this is a bad traffic
hazard and will cause many needless traffic accidents. The daily traffic that I see now
is bad enough, but put a 4 lane highway, with U-turns, and it will be even worse.
I have three police officers from other departments that are customers and I have asked
their opionons on this situation. They can not believe it and feel we will have
serious problems at these left turn lanes.
I have sent a petition to the City with over 450 names for a left turn lane in front of
our store for a current access, but unfortunetaly, no-one at the City o:t County is
willing to help with this problem.
During the week our average customer count is 70 to 80 a day and 120 to 170 on weekends.
With that many cars in and out of here, figuring half of these would have to make
U-turns, I see a real potential for seri-is traffic problems.
I arm looking for some help with this problem from the City Council. Thank you for your
time.
ancerely,
1
�=tt�1
Linda J. Lahr
Bess Lake Bottle Stoop, Inc.
11540 Bass Lake Road
Plymouth, M. 55442
:113
CIM FEB 14'92
�3
February 14, 1992
Linda Lahr
Bass Lake Bottle Shop
11540 Bass Lake Road
Plymouth, MN 55442
Dear Linda: -
I have informed the City Council that you will be attending the
Plymouth Forum on Monday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m., to discuss
County Road 10 improvements adjacent to your business. When you
arrive, please complete a blue card at the back of the room and
hand it to Mayor Bergman.
See you on the 24th.
Sincerely,
Laurie Rauenhorst
City Clerk
CIM FEB 14'92
PLYPJL;I'-!1 st� ! ;•' ,:: s.SC,.—.j,,,;
-Y--3
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: February 10, 1992
TO: Frank Boyles, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Laurie Rauenhorst, City Clerk
SUBJECT: PLYMOUTH FORUM
Linda Lahr, owner of Bass Take Bottle Shop at 11540 Bass Lake
Road, has asked to appear ;-i; the Plymouth Forum on February 24
to address the Council about County Road 10 improvements. The
plans currently call for a median to be constructed in front of
her business which would, in effect, block eastbound vehicles
from entering her business.
She stated that she has spoken with Fred Moore and with Jerry
Newman at Hennepin County about her concerns. They indicated
that eastbound vehicles could go past the store to Deerwood Lane,
then U-turn and come back for a right -turn into her store. Ms.
Lahr believes this will create a traffic hazard.
In addition, customers leaving her store will only be able to
turn westbound and the same U-turn situation will exist if they
ultimately plan to go east..
Ms. Lahr stated that Mayor Bergman is familiar with the
situation.
She would like the City to recommend' that the County Road 10
plans be amended•to eliminate the median and possibly add a left -
turn lane at this location.
cc: Fred Moore, Public Works Director
CIM FEB 14'92
--1-7 Lk
Al
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
rri
DATE: February 13, 1992
TO: James G. Willis - City Manager
FROM: Dennis Paulson - Acting Chief of Police
SUBJECT: POLICE SERVICE QUESTIONNAIRE
Find attached a copy of a police service questionnaire that we
are sending out to approximately 5% of our "customers". They are
being sent out on a random basis. The samplings will include all
types of calls for service and will be spread throughout the
city. This should provide us with an ongoing gauge as to how the
public perceives the level of service we are providing. We will
also be using these to measure performance on an individual
basis. If you have any suggestions for format changes, or other
concerns, let me know.
DP/sb
CIM FEB 14'92
�— Lk
DATE: PLYMOUTR
TO:
SUBJECT: POLICE SERVICE QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear
On you or a member of your household had
occasion to have contact with one or more of our police officers.
We are anxious to receive your "feedback" on how you would rate
the police officers and if you were satisfied with the service
you received. We would appreciate it if you would take a few
moments to complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in
the self-addressed, stamped envelope. Please feel free to add
narrative remarks, or you can call me directly at 550-5170.
Sincerely,
Lieutenant Dennis Paulson
Acting Chief of Police
Plymouth Police Department
DP/sb
Enclosure
cm FEB 1 4'92
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE SERVICE QUESTIONNAIRE
f.
Offense Number
Date
^_—
1. How would you best describe the. police officer(s) that
responded to your request for service?
Very courteous and helpful
Courteous and helpful
OK
Somewhat rude and unhelpful
Very rude and unhelpful
2. Did the police officer(s) satisfactorily explain what was
going to happen with this incident, and answer your
questions?
Yes No
3. Based on the urgency of your call, what would best
describe the time it took the officer(s) to arrive at the
location of this incident?
Very prompt
Prompt
Slow
Very slow
4. Overall, how effectively did the officer(s) handle your
call?
Exceptionally well
Well
Did what he/she was supposed to do
Not well
5. After your contact with all of the police officers
involved in this incident, your overall impression of the
Plymouth Police Department is:
Extremely professional and competent
Willing and able
Disappointing and service was less than expected
Unprofessional and incompetent
a
cim FM 14'92
PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICE SERVICE OUESTIONNAIRE
(continued)
Additional comments:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.
CIK FEB 14'92
PLYMOUTH DOMESTIC ASSAULT INTERVENTION PROJECT
A Program of Home Free Shelter
ANNUAL REPORT
January 1991 -December 1991
Z �
CIM FEB 14'92
PLYMOUTH DOMESTIC ASSAULT INTERVENTION PROJECT
ANNUAL REPORT
January 1, 1991 -December 31, 1991
Arrests 88 suspected assailants were arrested for assault in this 12 month period.
Complaints Complaints were filed by the city against 66 suspects in this ,L2_ month period.
Prosecution Arrest
Cases
Complaint
Cases
Guilty pleas were entered
41
11
Guilty - 609.135
23
6
Continue for Dismissal
11
8
(These cases receive particular attention
to ensure further action by the court
should the victim be threatened in any
way)
Straight Dismissal
6
1
Not forwarded for prosecution
0
2
Declined for prosecution
1
3
Pending
24
41
Recividity: 16
Complaints
Charges: Arrests
Felony
8
5
Felony Damage to Property
1
0
Fifth Degree Assault Misdemeanor
68
32
Gross Misdemeanor Assault
12
4
Violation of Order for Protection
4
24
Fifth Degree and Disorderly Conduct
0
3
Disorderly Conduct
1
1
Resisting Arrest
1
0
Theft
0
1
Harrassing Communications
0
2
OFP Violations & Sexual Assaults
1
0
Fifth Degree Misdemeanor
to Disorderly Conduct 11 2
Fifth Degree Gross Misdemeanor
to Disorderly Conduct 1 0
GRM to Fifth Degree 1 0
01m M 14'92-
Page 2
Sentencing:
Number
Time
(Days)
Served
Time
(Days)
Staved
Fine
Paid
Fine
Staved
CD Behavior Comm.
Treatment Treatment Service
Arrests - Guilty
Pleas
1
25
1
1
1
89
300
AA New Start
1
10
100
200
1
30
100
200
1
9
81
200
DAP
1
25
1
48
DAC
1
1 Furlough in 6 mos for treatment evaluation - probation 10yrs
1
3
87
500
DAP
1
90
DAP
1
already ordered to DAP
1
1 yr
3 yr
X home monitor device (5 yr prob)
Arrests - Guilty 609.135
1 100
1
1 100
1 100
1 100
1
1 50
1
1 50
Arrests - CFD
1 100
1
1
1 psych eval
Complaints - Guilty
1 90 25 Complete aftercare
Complaints - Guilty 609,135
1 200
Complaints - CFD (Conditions)
1 100
Complaints (Sentencing from Guilty.plea in third quarter)
1 120 .245
ciM FEB 14'92
S
Page 3
Advocacy:
The Intervention Project provides 24-hour crisis intervention services to victims of domestic assault.
Upon notification of Home Free Shelter by the police, volunteer advocates are contacted and
dispatched to offer emergency support services to the victim. Volunteer and staff advocates have been
trained to explain the criminal court process, explain the court order for protection and to explain the
community resources available to the victim. Advocates assist the victim in both criminal and family
court.
Legal Advocacy
Arrest
Complaints
Victims receiving information
63
38
Home visits
18
5
Phone contacts
59
54
Letters sent .
6
6
Double arrest jail visits
3
0
Intervention not notified
3
12
Not able to contact/victim moved
1
1
Victim was juvenile but advocated because
of previous involvement with mom
1
0
Orders Filed
OFPs 46
Harrassment 1
Nonarrests
7 victims whose partners were not arrested received information about options available.
5 ( 2 in shelter) women were visited personally by an advocate.
Number of Letters and Phone Calls: 556
.Tail Visits:
Jail visitors are dispatched to meet with the assailants the morning after an arrest. Jail visitors
explain the community response to domestic assault and offer information on counseling
available for violent behavior. Jail visits are not made if the suspect has been released on bail, if
there is a felony or gross misdemeanor, if the suspect is taken to detox or medical hold, or if the
assailant is taken directly to Hennepin County Jail or to District Court.
Jail Visits
28
Not Notified
5
Bailed Out
20
Gross Misdemeanor or Felony
12
Hennepin County Jail
4
Other
4
Taken to Court
2
Juvenile
1
Medical or Detox
3
Page 4
Volunteer Program:
CIM FEB 1492
zs
Intervention Project volunteers are on call nights and weekends providing outreach services to
both victims and assailants. 34 community women and men 'volunteered over _11.786 hours of
service to the Intervention Project in 1991 through home visits, jail visits, accompaniment to
Hennepin County Family Court, distribution of brochures and fliers, public speaking and
providing transportation and childcare for the,educational/support groups. New volunteers
attended a weekend joint -program training and receive Intervention Project training by Project
staff and on-the-job training with an experienced volunteer. All volunteers receive ongoing
training at monthly volunteer meetings.
Volunteers learn the historical perspectives and dynamics of battering; they become acquainted
with laws pertaining to domestic assault; they examine how racism, classism, sexism, ageism
and homophobia relate to violence in our society; and they learn non-judgemental, supportive
responses to individuals in crisis.
Community Outreach:
Two weekly community educational/support groups for battered women were maintained by the
Intervention Project in 1991. Guided discussions, speakers and specially developed educational
materials were used at these groups to provide information on community resources, the effects of
abuse and developing a support system. Attendance at Support Groups totaled 175 in 1991.
Childcare was provided for 125_ children. Transportation was provided by volunteers as needed.
Intervention Project volunteers continue to distribute brochures and fliers at area businesses,
churches and libraries throughout the year.
Systems Advocacy:
Family violence continues to be the greatest source of serious injury to women, accounting for
more than three times as many medical visits as car accidents, and resulting in more injuries that
require medical treatment than rapes, auto accidents and muggings combined (Randall, 1990;
Stark, et al, 1981). The March of Dimes reports that more babies are now born with domestic
violence related birth defects than from the combination of all diseases and illnesses for which we
now immunize women (Whitehead, 1989).
Battering escalates in severity and the community's response in the early stages of domestic
violence is critical. This is apparent by the number of tragic murders of women in Minnesota in
1991 by their husbands or boyfriends.
