Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-02-1985CITY OF PLYMOUTR CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 2, 1985 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS..... 1. HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY -- Monday, August 5. The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-1) 2. NEXT COUNCIL MEETING -- The Council will meet on Monday, August 12 for its next special Council meeting. 3 PLYMOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL -- Wednesday, August 7. The Plymouth Development Council will meet at 7:30 a.m. in the City Council Conference Room. A copy of the meeting notice is attached. (M-3) 4. FIRE DEPARTMENT - 25TH ANNIVERSARY -- Saturday, August 10. Open Houses at Fire Stations 1 and 2 will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with formal ceremonies scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Fire Station 2. 5. PUBLIC MEETING: PARKERS LAKE - COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN - -•The first public meeting to gather input from area residents wir–th regard to the Parkers Lake master plan is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The Park and Te—creation Advisory Commission members, the consultant, and City staff will all be involved in hosting this meeting. Letters to residents living south of Highway 55, general news releases through the newspaper and cable tv will be used to publicize the meeting. Individuals who have attended town meetings or otherwise expressed interest in the development of the Parkers Lake plan will receive a special letter informing them of the meet- ing and inviting them to participate. 6. REVISED AUGUST CALENDAR -- A revised August calendar is attached reflecting the addition of the August 26 Council/staff dinner meeting at 6:00 p.m. (M-6) 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 C11Y COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 2, 1985 Page 2 FOR YOUR INFORMATION.... 1. TENNANT COMPANY DEVELOPMENT PLANS -- We have neither received written confirmation of ennant ompany's plans nor have I been able to contact Mr. Robert Langford, Vice President and General Counsel, to obtain a status report on this question. I hope to be able to contact Mr. Langford during the week of August 5 in order that a status report can be provided to the Council in the August 12 memorandum. 2. STATUS OF PROPOSED PLYMOUTH PARKVIEW ADDITION BY JOHN KAROS -- Sohn Karos has verbally advised us that the Church -has decided not to proceed further in a proposed site located adjacent to his proposed plat. This will have the effect of terminating further discussions on the plat. Mr. Karos has advised us that he will confirm withdrawal of the petition in writing. 3. DOWNTOWN PLYMOUTH STUDY BY DAMES B. McCOMB & ASSOCIATES -- Mr. McComb advises that approximately one-half of the field work for the Downtown Plymouth study has been completed. To date they have concentrated on determining marketing issues including updating their data base on office, shopping center and retail developments within the general vicinity which would compete with any Downtown Plymouth development. The final results of the field work are to develop a profile or inventory of current developments which would influence the proposed development of Downtown Plymouth. With this data, trends can be identified to more accurately predict long term demands for various types of development in the areas competing with Downtown Plymouth. Based upon the original proposal, the completion of Phase I would occur in the last week of August. Mr. McComb has advised that they are approximately two weeks behind schedule and would expect that the Phase I report would be completed by September 16. 4. LETTER TO EDITOR IN PLYMOUTH POST FROM GEORGE WILSON -- Attached is a letter to the editor which was published in the August 1, 1985 Plymouth Post. My discussions with Eric Blank and Dick Carlquist have revealed that individuals controlling entry into the City Center parking lot were instructed by Eric and dim Olson on two occasions to allow any one to drop off individuals in the City Center turnaround area and to allow bona fide handicapped individuals to use the City's designated handicapped parking spaces in accordance with State law. In addition, a handicapped accessible Plymouth Metrolink minicoach shuttled passengers from their vehicles to the parking lot and vice versa, both before and after the Music in Plymouth event. Attached is a copy of a letter to Wes Clemens, President of the Plymouth Civic League conveying Mr. Wilson's letter to the editor. I -11T LUUMAL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 2, 1985 Page 3 5. MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION -- Councilmember Schneider inquired as to the date by which the Council has to make a decision to continue its membership in the MLC. The bylaws of the organization provide in Article 11.3 as follows: "A proposed budget shall be formulated by the Board and submitted to the parties on or before August 1 of each calendar year. Such budget shall be deemed approved by a party unless prior to September 15 of the year involved the party gives notice in writing to the Board that it is withdrawing from the Commission. Final action adopting the budget for the ensuing calendar year shall be taken by the Board on or before November 1 of each year." A copy of the 1986 proposed revenue budget is attached. This budget was adopted by the Board at the recent MLC meeting subject to a reduction in the per capita amount from 35¢ to 30¢. (I-5) 6. COUNCIL FOLLOW UPS: a. dames Olsen Storm Sewer, 1506 Weston Lane -- As reported previously to the Council, the City completed its work on duly 2 with regard to the installation of the storm sewer adjacent to the dames Olsen property at 1506 Weston Lane. Attached is a copy of a letter we received from ferry Benito, a student attorney working for Mr. Olsen, indicating that this matter is now closed. (I -6a) b. Highway 101 Wall -- Letters were sent this week to the five property owners adjacent to the Highway 101 wall requesting their authorization to plant and maintain ivy on their property at the top of the wall. A copy of one of the letters sent is attached. (I -6b) c. Mayor's Memo on Recognizing Public Safety Department -- Attached is a memo from Eric Blank responding to the Mayor's suggestion for a park memorializing the contributions of the Police and Fire Departments. (I -6c) d. Radar Surveillance - 18th Avenue -- At the duly 1 meeting, the Council directed the Public afety Department to perform radar surveillance of 18th Avenue between West Medicine Lake Drive and State Highway 55 and be apprised of its