HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-07-1986CITY OF
PLYMOUTH -
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS.....
1. JOINT MEETING WITH STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS -- Monday, November
10, 5:30 p.m. The Council will meet with State and County elected
officials to discuss road improvement projects involving the City,
County, and/or State. A light dinner will be provided.
2. TOWN MEETING -- Monday, November 10, 7:30 p.m. The Town Meeting for
Area 3 will be held in the City Council Chambers. A copy of the
agenda is attached. (M-2)
3. CITY OFFICES CLOSED -- Tuesday, November 11. Veterans Day
4. PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION -- Thursday, November 13,
7:30 p.m. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will meet in
the City Council Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-4)
5. MAYOR'S MEETING WITH AREA RESIDENTS ON ALPHA HOUSE -- Wednesday,
November 12, 7:00 p.m. The Mayor will meet with area residents who
have contacted him to express concern with the Alpha Human Services
petition. The meeting will take place in the City Center Council
Chambers. Attached is additional correspondence received from
residents this week concerning Alpha House. (M-5)
6. PLYMOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL -- Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 A.M.
The Plymouth Development Council will meet in the City Council
conference room. A copy of the agenda is attached. (M-6)
7. DECEMBER CALENDAR -- A copy of the December meeting calendar is
attached. -7
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
Page two
FOR YOUR INFORMATION....
1. PLYMOUTH METROLINK - OCTOBER REPORT -- Shown below is a table
displaying our average daily ridership for the commuter/ reverse
commuter, internal circulator and total system for each week of
October. The second table displays the year to date averages in
each service area compared with the target which we must achieve in
order to have a successful project.
MONTHLY
PLYMOUTH METROLINK
DAILY RIDERSHIP AVERAGES BY WEEK BY SERVICE TYPE
OCTOBER 1986
Total
System
SERVICE TYPE
Commuter/
Internal
Total
TARGET
337
Reverse Commuter
Circulator
System
WEEK OF:
-11%
+ 1.01%
10/2 - 10/3
396
37
433
10/6 - 10/10
405
34
439
10/13 - 10/17
357
62
419
10/20 - 10/24
379
29
408
10/27 - 10/31
384
40
424
-----------------
MONTH LONG
------------------
-------------
----------------
AVERAGE
384
40
424
YEAR TO DATE
Item
Commuter/
Reverse Commuter
Internal
Circulator
Total
System
YEAR TO DATE
RIDERSHIP AVERAGE1
347
50
397
TARGET
337
56
393
% OVER/(UNDER)
TARGET
+ 3%
-11%
+ 1.01%
C11Y COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
Page three
A number of observations are in order:
1. Internal circulator ridership, although variable during October,
reflected an increase to 40 passengers per day. This is below
the 55 passengers per day average established in October 1985.
We believe that this ridership drop is due to our change in
schedule to become eligible to tax feathering. Originally, the
circulator changed the direction of its rotation on every other
route so that people living on the end of the route would not
have such a long trip. We are investigating alternatives to
remedy this situation while remaining eligible for tax feather-
ing.
2. The commuter/ reverse commuter portion of the service continued
strong in October with an average of 384 persons per day, which
is well above the 312 posted in October 1985. It should be
noted that this is the highest average posted since the
project's beginning.
3. In terms of our system -wide ridership target of 393 passengers
per day, we remain above our goal by four at 397 passengers per
day. The month of October recorded the best system -wide
average ever.
DAILY RIDERSHIP AVERAGES BY
MONTH
FOR CALENDAR
YEARS
1984 -
1986
SERVICE
TYPE
Commuter/
Internal
Total
Reverse Commuter
Circulator
System
MONTH:
1984
1985
1986
1984
1985
1986
1984
1985
1986
January
330
307
351
21
51
40
351
358
391
February
310
292
350
25
50
47
335
342
394
March
307
311
338
25
56
64
332
367
402
April
301
295
354
27
55
44
331
350
398
May
295
298
332
27
36
35
322
334
367
June
276
314
349
41
53
64
317
367
413
July
277
297
328
42
52
62
319
349
390
August
266
292
328
47
57
73
313
349
401
September
275
322
354
32
42
33
307
364
387
October
276
312
384
36
55
40
312
367
424
November
271
311
35
57
306
368
December
--------------
265
320
39
52
304
372
YEAR LONG
------------------
------------------
--------------------
AVERAGE
287
306
347
36
51
50
321
357
397
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
Page four
2. AMM LEGISLATIVE POLICY ADOPTION MEETING -- Frank Boyles attended the
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Legislative Policy
Adoption meeting on November 6. The purpose of the meeting was to
adopt policies which will provide direction to the AMM staff in
their efforts with the 1987 Legislature. Policies under consider-
ation were from the five AMM committees including revenues, general
legislation, housing, metropolitan agencies, and transportation.
The most controversial subject raised during the meeting was the
Fiscal Disparities formula changes which had been developed and
recommended by the Revenue Committee and adopted by the AMM Board.
The policy proposed had been fashioned from two years of meetings by
the Revenue Committee. The proposal included numerous recommen-
dations to fine tune the current Fiscal Disparities formula. Two
portions of the policy - the inclusion of pre -1979 TIF Districts in
the Fiscal Disparities pool and the 3% per year reduction of the
commercial/industrial base were the most discussed aspects of the
policy. After almost an hour of discussion, and recognition that a
majority would not be possible to carry the policy as recommended,
the membership voted to refer the policy back to the Revenue
Committee for further study and recommendation to the Board for
final action. Prior to the Board's final action, the Committee's
recommendation will be shared with the general membership to solicit
their input. As a member of the Revenue Committee, I will work
toward the ultimate adoption of the policy by the Board.
The City of Edina proposed that the AMM revise it's Local Govern-
ment Aid (LGA) policy to recognize that cities must increasingly
learn to pay their own way rather than rely upon the State to
continually increase the ante. This amendment failed, and the
original policy recommending an increase in LGA funding by the State
was adopted.
Two of the policies from the Metropolitan Agencies Committee were
also the focus for discussion. The first was to support the MWCC's
plan for a single SAC and sewer service charge for the Metropolitan
area. At present, there are numerous sewer districts each paying a
different rate. The MWCC is proposing a single service charge for
the entire Metropolitan area as well as a single SAC charge. Four
communities in the Twin City area oppose the single SAC charge
recommendation as they have assumed responsibility for maintenance
of MWCC interceptors. Ultimately, the policy was split recommending
that a single sewer service fee be adopted for the Metropolitan
area. The policy is silent with respect to SAC charges.
The final policy discussed at any length was the recommendation that
the Legislature initiate a study to determine whether a
metropolitan -wide fund should be established to support infra-
structural improvements. Opponents of the policy were concerned
that the Legislature is not the appropriate body to conduct the
study. They also were worried about the possibility of a new
metropolitan -wide charge for the prospect of obtaining necessary
funding through current programs such as Fiscal Disparities.
Ultimately, the policy was deleted in it's entirety and the
Association has no position on infrastructural funding.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
Page five
3. MINUTES
a. Planning Commission, October 22, 1986 (I -3a)
b. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, October 9, 1986 (I -3b)
4. DEPARTMENT REPORTS -- The following departmental reports for' -the
month of October are attached:
a. Planning applications (I -4a)
b. Building Permit and Inspection Activity (I -4b)
5. "A NATIONAL POLICE FORCE?" -- The attached article entitled, "Law
Enforcement geyond 2000: A National Police Force?" suggests that
within the next 20 years the consolidation of law enforcement
agencies will occur mainly due to forced budget cuts and
technology. (I-5)
6. GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS -- Some of last Tuesday's election results
include: for 3rd District U.S. Rep. Stock - 2895, Frenzel - 9392;
for State Senator District 45 Decker - 1820, Ramstad - 5275; for
State Senate District 48 Jude - 2323, Limmer - 2847; for State Rep.
District 45A Parks - 1272, Shaver - 3331; State Rep. District 45B
Hepokoski - 777, Heap - 1651; State Rep. District 48A McGuire -
1511, Clausnitzer - 3563; Governor Perpich - 5320; Ludeman - 6862.
If you would like other race results, or a breakdown by precinct,
call Laurie.
7. "IN TRANSIT" -- The attached publication, "In Transit", published by
the Minnesota Department of Transportation contains a letter to the
editor from Frank Boyles on the transit tax feathering
interpretation. (I-7)
8. AMUSEMENT MACHINES -- The City recently had an inquiry into the
licensing of an amusement machine that gives prizes (the
crane -type). In checking with the City Attorney, it appears that
our current Code doesn't require licensing of this type of machine
(see attached City Code 1103.01 Subd. 2 (a). If the Council would
now like to include these machines in the Code, an ordinance
amendment is in order. (I-8)
9. COUNCIL FOLLOW UPS:
a. Tree Replacement in Kingsview Heights Development -- On October
29, Sara McConn visited the Kingsview Heights development with
Phyllis Hanson, Landscape Architect, to inspect the transplanted
trees within the development. A copy of her report to Blair
Tremere is attached, together with a letter from Ms. Hanson
summarizing the tree replacement by location. (I -9a)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
November 7, 1986
Page six
b. Area 2 Town Meeting Responses -- Attached are copies of staff
responses to Resident Feedback forms submitted at the October 14
Town Meeting. (I -9b)
10. CORRESPONDENCE:
a. Letter from Herb Lefler, to City Manager, on his retirement from
law practice effective November 1, 1986, and providing
background information on City Attorney Jim Thomson. (I -10a)
b. Letter from Sue Zuideman, Director, Hennepin County Community
Health Department, to Mayor Schneider, on the Health Depart-
ment's efforts to provide information on its programs and
services. A Health Department representative will be contacting
the City within the next few weeks to determine the Council's
interest for a Health Department presentation on its various
programs and services available to residents. (I -10b)
c. Letter from David Latvaaho, Chairman, Suburban Hennepin Park
Regional Park District, providing information on public
meetings to be held in November concerning the "Master Plan for
A Regional Park Entity" for Lake Minnetonka. (I -10c)
d. Letter from Mary Cayan, Northwest Hennepin Human Services
Council, thanking Councilmember Bob Zitur for his efforts durinq
the City Council's budget process. (I -10d)
e. Letter to John Capell, MTC Chief Administrative Officer, from
Frank Boyles, requesting the availability of Plymouth Metrolink
route information, tokens and fare cards, and bus schedules at
the new "MTC Transit Store" located at 719 Marquette. (I -10e)
f. Letter to State Department of Revenue Commissioner Tom Triplett,
from Representative Bill Schreiber, concerning the legislative
intent of the transit "tax feathering" provision for the
Regional Transit Board. Representative Schreiber requests the
Department reconsider its decision on the subsidy computation
for taxes payable 1987, and further indicates he will introduce
legislation in 1987 which would retroactively clarify the
method of computation intended. (I -10f)
g. Letter of appreciation from Plymouth grant recipient on the
Energy Assistance Program. (I -10g)
h. Letter from the Sheriff's office of Wheaton, Illinois,
commending Plymouth Police Detectives Larry Rogers and Luke Way,
and Youth Service Officer Nia Wronski for their assistance in a
missing person case. (I -10h)
James G. Willis
City Manager
TOWN MEETING AGENDA
AREA THREE
November 10, 1986
7:30 p.m.
I. THOROUGHFARES
A. 6th Avenue Extension from Pineview Lane to County Road 73
B. Interchange at I-494 and County Road 6
II. PARKS
A. St. Mary's of the Lake property
III. DEVELOPMENT
A. Carlson Center status report
B. Willow Grove Development
C. Duffy Office Building
D. Industrial Park developments
IV. PUBLIC SAFETY
A. Police/Fire Report
B. Neighborhood Watch Program
V. OTHER ITEMS
A. Solid Waste Recycling
B. 2-5 a.m. parking ban
C. Local Government Cable Access Channel 7
D. Public Transportation Feedback - Plymouth Metrolink
NOTE: The Alpha Human Services petition will not be discussed at this
meeting. The City Council will be considering the Alpha Human
Services petition at its Regular Council meeting scheduled for
Monday, November 17, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council
Chambers.
M -'A
Plymouth Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting of November 13, 1986, 7:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
a. Athletic Associations
b. Staff
c. Others
4. Past Council Action
a. Approved Park Land Survey Work
b. Approved CIP 1987-91
c. Approved Demolition of Barns on Minneapolis Property
5. Unfinished Business
a. Update Park Construction Projects
b. Parkers Lake
c. Plymouth Creek Park - Site Planning
d. Request for Trail - County Road 61
6. New Business
a. New Plats - Minneapolis Workhouse Lands
b. point Meeting Council/PRAC - December 15
c. Annual Report
d. Removal of Hockey Boards at Pilgrim Lane
7. Commission Presentations
S. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next Meeting - December 11
1_ `
October 30, 1986
Council Members
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN. 55447
I am writing in regard to the proposed ALPHA HOUSE.
I attended the Planning Commission Meeting but found it necessary
to leave before the meeting progressed to the point where I would
be able to speak.
The concerns I wish to express to the Council Members are:
The proposed Alpha House is petitioning to locate in an area that
is already populated with several institutions and rehabilitating
type houses.
Example: Hazelden Pioneer House
Mission Farms
Shelter House for Battered Women & their children
Armstrong High School
It is most important to this area to now retain and preserve the
residential aspect of this area. Also, if Hennepin County and Federal
funding for this project should decrease after a time, the quality of
the operation might decrease and could require additional local tax
dollars.
Special attention should be noted in the minutes of a previous council
meeting of Sept. 19, 1977. That meeting concerns the denial of the
location permit for the Jonathan Home for Boys.
At that meeting Mayor Al Hilde specifically stated for the record
that "the density of the area was already too high."
The proposed Alpha House site is within a 2.3 mile range from this
same area as mentioned by then Mayor Al Hilde.
I urge you to deny the application for the proposed Alpha House.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pat Katzmarek
3520 E. Medicine _,Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, MN. 55441
Regular Council Meeting
Septeiaber 19. 1977
Page 208
Planner Dillerud noted he patiticn presented to the Planning
Comission freta residents of the an --a opposing *:.^.a proposed
location of t.e Jonathan Hcaae include.4 -4 signatures.
Pat Kat_aarek, 3520 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., representing residents
of the sr -3a, stated the petition presented to tt a Ccmission
had presznted to the residents in a fair m nner along witl
l i tura ; rs abtiut the Jonathan Pw e. She presented a sac end petition
U Council, including six'signatures representirg area residents,
stating the rrasen for opposition to the proprscd location of the
Jonat>,3n Xcu was over -institutionalization of a residential area.
S.I. Tither listed the following concerns of the residents: 1) If
Hsrnep'n Count../ and federal funding for pro -fact dec:aas,e
after a time, the quality of the operation mi,,hz decreasa and it
might require additional local tax dollars. 2) T. ,:y ;,.ara not debating
the reed for aor the Quality of the Jcr,al an Hcy, but wrely opposing
w':a proposed location since i z A;uld five betk,cen three
i nstituticas (?iorepr House, Missic,, :=an7s and .:crzt:n-;in Home) and
Armstrong Senior High School. 3; lhay are r=:,i;stin9 ^a Council
to study and prepare an ordiraic_ sat: ng guidZ'4& _s Tor limitation
of institutions it, residential araas.
Norbert Herby, 3430 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., restated ti -e residents'
concern that locating the Jonathan Hcme on the iroposed site was
aver -institutionalizing one particular area.
Dennis Peterson, attorney redrzsenting residents of the area, stated
the CcArmissicner of Welfare cannot issue a lice.-ise for a group home
if the site is wi. An 1,320 feet of any exist -g ccMnunity residential
facility. Subdivision 4 of C„apte:r, 245.812, X -i-. nesota Statutes,
provides that a group home having 7-16 residents shall be considered
a mum -family residential use of property. Xa claAned locating the
hc,T4 at this site would al;o be in violation or Plymouth's Zcning
Ordirai,ca, Section 7, Subd. 2, and Section 7, Suod. which do not
allow multi -family residences in R-1 zones.
HOTIC.� was m -;de by Councilman ;leils, seconded lby Councilman
Hunt, to adoit RESOLUTION NO. 77-514, A RES0!.UT1PGN DENYING
THE W?LICAT.CH,
LR A CCNDITION AL USE PERMIT FCR , C`!a'hAN
HCAE FOR BOYS CIA rriE SAS:S THAT THERE ARE ALREi-DY 74 -
RESIDENTIAL
4_RESIDENTIAL M.-IA+VILITATIVE INSTITUTIONS IN THE IMNECIATE AREA.
Motion carried on a Roll Cali vote, five ayes.
Mayor Hilde stated several years ago when the Comprehensive
Land Use Guide Plan was being developed. the density of this
area was alrnsdy considered too high. He requ.sted staff to
work with the Jonathan Home to find another lccation in Plymouth
if they so desired.
Ll
RESOLUTION NO. 77-514
DENYING CONDITIONAL
%SE PERMIT FOR
JONATHAN HOME FOR 30YS
(A-760) Item 6-F-1 Y
Jnr
.1"" 0f
141 MW1110 OF AWKY crop l NY[ Anwwn
W
LAW OFFICES
MELVIN R. HARRIS, LTD.
SUITE 915 PARK PLACE, 577S WAYZATA BOULEVARD
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 55416
Mayor Virgil Schneider
Plymouth City Council
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Gentlemen:
October 30, 1986
I "\ —
AREA CODE 612
546-3535
%rwI 19 i
CIS[P1i1�'°U ,J
Re: Alpha Human Services Application
for Zoning Variance
I appreciate the invitation to attend the November 12th meeting, but will not
be able to make it. The following matters should concern each of you per-
sonally because of the possibility of personal exposure to liability if the
zoning variance is approved:
1. I understand that inquiries are being made as to whether insurance
coverage will be available to protect the City against suit in the
event one of the felons commits a criminal act against one of the
children in the vicinity. Sometimes it is possible to get coverage
until the first occurrence, and thereafter coverage is unavailable
or cost prohibitive. It is important that any insurance carriers
that you communicate with know all of the risks that are involved.
It is also important to find out whether the carrier will make a
commitment at this time assuring the City that the carrier will
renew the insurance after one occurrence.
2. If a criminal act occurs against any child by one of the inmates of
Alpha, what are the economic consequences to each of you personally
(aside frau the horrible realization that the event would not have
occurred if you had voted against allowing the facility)? Because
we are not dealing with an unknown risk in this situation, but in-
stead are dealing with convicted felons who pose a known risk, which
incidentally, Mr. Kaplan has never denied, it is almost certain that
any member voting favorably for the proposal will be joined as a
defendant in any legal action. In spite of any assurances that you
may have that you are protected against liability, or even protected
against the cost of defending yourselves, how much of your time are
you willing to invest in such lengthy legal proceedings?
I have talked to a parole officer who has two felons under treatment at Alpha.
I respect this man's opinion that Alpha is one of the best programs in the
country. He is in agreement with the social worker who testified at the Plan-
ning Commission meeting that sex felons who abuse children are never cured.
The best that can be done is to help them control their behavior. In view of
Page
2
October 30, 1986
this, even conceding the effectiveness of the Alpha program, can you in good
conscience locate such a facility near children?
I hope that you will get the answers to the questions that I have raised here
and realize that nobody will be able to give you a legal opinion that you can
rely upon that you will not be sued, and in the event of suit, how much time
you will have to spend, uncompensated, in defending yourselves. These are
practical considerations of risks that may follow you when you are no longer
in office.
Yours very truly,
)V4�1,,7,7At-/V
MELVIN R. HARRIS
mrh/jb
October 29, 1986
Pat Samson
8 Kaiser Avenue
Medicine Lake, MN 55441
Dear Ms. Samson:
M -S
PCITYCOF
PLYMOUTFF
Because of the many cards, letters, and telephone calls I have received from area
residents expressing concern about the Alpha Human Services development petition, I
will be holding a public meeting to further receive your input.
You are receiving this letter because our records show that you have expressed your
concerns on the subject. As you are aware, Alpha House representatives have conducted
four public informational meetings during the month of October, and the Plymouth
Planning Commission has held a Public Hearing which spanned two complete evenings -
August 26 and October 22.
I have shared your letters with other members of the City Council and we will be
receiving copies of all Planning Commission minutes, as well as all C.A.R.E. and Alpha
Human Services publications. The Council will consider this issue at their November
17 meeting. Our policy will be to provide ten minutes for opponents and ten minutes
for proponents to express their positions on this matter. We will not be conducting a
Public Hearing which the Planning Commission has already concluded.
Because of the numerous telephone calls, correspondence, and letters, I have elected
to conduct a public meeting to meet with you to hear your concerns. I have invited
representatives of Alpha Human Services, the press, as well as boardmembers of
C.A.R.E. The meeting will take place at the Plymouth City Center, 3400 Plymouth
Blvd., commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12. At the meeting, you will
have an opportunity to express your concerns, at length if necessary, with respect to
this application. The purpose of the meeting is for me to receive your input. I will
reserve my position on this matter until public deliberations take place on November
17.
I sincerely hope you will be able to attend the November 12 meeting. If you have any
additional questions, please feel free to contact the City Clerk, Laurie Brandt at
559-2800.
Sincerely,
Vigil Schneider
Mayor
cc: City Councilmembers
Members of the press
C.A.R.E. Board of Directors
Gerald Kaplin, Alpha Human Services
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559.2800
61c't /� /?Y&, M -
ti'aL.- 4,1". -4zr��
�i� a4z& z6v'�' �&e- 24�'
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
MEMO
November 6, 1986
Plymouth Development Council Members
Bob Berger, President
NOVEMBER 19 MEETING
The next meeting of the Plymouth Development Council will be held on
Wednesday morning, November 19 at 7:30 a.m. in the Plymouth City
Center Council conference room. The following items are scheduled for
discussion. You may wish to bring up other items as well.
I. Review of adopted 1987-91 Capital Improvement Program.
II. Update on December 8 Plymouth Market Focus section of Minnesota
Real Estate Journal
III. Solicitation of developer perspectives on next year's
development activity.
IV. Implementation of 1985 UBC fee schedule.
V. Developer perspectives on
planning petition process.
I hope to see you at the meeting.
proposed methods to streamline
cc: James G. Willis, City Manager
Blair Tremere, Director of Planning & Community Development
Fred Moore, Director of Public Works
S/F 11/18/86
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CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 22, 1986
The Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission was
called to order at 6:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Steigerwald, Commissioners
Stulberg, Magnus, Plufka, Mellen, and
Pauba
Commissioner Wire arrived at 6:35 P.M.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Coordinator
Sara McConn
City Engineer Sherm Goldberg
Planninq Secretary Grace Wineman
*CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION BY Commissioner. Pauba, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE
Stulberg to adopt the Consent Agenda as submitted.
6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
*MINUTES
MOTION by Commissioner Pauba, seconded by Commissioner NOTION TO APPROVE
Stulberg to approve the October 8, 1986 Minutes as
submitted.
VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by Roger Benson ROGER BENSON
for a Rezoning and Conditional Use Permit to expand an REZONING
existing single family dwelling to a two-family residence. CONDITIONAL USE
Reading of the October 10, 1986 Planning Staff Report was PERMIT (86109)
waived.
Chairman Steigerwald introduced Mr. Benson who had no
questions or comments. Chairman Steigerwald opened the
Public Hearing, as there was no one present to speak on this
item, the Public Hearing was closed.
MOTION by Commissioner Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE
Pauba to approve the Rezoning and Conditional Use Permit for
Roger Benson for property at 315 Zinnia Lane, subject to the
conditions as listed in the October 10, 1986 Planning Staff
Report.
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried.
lKwa
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
Page 210
October 22, 1986
Planning Commission Minutes
Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by Charles CHARLES CARLSON
Carlson for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the CONDITIONAL USE
construction of a single family residence in the R-2 Zoning PERMIT (86110)
District. Reading of the October 13, 1986 Planning Staff
Report was waived.
Chairman Steigerwald introduced Mr. Dale Kennedy,
representing the petitioner. Mr. Kennedy had no questions
or comments.
Chairman Steigerwald opened the Public Hearing, as no one
was present to speak on this item, the Public Hearing was
closed.
MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE
Stulberg to recommend approval for the Conditional Use
Permit for Charles Carlson for property at 440 Zinnia Lane,
subject to the conditions as listed in the October 13, 1986
Planning Staff Report.
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
MOTION by Commissioner Pauba, seconded by Commissioner *WELSH COMPANIES
Stulberg to recommend approval for the Site Plan for a SITE PLAN (86111)
15,000 sq. ft. office building in the northwest corner of MOTION TO APPROVE
County Road 9 and County Road 18, subject to the conditions
as listed in the October 13, 1986 Planning Staff Report.
VOTE 6 Ayes. MOTION carried.
Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by the City of
Plymouth for a Variance from Parking Requirements for
property at 10850 County Road 15. Reading of the October
16, 1986 Planning Staff Report was waived.
MOTION by Commissioner Magnus, seconded by Commissioner Wire
to recommend approval for the Variance from Parking
requirements, subject to the conditions as listed in the
October 16, 1986 Planning Staff Report.
VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried.
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
VARIANCE FROM
PARKING REQUIREMENTS
(86045)
MOTION TO APPROVE
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Steigerwald called a Recess until 8:00 P.M. RECESS
Page 211
October 22, 1986
Planning Commission Meeting
Chairman Steigerwald called to order the continuation of the
Public Hearing on Alpha Human Services, Inc., Site Plan and
Conditional Use Permit request.
Chairman Steigerwald explained the purpose of the meeting.
He advised that who wish to speak on the procedures to be
followed. A staff presentation will be given; the petition-
er, Mr. Gerald Kaplan would then give a presentation; a
representative for the residents group,CARE would then be
called on. Mr. Kaplan would respond to those questions and
comments; and, then those who filled out a blue card were tc
be called upon in alphabetical order.
Chairman Steigerwald requested an overview of the August
18/October 22, 1986 Staff Report by Coordinator McConn.
Chairman Steigerwald introduced Mr. Gerald Kaplan, Alpha
Human Services, Inc. Chairman Steigerwald inquired about
the future use of the proposed building, if the facility is
approved and put into operation; and, if the County were to
discontinue their contract. Mr. Kaplan stated they contract
with counties other than Hennepin County. Chairman
Steigerwald inquired should they go out of business, what
other use would be appropriate for this facility? Mr.
