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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 —t-0 a'o a CD N 0U C IO �o 0 �2 N � <>��cCN ��NN co— co N � u�lcq�J _ w9� mR^C\j co N cn N co 00 U' W A W W �/'� 44 M w��P W cv �O O r0-1 cc W a U O � U H a^o P4 C� wp" w w G� Ln Ucn o a rz F—I z ^ U H ^ zzV �C7O 1' O FS O 04�U C v O U ,N O O0y1� H O 0 H � U a En U W I O O En U W aOHOwl Gni OM UOU 00�W r0 00��000cq O �a cn f� HP, Q, I- H W 0 O O zpH W 0 0 U O h W U R+ £ U p; !"—I c V Gli VL 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. Page 224 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. Page 225 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..., Page 227 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 �. r 4 �F E OQEDICINE LAKE ;a w e. N „ w aul15 - -—ra•frt�r '�"— lQ a l5,) N n �� I ,'''• r~r•ti E WE lose tat o., � • " ,'� 4i k, Pr it. LIK OF ILM14M71GAnOy r e KSIGOTED AS 2a. f{ fRO. ' * , RES, LRE (f Ra TD C4 U, l61 wf ; CD. fp. 00. IS.-SAID•DIS,. `t •• ff' SWM&t /01etr READ i�'EAY C7 Itk'O $A ,M,o CD ALND .54 RA _ • ILwAr r- -rA malt 0 o, _ ,alp' ` 1 Q • 4 .z 5n ar a, i nAt., tE N Z tAM11 =�',``.�``..... � (Ft lTl ._.. �,�� ..� Ae l61 U) ) , �` i �a.�fT,f.• ._. _.. lk)_-___ y, ]S MI.W RES.GOVT LOT 5 • • • • • • • sltue( sena DISIRu, eovo.►- r ACeULf LEGEND •—'---'— SoroDL DISTRICI SDI►DAP' 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 � � N vfi '�K-�- t,l,d�� �,;�- i�'t- l��'7- S—� r✓�/ "�� r,+��N�: oF�t1S S�U��L Wvv�D �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 CHLGLI 1 (D3—N C W a O M S -4 ON O %D co c0 CT m CO %D w O M M 2 H [s] S N co M t- c0 LI) -4 t- %D %D M t- m O Ln N O CO Ul t- CT t- M N m M N O O co m� %0t- Lf1 %,o�D S L- S S S �O co 4 t %0 t- ..4 tf1 M N LC) t- S N O 0-4 wF C G. N t: Lf1 aC M r CL0 %D lc -C O N aD O CT O\ %S O t: t: O H O N %D CC) S M N M .-4 U1 .-i M -4 M Cr) N U1 N� H ACG. C F a F H V) m U\ Ln S N O+ Ull 14 Ln CD O% N t- 1--4 1•-4 O U1 H t- O co S M t- M O I'D N tl- 1.0 ONO m 04 H I. co c0 t- O+ OIN -4 O S N N c0 co O O G] e c0 N t: �D C� O S N .i tI1 ti S c0 t� M O %D tf1 V O %D -4 N co 1-4 m N M M M .-i O% co N CV %o S S M .i - a mzC3 O.7 a co %C S t - CL Lfi Ul\ O\ M co O� S O M c0 O G. Ltl O M ON O %D .- 4 cD t- N O O Ul N-4 M .-1 O .-� Ul Lf1 ., • 1 -I r-7 .i N .i co w .i N. 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Ca.V ~ U� U t Lf a O •� -i 4) m 3 .4UIA O 1 _] d O C 0 41 0 .1 0 &J a 7 C L O > N (D a 1 3 3 do O W E L N m L:3 .0 � V L h0 O M 1 O s t4 3 O O a• 41 m D m \ O m W C U O a.) a d .-c -0 3 � 1 .� C13 Z I M -4 Q N M M W --4 Q \ Z O G.CO V) 1 mmUO-aE ZC1r0230 a U\ .D p.MMo, N h-U'i M 1 N C C J .O S ON N� t M -4 .D 1 C7 CO t tS O•N TS N N 1 00.. a .