outcome. The Police Department subsequently conducted radar surveillance on 18th Avenue on three different occasions during the week of duly 15. During these three days, a total of 154 vehicles were clocked. Of these, 123 vehicles (80%) were travelling at 30 mph or less, 28 (18%) were travelling between 31 and 35 mph, and 2 (1%) were travelling between 36 and 40 mph. One vehicle was exceeding 40 mph and was subsequently tagged. In the absence of further Council direction, we will apprise Mssrs. Nelson, Marshall and Lee of the results and that the survey does not establish a basis for the installation of stop signs on 18th Avenue. There are already stop signs installed on Forestview. (I -6d) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM August 2, 1985 Page 4 7. MINUTES -- The following minutes are attached: a. Planning Commission, July 24, 1985 (I-7) 8. "WASTELINE" -- The Metropolitan Council's monthly publication aste ine" is attached for your review. (I-8) 9. SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY - 1986 ASSESSMENT -- At its July 17 meeting the SRA Board approved its 1986 budget which included an assessment to the membership. Plymouth's total assessment for 1986 is $1,400. This amount is down from the 1985 assessment of $2,576.70. A letter from SRA Chairman Graydon Boeck and a copy of the 1986 budget is attached. (I-9) 10. MUNICIPAL INSURANCE COSTS -- Attached is an article taken from a recent issue of "City & State" magazine on the tremendously high premium costs cities are experiencing for liability coverage, especially for police and public officials. (I-10) 11. MAYOR'S CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter to E. C. L'Herault, Publisher of Plymouth Post, with regard to the July 25 front page article featuring Jeff Howard and his cougar kittens. (I -11a) b. Letter to Charles Nye, 18225 - 24th Avenue No., responding to Mr. Nye's complaint concerning the City's on street parking ordinance. (I -11b) c. Letter responding to Gloria Strandberg, 16610 - 26th Avenue No., with regard to the July 15 Dunkirk Lane assessment hearing. (I -11c) d. Letter to Cathy Groetsch, 620 Sycamore Lane, in response to her July 18 letter concerning the results of the police radar surveillance completed for Sycamore Lane. (I -11d) 12. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter of appreciation to Sara McConn from Thomas Sopoci, Project Manager, Ritter Suppes Plautz Architects, for her efforts with the site plan and variance approval for the Vantage Companies Plymouth Technical Center. (I -12a) b. Milt Dale found the attached noted written on a closet wall in a house located in Minnetonka. The house is scheduled to be moved to a HRA site in the Glacier Meadows area. The writer is a 15 year-old girl who had lived in the house for the past 7 years. (I -12b) Frank Boyles Assistant City Manager A G E N D A PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting August 5, 1985 6:30 P.M. I. Roll Call II. Approval of Minutes for dune 3, 1985 Meeting III. Housing Conditions Survey IV. Proposals from Prospective Developers of Senior Citizen Site V. Scattered Site Home Ownership Program Update VI. Section 8 Program Update VII. Other Business VIII. Adjournment CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: duly 26, 1985 TO: Plymouth Development Council Members FROM: Bob Burger, President SUBJECT MEETING NOTICE The next meeting of the Plymouth Development Council will be held on Wednesday morning, August 7 at 7:30 a.m, in the Plymouth City Center Council Conference Room. This is a change from the August 14 date we had tentatively agreed to. The following items are scheduled for discussion, however, you may wish to bring up other items as well: 1. Discussion of Plymouth's 1986-1990 Capital Improvement Program 2. Recommendations to Expedite Permit Process 3. Other Business I look forward to seeing you at the August 7 meeting. cc: dames G. Willis, City Manager Blair Tremere, Director of Planning & Community Development Fred Moore, Public Works Director Q z 2 Q 0 z Z) U) If a a t0 M O i � o c ^zea z •a -i i i i G i rwa G o � a ac�� H U P�o0 GO V O U O U U O U O O U U O U I 04 M i M I o M Nw ^ter ;E; 8 :1 w� -z Aw U C14 I j If a a Handicapped ignored To the Editor: Your paper last week sure did print a lot of pictures on the Music in Plymouth event. Many people did en- joy the good time. You should have had your reporter and photo- grapher down on Plymouth Boulevard in front of the city hall. That's where the story was! YOU SEE THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE who arrived for the event that night who were turned away by the Plvmouth Police. They went home without see- ing the fireworks or hearing the music. Why you ask? They were Handicapped. They were denied access to even the four handicapped parking spaces in the city parking lot. In past years the few cars with handicapped citi- zens that came to the event were allowed to park in the city hall lot. But this year the entire lot was set aside for political cronies, city political persons, and the guests of the city. The handicapped were not included,and the city failed to provide any alternative either. We were told to park up the street, a half mile walk away. It seems to me the political cronies could have parked at the public works building and have been bused over. I have given money each year to the Plymouth Civic League, an have been glad to do so. But now that I know that they DISCRIMINATE they have got their last dollar from me. I DON'T KNOW WHO IN THE Civic League or the Plymouth city staff made the decision to discriminate. I think that decision was a very poor one. But whoever it was they should now make a very good decision and submit then' letter or resignation to the proper people. George F. Wilson PLYMOUTH August 2, 1985 OTYOr PLYMOUTR Mr. Wes Clemens Northwestern Bell Telephone 9700 - 49th Avenue No. Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Mr. Clemens: Pat Neils has asked that I forward the attached editorial to you as President of the Plymouth Civic League. I have done some preliminary research on the letter and suggest that you call me at 559-2800 to further discuss this matter. Yours very truly,, Frank Boyles Assistant City Manager FB:Jm attach 1400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE 6121 559-280C C c c 1986 PROPOSAL 1986 Revenue 35¢/capita x 4/1/85 census Maximum $14,000 Maplewood $ 9,908.50 s, a q 3 Burnsville 14,000.00 1z , - Shoreview 7,399.00 e z Woodbury 4,732.00 4 Roseville 12, 344.50 s s White Bear Lake 7,938.00 c 4 Plymouth 13,629.00 Minnetonka 14,000.00 Eagan 10, 538.50 9• ' a 3 Maple Grove 9,726.50 3 Eden Prairie 8,417.50 -7 2- Edina 14,000.00 Brooklyn Park 14,000.00 Z• Bloomington 14,000.00 2.