HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 11-26-2013 SpecialCITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 26, 2013) 5:30 p.m.
MEDICINE LAKE CONFERENCE ROOM
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. TOPICS
A. Goals and Legislative Priorities
3. ADJOURN
Special Council Meeting 1 of 1 November 26, 2013
City0f Agenda 2A
j Plymouth Number:
Addins Q,.Vty to Life
To: Mayor and City Council
SPECIAL
COUNCIL MEETING Prepared by: Dave Callister, City Manager
November 26, 2013 Item: Discuss Goals and Legislative Priorities
Attached for your review are the draft 2014 City Council Goals and Legislative Priorities. The
goals are very similar to last year's goals. The Legislative Priorities include the addition of a State
Bonding Bill request for Plymouth Ice Center renovation.
In addition, Police Chief Goldstein is asking that the Council consider the following public safety
issues (items 1-4 are included in the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association legislative platform):
1. Traveling Data: We recommend continued support of making data non-public which has been
provided as intelligence by other law enforcement agencies (federal and out-of-state organizations)
to law enforcement agencies in Minnesota.
2. DVS Data Access Limits: We recommend continued support of changes to both state and federal
law to reduce or stop legal actions against municipalities where no actual damages have been
demonstrated by police officers accessing DVS data for work-related purposes.
3. Marijuana: We recommend strong opposition to the legalization of marijuana including the use of
medical marijuana" as a mechanism to legalize this substance.
4. Diversion Programs: We recommend that if a community -sponsored diversion program does not
involve the court system it should not be subject to court surcharges.
5. Crosswalks and Trails: We recommend that the language within both the crosswalk and trail
crossing statutes be amended for consistency regarding pedestrian crossing and driver responsibility.
Staff will provide a brief update at the meeting.
Attachments: 2014 City Council Goals (Draft)
2014 Legislative Priorities (Draft)
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rp)c;ty of
Plymouth
Adding Qpafity to Life 2014 City Council Goals
Protect Plymouth's Strong Financial Position. Maintain Plymouth's fiscal health by crafting
long-term revenue and expenditure plans to ensure sustainable operations at a fair and
equitable tax rate.
Monitor Economic Challenges. Continue to evaluate and prioritize services. Seek innovative
solutions to maintain high quality core services, promote financial transparency and protect
Plymouth's strong financial position and quality of life.
Provide Efficient and Effective Services. Continue to explore partnerships with neighboring
communities, school districts, businesses, watersheds, and other agencies to decrease costs
through shared services and to eliminate duplicate efforts. Streamline business processes
through the use of technology, including website enhancements, e -permits and expanded
credit card processing. Evaluate community trends and consider associated facility and
service needs.
Promote Transportation Solutions. Focus on the advancement of the third lane on 1-494 and
improvements to Highway 169 between 1-494 and 1-94.
Pursue Northwest Greenway. As development of northwest Plymouth progresses, continue
acquisition of property and begin planning the Northwest Greenway and park system
amenities, as directed by voter referendum.
Continue Environmental Initiatives. Collaborate with watershed agencies to ensure
effective progress on water quality mandates. Continue energy conservation efforts in city
buildings, and promote recycling of expanded waste streams.
Continue Proactive Public Safety Initiatives. Continue proactive policing strategies using
technology and collaboration to promote and enhance livability. Build on the successes of
fire prevention and fire service programs for a safe community.
Protect the City's Infrastructure Investment. Ensure that the city can protect and enhance
the useful life of City assets (streets, utilities, parks, trails, facilities, and fleet). Continue
to monitor financial resources and economic conditions, and consider timing with regard to
infrastructure needs.
Consider Development and Redevelopment Requests. Continue to carefully consider land
use related to development and redevelopment to ensure a well planned community with a
varied tax base.
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City of
Plymouth 2014 Legislative Priorities
Adding Qualify to Life
I. TRANSPORTATION
A. To efficiently transport commuters and promote business growth, the city encourages the
legislature to identify long-term funding sources with growth potential to allow for the
construction and maintenance of efficient transit and highway systems this session.
Specifically, Plymouth supports the following:
1. The City supports continued efforts to construct the third lane expansion on 1-494
from Highway 55 to 1-94, the only portion of 1-494 with two lanes. The city
opposes a Plymouth only MN Pass lane for 1-494.
2. The city supports preservation of suburban transit, expansion of the transit taxing
district, and return of full MVST funding to suburban transit providers.
3. The city supports improvements to Highway 169 in Plymouth.
II. GENERAL GOVERNMENT
A. Local Control. The city opposes legislation that erodes local control or creates mandates
without a corresponding state appropriation or funding mechanism.
1. Mandates. Remove unnecessary reporting and other mandates and provide a funding
source for state -required mandates.
2. Levy Limits. The city opposes levy limits. State -imposed limits on local decision
making are inconsistent with local accountability.
3. Market Value Exclusion. The city supports the retention of the market value
exclusion. The city opposes reinstatement of the Market Value Homestead Credit
program.
4. Property Tax Reforms. The city supports policies that help promote a more equitable
property tax burden as a percentage of income.
5. Business Property Tax. The city supports reduction of the statewide business
property tax.
6. Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The city supports increased flexibility in the use of
Tax Increment Financing.
B. Metropolitan Council. The City does not support expansion of the powers, duties, and
responsibilities of the Metropolitan Council.
III. STATE BONDING BILL
The city supports a 2014 capital appropriation of $2.1 million for the Plymouth Ice Center
renovation. Combined with matching funds from the City of Plymouth, this appropriation will make
mandated and energy efficiency updates possible at one of the state's largest and busiest facilities.
It will also allow for renovation and remodeling, helping meet long-term demands for regional,
state and national amateur sports.
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