Kaplan stated it could be sold to another program with a
similar type of function, and as designed, could be easily
converted to office use.
Mr. Kaplan's consulting architect stated the building would
be one-half office and one-half residence facility, and
would be flexible in design to accommodate another type of
residential facility or office use.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired about licensing changes/
procedures if other types of felons were to be housed. Mr.
Kaplan stated any basic changes would have to go through the
State of Minnesota. If they treated other offenders it
would not require a change in the their license. The
criteria for licensing deals with the physical make-up of
the program and the fiscal status of the operator. The
State has previewed their plans for this location and have
given suggestions and direction for minor changes.
Mr. Kaplan reviewed the meetings held with citizen groups as
directed by the Planning Commission at the August 27, 1986
meeting. They held four community meetings, the first two
were at the City Center, 16 people attended the first
meeting, 28 people attended the second meeting. Two
meetings were held at the Alpha Human Services facility in
Minneapolis, 22 people attended the first meeting, no one
attended the second meeting.
7-
"___j a--
ALPHA HUMAN SERVICES
CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AND SITE PLAN
(86080)
Page 212
October 22, 1986
Planning Commission Meeting
Mr. Kaplan met with the Board for the Medicine Lake Home-
owner's Association at the invitation of Mr. Bob Scribner,
President. They provided information to the citizen's
group, CARE. He stated he was given a list of 36 questions
by Kristin Leonard, of CARE, but was given only seven days
to respond and did not have the time to devote to this
response. Many of the questions included in the list were
questions asked and responded to at the first Public Hearing
and the informational meetings; however, he regretted not
having the time to disseminate the information and respond
in a meaningful way.
Mr. Kaplan stated that in addressing the Conditional Use
Permit Criteria, they will talk about those relating to
community safety. Mr. Sohn Hermann, Attorney, would more
thoroughly address the legal applications. He stated there
will be a number of people who will offer testimony and
answer questions which will reflect on the satisfaction of
the Conditional Use Permit Criteria.
The long-term treatment programs offered were explained.
Options for those who are up for parole would be a.) out-
patient treatment; b.) no treatment; c.) in-patient treat-
ment (which is the bridge between out-patient and incarcer-
ation); or, d.) incarceration.
There is a nine to twelve month waiting list, the cycle
ranging from 3 to 9 months. He stated the program is not
detrimental to public safety; and, though it seems to stir
anxieties in neighborhoods, the program, once in place,
becomes unnoticed. He stated the best evaluation of the
impact is to evaluate the past performance of the facility.
The University of Minnesota, at his request, was asked to
prepare a review paper on recidivism studies on Alpha Human
Services. He read from the most recent 1981-1984 study and
from the letter dated October 22, 1986, presented to the
Commission as part of the public record.
He explained he had no involvement in the preparation of
studies, the requests are made by Hennepin County through
the Criminal Justice Information System (CAIS), and the
FBI.
He read from the Hennepin County 1983-1984 statistics as
staff dated October 22, 1986, and made part of the public
record. He stated the Minnesota Department of Corrections
report shows similar data. During the 14 years of operating
this facility he said there is no history of a client
offending from the current site; nor, does he believe this
would occur from the site under consideration for the new
facility. He reiterated that the current facility is in a
Page 213
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
residential neighborhood and there is a school nearby. He
requested the data presented be considered in determining if
this use causes risk.
He questioned some of the statistics used by CARE, as they
do not coincide with those from the Hennepin County report
regarding intra -familial figures.
Mr. Kaplan introduced Lt. Carolyn Daily, police officer, who
is familiar with the program and has been active with the
Ramsey County Child Abuse Team.
Lt. Daily stated her prime concern is for the victims and
crime prevention. She has worked with the Ramsey County
Child Abuse Team and Rape Crisis Center during the 20 years
she has been involved with crimes against persons. During
that time she became familiar with the Alpha Human Services
program and heard that it is an outstanding program. She is
personally impressed with the work done by them, which, in
her opinion, is beneficial in protecting and reducing the
number of victims. She addressed the safety issues noting
the close security which does not promote movement of in-
patients outside the facility without supervision. She
added that to her knowledge, there have been no crimes
reported in the neighborhood of the current facility in
Minneapolis which were attributed to the facility. She
stated the community would benefit from this treatment
program, and she would like to have a program like it in
Ramsey County.
Mr. Kaplan commented that the impact of the facility on a
neighborhood can be Judged by the record at the current
location and introduced Liz Van Zomeren, City of Minneapolis
Planning Department. Ms. Van Zomeren stated she has been
with the City of Minneapolis for two years, and was a
Regional Planner in Spencer, Iowa before this. She handles
Rezonings, Conditional Use Permits and their annual reviews,
Site Plans and, she works with the Minneapolis Planning
Commission. She noted the types of residential facilities
which include homes for the mentally retarded, chemically
dependent, Juvenile and adult treatment centers, group
homes, and boarding and care facilities.
She stated there are 120 community-based facilities. The
population served is 4,400 people in Minneapolis. Alpha
Human Services, Inc. is in an R -2B Zoning District, where
residential facilities require Conditional Use Permits. The
zoning restrictions for this District were described. She
stated the property values in the area have been stable with
some increase in value.
Page 214
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Alpha Human Services, Inc. was approved in 1973, the Permit
has been reviewed 16 times. At the time a Conditional Use
Permit is reviewed, Notices are sent to property owners
within 200 ft. Before the Public Hearing, signs are posted
on the property, the Notice is published in the legal news-
paper, and the Public Hearing is held by the Planning Com-
mission. There have been no adverse reports from the
neighborhood concerning the facility. There have been park-
ing concerns that are inherent with the City of Minneapolis,
especially during the winter months. During the two years
she has been reviewing the Conditional Use Permit, there
have been no negative reports from the neighbors or police.
Commissioner Magnus inquired if the property surrounding the
facility is rental or owner/occupied. Ms. Van Zomeren
stated it is a mix.
Mr. Kaplan stated they have not been perfect neighbors, but
have cooperated to resolve any complaints; the problems that
have surfaced have not involved community safety issues.
He introduced Dr. Glen dust, the Executive Director of
Nexus. Mr. Kaplan stated this facility is in a similar
neighborhood; that 60% of the individuals in this program
have been convicted of sex related crimes; and, is located
in a suburb. The Hennepin County Home School for juveniles
operates two cottages for sex offenders directly behind
Nexus. The school has some children who have been placed
from outside the County, as well as outside Minnesota.
There have been no occasions of sex offenses in nearby
neighborhoods.
Dr. Glen dust, stated he has worked as a parole officer,
taught at the University of Minnesota, and is the director
of Nexus in Minnetonka. He reiterated information regarding
the University of Minnesota research project relative to
recidivism, and that it is impartial in what it says and
does. Alpha Human Services has a fine reputation and they
are fortunate to have a director of Mr. Kaplan's calibre.
He stated he shares the same concerns as all parents. He
has an eight year old child who visits Nexus..
He stated to alleviate fears, residents are invited to tour
the facilities. Nexus shares the grounds with the Home
School. There is a Christian daycare close by, and there
are residences between Nexus and a grade school. To his
knowledge, the property values in the neighborhood have not
been affected; his home is nearby.
Page 215
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
They have successfully held a "haunted house" at Halloween,
which has been enjoyed by nearly 3,000 parents and chil-
dren. They will not run it this year because of an incident
of arson; the neighborhood is sorry they decided against
having the activity this year. He stated most community
response to these facilities is concern and fear, but after
time the concerns are forgotten. The program has been at
this location since 1977; there have been no incidents. He
encouraged those in attendance to consider all the informa-
tion on these programs before rejecting the facility; noting
that it is safer than having offenders moving freely
throughout the community. Since 1980, treatment program
population has doubled; the commmunities are safer with
treatment programs, rather than a direct return into the
community. Treatment does work and he is committed to these
programs.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired how many are in residence as
sex offenders. Dr. dust stated there are 45 residents, 60%
have committed a sex offense, many are committed for other
crimes. They have a sexual assessment program at Nexus.
He noted that Minnesota is a leader in the area of cor-
rectional treatment and its philosophy.
Commissioner Plufka inquired whether the program is predom-
inantly for juveniles? Dr. dust stated that 1/3 are
juveniles and 2/3 are adults. Commissioner Plufka inquired
if the community would be at greater risk with the treatment
of adults? Dr. dust stated they will reject a person when
it is felt that treatment will not work, which is done in
certain cases of both juvenile and adult treatment. They
are very selective in their evaluation of clients for the
program.
Commissioner Mellen asked for clarification of the statement
that the number of people incarcerated since 1980 has
doubled. Dr. dust stated that incarceration can be counter-
productive, and the number of people in treatment programs
increase the safety of the community, whereas going without
treatment increases the chance of a second offense.
Mr. Kaplan explained that Nexus is a single building, hous-
ing both the juvenile and adult programs, with the County
Home School, there is a large in-patient sex offender
population in one area in Minnetonka; and, there have been
few problems.
Mr. Kaplan introduced Mr. Dick Ericson, Minnesota Citizen's
Council on Crime. Mr. Ericson stated he served five years
on the Planning Commission in Arden Hills and understands
Page 216
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
the concerns relative to the Alpha Human Services facility.
Mr. Ericson was employed as a parole officer and is familiar
with treatment programs. He has had considerable experience
assisting the families of offenders and working with ex -
offenders. He conducted a study, oriented to the victim,
that resulted in a treatment program at Lino Lakes.
Mr. Ericson noted the public expense for building one cell,
and that the cost per inmate during imprisonment can be $40
to $50,000 yearly.
Mr. Ericson stated he has found no evidence that neighbor-
hoods with these treatment facilities are less safe. He was
on the Board of Directors for an open residence center in
New Britain, Connecticut; and for a center in Wheaton,
Illinois. There were no complaints about the clients and no
incidents which embarrassed the programs. Minnesota has one
of the lowest crime rates, and work at the community level
is one reason for this. Community treatment programs are in
the public interest as they have proven to be successful in
bringing about behavioral change.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired about the locations of the
facilities in the communities noted by Mr. Erickson. Dr.
Glen dust further explained that the facility in Wheaton is
in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The homes
there are valued from $200 to $450,000.00. In New Britain,
the facility is in a higher density residential neighborhood
where property values are lower than that of Wheaton. Both
areas have open campuses and the residents are often from
the inner-city. He admitted no one wants these facilities
at first, but, after a period of time, they don't want them
removed.
Commissioner Wire inquired about the type of building. Dr.
Just stated in both cases, there is a mix of cottages and a
dormitory -type structure, they are not typical of surround-
ing structures. Commissioner Wire inquired about the number
of clients. Dr. dust stated there are 57 in the New Britain
facility, 38 in the Wheaton facility. There is superb
compatibility with the community.
Commissioner Wire inquired about the out-patient program.
Dr. Oust stated there are 250 families per week that take
part in the out-patient program in Connecticut; and, in
Wheaton, there are 75 to 100 people in an out-patient
program, in addition to the residential program.
Paoe 217
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Mellen inquired about the criteria for accept-
ing clients. Dr. Just stated the Department of Corrections
makes referrals and they are put on a waiting list. It is
his impression in reviewing staff reports, that the clients
represent the entire range of persons in trouble.
Commissioner Stulberg inquired whether the treatment facili-
ties or homes were located first? Dr Just stated the
neighborhood was less developed at the time the facility was
put into operation, but clearly was residential in charac-
ter. The New Britain neighborhood and treatment facility
developed at about the same time.
Dr. Just introduced Bob Provost, Board Member, Minnesota
Citizen's Council on Crime & Justice, who stated he is a
resident of Golden Valley. He talked about the importance
of bringing the people of the community into the process.
Sexual abuse of children is a universal societal problem;
this program is an innovative way to deal with the problem.
He stated he does not envy the task Plymouth has been given;
acceptance is hard, but the community should give it its
best shot.
Mr. Kaplan introduced Bonny Miller, Hennepin County Com-
munity Service Department. She stated it is the responsi-
bility of Hennepin County to see to the dispersal of resi-
dential treatment facilities. The State legislature has
mandated the dispersal of these programs out of highly
concentrated communities and promotes the development of
these facilities in underserved areas. Consistent with
this, the County plan is to move these facilities from the
inner-city to suburban areas to give better service. In
1982, a mental health facility was established in Blooming-
ton and being involved in the meetings, she learned the
importance of the education needed regarding the programs
available to disabled people, and on treatment facilities in
general. They are working to establish an educational
program.
A final draft for an educational program for all residents
has just been completed with the recommendations. The task
force held six public hearings, these were similar to this
meeting where people expressed their fears and concerns. It
made no difference on the type of facility described, the
location, or the size of the facility. The importance of
this educational program is to dismiss the myth and expose
the stereotyping of disabled citizens. Ms. Miller stated
this education cannot be fully effective until it is
separated from the Conditional Use Permit process.
Page 218
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Chairman Steiqerwald inquired
yet been published? Ms. Miller
may be available yet in 1986.
if the educational plan had
stated not at this time, but
Commissioner Mellen inquired which communities were being
considered? Ms. Miller stated the planning is to reach each
suburban area.
Mr. Kaplan stated he will not repeat what was said at the
last Public Hearing and wants the Planning Commission and
area residents to realize the purpose of Alpha Human Ser-
vices is to reduce sexual victimization. Treatment is one
element of the solution; not a contribution to the problem.
Alpha is nationally recognized and this recognition would
not be granted if they were bringing crime into a
neighborhood.
Chairman Steigerwald called a Recess at 9:30 P.M.
Mr. Gerald Kaplan introduced Hennepin County Commissioner
Sohn Derrus. Mr. Derrus stated he does not envy the Commis-
sion's task. He served on the Minneapolis Planning Commis-
sion and it is a rough job. It is his opinion the program
is excellent and the people that run it are first rate. He
was asked to come and give the County Board position, he
explained that he does not represent Plymouth. Commissioner
Robb represents Plymouth and he is not representing Mr.
Robb. He explained the Board's critiera for funding a
program, such as in this case, 13 out of the 22 beds in the
current facility are funded which is about 50% of the
revenue. The Board's criteria is acceptance of the facility
and/or program in the community, as the funds are from the
Hennepin County tax payer and the Board must be aware of
support for such a facility. He stated he is aware of the
many telephone calls in opposition to this location. The
proponents for the program have a tough job to promote its
good, but the Board must consider the opposition to the
program. This is not to cast disparity on the benefits of
treatment programs, but those who are seeking a location for
the facility must find a place where they are comfortable;
and, the community/neighborhood must be comfortable with the
program. It is hoped a location can be found for them; how-
ever, as a Planning Commission member and County Commission-
er, there must be acceptance by the neighbors and
community; without that, the program may not survive.
In summary, the criteria is acceptance by the neighbors and
community; will it work in that community; and, if it can't
work, the program may not continue to receive funding from
Hennepin County.
RECESS
M
Page 219
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Chairman Steigerwald inquired where such a community would
be that would show total acceptance? Commissioner Derrus
stated this facility is in a community now and it is not
impossible to say there are areas where these facilities
could locate again.
Chairman Steigerwald opened the Public Hearing.
Carol Brownell, 3060 Rosewood Lane, representing the
citizen's group, CARE. Ms. Brownell stated she has been
active with citizen concerns in Plymouth and cares about the
community. She presented a packet of information from CARE
to the Planning Commission. She introduced three experts,
the first of whom was Dr. Renee Fredrickson, St. Paul,
Minnesota. Dr. Fredrickson is in private practice and has
experience in the area of child sexual abuse. She has
worked with the Army Chief of Staff and has counseled
soldiers and their families.
Dr. Fredrickson stated it is her opinion this is a poor
choice of site for a facility with this type of treatment
program. She has worked with sex offenders and the children
abused by offenders. The offenders show compulsive
addictive behavior. Treatment can arrest it, but in stress
situations, the offender can revert to old behavior patterns
in spite of treatment. She discussed the vulnerability of
children and the offender's anticipated maneuverability of
the child.
Dr. Fredrickson agreed with the conviction rates; the
statistics for non -reporting of incidents; and, regrets
those which are not prosecutable. Children cannot or will
not tell about incidents due to embarrassment and tend to
keep it to themselves. Only after prolonged and careful
examination and encouragement will a child talk about the
abuse. The risk for a child is increased in those families
where abuse occurs. One out of four families have abusive
situations. The low income and single parent families are
more susceptible.
Seventy percent of adult victims never reported the abuse
suffered as children. The abuse of.children, six years and
under, have a low conviction rate, and the children carry
very damaging secrets.
Upon visiting the site, she found it is used as a playground
now, it is next to multiple housing where there is a high
percentage of single parent families and families of low to
moderate incomes. The site is close to a bar. It is a
very poor choice for this treatment facility. She said it
would be easy for an offender to establish a relationship.
Page 220
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
She noted her concern for the children in this neighborhood,
they will need to be educated in "street smarts" and
safety. They have not grown up in the inner-city. There
will be fear and bad feelings, teaching will cause these
reactions. She urges the Commission to consider the fact
that this is a poor site for a treatment center, the area is
saturated with children and this could be asking for
trouble.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired if she had dealt with clients
of Alpha Human Services, Inc. Dr. Fredrickson stated no,
her clients are treated on an out-patient basis.
Commissioner Plufka inquired about her statement that it
takes 10 minutes for the offender to strike up an acquain-
tance with victim. Dr. Fredrickson stated this is the time
it takes to complete the act. Commissioner Plufka noted
that rape by a stranger is a must smaller percentage and
inquired, from what the Dr. knows about the program, how do
we control and limit outside contact (i.e., the buddy system
that is used). She stated it depends on the degree of
enabling, and if both agree to disobey. This may be a
safety factor, but not a safety guarantee. She stated that
Alpha does a good Job with safety, but this issue is regard-
ing the site they have selected.
Commissioner Plufka inquired what would be a good site? Dr.
Fredrickson stated if she were to pick a site, it would. be
in an industrial area, away from children, especially areas
with a high concentration of single parent families, and not
next to a bar.
Commissioner Wire inquired which program would be less safe,
the in-house treatment, or the out-patient, group therapy
clients? Dr. Fredrickson stated the out-patient would have
more opportunity, but these people return to their own
neighborhoods.
Commissioner Mellen inquired if she were basing her opinion
on the fact that there are low-income families in this
neighborhood? She stated this is correct, and, because of
the nearby bar, playgrounds, beaches, and high density
residential area. She stated it is painfully obvious this
is a poor site.
Commissioner Plufka inquired where Dr. Fredrickson conducts
her out-patient treatment. She stated her therapy office is
in an office building in St. Paul, near I-280 and Industrial
Blvd., near St. Anthony Park.
Page 221
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Maqnus inquired if she is familiar with Alpha
Human Services, Inc. Dr. Fredrickson stated she has read
and heard about the treatment program, but has not visited
the facility.
Dr. dames M. Schaefer, a faculty member at the University of
Minnesota, stated he is a resident of Plymouth and lives at
3045 Oakview Lane, a mile from the proposed site. He con-
curs that the site selected by Alpha Human Services is
inappropriate. His concern is alcohol and drug abuse, and
that the clients are also sex offenders. He stated that
when he came to Minnesota there were an incredible number of
family intimacy problems not being treated. Attention is
finally coming forward and the most humane solution is a
good treatment program. Those offenders in prison are often
violently abused by other inmates. The location for these
treatment centers must also be humane; they should be
located in a low risk area so there are less incidents of
relapse. The proposed site, is the worst site for relapse
and potential for antisocial behavior. Medicine Lake is a
recreational area for families, there are parks and play-
grounds for children, and there should not be this kind of
exposure for the children. He stated the relapse is trig-
gered through temptation, especially near children who come
from unstructured homes. He stated there are nine liquor
outlets in this area. It is a very high risk area.
He concurred with the statements regarding addictive
behavior. Sexual abusers are addicted, similar to chemical
dependency and alcohol abuse. He stated the community cares
about these people and wants good treatment for them. Alpha
Human Services is the best, but the facility should be in
the best setting possible. The proposed location is totally
inappropriate. He encouraged the Commission to say no to
this location for this facility.
Commissioner Magnus inquired if Dr. Schaefer had visited the
present site of Alpha Human Services in Minneapolis? He
stated he had not, but has heard of the treatment program
and that it has a good reputation.
Commissioner Magnus inquired what the difference would be
between the residential neighborhood in Minneapolis and this
site? Dr. Schaefer stated that Alpha Human Services has
been at the Minneapolis location for some time and has
worked out a relationship with the neighborhood. However,
this site is bad because of the number of children and the
the availability of liquor; all of which can cause persons
under treatment to relapse. It does not seem logical to
take this chance.
Page 222_
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
The Commission inquired where Dr. Schaefer would find a good
site. He responded that a secluded site, away from people
should be chosen.
Mr. Wally Scheer, 3725 Evergreen Lane, stated he works in
real estate and sells homes in Plymouth. He has lived here
for 20 years. Even though he is not a member of CARE, they
asked him to speak on valuation of property in the vicinity
of the proposed site for the Alpha Human Services, Inc.
facility. Values are arrived at and defined by realtors as
the highest price the buyer is willing to pay; the number of
potential buyers who are interested in the property; the
positive and negative factors regarding the type of home;
and, the price range. It only takes one negative factor to
take away from a number of positive factors given a
property. Evaluation of the property includes the condition
of the property, the size, the asking price, utility avail-
ability, and location. Location is the only factor that
can't be changed; if this facility is located on the pro-
posed site, it will be part of this neighborhood forever.
He gave examples of negative factors: Busy streets, close
to a freeway, close to an industrial area; and buyers will
not pay as much for residential properties in these areas.
Postive factors are parks, lake shore, wildlife areas, cul-
de-sac streets, and safety.
The conclusion regarding property in an area containing a
treatment facility such as Alpha Human Services, Inc., is,
that it would be worth less. It will also have a far reach-
ing effect, even to the East Plymouth areas of Medicine
Lake. The lake draws people and gives enjoyment to all its
users, the citizens of Plymouth and those from other areas
who visit the Regional Park. These people have children and
they will be reluctant to take children to the lake or allow
them to go to the beaches. Mr. Kaplan has made some good
statements regarding the safety record for Alpha Human Ser-
vices, but people's perceptions sell property, and people
will not be willing to buy a home in an area where a treat-
ment facility such as this is located. It is logical that
the buyers will penalize the sellers of property near this
type of facility.
Commissioner Plufka inquired if there is any evidence that
the Conditional Use Permits granted to other facilities such
as corrections facilities; detox centers; group homes; et
al, have a demonstrable effect on property values? Mr.
Scheer stated all these areas, such as the area around the
Hennepin County Corrections facility, have stayed depressed
for a longer period of time than other residential areas.
The Mission facilities have had a negative impact countered
by the postive factor of the Hennepin County Regional Park.
Page 223
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Plufka asked if Mr. Scheer had brought data
confirming his statements on property values? Mr. Scheer
stated he had not, but could make this data available to the
Commission. Commissioner Mellen stated he would like to see
any statistics regarding property values in the area of the
Hennepin County Corrections facility, based on his studies,
it does not seem to have depressed property values.
Carol Brownell stated she worked with the citizen's group
KLEAN, that was instrumental in keeping a hazardous waste
facility out of Plymouth, and has been involved with the
schools and the Homeowner Associations. She learned of this
proposal, and, even though she has no investment in the
area, she is the mother of five children and questions the
wisdom of locating such a facility in this neighborhood.
Even though, it has been a personal and family sacrifice,
she set aside the time required to get information and work
with CARE. She traveled to Washington, D.C. to see dames
Brailing, of the National Institute of Mental Health. She
was told the City should investigate thoroughly, and give
total scrutiny to the placement of such a treatment facili-
ty. Good treatment programs are necessary, but to put a
facility of this kind in an area with so many children; so
many liquor establishments; and, the proximity of the
beaches and parks, is irresponsible. She believes this
application should be withdrawn, if not for the patients of
the facility or the residents of the area, it should be done
for the victims of sexual, alcohol, and chemical abusers.
She read the letter she prepared for submission to the Plan-
ning Commission which is part of the public record.
Ms. Brownell displayed an overhead transparency which
depicted that 104 children live within 500 ft. of the pro-
posed facility and, there is a "Park & Ride" lot nearby.
METROLINK employees 3 women drivers and funding for the ser-
vice depends upon increased ridership. Women would not want
to park in the "Park & Ride" lot, especially those returning
to their cars late in the evening. She wonders if the bus
service in Plymouth will be adequate for Alpha Human
Service's needs?
She noted that it has been stated this is the only
community-based treatment facility for sexual offenders in
the nation. Why then have no other communities followed
this example?
She described a molestation problem at the Jefferson school,
near the Minneapolis location. The children were instructed
to go to the bathrooms in groups. The offender was not
part of the Alpha Human Services treatment program; but,
this brings the safety problems into sharp focus.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Ms. Brownell noted Dr. Brailing's statement that, satellite
areas should be available for treatment facilities and they
should not saturate any one community.
Peter Behrer stated to Ms. Brownell in her discussions with
him that, other states are sending offenders to treatment
facilities and will send the worst of the offenders. He
discussed the staffing and salary requirements of employees;
the criteria for hiring those employees; and, the rate of
burn -out. he questioned happens to the facility without the
direction of Mr. Kaplan. Commissioner Plufka inquired if
Mr. Behrer has knowledge of the criteria for acceptance by
Alpha Human Services? Alpha Human Services is known by
reputation and is a good program; but, specific criteria
were not known.
Carol Brownell stated that the Ordinance criteria covering
the health, welfare, and public safety are the most impor-
tant in considering the issuance of a Conditional Use
Permit. The Commission should consider the investments of
the property owners; be aware that allowing this facility
will not enhance, but will endanger the citizens; and, that
it will be a detriment to the community.
Terrie Christian, 9910 South Shore Dr., stated she attended
the August Planning Commission meeting. She reiterated her
statements at that meeting, outlining her personal history
as a victim of sexual abuse. She confirmed the statements
made about victims, in that she sought approval; wanted to
be a "good child"; and, she thought it was her fault. She
stated that fear changes people, and fear can change a com-
munity. This fear is a desirable thing to the abusers.
She presented a packet of information prepared by CARE to
the Commission which includes data made available by Dr.
Jean Able, which is part of the public record.