The Minnesota Supreme Court's Gender Fairness Task Force's number one recommendation
was to sensitize judges and law enforcement officers to the problems of individuals who have
been victims of domestic abuse. This issue has been addressed in the Plymouth community by
the Intervention Project since it's inception in 1984. The Intervention Project offered three 6 -
hour police trainings called: "Domestic Assault Response: The Law Enforcement Approach." All
officers from Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, and Plymouth Police Departments were
invited. The Intervention Project continues to work with police, prosecutors, probation officers
and judges to promote an effective and coordinated community response in the City of Crystal.
Intervention Project staff worked in 1991 with other Hennepin County Advocates to make the
Family Court System more accessible to battered women. In July, 1991, the staff planned and
facilitated a workshop on domestic assault issues in the court room. Hennepin County Judges
were invited to attend. Also in July the Intervention Project called a Community Response Team
Meeting together to review the community's response to Virginia Ohman's call for help and
subsequent death in 1990. This meeting was attended by community members, legislators and
professionals seeking to improve how we respond to a domestic assault call.
Clm FEB 14'92
HOME FREE SHELTER
DOMESTIC ASSAULT INTERVENTION PROJECT
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1991
1. Name of Group: St. Barnabus Lutheran Church
Type of Audience: Church members
Number Attending: 20
Date: 2/19/91
Presenter Home Free Staff
2. Name of Group: Plymouth Oaks Apartments
Type of Audience: General Public
Number Attending: 5
Date: 3/31/91
Presenter: Home Free Staff
3. Name of Group: Golden Valley City Council
Type of Audience: General Public
Number Attending: 50
Date: 2/19/91 -
Presenter: Nancy Senn
4. Name of Group:
Armstrong High School
Type of Audience:
High School Students
Number Attending:
50
Date:
1/30/91
Presenter:
Home Free Children's Program Staff
5. Name of Group:
Brunswick United Methodist Church
Type of Audience:
Women's Circle
Number Attending:
10
Date:
1/24/91
Presenter:
Home Free Staff
6. Name of Group: New Hope Police Department Shift Change Training
Type of Audience: Police Officers
Number Attending: 24
Date: 1/18, 1/23, 1/29, 1991
Presenter: Nancy Senn, Maizi Kelly, Kathy Brennan
7. Name of Group: Plymouth Neighborhood Outreach Meetings
Type of Audience: Community Residents
Number Attending: 407
Date: 4/9, 4/17, 4/29, 5/72 1991
Presenter. Home Free Staff
8. Name of Group: Brunswick United Methodist Church
Type of Audience: General Public
Number Attending: 8-10
Date: 5/19/91
Presenter: Home Free Staff
CIM FEB 14'92
9. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter.
10. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter.
11. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
12. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
13. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
14. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
15. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter
16. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
League of Women Voters
Adult Members
20
5/22/91
Nancy Senn
Armstrong High School
General Public
500
5/30/91
Home Free Staff
Plymouth Neighborhood Outreach
Community Residents
15 ,
6/6/91
Home Free Staff
The Golden Valley Lioness • Club
Group Members
25
6/10/91
Colleen Engels
Plymouth City Council
City Council Hearing
40
6/17/91
Home Free Staff
Golden Valley Police Department
Officers during Shift Change
40
6/91
f
Nancy Senn, Maizie Kelly, Kathy Brennan
Police Trainings
Officers in New Hope, Plymouth, Crystal
71
4/9, 4/11, 4/19, 1991
Nancy Senn, Maizie Kelly, Kathy Brennan
Women's American Ort
General Public
15-20
9/24/91
Home Free Staff
17. Name of Group: Golden Valley Rotary Club
Type of Audience: Club Members
Number Attending: 50
Date: 7/30/91
Presenter: Home Free Staff
CIM FEB 14'92
18. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date: '
Presenter:
19. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter.
20. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
21. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
22. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
23. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter.
24. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter.
25. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
26. Name of Group:
Type of Audience:
Number Attending:
Date:
Presenter:
New Hope City Council
General Public
50
8/12/91
Nancy Senn, Kathy Brennan
First Bank, Plymouth Branch
General Public
15-20
9/19/91
Home Free Staff
New Judges Workshop
Hennepin County Judges
7
7/18/91
Nancy Senn
Plymouth Neighborhood Outreach
Community Residents
12
10/29/91
Home Free Staff
Trevilla Nursing Home
Residents
20
10/3/91
Home Free Staff
Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary Club
Group Members
40
10/18/91
Home Free Staff
Armstrong High School
Students
425
9/6/91
Home Free Children's Program Staff
St. Joseph's Parish
Church Members
100
11/13/91
Home Free Staff
Crystal Police Department
Police Officers
50
10/23/91
Nancy Senn
CiM FEB 14'92
OBJ
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE - MEETING NO. 1
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1992
7:00 P.M.
Members in Attendance: Craig Twinem, Mary McKee, Dave Tkachenko, Val
Scheglowski, Jeff Shopek, LuAnn Yattaw, Dan Faulkner, Eric Blank, Ex -officio,
Fred Moore, Staff.
Absent: Bonnie Hackner, Gordon Lewis.
The meeting was opened by Public Works Director Fred Moore followed by
individual introductions of the committee members along with their comments on
water quality and committee membership. Mr. Moore explained that he serves on
three different water management agencies representing the City 'of Plymouth
and these agencies in turn discuss water quality along with other water
related issues. The City of Plymouth is in four different watersheds, i.e..
Bassett Creek, Shingle Creek, Elm Creek and Minnehaha Creek. Bassett Creek,
Shingle Creek and Elm Creek are managed through joint powers agreements, while
Minnehaha Creek managers are appointed by the Hennepin County Commission and
it has taxing authority.
Next there was some general discussion about the water quality in Plymouth
Lakes and if and how testing is done. It was indicated that no agency is
specifically charged with testing the lake water quality, but the watershed
management agencies have done testing throughout the past few years. In
addition, the Metropolitan Council also does some testing approximately three
to four times per year. The City of Plymouth began its watershed management
efforts in 1972 with its first surface water plan, which concentrated on
flooding concerns and how to manage and correct any potential problems. This
report was updated in 1980. In 1983 the State Surface Water Act (Chapter 509)
was passed, which required all watershed to develop management plans. Of the
four watersheds in Plymouth only Minnehaha Watershed Commission hasn't quite
completed their study, but this should be done this spring. New State
legislation has now mandated that cities consider water quality issues in
developing their second generation plan for surface water management.
Plymouth will be developing its second generation plan this year. Another
water quality related law becomes effective October 1, 1992 that is the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This law will
require permits for storm sewer discharge from commercial/industrial sites as
well as cities over 100,000 population which discharge storm drainage into a
public system.
Ken Ashfeld, City Engineer of Maple Grove, gave a brief summary of the histor17
and accomplishments of the Maple Grove Water Quality Commission, which was
initially formed in 1987 by their City Council as an advisory commission to
the Council. Their enabling resolution directed the Commission to look at
water quality issues and surface water use. The Maple Grove Water Quality
Commission is made up of eleven members, one from each of the seven lakes
within the City and four at large members. The Commission has advised the
Council regarding land uses around their lakes. The Commission's main
emphasis now is to keep their seven lakes from further water quality
degradation.
ciM FEB 14'92
B
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE - MEETING NO. 1
January 21, 1992
Page Two
Some of the accomplishments of the Maple Grove Water Quality Commission
include a Surface Water Use Ordinance passed by the City Council which
includes specific regulations for each of the seven lakes. The Commission
does project reviews of projects adjacent to a lake and the City staff
provides considerable assistance with this task. The Commission has also
established long and short range goals. The long term goals include stopping
degradation and improving water quality in Maple Grove lakes. It was noted
that any action you take today won't have a noticeable effect on water quality
until probably the next generation. Water quality monitoring is being done on
five lakes by the sole use of volunteers living adjacent to these lakes. The
goal is to accomplish at least three years worth of monitoring. The
Commission is also providing input to Maple Grove's local Storm Water
Management Plan, which is currently being developed. In addition, a long
range goal is the continuation of public education regarding water quality.
Short range goals include public education, identifying funding sources for
water quality improvements, evaluating existing ponds' and lakes and
establishing an acceptable level of protection, and the control of lake algae
which the City Council agreed to share the cost 50/50 with the lake shore
associations realizing that lakes are a benefit to all the public.
Some of the future directions the Maple Grove Water Quality Commission wishes
to pursue include achieving the second year of water quality monitoring
through volunteer efforts. This program costs in the range of $3,000 to
$4,000 per year, but the County has provided some assistance. In addition,
the Commission wants to undertake local access monitoring for the purpose of
controlling milfoil. In addition, a program is being set up to watch for
milfoil in lakes in order to catch the problem at its outset.
A general discussion of the milfoil problem followed. It was mentioned that
it costs approximately $600 per acres to treat for milfoil and there is no
guarantee of the lasting effect of a treatment. A cheaper type of treatment
is the use of 24D at a cost of approximately $200 per acre, but this is not a
selective type treatment and all types of plants are killed. There is also a
chemical by the .brand name of Sonar which is a selective chemical for milfoil
treatment. Eric Blank commented that milfoil has been discovered in Plymouth
lakes, including Parkers Lake, Schmidt Lake and Medicine Lake. He also
mentioned there is considerable milfoil research currently underway as milfoil
is a problem throughout the world. Some lakes which were milfoil infested
have subsequently seen milfoil disappear for no apparent reason. A Department
of Natural Resources permit is currently needed to treat for milfoil and only
approximately ten to fifteen percent of a lake can be treated.
In Ken Ashfeld's concluding remarks he indicated that volunteers have played a
big part in their last year's program and the Metropolitan Council and
Hennepin Parks Commission also assisted. The City still hasn't been able to
determine if water quality is decreasing since only one year of monitoring
information has been obtained. He mentioned that for a consultant to do all
the necessary testing would cost between $15,000 and $20,000 whereas using
volunteers the cost is approximately $3,000. Ken also_ mentioned that his
CIM FEB 14'92
7L::; �.DC`.
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE - MEETING NO. 1
January 21, 1992
Page Two
eleven commissioners are his eyes and ears for seeing problems, in the field
including wetland and erosion control problems. Ken mentioned that the
Plymouth Commission needs to set its own priorities but that public awareness
is one of the most important and most easily achievable.
Following Ken's comments a general discussion was held which included various
questions and comments. It was noted that the watershed commissions do have
data on Plymouth lakes, including some water quality test information.
Medicine Lake has been tested for approximately 15 years, but the validity and
usability is questionable. It was also noted that the watershed commission's
information on the various lakes in Plymouth are not really consistent. It
was noted that lake shore associations should be formed for all Plymouth lakes
and this could possibly be a source for volunteers to do water quality
monitoring and other useful tasks. At this point it was the consensus of the
Committee that No. 2 of City Council's committee charge should be the focus
for the Committee's initial work. It was also suggested that the Plymouth
News Letter could serve as a conduit for public information regarding water
quality issues. The deadline for including information in the news letter
needs to be determined. In addition the existing lake shore associations
could also assist in the public awareness campaign.
At the conclusion of the meeting it was decided that the various water quality
information would be compiled and mailed to all members prior to the next
meeting. The Commission agreed to meet on the third Tuesday of the month at
7:00 p.m. at City Hall. This would set Meeting No. 2 for February 18, 1992.