�> Mounds View 4,487.00 Blaine 11,844.00 $170,964.50 465 41 Budget Authority 1-1, 3•'� Article 11.3 - Budget formulated by August 1st. Reviewed by members until September 15th. Adopted by MLC Board by November 1st. Action Request: 1. Adopt 1986 Fee schedule based on existing fee structure of 35Q/capita x 4/1/85 Metro Council population. 2. New President appoint committee of 3 members, one to include the new secretary/treasurer to meet with consultants and negotiate contracts for 1986 session (January - June) and interim (July - December). 3. Committees formulate expenditure budget based on consultant contracts and proposed fee. 4. MLC adopts expenditure budget prior to November 1st. o • 3 o CA ;'2 11 2, o [i 1985 Revenue 1986 MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION BUDGET 35e/capita x 4/1/84 census Maximum $14,000 1985 Adopted Budget PROPOSAL Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lindgren $ 95,000 Christopher Miller & Company 22,500 Media Services, Inc. 6,000 Legislative Contacts 18,600 Contingency 19,540 $161,640 Expenditures (as of 7/23/85) $ 58,890.60 Payables 27,305.12 $ 86,195.72 Interim Expenses (thru 12/31/85) Larkin, Hoffman, Daly R Lindgren $ 24,000 Christopher Miller & Company 6,800 Media Services, Inc. 3,500 $ 34,300 Z—'E� $161,640 $161,640 TOTAL 1985 Projected Expenses 5120,495.72 Balance 41,144.28 Note: Balance will be reduced based on Legislative contacts and meeting expenses during interim session and audit expenses. C UNIVERSITY CIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TY%A ITIt` July 29, 1985 Dan Campbell City Engineer 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 RE: Jim Olsen Property - Dear Mr. Campbell: ecal A :: C:inic A scr-Cc Lav, `enter „a 19'r Al enue 5-_),,'h ..ieac; s Minresota 55-155 3 -09800 ___1-^ k-0 0., . With the substantial rain of Jule 24, 1985, the work performed by the City of Plymouth proved to be suc- cessfully completed. Mr. Olsen has indicated to me that the water drained as desired. Consequently, we consider the matter closed except for the cleaning of the storm sewer pipe under t,.eston Lane which you indicated would be done in your letter of July 2, 1985. Thank you very much for your time and cooperation in getting this matter closed. Sincerely, Jerry Benito Student Attorney JB/sw JUL X985 C4 01 ' C. rJ July 26, 1985 Dickson Lewis Hawthorne Ponds Homeowners 17620 - 6th Avenue No. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Lewis: ITY O' DIUAssociartw OUTR Lo b. At their July 1 meeting the City Council discussed alternatives associated with minimizing graffiti on the Highway 101 wall. I am attaching for your information a copy of a memorandum which summarizes the alternatives and costs involved. After some discussion, the Council concluded that the most appropriate action would be to request homeowner authorization to plant ivy on private property Just above the wall and train it down the wall to provide the necessary coverage to minimize graffiti. The Council has concluded that this effort could be initiated for those homeowners who desire it, whereas no action will be taken for those who oppose such action. We will make every effort to maintain and train the ivy to minimize it from becoming a nuisance to you. Our objective is to have the ivy grow onto the wall and not onto your lawn. If you approve of the proposal to plant ivy on your private property at the top of the wall, please sign your name below and return one copy of this letter to me not later than August 15, 1985. Your agreement simply documents that the City may plant and maintain ivy on your private property adjacent to the wall. For those homeowners who do not desire this alterna- tive, the Council has agreed that no further steps should be taken with respect to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Yours vertrul Ij Frank Boyles Assistant City Manager I hereby authorize the City to plant and maintain ivy on my property within two feet of the Highway 101 retaining wall. Homeowner Signature Date 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 559.2800 L0 C CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: July 17, 1985 TO: Jim Willis FROM: David Davenport SUBJECT Plymouth Public Safety Department Jim, I have been considering for some time what steps the City might take to permanently recognize the contri- bution of our Police and Fire Departments to the City. The Fire Department is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer and that has further provoked my thinking. I would like you, Eric and PRAC to give some thought to dedicating an organized play area in one of the City's current or future community playfields (perhaps Parkers Lake) for a memorial to our Police and Fire Departments. Recently on a trip to Pittsburgh, I viewed a park where there were play facilities consisting of an old fire truck and other obsolete items of equipment that had been painted and permanently installed as a playground attraction. Such a display would have a utility and needn't be very elaborate but it would serve to remind people utilizing that playfield from time to time of the contributions our Police and Fire Department employees make to the safety and security of the City. Discuss it with Eric, and it would be nice if Eric and Betty, as well as the City Council, showed an interest in doing such a thing to make an announcement of it in conjunction with the 25th anniversary. If such an announcement were made, all I would foresee it containing would be a reference to the City's desire in a future or existing playfield to incorporate some memorial through playfield equipment or otherwise to our Public Safety Department. Let me know the reactions to my request. DJD: cap CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: July 26, 1985 ="- U c— . TO: James G. Willis, City Manager FROM: Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT Mayor Davenport's Suggestion for a Park Memorializing the Contributions of our Police and Fire Departments In response to Mayor Davenport's suggestion, I believe there may very well be a location within our park system for an appropriately designed facility recognizing the importance of both the police and fire departments. Possible locations for this type of facility could be Parkers Lake, West Medicine Lake or Plymouth Creek city parks. There are items already manufactured that can be purchased from a catalog, e.g., fire trucks as playground equipment, etc., that could be considered for this type of recognition. I would be happy to meet with you and the Mayor to discuss this subject further at your convenience. /np CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55441 TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 MEMO DATE: July 22, 1985 TO: Richard J. Carlqui st, Director of Public Safety FROM: Mel Solberg, Lieutenant SUBJECT: Radar Survey Per your request, three radar assignments were made on 18th Avenue North between West Medicine Lake Drive and State Highway 55. The numbers of vehicles, date and times were: # of vehicles 31 mph 36 mph 41 mph 30 mph or below 35 mph 40 mph or more Total July 15, 0700 - 0900 19 9 2 1* 31 July 17, 1600 - 1800 46 16 0 0 62 July 19, 1200 - 1400 58 3 0 0 61 Total 123 28 2 1 154 *One vehicle was cited for speed. cc: J.G. Willis Traffic Grid CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 24, 1985 The regular Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chairman Pauba, Commissioners Stulberg, Magnus, Plufka, Mellen and Wire Chairman Steigerwald arrived at 8:15 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Coordinator Sara McConn City Engineer Sherm Goldberg Community Development Director Blair Tremere Associate Planner Al Cottingham CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner CONSENT AGENDA Mellen to adopt the consent agenda. Six ayes. MOTION carried. MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner *MINUTES - JULY 9, Mellen to recommended approval of the July 9, 1985 minutes. 1985 Five.ayes, Commissioner Wire abstained. MOTION carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Vice Chairman Pauba introduced the first public hearing item BURGER KING CORP. and Mr. Kent Coulson representing the petitioner, who stated CUP AMEND the staff report accurately represented their peitition. (85064) Vice Chairman Pauba opened the public hearing. No one was present to speak on this item and thus the public hearing was closed. Motion by Commissioner Wire, seconded by Commissioner Plufka to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit Amendment for Jerry Sisk, Burger King, subject to the conditions stated in the July 9 staff report. Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. Vice Chairman Pauba introduced the public hearing and asked the Commissioners if they had any questions of staff. Commissioner Wire requested staff inform the Planning Commission when changes were authorized to approved Conditional Use Permits. Staff responded in the affirmative. mr.-flE MOTION TO APPROVE MOTION CARRIED REVISED DRAFT ORDINANC.'E AMENDMENT Page 167 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 Vice Chairman Pauba opened the public hearing. No one was present to speak on this item and thus the public hearing was closed. MOTION was made by Commissioner Stulberg, seconded by NOTION TO APPROVE Commissioner Magnus to approve the draft ordinance amendment regarding administrative approval for minor changes to approved conditional uses. Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - NOTION CARRIED Vice Chairman Pauba introduced the public hearing and waived REVISIONS TO CITY'S review of the staff report. Mr. Bob Burger, President of COMPREHENSIVE PLAN the Plymouth Development, was recognized and stated he concurred with the Goals, Objectives and Criteria. Vice Chairman Pauba opened and closed the public hearing. Vice Chairman Pauba brought to the Commission's attention a letter by Mr. Paul S. Volstad which stated his concerns regarding limitations to the amount of tax exempt land that the City can support and regarding human development in that the City should encourage development of facilities for spiritual growth. Commissioner Plufka stated that he had a concern with the second portion of Mr. Volstad's letter in that it would be crossing church and state boundaries. He did agree with Mr. Volstad's statement regarding limiting the amount of tax exempt land. Staff clarified that tax exempt land would not just be for churches but also for parks, schools and any City owned land. Staff does not feel that the City would deny a site plan solely on the tax exempt issues. Staff discussed the situation of a church being located on commercially zoned land as compared to locating on residentially zoned land. Commissioner Wire thought that the wording could be changed to "City owned tax exempt land" or "review or monitor the amount of tax exempt land" rather than "limit the amount of tax exempt land." Commissioner Magnus felt that the word "limit" was a good choice and that if a limit is reached, the City should consider the financial impact. Page 168 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 Bob Burger representing the Plymouth Development Council felt the City could separate "public" versus "private" tax exempt land. Staff pointed out that the wording could be changed to "strive to limit the amount of public tax exempt land and to monitor the amount of private tax exempt land" rather than "limit the amount of tax exempt land." Commissioner Wire feels that the word "limit" is a very strong word and should be removed. Commissioner Mellen felt that the wording of "monitoring the amount of tax exempt land" does not allow for the City to restrict the development of tax exempt land, if a maximum level is reached. MOTION was made by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by MOTION TO AMEND Commissioner Wire, to amend the wording from "limiting the amount of tax exempt land" to "maintain the amount of publicly held tax exempt land at a reasonable level commensurate with City needs, and, monitor the amount of tax exempt land held by other for periodic evaluation." Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED Motion by Commissioner Magnus, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Wire, to approve the Goals, Objectives and Criteria element of the Comprehensive Plan as amended. Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS Vice Chairman Pauba introduced the request by Opus Corporation for a Lot Consolidation, Site Plan and Variance. Reading of the duly 11, 1985 staff report was waived. Vice Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Bob Worthington of Opus Corporation. Mr. Worthington reviewed the location of the site, history of the land and their current proposal. He referenced that this would be a high-tech building and distributed marketing information on the Westfield, Opus II development, which would be similar to the proposed buildings. He reviewed why they requested two building on one site, stating that it was mainly for marking purposes for the smaller companies who did not want to share offices in a larger building with OPUS CORPORATION LOT CONSOLIDATION, SITE PLAN AND VARIANCE (85051) Page 169 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1995 larger companies. He stated that the Zoning Ordinance requires this be a variance, but variances don't consider marketing aspects. He concurred with staff's approach of the Phase I approval, then with Phase II a lot division could be requested. He requested approval for the concept as shown with two buildings. He stated that they were excited about the project and the building would have a good view from Highway 55, this would finish the Circle Star Business Center industrial development. MOTION by Commissioner Wire, seconded by Commisioner Magnus to approve the Lot Consolidation, Site Plan for Opus Corporation subject to the conditions in the staff report dated July 11, 1985 with the addition to item 415 stating that "any subsequent phases or expansions are subject to required reviews and approvals per Ordinance provisions, and consistent with the master planning for the second building." Commissioner Stulberg inquired if item 414, whether the signage program needed to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council if it met Ordinance standards. Bob Worthington stated that they are looking at a new concept in signage and are requesting to come back and show it to the Planning Commission and City Council. Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. Vice Chairman Pauba introduced the request by Nathan Lane Associates for a Lot Consolidation, Site Plan and Variance. Reading of the July 10, 1985 staff report was waived. Vice Chairman Pauba introduced Mr. Ron Ryan and Mr. Marshall Siegel who stated that Mitner-Wiseman Company occupies approximately 90 percent of the building and would occupy the same percentage of the new building. They have been located in Plymouth for ten years. He feels that their company has been a clean operation and noted they employ approximately 100 people. Mr. Ron Ryan spoke to the two parts of the review, the parking setback Variance to Nathan Lane and the Variance to have the bituminous located around the structure. He stated that they would rather have bituminous at the building than have a rock mulch, curb or sidewalk for pedestrians. He stated that this would allow them a larger maneuvering area for the truck loading dock area and would also be easier to maintain. He stated that they do propose to mark this area with striping to show a walkway area. s-� MOTION TO APPROVE VOTE - MOTION CARRIED NATHAN LANE ASSOC. LOT CONSOLIDATION, SITE PLAN AND VARIANCES (85058) =— Page 170 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 Commissioner Wire inquired why they would not want a sidewalk along the portion of the building. Mr. Ryan explained that they hope to limit the amount of pedestrian circulation around the building with a rear access and parking along Nathan Lane side of the building. Staff explained the Ordinance intent of having a separation between the building and bituminous areas is to delineate circulation patterns, allow for more snow storage and reduce potential damage to the building and vehicles. Commissioner Mellen stated that he understood the petitioner but feels that sidewalks are good for pedestrian circulation and for their safety. Mr. David Fink of Nathan Lane Associates stated that currently they have a separation between the existing parking area and the front of the building. The snowplows in the wintertime have a tendency to spill this rock all over the parking area and to rip out the curbs. Staff reviewed the locations of existing fire lanes and loading dock areas. Staff continued to state that a uniqueness or hardship has not been demonstrated by the petitioner. Commissioner Wire felt that there is a.need to have some sort of a buffer between the building and parking areas for safety for the employees. Mr. Fink responded, noting the concern of safety of the building and the employees and stated that they could put up posts in the ground to keep the vehicles away from the buildings. Commissioner Wire inquired where the accesses to the building would be located. Mr. Fink stated that this company was a cigarette and candy distribution area and that accesses were limited due to the security needed for the product. The office employees would access on the east side of the building where there is presently a shortage of parking; the warehouse employees would access on the rear side of the building. He stated that if no variances were granted to the parking area on the east side of the building, that the office employees would need to walk approximately 1,000 feet from the parking area to the entrance. He stated the Minneapolis Auto Auction has parking at the property line and felt that similar consideration could be given. Page 171 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 Commissioner Wire stated the neighboring property is not grounds for granting the variances. Max Rutman located the entrances and explained they have snowplow services. Many times people get to work at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m., it is a tremendous walk from the west side of the building to the east side of the building, if a variance is not granted. Commissioner Plufka stated that with the new construction for the building and where the entrances are located that that makes staff's point of need for separation from the bituminous to the building, a great need for safety purposes. Mr. Rutman stated they could relocate the employee entrances to resolve that problem. Mr. Ryan referred to the screening and landscaping diagram which showed a crossview of the site from Nathan Lane. People Nathan Lane would barely notice the cars in this parking area and the reduced setbacks. Commissioner Wire inquried as to the employee breakdown with office and warehouse employees. Mr. Fink stated that currently they have approximately 60 warehouse employees and 40 office and sales employees. With the growing of the building, they will add more office and warehouse employees. Mr. Siegel stated that they also have a number of brokers and visitors who come to the building that are not allowed in the warehouse area, and thus park on the office side of the building. Additional parking is needed on that side of the building to accommodate them. MOTION by Commissioner Wire, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Stulberg, to approve the Lot Consolidation/Site Plan subject to the conditions as stated in the duly 10, 1985 staff report with the elimination of Condition 412, thus granting a variance from the required 10 ft. setback between the parking and driving area and the building. Commissioner Mellen stated his objection because of a need of a pedestrian walkway from the west parking lot. Commissioner Plufka noted there is limited entrance for this building; possibly the entrance on the northwest corner of the building could