�-1 i en ao C `Sao fn .p V U\ NCO 11l U1 Ul rn M 1 I N N co I 1 U1 -21 --I It I co \ tL S CO !C mtS .D tU� NS 7 N MN MS MMU% U1 [.., N O.M O CO N U1 .4 .D .D O. O .D CO U1 r-1 .O S O Lr% M N S S O+ .D Ul LO N O. O• U% O` O N N U% �COS "4 t CO a a O+ NO c\7 CC• .-+ CD O t v .O U1 .D O .D -4 UN M O .-f ..4 ,4 N M N CO O S ( N t .1 N O•CO M O O CO t S t CO O O ~ O..OO CO M il M m N .O I L N Q` 1 t N 1 I 1 1 ctrl N I CD Ls. N S 1 1 CD m w P4 ri t= MtSt O 0` 2 UriMN S O• ONS N ', coS t S O• r -I O t _ .D O .D N CO S .O Ll - 1.4 .-1 N t O t S -4 N N Q O Y > L O tic m L. Ca.V �[ a O •� -i 4) m 3 _] d O C 0 41 0 .1 0 &J a 7 C L O > (D a y 3 3 do O W E L N m L:3 .0 � V L h0 O tc O s t4 3 O O a• 41 m D m \ O m W C U O a.) a d .-c -0 3 � .� C13 Z i M -4 Q N M M W --4 Q \ Z O G.CO V) O mmUO-aE ZC1r0230 a C13 C J 3 C7 Q 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 c: sec:ons 473.4011 to +%3•tc= aac :'�e rod :*ic p�� oses t=anait system, exte p-as_C%he=�ise provided in 201 met=opclatan i ' conal transit board shall 1 et'y eaca year =e Sjdlv,Sion the g- - -, a -o city �it»:n the met:opol:tan .=ar_sit taring a__ taxabl 'r- P �2 Upon .2, a transit tax consiStia; c_: stir=_de=:ned .m subdivision 23 ei • : to :vo mills times the assessed value c= 24' (a) 14a amount Up x 1 f transit service . ^, based Limon =he eve- of -y - S all~ a a Proceeds. c_ ti -j ch shall be 26 F=at iced,� _e= the ;,= cpe=ty, a s - _ _ ��e' erperses o: cpe• a -_as --:::-- - aac pa_ a --L..__ - . :7 :c= patdue=t c- - - .dot de !Cr payment c: eb::ca----- ------ by the as -o = ;►:� 2fi se -r-74 ce r ----•-------------------•---------- _ se: 29 cc -----(_;-�'•ac:--:C.- aa►o=t. :` zny as he cc== ss:C= �0 :r .. s: =Ull t:^ely e.essL=y to ^dotce' a�� to be r- ; de --e—_' aes -= _ts ct='~=:cFtes e- _ =catc:.ie_ : L =- �: S e� -S -L�� ..= C= . Z' 3 ems- -=s seC«=: have bee d c e d L.. a__ -.-:f='! _ a =-c=i1 aro.::t neCessz:y -o --� ==_ c•= :n=e tees:, ......-_, __ c -_he= _ 'bt pti-sese._t to r.=c= Be 1 • # � �-� ca-' C_s isse= C= to :sssec ..•_-?oses. t: • a::�5a-'•_. L.._ .�.• - � -_c_ _=e i -.tee.-� �^•e--._..-_� - - _ --------------------- =Cveac=.ts c_ --_x =-y an: ctac= I 3 be rte -me== __ _ - -r�=== x - •-__=' c= baL_c has L'�-•. -^e ee a _..-.-.-_- . -;Vt.! tax -ax .e.es �-;:e_ :tee x_e::e: t::= s�L.: to ta • - - x --y a=- :: =civ a_.c home =_ e - - - �s s_,c:.risiC» Cn aF_C_ - •-- j �----------------- " - L=: at .eCe:ve dirt Peak se.._..t Ch= --=e= =,; es e- _ -•----- --- • -- e' :-L? --a : he tax ie y =.at by ar asc•.:... _ ===-peak se='ice • : -ate= - __t.�� - _ _:§ __ tae - --t_ b:. 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E:'S7[ �erSC .5 -C=F .e nes. ec =O s r-oe ' _ ' : -v- C 7-- \0 �- 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 w' '+ r."' 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