She reviewed the information and related the difference be-
tween the male and female victims of abuse. When a girl is
abused, she will internalize the experience; while the boy,
becomes an abuser. She noted the statistics show that the
offender who molests young boys is the most difficult to
treat; especially if they are threatened with prison and
forced into treatment. She stated that in talking with Mr.
Kaplan, his own figures support those of Dr. Able.
During the August meeting, she felt that Mr. Kaplan, in
responding to her statements on her life experiences and the
questions she asked, minimized the problem of safety for the
community. She stated recidivism is not an accurate measure
of safety.
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
She has talked to Hennepin County relative to the funding
for Alpha Human Services, Inc. She has found it difficult
to get accurate information from Mr. Kaplan which does not
increase her comfort level concerning this facility, which
is under his direction. She stated that Mr. Kaplan made the
statement at the August meeting, that it was unfair to have
victims of sexual abuse speak and voice their concerns.
Ms. Kristin Leonard noted that Mr. Kaplan stated the
facility has been accepted by the neighborhood people at the
Minneapolis location. She received information from Mr.
Charles Smith, a neighbor, who has collected a file on the
facility since its inception. He attended the Minneapolis
City Council meetings concerning the facility; they would
not listen to him. Commissioner Mellen asked about the
validity of the information. Ms. Leonard stated the file
includes newspaper articles, etc.; however, she has not read
all the materials in the file. She stated Mr. Smith came to
her this evening and emphasized this facility should not be
allowed in Plymouth.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired if Ms. Leonard had an address
for Mr. Smith? She stated she would check to see if she has
this information. Chairman Steigerwald stated he had seen
the file.
Chairman Steigerwald called a Recess at 11:00 P.M. RECESS
Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to respond to the com-
ments and questions from the representatives for CARE.
Mr. Kaplan inquired if the Commission had any questions of
their Architect, Brian Novak. As there were no questions or
comments, Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to respond
to the comments made by Dr. Renee Fredrickson. Mr. Kaplan
stated he is not familiar with the structure and account-
ability of the program run by Dr. Fredrickson. He stated it
is not true that there would be interaction between the
children of the community and the clients under treatment at
Alpha Human Services, Inc.
Richard Draeger, Program Coordinator, stated that at the
time the client is accepted, it is 9 months to a year before
they are allowed to leave the facility on their own. They
need to be with a staff member, or one or two other
residents.
He discussed the concerns brought up about the enabling
process which is part of their program; and, whether these
people go into collusion and revert to anti -social behavior
while together. The overall treatment program for each
Page 226
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
person is reviewed before they are allowed to take part in
enabling. They are under the Jurisdiction of a probation
officer, and also have the benefit of treatment for other
problems such as alcoholism and chemical dependency. Each
member of a team has a different offense, they are teamed
because it is felt these differences will keep them honest.
It is the opinion of those work with this program, that the
method works.
Another form of security is the sign -in, sign -out regula-
tions. In order to leave, the client must write a request
and have it approved by staff. The staff has a sense about
the support needed by each client. When they sign -out they
log in the time they leave, the address of their destina-
tion, and the telephone number. The staff can periodically
check on the client; if there are incidents of their not
following the rules, this can result in their termination
from the treatment program and their return to prison. This
system is in use now, and they know where all the clients
are at any given time. They also conduct head counts every
hour during the 24 hours. This is varied so that there is
no set pattern.
Mr. Kaplan explained the support system, he knows it sounds
"silly", but the clients don't take chances on returning to
prison for breaking regulations set down during treatment.
Regarding comments on the proposed site, he feels they are
getting it from both sides in that the site is said to be
beautiful, but bad due to nearby bars. In Minneapolis,
there are natural barriers and these are exceptions to the
one-half mile spacing requirement for these facilities. He
wants to cooperate with the the community and has offered
information regarding the precautions they take, and their
track record as a safe facility. They will not allow chil-
dren on the property. It is their feeling they can give
assistance with community education, and will do everything
in their power not to be a community problem.
He stated he is not familiar with Dr. Fredrickson's therapy
program, but he has difficulty in seeing the relationship
between the Alpha Human Services treatment program and the
out-patient therapy program run by Dr. Fredrickson. The
program at Alpha Human Services is run in response to regu-
lations of probation, where a re -offender is certain to be
terminated and their probation revoked. There is no ques-
tion that this is how it should be done. He does not under-
stand Dr. Fredrickson's criticism of the Alpha Human
Services' program.
In response to comments by Dr. Schaefer, Mr. Kaplan stated
there is concern about the availability of liquor and the
treatment of the chemically dependent. The problem is these
T- 3 0...,
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Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
individuals will need to deal with the same barrage of
stimuli. Bed checks are done and there is 24 hour monitor-
ing and observance of the in -patients. However, they need
to be realistic and in the Minneapolis area, liquor is
served near the facility (the Hennepin -Lake area for
example). These are critical issues and must be addressed
therapeutically. Sex offending is not primarily related to
chemical dependency and alcoholism; there are many reasons
for anti -social behavior; but, it does compound the
problems.
Mr. Kaplan disagrees with the assessment of the proposed
site due to liquor and bars. He doubts there would be
relapse due to bars, their program is rigidly structured and
it would seem unlikely the clients would go next door to
drink, jeopordizing their probation to end up facing
re-inprisonment.
In response to Mr. Scheer regarding property values, Mr.
Kaplan admitted this could be a short term impact, but the
residents have brought some of this on themselves with the
vocal publicity regarding the proposed facility. He stated
this can inhibit the sale of property while it is going on,
but once things settle down, it will not be a significant
issue. The City of Minneapolis studies show no difference
in the value of properties in neighborhoods where these
facilities are in operation. He presented a study and it
was entered into the public record.
Mr. Kaplan asked Commissioner Mellen if Mr. Scheer's find-
ings were consistent with the knowledge he has of this
area? Commissioner Mellen stated that overall, during his
research, there seemed to be no difference in property
values.
In response to Carol Brownell, Mr. Kaplan stated their hir-
ing policies are the same as any other agency. They keep
resumes on file, they run ads in professional journals, and
news letters. They are aware of people who work in the
field. They have two levels of positions, counselor level,
and psychologist. It is difficult work; but the staff does
not suffer from burn -out, nor have they been lax. He main-
tains veto power on staff decisions, but, he appreciates the
wisdom of his staff. Staff people do make significant
decisions regarding the clients, collectively and not
individually.
In response to the information given about the Oregon pro-
gram, he cannot defend nor make statements about this pro-
gram as it may not be the same type of program with which he
is familiar. As far as the statistics, they are not on
people who are in treatment. It is important to have
information on those in treatment; those not being treated;
and, those who have completed treatment.
Page 228
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
In response to Mr. Beher, he doesn't agree with the asses-
sment of out-of-state people. Twenty-five percent of his
clients are from out-of-state; the Nexus program has 25%
out-of-state clients, and both programs have good safety
records. He stated they screen these clients very care-
fully. Mr. Beher's basic premise is wrong. In the case of
care and in -take, they will the send so-called "bad ones" if
special care is required. Pre-screening of these people are
done by the courts, and a more stringent assessment is
accomplished by Alpha Human Services, Inc. before the client
is accepted. He noted the availability of a support system,
such as family members, is very important to the client and
the program.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired what will happen when Mr.
Kaplan decides to leave Alpha Human Services, Inc.? Mr.
Kaplan appreciates the compliment and the feeling that he
has been such a strong influence on the program. The pro-
gram has improved over the years, and can survive because of
the excellent staff and program guidelines. Alpha Human
Services, Inc. has a superb Board of Directors and they will
be responsible to select a new Director.
In response to Terrie Christian, he empathizes and does not
dispute the devastation suffered because of childhood
abuse. This is the very reason why this program exists. If
recidivism is so high, why not treat those people, rather
than turning them out onto the street. A vast majority of
sexual offenders do go to prison.
He has been painfully honest about the program when talking
with CARE representatives, however, he believes they are
building their arguments on the information he has provided
to them, and he hopes the Commission recognizes this. He
described phone calls made to one of the Board of Direc-
tors. He has been involved with the purchase of land for
the facility, and has been advised about harassment of Board
members regarding the purchase of land. He feels the same
about CARE's statistics as they do about his; and, in res-
ponse to Ms. Christian's comments on their budget, the maxi-
mum revenue is generated through the out-patient programs
and the revenue is returned to Hennepin County. Alpha Human
Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization, and he
is salaried.
In response to the comment that he, "did not think it fair
for rape victims to speak", he believes his comment was that
it is not fair for rape victims to make emotional appeals
and divert attention from the basic issues. The assumption
has been made that the people treated at Alpha Human Ser-
vices would commit offenses in the community. He does not
believe it is fair to be put in the position of arguing this
point, when they have provided information regarding their
safety record to date. He emphasized that he does not argue
the devastation and trauma to children who are victims of
sexual abuse.
7=. 3 �,
Page 229
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Wire inquired about the selection criteria for
the site. Mr. Kaplan stated they look for accessibility for
the people who use the services; clients; and, probation
officers. They sought a site that was not in a decayed
neighborhood where there was an obvious high crime rate or,
where there may be porno shops and drug dealing. The pro-
posed site is large and they will use only one acre for
their facility. The land is not prime real estate. It was
thought their plans would be better received by the City in
that there are few developable uses for this property.
There is access to downtown; it is close to Highway 55; they
would not be intruded on; and, could protect the safety of
the area. The clients would not use the beaches or lake
shore; and, while they are out, they are supervised. There
are natural barriers to the site such as the nearby railroad
tracks.
Commissioner Wire inquired if the clients at the Minneapolis
facility frequent bars? Mr. Kaplan stated, absolutely not,
it is a totally dry facility. The exception would be allow-
ing gay interaction and, while under supervision, allowing
them to visit a gay bar. Commissioner Wire inquired if
pairs would be allowed to go out into the area's recreation-
al facilities? Mr. Kaplan stated no, some clients are
involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and group therapy; adult
activities are planned; but they would not be using the
beaches at Medicine Lake. As they go further into treat-
ment, they could be permitted to work in the area, such as
snow removal. Commissioner Wire inquired how transportation
would be handled, and, would they be out walking?
Richard Dreager, Program Coordinator, stated if there was a
specific reason and destination, this could be considered
and approved. It could be for such things as picking up a
prescription at a local drug store; however, the staff would
always know the time of departure, the location, and the
time they would return.
Commissioner Wire inquired about allowing the use of the
commercial areas but not the recreational facilities, and
can this be controlled.? Mr. Kaplan stated it can and is
monitored at their present facility.
Commissioner Pauba inquired if Mr. Kaplan knows Mr. Smith,
who was quoted by the representatives of CARE? Mr. Kaplan
stated yes, Mr. Smith is a neighbor and there have been some
minor difficulties, such as an incident with a ladder in
1971. Alpha Human Services, Inc., borrowed the ladder and
some paint was spilled on it. There was another incident
when a car was bumped while parked in front of Mr. Smith's
home. He has tried to resolve all the difficulties and Mr.
Smith does not seem to mind the residents of Alpha Human
Services, Inc. Mr. Kaplan stated he believes Mr. Smith
can't stand him. He does not know what is in Mr. Smith's
file.
Page 230
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Chairman Steigerwald introduced Rev. Elmer Alajoki, 13025
47th Avenue North. Rev. Alajoki, stated his church is at
13030 47th Avenue North and has 800 parishioners, 240
children attend their Sunday school. He stated there are
from 400 to 500 children under 18 years of age in the neigh-
borhood. He has listened to the pros and cons and cannot
recommend this site for this facility. We must be respons-
ible for our children, and bring them up under the best
circumstances possible. Even one incident of abuse or
molestation from this facility would be one too many; only
one child being hurt is one too many.
Mr. Sam Albert and Mr. Greg Apel were not present when
called.
Marion Bohnsack, 330 Zinnia Lane North, stated she is active
in a Homeowner's Association. The citizen's group, CARE,
asked her to attend this meeting. She stated her children
are reaching the age of independence; they ride their bikes,
fish in Medicine Lake, and use the beaches. She had thought
that not so much supervision would be required now. This
facility will cause extreme concern when children ask to qo
out and attend functions away from home. She inquired if
this facility will require additional public service person-
nel for police and fire? Will this facility be on the
City's tax rolls? Does this facility have a high turnover
of staff? What is the staff -client ratio? She realizes the
in-patient clients are supervised, but what about the out-
patients, are they monitored?
Kathy Baker, 2531 West Medicine Lake Drive, agrees with the
need for treatment but the proposed site is not approp-
riate. She does not want to have to lock her doors like
they do in Minneapolis. She understands incidents from the
Minneapolis facility are relatively rare, but there is still
the possibility when a client has received permission to go
out for a specific reason, they could go out and do some-
thing completely different. The kids in the suburbs are not
"street -wise" and would be more susceptible than the kids in
Minneapolis.
Sharon Carolla, 3765 Trenton Lane, stated she works in real
estate, and supports Mr. Scheer's professional opinion. She
once lived in the Fremont area of Minneapolis and it has
deteriorated greatly. Women should not be out at night in
that neighborhood; but, the Hennepin -Lake area is just
fine. Plymouth has more than its share of these facilities;
many were here before Plymouth began to develop. It is true
there is a concentration of residential treatment facilities
and group homes in Minneapolis; and, she wonders how many
are in Edina? She noted that the property values in
Minneapolis can't go any lower.
Page 231
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Bill Cavanaugh, 2015 No. Aquila Ave., Golden Valley, inquir-
ed about the Ordinance criteria for Conditional Use Permits
regarding safety. He stated the Ordinance reflects the
City's regard for public safety, and these public rights go
back to the Constitution. It is the City's responsibility
to assure everyone's overall safety which is every citizen's
right. If the homeowners in this area are in the low to
median income group, they need more security. There should
be a facility proposed for the victims, not the offenders.
Kevin Christian, 9910 South Shore Dr., stated he lives six
block from the proposed site. He doesn't want to have to
fence his property, or put up barbed wire, or get guard
dogs. He stated the proposed facility will cause neighbor-
hood stress. He is not at all convinced that the out-
patients can be controlled as stated; and he is sure it will
not enhance the value of property in the area. The statis-
tics given are all in the past tense, it is the future the
neighborhood residents are worried about. They have an
investment in the future of the community; and, if there is
one crime committed, it will be one too many. He does not
believe comparisons can be made between Minneapolis and
Plymouth.
Byron Danelius, 2980 Norwood Lane, questioned why this
facility must be placed in a residential neighborhood.
Northern Minnesota, which is less densely populated would
make this facility more effective. He questioned integrat-
ing the clients back into the area, and drew an analogy of
an experimental laboratory.
Bonnie Eveland, 1457 Larch Lane, stated she has two small
children, pre-school age. She is concerned about their
safety and is concerned that Mr. Kaplan is asking Plymouth
to put their children in jeopardy. She is also concerned
that the facility once in operation, will increase its size
and number of clients. Will this mean that persons under
treatment as out-patients would be moving into Plymouth?
Walt Giesmann, 135 Niagara Lane, stated he doesn't live in
this area of Plymouth. However, he sympathizes with the
people living near the proposed site, as he lives near the
Hennepin County Corrections facilility. He has been bother-
ed by those who visit that facility, and they are not desir-
able people. They have, on occasion, come to his home to
ask to use the phone, etc. He asked that a phone be put on
15th Avenue and Niagara Lane.
Jackie Goetsch, was not present when called upon.
Melvin R. Harris, 1304 West Medicine Lake Dr., has been
listening to all the comments and believes in Dr. Kaplan's
sincerity. The question is the position of this body, and
Page 232
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
whether they will make a decision that the location of this
facility is appropriate, and if it is not, to be expected to
rule on an appropriate site.
He doesn't believe this is a fair question for the City to
answer. Alpha Human Services, Inc., must find their own
site. He is not concerned, or entirely convinced that it
will lower property values; but, if an accident happens
there is the possibility of personal liability and law
suits. Are the Planning Commissioners willing to take this
risk?
Fred Hatten, 3140 Harbor Lane, represents the Dominium
Management Group. Dominium owns the "Willowood" develop-
ment, and he is the property superintendent. Willowood con-
sists of 40 townhomes. There are 104 children living here,
86 of the children are age 12 and under. He stated that out
of the 40 townhomes he has letters from 19 residents who
will vacate these premises if the Alpha Human Services
facility is permitted. Regarding Mr. Kaplan statements
about their safety record, this assurance is not good
enough. He asks the Commission to vote no.
Don Howell, was not present when called upon.
Steve Huber, 10850 South Shore Dr., stated he met with Mr.
Kaplan at one of the scheduled meetings and posed the
question on how the residents can educate their children.
He has yet to receive an answer. How will they keep those
people away from the residents, will they have a security
system?
Arlene Johnson, 3535 Rosewood Lane, stated that if the
clients are outside for exercise, this suggests there will
be casual contact. She fears the coming and going of out-
patients and that they will relocate in Plymouth because of
the facility. She quoted Mr. Kaplan's statements on statis-
tics given for the years 1981 and 1982 showing 39 clients
completing treatment and 21 did not. She does not believe
this reflects a roaring success and is concerned about the
thoroughness of the program. She is concerned about the in-
take system and suggests that the out-of-state, and out -of -
county clients be treated where they live; let other
counties and states build their own facilities.
Kris Johnson, Oakview Lane North, inquired what Plymouth
would gain by allowing this facility to locate here. There
are too many of these treatment facilities and group homes
now. She is concerned about security for the schools and
the fact that there is a battered women's shelter in the
area. When her son asks her what kind of treatment program
this is, how can she explain?
Page 233
Planning Commission Mi.iutes
October 22, 1986
Therese Johnson, 114 Vinewood Lane, cited the Zoning Ordin-
ance, and the definition of public/semi-public; noting this
facility is not open to the public; not open to membership;
and, if a resident walked in and asked for help, they could
not utilize the facility. It is her opinion this facility
does not meet the criteria for approving a Conditional Use
Permit and it obviously is undesirable to locate this
facility in a residential area.
Pat Katzmarek and Robin Lovisolo were not present when
called upon.
Gloria Nordquist, 1304 West Medicine Lake Dr., lives across
the railroad tracks and this proposed facility will be in
her back yard. She missed the first part of the meeting and
wants to know how the out-patients will be transported to
and from the facility. The bus service to Plymouth may not
serve those people coming to the facility during evening
hours, and there is no, or limited bus service on Saturday
or Sunday. She noted this area has a high percentage of
robberies and theft and it does not make any sense to add
more problems.
Jeffrey Peters was not present when called upon.
Richard Peterson, 187 Peninsula Road, Medicine Lake, stated
the risk to the area is the issue. The proposal is for 48
men in residence, with possibly an additional 15; this could
mean there would be 60 plus clients at the facility; and, an
additional 70 out-patients would put the community at risk.
He respects the program, but it is not perfect. He feels
the program is the best it can be but it doesn't always
work. If this facility were for the victims, he would not
oppose it. It is his opinion that Alpha Human Services,
Inc. should look for a site in undeveloped areas, then, new
residents could choose whether they want to live there. He
encouraged the Commission to listen to the residents, and to
consider the comments made by Commissioner Derrus; this is
what democracy is all about.
George Realmuto, 11335 40th Avenue North, stated he is an
Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota and has
dealt with abused, traumatized children and knows the prob-
lems well. He questions the methodology of treatment and
feels that evaluation of the clients is difficult. It is
his opinion that recidivism studies are not a good measure.
John Riley, 264 Peninsula Road, Medicine Lake, noted that
everything he wanted to comment on has been said, but he
would like an answer to the rhetorical question of how we
tell our children what this is about; how do we protect
them.? He believes that by instilling this knowledge it will
instill fear into his family. This facility is an invasion
of their privacy and he is opposed to approving the request.
Page 234
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
I. Robinson, 2345 West Medicine Lake Dr., stated he was
formerly an administrator for a three-county mental health
treatment facility in Wisconsin. Out-of-state and out-of-
county patients that were treated there eventually found
Jobs and relocated to the area in Madison, Wisconsin. This
raises, out of proportion, the number of people who may need
counseling for inappropriate behavior, and tends to concen-
trate these popluations into small areas. There has been a
significant increase in the number of sexual offenses, and
convictions are only a tiny fraction of this number. The
statistics should be considered as not reflecting the real
and actual present day problems. The welfare of the chil-
dren of Plymouth should be considered first. Importing
rapists and child molestors destroy young lives.
Geraldine Robinson, 2345 West Medicine Lake Dr., stated she
is a practicing psychologist, a parent, and resident of
Plymouth. She opposes this facility. She has treated
abused children, and adults who were victimized as
children. She also questions the statistics used, and it is
her opinion the court's statistics are not reflective of the
problem. The impact of locating this facility in a resi-
dential area is profound and can cause a climate of "social
paranoia and disrupt normal development of the community.
Sexual abuse has enduring effects. She opposes this facil-
ity in this neighborhood. The residents should not be
subjected to this risk.
Phyllis Roisum, 1304 West Medicine Lake Dr., stated she
attended a meeting held by Mr. Kaplan where she was told
that alternate sites had been considered for the facility.
In the case of a site in Richfield, they withdrew their
application because of community pressure, but, they have no
intention of withdrawing the application made with the City
of Plymouth. Why are the concerns expressed by the resi-
dents of Plymouth less important? The taxpayers in Plymouth
are opposed to this facility.
Judi Rubin, 264 Pensinsula Rd., Medicine Lake, stated she
appreciates the thoroughness of the Planning Commission.
Her concern is that the children will become familiar with
the Alpha residents; that these people will be moving
throughout the community; and, that this familiarity will
breed trust. Children are trusting, and react to friendly
overtures from people. She knows it is a responsible pro-
gram, but the fact remains that adults and children outside
the family, are victimized. It concerns her that the
clients in the program move through the course of treatment
faster than if they were incarcerated in the Hennepin County
Corrections facility. She encourages the Planning
Commission to vote no.
_7�> a1
Page 235
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Paul Samson, 8 Kaiser, read an article that was published in
an edition of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS. It dealt with a
nationwide hunt for a Minneapolis man who escaped from a
treatment center. He was convicted in 1974 for molesting
two girls. He was then released from Stillwater prison for
counseling at Alpha Human Services, Inc. In 1979 he was
convicted of rape, served 4 112 years, paroled in 1984. He
molested two girls and was sentenced to 7 years, again was
paroled and put into treatment. He escaped, and was to be
returned to Stillwater for psychiatric treatment. He has
not admitted any wrong doing and protests his innocence. He
has been described as a dangerous offender. It is time the
criminals pay the price instead of the victims.
Steve Shipley, 3525 Rosewood Lane, has heard no resident say
they are all for having Alpha Human Services, Inc. on the
proposed site. He has attended City Council meetings, and
has never seen this number of people in attendance. To
represent Plymouth, the Commission should vote no.
Beth Stockingen was not present when called upon.
Sohn Stubstad, 181 Peninsula Rd., Medicine Lake, stated he
has heard that Alpha Human Services, Inc. is experimental,
and he questions the success of the program. This is not a
good site; there is ground cover, trees, and brush on and
near the site which increases the danger to children playing
in the area. Plymouth needs tighter zoning laws as he has
talked to others who say that Plymouth is noted for its
"loose zoning laws".
Rosemary Wiederholt, 187 Peninsula Rd., Medicine Lake,
stated she tried to be factual and non -emotional in getting
historical data concerning Alpha Human Services, Inc., and
other programs of its type. When at NEXUS, she noted the
day care center's proximity and talked to mothers coming to
the center about the treatment programs. One mother stated
she was a nurse on the campus and stated that there is not a
treatment center for sex offenders. She changed her ques-
tions, and inquired "what is Nexus?" and was told it is a
treatment center for alcoholics. She stated her intention
is not to tear down the program, but it is her opinion, and
the perception of the community that this is not a proper
setting for an institution. There are similar treatment
facilities and programs already existing, and the public
resistance to this facility is a big factor. It is her
opinion there has not been an accurate representation of the
facts from Mr. Kaplan. The situation with Mr. Smith, for
example; she talked to Mr. Smith and he told her not to let
them locate here. She conveyed that Mr. Smith stated that,
several years ago police were trying to apprehend a man who
escaped; (this was the same incident reviewed by the gentle-
man who presented the newspaper article from the St. Paul
Pioneer Press). In her opinion, trust and honesty are also
big issues.
Page 236
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Mary Anne Young, 145 Peninsula Rd., Medicine Lake, read the
Resolution adopted by the Village of Medicine Lake, recom-
mending that the Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Planning
Commission decline the proposal set forth by Alpha Human
Services, Inc.. This document was made part of the public
record.
Chairman Steigerwald called a Recess at 1:05 A.M.
Chairman Steigerwald requested that Mr. Kaplan respond to
the questions and comments from the residents.
Mr. Kaplan stated that in reference to the question of
whether increased police and fire protection would be
needed, he does not believe this would be required. He re-
iterated that they would not be on the tax rolls as they are
a private, non-profit organization. The staff to client
ratio is five clients to one staff member; and one-on-one in
group and family sessions. The out-patients will not linger
in the neighborhood and if anyone is seen doing so this
would be stopped. The license plate numbers for those
clients being seen on an out-patient basis can be made
available to the local police.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired why a site away from the
metropolitan area was not considered? Mr. Kaplan stated he
cannot imagine that Hennepin County probation officers and
staff will drive many miles to see the clients, it would not
be practical. In a sense it changes the nature of the
people served. They serve the metropolitan area and Hen-
nepin County. Regarding comments about increasing the crime
rate and possible incidents relating to the facility; he
can't give absolute guarantees, but he does not believe
there would be an escalation of crime in the area because of
Alpha Human Services, Inc. In regard to the recidivism
rates, these percentages are quite stable. He discussed the
correlation of treatment for alcohol and drug abuse.
Chairman Steigerwald requested response regarding comments
on the appropriateness of the site; their criteria for site
selection; and, the question on security systems for the
facility.
Mr. Kaplan stated there has been some miscommunication re-
garding the installation of a security system. They did
mention the potential use of sensors. Hourly bed checks are
conducted and there could be monitoring of the entry; how-
ever, this does not have anything to do with someone coming
onto the property. They could put up a fence to keep out
the children's balls that may roll onto the property; or, to
keep out children that may be curious about the activities
on the site. He stated they would address all these con-
cerns as long as they meet City regulations.
RECESS
0
Page 237
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
There will be some activities for the clients on the site,
however, these will not involve those living in the com-
munity. It is a large site which will discourage any
interation.
Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to respond to the com-
ments on the statistics presented, especially regarding the
University of Minnesota ratios and non -completion of the
program.
Mr. Kaplan stated the statistics are comparable. It depends
upon the number of multiple felons which will account for
more walk-aways. He read the program completion data from
information made part of the public record.
Mr. Kaplan commented their goal is to have an outstanding
record for those persons who are treated and re-enter
society.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired about those who can't complete
the program. Mr. Kaplan stated they return them to the
system and it is up to the Judge to assess violations of
probation.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for his response to what gain
there would be for the community, and if better security for
schools would be necessary? Mr. Kaplan stated the present
facility is one/half block from a school for retarded chil-
dren, and a mile from other types of facilities that are
concentrated in the Whittier neighborhood. He feels they
are no threat to schools and other facilities in the
community.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired about the questions relating
to their facility meeting the standards in the Plymouth Zon-
ing Ordinance; and, regarding the transportation require-
ments for Alpha Human Services, Inc.
Mr. Kaplan stated there are transportation difficulties from
the proposed site. They will need to determine if it may be
necessary for them to purchase their own vehicles.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired if they had or will consider
sites in undeveloped areas. Mr. Kaplan stated this is not
unreasonable, and the possibility remains that they may look
at other sites. They are not totally committed to this
particular site; they are committed to find a new site for
the facility. They believe the facility does fit on the
proposed site. They would not be adverse to delay the
consideration of this application by the City Council and
discuss other sites in Plymouth. They are not open to
starting the process all over in another community. He
would sit down with residents to discuss other sites and get
suggestions on sites felt to be more appropriate for their
use.
Page 238
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to comment on the
question of methodology. Mr. Kaplan agrees there could be a
better tool than the studies and figures on recidivism.
However, it is more important to have a program to reduce
the re-occurance of crimes and re -offending. The statistics
are subjective in their evaluation. If their program is
reducing the likelihood of re -offense, it must be doing
other things as well.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for response on the education of
children. Mr. Kaplan believes there is community fear which
is exacerbated by the feeling that the number of incidents
will increase specifically because of Alpha Human Services,
Inc. Good sex education for children is important with or
without Alpha Human Services, Inc. Parents can explain that
the facility is for people with special problems, and
explain the problems factually and honestly. This can be
done without trauma.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for his response on the in -take
system and out-patient program; and, treatment for victims.
Mr. Kaplan stated he believes there is an even dispersal;
and, that clients in the out-patient program and in -take
system are more apt to return to their homes than relocate
in the area of a treatment facility. He is not arguing that
this may not be a valid concern but he would discourage this
if it were the case of clients from Alpha Human Services,
Inc. He does not believe this is borne out in other com-
munities that have mental hospitals or prison and detention
facilities.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for his response to the with-
drawal of their application in the City of Richfield. Mr.
Kaplan stated they did in fact drop their plans there be-
cause of community pressures. In looking for a new site in
Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Ordinance would not allow their
selection of a site, such as in the case of the Loring Nurs-
ing Home building which was considered. Opposition to the
Minneapolis site was because there were too many other
facilities in the immediate vicinity.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for his response to concern about
the natural curiosity of children about the facility. Mr.
Kaplan stated this is a valid concern. His staff would be
aware of any contact and would take the necessary action to
prevent any further interaction. In Minneapolis, this has
not been a problem.
Chairman Steigerwald asked for his response to the article
in the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper. Mr. Kaplan
explained that the male offender was a resident of Alpha
Human Services, Inc. He met a woman through a Bible study
group and related through counseling that he wanted treat-
ment and was accepted into the program. He and his new
7,-7 3 a --
Page 239
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
friend drove to California. He was returned to Stillwater.
He may have been paroled and may have re -offended; Mr.
Kaplan does not know this for sure and admits that it was an
in -take error.
Chairman Steigerwald inquired about other programs similar
to this around the country? Mr. Kaplan stated that Council
Bluffs, Iowa, wanted to start a similar program; and, they
were convinced opposition would not be a problem. He had
suggested they attend the meeting in Plymouth. It is very
difficult to start a program of this kind. If Alpha Human
Services, Inc. had started initially as a program only for
sex offenders, they may have never gotten started. Min-
nesota is very progressive in the area of special treatment
programs; but, because of a combination of factors, there
are not many treatment programs of this type in the United
States.
Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to comment on the
issue of trust, and the problem with Mr. Smith. Mr. Kaplan
stated police did ask Mr. Smith's permission to use his
property from which to conduct a surveillance. They were
trying to apprehend a woman and her boyfriend, who was not a
sex offender. This is the only involvement by Mr. Smith
about which Mr. Kaplan is aware. He admitted from the time
that the incident about the ladder occurred, it has been
difficult. There were problems of parking and other minor
complaints.
Chairman Steigerwald asked Mr. Kaplan to comment on the
Nexus program, and what people are led to believe about the
activities on this campus? Mr. Kaplan stated that it is a
correctional facility and 60% of the clients are sex offend-
ers. When programs are in operation over a long period of
time, the people moving into the area may not be aware of
them. He knows of the integrity of these programs and is
sure no one who directs the programs and works with the
clients are misleading people in the community.
Chairman Steigerwald stated he would again call on those
residents who filled out cards to speak on this item.
Sharon Carolla, 3765 Trenton Lane, stated if the facility is
permitted, this takes care of Alpha Human Services, Inc.'s
rights, but what about the residents? Ms. Carolla is proud
of this community and asks the Commission to deny the
application.
Bill Cavanaugh, 2015 North Aquila Ave., Golden Valley,
stated he is not out to attack Alph Human Services, Inc., or
Mr. Kaplan. However, he believes the City of Plymouth owes
it to their own residents and the Village of Medicine Lake
to keep this facility out of the community.
Page 240
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Therese Johnson, 114 Vinewood Lane, attended the informa-
tional meeting with her husband. They live two miles from
the proposed site. She rejects Mr. Kaplan's statements that
residents should and can feel safe with this facility in
their community. As a resident, she drives the streets,
goes to the beach and parks, and would not feel safe. She
resents having to come here and even consider a facility of
this type in a residential neighborhood. They (Alpha) are
injuring her way of life. It is her opinion this facility
does not comply with the City's Ordinance and the applica-
tion should be denied.
Dr. George Realmuto, 11335 40th Avenue North, inquired if
there is sexual abuse among the residents themselves?
Phyllis Roisum, 1304 West Medicine Lake Dr., inquired why
Alpha Human Services, Inc. will not consider a site close to
the Hennepin County Corrections facility?
Judi Rubin, 264 Peninsula Rd., Medicine Lake, stated that
all the concerns expressed are her concerns.
Rosemary Wiederholt, 187 Peninsula Rd., Medicine Lake,
stated she does not trust the information given by Alpha
Human Services, Inc. She believes the information given to
her by Mr. and Mrs. Smith about the facility in
Minneapolis to be correct. They have lived next to the
facility since it opened. She doesn't believe that Mr.
Kaplan was upfront about the problems; if he had been, his
answers to the questions would be more believable.
Carol Brownell, representing CARE, questioned why Hennepin
County would want to place their residents at risk; why are
they having out-of-state and out -of -county offenders treated
in Hennepin County; and, why aren't they making sure these
facilities are in areas that would be less risk to
citizens? She does not believe that with the number of
offenders to be treated at this facility and, with the pos-
sibility the number could increase, that there can be ade-
quate control when the clients are allowed out into the
community.
Commissioner Stulberg inquired about the comments made by
the City of Minneapolis Planner and that, during the last
two years she received no complaints or comments regarding
their present location. Mr. Kaplan stated this was correct,
and traditionally there have been no complaints made at the
meetings where their permit is being reviewed. Other people
in the community have been concerned about what will take
Alpha Human Services, Inc. place when they find a new site.
ck—
Page 241
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Stulberg asked Mr. Kaplan to comment on the
residents mistrust of information they have received. Mr.
Kaplan stated he knows the representatives of CARE canvassed
and polled the Minneapolis neighborhood. He can only point
out the facts as they are. Their record is good, and they
strive to be a good neighbor while in the process of improv-
ing their programs to increase the number of people who are
successfully treated.
Commissioner Stulberg inquired about Dr. Realmuto's
questions relative to sexual abuse among the patients? Mr.
Kaplan stated there were only three incidents he can
relate. One occurred during a camping trip; another with
three males, had serious consequenes; and, a client that
admitted to oral sex. These incidents resulted in the
clients being terminated from the program.
Chairman Steigerwald closed the Public Hearing.
Chairman Steigerwald stated the Commission would take action
and send their recommendation forward to the City Council.
He reminded everyone that this is a Public Hearing held to
consider a land use application for a Conditional Use Permit
and Site Plan for Alpha Human Services, Inc. He reiterated
the process of review, publication, public hearing, recom-
mendation, and final action by the City Council. He thanked
Mr. Kaplan for his efforts in accommodating the Commission
by holding special meetings to answer questions from the
residents of Plymouth, and for educating the City and resi-
dents on these serious social problems. He complimented the
residents in general,and those involved with CARE in
particular, for their time and effort and for their concern
to make the City of Plymouth the best it can be. He
explained the procedures to be used at the City Council
meeting.
Commissioner Plufka discussed the areas the Commission is
considering: The staff report findings; the Conditional Use
Permit Criteria; and, the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance
standards and provisions.
MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner NOTION
Stulberg that the Planning Commission makes the following
findings:
1. The Ordinance allowing the Conditional Use Permit for
public and semi-public institutions in certain zoning
districts is unclear as to its applicability to the use
in question.
Page 242
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
2. The use in question and others similar in nature do not
present the same set of conditions traditionally
associated with public and semi-public institutions
cited by Ordinance as examples of conditional uses.
3. With the State mandate to decentralize such programs
and disperse them throughout the metropolitan area,
this is not likely to be an isolated case, and seems to
demand the development of a consistent, uniform and
fair approach to their dispersal within the community
on a basis that will insure the health, safety, and
welfare of our citizens.
The Planning Commission, therefore, recommends two actions
to the City Council:
1. To establish a special study committee to review uses
defined by State regulations as residential treatment
facilities to determine the following:
a. The appropriateness of such uses in the various
zoning districts of the City; or,
b. the creation of a new zoning district for that
purpose; or,
C. a review of the conditions and requirements that
should be met for the granting of a Conditional Use
Permit in the zoning district so deemed appropri-
ate; or,
d. a statement of the conditions that must be present
to qualify for a rezoning to such new zoning dis-
trict as might be created.
2. To enact an interim Ordinance, the duration of which is
consistent with the time needed for the study but not
to exceed one year, except for extensions as necessary
within State statutes, to place a moratorium on the
approval of this or other similar uses in all zoning
districts until the study is completed.
Chairman Steigerwald stated it is his opinion that the
zoning ordinance is unclear and it is questionable whether
this facility does in fact fit into this zoning district.
He noted to Mr. Kaplan that Alpha Human Services, Inc. will
not be the only facility impacted by the decisions being
made on decentralization. However, it is imperative that
those officials and volunteers who take part in the decision
making process for municipalities, study their codes and
ordinances to see how such facilities and programs fit into
the community. It is important that specialized treatment
Page 243
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
programs with community-based facilities are reviewed under
the same standards and criteria established for this use.
Mr. Kaplan stated he would ask their attorney to comment,
but it sounds like it is a possibility that the use does
fit, but the Planning Commission and City Council may not
like this situation. They may be stalling for a year, so
that an ordinance can be passed which will disallow a treat-
ment facility like Alpha Human Services, Inc. Any changes
made should not apply to any application under consideration
at this time.
Commissioner Stulberg referred to Section 4, Subdivision B,
and Section 7, Subdivision C, which lists definitions and
uses; and, where "etc." is used. It is the concensus of the
Commission that when the City adopted the Ordinance they did
not comprehend such a facility. This Motion is made so that
the Commission, the City Council, and staff can study the
ordinance standards and provisions. This does not preclude
the use, nor is it a stall tactic.
Commissioner Plufka concurred and stated that when the
Ordinance was written, it did not consider the use or
location for such specialized programs because it predates
them. He suggested Mr. Kaplan's experts submit their inter-
pretation of the zoning ordinance; the City doesn't have
expert testimony to present, and without the study it is
impossible to make a responsible decision. It is not a
stalling tactic; the Commission is sending the application
forward and the City Council will be the final adjudicator.
Chairman Steigerwald stated that Alpha Human Services, Inc.
is a private agency and a specialized treatment center. The
Ordinance does not address half -way houses, and residential
care facilities are not allowed in the R-3 Zoning District;
but Mr. Kaplan maintains they fall under the category of
"etc."
Sohn Hermann, attorney for Alpha Human Services, Inc.,
stated the application presented to staff was determined to
be within the Ordinance standards, in this zoning district;
and, that it was appropriate to submit this application for
review. The Planning Commission findings should be based on
the application as presented.
Chairman Steigerwald stated the Planning Commission is
saying the Ordinance is confusing and are recommending the
study. The City Council can approve or deny the request;
but the fact remains there needs to be clarification of the
Ordinance.
Page 244
Planning Commission Minutes
October 22, 1986
Commissioner Mellen stated it is his opinion the request is
and
within this shouldnance be s made. He positive negative
does not
on lbelieve
Motion on
there is any ambiguity.
Commissioner Magnus concurs with the Motion as made; agrees
the Ordinance language should be clarified to alleviate any
confusion; and, does not believe it is the intent of the
Ordinance to allow this type of facility in the R-3 Zoning
District.
Commissioner Plufka stated staff made their recommendation
based on their finding on the information available,
and
e.
however, tion is needed andisrrequested decision
to be bythe Planning
Clarifica
Commission.
Commissioner Mellen, Nay. MOTION VOTE - NOTION CARRIED
Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes.
carried.
Community Development Coordinator Sara McConn noted this
item would ? no1986 cconsidered
persons the
interestedCouncil
the before
City
November ,
Council agenda should contact the City.
AD30URNMENT
Ap3OURNED
The meeting adjourned at 2:38 A.M.
Miniitac of tho Parlr nnrl AA-4-rr., ^-1-S �n
October 9, 1986
Page 30
Present: Chair Edwards, Commissioners Anderson, Beach, Mullan, Reed and Rosen;
Staff Blank, Busch and Pederson; Councilman Zitur
Absent: Commissioner LaTour
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Edwards at 7:34 p.m. in the -Council
Conference Room.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Reed and seconded by Commissioner Rosen
to approve the minutes of the September meeting. The motion carried with
all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present at this meeting.
b. Staff. Rick Busch distributed charts showing team sports enrollments
and individual sports enrollments indicating how they have increased
over the years. He also discussed the softball tournaments held this
past summer in Plymouth. He indicated that he is now working on fall
and winter programs and that the November/December brochure is at the
printers. Director Blank pointed out that much of Rick's time is
spent scheduling fields for all youth athletic assocation sports, and
these enrollments are also increasing yearly.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Trail Funding. The Council approved trail funding for the Luce Line
extension on the south end of Parkers Lake, along Highway 101 from
19th to 26th Avenues, along the east side of Zachary Lane from 47th
Avenue to Zachary Elementary, at the intersection of Highway 55 and
Fernbrook, along Fernbrook from Highway 55 to County Road 9. The
portion from County Road 6 to Highway 55 will be done in 1987, but
there are some right-of-way and steep bank problems which have to be
worked out first. The contractor for the County Road 15 trail is
waiting until next spring.
b. 1987 City Budgets. Director Blank indicated that the 1987 budgets
had been approved without any cuts.
C. 1987-91 CIP. Director Blank stated that the CIP had not been handled
as of yet.
d. Park Dedication from Bass Lake Heights 4th. The developer needs fill
in the area where he is planning to build houses. In exchange for
taking fill from the proposed park area, the developer will do some
grading of the park for us.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Green Oaks Park Update. The backstop still has to be moved, but
otherwise the work here is complete.
b. Queensland and Imperial Hills Update. The work at Queensland is
almost finished, and Imperial Hills should be done in about two weeks.
PRAC Minutes from October 9, 1986
Page 31
c. Parkers Lake Update. The work at Parkers Lake is very close to being
wrapped up for this construction season. Director Blank has received
many compliments on the stone bridge. Some sod and dormant seed will
be planted yet this fall.
d. Plymouth Creek Park Site Plan Review. Chair Edwards suggested that
a new plan be drawn showing where everything that currently exists is
located. It was also suggested that PRAC meet with the City Council
to decide what to do about a community center. Some commissioners felt
that a site for the community center should be chosen before planning
the locations of other facilities. Director Blank pointed out that the
first step in planning this park is to get the master plan approved, and
then think about constructing facilities. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMIS-
SIONER MULLAN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BFACH RECOMMENDING THAT THE
CITY COUNCIL HIRE BRAUER AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE MASTER PLAN FOR
PLYMOUTH CREEK PARK. The motion carried with all ayes.
Director Blank stated that an additional 30-40 acres of high and dry
ground is available on the north end of this park. Commissioner Mullan
recommended that Brauer look into the possible uses of this additional
land for inclusion in Plymouth Creek Park.
e. Request for Trail on the West Side of County Road 61 Update. Director
Blank has not received word back from Fred Moore regarding what type
of signage is permitted on county roads. Director Blank will bring
drawings of the new County Road 9 & 61 intersection to the November
meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. New Plats. None.
b. Request for Funding Survey Work on 1987 Park Projects. Because of
changes in topography due to development that has taken place over
the years, Director Blank has suggested that survey work be done on
the Rolling Hills, Amhurst, and County Road 61 parks, as well as on
the corner of the proposed Parkers Lake Playfield. A MOTION WAS
MADE BY COMMISSIONER ROSEN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BEACH TO
RECOMMEND THAT THE COUNCIL HIRE SURVEY WORK ON PARK PROJECTS PROPOSED
FOR 1987. The motion carried with all ayes.
c. City Council Goals. PRAC reviewed a list of the City Council's
Goals and Objectives, in particular those dealing with park issues.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank shared some video taping he had done on work recently
completed as well as work currently being done on our parks and trails.
He pointed out that a contract has been awarded to demolish the buildings
on the old workhouse farm site to make way for the construction of the
proposed Parkers Lake playfield.
He also stated that he would be attending the National Recreation and
Parks Association Congress in Anaheim, California in mid-October.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
4-A0..
COMPARISON OF PLANNING APPLICATION VOLUME BY TYPE
The following figures represent the number of applications received and in process by the
Planning Department for the month of: October 1986
* Other than Planned Unit Developments
**Includes Planned Unit Developments
THIS
YEAR
THIS MONTH
LAST YEAR
TYPE OF APPLICATION
MONTH
TO DATE
LAST YEAR
TO DATE
Site Plan
7
46
3
49
Preliminary Plats*/RLS
1
21
2
27
Final Plats*/RLS
2
34
3
42
PUD Concept Plans
-
3
1
6
PUD Preliminary Plats
1
5
2
10
PUD Final Plats
-
16
-
15
Conditional Use Permits
6
56
6
53
Rezonings**
1
15
1
13
Lot Division/Consolidation
4
24
-
27
Variances
1
34
5
45
Sign Plans
-
-
-
-
Site Plan Amendments
-
8
-
1
Rev General Development Plan
-
-
-
1
Land Use Guide Plan Amendments**
-
1
1
6
Landscape Plans
-
-
-
-
Other
-
3
1
2
TOTAL
23
266
25
297
* Other than Planned Unit Developments
**Includes Planned Unit Developments
COMPARISON OF PLANNING APPLICATION VOLUME BY TYPE
The following figures represent the number of applications received and in process by the
Planning Department for the second half of 1986:
TYPE OF APPLICATION
duly
Aug
Sept
Oct Nov Dec
Site Plan
4
1
3
7
Preliminary Plats*/RLS
2
2
2
1
Final Plats*/RLS
2
6
4
2
PUD Concept Plans
1
-
-
-
PUD Preliminary Plats
1
-
-
1
PUD Final Plats
2
3
1
-
Conditional Use Permits
2
5
7
6
Rezonings**
2
1
3
1
Lot Division/Consolidation
-
5
-
4
Variances
1
5
4
1
Sign Plans
-
-
-
-
Site Plan Amendments
1
2
1
-
Rev General Development Plans
-
-
-
-
Land Use Guide Plan Amendments**
-
1
-
-
Landscape Plans
Other
TOTALS 18 31 25 23
* Other than Planned Unit Developments
**Includes Planned Unit Developments
MONTHLY REPORT OF PERMIT & INSPECTION ACTIVITY OCTOBER 1986
BUILDING PERMITS
CURRENT
Y.T.D.
1985
L.Y.T.D
Public
0
2
1
5
Comm/Ind/New
4
60
4
16
Alteration
15
90
14
103
Residential
90
753
64
602
Multi -Family
1
10
0
16
Remodeling
62
475
51
-----
437
-----
TOTALS
-----
172
-----
1390
134
1179
OTHER PERMITS
Plumbing
157
1331
132
1125
Mechanical
109
1105
107
897
Signs
28
109
7
80
Grading
2
26
4
18
Wells
1
9
3
19
Moving
0
8
0
4
Sewer/Water
122
931
136
1252
-------
TOTALS
--------
419
------
3519
-------
389
3395
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
67
463
48
359
TOTAL NO. PERMITS CREATED
598
5202
526
4298
TOTAL NO. OF INSPECTIONS
1390
10723
N/A
N/A
N°' •eke,• -hep'-' i v na ��•'
O`v��se�.�'j+ ae $
4,14
��
September 1986
A Publication of Research Alternatives. Inc.
Law Enforcement Beyond 2000:
A National Police Force?
By Blake M. Comish ment. Already the FBI's national
Iborld Futuro Society Crime Information Center links up
Budget cuts Lrd new technolo- virtually every computerized law ea-
gies may mean fewer law enforcement forcemeat agency in a national sys-
agencies in the years ahead, and the tem, maintaining information on
end result could be a single police stolen property, wanted persons,
force for the entire country, ac- missing persons, criminal histories,
cording to the new issue of The criminalistics laboratory informr-
Flatu rist magazim tion, and even Canadian arrest war -
Consolidation of law enforce- rants. "Independently operated cow -
sent agencies has already begun, puter systems are giving may to
l ringing with it the specter of a economies of scale and effective
national police force, dreaded by sharing of information. says
skeptics as the harbin#er of the Thf -t
1984' -like oppression, writes a
professor at the FBI Academy in the_f,,
September -October issue of The Irogip
Futurist.
The Futurist is published by j'>>
the World Future Society, an assoc-i, f
iation of people interested in how
social and technological change may!
affect the future. It has head- Map- Coombr Sheriffs _
"` es�sa.. w�lasr3. 'The goest far" greater- et'Fi�-
' vee--ttis :oust_ 14 .to ?h. ciency at a reduced cost — cutback
#ng -fame for major s management — will likely persist e
lural abaasas in law aaforcasen throughout the remainder of this 1
apsefaa will be the economy, ,says century," says Tafaya. Absent sob- �„ J1
Tilliaat L 7'afoya of the Artificiail stantial tax iaxeaaes;` gvveirtII?" i
Intelligence Research Project of the serwims,in.isait�searlt
National Center for the Analysis of;(. -.Ito a
Violent Crime at the FBI Academy rn�
Quantico, Virginia.5,'!�W $.o exd °ta.airse-- or i
Budget cuts coupled withl ;
changes in law enforcement practioesl
are encouraging locaJAU
early specialists, but nor officers
may develop expertise in areas
ranging from fraud to youth crime
and from drag abuse to sex offenses.
Computerized information and
the sharing of this information
aaang jurisdictions are also leading
toward consolidation of law enforce -
NEWSLETTER FOR MINNESOTA PUBLIC TRANSIT VOLUME 1, NUMBER 2 NOVEMBER 1986
1986 MINNESOTA PUBLIC
TRANSIT AWARDS
DISTINGUISHED CAREER AWARDS
Richard Braun
Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Transportation
NATIONAL FREND OF TX-tVSIT AWARD
David Raphael
Executive Director
Rural America, Washington. D.C.
1986 FRIEND OF TRANSIT AWARD
Keith Langseth
Minnesota Senator, District 9
Glyndon
Bob Gunther
President Fairlakes Transit
Fairmont, Minnesota
TRANSIT SYSTEM OF THE YEAR
AWARD
Jim Pomeroy
City, Clerk
Winona Transit
TRANSIT PROFESSIONAL OF THE
YEAR AIVARD
Steve Griesert
Community Development Director
Faribault Transit
Dan Holter
Manager
Rochester City Lines
1986 MEVNESOTA PUBLIC TRANSIT
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
by Donna Allen "
Each Fall, Minnesota transit professionals
traditionally gather together to share
experiences and learn about the latest in
transit developments. This year was no
exception. Over 150 participants met at the
Radisson Metrodome in Minneapolis for the
annual Minnesota Public Transit Conference
held on September 17th through 19th. Co-
sponsors were the Minnesota Department of
Transportation, the Regional Transit Board
and the Minnesota Public Transit
Association. The 1986 Conference theme,
"Strategies for Successful Transit", provided
the base for development of a strong
program featuring forums and workshops
with emphasis on professional development
and training. Highlights of the Conference
included the following:
Legislative Panel An excellent discussion
of timely transit issues with a focus on
funding, was provided by three key
legislators, Senator Larry Pogemiller,
Representative Dennis Frederickson and
Representative Brad Stanius. Their thought
provoking and often frank comments made
for a lively session.
Worlrsbops This year's longer workshops
were designed to accommodate a more in-
depth approach to the selected subjects. The
only drawback was that the sessions were
concurrent and some conference participants
wanted to attend them all. Two of the
workshops were clearly standouts. Kathy
Gardner Chadwick, Instructor at St. Olaf
College, made a particularly effective
presentation on marketing. "The first step in
marketing is to determine what the
organization is and what you want it to
become," she said. She went on to instruct
participants in how to construct an effective
mission statement and objectives, and
further, how to implement an inexpensive
marketing research effort
Communicating in conflict situations was a
popular workshop topic presented by
continued on page 4
Ir�NNESO1.
v� do
D Q
-4 F-
;�~T OF 7RPa��
by Donnarae McKenzie
Marketing Network Being Established
Marketing is a key activity that many local
transit providers believe holds significant
promise for increased rider patronage.