be relocated to aid in the pedestrian traffic. z--7 Page 172 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 Commissioner Wire stated that the reason for recommending approval of this variance was because it is similar to the existing building and bituminous areas. If it were a totally new building, he would want Ordinance compliance. He went on to state the areas for the loading docks were very confusing. Mr. Fink stated that the loading docks were placed where they are due to the types of operation that is conducted within the building. Mr. Rutman sta%ed that the traffic of the people is such that they come after the materials are received, then fill the orders. There is not much traffic for these employees to worry about in getting to the entrances. Mr. Siegel stated that the company is attempting to fill orders in the evening and have the receiving during the day, as it would be a more efficient use of the building and save in traffic flow of people. Commissioner Magnus stated that he had a concern of not granting a variance along Nathan Lane since then there would not be room for the employees to park on this side of the building. Coordinator McConn stated that the company could control where the employees park and reserve the parking along Nathan Lane for visitors. She stated that a uniqueness or hardship has not been demonstrated. MOTION was made by Commissioner Magnus, seconded by NOTION TO AMEND Commissioner Plufka, to amend the Main Motion by changing MAIN NOTION Condition #11 :;o grant the variance of parking setback to Nathan Lane, as requested. Roll Call VOTE. 5 ayes. Commissioner Stulberg voted VOTE - NOTION CARRIED nay and Chairman Steigerwald abstained. MOTION carried. Vote on the Main Motion, once amended, 6 ayes. Chairman VOTE - NOTION CARRIED Steigerwald abstained. MOTION carried. MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner RUTLEDGE CONSTRUCTION Mellen to recommend approval for a Lot Division, Site Plan COMPANY and Variance for Rutledge Construction Company subject to LOT DIVISION, SITE the conditions as stated in the July 10, 1985 staff report. PLAN AND VARIANCE (85061) Roll Call VOTE. 6 ayes. MOTION carried. NOTION TO APPROVE* VOTE - NOTION CARRIED Page 173 Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 1985 NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the upcoming meeting dates in August and the volume of applications that will be before them. They discussed holding the Capital Improvements Program public hearing starting at 8:30 p.m. on August 28 and conduct other business beginning at 7:00 p.m. for that meeting. A reminder was given on the Joint Planning Commission/Council meeting for July 29. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Steigerwald adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m. WL,STELlNE ... tile shale of thinc7s irl solid waste July 1985 Issue No. 8 Editor: Joan Steinmann WHERE DO TRASH HAULERS STAND ON ISSUES? The trash haulers of the Twin Cities Area will be as important a part of the new regional system of solid waste management as they are of the present one. Because of their experience dealing with trash, the Wasteline asked a handful of area haulers about their views on some controversial solid waste issues. Although the following article represents only a smattering of opinion and not the views of the area's entire trash hauling industry, it may serve as a good introduction to a different perspective on these issues. Organized collection of trash, where overlap of hauler service areas is prevented or controlled: The haulers contacted by the Wasteline had mixed feelings about organized collection. They thought it has some advantages, but could reduce healthy competition among haulers. Concern focused on how community went about organizing pickup of trash. "From the viewpoint of efficiency, cost to customers and safety, it's good," said Don Hinz of Eagle Sanitation, Newport (he's also the president of Waste -to -Energy, Inc.). "It can also help recycling programs. But it reduces competition; big multinational or international firms can underbid for contracts and then raise prices after the small local haulers have been driven away." "Organized collection has a lot of merit," said Richard Wybierala of Poor Richard's, Inc. "But it could put some haulers who have been in the business for years out of work." The several dozen haulers who joined together to form Minneapolis Refuse, Inc. (MRI) found a way to organize collection without damaging their businesses in 1971, when backyard burning was prohibited in Minneapolis, tripling the volume of trash. "We got together and negotiated a contract with the city to keep the haulers in business," explained Chuck Kutter, MRI president. "We have a 50-50 split with the city for hauling in Minneapolis, and we found organized collection is cheaper." Wybierala said that Minneapolis's was the "most fair, civil system" he knows of. Flow control, or designation by counties of facilities where trash must go: Haulers understood the counties' need to assure that resource recovery plants get a steady supply of waste, but felt that subsidies could keep fees at such facilities low enough to be competitive with landfills, so that flow control would not be necessary. "I look at it two ways," said Mary Ayde, executive secretary of the Minnesota chapter of the National Waste Management Association. "The counties need to provide guarantees for those operating the plants. On the other hand, if the counties are responsible for disposal of trash, they could eliminate fees at the doors." Ultimately, the people will pay for the additional cost of resource recovery facilities, she said. "I'm opposed to flow control," said Mike Hinz of Gopher Disposal, Newport. 'The free market should dictate where trash goes, and if a subsidy is required to get it to resource recovery plants, the counties should tax the public. The government should be responsible for collecting the money" necessary to run these plants, said Hinz. In addition to the high fees to drop trash at a designated facility, Shirley Johnson of Bellaire Sanitation, Stillwater, was concerned about the possibility of illegal dumping. In order to avoid higher fees to dispose of trash, "people are already dumping" at unauthorized sites, she said. 61 Z.1-646� Chuck Wegner of Brown ing-F errishndustriefBF 1), a nationa' company, identified a problem of particular concern to larger firms. "We serve all the metropolitan counties, and many of our routes go from county to county. Flow control will be a routing nightmare" since it requires that waste from a given county—but not from others—be dropped ata particular place. Contracts between counties and haulersfor delivery of wastes to certain facilities: Under the state law that permits metropolitan counties, through an ordinance, to designate plants where trash must go, counties are required to seek contracts with haulers that would provide for delivery to resource recovery facilities without regulation by ordinances. Ramsey and Washington Counties are negotiating with haulers over the terms of such contracts, which would oblige haulers to drop trash from the two counties at a refuse -derived fuel (RDF) facility in Newport, to be owned and operated by Northern States Power Co. Some haulers who serve those areas have signed the contracts; many have not. Those asked by the Wasteline saw little difference between signing such contracts and being regulated by a flow control ordinance. 