It was also mentioned that the Commission should be considering electing a
chairperson at the next meeting. It was also noted that the City Council did
not provide any funding for the Water Quality Commission, but items such as
mailings and copying could be done through the City. The meeting adjourned at
approximately 9:25 p.m.
CIM FEB 14'92
Z �_qb .
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
January 16, 1992
Page 1
Present: Commissioners Anderson, Gutzke, Johnson, Waage, Wahl and Watson;
staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson, Councilman Edson
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. in the council conference room.
Director Blank recommended that a Chair and a Vice Chair needed to be
appointed by the members of PRAC. Commissioner Waage nominated Don
Anderson to be Chair. No other nominations were made. Commissioners
voted unanimously to appoint Anderson as the new Chair of PRAC. Tom
Johnson and Mark Wahl nominated Marlene Waage to be Vice Chair. No other
nominations were made. Commissioners then voted. unanimously to appoint
Waage as Vice Chair.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the December
meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary announced that the employee of the month for December is
Bonnie Dow, one of our fitness instructors. Bonnie teaches three
different types of fitness classes, body conditioning workout, which
focuses on toning and strengthening the body without aerobics, yoga,
and a back -in -shape class, especially for people experiencing back
problems. The employee of the month for January is Joanne Shore, who
teaches art workshops for adults and children. Joanne started as a
participant in one of our classes and later became an instructor.
Mary stated that 202 students from Plymouth Middle School have
enrolled in the Plymouth Middle School Ski Club which is sponsored
cooperatively by the school and our department. Members of the club
can go on ski trips Fridays after school to various locations such as
Afton Alps, Trollhaugen, and Welch Village.
Mary mentioned the Fire and Ice Festival coming up on February 1, and
that she needed volunteers from the Commission in two-hour shifts to
supervise the bonfire. A sign-up sheet was distributed.
Another special event coming up is the International Folk Arts
Celebration, which will feature ethnic folk artists displaying and
selling their crafts, ethnic food and entertainment. The event will
be held in March at the Wayzata East Junior High School. Staff member
Karol Greupner applied for and received a $1,200 grant from the State
Arts Board to help fund this project.
4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION
There was no past'Council action to report.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
CSM FEB 14'92
'::J:� Le b
PRAC Minutes/January 1992
Page 3
conveyed in a more concise manner with the use of graphs and charts
and less written text. Director Blank then reviewed the annual
report, section by section, and asked the commissioners to note the
section on Goals and Objectives. He noted that this section had also
at one time been much longer, with 20 or more goals, but had since
been reduced to these twelve. He invited the commissioners to review
this draft of the annual report and to feel free to make suggestions
for additional goals, to change any goals if they felt it was
necessary, or to change any other part of the annual report, since
this was a draft copy.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
Commissioner Waage asked if there would be a joint meeting with the new
Council. Director Blank said he believed the Council had indicated an
interest in having such a meeting.
Commissioner Johnson' asked Director Blank if there was any long term
vision of park and recreation's role in Plymouth. Director Blank
responded that there is a goals and objectives section dealing with park
and recreation in the City's Comprehensive Plan. This portion of the
Comprehensive Plan will be copied and made available at the next PRAC
meeting.
Commissioner Johnson also stated that several members of the Plymouth
Speed Skating Club would be attending the council meeting on January 27 to
request that the maintenance of Parkers Lake speed skating rink be moved
to a higher position on the priority list. -At the present time, winter
maintenance of trails is number one, hockey rinks follow in the number two
position and the speed skating oval is number three, with neighborhood
pleasure rinks being the fourth priority.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank announced that the American Disabilities Act could have an
impact on public playgrounds constructed or remodeled in the future. This
act may require that all new playgrounds be accessible by the handicapped.
At the present time, only the new 10th Avenue Park will have a structure
designed with handicapped accessible features.
Director Blank encouraged commissioners to think about items of discussion
for future meetings, and after a comment was made that 7 p.m. is too early
for PRAC meetings to begin, he said that the meeting time could be changed
back to 7:30 if that would be better for everyone.
The Wayzata School District recently informed the City that we would be
charged $750 per pool this summer when we offer our swimming lesson
program. Director Blank stated that the district is experiencing some
financial difficulties, and that we might face similar charges in the
future for the use of school district facilities to run our programs.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
CIM FEB 14'92
91
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PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
MONTHLY REPORT
MONTH January 1992
CLASS I
MURDER
CSC
ROBBERY.
ASSAULT
BURGLARY
THEFT
AUTO THEFT
ARSON
0
2
2
24
22
87
8
0
0
5
1 0
1 41
23
62
8
1 0
TOTALS 1991 145
1992 139 -4%
CLASS II
FORGERY
COUNTERFEIT
FRAUD
HAR.
COMM.
STOLEN
PROPERTY
VANDALISM
SEX
OFF.
NARC.
OFFENSES
FAM/CHILD
D.W.I.
LIQ.
LAW
DISORDERLY
CONDUCT
OTHER
0
10
44
0
16,
0
11
8
16
2
5
22
3
1 11
1 38
1 1
1 20
1 4
5
1 7
1 32
6
0
21
TOTALS 1991 134-
1992
34.1992 148 10%
CLASS III
FATAL
ACCIDENT
PERSONAL
INJURY
PROPERTY
DAMAGE
SNOWMOBILE
ACCIDENT
DROWNING
MEDICAL
EMERGENCY
SUICIDE
SUICIDE
ATTEMPTS
NATURAL
DEATH
ANIMAL
BITES
FIRE
0
16
91
0
0
75
1
1
3
5
23
0
11
1 83
1 0
1 0
81
0
1
1
3
28
TOTALS 1991 215
1992.208 _3%
CLASS IV
TOTALS 1991 992
1992 1057 7%
HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1-9-9-1- 345 1992 248. - z � s q x
NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1-29-1— 466. 19 9 2 392 �h
CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 19 91 15%
1992
TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 19 91 -IA16
6
1992 X52
ciM FEB 14'92
ASSIST
ANIMAL
FALSE
LOCK
OTHER
WARRANT
TRAFFIC
SUSPICION
MISSING
LOST
PUBLIC
DOMESTIC
DETAIL
ALARMS
OUTS
AGENCY
SERVED
DETAIL
INFORMATION
PERSON
FOUND
NUISANCE
MISC.
25
74
110
178
51
33
118
122
3
9
79
190
31
104
105
171
15
65
107
174
1
15
72
197
TOTALS 1991 992
1992 1057 7%
HAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1-9-9-1- 345 1992 248. - z � s q x
NONHAZARDOUS VIOLATIONS 1-29-1— 466. 19 9 2 392 �h
CRIMINAL OFFENSES CLEARED 19 91 15%
1992
TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS 19 91 -IA16
6
1992 X52
ciM FEB 14'92
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CIM• FEB 14'92
MEMO
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: February 12, 1992
TO: James G. Willis, City Manager
FROM: Scott Hovet, City Assessor
SUBJECT: EXEMPT PROPERTY REEVALUATION 1992 ASSESSMENT
By statute every 6 years all exempt property must be re -valued. During the
summer of 1991 exempt`:buildings were viewed and all exempt properties were re-
valued for the 1992 assessment. The total valuation of the 3 previous exempt
assessment years for the City are as follows:
1980:
106,378,700
(1,706 acres)
1986:
153,487,100
(2,295 acres)
1992:
240,124,700
(2,130 acres)
The following is a summary of value for each class of exempt property with the
approximate acreage for the 1992 abstract
as sent to the
State of Minnesota:
Public Schools
$117,566,900
361.36 acres
Public Burying Ground
65,300
3.16 acres
Churches and Church Property
33,928,500
159.81 acres
Charitable Institutions
(Workhouse & Union Mission)
10,865,500
71.99 acres
Public Property (Federal)
1,457,000
6.13 acres
State Property
(Luce Line & Hwy R.O.W.)
2,748,100
63.05 acres
County Property
(Co Rd R.O.W. & Park Reserve)
37,081,200
493.93 acres
Municipal Land
(Parks, Lakes, Water Towers)
14,051,200
723.46 acres
Municipal Property.
(Admin., P.W., Police & Fire)
14,231,000
48.67 acres
Municipal Misc
(Street Fragments, Etc.)
8,130,000
198.67 acres
Railroad Property
Acreage Unknown.
cc: Dale E. Hahn, Finance Director
,,rank F. Boyles, Assistant City Manager
1' CIM FEB 14'91-
Land & Water Conservation
January 1992
Published Quarterly by the Hennepin Conservation District
HCD Sponsors
Second Wetland
Workshop
J =The Hennepin Conser-
vation District (HCD) held a
,��� secondworkshoptodiscussas-
pects of the Wetland Conserva-
tion Act of 1991. The workshop
was held on November 20, 1991 at the Brooklyn
Park City Hall. HCD invited staff from all munici-
palities in the county to discuss the interim guide-
lines developed by the Board of Water and Soil
Resources (BWSR). BWSR is the state agency
responsible for developing guidelines and rules for
administering the Act. Local units of government
are largely responsible for implementing the regula-
tory requirements.
Forty persons representing 14 local govern-
ments , 6 private funis, 2 environmental groups and
the Department of Natural Resources attended the
workshop. Greg Larson, administrator of the wet-
land management section for BWSR presented the
proposed interim guidelines. Mr. Larson told the
group that "The interim guidelines go into effect on
January 1, 1992. Rule making for the permanent
program will be in place by July 1, 1993". Mr.
Larson encouraged local units of government to
notify BWSR as soon as possible regarding their
intentions for implementing the Act. If no local
governmental unit accepts responsibility for the
program, landowners with nonexempt wetlands will
be prohibited by statute from altering them. Local
units that accept responsibility for the program will
decide if proposed wetland activities are exempt.
Landowners proposing activities that are not exempt
will be required to develop and implement replace-
ment plans for the affected wetlands.
Volume 3 Number 1
Questions concerning the interim guidelines
and Wetland Conservation Act may be directed to
Mr. Larson (296-3767). The HCD will also assist
individuals and local governments regarding the
delineation of wetlands and questions concerning
exemptions and proposed replacement plans.
MASWCD-BWSR
Wetland Meetings
The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water
Conservation Districts (MASWCD) received a grant
of $100,000 from the state legislature for fiscal year
1992. The purpose of the grant is for educating and
training local government officials about the Minne-
sota Wetlands Conservation Act. MASWCD and
the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources
(BWSR) are sponsoring informational meetings for
elected and appointed officials on February 20, 21,
25, and 28. The meetings will be held in the Brook-
lyn Park City Hall. Each meeting begins at 9:00 a.m.
and concludes at 3:00 p.m. For additional informa-
tion contact Mr. D'Wayne DeZiel, MASWCD Ex-
ecutive Director, at 649-1440. e
BWSR Approves Interim
Wetland Guidelines
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Re-
sources (BWSR) approved interim guidelines for
wetland protection at their meeting on December 18,
1991. These interim guidelines are intended to assist
local governments protect wetlands until formal
rules are developed. State rules are required to be in
place by July 1, 1993. Persons interested in obtain-
ing a copy of the interim guidelines should contact
the BWSR (296-3767) or the District office (544-
8572). Nco
cim FEB 14'92
The Lake Game
HCD Limnologist Carolyn Dindorf has been
using a game developed by Barbara Liukkonen of
Minnesota Sea Grant to teach children about good
environmental and lake protection practices. An
adult version of the Lake Game is also available.