Therefore, MnIDOT applied for and received
Section 8 funds from UMTA to assist local
transit providers to develop local marketing
workplan, to design effective local service
promotion schemes, and to explore option
for information sharing among systems.
A Marketing Advisory Committee has been
established to assist MnIDOT on this project.
The first meeting of the Advisory Committee
was held on September 17 at the Annual
Conference. The Committee discussed
marketing needs and approaches as well as
specific ways to assist local transit system
managers with marketing their own systems.
The Committee will meet again in Duluth on
October 27 to adopt a workplan for this
project
Marketing Advisory Committee members
include the following:
Bob Gunther
Farimont
Pat Gustafson
Fairbault
Judy Haley
Moorhead
Dennis Jensen
Duluth
Tony Knauer
Rochester
Dean Massett Red Wing
Debra Schroeder Tri -CAP, Inc.
Through this efforrwe hope to establish a
Minnesota Public Transportation Network
MINTSR Mfte Chartered for VU in 87'
ASSOCIATION
by Debra Schroeder
It was a dark and stormy night, but
thirteen MPTA members held back from
entering their arks to attend the 1986
Annual Meeting held on September 18th.
Installation of 1987.88 officers was held.
David Tripp, St Cloud MTC will head the
MPTA Ark, with Jim Johnson, Medicine
Lake Lines as co -captain. Loren Ewert.
Mankato will keep us out of the brig with
correct handling of finances and Debra
Schroeder, Tri -CAP will take charge of
paper work and clean-up crews.
`AF
REGIONALTRINSIT B04RD
RTB's Annual Transit
Conference
Circle Wednesday, December 10 on your
calendar! The RTB will hold their annual
transit conference that day at the Radisson -
University near the University of Minnesota
campus. Details are still being finalized.
Conference agendas, registration information
and details can be obtained after November
15 from Mike Kuehn of the RTB staff, (612)
292-8789. The registration fee will be $15
and includes lunch.
The MPTA Ark has weathered well this
past year. Better communication, a
computerized mailing list, accurate
financial reporting and record keeping
have all helped make the association
better organized. The Legislative
Reception and Spring Conference were
well attended and the legislative Study
Group has kept an eye on any
approaching storms from Capitol Hill.
Navigator Peterson has laid a suggested
course for next year to help MPTA be
more visible and active than ever. Our
RTB Revamps Metro Mobility
Service
by Mike Kuehn
On October 4, the Regional Transit Board
(RTB) changed the way Metro Mobility
service is being delivered to elderly and
handicapped person who receive this special
door -through -door Twin Cities area transit
service,
The program is being restructured to a
rider's choice approach, where riders will
contact directly one of several providers in
their community to schedule rides. The area
of service will be expanded to cover the
entire transit service area which currently
(MnPTN) in which we can have local transit
system managers providing marketing
assistance to other system managers upon
request. If you have anv suggestions or
comments on this marketing project please
contact either Iloh Works at (612) 296-2533
or Donnarae McKenzie at (612) 296.1610,
the MnIDOT staff working on this project.
MnIDOT recently applied for UMTA funds to
conduct two addition;11 studies. The first will
focus on coordination of transit services in
Greater Minnesota, 'file second study will
extend the current insurance liability project
by producing an implementation plan based
on research and analysis that is now being
done. The implementation plan will
document the procedure for achieving the
recommended g1roup insurance option and
improved risk man;yq nient procedures
necessary to the to oR� am. MnIDOT expects
UMTA to mak-ea hording decision on these
projects by Novcm1rr:10
itinerary will include the estahlishment of
a task force to work with Mnl)OT on
developing new criteria for the PEP, a
marketing task force, development of a
"forms book- where the best ideas in
paperwork can be collected and the
information of new creative coalition can
be stored away.
It may continue to be dark and stormy,
but with the addition of eight new crew
members and a well charted course, the
MPTA ARK will be able to withstand any
weather.
receives regular route service, in two stages
between now and January, 1988.
Restructuring of the service also calls for
reducing the average subsidy per trip from
the current $10.41 to $8.54 in an effort to
contain the escalating cost of the service.
Twenty providers have been approved to
deliver the service. The providers are
reimbursed for the trips that they make, in
addition to collecting a $1 fare for trips up to
eight miles. additional fares, up to a
maximum total fare of $3,75, can be charged
by the providers for longer trips.
Currently Metro Mobility services 13,000
certified riders and operates on an annual
budget of about $5.8 million.
SYSTEM PROFILE: Winona Busit Service 1986 Bansit System of the Year
by lames Pomeroy
The city of Winona (population 25,075) is in
the southeastern comer of Minnesota
approximately 110 miles from the Twin
Cities Metropolitan Area. Winona has been
running a successful transit program since
1977 and was named the 1986 transit system
of the year at the Minnesota Public Transit
Conference this past September.
In 1977, the city of Winona applied to the
Minnesota Department of Transportation for
a paratransit demonstration grant to start a
public transportation system. State funding
provided 3/e of the capitol and operating cost
for this program. Winona Transit Service,
the first project under the state Paratransit
Demonstration Program, implemented
service in December 1977, with three
vehicles operated by Yellow Cab Company
on a long figure-eight route through the
communities of Winona and Goodview. The
new service was based on a route established
by a privately owned transit service that had
gone out of business. It also added midday,
route -deviation service for senior citizens and
handicapped riders, and extended early
morning and late afternoon operations to
attract commuters.
After the demonstration program and
subsequent evaluation, the systems routes
were expanded. In late 1978, Winona Transit
Service began operating the current four -
route system. In addition, the city began the
Winona Mobility Program, a transportation
service for handicapped residents,
administered by the city, and operated by
Yellow Cab Company. Eligible riders paid
$.50 of the taxi fare and the city reimbursed
the taxicab company for the rest of the fare.
In 1981, the city applied for Section 18
funding to purchase two lift -equipped buses
for transporting handicapped riders. When
the new vehicles were delivered in May of
1981, the city eliminated the Winona
Mobility Program and combined its regular -
route service with route deviation for
handicapped riders. The geographical layout
of this long, narrow city along the Mississippi
River was a tremendous advantage; the
system could serve virtually every household
with route deviation.
Today, Winona Transit Service provides
regular -route service, with doorstep�ieviation
service, shuttles, subscription service, and
charters.
Fixed route and route deviation is available
from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through
Friday. The system operates on four fixed
routes that meet downtown every 45 minutes
during peak hours. On one route, two
vehicles start simultaneously at opposite ends
of the city, stop at the downtown terminal,
and continue on the route. This allows riders
to travel across town without having to
transfer.
During off-peak hours (9 am. to 3 p.m.),
buses will deviate from fixed routes to pick
up or drop off passengers. The cost of each
deviation is $.10 per passenger. Persons call
the dispatcher to ask for a deviation that day.
Winona Transit Service makes 8 to 30 route
deviations a day, primarily for elderly and
handicapped persons who need door-to-door
service.
The fixed route base fare for adults. senior
citizens, and college students is 5.40. School
children younger than age 18 pay $.30 a trip.
Monthly passes and tokens are also available
at colleges, the university, hospitals, banks,
senior citizen centers, medical buildings, and
city offices. All passes are for unlimited rides.
To meet the needs of college students,
Winona developed a shuttle service which
operates Monday through Friday between
Winona State University (MWSU) and St.
Teresa, a private college. Since enrollment at
WSU has increased beyond its done space,
many WSU students live in donors at St.
Teresa. Winona transports students from the
college dorms to the WSU campus twice
each morning. During the day, WSU
students use regular -route service which
serves all three colleges in the city. The
shuttle service costs $22 per student per
semester, but students pay only $18 because
the WSU Foundation gives each student a $4
scholarship which lowers student fees while
maintaining the system's revenue.
Charter and subscription service is also
available during evenings and weekends in
Winona. Winona offers local charter and
prearranged subscription service to any
person or group(s). For example, a church
subscribes every Sunday morning to
transport its members. The dispatcher
arranges the service and bills users later. The
rates, based on mileage and hours, are set by
a fee ordinance for all city services.
Currently the city owns nine buses. Winona
Transit Service uses two 51 -passenger GMC
diesels for college shuttles. Of the seven
17-21 passenger Superior Pioneers, four are
used on regular routes and three are used for
subscription service and as backups. Two
buses have lifts.
continued on page 4
continued from page 3
Initially the Winona system was perceived as
a senior citizen transportation service. Today
however, the number of elderly riders is fairly
static, whereas the number of college and
other adult riders has steadily increased.
Winona Transit Service is managed and
administered by the city transit coordinator
who writes specifications for the service
contract The City of Winona owns all
vehicles, pays for parts and insurance, and
purchases fuel through the city central
garage.
Yellow Cab Company operates the transit
service. The manager of the taxi company
hires transit drivers with the transit
coordinator's approval — drivers for the taxi
service and the transit system are separate.
The transit service has 10 drivers; some of
which are part time. All but 2 drivers are age
50 or older, and all are courteous and
reliable. Yellow Cab employees do all
dispatching and bookkeeping for the transit
trips, and maintain the transit buses.
In 1985, Winona's total operating expense
(including adminstration) was $206,900.00.
Winona Transit takes pride in its recovery of
costs through fares; in 1985 system
generated revenues represented more than
43 percent of its operating costs.
Winona Transit Service sells itself by
providing courteous, reliable service. The
system has good public information and
media exposure. Because the system is
established in the community and has
substantial public support, the city has found
that advertising dollars are not well spent and
has dropped the system's $3,000 advertising
budget to help lower the entire city budget
Winona Transit Service has a relatively
secure future, even with fewer federal and
state funds. A slow, steady increase in
ridership, continued reliable service, and
financial stability through reasonable fares is
expected to carry the system on a smooth
road will into the 90s.
continued fmm page I cooperation between the public and private
consultant, Bill Hudson. Bill described types sectors. Elliot Perovich talked briefly about
of difficult people — Snipers, Complainers, the RTB's privatization efforts, and a good
Know -It -Alis — and shared tips for dealing discussion followed, with questions from the
with each. He showed attendees how to audience.
identify communication traps, how to
neutralize manipulation, and generally how
to communicate more effectively under
difficult circumstances. Other workshop
topics of interest included a session on
strategic planning and one on business
writing.
Vendor Reception Transit vendors
generously sponsored an outstanding
reception at the Hubert H. Humphrey
Institute on the University of Minnesota
campus. Complete with food, drink and a
jazz ensemble. the reception provided a
pleasurable beginning to the evening's
activities which included the Awards
Banquet
WTS Lancheon The speaker for the
Thursday luncheon, coordinated by the Twin
Cities Chapter of the Women's
Transportation Seminar, was Jan Smaby. Ms.
Smaby is Director of the Hennepin County
Department of Economic Assistance and
host of the KTCA television show
"Almanac". These dual roles enabled her to
speak knowledgeably on the subject of
relating effectively to the media. She gave
solid advice on how public officials can
benefit from media contacts, and shared her
personal experiences in dealing with the
media concerning controversial and volatile
issues invoking a public agency.
Privatization Address The meeting room
was packed on Friday morning for Alfred
DelliBovi's presentation on privatization and
competition in the transit business. Mr.
DelliBovi, Deputy Administrator of UMTA,
spoke to the UMTA position on
privatization, emphasizing the importance of
In addition to the structured format of the
Conference, there was time to network and
an opportunity to honor Minnesota transit
professionals and friends who have made
special contributions to the industry. As
often occurs. some of the most useful
information was passed along by the
participants during breaks.
The 1986 Conference Committee will meet
soon to evaluate the meeting and make
recommendations for next year's event
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
Ideas for adding to or improviing future
conferences should be passed along to a
Committee member.
Plans are already underway for the Spring
Conference. Watch for the announcement
Special thanks to the following transit
vendors for their generous support at the
1986 Minnesota Transit Conference.
Reception
Productive Design, Inc.
Barton Aschman Associates
Hoglund Bus Company
Morley Bus Company
Transportation Management Inc.
Strgar, Roscoe. Faush, Inc.
Peter Schauer Assoc.
Bennett, Ringrose, and Wolsfeld
Colle McVoy Advertising
Medicine Lake Lincs, Inc.
Benshoof and Assoc.
Blue and White Service Corp.
Midwest Mobility Systems
North Suburban Lines
Yellow Taxi Senice Corp.
CareBuslCareVan
Transportation
Medicine Lake Lines
Suburban Paratransit, Inc.
Information on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs Now Aradable
by Gary E. Erickson
From Here to There ... Safe and Sober,
APTA's second symposium on drug and
alcohol abuse in the transit industry, was
held in Washington, D.C. on August 14-15,
1986. The symposium focused on ways
transit systems can develop anti -abuse
programs to fit their systems' needs.
The symposium was well attended by transit
professionals from across the United States
and Canada. The attendees heard speakers
from the areas of the transit industry which
are most directly affected — labor relations,
legal, personnel and employee relations,
security, operations and safety. They also
Transit Tax Feathering
Interpretation In Question
To the Editor.
In 1985, the Minnesota Legislature adopted
the "transit tax feathering" statutes (-M.S.
Section 473.446) for the purpose of more
directly relating the transit property tax levy
in each metropolitan community to the
actual transit services received by that
community. Under the law, a community
receiving full peak and full off-peak transit
service is levied two mills. A community
receiving full peak and limited off-peak
service is levied 1.5 mills, a community
receiving limited peak service only, 1.25
mills. The statute provides definitions for
each service level.
In Plymouth, as in all other Hennepin
County communities, the "two" mill levy
which the Regional Transit Board receives
each year is something aroun� three mills
because of adjustments provided under
Minnesota Statutes. Consequently, Plymouth
with an estimated mill value for 1987 of
$440,000 is actually levied $1.2 million.
almost three municipal mills. The value of a
Plymouth mill becomes $600,000, not
$440,000. While this phenomenon is a
serious issue for all communities who
contribute to the Metropolitan Transit
Taxing District, there is a second concern I
want to discuss which relates specifically to
"transit tax feathering."
The essence of the problem is the result of a
State Department of Revenue interpretation
of the tax feathering bill. The Department of
Revenue has interpreted that while transit
revenues are to be calculated on a modified
(increased) mill, (in our case about 3 mills),
any reductions brought about by feathering
participated in case study discussions and
small group work sessions.
The 266 page manual, "From Here to
There ... Safe and Sober, A Manual on
Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Transit", was
distributed and discussed. It contains
chapters on:
Legal Issues
Labor Issues
Regulatory agencies
Employee Assistance Programs
Testing/Detection
Training
Resources
r
will be calculated using the municipal mill. In
other words, if Plymouth becomes eligible to
the 1.5 mill levy. instead of saving $300,000
or one-half of the increased mill ($600,000),
our taxpayers will save only $198,400
(Regional Transit Board figures.) Having
been present at legislative meetings on this
issue, I believe the legislative intent in
adopting tax feathering was to save a
community receiving a 1.5 levy, twenty-five
percent, and not fifteen percent of the levy.
Most legislators were not aware of the mill
adjustment which takes place for
metropolitan wide levies. It appears that the
Revenue Department's interpretation is
intended to cut state losses since any revenuE
lost by the Regional Transit Board because
of feathering must be made up dollar -for -
dollar by the State under the feathering
statute.
The State Department of Revenue's current
interpretation will affect some forty-five
metropolitan area communities in 1987 who
are still laboring under the belief that the
feathering statutes save their taxpayers
twenty-five percent or more of their transit
levy, when in reality, they are saving in the
vicinity of fifteen percent Some forty-three
suburbs were affected in 1986. To affected
municipalities. I would suggest that you write
Mr. Tom Tripplet at the State Department of
Revenue to encourage administration of the
tax feathering statutes in accordance with
legislative intent.
Frank Boyles
Assistant City :Manager
City of Plymouth
T
This manual will help transit systems to
develop their own programs by prodding
examples of what is being done by others in
the area of drug and alcohol abuse.
It is apparent that drug and alcohol abuse is
a problem in our country today and transit
systems in Minnesota are not immune from
this problem. If you are interested in starting
a program at your system or would like
copies of materials from this symposium,
contact:
Gan' E. Erickson
815 Transportation Building
St Paul, Minnesota 55155
Phone (612) 297-3702
1iNo Minnesota Bus Fleets
Make Metro's Top 100
The September/October issue of Metro
Magazine reported that two of Minnesota's
Transit Authorities made the list of the top
100 public transit fleets in North America.
The Metropolitan Transit Commission and
the Duluth Transit Authority, ranked #10 and
#98 respectively in terms of fleet size.
According to the report, the MTC had 1258
vehicles (35 ft. and over) within their fleet
The DTA was operating 102 vehicles of this
size in 1985.
As in 1984 the New York City Transit
Authority (NYCTA) continued to have the
largest transit bus fleet with 5.138: NYCTA
added 110 buses during 1985.
The deadline for the January issue is December 8.
Copy should be sent to Barry Stock, In Transit,
before that date
U. i
In -Transit is a bi-monthly
publication of The Minnesota
Public Transit Association
(MPTA) in cooperation with
The Minnesota Department of
lransporation, Office of
Transit -
Publisher MPTA
Matthew.Peterson,-
President
General Editor.
Barry A. Stock
Contnbutnrs:
Donna Allen
Tank Boyles
Thomas Ehvell
Gary E. Erickson
Mike Kuehn
� . Donnarae McKenzie-
Matthew Nlerson
-James Pbmemy ..
DebrA Schroeder
Barry Stock. ;
Des�tn:
Jensen -Hart Desi
Typography:
Iris Graphic Arts Studio
Printing:,
_ Donna's Minuteman Press
Address correspondence to:
tri -Transit _
129 E. First Ave.
Shakopee, MN 55379
MnDOT Office of Transportation
815 Transportation Building
St Paul, MN 55155
Duluth %msh Authority To Opal FAs&und
Center In November
by Thomas Elwell
The DTA's Transit Center East located in
the heart of downtown, is nearing completion
and the Grand Opening is expected to take
place in November. The Center will consist of
a large transit lobby area, equipped with a
computerized transit information display.
Passenger hand schedules, route maps,
tokens, and passes will be made available
through a retail contractor who will operate a
news stand adjacent to the lobby. The
Transit Center East will be connected to the
existing downtown skywalk system, providing
pedestrians with protection from Duluth's
famous weather clianges and access from
most downtown areas. The rear portion of
the building is designated non-public space,
and will be leased to prospective commercial
tenants. The DTA is currently seeking a
private sector investor to purchase and
develop the non-public space while providing
perpetual easement for the transit area to the
DTA and the City of Duluth. It is estimated
that 5500 people per day will use the Transit
Center East The Center is located on
Superior Street directly across the street
from the DTA Transit Center West, which
has been in operation for several years.
St. Cloud MTC Receives APIA Award
by Matthew Peterson
The St. Cloud Metropolitan Transit
Commission recently received a First Place
Award at the 1986 American public Transit
Association's AdWheel Competition which
took place at the 1986 APTA Annual
Meeting in Detroit, Michigan.
A total of 532 entries were received
competing for the best transit advertising in
six categories: newspaperimagazine, printed
material, transit and outdoor, radio,
television, and complete ad campaigns. Each
category had first and second place and
honorable mention awards *hich were given
to four different transit systems based on
system size: small systems with 1-45
operating vehicles, medium systems with
50-149 vehicles, medium -large systems with
150-00 vehicles, and large systems with over
600 vehicles. St Cloud "Metro Bus," with a
E.C'='LEC F F A. I.N f ^ • 7
ASST T . CITY MANAGER
FLYINOUTH , CITY OF
_,4ki(2 FAL I',l_L�- iLIZ;,
PLYMOUTH MN 55447
fleet of 23 buses, won First Place in the
Complete Ad Campaign category for smaller
systems. The entry, "Takin It Down," was
composed of two separate November, 1985
and March, 1986 direct mail flyers which
notified residents of major route changes.
The flyers contained route and schedule
information and free -ride coupons, and were
backed up by radio information teasers and
silk screened posters. Thelen Advertising of
St Cloud designed the attractive poster
design and flyer layout
After receiving the award, MTC Executive
Director David Tripp gave a short
presentation of St Cloud's successful
campaign along with six other first place
winners at a panel workshp entitled "Why It
Worked For Us."
_
-.tiY l• F r
Plymouth City Code
Section 1103 - Amusement Centers
(Ord. No. 82-01)
1103.01
1103.01. Definitions. Subdivision 1. For purposes of this section the terms
defined in this subsection have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2. "Amusement :Machine" means, but is not limited to, a mechapical
amusement devise of any of the following types:
(a) A machine or electronic contrivance, including "pinball" machines,
mechanical miniature pool tables, bowling machines, shuffle boards,
electric rifle or gun ranges, miniature mechanical and electronic
devices and games or amusements patterned after baseball, basketball,
hockey and similar games and like devices, machines or games which
may be played solely for amusement and not as a gambling device and
which devices or games are played by the insertion of a coin or coins
or at a fee fixed and charged by the establishment in which such
devices or machines are located, and which contain no automatic
payoff devices for the return of money, coins, merchandise, checks,
tokens or any other thing or item of value; provided, however, that
such machine may be equipped to permit a free play or game: the term
does not include coin-operated music machines.
(b) Amusement devices designed for and used exclusively as rides by
children, such as, but not limited to, kiddie cars, miniature airplane
rides, mechanical horses, and other miniature mechanical devices, not
operated as a part of or in connection with any carnival, circus,
show, or other entertainment or exhibition.
Subd. 3. "Amusement Center" means a business at one location devoted:
(a) primarily to the operation of amusement machines as defined above
and open for public use and participation or
(b) locations with seven or more amusement machines as defined
above and open for public use and participation.
Subd. 4. "Licensed Premises" shall mean the room or rooms in which such
amusement machines are located and when such premises are part of a building
or structure in which other businesses are conducted, the licensed premise
shall not be connected by more than one interior doorway or passageway to
other parts of such building or structure. Such doorway or passageway shall
be provided with a metal gate or grating which can be locked to secure the
licensed premises during such time that use is not permitted.
1103.03. Licenses. Subdivision 1. General Rules. No person shall keep,
operate, maintain or permit to be operated or maintained upon premises within
his direct or indirect control an amusement center or any machine therein,
without having first procured an amusement center license under the provisions
of this Code.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
MEMO
DATE: November 3, 1986
TO: Community Development Director Blair Tremere
FROM: Community Development Coordinator Sara McConn 0/w
SUBJECT TREE REPLACEMENT IN KINGS VIEW HEIGHTS DEVELOPMENT (84100)
On October 29, 1986, I walked portions of the Kingsview Heights Development with
Phyllis Hanson, Landscape Architect, for the purpose of viewing the transplanted
trees. During the discussion of the Lake Camelot Estates Planned Unit Development,
which is proposed by the same developer, the City Council raised a concern with the
number of trees that were removed with the initial site grading, which had been repre-
sented for being retained. Mr. Ken Briggs, Harstad Companies, committed to replace the
trees. When Mr. Harstad was before the City Council at the May 5, 1986 meeting, he
stated authorization had been given for the replacement of the trees on a 1 - 1 basis.
The trees are to be no less than 2 112 inches in diameter and 12 ft. high.
Ms. Hanson has indicated that there is difficulty in replacing the trees on a 1 - 1
basis in that there was not an accurate representation of what existed. Based on the
grading plan which generally described the existing vegetation areas, Ms. Hanson has
attempted to replace the original vegetative area, assuming a 30 ft. diameter crown of
the trees once fully grown. I have verified with Steve Cook, City Forester, that the
estimated 30 ft. diameter crown is conservative for many of the species used in the re-
placement, and would include all of those represented in the replacement.
The trees used in the replacement meet the minimum size described by Mr. Briggs. The
location of the trees is within the two areas that I am aware of, and about which the
City Council was concerned.
Ms. Hanson points out in her October 28, 1986 correspondence that, an owner of one of
the affected lots had proceeded with installing yard landscaping, underground utili-
ties, irrigation systems, and additional overstory trees. The owner chose not to have
replacement trees installed in his yard.
The other lot which was under construction and affected by the replacement, located a
specific corner for the 4 inch oak.
Without having a specific listing of the trees that were in these two areas prior to
their removal, the replacement appears to meet the intent and should assume the prev-
iously vegetated area at full growth.
Attachments
October 28, 1986 Hanson Correspondence
PHYLLIS R. HANSON, INC.
„ 7216 BOONE AVE. N SUITE HE 75
�y BROOKLYN PARK, MN. 55428
`.� Leadscspe Architect Ph -533.5435
October 28, 1986
Ms. Sara McConn
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Re: Kingsview Heights Development Tree.Replacement
Dear Ms. McConn:
T 7 7. 1
c ;4�
PER
This correspondence is to update the City concerning the tree replacement
at Kingsview Heights. Harstad Companies -has transplanted, by a tree spade,
3.3 overstory trees and 13 Staghorn Sumac.
The City Council directed the tree replacements at three locations:
Block 18, Block 1, and Block 14. The following is a summary of what was
replaced by location.
Block 18
No. Type
3
Oak
311
1
Oak
3
Oak
2-1/2" /3"
1
Green
Ash
1
Green
Ash
1
Apple
1
Aspen
2" - 4"
1
Black
Walnut
2
Black
Cherry
1
Black
Cherry
4
Black
Cherry
1
Sugar
Maple
1
Sugar
Maple
8
Staghorn Sumac
21 Overstory Trees
8 Large Shrubs
Size . Comments
411
311
2-1/2"
2-1/2"
2-1/2" /3"
Clump
4" — 6"
2-1/2"
411
2-1/2"
2-1/2" /1"
Clump
2" - 4"
Cluster
411
2-1/2"
Mature
�a
Ms. Sara McConn
Page 2
October 28, 1986
Assuming the "crowns" of the overstory trees average 30 feet in diameter
(the crown of the oaks would be larger while the Aspen and Cherry would
be smaller), the tree area of the original Kingsview Grading Plan would
be more than replaced by these new trees. (See Exhibit A.)
Rl nr^L 1
No.
Type
Size
Comments
3
Green Ash
2-1/2"
1
Green Ash
3"
1
Black Cherry
3"
1
Black Cherry
2-1/2" /1"
Clump
1
Oak
2-1/2"
1
Oak
3"
1
Oak
3-1/2"
1
Oak
4"
1
Sugar Maple
2-1/2"
1
Sugar Maple
3" /2-1/2"
Clump
5
Staghorn Sumac
Mature
12
Overstory Trees
5
Shrubs
We met with one of the property owners, Mrs. Pollack, and carried out her
wishes for the location of a 4 inch oak. The other affected lots have
not been developed yet.