'We're just now scratching the surface" in negotiations with Hennepin County, said Kutter, "but I don't see any advantage for haulers in the Ramsey -Washington contract over their ordinance." In general, counties can guarantee a flow of waste through contracts with haulers, said Don Hinz. "If the fee was even close to that at landfills, they'd have a lot of takers." But Ramsey and Washington Counties "agreed (with NSP) for delivery without consulting with the people who have to do the delivery (the haulers). There really wasn't much negotiation," said Hinz. Ayde's opinion was similar. "If counties are really sincere about having contracts with haulers, they'll enter into negotiations before committing themselves to a vendor" for a resource recovery plant (such as NSP), "so that haulers could sit down and discuss things with the county." The haulers shouldn't be left out of the beginning of the desig- nation process, said Ayde. Mandatory source separation of recyclable materials from other trash by households: Some cities—St. Cloud, for example—have ordinances requiring that people recycle at home. Haulers' views on this policy varied quite a bit. "I'd like to see mandatory recycling," said Johnson. "We're one of the largest recyclers in the area — we've done it for 30 years." Very few people would comply with a mandatory recycling ordinance, said Wybierala. "Separation of recyclables should take place at a transfer station, before trash goes to an incinerator," he said. Wegner also thought mandatory recycling would be hard to enforce. "You need economic incentives to make it work," such as a reduced fee for trash collection for those who recycle, he said. Others focused on the economic problems involved in marketing recyclables once they're collected; recycling, they emphasized, does not pay for itself. Kutter opposed mandatory recycling, because "we can't take care of recyclables now. No system works on a continuous basis," because of the instability of markets for recyclables, he said. Government units will "have to spend money to get recycling done, if they want landfill abatement," but not simply a lump sum at the outset of a program. Taxpayers should lose money or benefit according to the market for recyclables. ::You can't develop markets that don't exist," said Don Hinz "Separate pickup of recyclables would be as expensive as pickup of trash. Why pay for both if resource recovery facilities can process it all?" Hinz, like most of the haulers we talked to, had done some pickup of recyclables. "I did it on my own, spent about $10,000, and got about 42.43 percent participation by picking up trash and recyclables on the same day." But the effort was "a victim of the market." Since there isn't any profit in recycling, it's got to be subsidized, he said. Mary Ayde agreed that recycling "isn't self-supporting" now, but said haulers can start up recycling programs to get people to develop new habits. The changing system of waste management gives haulers "an opportunity to provide more services," she said. LEGISLATURE MOVES TO MAKE TRASH A RESOURCE When the Minnesota Legislature closed its doors after its 1985 session, it gave people interested in solid waste some signifi. cant changes to digest. Among them is a law saying that after Jan. 1, 1990, no Metropolitan Area landfills will be allowed to accept mixed municipal solid waste unless it's been through a resource recovery facility first. That law will help the Metropolitan Council implement its solid waste policy plan, which mandates a shift away from heavy reliance on landfilling and places emphasis on recycling and resource recovery instead. The legislature also made it clear that metropolitan counties have the authority to adopt ordinances that make separating recyclable materials from other trash, a process known as source separation, mandatory. The legislature said that when a county passes such an ordinance, it will apply to all the areas in the county that haven't met the local standard for land- filling abatement the county spelled out for them. Along those lines, the legislature passed another law that will help the Council implement its solid waste policy plan. The legislature said that the solid waste master plans that counties submit to the Coundl must now include specific and quanti- fiable landfill abatement objectives. The counties also must provide a list of cities that have not satisfied the abatement performance standards they set. Another new law will be good news for communities joining the recycling effort. The legislature voted to give communities a S4 rebate for each ton of residential trash they collect and recycle. This is in addition to the rebate of up to 50 cents per household authorized by 1984 legislation that cities and townships have available for money spent on resource recovery and landfill abatement projects. The money for both payments will come out of the Metropolitan Council's landfill abatement fund. For communities to receive household rebate funds, they will have to provide adequate documentation of recycling expenses, such as timesheets showing hours employees devoted to recycling efforts during the year for which a city or town- ship is seeking reimbursement. To help local governments meet the costs of implementing waste reduction and source separation programs this year's legislature also gave municipalities permission to levy taxes beyond the normal limits to cover the extra costs of such projects. The legislature also allocated $11.4 million for landfill abate- ment programs to be administered as grants by the Minnesota Waste Management Board to cities, counties and solid waste management districts (note these grants may pay no more than 25 percent of the capital costs of a given project)• Private groups as well as counties and local governments may apply to the Council for funds from a grant and loan program designed to help them meet the costs