Individuals are given the opportunity to make deci-
sions that are environmentally sound through arole-
playing exercise . An individual may play various
roles including, an industry owner, a farmer, a
homeowner, an angler, etc. If decisions are made
that would result in pollution to a lake, the individual
adds a drop of "pollution" to a model lake (container
of water). Other decisions may result in removal of
fish from the water or addition of Eurasion Water
Milfoil. Both children and. adults enjoy and learn
from this game. Individuals see the results of their
decisions as they affect a lake's water quality. The
following is an example of the type of questions and
discussion included in the Lake Game.
QUESTION: We have a fishing boat and
often spill gasoline into the lake when we
are filling the tank. I don't think it matters
because the lake is so big that a little
gasoline won't hurt it. [Add two units of
color.]
DISCUSSION: That little bit spilled into
the lake shouldn't hurt, right? What if
everybody spilled "just a little bit?" Gaso-
line is easily dispersed through the lake
and affects many plants and animals. Some
components of gasoline (benzene, for ex-
ample) cause cancer in humans and other
animals. A single gallon of gasoline can
contaminate one million gallons of water.
Another source of gasoline contaminate in
the environment, are the "last few drops"
that fall out of the pump handle when
people fill the tank on their car. Filling gas
tanks carefully only takes a little thought.
Ms. Dindorf is available to lead sessions of the
Lake Game for schools, lake associations or other
groups. Please contact the HCD office if you're
interested. pyo
BWSR Approves Resolution to
Adopt Metropolitan Water
Management Rules
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Re-
sources (BWSR) approved an authorizing resolu-
tion to adopt rules regarding metropolitan water
management at their meeting on December 18,1991.
The action by BWSR begins the formal rule making
and adoption process required by statute (M.S.
103B.231). The rules are intended to guide the
development of second generation watershed plans
and municipal water management plans. The pro-
posed rules were developed by B WSR staff and a 42
member advisory committee. The advisory com-
mittee included representatives from metropolitan
counties, soil and water districts, cities, watershed
management organizations, environmental groups
and state agencies. Joel Settles, District Manager,
represented the Hennepin Conservation District on
the advisory committee.
The advisory committee had their final meeting
on October 21, 1991 and the members present rec-
ommended the proposed rules to BWSR. Questions
regarding the proposed rules should be directed to
Bruce Sandstrom at BWSR (296-3767). Copies of
the proposed rules can be obtained from Mr.
Sandstrom or the District office (544-8572). e
2 CIM FEB 11'92
Fertilizers and Herbicides: What Do Homeowners Use?
�: _ � sir' �• ;:.:��. ��� �' � - _
Residents in Bloomington and St. Louis Park
recently received asurvey with questions about their
fertilizer and herbicide use. The survey is part of the
Toxics in Urban Runoff study conducted by HCD
staff. Approximately 30% of the 435 surveys were
returned. Here's a sample of the responses:
• 89% of the respondents fertilize and/or apply
herbicides
• 24% of the respondents do not use herbicides
• approximately 2/3 of the respondents apply
the fertilizer/herbicide themselves, the rest
hire lawn services
• most people do not know what formulation of
fertilizer they or the lawn service uses
• 80% had never had their soil tested to deter-
mine fertilizer needs
• more fertilizer and herbicide applications oc-
cur in the spring than in the summer or fall
The runoff study data show that fertilizers and
herbicides are found in stormwater runoff from
urban areas. The herbicides found are those com-
mon to residential lawn care products. Phosphorus
(a component of fertilizers) was found in high con-
centrations in the stormwater runoff from the two
watersheds. Nutrients fertilize our lakes just as they
do the lawns, resulting in "pea green" algal scums.
3
Responses to the survey indicate that additional
education on proper lawn care is needed. Several of
those surveyed expressed a willingness to use lawn
care methods that are better for the environment but
did not know what methods to use: Education
through newsletters or other programs may be help-
ful to inform Hennepin County residents about these
alternative methods. xn
Well Inventory Grant Approved
The Board of Soil and Water Resources recently
approved a $34,500 grant for HCD to continue the
well inventory project. The grant was the largest
appropriation given among many competing
applications from different counties statewide. The
strong endorsement from the BWSR review board is
attributed to the approach of
the HCD project, which
emphasizes using the'"°•"'1
technology available in the 0.,.
geographic information
system to automate the well
inventory tasks. The r
inventory tasks under this
program will begin in the
spring of 1992. HCD staff
members Leigh Harrod and
Mitch Johnson will work on
the project, xco Typical 4 inch well with a re-
movable cap.
ciM FEB 14'92
Supervisor Newberg Attends
MASWCD Convention and
SWCD Management Seminar
District Supervisor C. Joseph Newberg, Min-
neapolis, represented the Hennepin Conservation
District at the Minnesota Association of Soil and
Water Districts' (MASWCD)1991 annual conven-
tion. The convention was held December 1st, 2nd
and 3rd in Duluth. Supervisor Newberg gave a
'report concerning convention activities to the Dis-
trict Board at their regular meeting on December 19,
1991.
Supervisor Newberg also attended the Soil and
Water Conservation District management seminar
in Brainerd on January 15 -16th. The management
seminar is intended for new supervisors and is
sponsored by the Board of Water and Soil Resources
Hennepin Conservation District
12450 Wayzata Boulevard, #205
Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343
(612) 544-8572
and the MASWCD. Seminar topics included lead-
ership, planning, program management, public rela-
tions, communications and personnel management.
e
"H—C6 Board of Sumisors
Chairman David Anderson
District 3 Crystal
Supervisor Harold Burrows
District 1 Independence
Supervisor Richard Weber
District 2 Hassan
Supervisor Sever Peterson
District 5 Eden Prairie
Supervisor C. Joseph Newberg
District 4 Minneapolis
HCDS6ff
Joel Settles; Manager
Leon Zeug, Engineer P.E.
David Thill, Conservation Specialist
Theresa Stasica, Secretary
Carolyn Dindorf, Limnologist
Mitch Johnson, Engineer
James Piegat, Hydrogeologist
Leigh Harrod, Geologist
MR JAMES WILLIS, MANAGER
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD
PLYMOUTH MN 55447
Printed on recycled paper
'CIM FEB 14,92
1PE-0-PLE MATTER3=g.)a-S'" ,.
Making Empowerment Work.
HOW TO GET BETTER RESULTS BY GIVING UP CONTROL
By James J. Lynn
mpowerment' Is one of the new buzz words for business in the '90s.
Basically, it means giving employees the responsibility, authority and
incentive to solve problems, make decisions and take actions on behalf
of the organization. For example, a service writer at a car dealership is
given the authority to compensate dissatisfied customers for any item valued at
$150.00 or less. In another instance, an assembly worker is allowed to shut down
a production line because of a potential safety hazard. Stu Leonard encourages
his grocery store employees to solve problems of $100.00 or lesson the spot.
The benefits of empowerment can be great. When front line employees have
the authority to make decisions, customer problems are solved quickly... usually
on the spot. Think about all the times your complaint was never addressed when
an employee said, "I'll have to check with my manager first." Also, when workers
feel more powerful, morale improves and employees begin to take ownership for
problems. In other words, employees start to feel better about themselves when
they are finally treated like responsible adults.
Empowerment also allows the company to take advantage of the collective
brainpower and creativity of employees. They are given a clear message that it's
okay to try new things, take risks and yes even make mistakes. In the turn
around at Cadillac, a very important part of their empowerment program was to
encourage workers to make mistakes if they were the result of risk taking and of
honestly trying to improve the product and process. This clearly tears down the
barriers of a bureaucratic organization that's just trying to cover it's rear end.
In theory empowerment sounds like a great idea. In fact, you'll find more and
more companies that claim to empower workers. However, in reality, I've found
that most companies only give it lip service. They either implement it without
putting in place the proper systems to make it work or they find ways to sabotage
it.
Empowerment often fails for a variety of reasons. First, it requires management
to trust workers. Management has to really believe that workers can solve prob-
lems and make good decisions on their own. After decades of looking over every-
one's shoulder, management has a tough time relinquishing this overlord role. At
GE Capital Fleet Services, they have an interesting way to change the way man-
agement views workers. No one in the company is referred to as a worker,
employee or subordinate. Instead, everyone is referred to as a leader. Everyone
is leading the company to serve the customer better. Unfortunately, 1 can't think of
too many other companies that are willing or capable of making this kind of
change.
Management also has a basic fear of empowering employees. They feel that if
they give up control and allow employees to make decisions, they are at risk of
losing their jobs. This is not an unreal fear. Redesign of processes, empowerment
and employee participation has allowed many organizations to flatten out their
chain of command resulting in the elimination of many middle management posi-
tions.
A second and probably more prevalent shortcoming of empowerment efforts is
the lack of Incentive for making decisions, solving problems or taking Initiative.
Think about it for a minute. Does it really matter to a retail clerk if you never shop
in that store again? Does it really matter to a production worker ff a defect slips by
quality control? They may not think it does.
I'll give you a personal example of how lack of incentive effects performance. I
recently stayed in a very nice up -scale hotel. I had a nice pod side room with a
delightful patio. For some reason however, security took the night off. A number of
people were allowed to have a'drunken' party in the room next to mine until
almost four in the morning. I finally got fed up with complaining about the noise
and demanded to be put in another, quieter room. When 1 checked out the follow-
ing morning, there was no mention of the problem.. When I asked to see the man-
ager, he robotically apologized but, from our conversation, I could tell that he
really didn't care if I ever came back. It wasn't his hotel. Why should he care?
Whether I came back or not, his paycheck was going to be the same.
Empowerment has to go hand in hand with incentives. It means that manage-
ment has to share the profits gained from the increased efforts of employees.
A third major stumbling block on the way to empowerment is the design and
management of systems or processes that prevent employee autonomy. Let me
give you two examples to illustrate this point.
I recently received a coupon from one of the national car rental companies. It
guaranteed a $15.95 a day rate for weekend days. I was planning to fly into
Phoenix midweek and then stay through Sunday. When I called to make a reser-
vation, I was told that their weekend started Thursday at noon. Therefore, in order
to use the coupon, I would have to rent a car on Tuesday when I arrived in
Phoenix at the regular rate and return it on Thursday. I would then have to fill out a
new set of rental forms and rent a different car for the weekend.
I calmly asked, "Why can't you just put the rate change on a single rental form
and let me keep the same car for the entire trip." The reservationist replied "Oh,
I'm sorry sir but our computer system won't allow us to do that.'
To make a long story short, everyone that I talked to at this company was
locked into a system that was guaranteed to create customer frustration with no
authority to make a common sense decision. I tried to talk to the person who had
developed this system but I encountered a protective bureaucracy in which it was
impossible to find the person responsible.