Assuming the 30 foot diameter crown, again the replaced trees fill in the
original vegetative area.
Block 14
The owner of this property has installed shrubs, trees, sod, and an irri-
gation system. After meeting with the owner, Mr. John Hutor, it was agreed
that he did not desire any trees to be installed in his yard. With the
yard landscaped and the underground utilities and irrigation system, loca-
tion of any additional trees presented a problem.
Attached is a representation of the locations of the trees that have been
planted. Within the next two weeks, the trees that need staking will be
staked and all the stock will be watered and wrapped for winter protection.
=qz�'
Ms. Sara McConn
Page 3
October 28, 1986
If you have any further questions concerning this matter, please contact
me at 533-5435 or Mr. Jim Merila of Merila & Associates, Inc., at
533-7595.
Sincerely,
PHYLLIS R. HANSON, INC.
Phyl is R. Hanson, L.A.
PRH:cab
Enclosure
cc: Ken Briggs, Harstad Companies
Jim Merila, Merila & Associates, Inc.
qa-
BLOCK 14.
Y
BLOCK 18
mHarstad. Companies Scale 1 100
2191 Silver Lake Road PHYLLIS R. HANSON, INC.
New Brighton.Minn.55112 7216 BOONE AVE. N SUITE BE 75
(612) 636 -3751 BROOKLYN PARK. MK. 35i23
November 3, 1986
Mr. John Hackett
1455 West Medicine
Plymouth, Minnesota
Dear Mr. Hackett:
Lake Drive
55441
j:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTF+
I have reviewed your request which you submitted at
Meeting on the Resident Feedback Form. You were
lights be installed along Evergreen Lane, from West
18th Avenue.
the October 14th Town
requesting that street
Medicine Lake Drive to
Within the City of Plymouth street lights along residential streets, such as
Evergreen Lane, are paid for by the property owners along the street. The
street lights are installed for the City by Northern States Power Company and
we pay a monthly fee to cover the energy and operating cost for these lights.
Property owners in the area which receive the benefit from street lights are
then billed by the City on a monthly basis. Each street light costs
approximately $150 per year for operation and maintenance.
If you or other property owners in your area are requesting street lights, a
petition should be submitted to the City requesting these lights. For your
use I am attaching a standard petition form. If the petition is not signed
by 100% of the property owners, it would then require a public hearing before
a decision could be made by the City Council to install the street lights.
It is the normal City Council policy that if 80% of the property owners are
not in favor of street lights, they will not be installed.
Until a determination is made of the number of street lights that would be
installed, I cannot give you a definite cost per property at this time. In
reviewing the area, I would estimate that the cost per household would be
between $2 and $3 per month. For your use in circulating a petition to
request street lights, I am also attaching a map of the area. I have
indicated on this map the area which would be benefitted from the street
lights if they were installed the entire length of Evergreen Lane.
If there are any questions with regard to the installation of street lights,
or the petition process for these lights, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Fred G. Moore, P.E.
Director of Public Works
FGM:kh
Enclosures
cc: Frank Boyles
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
9. U2 SEC. 29 F. f f ff ff. 22
GOVT LOT 4 GOVT LOT 5
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c.tn n,tTR,fJ BOL/OAR.
PLYMOUTH TOWN MEETING FORMAT
AREA 2
October 14, 1986
I. INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
II. STATUS REPORTS ON ISSUES OF INTEREST - City Department Heads
III. QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
IV. CLOSING COMMENTS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
V. ADJOURN
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESIDENT FEEDBACK FORM
Please use this form tf you have a question or concern which you would like
the City to investigate. If you provide your name, address and phone
number, we will advise you of our actions and findings with respect to your
concern.
NATURE OF CONCERN/ PROPERTY ADDRESS INVOLVED:
CG t ! h- !. /' r • '�.✓ C GEL
ACTION YOU DESIRE THE CITY TO TAKE. %'C -V.'. o c1-1
NAME OF CONCERNED RESIDENT: .- ��� �.�
i
ADDRESS OF RESIDENT: fj ! C> d 0 4-A � f
PHONE NUMBER: 5r24 - o 0 Z">
November 6, 1986
John R. Dumez
2510 Rosewood Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Mr. Dumez:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
The Mayor has forwarded your resident feedback form from the October 14
Town Meeting to me for review and comment.
On your form you suggest that the City put in a pathway system for walkers
and bikers along West Medicine Lake Drive. I hope with the conclusion
of the Town Meeting you are now aware that it is the City's plan to proceed
with a bikeway/walking system around the entire lake. A portion of the trail
from County Road 9 down to 26th Avenue on the west side of Medicine Lake
has been completed. That stretch of road from 26th Avenue south to Highway 55
is very difficult for us to implement at this time because of space constraints
due to the road's proximity to the lake. Within the last two weeks, the City
Council authorized the hiring of a consultant to analyze this stretch of
road with regard to the issue of bicycling and walking safety with a report
to be made to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission and a recommendation
forthcoming to the City Council for how the situation may be improved.
I wish to assure you that it is in everyone's best interest to provide a safe
and fun walking and biking trail system around Medicine Lake. We will do
everything we reasonably can to implement this in a timely and cost effective
manner. If you would like to discuss this subject with me further, please
do not hesitate to give me a call at 559-2800 x 265. Thank you for your
time and interest in this matter.
Sincerely yours,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559.2800
PLYMOUTH TOWN MEETING FORMAT
AREA 2
October 14, 1986
I. INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
II. STATUS REPORTS ON ISSUES OF INTEREST - City Department Heads
III. QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
IV. CLOSING COMMENTS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
V. ADJOURN
RESIDENT FEEDBACK FORM
Please use this form if you have a question or concern which you would like
the City to investigate. If you provide your name, address and phone
number, we will advise you of our actions and findings with respect to your
concern.
NATURE OF CONCERN/PROPERTY ADDRESS INVOLVED: T,4cl Sc_u 51
= wfi
ACTION YOU DESIRE THE CITY TO TAKE:
cl � � c C � A h � a o�;,� � aJ �z �� E.a-c.�+ � .:�.o c tt- s bo-d•�
rank _ �1�I'1:_ I,.at
NAME OF CONCERNED RESIDENT: , 'h
ADDRESS OF RESIDENT:
PHONE NUMBER: 5S `1 ` 9 U 31p
November 6, 1986
Arlene Johnson
3535 Rosewood Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Mrs. Johnson:
�3 CITY C�
PLYMOUTR
The Mayor'has forwarded your resident feedback form from the October 14
Town Meeting to me for review and comment.
Your request has to do with the tree replacement program along County
Road 61. The City forester, Steve Cook, is currently working on securing
trees for next spring's planting in this area. As I'm sure you are aware,
the key to planting in this area is the use of proper trees that only
reach a maximum height of 25 feet, so that they will not interfere in the
future with the overhead power lines running in this area.
Thank you for your time and interest in this matter. If I may be of any
help in the future, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 559-2800 x
265.
Sincerely yours,
,. j i!f,;
Eric J. ank, erector
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
Dear Mr. Fogelsmyer:
The Mayor has forwarded your resident feedback form from the October 14
Town Meeting to me for review and comment.
First, let me say that I hope by our recent action, we have stopped your
neighbor from any future dredging, filling, altering or in any other way,
changing the nature of Plymouth Creek and/or park property. In order for
him to proceed with any type of work, he will need a City permit and
perhaps a DNR permit also. If you notice any additional work, and you
believe these permits have not been secured, please contact my office
as soon as possible, and we will be more than happy to investigate the
matter.
I have given instructions to our park maintenance division to place no
motorized vehicle signs on the north boundary of the park to help alleviate
the snowmobiling problem you addressed in your letter.
Thank you for your time and interest in the City of Plymouth. If I may be
of any help to you in the future, please do not hesitate to give me a call
at 559-2800 x 265.
Sincerely yours,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYM^UTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
d
November 6, 1986
CITY OF
PLYMOUP+
Berkley Fogelsmyer
2310 Kirkwood Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Mr. Fogelsmyer:
The Mayor has forwarded your resident feedback form from the October 14
Town Meeting to me for review and comment.
First, let me say that I hope by our recent action, we have stopped your
neighbor from any future dredging, filling, altering or in any other way,
changing the nature of Plymouth Creek and/or park property. In order for
him to proceed with any type of work, he will need a City permit and
perhaps a DNR permit also. If you notice any additional work, and you
believe these permits have not been secured, please contact my office
as soon as possible, and we will be more than happy to investigate the
matter.
I have given instructions to our park maintenance division to place no
motorized vehicle signs on the north boundary of the park to help alleviate
the snowmobiling problem you addressed in your letter.
Thank you for your time and interest in the City of Plymouth. If I may be
of any help to you in the future, please do not hesitate to give me a call
at 559-2800 x 265.
Sincerely yours,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYM^UTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
PLYMOUTH TOWN MEETING FORMAT
AREA 2
October 14, 1986
I. INTRODUCTIONS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
II. STATUS REPORTS ON ISSUES OF INTEREST - City Department Heads
III. QUESTIONS FROM RESIDENTS IN ATTENDANCE
IV. CLOSING COMMENTS - Mayor Virgil Schneider
V. ADJOURN
i -- (-A b
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
r
RESIDENT FEEDBACK FORM
Please use this form if you have a question or concern which you would like
the City to investigate. If you provide your name, address and phone
number, we will advise you of our actions and findings with respect to your
concern.
NATURE OF CONCERN/ PROPERTY ADDRESS INVOLVED: (.J�cST M$-�VIUNC (-4A�
_ Cly- e V r- T. )A, SS I -L) �L-��t i',N E ✓\.vE ' S No t
i� �GCC&.c- )1N+' F- l�fYr� 1 11.
ACTION YOU DESIRE THE CITY TO TAKE: W py L ) LA kE -jam SEE"CAS:
W V -T MIE�Q I G �,J E L,rt'K L*4 V F. L—ST'-t0
NAME OF CONCERNED RESIDENT:
ADDRESS OF RESIDENT: �. �oS( NL'jAL UA)u - P-W� C—
PHONE NUMBER: LN-.)-- S4 4- 35"� 7 y SYS
6 � TN'l S iL b� w � �
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S�U��L
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�5�
COriSI.��►�t-Y j�c��
S" -( -r�-r Trt�7- Lk) vS V- (21?4XV 2 S tV&UV D az-- wN�10A \S
U 5C -V `E^6TC-nStvCcy 61C)61c1yC.A5TS.
November 6, 1986
Daniel Bernier
2615 Norwood Lane
Plymouth, MN 55441
Dear Mr. Bernier:
'.
3
CITY OF
PLYMOUTH+
1 �1=�
I am in receipt of your resident feedback form from the October 14 Town
Meeting. Your letter states your concern about the lack of a bicycle
and walking path on the west side of Medicine Lake. As I'm sure you are
aware by now, our plans call for a pathway system that goes around the
entire lake someday in the future. We have managed to complete a section
of trail from County Road 9 down to 26th Avenue on the west side of the
lake, but from that point farther south to Highway 55, there are a number
of difficulties created by the proximity of the road to the lake. The
City Council, approximately two weeks ago, authorized the hiring of a
consultant to do a review of the safety considerations involving bicycles
and walkers on this portion of road. The results of that study will be
given to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, so that they can make
further recommendations with regard to funding and timing of improvements
on this stretch of road to the City Council. It is everyone's desire to
ensure the safety of Plymouth residents as they try to enjoy the scenery
around Medicine Lake.
The swing set that was removed because of the faulty wooden structure at
West Medicine Lake will be replaced next spring, so that it will be ready
for the summer season.
Thank you for your time and interest in these matters, and I hope that we
can get back to you in the near future with some positive results regarding
the trail.
Sincerely yours,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
LeFevere
Lefler
Mr. James G. Willis
Kennedy
City Manager
O'Brien &
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
Dra"Z
rffPL
A Pmf",ional
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
l*uxiation
2000 First Bank Place West October 31, 1986
Minneapolis
Minnesota 5.5402 F
Telephone (612) 333-0543
Telecopier (612) 333-0540
Clayton L. LeFevere
Herbert P. Lefier
Mr. James G. Willis
J. Dennis O'Brien
John E. Drawn
City Manager
David J. Kennedy
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
Joseph E. Hamilton
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
John B. Dean
Glenn E. Purdue
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Richard J. Schieffer
Charles L. LeFevere
Dear Jim:
Herbert P. Lefler III
James J. Thomson, Jr.
Thomas R. Galt
As you know, I am retiring from the practice of law as of
Dayle Nolan
November 1, 1986. I intend to pass the City Attorney
Brian F. Rice
John G.Kressel
torch to Jim Thomson as of that date. I am confident that
Lorraine S. Clugg
Jim will continue to provide the top quality legal
James M. Strommen
services that our firm has provided to the City for the
Ronald H. Batty
William P. Jordan
past twenty-five years. Although Jim has been working
Kurt J. Erickson
closely with me on Plymouth matters during the past year
William R. Skallerud
and is familiar to you and the Councilm embers, I thought
Rodney D. Anderson
Corrine A. Heine
it would be helpful if I provided you with a brief
David D. Beaudoin
summary of his background.
Paul E. Rasmussen
Steven M. Tatien
Jim was born and raised in Rhode Island. He attended the
University of Notre Dame and received a B.A. Degree in
1969. Upon graduation from Notre Dame, he entered the
United States Marine Corps. He served four years in the
Marines, including one year as an infantry platoon
commander in Vietnam.
After completing his tour with the Marines, Jim attended
the Uni-uersity of San Diego Law School. He graduated
Magna Cum Laude in 1976. During his last law year of law
school Jim was Editor -in -Chief of the San Diego Law
Review, a position which greatly reflects his academic
and leadership skills.
Jim was admitted to the California Bar in December, 1976
and worked in the San Diego City Attorney's Office for
six years. During his first two years of employment he
was involved in prosecution - related matters, including
trials and appeals. During his last four years with the
City Attorney's Office he specialized in civil
Mr. James G. Willis
October 31, 1986
Page 2
litigation, concentrating in the areas of land use,
contracting, and real estate cases.
Jim and his family moved to Minnesota in August, 1982,
when he began practicing with our firm. During the time
that he has been with the firm Jim has specialized in
municipal law. He became a Director of the firm in
November, 1985.
Jim and his wife Kathy, a native of Rochester, Minnesota,
and their two children live in Bloomington. Jim is active
in Bloomington youth sports, having coached baseball and
hockey. He is also an active member in St. Edward's
Church, where he has taught and been principal of the
preschool education program.
In my opinion, Jim's background highly qualifies him to
succeed me as the firm's legal representative for the
City.
I also would like to take this opportunity to thank you
and your entire staff for the outstanding cooperation and
support that you have given me for the past twenty-five
years. Without that support and cooperation I would not
have been able to adequately provide the legal services
for the City of Plymouth.
Sincerely,
LeFEVERE, LEFLER, KENNEDY,
O'BRIEN & DRAW""
Herbert Lefler
HPL/kjj
FT
HENNEPIN
Li U
COMMUNITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
4th Floor, McGill Building
501 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
October 24, 1986
Virgil Schneider, Mayor
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Dear Mayor Schneider:
-\Ob
I am writing to you as part of the follow-up to the survey of elected municipal
officials which was conducted by the Community Health Department one year ago.
Survey data has shown that the Community Health Department needs to provide
more information on its programs and services to municipal officials.
In the next few weeks George Bowlin who is with the Department will telephone
you to determine if you and your city manager are interested in discussing the
various public health services available to your residents through the
Community Health Department. Mr. Bowlin is also available to make a brief
presentation at a meeting of the City Council.
If you have any questions or expectations feel free to telephone my office at
348-4382 or George Bowlin at 348-4402.
Sincerely,
"eL ) L-_ Oc"
Sue Zuidema, Director
Community Health Department
HENNEPIN COUNTY
an equal opportunity employer
E14"
HENNEPIN
PARKS
Suburban Hennepin
Regional Park District
12615 County Rood 9
PO. Box 41320
Plymouth, MN 55441
Telephone (612)559-9000
Board of Commissioners
David Latvaaho
Char
Golden Vallee,
Shirley A. Bonine
V,ce Cho.,
Maple P10 -
Judith S. Anderson
Blocrmrgto^
William H. Boynton
St. Loins Parr
Nicholas Eoloff
Robb-rsdolc
George B. Hickey
Golder Voll,
Neil Weber
Mocnd
Vern J. Hartenburg
Supe,,^te rdent 8
Secretory to the
Board
October 29, 1986
Mayor Virgil Schneider
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Schneider:
Recently we wrote to you regarding Hennepin Parks involvement
in trying to help resolve the longstanding problem related to
public access to Lake Minnentonka. Specifically, Hennepin
Parks has been asked to prepare a "Master Plan for a Regional
Park Entity" on the lake. Enclosed is another copy of the
background information regarding the planning process we intend
to follow in this effort.
As you may know, the first step in this process was a tour of
Lake Minnetonka, which was held on Saturday, September 20.
Approximately forty persons attended this tour and gained an
overview of the issues related to the potential of a regional
park entity on the Lake. The next step is for Hennepin Parks
to offer opportunity for public input and, to this end, the
following public meetings have been established during November
(All meetings begin at 7 p.m.):
Wednesday Mound Westonka Community Center
Nov. 5 5600 Lynwood Boulevard, Mound
Wednesday, Edina Edina City Council Chambers
Nov. 12 4801 W. 50th St., Edina
Tuesday, Excelsior Excelsior City Hall
Nov. 18 339 Third St., Excelsior
Wednesday, Minnetrista Minnetrista City Hall
Nov. 19 7701 County Rd. 110 West,
Schedule Continued
Tuesday,
Nov. 25
Wednesday,
Nov. 26
- 2 -
�=- \ OC,
Wayzata Wayzata City Council Chambers
600 Rice St. East, Wayzata
Maple Grove Maple Grove City Hall
9401 Fernbrook Lane, Maple
Grove
Hennepin Parks would value your involvement in this important
regional park planning process. If you have questions, or
should desire further information, please contact me or Marty
Jessen, Associate Superintendent, at 559-9000. Your help in
getting the word out in your community would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
4a��
David Latvaaho
Chairman of the Board
of Commissioners
DL:na
Attachment
PROCESS FOR PLANNING A REGIONAL PARK ENTITY
ON LAKE MINNETONKA
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hennepin Parks has been asked to participate in the planning for regional park
facilities on Lake Minnetonka, particularly as they relate to increased public
access in Zone 5 of Lake Minnetonka (see attached map from Lake Minnetonka
Task Force Report) as designated by the Lake Minnetonka Task Force Report of
1983. The Lake Minnetonka Task Force appointed by the Metropolitan Council in
1985, in its recommendations concerning intergovernmental coordination,
Item c, Page 11, recommended that:
"A principal recommendation is that a regional recreation open space
implementing agency, most logically the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park
District (SHRPD), should prepare a master plan and acquire, develop and
operate a regional recreation open space entity on the lake. The facility
should be consistent with applicable plans and should incorporate existing
regional properties, other new parcels in the lake and on the lakeshore
which may be necessary for its function as a significant regional
recreation facility. The facility should provide the following regional
functions, among others: staging areas for ferry or other access to
islands in the regional park, shoreline access and docks for fishing,
areas for viewing the lake and shoreline, parking and sanitary facilities,
and boat rentals.
Appropriate launch facilities for small craft and fishing boats should be
included, especially in zones 3 and 5. The plan should be prepared by the
implementing agency, reviewed by LMCD and DNR and approved by the
Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission and Metropolitan Council. In
the event that SHRPD is unable or unwilling to implement the proposed new
regional facility, LMCD should be requested to carry out the task as a
regional implementing agency. In the latter event, modification of LMCD's
legislative authority may be required."
Among the reasons for Hennepin Parks being asked to participate in this
process is the Park District's existing presence on Lake Minnetonka. The
District owns four parcels on Lake Minnetonka, including Noerenberg Memorial
County Park, Wawatasso Island, Wild Goose Chase Island and a portion of Big
Island. (An inventory and summary of these properties follows.) Hennepin
Parks desires to acquire the Big Island Veterans Camp (58 acres), which is
currently owned by the Big Island Veterans Camp Board of Governors, who are
analyzing the possibility of reconstructing the camp for veterans' use.
Acquisition of the camp for park purposes is supported by the City of Orono
and is included in the Park District's acquisition plan. The Minnesota State
Legislature, in 1983, designated all publicly owned land on Big Island as a
Regional Park.
2.
3.
&a
Big Island (Lake Minnetonka Task Force Zone 3)
A. Current ownership - 63.45 acres
B. Acquisition consideration - 77.31 acres
(Big Island Veterans Camp - 58.0 acres
and miscellaneous parcels - 19.31 acres)
C. Existing Facility - Arthur Allen Wildlife Sanctuary
D. Possible Future Facilities and/or Activities
Boat dock/slips
Shore fishing docks
Picnicking
Swimming
Hiking/nature trails
Contact station (information
and interpretation)
Overnight group camping
Maintenance/storage building
Resident caretaker residence
Water
Restroom
Trash collection
E. Consideration should be given for winter use
Wild Goose Chase Island (Lake Minnetonka Task Force Zone 4.)
A. Current ownership - 2.50 acres
(represents total size of island)
B. Existing Facilities
• Restrooms (vault type)
• Trash collection
Wawatasso Island (Lake Minnetonka Task Force Zone 5.)
A. Current ownership 34.45 acres
(represents total size of island)
B. A deed restriction states that "Wawatossa Island shall continue in
perpetuity to be a natural wildlife and wilderness area which
shall be used for temporary outing and overnight camping purposes,
in a manner consistent wtih the preservation of said island in a
natural condition."
C. Possible Facilities and/or Activities
• Tent camping
• Hiking trails
• Restrooms (vault type)
• Water
• Trash Collection
Access to the islands, particularly Big Island, by non -boaters is needed. A
staging area where those who don't own boats may park their cars and utilize a
shuttle boat. Consideration for such a staging area would include:
A. Acquisition consideration - 3.0 acres minimum
B. In lieu of land acquisition and capital facility development by
Hennepin Parks. consider contracting with a private source, i.e.,
private marina, etc.
C. Consideration should be given to the boat shuttle; i.e., private
source or Hennepin Parks owned and operated.
-3-
D. Possible Facilities
•Entry control •Restroom
•Parking (200-250 cars) •Boat dock
•Water •Trash collection
Hennepin Parks will be identifying alternatives for a staging areas(s) in the
east portion of Lake Minnetonka. This analysis will include identification of
potential sites to acquire and/or lease of parking space. The investigation
of contracting with a private charter boat(s) for shuttle service to Big
Island, as well as self -operation of a shuttle service by Hennepin Parks, will
be pursued.
THE PRIMARY ISSUE AT HAND
Two major questions exist related to the planning of a regional park entity on
Lake Minnetonka. They are:
1. What is the attitude of the public, Lake Minnetonka Communities, Lake
Minnetonka Conservation District, the Metropolitan Council, and others
towards the establishment of a regional park entity on Lake Minnetonka?
2. What is the site potential for a regional park entity on Lake
Minnetonka?
The Metropolitan Council Task Force on Lake Minnetonka recommended the
preparation of a plan for a "regional park entity" on the Lake. Specifically,
the Task Force recommends increased access in Zone 5 of Lake Minnetonka to
accommodate an approximate total of 100 boats with car/trailer parking
(primarily fishing craft access is needed). Possible solutions include
accommodating additional parking at existing accesses within Zone 5. The
Williams Street access, a site in Mound or the Howard's Point Marina might be
possibilities. On the other hand, if all 100 were to occur in one access
location, a minimum of ten acres is needed. Included would be a boat ramp,
parking, circulation roads, a gatehouse for control, and sanitary facilities.
This alternative would meet the minimum requirements of the Lake Minnetonka
Task Force report.
Lake Minnetonka Conservation District has indicated support for a 40 -acre
"regional park" in Zone 5. This would accommodate the 100 car/trailer
capacity access described above plus other limited recreational activity
including boat rental and picnicking.
In identifying potential sites to provide the access capacity, four contiguous
parcels in the Halsted/Smithtown Bay area have been identified, totaling 380
acres. This land provides the opportunity for acquisition and development of
a "major" regional park on Lake Minnetonka. In addition to meeting the access
capacity needs, such a facility would also provide for a wide range of
recreational opportunities including picnicking, swimming, play areas, trails,
etc. A minimum of 100 acres should be considered for such a facility with the
possibility of utilizing the entire 380 acres. Large areas of natural open
space to buffer adjoining properties and to provide an excellent setting for
the outdoor recreational activities listed would also be available.
Consideration for a major regional park could include:
(1) Acquisition consideration - 382.26f acres
(Hagen & Mason - 220f acres; Edgar Ward Blanch, Jr. - 90.26
acres; Vern Gagne - 54 acres; and A. & J. Brachmeier - 18 acres)
(2) Possible facilities and/or activities
Boat launch with dock
(Halsteds & Smithtown
Shore fishing docks
Boat rental
Picnicking
Swimming
Bike/hike trails
Entry control
Maintenance storage building
Bay) Outdoor recreation center building
Ski touring
Ice skating Parking
Parking
Restroomns
Water
Trash collection
In addition to the possibilities just outlined there may be other
opportunities for which there may be community support. Six -Mile Creek is one
possibility, a Lake Minnetonka Historical Cultural Center is another -- to
name just two. The planning process should identify additional possibilities,
determine the degree of community support, and their feasibility.
SUMMARY
Based on the land/property available, there appears to be potential for a
major regional park on Lake Minnetonka. Hennepin Parks seeks input from LMCD,
the City of Minnetrista and other coummunities, neighborhood and user groups
and others about their attitude towards regional park facilities on the Lake
with the objective of determining the need for additional access and what size
area and what range of facilities and opportunities should be provided.
Toward that end, Hennepin Parks proposes the following process for planning a
regional park entity on Lake Minnetonka:
I. A boat and bus tour of the Lake area for Hennepin Parks Board members,
LMCD, and others - September 20, 1986, 10:00 a.m., Al & Alma's
Supper Club, 5201 Piper Road, Mound.