I'll give you another example of how companies leave employees holding the
bag and looking stupid in front of customers. I decided to buy a pair of new eye-
glasses. For this purchase, I chose a store that was advertising 'a two for one
offer'. Of course, this was one of the offers that has an asterisk alluding to certain
restrictions that might apply.
Some clever marketing genius had designed this offer so that it was unclear
about what extras could be added to the second pair of glasses without charge.
Were tints, scratch resistant coatings or UV coatings free on the second pair or
not? In the midst of the discussion between the manager and a clerk, my pur-
chase was rerung no less than three times.
At this point, the last thing In their minds was to make a decision that would
serve the customer. They were more concerned about not getting into trouble. It's
also obvious that they felt powerless to use their own common good sense.
In these cases. Deming may have been right when he said that It's Important to
manage the process not the people. When management requires employees to
work in an environment where they can't succeed, they quickly lose the Incentive
to serve the customer.
One of the major causes of this problem is that managers and management
often find ways to insulate themselves from direct contact with customers. They
can conduct surveys and evaluations on what customers think, but without direct
one -tonne contact with customers, their vision is easily blurred. In other words,
they often see what they want to see in the numbers. They can't feel the anger
and frustration of customers without hearing it directly from customers.
I think a good example of this point is the current struggle for market share
between phone companies. For some reason, management feels that everyone is
switching phone companies because of price. I recently got my fourth call from
AT&T trying to get me to switch back. The person on the phone is armed to the
teeth with ways to handle my price objections.
However, I switched because I was unable to place an order for expanded
business service including an 800 number. Simply put, I got tired of waiting on
hold time after time. I switched to a company that answered its phone and took
my order. All the person on the other end of the phone could do was apologize
because 1 didn't switch for lower prices. And certainly, the person on the other
end of the phone had no power to address my real issues and concerns. It's a
phone call upper management should have made.
Let me give you a positive example of empowerment. This summer at a U.S.
West CellulerNiking goff tournament, I bid on and 'won' two first class tickets any-
where Northwest flies in their system. Unfortunately, the "type" of first class ticket I
bid on did not enable me to fly to Sydney when I wanted to. But when I talked with
the Northwest Manager about my problem, he took care of it and saw to it that my
wife and I could fly to Sydney when we wanted to. A positive example of empow-
erment for Northwest Airlines.
In this article, I've given you a number of examples of empowerment failures.
It's not easy to make empowerment work. It's not the way we're used to doing
business. Based on the previously discussed ppints, the quick test that follows
will help you to determine whether or not you're really empowering workers:
V V V
Yes
No
1. Employees are allowed to make mistakes without fear of
❑
❑
punishment.
2 Employees have a real stake in promoting repeat
❑
❑
business.
3. Employees can make on -the -spot decisions that involve
❑
❑
spending money.
4. Employees are involved in designing and Improving
❑
❑
systems and processes.
5. All systems and processes are designed to make sure
❑
❑
employees can succeed.
6. Management has frequent and direct contact with cus-
❑
❑
tomers.
7. Customers have open access to upper management and
❑
❑
high level decision makers.
8. The corporate culture views employees as peers rather
❑
❑
than subordinates.
9. Innovation and risk taking are recognized and rewarded.
❑
❑
It is important to keep in mind the many benefits of involving employees in
improving quality and service. I hope some of the ideas in this article will help you
down the path to true empowerment and ultimately, customer enthusiasm.
James J. Lynn, Ed.D. is the president of
Lynn & Associates, a management consulting
company that focuses on helping firms in
strategy and business planning, sales force
development, and productivity and quality
Aim improvement.
Dr. Lynn's office is in Shorewood, Minnesota.
He can be reached at (612) 474-2193.
2 FEBRUARY 1992
CIM FEB 14'92
I ZD- (lam ° =:—\ N
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE
February 10, 1992
ATHON JOHN 13945 - 36TH
PROBLEM: The caller requested more information on' the
disadvantages of being a home rule charter city versus
a statutory city. He said that he would need this
information before he was able to comment on whether
the City should adopt a charter, or remain a statutory
city.
SOLUTION: The call was transferred to Assistant City Manager
Frank Boyles, who is serving as staff liaison to the
Charter Commission.
CSM FEB 141R
CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE
February 10, 1992
COMMENT: The caller stated that she would very much like to see•
a precise charter drawn up for the city which
specifically addresses when referendums will be held
and the terms of office for the Mayor and City
Council. The charter should also address when and how
terms of office may be changed in order to avoid the
situation that occured last year.
c+M FEB 14'92
John W. Edson
4835 Forestview Lane • Plymouth, MN 55442 • (612) 557-8633
MEMORANDUM FEBRUARY 10, 1992
TO: Jim Willis
FROM: John Edson
RE: Traffic control at Zachary Lane School Carnival
On Friday night February 7, 1992 I attended the school carnival at Zachary Lane
Elementary School. This was the first year that parking was not allowed along Zachary
Lane. While I heard complaining about this prior to the carnival, I heard no complaints
that night. The traffic control was the best it has ever been in the years I have attended
events at Zachary Lane. The Plymouth Police Reserve did a tremendous job of directing
traffic. I understand from talking with the Reserve Officer who delivered my Council
packet later on Friday night that there were two school carnivals that the Reserves were
working. This voluntary effort certainly helps with the extraordinary demands that these
events place on our public safety department. They should be commended for the great job
they did specifically at Zachary Lane as well as, I am sure, at the other school.
CIM FEB 14'92
TWINN/VEST
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
February 10, 1992
Fred Moore
City of Plymouth Public Works
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Fred Moore:
R�cFivEQ
•-�-�� t i 892
} trcG,,y
The TwinWest Chember of Commerce Business -Education Partnership and the school
districts of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Robbin-sdale, St. Louis Park, and Wayzata
would like to thank you for participating in Career Exploration 1992. Tt is
you and other volunteers that make this event a success.
More than. 250 students and 100 business people participated in this year's
event. Early results indicate that it was an enjoyable and worthwhile
experience for all involved. We would like to hear your comments, so if you
haven't already, please return the Career Exploration evaluation_ sheet.
Thanks for your assistance in providing students with this valuable career
exploration experience.
Sincerely,
,&wCtz;;8a� C-_�P-HA L-Qn
Bridget Gothberg
BEP Co -Chair
St. Louis Park Public Schools
Paul Tesarek
BEP Co -Chair
First Minnetonka City Bank
gab
10550 WAYZATA BOULEVARD ♦ MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55343 ♦ (612)540-0234
Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, New Hope, Plymouth, St. Louis Park CIM FEB 1 9
♦ EXECUTIVE- ASSISTANTS
14610 13th Avenue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
612 ♦ 476 ♦ 1077
February 11, 1992
Mayor Kim Bergman
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
. Dear Kim,
I appreciated the opportunity to meet you yesterday and look forward to being involved with
community challenges by participating on the Park & Recreation Commission or another
commission where my talents will be useful. Thank you for checking into use of soy ink. I
assume the price difference is negligible in light of the total printing budget and know that a little
pressure on the City's printing source should remove that obstacle. The printing marketplace is
very competitive and the printing I source for clients typically uses soy or vegetable-based ink for'
identical pricing. All PMS colors are available and the ink is much friendlier environmentally. It
does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere when drying and is more
easily removed when de -inking recycled paper. Additionally, the awareness and consumption of
locally -grown and produced products and services is important. Minnesota sends vast amounts of
dollars over the horizon for all the petroleum-based products we consume but we can keep more of
those dollars circulating and working locally through better buying decisions. It's important for all
of us to support the agricultural backbone of the state's economy.
Jim Willis provided a comprehensive and informative response to my inquiry of January 5th
regarding city policies on a number of energy -environmental issues. I was impressed with the
City's efforts in many areas. I was surprised that there was a definite anti -ethanol feeling and
concerns with cost effectiveness of organic fertilizers. I plan to assemble materials to address those
concerns and will provide copies to you and the City Council.
It's great to have a meeting schedule in Plymouth News again and the recycle/reuse insert is a
fantastic brochure! Great work on someone's part All it needs is a soy -ink logo! Thanks for you
interest Kim.
Sincerely yours,
David Shea .
Business Communications ♦ Environmental Awareness
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Management Enhanc n�EB 14 92
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CITU OF
February 13, 1992 PUMOUTR
Ms. Nancy Whitehead
2015 Archer Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Ms. Whitehead:
Thank you for your letter of February 10 addressed to the
Councilmembers regarding the proposed WalMart development. I am
forwarding your letter to each member of the City Council in
order they will have the benefit of your views prior to their
considering this matter on February 24.
Thank you for taking the time to share your observations with us.
Yours truly,
T
James G. Willis
City Manager
t�
ec
cc: Mayor & City Council
Chuck Dillerud, Director of Planning & Community Development
CIM ffB 14'92 ,
'�� ['y',1; %`_;7H BC?:JLEV/ARU PLYNGUTH, MiNiv�L,C,A �54�7 i ELE-PHONE e 551; OC*
February 10, 1992
Mayor Kim Bergman
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Bergman:
King Videocable Company
7584 80th Street South
Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016
612.458.1866
1 -BOD -255-4640
6901 Winnelka Ave. N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(612) 533.8347 - Administration
(612) 533.8020 - Customer Service
An Affiliate of King Broadcasting Company
In 1992, King Videocable Company is planning a new program of public service
announcements directed toward cable television customers. We would like to invite you
to participate personally in an effort to keep residents of the northwest suburbs informed
on current issues.
You may be aware that cable television offers an opportunity to' insert 15 or 30 second
commercials into our various satellite services. Cable News Network, ESPN, TNT, and
other satellite services all offer a limited amount of time for local commercials. Our
Advertising Sales Department is prepared to dedicate a percentage of these local
commercial time slots for public service announcements.
King Videocable Company is inviting the Mayors of each community we serve in the
northwest suburbs to come to our office in Brooklyn Park and prepare a public service
announcement on topics of local interest. We would appreciate your help in assuring that
these announcements are done in the public interest and do not involve any commercial
ventures.
We will be contacting you shortly to determine you; availability, to participate in this
program. Should you have any questions, please,do not hesitate to contact me directly
Vice President and General Manager
Ki Videocable Company
,�
JWC/se
cc: Northwest Suburbs Cable Communications Commission
SERVVIG THE COr.1tAUNITIES OF CIM FEB 1492
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Mr. David Barstad
12915 - 54th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55442
Dear Mr. Barstad:
Thank you for your call Saturday on my voice mail regarding your
continued interest in having the new trail on Schmidt Lake Road
cleared for pedestrian use. I apologize for not getting back to
you earlier.
I have reviewed this matter with Mark Peterson, our Park
Superintendent, and Eric Blank, our Director of Parks and
Recreation. I am informed that the Schmidt Lake Road trail in
this area is currently under construction" and has not been
accepted by the City for maintenance. The contractor has
completed the paving, however, additional restoration and
landscaping work is required to be done prior to acceptance by
the City. We are reluctant to assume maintenance of these
facilities until the contractor has completed his work.
When I spoke to you before, I indicated we were in the process of
soliciting bids for a new piece of snowplowing equipment. This
piece of equipment when received, will enable us to undertake
additional plowing of trails and walkways next winter.
In the meantime, I am enclosing a copy of the city's trail system
map which has been highlighted to indicate those trails which are
currently being maintained during the wintertime. -We do not plan
to plow all trails during the winter. The Council normally
reviews the trail plowing program as part of its budget review.
You will note that the trails we plow in your area are currently
along the street paved right-of-way on Pineview Lane, and Schmidt
Lake Road. The segment of trail south of the Soo Line Railroad
track between Larch Lane and Pineview Lane is not.planned to be
plowed.
The new Bass Lake Community Playfield currently under
construction, as well as Northwest Boulevard have off the road
trails which we propose to maintain during the winter, along with
the new Schmidt Lake Road trail. When these projects are
completed, you and your neighbors will have the opportunity of a
"loop" trail system .in your area.
ciM FEB 14'92
;00 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (6121,550-5000
\ -- \3,zA
Mr. David Barstad
February 10, 1992
Page 2`
Please feel free to contact Eric Blank or myself if you have any
additional questions regarding the City's trail system plan or
our winter maintenance activities.
Yours truly,
James G. Willis
City Manager
:kec
cc:Mayor & City Council
..Eric Blank, Director of Park & Recreation
elm f EB 14'92
FLYITVJU I It J �'
fill llll;i$111111111$II1111111111fIll M1111111H 1111 U H18 111 Is1111111111111M
Plymouth has a 63 -mile trail system. This map shows city trails In purple. STREET AND TRAIL MAP ,, .91-AEMW
ftincludes both those trails that are separate from the roadway and those
that consist of a separate bicycle/pedestdon lane on the Foad shoulder.
We hope you enjoy them!
GLASS X 7R- A)ts cc�►e�o
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ON P—e40 T2&J" CIM FEB 14'92
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Plymouth has a 63 -mile trail system. This map shows city trails In purple. STREET AND TRAIL MAP ,, .91-AEMW
ftincludes both those trails that are separate from the roadway and those
that consist of a separate bicycle/pedestdon lane on the Foad shoulder.
We hope you enjoy them!
GLASS X 7R- A)ts cc�►e�o
SIAL Wla(JL� CtrW-0
ON P—e40 T2&J" CIM FEB 14'92
,t.
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Isom"-
Plymouth has a 63 -mile trail system. This map shows city trails In purple. STREET AND TRAIL MAP ,, .91-AEMW
ftincludes both those trails that are separate from the roadway and those
that consist of a separate bicycle/pedestdon lane on the Foad shoulder.
We hope you enjoy them!
GLASS X 7R- A)ts cc�►e�o
SIAL Wla(JL� CtrW-0
ON P—e40 T2&J" CIM FEB 14'92
A
y
CITY OF
February 11, 1992 PUMOUTR
SUBJECT: PUBLICITY FOR
CLEANUPS
ASSOCIATION SPONSORED SPRING
Dear Homeowner Association President:
Each spring many homeowner associations sponsor spring cleanups.
The goal of the cleanups has been to clean vacant lots,
backyards, rights-of-way, and parks. The City of Plymouth would
like to assist you in publicizing your cleanup project.
If you are planning a spring cleanup project and would like to
have it publicized in the April edition of the city newsletter
and on cable channel 37, please fill out the attached form and
return it to me by Monday, March 2. In the April issue of the
Plymouth News, we will run a list of homeowner associations which
will sponsor spring cleanups. The listing will contain:
homeowner association name; contact person; phone number of
contact person for residents to call to get more information; and
the dates of the spring cleanup in your neighborhood.
If you have any questions, please call me at 550-5016. Good luck
on your spring cleanup efforts.
Sincerely,
Helen LaFave
Communications Coordinator
HL:kec
CSM f EB 14'92
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000
SPRING CLEANUP INFORMATION
FOR LISTING IN APRIL PLYMOUTH NEWS/CABLE CHANNEL 37
Homeowner Association Name
Dates of Spring Cleanup
Contact Person
Phone Number of Contact
Person (this phone number
will be published in the
Plymouth News and shown
on cable TV)
RETURN THIS FORM BY MONDAY, MARCH 2 TO:
Helen LaFave
City of Plymouth .
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
CIM FEB 14'92-
0
JAMES M. STROMMEN
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337-9233
February 4, 1992
Jim Willis, Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
HOLMES & GRAVEN
CHARTERED
470 Pillsbury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone (612) 337-9300
Facsimile (612) 337-9310
Re: City of Plymouth v. Begin Contracting Co., et al.
Case No. 89-14145
Dear Jim:
Enclosed is a check payable to the City of Plymouth in the amount
of $30,108.35. This represents the attorneys' fees and costs
awarded by Judge Danielson in the above matter by his order dated
August 7, 1991. The City is entitled to recover further attorneys'
fees and costs at the conclusion of this case. As you know, the
matter is on appeal. Our oral argument is scheduled for March 10,
1992. The Begins have appealed their personal liability on the
agreement. Following the Begins' appeal late last year, we sought
and obtained an order requiring the Begins to post a $75,000
supersedeas bond (order enclosed). This ensures that the Begins
will build the retaining wall following appeals, or -the City can
build the retaining wall itself and draw on the bond. To my
knowledge the Begins have not yet posted the supersedeas bond.
That will become an issue at the time the court of appeals renders
its decision in April or May.
If you have any questions, please call.
Very truly yours,
HOLMF,.S-HAVEN, _CHARTERED
James M. Strommen
JMS:sd
Enclosure
JMS29047
PL100-45
CIM FEB 14'92
'CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: February 14, 1992
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: James G. Willis, City Manager
SUBJECT: 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
Attached is a revised draft of the City Council goals which adds
comments arising from our study meeting Tuesday evening. I would
appreciate your reviewing the comment segment of each and noting
any changes which you believe might more accurately reflect the
status of your understanding- f the discussion we had.
I am also enclosing a copy of my January 23 memo in which I offer
some other possible goals/issues for your consideration. Each
issue will, I believe, need to be addressed by the Council this
year.
I suggest the Council next meet to review the draft goals and my
January 23 memo. The Council should consider determining whether
or not you wish to establish relative priorities for the goals,
including target dates for action/completion. You -may also wish
to differentiate between ongoing and time specific goals.
Finally, you may wish to consider how you evaluate as to whether
or not the goals have been achieved.
Once the goals have been refined to your satisfaction and
adopted, I would like to publish them, in a summary form, in the
Plymouth News, as well as distribute them to the local media.
JW:kec
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: February 14, 1992
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: James G. Willis, City Manager
SUBJECT: 1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
The following is an overview of the various items discussed at
the City Council study meeting of February 11 regarding 1992
Goals and Objectives.
DEVELOPMENT
1. Consider existing residents, new development should enhance
rather than cause hardship. (CH)
Comment: This item refers most specifically to
development impacts felt by owners of smaller (one to two
acres?) single family parcels of property in areas where
trunk utilities are being extended. An example would be
the single family homes adjacent to County Road 9 and
County Road 101 impacted by water and sanitary sewer last
year. The concern is that similarly situated residents
be given some form of protection from being forced from
their homesteads prematurely because of the imposition of
heavy' special assessments. These parcels should be
considered on a case by case basis with each project.
2. Development plans/policies for construction of roads which
caused decisions to be made before development occurs
adjacent to the roadway (JE)
Enlarge the window of information to citizens regarding:
development that can affect their property, e.g., Northwest
Boulevard/Bass Lake Townhomes - this development set the
alignment (AD) for Northwest Boulevard. (KB)
Comment: The issue here is to enable in-place residents
an'opportunity to become informed regarding major roadway
project decisions in order that they can share their
input with the Council. It has been suggested that we
try to identify new roadway alignments and undertake the
necessary environmental' studies at this time, e.g.,
County Road 9/24 connection and Schmidt Lake Road west of
Vicksburg Lane. This will also need to be considered
when major roads are expanded by widening, e.g., Zachary
Lane.
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 2
3. Encourage staff to have a'"can do" attitude (positive not
negative) regarding development, positive rather than
negative orientation. (KB)
Comment: Would it be possible for staff, based upon its
experience in dealing with developers, to provide some
form of "preferential" treatment for those developers
whose track records demonstrate adherence and commitment
to the City's development plans and objectives? In
effect, can we reward developers who work.well with the
City and the citizens. Eric Blank noted that he is
currently heading up a committee with representatives
from all city departments working on customer service
matters. He hopes this committee will have its report
within three months. (See also 4 below)
4. Increase communication with those that use Engineering and
Community Development. Develop a program to make users aware
of procedures, processes, and alternatives. Outside
evaluation of this program. (JE)
Comment: This item relates to number 3 above. Chuck
Dillerud indicated that he is currently in the process of
having his department analyze various city codes, rules,
and policies to determine whether or not, over time,
layers of these have become an undue burden on
development. Specific attention is being given to those
policies and procedures which go beyond the basic
requirements of state law. Chuck also indicated that his
staff will be visiting six developing communities which
have, according to the Real Estate Journal, better
development climates than Plymouth. His meetings with
these communities are intended to determine what they may
be doing to create, foster, or maintain' a development
climate which could be of benefit to Plymouth. Perhaps
we should consider hiring an outside firm to conduct a
survey of developers/builders similar to the ones done in
the early 1980'x.
FISCAL
1. Restore $500,000 taken from Park Dedication Funds for
operating purposes, or in the alternative, consider limiting
the use of these funds to the annual interest earned on the
$500,000. (JE/JT)
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 3
Comment: Concern was expressed that taking park
dedication money and allocating it to maintenance
activities may not be an appropriate use of park
dedication funds, which are designed for capital
improvements. There was a consensus that it would be
preferable to have the $500,000 made available for
capital purposes. The staff was directed to bring this
subject back to the City Council in time forty budget
consideration, noting that $81,000 has been allocated
from interest earnings for the fund for 1992 operating
purposes.
2. Evaluate all professional consulting contracts, legal
services, both on a qualification and cost basis. (JE/MV/KB)
Comment: During the past year, new auditors, fisn:-=1
consultants, and city attorney have been selected. A
standard engineering consulting agreement was adopted by
the City Council last August and is in effect with a
number of firms, however, no effort is underway on the
part of the staff to recommend either the addition or
deletion of firms currently authorized to do work for the
City Council.
3. Develop a capital improvement funding policy statement aimed
at accumulating funds for future "basic service" projects.
(JE)
Comment: The thrust of this issue deals with ensuring
that sufficient monies are set aside on an ongoing basis
to provide for the replacement of capital assets as they
need to be upgraded or replaced. It was the consensus
that this item is one which should be considered by the
proposed Financial Advisory Commission (refer to 7
below) .
4. Develop new methods for forecasting fiscal impacts of growth.
Formalize the financial strategic planning functions.
Evaluate the need for a new financial forecasting software to
replace the Munies system. (JE)
Comment: It was noted that the City of Lakeville
recently completed a new fiscal analysis which appeared
to use methodology beyond that which was available to
Plymouth with the Munies system. It was thought that
this item should be referred to the newly established
Financial Advisory Commission referred to in number 7
below.