II. A series of meetings held around the Lake to determine the need for a
regional park -
o Lake Minnetonka Conservation District - September 24, 1986,
7:00 p.■., Tonka Bay City Hall.
o Area Legislators
o Neighborhood and User Groups
o Others
III. Review results of these meetings with the Hennepin Parks Board of
Commissioners - November
IV. Hennepin Parks Board of Commissioners assesses alternatives -
December
Site analysis
Costs
Preliminary determination of feasibility
-5-
V. Discuss alternatives with Lake Minnetonka Conservation District -
January
VI. Discussion with Metropolitan Council and Parks and Open Space
Commission and Department of Natural Resources - January
VII. Hennepin Parks prepares report as to the feasibility of a regional
park. - February
VIII. Report to Lake Minnetonka Conservation District - February
Through this process, alternative ideas for providing public access will be
identified and thoroughly analyzed for their potential. The outcome of this
analysis will be a resort to LMCD as to the feasibility of a regional dark
entity on Lake Minnetonka The range of possibilities includes:
I. No new site acquisition (but expanding access capacity at existing
locations).
2. A 10 -acre boat access site.
3. A 40 -acre regional park with limited additional recreation facilities.
4. A major regional park of from 100-380 acres including a wide array of
recreation facilities and natural open space area.
The report will be made by Hennepin Parks to LMCD as it is the lead agency for
planning/coordination on Lake Minnetonka. The outcome of this process will
then be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and regional park
funding to accomplish its implementation.
0469A
Bob Zitur
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN. 55447
Dear Bob:
NORTHWEST HENNEPIN
HUMAN SERVICES COUNCIL
7323 - 58th Avenue No. Crystal, MN 55428
(612) 536-0327 9
ki
FQ
October 29, 19
Thanks so very much for all the hard effort you put forth on behalf
of the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and other human service
providers during the recent budget process of the City of Plymouth. As
I mentioned during our phone conversation, I respect your commitment to
making informed decisions in your role as a city councilmember. I appre-
ciate both your concern and your efforts to keep me updated throughout
the budget process. Please do aot hesitate to call me if I can pro-
vide any information to you in the upcoming months.
Sincerely,
�a
Mary E. Cayan, Director
NWHHSC
MC/vg
November 3, 1986
® CITY C)�
Mr. John Capell PLYMOUTLLI I
Chief Administrative Officer
560 - 6th Avenue N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Dear John:
Congratulations on the opening of your new "MTC Transit Store" at 719
Marquette Avenue. The opening of the store is a significant improvement in
the marketing and availability of transit materials to the riding public.
As I understand, interested customers are able to obtain route information,
bus schedules, and purchase tokens and fare cards from the store. For some
time now, our Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit has struggled with the
problem of improving accessibility of Plymouth Metrolink fare cards and
tokens to our customers. On an experimental basis, we will be opening a
temporary booth at our Park and Ride Lot on specific days to sell passes and
tokens to riders.
The opening of the MTC Transit Store strikes me as an excellent opportunity
to recognize the regional nature, benefit, and funding of our metropolitan -
area transit system. I am proposing that Plymouth Metrolink schedules,
memorabilia, fare cards, and tokens be made available for sale or in the
case of schedules, given away, at the transit store. We, of course, would
be glad to sell MTC tokens or fare cards at our temporary booth to those who
may wish to access routes served by the Metropolitan Transit Commission. I
think from the public's perspective, a cooperative effort of this nature
would demonstrate that the transit system is regional in nature and consists
of efforts by a number of providers directed to the same end.
John, I think this is a unique opportunity to open a new era In
metropolitan -area transit. This may be a small step, but it is an important
first one. Please let me know when we might be able to supply you with our
passes, tokens, nd schedules.
Yours v tru ,
Frank Boyles
Assistant City Manager
FB: fm
r
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
\O e�
William H. Schreiber
District 48B
Hennepin County
Committees:
Taxes, Chairman
Budget
Local and Urban Affairs
Commissioner Tom Triplett
Department of Revenue
2nd Floor
Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Dear Commis si er Tfipl
October 29, 1986
Minnesota
House of
Representatives
David M. Jennings, Speaker
RAE
OCT 3116
cla a PIYNUAIN
This letter concerns the state subsidy which is paid for the "feathering"
provision for the Regional Transit Board (RTB).
I received a copy of the letter which you wrote to John Anderson, Shakopee City
Administrator. Although the language in M.S. 473.446, Subd. 1, clause (c) does
not directly specify that the subsidy for the .5 mills and the .75 mills be
increased for the "hypothetical" value adjustments, I feel strongly that the
legislative intent of the subsidy was to do that calculation in the same manner
as you do for the 2 mill levy limitation. Let me give you my rationale and some
documents which support my position.
The "feathering" provision was enacted in the 1984 legislative session. It was
inserted in the Omnibus Tax Bill during conference committee. Although it would
have been administratively and mechanically possible for the provision to have
become effective for property taxes payable 1985, its effective date was delayed
until property taxes payable 1986. It was agreed that for taxes payable 1985,
"feathering" would occur but that the RTB would absorb the costs of the subsidy.
Then beginning in 1986, the state would pay those same costs. (Feathering had
occurred in payable 1984 as well, but was on a different basis and was limited
to a fewer number of communities.) The purpose of feathering was to recognize
that some communities are, in fact, getting less transit service and that
consequently, those taxpayers should pay less of the property tax burden than
the taxpayers living in communities which are getting full service. Further-
more, it was the intent of the law not to shift any of the costs associated with
feathering to the other taxpayers in the area.
Reolv to: O 543 State Office Building, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
0 10001 Zane Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55443
Office: (612) 296-4128
Home: (612) 425-4317 -qg?..
_I ` \ U_-)�
October 29, 1986
Page 2
Enclosed are various supporting documents which I have obtained from the RTB.
Exhibit A is a memo dated September 24, 1984 from the Members of the Joint
Committee to the Members of the RTB on the "Transit Tax Levy." Pages 5 and 6 of
that memo contain a table listing the communities by county in the transit
district which are feathered. Columns 2 and 3 list the payable 1984 property
tax levy amount and Columns 5 and 6 list the amount of property tax levy for
those communities for payable 1985. Columns 1 and 4 contain the amount that
they would have paid if feathering had not occurred. For example, Chanhassen
(the part in Carver County) was to levy $131,542 for payable 1985 instead of the
full 2 mill amount of $175,389. That tax levy was 75% of the full amount --a 25%
reduction in levy (i.e., a 25% subsidy). The amounts shown on this table were
then listed in the RTB's resolution. The resolution for payable 1985 is also
enclosed (see Exhibit B).
Enclosed is a letter written to the "Seven County Metropolitan Area Auditors" by
Wallace Dahl, Director of Local Government Aids and Analysis in the Department
of Revenue dated December 3, 1984 (Exhibit C). It states:
The mill rate reduction is determined by dividing the
stipulated dollar reduction by the taxable value of the city
or town. This mill rate is to be subtracted from the
uniform general fund mill rate to determine the reduced
general fund mill rate for the specific city or town.
My point in all of this is that for taxes payable in 1985 (and in 1984 as well)
the RTB determined the subsidy for each community by using a straight 25%
reduction (.5 mills divided by 2 mills) and 372% reduction (.75 mills divided by
2 mills) for the property tax subsidy and that is the amount which was used in
determining the property.tax levy. The amount of the RTB's subsidy for payable
1985 was about $2.4 million. (The $2.4 million amount is also referenced in
Exhibit A, page 4.) The RTB and the city officials assumed that the subsidy
would continue to be 25% of the total levy amount in the case of the .5 mill
communities and 37.5% of the total levy amount in the case of the .75 mill
communities. They did not even contemplate that it would be computed in any
other manner. In fact, in September 1985, the RTB sent a letter to all
communities affected by feathering and listed the subsidy amount which they
thought they were going to get in payable 1986 (see Exhibit D). Those amounts
were, of course, based on the method which adjusted the value --that is the only
method the RTB had ever used.
Then in November 1985, Department of Revenue officials notified the metro county
auditors of the RTB's levy. In that letter (see Exhibit E), Wallace Dahl told
county auditors the following:
. A 1984 law provides for a reduced general fund levy
mill rate for certain cities and towns and a property tax
reimbursement payable by the State to the Regional Transit
Board. . . . The law provides for either a 0.5 mill or a 0.75
mill reduction depending on the level of transit service
received. This 0.5 mill or 0.75 mill reduction is to be
October 29, 1986
Page 3
subtracted from the uniform general fund mill rate to
determine the reduced general fund mill rate for the specific
city or town. . . .
These instructions to the county auditors were different from the previous
letter since the .5 mills and .75 mills when subtracted from the "uniform
general mill rate" (which was defined by the Department as the 3.2 mills and not
the 2 mills) resulted in a much lower amount of subsidy and a higher property
tax burden. The amount of state subsidy dropped to about $1.5 million --almost
$1 million less than the amount for payable 1985. I don't think that department
officials realized at that time that their instruction resulted in different
amounts of subsidy. The RTB staff did not realize it until in 1986 when the
payment came from the state to the RTB. It was much lower than they had
anticipated.
By doing the calculation in this manner, the total of the subsidy plus the
property tax levy did equal the total amount needed; hence, the RTB was not
"shorted" any dollars. However, this method that the county auditors were
instructed to use was not based upon the same method as had been used by the RTB
and the Department in prior years. (The previous year's letter used a dollar
amount to arrive at the mill rate reduction.) The subsidy was considerably less
than what the RTB and city officials were expecting as listed in Exhibit D.
Since subsidy plus property tax must yield total amount needed for payable 1986,
the proportion coming from the property tax was increased to offset the decrease
in the loss of the subsidy (as compared to the payable 1985 proportion). This
caused a shift to the taxpayers in payable 1986 which was not at all the intent
of the state takeover, as far as I can conclude.
The real culprit in this whole situation is the value adjustments which are made
to the levy limitations pursuant to M.S. 273.13, subd. 7a; 275.49; and 272.64.
We have discussed this issue before, and it is my hope in the 1987 session to
repeal these statutes to avoid future confusion on this topic. (I will, of
course, allow for some type of adjustments to be made to any of the individual
districts which have used these value adjustment provisions. It is not my
intention to hurt any taxing district because of this change.) I doubt when the
1984 feathering legislation was drafted that legislators and/or staff even
thought about these adjustments. .(They may not have even known about them.)
They merely assumed that .5 mills is a 25% subsidy and .75 mills is a 37.5%
subsidy. Little did they realize that these problems would occur.
I request that you reconsider your decision on how to compute the subsidy for
taxes payable 1987. It is not too late at this time to change that calculation
for 1987. I will introduce legislation in 1987 which retroactively clarifies
the method of computation to what I feel the legislature intended it to be
(i.e., a 25% and 372% subsidy). However, it is not my intention to provide a
windfall. I want the subsidy plus the levy to equal the total RTB levy for
1987.
October 29, 1986 `0-3
Page 4
It is unfortunate that this provision had not been discussed in the Tax
Committee before it was enacted, since the method for determining the subsidy
would probably have been reviewed at that time. Then none of this
misunderstanding would ever have occurred.
If you would like to discuss this issue in more detail, please call my office.
Sincerely, •
i�g t
William H. Schreiber
State Representative
xc: Representative Chuck Dimler
Representative James Heap
Representative Craig Shaver
Senator Doug Johnson
Senator Steve Novak
Senator Robert Schmitz
Elliott Perovich, Chairman, Regional Transit Board
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Suite 300 Metro Square Building, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
DATE: September 24, 1984
TO: Members of the Regional Transit Board
FROM: Members of the Joint Committee
SUBJECT: Transit Tax Levy i
BACKGROUND
On September 19 and again on September 21, 1984, staff members from the
Metropolitan Council (MC), the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC), and the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) (hereinafter "Joint
Committee°) met at the request of Chairman Perovich to discuss the 1984
metropolitan transit tax levy.
The purpose of the meetings was to identify the options the Board has in
certifying the tax levy and to identify issues the Board should be aware of in
choosing between the various options. The Joint Committee adopted a proposed
timetable, attached hereto, to accomplish certification of the tax levy on or
before October 10, 1984. The timetable proposes that the Board pass a
resolution at its meeting on September 24 announcing its intent to certify the
tax levy at a special meeting to be called on October 8, 1984. This will allow
affected communities the opportunity to submit comments to the Board on the
proposed tax levy before the Board takes final action on October 8.
Based primarily on financial information supplied by MTC staff, the Joint
Committee recommends that the Board incorporate 'full feathering" (explained
below) in its 1984 tax levy. Full feathering results in a loss of
approximately $1,638,000 in property tax revenue when compared to the limited
feathering done by the MTC in 1983. The Director of Finance of the MTC
informed the Joint Committee that the surplus fund balance of the MTC could
cover such a revenue loss for one year.
This memorandum reviews several key provisions of the law pertaining to the
1984 tax levy and summarizes several issues and options identified by the
Joint Committee.
POLICY ISSUES
- What is the ability of the MTC (or RTB) to absorb revenue reductions caused
by tax feathering?
- How should the phrase "level of services be defined? On a °cost of service
provided4 basis? On a Gfrequency of service provided" basis?
101
-2-
- Is the tax equitable? Have the concerns of potential opt -out communities
been adequately addressed?
A brief review bf the law helps to put these issues in context.
STATUTORY HISTORY AND AUTHORITY
Prior to 1983, the MTC was required by law to levy a fixed mill rate (2 mills)
on all property within the transit taxing district regardless of the level of
service provided to each community. In 1983, the legislature authorized the
MTC to establish a tiered or °feathered° property tax system by tying a
community's transit tax levy to the level of transit service received. The
MTC interpreted this legislation in such a way that tax relief was provided
only to commmunities eligible for the "opt -out' program. Some of those
communities had their mill levy rate reduced from 2 mills to 1.75 mills; others
had their mill levy rate reduced to 1.65 mills. Several communities, however,
were not satisfied with the MTC tax relief program. In response to this, the
legislature acted in 1984 to mandate further transit property tax relief
according to the following formula:
Level of Service
Statutory Mill Rate
full, all -day service 2 mills
full peak and limited
off-peak service 1.5 mills
limited peak service 1.25 mills
This formula incorporates what is referred to in this memorandum as 4full
feathering." The statutory formula is not. however, effective until the 1985
tax levy for taxes payable in 1986.
The 1984 legislation also requires the Commissioner of Revenue, beginning in
fiscal year 1987 and thereafter, to reimburse the Board from the state -s
general fund for the amount of transit tax proceeds lost because of statutorily
mandated tax feathering. There is no state reimbursement for tax relief the
Board provides in the 1984 levy for taxes payable in 1985.
Because the 1984 legislation is not yet effective, the 1984 tax levy is
primarily controlled by Minn. Stat. $473.446, subd. 1 (Supp. 1983), which
provides:
Subdivision 1. Taxation within transit taxing district. For the
purposes of sections 473.401 to 473.451 and the metropolitan transit
system, except as otherwise provided in this subdivision the metropolitan
transit commission shall levy each year upon all taxable property within
the metropolitan transit taxing district, defined in subdivision 2, a
transit tax consisting of:
(a) An amount up to two mills times the assessed value of all such
property, based upon the level of transit service provided for the
property, the proceeds of which shall be used for payment of the expenses
of operating transit and paratransit service;
-3-
(b) An additional amount, if any, as the commission determines to be
necessary to provide for the full and timely payment of its certificates of
indebtedness and other obligations outstanding on July 1, 1977, to which
property taxes under this section have been pledged; and
(c) An additional amount necessary to provide full and timely payment of
certificates of indebtedness, bonds, or other obligations issued or to be
issued pursuant to section 473.436 for purposes of acquisition and
betterment of property and other improvements of a capital nature and to
which the commission has specifically pledged tax levies under this clause.
In addition, Subdivision la of Minn. Stat. §473.446 (1982) requires that an
additional levy be made in the exurban area (the area inside the metropolitan
transit area but outside the metropolitan transit taxing district) in the
amount of 10 percent of the sum of the levies made under the statute quoted
above. The proceeds of this tax can be used only for paratransit or
ridesharing programs in the exurban area.
Summarizing the law, the Board -s property tax levy will consist of three
components:
( 1. The general property tax levy (based upon the level of service provided,
not to exceed 2 mills);
2. MTC debt service levy; and
3. The exurban levy.
The amount of the MTC debt service levy is set by the MTC (RTB enabling
legislation, §137) and the amount of the exurban levy is set by statute at 10
percent of the sum of the general levy and debt service levies. The Board has
discretion only in establishing the amount of the general property tax levy.
DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS AND ISSUES
The Board has essentially three options in certifying the transit tax levy:
1. MTC 1983 Feathering Plan
Certify taxes the same as last year, i.e., provide limited tax relief to
communities eligible for °opt-outfi by reducing their levy to 1.75 or 1.65
mills, based upon the level of transit service provided to those
communities. Total tax levy reduction - $777,000. See Exhibit A.
0
2. Full Feathering
Certify taxes to provide the full
legislation; i.e., 2.0 mills, 1.50
certain defined levels of service.
Total estimated tax levy reduction
3. Modified Feathering
-4-
tax relief -specified in the 1984
mills, and 1.25 mills depending on
- $2,415,000. See Exhibit A.
Certify taxes to provide more tax relief than achieved by the MTC 1983
feathering plan but less than that achieved by full feathering.
The Joint Committee considered each of these options in detail. Financial data
supplied by the MTC indicates that the MTC can fund any revenue losses caused
by full -feathering out of its surplus fund balances in calendar year 1985. The
full -feathering option has the advantage of providing maximum tax relief to
affected communities while still being affordable due to existing fund
reserves. In the absence of an existing budget for the RTB showing a need for
additional transit funds, the Joint Committee recommends that the 1984 tax levy
incorporate the full -feathering option.
Referring back to the policy issues mentioned previously, the adoption of the
full -feathering option effectively answers these issues. The MTC can absorb
for one year the revenue reductions caused by full feathering. If the full -
feathering option is chosen, the phrase °level of service" must be defined on a
"frequency of service provided" basis because that is the way it is defined in
the 1984 legislation governing full -feathering. If any other option were
chosen, the issue would be open. The Board should note in its resolution
certifying the tax levy that the frequency of service provided to each -
community is measured according to the level of service provided to the
community as specified in the MTC service plan effective on a particular date.
Service provided includes service by private providers. The Joint Committee
recommends that the service plan in effect on September 1, 1984, be used as the
benchmark for measuring level of service provided to each community. Finally,
addressing the last policy issue raised, the Joint Committee believes that a
tax levy incorporating full -feathering is equitable and adequately balances the
financial needs of the Board with the concerns of the affected communities,
particularly potential opt -out communities. The fairness of pian is
demonstrated by the fact that its supporting rationale is established by
statute.
RECOMtMENDATI ON
It is the recommendation of the Joint Committee that the Regional Transit Board
adopt the attached Resolution No. 84-81
RTBP81
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M E T R O P O L I T A N T R A N S I T C O M M I S S I O N
560 -6th Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411-1399 612J349-7400
September 28, 1984
MEMORANDUM
TO: Regional Transit Board
FROM: Metropolitan Transit Commission _
SUBJECT: Property Tax Relief By Community
The RTB is considering property tax relief for communities within the
transit taxing district based on the level of transit provided to the
community. The criteria used in determining the property tax levy
was established in recent legislation and is as follows:
I. Full peak and off-peak service (2.0 mills)
II. Full peak service and limited off-peak service (1.50 mills)
- Limited off-peak service is defined as weekday mid-day
service with a service frequency (headway) of more than
60 minutes on the route with the greatest frequency.
III. Limited peak service (1.25 mills)
- Limited peak is defined as peak service only.
A community is considered to receive service if one or more bus routes
penetrate the municipality's boundary or one or more bus routes serve a
street or highway that defines the boundary of a municipality, if a portion
of the municipality's population resides near that street.
You have asked for an inventory of transit services provided to the communi-
ties within the transit taxing district and based on aforementioned criteria,
a determination of property tax levy by community.
Attached as Exhibit #1 is that listing. In the preparation of this list,
we included service provided by the Metropolitan Transit Commission, Medicine
Lake Lines, North Suburban Lines and Valley Transit on September 1, 1984.
JJC : j ao
Enc.
u
F-KHIBIT #1 771k O-S�l
SERVICE LEVELS IN CONZIUNITIES WITHIN TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICT
(T)
FREQUENCY
GOVERNING
COUNTY/CITY
PEAK
OFF-PEAK..,
ROUTE
MILL RATE
ANOKA
Anoka
S-10 min.
60 min
MTC
27
2.0
Blaine
10-20 min.
60 min.
MTC
24
2.0
Centerville
1 trip
-0-
NSL
1.25
Circle Pines
30 min.
60 min.
NSL
2.0
Columbia Heights
S min.
12 min.
MTC
10
2.0
Coon Rapids
5-10 min.
60 min.
MTC
27
2.0
Fridley
10-1S min.
60 min.
MTC
10
2.0
Hilltop
S min.
24-30 min.
MTC
10
2.0
Lexington
30 min.
60 min.
NSL
2.0
Lino Lakes
30 min.
60 min.
NSL
2.0
Spring Lake Park
10-20 min.
40-60 min.
MTC
10
2.0
CARVER
Chanhassen (part)
3 trips
3 trips
MC
53J/67
1.S0
Chaska
3 trips
-0-
MTC
53J
1.25
DAKOTA
Apple Valley
4 trips
-0-
MTC
3SM
1.25
Burnsville
8 trips
-0-
MTC
3SN
1.25
Eagan
S trips
-0-
MTC
77E
1.2S
Inver Grove
15 min.
60 min.
MTC
8
2.0
Lilydale
3 trips
-0-
MTC
72
1.25
Mendota
-0-
-0-
--
1.25
Mendota Heights
1S-20 min.
50-60 min.
bfTC
S
2.0
Rosemount
1 trip
-0-
MTC
46
1.2S
South St. Paul
15 min,
30 min.
MTC
8
2.0
Sunfish Lake
-0-
-0-
-0-
1.2S
West St. Paul
1S min.
30 min.
MTC
8
2.0
HENTNEP Iii
Bloomington
IS -30 min.
30 min.
MTC
47
2.0
Brooklyn Center
5 min.
30 min.
MTC
5
2.0
Brooklvn Park
10 min.
60 min.
6fTC
S
2.0
Champlin
10 min.
120 min.
DfTC
26
1.50
Chanhassen (part)
3 trips
-0-
MTC
S3J
1.25
Crystal
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
14
2.0
Deephaven
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
67
1.SO
Eden Pirie
3 trips
-0-
MTC
53J
1.25
Edina
10-1S min.
20 min.
MTC
6
2.0
Excelsior
20 min.
120 min.
HTC
67
1.50
Golden Valley
1S-20 min.
40-60 min.
MTC
19
2.0
Greenwood
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
67
1.50
Hopkins
10 min.
30 min.
MTC
12
2.0
(T)
SERVICE LEVELS IN COMMUNITIES WITHIN TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICT
COUNTY/CITY
HENNEPIN
Long Lake
Maple Grove
Medicine Lake
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
Minnetonka Beach
Mound
New Hope
Orono
Osseo
Plymouth
Richfield
Robbinsdale
St. Anthony
St. Louis Park
Shorewood
Spring Park
Tonka Bay
Wayzata
Woodland
Wold-Chamb. Field
( RAMSEY
` Arden Hills
Blaine
Falcon Heights
Gem Lake
Lauderdale
Little Canada
Maplewood
Mounds View
New Brighton
North Oaks
North St. Paul
Roseville
St. Anthony
St. Paul
Shoreview
Spring Lake Park
Vadnais Heights
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake Twnshp.
SCOTT
Prior Lake
Savage
Shakopee
FREQUENCY
GOVERNING
PEAK
OFF-PEAK
ROUTE
MILL RATE
30 min
2 trips
MTC
51
1.50
3 trips
-0-
MTC
45
1.25
-0-
-0-
-0-
1.25
3 min.
6-10 min.
MTC
18
2.0
20 min.
60 min.
MTC
12
2.0
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
51
2.0
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
51
2.0
20 min.
60 min.
MTC
14
2.0.
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
51
2.0
3 trips
-0-
MTC
45
1.25
30 min.
60 min.
MLL
2.0
10 min.
15-20 min.
MTC
18
2.0
5 min.
20 min.
MTC
14
2.0
20 min.
40 min.
MTC
4
2.0
5 min.
20=30 min.
MTC
17
2.0
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
67
1.50
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
51
2.0
2 trips
-0-
MTC
67
1.25
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
51
2.0
-0- -
-0-
-0-
1.25
20 min.
40 min.
MTC
7
2.0
20 min.
4 trips
NSL
-
1.50
10-20 min.
60 min.
MTC
24
2.0
30 min.
60 min.
MTC
6
2.0
2 trips
-0-
MTC
15
1.25
10-15 min.
30 min.
MTC
5
2.0
30 min.
60 min.
NSL
2.0
20-30 min.
40-60 min.
MTC
9
2.0
10 min.
70 min.
MTC
25
1.50
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
4
2.0
-0-
-0-
-0-
1.25
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
9
2.0
10-20 min.
20 min.
MTC
4
2.0
20 min.
40-60 min.
MTC
4
2.0
4-6 min
8 min.
MTC
16
2.0
30 min.
60 min.
NSL
2.0
10-20 min.
40-60 min.
MTC
10
2.0
20 min.
4-5 trips
MTC
2
1.50
20 min.
60 min.
MTC
15
2.0
2 trips
-0-
MTC
15
1.25
2 trips
-0-
MTC
35N
1.25
2 trips
-0-
MTC
35N
1.25
-0-
-0-
-0-
1.25
E
-3-
SERVICE LEVELS
IN COMMUNITIES
WITHIN TRANSIT TAXING
DISTRICT
FREQUENCY
GOVERNING
COUNTY/CITY
PEAK
OFF-PEAK
ROUTE
MILL RATE
WASHINGTON
Bayport
60 min.
60 min.
VT
2.0
Baytown
30-60 min.
120+ min.
MTC
12
1.S0
Birchwood
1 trip
-0-
MTC
3SA
1.2S
Cottage Grove
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
18
1.50
Dellwood
30 min.
120 min.
MTC
15
1.50
Lake Elmo
30-60 min.
120+ min.
MTC
12
1.SO
Landfall
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
3
2.0
Mahtomedi
30 min.
120 min.
MTC
15
1.50
Newport
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
18
1.50
Oakdale
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
3
2.0
Oak Park Hts.