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 4
5. Volunteers. Encourage/recruit, assist staff in formal
programs, marketing, etc. (KB/JE)
Comment: It was suggested that PRAC may be a body which
could assume additional ,responsibilities for the
coordination of city-wide volunteer programs. It may be
that one �or more members of PRAC could undertake this
assignment, or perhaps other volunteers in the community
at large, or even a Councilmember. The program should be
formalized if it is to be a continuing and sustained
effort.
6. Prepare a five-year forecast of operating budgets. (JE)
Comment: Dale Hahn indicated that this could be done as
a part of the City's annual budgeting process on a
summary'• forecasting, basis, e.g., not line item. This
item could also be considered by the Financial Advisory
Commission.
7. Establish a Financial Advisory Commission. (KB/JE)
Comment: This item is referred to in items 3,4, and 6
above.- This topic will be the study of a special council
study meeting scheduled for Saturday, February 22. The
City Manager is to develop a memo on this topic which
will include a charge and possible commission makeup.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
1. Actively oppose April 7 presidential primary unless it is
state funded. (JT)
Comment: Done. The April 7 primary has been scheduled
by the state, without funding to the cities.
2. Monitor/lobby Hennepin County Commissioners for support of
the library in Plymouth. (JT)
Comment: The County Board has previously voted to
authorize the construction of a library in Plymouth.
This confirms the recommendation of the Hennepin County
Library Board. Capital funds for the project are
available, and the County Board's action would suggest
that they will assume responsibility for the ongoing
operational expenses. We need to monitor the County
Board's commitment to this, particularly with respect to
funding, both capital and operating. The City Manager is
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 5
to continue to monitor the situation and report back
periodically to the Council on the status and/or any
significant changes. The Councilmembers also indicated
interest in ensuring that the project moves forward in
accordance with a timetable. '
3. Take an active role in lobbying the legislature to reform
property tax levies consistent with the MLC position. Also,
adding any legislation that benefits Plymouth (redistricting
(KB) (JE)
Comment: This is an ongoing activity during the
legislative sessions. The Mayor and Councilmembers
should be available to testify before legislative
committees on bills which are of particular
concern/ interest to Plymouth. Appointments should also
be sought with committee chairs and others in leadership
positions within the House and Senate to convey our
position. The City Manager should continue to keep the
Council informed on legislative matters which come to his
attention. Our legislators have been requested to keep
the Manager informed of legislative issues affecting
Plymouth.
4. Develop meaningful dialogue with school district officials
and work on cooperative programs. (JE)
Comment: It was suggested that the CCR's and manager
meet periodically with the school superintendents and
others of his/her staff to explore a means by which
communications can be facilitated and
coordination/cooperation improved. Meetings , with
individual school boards and the City Council should be
scheduled on an annual basis.
5. Evaluate the Police Liaison Program for Armstrong and develop
a policy regarding overall liaison services for all school
districts. (JE/KB)
Comment: The new school liaison program which we will be
embarking upon with the Robbinsdale School District
provides that the school district will assume financial
responsibility for costs of the police officer assigned
to the program during the time school is in session. The
same policy will apply to other requests for school
liaison programs from other school districts. An
evaluation of the program also needs to be undertaken
periodically (annually?) in order to determine its affect
and whether or not the program should be expanded or
reduced.
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 6
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
1. Accord extensive due process and make absolutely certain that
our actions are in the best interest of the entire city.
(MV)
Comment: Provide ample opportunity for people in the
community to make effective input to the Council during
the decision making process.
2. Monitor public safety needs of the community and be prepared
to allocate any resources that may be needed to address
legitimate, documented concerns. (MV)
Comment: Several issues emerged during the discussion of
this matter. The Council needs to define what level of
service it desires to provide and/or what level of
service it can buy with a specific resource allocation.
How are results to be measured? The inspection of.
multiple and single family dwellings was raised in the
context that one of the recommendations that the City
Manager has addressed, as well as was touched on in the
Sumek report. How can we keep our housing stock in good
repair, thereby reducing potential calls for fire
suppression services, as well as police services, e.g.,
3301 County Road 169. The other recommendations of the
Sumek report also need to be addressed.
3. Preset study sessions on the second .and fourth Monday.
(KB/JE)
Comment: Done. The Council considers this matter
accomplished, but noted that some study items might be
added to the end of regular Council meeting agendas when
the agenda is "light" and the Council meeting is over
early. It was also suggested that if Mondays are not
available, the Council should consider meeting on
Saturdays for study meeting purposes.
4. Hold a day long City Council planning session early in 1992
to consider goals and objectives. Department heads should
probably be included. This would foster staff/council
cooperation. (JE)
Also include department heads after we have made our initial
effort at focusing and prioritizing our goals. Use •an
inexpensive facilitator to organize our efforts. (KB)
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 7
Comment: It was felt that the refinement of the goals
and objectives resulting from this evening's meeting'
should be undertaken prior to proceeding to adopt them.
The Council needs to ascertain which of the goals are
objective versus subjective, which are short term versus
long term, and which are ongoing. Accountability for
each also needs to be understood. The Mayor had
previously suggested, and the Council concurred, that a
facilitator would not be utilized.
5. Councilmember support for efforts of Charter Commission.
(JT)
Comment: This issue has probably been resolved by virtue
of the budgetary appropriation made by the Council. The
Charter Commission has also voted to draft a city charter
with the expectation that it would be presented to the
voters this November.
6. Review 1991 Council decision to limit board and commission
members to two three year terms for a total of six years.
(JT)
Comment: Done. The Council noted they needed to be
flexible in applying this policy, considering it a
guideline, given the fact that there are now a number of
new members on boards and commissions. There needs to be
a balance of "veterans" as compared to newer members to
provide the best advice to the City Council.
7. Board and commission appointments are to be made in a timely
manner. Volunteer contributions to be acknowledged in a
timely manner. (JT)
Comment: It was suggested that the Council may wish to
review impending board and commission vacancies in early
October and solicit applications at that time in order
that applications can be received, reviewed, and
interviews conducted early in January. Appointments
should be made in January prior to the expiration of
terms on January 31. Recognition of "retiring" members
should be scheduled for February.
8. Regularly scheduled times for Councilmembers to meet with
employees. (JT)
1992 -CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 8
Comment: It was felt that Councilmembers should have the
opportunity of meeting periodically with employees
informally to show their support/interest in the work and
efforts of the employees. The Council could attend the
annual city employee Christmas Party and other employee
events, e.g.,'summer picnic. It was also suggested that
the Council might host an informal reception annually for
city employees as a means of expressing appreciation.
The Mayor and Manger both noted the delicate line in
requesting information from city employees directly
rather than going through the City Manager. If the City
Manager is to be held accountable for the work of the
employees, he should be aware of Councilmembers requests.
He also needs to be able to share information with other
Councilmembers.
9. City to provide adequate storage of equipment used in summer
youth sports programs. (JT)
Comment: Various recreation associations have indicated
concerns in storing their equipment/ supplies for their
programs. Currently there are three temporary type
structures located at the Oakwood Playfield for this
purpose. Could/should the City provide space for this
purpose for the various athletic associations. Eric will
look into what other cites do for athletic associations.
10. Public informational hearings prior to making decisions on
major capital expenditures. (JE/KB)
Comment: The thrust here is to provide ample opportunity
for the public to have a better background and
understanding of Council thinking with respect to major
capital expenditures. The City Center expansion program
is,an example. Even though such programs may be included
in a capital improvement program,- it is felt that the
public might benefit from having an opportunity of
commenting on these major capital expenditure programs
prior to their being undertaken.
11. Revisit deer problem, resolve by early summer. (KB)
Comment: The Council needs to discuss this matter,
particularly given the recent deer survey conducted in
the city. The staff is to develop data on number of
deer/automobile collisions during the past several years.
Is there a correlation with the increasing deer
population?. If the deer herd needs to be reduced, can we
assure that it's done in a fashion so as to avoid any
possibility of injury to the public?
1992 CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER GOALS
February 14, 1992
Page 9
12.
Eliminate back room meetings. We must make every effort to
strengthen the information highway between City Hall, the
City Council, and our "customers" in a timely, meaningful,
up -front manner. (MV)
Comment: Councilmembers indicated support for ensuring
that all official meetings (regular, special council
meetings, as well as study meetings) are noticed and
conducted in an open fashion. This means the meetings
should 'be held where they are convenient for public
attendance.
13. Strive to develop outcomes that address as many
Councilmembers' concerns as possible. (MV)
Comment: This is viewed as an ongoing matter which
requires the cooperation/communication of Councilmembers
individually and collectively, as well as the City
Manager.
14. "Bad-mouthing" Councilmembers does not benefit anyone. If
you have a concern, have the courtesy to address that concern
to the Councilmember in question. (KB)
Comment: The Mayor noted that the new Council needs to
develop new and improved working relationships with one
another. Comments about individuals made to third
parties does not foster cooperation or cooperative
working relationships between Councilmembers. It was
suggested that if Councilmembers have problems or
concerns about specific Councilmembers or the City
Manager, take that concern up with that individual or if
they are reluctant to do so, to take it up directly with
the Mayor.
JW:kec
4
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
DATE: January 23, 1992
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: James G: Willis, City Manager\
SUBJECT: PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
As the Council reviews possible 1992 goals, I want to share some
of my thoughts for your consideration. Mayor Bergman has
provided you with a proposed list of goals and objectives for
1992 which will serve as the basis for your further discussions.
This memo sets forth several items which I believe merit Council
consideration. Each item poses potential long-term policy,
service, and/or cost implications to the community; implications
which need to be thoroughly reviewed prior to embarking upon any
new program efforts.
I. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
The State Legislature has mandated that watershed plans be
adopted to address drainage and water quality issues.
Plymouth is situated in parts of four watersheds. Each
watershed has a separate organization which has been
established to deal with watershed area matters. Three of
the organizations are joint powers organizations and one is
a watershed district. The organizations are as follows:
1. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
2. Elm Creek Water Management Commission
3. Shingle Creek Water Management Commission
4. Bassett Creek Water Management Commission
With the exception of Minnehaha Creek Watershed District,
each of the commissions have completed the preparation, and
have received approval of, their watershed plans which the
state has previously' mandated. The Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District plan is currently being reviewed by the
Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
Page 2
Following plan approval by BWSR, each of the municipalities
within the watershed areas have between one to three years
to prepare their local plans which are responsive to the
plans of each of the watersheds. These local plans will,
in effect, take the macro policies of the watershed and
apply them in a micro fashion to the local drainage areas
within the watershed. The plans must address a variety of
elements including erosion, sedimentation' control, and
water quality goals, management of flood plains, and
shorelands (up to 1,000 feet from a shoreline of all
lakes). Local plans must also discuss a means by which the
Watershed will be implemented.
Because Plymouth will be affected by four separate plans,
Fred Moore and I r3commend each component of our plan
reflect the most stringent standard found in any of the
four watershed plans. This will enable us to have a
uniform plan throughout the city, rather than four separate
plans. From an implementation standpoint, not to -mention
the public relations standpoint, we believe this is the
only appropriate approach for the community to take.
BWSR is currently in the process of adopting rules which
will likely be effective by the summer of 1992. These
rules will further specify standards to be met by local
plans. Water quality will be one of the key standards to
be addressed. The water quality standards will be
established by each of the watershed management
organizations, however, our plan will have to demonstrate a
means by which those standards can, in fact, be achieved
for specific water bodies. This will have potential
dramatic cost impacts as there are many nonpoint source
pollution issues which will have to be addressed.
Runoff from state and county roads, as well as city
streets, enter into water bodies without any pretreatment.
There are likely going to be standards for the frequency of
street sweeping, the cleaning of ditches, ponds, etc. In
addition, we will certainly see a proliferation of "water
quality ponds" which must be constructed to hold water
(minimum 2 foot depth) on a year round basis to help filter
out solids before the water proceeds into other receiving
bodies, including wetlands. Up until now we have relied
upon natural ponds and wetlands to serve this purpose.
Currently we have three developments where water quality
ponds have been constructed. These are the Bass Creek
Business Park (Opus), Rockford Road Plaza (Ryan
Construction), and the Bass Lake Terrace Plat (Vern
Reynolds).
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
•Page . 3
ar
Previous storm drainage plans for most municipalities,
including Plymouth, have focused on the quantity of water
to be conveyed so as to avoid flooding. As noted above,
the operative word in the new plans will be watera�lity,
Fred Moore estimates that the cost of developing a plan for
the City of Plymouth will be in the neighborhood of
$150,000. Preparation of this plan will likely take at
least one year. We are projecting that the selection of a
consultant would be undertaken in the spring of 1992 with
the plan to be completed by the summer of 1993.
The City Council annually reviews and adopts the Five Year
Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The purpose of a CIP is
to focus attention on needed capital improvements, the
funding sources for those improvements (both initial
capital and ongoing operating), and -the community's
capacity to fund those improvements. In a growing
community, it is particularly important that we have a
well -conceived CIP and are able to execute it in a timely
fashion.
The City Council needs to review the City's proposed
1992 - 1996 Capital Improvement Program in a systematic
way. You received a report, prepared by Ehlers and
Associates, in my January 3 manager's memo which highlights
the proposed 1992 - 1996 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
This report covered potential Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
resources which can assist in some major programs which
have been adopted as part of Tax Increment Development
plans. The merging of these two elements, the CIP and
longer range TIF projects, will provide the Council an
opportunity to take a little longer view of the CIP, as
well as how tax increment monies are planned to be used.
When the City extends major public infrastructure, such as
trunk watermains and trunk sanitary sewer lines, as we did
in the north central and northwest areas in 1991, it is
abundantly clear that private development will follow.
Yet, the public's capital investment in those areas is not
necessarily completed with the installation of the initial
major trunk facilities. Of particular note is the need to
complete the transportation network to serve that area.
During the past several years it has been increasing
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
Page 4
difficult for the City Council to undertake major roadway
construction without a good deal of local controversy
erupting as to the need for, alignment of, or timing of,
the improvement. Schmidt Lake Road is one example and now
Northwest Boulevard is another.
The Council should consider making additional efforts to
publicize, and encourage public dialogue on the proposed
Capital Improvement Program, particularly in those areas
where clear impacts can be anticipated. My thought
essentially goes to the concept of trying to "reach out"
and involve those neighborhoods where projects can be
anticipated to generate fear and/or concern on the part of
the neighbors. It is apparent that our annual town
meetings, where we do review these ;?rojects, are not
sufficient to address these issues.
There is no question that the NIMBY (not in my backyard)
syndrome will be displayed. I doubt that it can be totally
avoided. Nonetheless, I think we could develop a process
which would more clearly focus reasonable and appropriate
options early in the process, rather than wait to later in
the process. Hopefully the process would avoid the
perceived "win -lose" attitude which permeated both the
Schmidt Lake Road and Northwest Boulevard projects.
In order to promote reasonable planned ongoing development
in Plymouth, along with the execution of our own capital
plans, there needs to be local citizen support for those
efforts.
The Financial Task Force report (attached) set forth a
number of recommendations which have not been acted upon by
the Council. I believe the Council should review and
evaluate whether or not it desires to implement any of the
recommendations of that report. We have previously
discussed this topic during the budget review sessions, and
we will have a full discussion of the Task Force
recommendations during February.
4P
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
' January 23, 1992
Page 5
IV. SOLID WASTE TRANSFER STATION
The County has withdrawn its application for its proposed
solid waste transfer station. County officials have
indicated that they may submit a revised plan which would,
in effect, downsize the facility, based upon use experience
at the Brooklyn Park site. No plan has been submitted to
date.
Some Plymouth businesses in the area of the proposed
facility, as well as some residents, have opposed the
siting of the solid waste transfer station. These types of
facilities are frequently classified as LULU's (Locally
Undesirable Land Uses). While they may be necessary, few
really want them as neighbors. But they must be someplace
and there may, in fact, be some beneficial consequences for
communities in which such facilities are located.
The City has accepted waste oil from Plymouth residents for
some time. The new Public Works Garage will also have a
new, enlarged tank for receipt of waste oil - ours as well
as our citizens. Public Works employees have told me that
some citizens leave their waste oil in containers outside
the present facility or in some cases, appeared to have
mixed fluids together. If someone, for example, puts
antifreeze into the recycling oil tank, it would have the
affect of contaminating the entire tank.
Marjorie Vigoren, our Solid Waste Coordinator, indicates
that the cost of testing the contaminated materials to
determine what the contaminant is and then disposing of it,
could run between $500 and $1,000 for a 500 gallon tank.
The Hennepin County facility proposed in Plymouth, similar
to the one in Brooklyn Park, would have a site where people
could leave hazardous substances such as household paints,
chemicals, -and oil. Facilities such as the County proposes
would be designated and designed to handle these kinds of
wastes where our Public Works Garage is not.
We also have to recognize the exposure of our public
employees who are asked to handle these materials which are
left in various containers at the Public Works site. They
are not knowledgeable about the contents of these
containers, many of which are unlabeled, and have expressed.
some concern to me about handling them. The state's
Employee Right to Know Law entitles our employees to
information about the. hazardous nature and proper
safeguards required in the handling of such substances.
,t
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
Page 6
A centralized facility for the handling of hazardous
household wastes would, in my view, not only serve the
public in a more effective fashion, but would also relieve
the City of the secondary obligation which it is currently
ill equipped to handle on a long-term basis.
V. DEER HERD MANAGEMENT
During the past several years, the Council discussed the
problem being encountered by the public as a result of
increasing deer herds in Plymouth and the killing of those
animals by automobiles. During the past several years
between 130 and 140 deer per year have been killed on
Plymouth roads. The Public Safety Director has previously
estimated that the cost of each collision is in the range
of $2,000, resulting in an aggregate annual loss of more
than a quarter million dollars.
The deer herd problem cannot be effectively diminished
until the herd population is reduced. That reduction can
take place through migration, disease, and "harvesting." I
believe the Council should adopt a policy reducing the deer
herd population through either selective bow hunting and/or
marksman shooting. Any program undertaken would need to be
coordinated closely with the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), as well as land owners. I believe the
issue should be discussed and a policy adopted providing
for the substantial thinning of the herd in order that a ,-
hunting season could be established for the fall of 1992.
These two issues are somewhat interrelated in that they are
both handled through facilities located at our Public Works
site. In the case of yard waste, we have provided a place
for homeowners to deposit their yard clippings. ' This
compost material is periodically turned over and ultimately
disposed of by city personnel. The cost of the program is
reimbursed 100 percent, under current County procedures, by
Hennepin County. This past year we received complaints
from employees located in the businesses immediately north
of our site. These complaints centered around the odors
which come from the compost material, odors which we are
not be able to effectively eliminate. We need to discuss
and try and achieve a balance between our efforts to
encourage composting of yard wastes at a centralized city
site, as compared to the unpleasant odors the operation
creates for adjacent business neighbors.
Y'
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
Page 7
The second issue involving tree disposal, centers on the
question as to whether or not the Pollution Control Agency
(PCA) will approve our request from a waiver of rules with
respect to the operation of our burn site. . PCA rules
require a 1,000 feet setback from streets, a requirement we
cannot meet. We have made application for a variance and
will strenuously seek to obtain it. If we are not
successful, then we will either have to discontinue our
operation or, in the alternative, take the diseased wood
which is deposited with us, and carry it to an approved
site in Maple Grove. Costs for this program are not funded
by Hennepin County, but are rather paid for by the City
through the tax levy.
VII. PARK LAND A_QPUISITION
We do not foresee the
community playfields,
Comprehensive Plan,
additional community
action to identify
development pressures
very costly.
need to build new parks, particularly
for the foreseeable future. The
however, does contemplate one
playfield. We should be undertaking
that site and acquire it before
either consume the sites or make them
VIII. SPECIAL RECREATION FACILITIES
The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) has
previously recommended to the Council that a survey of the
community should be undertaken to determine whether or not
there is interest now or in the future, for a public golf
courses, ice arena, senior facility, swimming pool, etc.
With continued development, particularly within the
Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), it is highly
improbable that any land will remain for a public golf
course unless a private golf course is acquired.
Due largely to Frank Boyles' initiative and efforts,
Plymouth has established itself as a leader in locally
designed transit options.
Plymouth Metrolink as well as our Dial -A -Ride utilize
property tax monies levied by the Regional Transit Board
(RTB) pursuant to State law. If we do not avail ourselves
of these monies, they would be used to fund operations of
PROPOSED 1992 CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
January 23, 1992
Page 8
the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC). Plymouth
Metrolink and Dial -A -Ride are meeting some of the needs of
Plymouth transit -dependent persons. Can we do a better
job? Can we reach more citizens or do so in a more cost
effective fashion? The Council needs to examine our
existing programs, levels of service and funding capacities
to determine whether or not the resources might be better
focused. Public input on this may also be desirable,
perhaps through meetings conducted not only by the Council,
but in conjunction with the Plymouth Advisory Committee on
Transit (PACT) .
In the years ahead, if the City desires to take an
effective and strong role in reducing the number of cars on
major roadways, it will need to examine how we can optimize
our transit options without necessarily seeking to build
new roads. Transit Demand Management (TDM) became an issue
in our recent updating of the Thoroughfare Guide Plan
component of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The
Metropolitan Council's transportation planning tends to
focus more reliance on TDM at the local level as a means of
seeking to impact overall traffic overloading of various
components of the metropolitan transportation system. With
the help of the Regional Transit Board and Minnesota
Rideshare, the City has initiated a two phase voluntary
Travel Demand Management Program for Plymouth's 60 largest
employers. To date, the 17 largest employers have been
contacted, their employees surveyed, and reports prepared
regarding the steps which the employer, City, RTB, and
Minnesota Rideshare should take to improve transit.
We are hoping that these voluntary efforts are enough. If
they fail, or are insufficient to divert the appropriate
amount of traffic from the roadways, then the City Council
will have. to entertain mandates which require new
developments and existing employers to take the steps
necessary to encourage and ensure the sue of alternate
modes of public transit.
JW:kec