60 min.
60 min.
VT
2.0
Pine Springs
-0-
-0-
-0-
1.2S
St. Paul Park
20 min.
120 min.
MTC
18
1.50
Stillwater
60 min.
60 min.
VT
2.0
Willernie
30 min.
120 min.
MTC
IS
1.50
Woodbury
20-30 min.
2 trips -
MTC
94W/3
1.S0
White Bear Lake
20-30 min.
60 min.
MTC
15
2.0
NSL = North Suburban Lines
MLL = Medicine Lake Lines
VT - Valley Transit
MTC = Metropolitan Transit Commission
JJC : j ao
9/27/84
C zvkh 1 t &
1 yS REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD
Suite 402 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, Minn. 55101
RESOLUTION NO. 84-7
RESOLUTION LEVYING AD VALOREM
PROPERTY TAXES
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board is authorized by 1984 Minn. Laws Chapter
654, Article 3, Section 136, and Minn. Stat. §473.446, as amended, to
levy certain property taxes in the metropolitan area on or before
October 10, 1984; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transit Commission fund balance in 1985 is estimated
to be sufficient to cover property tax revenue losses caused by
voluntarily feathering property taxes in accordance with the
provisions of 1984 Minn. Laws Chapter 502, Article 3, Section 25, for
the 1984 property tax levy;
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board has defined the level of service provided
to communities as the frequency of service received from the
Metropolitan Transit Commission and private providers, excluding
paratransit services, as specified in the service plans in effect on
September 1, 1984.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Regional Transit Board hereby levies
upon all taxable property within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, as
defined in Minn. Stat. §473.446, subd. 2(1982) the following amounts:
1. $47,402,042 for use by the Regional Transit Board for payment of the
expenses of operating transit and paratransit services. This amount
represents a two(2) mill levy on all taxable property within the
Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, except that the levy on taxable
property located in the following communities is reduced by the
following dollar amounts:
County Community Levy Reduction
Anoka Centerville $ 5,325
Carver Chanhassen (part) 43,847
Chaska 61,684
Dakota Apple Valley 160,671
Burnsville 370,168
Eagan 257,963
Rosemount 48,105
Lilydale 8,418
Mendota 1,443
Sunfish Lake 6,855
Hennepin Chanhassen (part) 700
Deephaven 33,664
Excelsior 17,485
Eden Prairie 297,134
Greenwood 6,698
Woodland 12,767
Tonka Bay 20,922
Shorewood 38,778
-4,
-2-
County
Community
Levy Reduction
Long Lake
10,606
Medicine Lake
5,227
Maple Grove
202,781
Osseo
19,825
Champlin
39,393
Ramsey
Arden Hills
69,272
Gem Lake
6,535
North Oaks
57,600
Vadnais Heights
37,491
White Bear Township
51,057
Mounds View
50,029
Scott
Prior Lake
63,222
Savage
39,126
Shakopee
100,202
Washington
Baytown
4,621
Birchwood
9,160
Cottage Grove
86,239
Dellwood
9,903
Lake Elmo
28,141
Mahtomedi
19,641
Newport
18,073
Pine Springs
3,714
St. Paul Park
17,990
Willernie
2,146
Woodbury
77,739
$457,800 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1976, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
3. $974,040 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1979, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
4. $1,281,000 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1982, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
5. $1,926,750 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness to be issued by the Metropolitan Transit
Commission in 1984, including allowance for uncollectable taxes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Regional Transit Board hereby levies upon all
taxable property within the Metropolitan Transit Area but outside the Metro-
politan Transit Taxing District an amount payable in 1985 of $406,999, esti-
mated to represent ten (10) percent of the rate for the levies in 1 through 5
above, pursuant to Minn. Stat. §473.446, subd. la (1982).
79
-3-
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Treasurer of the Regional Transit Board, on
behalf of the Board, shall certify these levies to the respective county
auditors of the counties in which the taxable property is located on or before
October 10, 1984.
Adopted this S14 day of 0C� , 1984.
H
T:Tliott Perovich, Chairman
CERTIFICATION
Mary Fud nberg, Secreta
r
I, the undersigned, Mary Fudenberg, secretary of the Regional Transit Board, do
hereby certify that the foregoing resolution 84-7 is a true and correct copy of
a resolution of the Regional Transit Board adopted at the meeting of the Board
duly convened and held on October 8, 1984, at which a quorum was present and
voting; and the action taken has not been in any manner rescinded or modified.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of October, 1984.
RTBPB2
RTBTXI
Mar u n erg
Sec etary 01
Regional Transit Board
-�C:)'3�
of rNr
v .• ea
a � �
�INNT°O
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
P. 0. Box 64446
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164
December 3, 1984
TO: SEVEN COUNTY METROPOLITAN AREA AUDITORS
RE: REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD LEVY - TAXES PAYABLE 1985
0
Telephone: (612)296-2286
RECEIVED
DEC 6 W4
REQ. TRA NIS. BRD.
Recently you received a letter from the Regional Transit Board regarding its
property tax levy for taxes payable in 1985. In that letter, the Board certi-
fied its general fund levy of $47,402,042 and its total debt levy of $4,639,590.
In addition, it certified a Transit Area levy of $406,999.
The State Board of Equalization has determined that differing levels of assess-
ment prevail in the seven county metropolitan area. As a result, it has ordered
an apportionment of the Metropolitan Transit District and Area levies for
taxes payable in 1985. The following is the apportionment of these levies.
(Over)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Transit Area
Apportionment
Transit District
Percentage
Levy
Apportionment
General
$ 78,266
12.83
Percentage
Fund Levy
Debt Levy
Anoka
6.36%
$ 3,014,770
$ 295,078
Carver
0.75
355,515
34,797
Dakota
8.89
4,214,042
4?2,46L
Hennepin
54.88
26,014,241
2,546,207
Ramsey
23.45
11,115,779
1,087,984
Scott
1.39
658,888
64,490
Washington
4.28
2,028,807
198,574
Total
100.00%
$47,402,042
$4,639,590
(Over)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Transit Area
Apportionment
Percentage
Levy
19.23%
$ 78,266
12.83
52,218
24.83
101,058
13.48
54,863
-0-
-0-
10.19
41,473
19.44
79,121
100.00% $406,999
To: Seven County Metropolitan Area Auditors qk
Re: Regional Transit Board Levy - Taxes Payable 1985
Page 2
December 3, 1984
A 1983 law provides for a reduced general fund levy mill rate for certain
cities and towns. Questions have been raised regarding the procedures to
be used in determining this reduced general fund mill rate. The following
procedures have been developed in response to these questions.-
The
uestions:
The Transit District's general fund levy shown above for your county must
not exceed the Transit District's two mill levy limitation. Therefore, it
will be necessary for you to calculate the Transit District's levy limitation
in your county. The District's general fund levy in your county is the lesser
of the above amount for your county or its levy limitation.
After the Transit District's general fund levy is established in accordance
with its levy limitation, a uniform general fund levy mill rate is to be
established for the entire portion of the Transit District located within
your county. The uniform general fund mill rate will apply to all cities
and towns comprising the Transit District in your county except those listed
in the Transit Board's resolution. Forty-two cities and towns in the seven
county area are to have a Transit District mill rate that is less than the
uniform rate.
The Transit Board's resolution stipulates the dollar amount of levy reduction
for each of the forty-two cities and towns. The assessed value of these cities
and towns is included in determining the uniform mill rate for the Transit
District. Therefore, to determine their reduced eneral fund mill rate it
is necessary to calculate a mill rate reduction. The mill rate re uction
Ts -determined by dividing the stipu a dollarreduction by the taxable value
of the city or town. This mill rate is to be subtracted from the uniform
general Fund Ihiif rate to etermine the reduced general fund mill rate for
the specific city or town.
Each city and town listed in the Transit Board's resolution will have a different
Transit District general fund mill rate. Those cities and towns within the
Transit District but not contained on this list will be subject to the uniform
general fund mill rate determined for your county.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact
me.
Very.truly yours,
1:0 JJ.
IV
UL,
WALLACE 0. DAHL, Director
Local Government Aids and Analysis Division
WOD:jdw
cc: Ghaleb Abdul -Rahman Larry Wertheim
Executive Director Holmes & Graven
Regional Transit Board
REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD
LEVY REDUCTIONS
County
Community
Levy Reduction
Anoka
Centerville
$ 5,325
Carver
Chanhassen (part)
43,847
Chaska
61,684
Dakota
Apple Valley
160,671
Burnsville
370,168
Eagan
257,963
Rosemount
48,105
Lilydale
8,418
Mendota
1,443
Sunfish Lake
6,855
Hennepin
Chanhassen (part)
70
Deephaven
33,664
Excelsior
17,485
Eden Prairie
297,134
Greenwood
6,698
Woodland
12,767
Tonka Bay
20,922
Shorewood
38,778
Long Lake
10,606
Medicine Lake
5,227
Maple Grove
202,781
Osseo
19,825
Champlin
39,393
Ramsey
Arden Hills
69,272
Gem Lake
6,535
North Oaks
57,600
Vadnais Heights
37,491
White Bear Township
51,057
Mounds View
50,029
Scott
Prior Lake
63,222
Savage
39,126
Shakopee
100,202
Washington
Baytown
4,621
Birchwood
9,160
Cottage Grove
86,239
Dellwood
9,903
Lake Elmo
28,141
Mahtomedi
19,641
Newport
18,073
Pine Springs
3,714
St. Paul Park
17,990
Willernie
2,146
Woodbury
77,739
,-7-- � 0-7s�
S/�
LT401INSff BOARD
270 Metro Sauore Building
St Paul, Minnesota 55101
612/292-8789
September 10, 1985
TO: Metropolitan Communities and Other Parties Affected by the
Regional Transit Board's 1985/86 Property Tax Levy
A special meeting of the Regional Transit Board will be held on September 30,
1985 to take final action on the 1985/86 transit property tax levy. Enclosed
for your information are two Regional Transit Board Resolutions regarding the
property tax levy. Resolution 85-16 was passed by the board on September 9,
1985 and announces the board's intent to certify the 1985/86 tax levy according
to the terms of proposed Resolution 85 -. For your information, I am
attaching to this memo a copy of our 19-85 legislation regarding the transit tax
levies.
We invite your comments on the transit tax levy and respectfully request them,
in writing, on or before September 24, 1985. The board's Administration and
Finance Committee will review your comments and recommend the final content of
the tax levy resolution at a 5:00 p.m. meeting September 26, 1985. The
Regional Transit Board will act on the tax levy certification at a special
meeting September 30, 1985, 4:00 p.m., in Council Chambers.
The Regional Transit Board is working hard at planning a more efficient and
effective transit system for our whole metropolitan area. We can not do this
without the involvement and cooperation of local units of government- We will
soon be holding meetings in your area for your input on the Service Needs
Assessment- Later this f all we will again be meeting with you for general dis-
cussion and comment on your transit needs and perceptions. We hope you will
work with us in developing a cost-effective, efficient transit system.
Sinc'erel
Elliott Perovich
Chairman
EP/ch
Att.
An =ouol Opaor!unity Employer
_•
1905 LEGISLAMN
�f1.ffA TON h:z•A :S%ANSi••-A,.•�v r- •i�. •
GG
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i
'
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REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD
Suite 27.0 Metro Square Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
612/292-8789
RESOLUTION NO. 85-16
RESOLUTION ANNOUNCING INTENT
TO LEVY AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board is authorized by Minnesota Statute
473.446 to levy certain property taxes in the metropolitan area on or
before October 10, 1985; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board desires to provide notice of the proposed
tax levy and an opportunity for comment to affected communities,
county auditors, the State Board of Equalization, and other affected
parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1) THAT the Regional Transit Board hereby announces its intent to adopt
proposed Resolution No. 85- , attached hereto as Exhibit 2, at a
special meeting of the board on September 30, 1985 at 4:00 p.m.
2) THAT the tax feathering requirements of Minnesota Statute 473.466,
Subdivision 1, are embodied in Resolution No. 85- in accordance
with the following tax feathering plan:
1) Service is defined as "A community is considered to receive
service if one or more regular route bus routes penetrate
the municipality's boundary or one or more regular route bus
routes serve a street or highway that defines the boundary
of a municipality, if a portion of the municipality's popula-
lation resides near that street.
2) Service shall be "Regular Route" service defined as public
transit service on a defined route at defined times; that
is, Metropolitan Transit Commission, Medicine Lake Lines,
North Suburban Lines, Valley Transit, and Metrolink Services.
3) The defined levels of service and mill rates, as mandated in
1985 Minnesota Laws, First Special Session, Chapter 10,
Section 12, are:
I. Full peak and off-peak service (2.0 mills).
II. Full peak service and limited off-peak service
(1.5 mills).
Defined as peak period regular route service,
plus weekday midday regular route service at
intervals longer than 60 minutes on the route
with the greatest frequency.
III. Limited peak service (1.25 mills).
Defined as peak period regular route service only
4) Levels of service are to be per the service plans of
regular route providers as of the first of September, 1985,
embodied in Exhibit No. 1 to this Resolution.
5) "Peak Service" means those hours of service Monday through
Friday between the first bus each morning and 9:00 a.m. and
between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.
6) "Off -Peak Service" means the hours of service from 9:00
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. until the last bus on Monday
through Friday of each week and all day Saturday, Sunday,
and holidays designated by the (Metropolitan Transit) Commis-
sion.
3) THAT the secretary of the board is instructed to mail a copy of this
Resolution, including Exhibits 1 and 2, to each community in the
metropolitan area subject to the tax levy, to the county auditor of
each of the seven counties, and to the State Board of Equalization.
4) THAT comments from affected communities, county auditors, the State
Board of Equalization, and other affected parties on the proposed tax
( levy are hereby invited and requested in writing on or before
E September 24, 1985.
5) THAT failure to send or receive the notice specified in this
resolution shall in no way affect the validity of the planned tax
levy.
6) THAT the Regional Transit Board reserves its right to modify or amend
proposed Resolution No. 85 -
Adopted this °r4 day of
I
Elliott Perovich, Chairman Mar Fi zgeral Secretary
= \ 0�
Exhibit No. 1
SERVICE LEVELS IN COMMUNITIES WITHIN TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICTS
Full Peak and
Off -Peak Service
(2.0 mills)
Anoka
Bayport
Blaine
Bloomington
Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn, Park
Circle Pines
Columbia Heights
Coon Rapids
Crystal
Edina
Falcon Heights
Fridley
Golden Valley
Hilltop
Hopkins
Inver Grove Heights
Landfall
Lauderdale
Lexington
Lino Lakes
Little Canada
Maplewood
Mendota Hei_ahts
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
Minnetonka Beach
Mound
New Briohton
New Hope
North St. Paul
Oak Park Heiahts
Oakdale
Orono
Plymouth
Richfield
Robbinsdale
Roseville
St. Anthony
St. Louis Park
St. Paul
Shoreview
South St. Paul
Spring Lake Park
Spring Park
Stillwater
Wayzata
West St. Paul
White Bear Lake
Wold -Chamberlain Field
Full Peak and
Limited Off -Peak
Service 1.5 mills
Baytown
Champlin
Chanhassen (part)
Cottage Grove
Deephaven
Dellwood
Excelsior
Greenwood
Lake Elmo
Long Lake
Mahtomedi
Mounds View
Newport
St. Paul Park
Shorewood
Vadnais Heights
Willernie
Woodbury
Limited Peak Period
Service 1.25 mills
Apple a ey
Arden Hills
Birchwood
Burnsville
Centerville
Chanhassen (part)
Chaska
Eagan
Eden Prairie
Gem Lake
Lilydale
Maple Grove
Medicine Lake
Mendota
North Oaks
Osseo
Pine Springs
Prior Lake
Rosemount
Savage
Shakopee
Sunfish Lake
Tonka Bay
White Bear Lk Twnshp
Woodland
-7--- \0):: -
Exhibit No. 2
REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD
Suite 270 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
RESOLUTION NO. 85 -
RESOLUTION LEVYING AD VALOREM
PROPERTY TAXES
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board is authorized by 1984 Minnesota Laws,
Chapter 654, Article 3, Section 136, and Minnesota Statutes 473.446,
as amended, to levy certain property taxes in the metropolitan area on
or before October 10, 1985; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of 1984 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 502, Article 3, Sec-
tion 25 require the Regional Transit Board to reduce the property
tax to those properties receiving less than full peak and off-peak
service; and
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Board has defined the level of service provided
to communities as the frequency of service received from the Metro-
politan Transit Commission and private providers, excluding para -
transit services, as specified in the service plans in effect on
September 1, 1985.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Regional Transit Board hereby levies
upon all taxable property within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, as
defined in Minnesota Statutes 473.446, Subd. 2 (1982) the following amounts:
1. $48,458,222 for use by the Regional Transit Board for payment of the
expenses of operating transit and paratransit services. This amount
represents a two (2) mill levy on all taxable property within the
Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, except that the levy on taxable
property located in the following communities is reduced by the
following dollar amounts:
Reduced Levy
County Communitv Mill Rate Reduction
Anoka Centerville 1.25 $ 5,364
Carver Chanhassen (part) 1.50 43,986
Chaska 1.25 64,293
Dakota Apple Valley 1.25 170,923
Burnsville 1.25 401,210
Eagan 1.25 266,317
Rosemount 1.25 52,392
Lilydale 1.25 8,372
Mendota 1.25 1,311
Sunfish Lake 1.25 7,070
Hennepin Chanhassen (part) 1.25 723
Deephaven 1.50 34,945
Excelsior 1.50 18,121
Eden Prairie 1.25 301,060
Shorewood 1.50 40,568
It
2. $331,380 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1976, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
3. (941,280 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1979, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
4. $1,231,125 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1982, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
5. $2,122,470 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1985, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Regional Transit Board hereby levies upon all
taxable property within the Metropolitan Transit Area but outside the Metro-
politan Transit Taxing District an amount payable in 1985 of 5432,109,
estimated to represent ten (10) percent of the rate for the levies in 1 through
5 above, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 473.446, Subd. la (1982).
Reduced
Levy
County
Community
Mill Rate
Reduction
Hennepin
Greenwood
1.50
S 6,829
Woodland
1.25
13,235
Tonka Bay
1.25
21,359
Long Lake
1.50
10,429
Medicine Lake
1.25
5,285
Maple Grove
1.25
213,752
Osseo
1.25
21,019
Champlin
1.50
42,403
Ramsey
Arden Hills
1.25
104,907
Gem Lake
1.25
6,391
North Oaks
1.25
58,470
Vadnais Heights
1.50
38,403
White Bear Township
1.25
51,952
Mounds View
1.50
51,051
Scott
Prior Lake
1.25
71,961
Savage
1.25
43,780
Shakopee
1.25
103,194
Washington
Baytown
1.50
5,222
Birchwood
1.25
9,617
Cottage Grove
1.50
91,544
Dellwood
1.50
11,031
Lake Elmo
1.50
30,543
Mahtomedi
1.50
21,948
Newport
1.50
20,402
Pine Springs
1.25
4,128
St. Paul Park
1.50
19,105
Willernie
1.50
1,792
Woodbury
1.50
87,950
2. $331,380 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1976, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
3. (941,280 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1979, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
4. $1,231,125 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1982, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes; and
5. $2,122,470 for principal and interest payments on general obligation
certificates of indebtedness of 1985, including allowance for
uncollectible taxes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Regional Transit Board hereby levies upon all
taxable property within the Metropolitan Transit Area but outside the Metro-
politan Transit Taxing District an amount payable in 1985 of 5432,109,
estimated to represent ten (10) percent of the rate for the levies in 1 through
5 above, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 473.446, Subd. la (1982).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Treasurer of the Regional Transit Board, on
behalf of the Board, shall certify these levies to the respective county
auditors of the counties in which the taxable property is located on or before
October 10, 1985.
Adopted this day of , 1985.
Elliott Perovich, Chairman
CH006A
Mary Fitzgerald, Secretary
�I N N%1
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
P.O. Box 64446
St. Paul, MN 55164
(612) 296-2286
November 15, 1985
TO: SEVEN COUNTY METROPOLITAN AREA AUDITORS
RE: REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD LEVY - TAXES PAYABLE 1986
-<ECEIVr-D
Ju:. 2 .J 1
RE -1- T -A "d 5 8RD
Recently you received a letter from the Regional Transit Board regarding
its property tax levy for taxes payable in 1986. In that letter, the Board
certified its general fund levy of $49,045,767 and its total debt levy
Of $3,353,595. In addition, it certified a Transit Area levy of $424,100.
The State Board of Equalization has determined that differing levels of
assessment prevail in the seven county metropolitan area. As a result,
it has ordered an apportionment of the Metropolitan Transit District and
Area levies for taxes payable in 1986. The following is the apportionment
of these levies.
AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Transit District
Apportionment General
Transit
Area
Percentage
Fund Levy
Debt Levy
Apportionment
Percentage
Levy
Anoka
6.6%
$ 3,237,020
$ 221,337
19.8%
$ 83,972
Carver
0.8
392,366
26,829
12.3
52,164
n.i.1
9.1
4,463,165
305,177
24.4
103,480
Hennepin
55.2
27,073,263
1,851,185
14.0
59,374
Ramsey
22.5
11,035,298
754,559
0.0
-0-
Scott
1.4
686,641
46,950
9.8
41,562
Washington
4.4
22158,014147,558
----
19.7
83,548
Total
100.0%
$49,045,767
$3,353,595
100.0%
$424,100
AN EOUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To: Seven County Metropolitan Area Auditors _ Q
Re: Regional Transit Board Levy - Taxes Payable 1986
November 15, 1985
Page 2
A 1984 law provides for a reduced general fund levy mill rate for certain
cities and towns and a property tax reimbursement payable by the State
to the Regional Transit Board. Questions have been raised regarding the.
procedures to be used in determining this reduced general fund mill rate.
The following procedures have been developed in response to these questions.
The Transit District's general fund levy shown above for your.cdunty must
not exceed the Transit District's two mill levy limitation. Ttferefore,
it will be necessary for you to calculate the Transit District's iemy
limitation in your county. The District's general fund levy in your county
is the lesser of the above amount for your county or its levy 14mitation.
After the_ Transit District's general fund levy is established -fn accordance
with its levy limitation, a uniform general fund. levy mill :rate i -s - to be
established for the entire portion of the Transit District located within -
your county. The uniform general fund mill rate will apply -to all cities
and towns comprising the Transit District in your county except those listed
in the Transit Board's resolution. Forty-three cities and towns in the
seven county area are to have a Transit District mill rate that is less
than the uniform rate.
The Transit Board's resolution stipulates the mill rate reduction for each
of the forty-three cities and towns. For your convenience the forty-three
..cities and their general fund levy mill rate reductions are shown on the
attached page. The law provides for either a 0.5 mill or a 0.75 mill
reduction depending on the level of transit service received. This 0.5
mill or 0.75 mill reduction is to be subtracted from the uniform general
fund mill rate to determine the reduced general fund mill rate for the
specific city or town.
You will not need to determine the property tax reimbursement for the
Regional Transit Board resulting from the reduced general fund levy mill
rate reductions. The Department of Revenue will determine the property
tax reimbursement amounts based on assessed value data reported in the
Abstract of Tax Lists.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact
me.
Very truly yours,
WALLACE 0. BAHL, DIRECTOR
Local Government Aids and Analysis Division.
WOO: kjk
cc: Ghaleb Abdul -Rahman
Executive Director
Regional Transit Board
Payable 1986 Mill Rate Reductions for "Feathered" \�
Cities and Towns Within the Metropolitan Transit District
C-
CITY OR TOWN
MILL RATE!
REDUCTION
Anoka
Centerville
0.75 mill
Carver
Chanhassen (JT)
0.50 mill
Chaska
0.75 mill
`Dakota ;
Apple Valley
0.75 mill
Burnsville
0.75 mill
`
Eagan
Lilydale
0.75 mill
0.75 mill
Mendota
0.75 mill
Rosemount
0.75 mill
Sunfish Lake
0.75 mill
Hennepin
Champlin
Chanhassen (JT)
0.50 mill
0.75 mill
Deephaven
0.50 mill
Eden Prairie
0.75 mill
Excelsior
0.50 mill
Greenwood
0.50 mill
Long Lake
0.50 mill
Maple Grove
0.75 mill
Medicine Lake
0.75 mill
Osseo
Shorewood
0.75 mill
Tonka Bay
0.50 mill
0.75 mill
Woodland
0.75 mill
Ramsey
Arden Hills
0.75 mill
Gem Lake
0.75 mill
Mounds View
0.50 mill
North Oaks
0.75 mill
Vadnais Heights
0.50 mill
White Bear Twp.
0.75 mill
Scott
Prior Lake
0.75 mill
Savage
0.75 mill
Shakopee
0.75 mill
Washington
Birchwood
Cottage Grove
0.75 mill
0.50 mill
Dellwood
0.50 mill
Lake Elmo
0.50 mill
Rall
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13"
•� - M{�ti
ROBERT J. SOUCEK
DEPUTY CHIEF, CRBINNAL BUREAU
ADMINISTRATION: 682-7269
CIVIL DIV.: 682-7230
OFFICE OF SHERIFF
RICHARD PAUL DORIA
Plymouth Police Department
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
Attn: Richard Carlquist
Chief of Police
Dear Chief Carlquist,
COUNTY OF DU PAC3E
WHEATON, ILLINOIS
DANIEL S. MITCHELL
60187 DEPUTY CHIEF, ADMMOSTRATIVE BUREAU
JOSEPH P. CAULFIELD
DEPUTY CHIEF, CORRECTTON8
October 29, 1986
I would like to extend our appreciation to your Department; and
specifically Detective Sergeant Larry Rogers, Detective Luke Way, and
Detective Nia Wronski. Their cooperation and continued investigation
assisted our agency in the safe return of a reported missing person,
back to our jurisdiction for proper
intervention.
These members of your Department have demonstrated a high degree
of professionalism and commitment to duty in aiding the family and this
agency. Obviously, they are a credit to your agency and the law enforce-
ment profession. I look forward to the pleasure of working with your
agency in the future.
Your assistance was valuable, and we extend our thanks to you and
the members of your Department for the consideration that was given this
investigation.
Sincerely,
Detective M'chael R. Prunty
r
Lt. Bruce Wachtel
MRP:dja Commander Detective Division