of starting recycling and resource recovery programs. The Council Is developing guidelines for awarding these funds, and for administering rebates for cities. These guidelines are expected to be ready by September. The legislature also expanded the Council's S15 million bonding authority so it may now fund the purchase and improvement of resource recovery facilities as well as landfill site acquisition and other related costs. For more information about money available for recycling and resource recovery projects, call abatement program administrator Katy Boone at the Council, 291-6421. Caroline Nason COUNCIL TASK FORCE REPORTS ON ORGANIZED COLLECTION Organizing the collection of trash to control or eliminate overlap between areas served by different haulers could have many advantages, but there isn't a need for a system to establish organized collection throughout the Twin Cities Area. That was the finding of a special Metropolitan Council task force charged with studying the need for such a system. Where collection is "organized," only one hauler picks up trash in an area. A city may contract with or franchise one company to collect from the city or an area within it, or provide pickup service itself. Also, a neighborhood group may contract with haulers for service, or several haulers may form a consortium to organize their collection routes. About 30 percent of metropolitan households are served under such arrangements, while the rest arrange directly with haulers for pickup of trash. In its report, the task force concluded that organized collection can reduce the cost of pickup by increasing its efficiency: when routes don't overlap, travel time between stops goes down, so a hauler can make more stops in the same amount of time. The cost of collection services for cities with organized collection is, on the average, about two-thirds to three-fourths that of cities where each household arranges for track pickup. Organizing collection of trash reduces wear and tear on roads and the potential for accidents involving garbage trucks, because the trucks travel fewer miles, said the report. It also improves air quality because of decreased fuel consumption. Another benefit of organized collection identified in the report is that it may be done in ways that could help cities increase participation in recycling or other landfill abate- ment programs. Municipalities and towns have adequate authority to organize trash collection, the task force found, and should consider potential benefits of doing so. The report, which was called for under state law, will be sent to the Legislative Commission on Waste Management. WHAT PART FOR CITIES IN NEW SYSTEM? Recent initiatives for change in the way the Twin Cities Area manages its trash may have left some city and county planners confused about responsibilities and opportunities for local governments. A brown -bag luncheon meeting sponsored by the Minnesota chapter of the American Planning Association and the Metropolitan Council, "New Roles for Cities in the Metropolitan Solid Waste System," may help those planners cut through the fog. Topics of discussion will include changes in solid waste legislation, the Council's new solid waste policy plan, funding for landfill abatement efforts such as recycling programs, organized collection of trash and the county planning process. The meeting is to be held at noon, Aug. 27, in the Council Chambers at 300 Metro Square Bldg., 7th and Robert Sts., St. Paul. Printed on recycled paper. z -G SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY MEMBERS August 1, 1985 BLOOMINGTON BROOKLYN CENTER BROOKLYN PARK BURNSVILLE CHAMPLIN Mr. James Willis CIRCLE PINES COLUMBIA HEIGHTS City Manager DEEPHAVEN City of Plymouth EDEN PRAIRIE EDINA 3400 Plymouth Blvd. EXCELSIOR Plymouth, MN 55447 FRIDLEY GREENWOOD HASTINGS Re; SRA 1986 Assessments HOPKINS LAKE ST. CROIX BEACH LAUDERDALE LORETTO MAPLE PLAIN The SRA Board of Directors approved a 1986 budget at its MAPLEWOOD July 17 meeting. A copy of the budget is enclosed.. it MINNETONKA MINNETRISTA calls for an assessment of $200 per vote in 1986, down NEW BRIGHTON from the 1985 assessment of $368.10 in 1985 and $245.40 in NORTH ST. PAUL 1984. ORONO OSSEO PLYMOUTH RICHFIELD The City of Plymouth's 1986 assessment is $1,400.00. You ROBBINSDALE will be billed for payment in halves in February and ROSEVILLE ST. ANTHONY August. ST. LOUIS PARK SHAKOPEE SHOREVIEW The Board has asked me to express its appreciation for the SHOREWOOD support you have given the SRA. Some of the more notable SPRING PARK VADNAIS HEIGHTS accomplishments of the SRA during the preceding year have VICTORIA been: WAYZATA WOODLAND Work with the Metropolitan Council and the legis- lature to head off a proposed grant program for funding construction for the replacement of combined sewers in Minneapolis, St. Paul and South St. Paul. - Further work with the MWCC concerning the manage- ment study and communications with users. - The opening of negotiations with Northern States Power concerning a uniform electric franchise. At the October meeting we hope to sponsor a presentation concerning the possible municipal responses to solid waste legislation and regulation. During the balance of 1985 and in 1986, we expect to work with the MWCC to support its efforts to maintain reasonable river water quality standards on the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. The reason for this effort is that those standards determine 2000 FIRST BANK PLACE WEST • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402 • (612) 333-0543 =c� the quality of wastewater treatment. An enormous amount of capital investment which might have to be undertaken by MWCC users hangs in the balance. During the remainder of 1985 and in 1986, we will participate in a Northwestern Bell rate case with the hope of further reducing the rate disparity between metropolitan area communities. We encourage you to participate actively in SRA and to encourage your neighboring cities who may not be SRA members to join in this common effort. If I may be of assistance, please contact me at: Graydon R. Boeck 5415 East Twin Lake Blvd. Minneapolis, Mr 55429 (612) 560-1950 Again, let me thank you for your support. Very truly yours, Graydon R. Boeck Chairman GRB:GEP/sbp Biu_. J-' 1 9 DRAFT Calendar 1986 Suburban Rate Authority Budget 1985 Assets: Cash and investments (6;30/85) $ 63,479 Receivables (1985 assessments) 18,589 Less adjustment* (4,407) TOTAL $ 77,661 Anticipated Additional 1985 Expenses: General, MWCC and miscellaneous - Through 6/30/85 $ 3,046 Est. fees balance of year 7,000 Est. disbursements 11800 (11,846) 1985 Northwestern Bell Case ;access Charge) ( 3,5500) Anticipated year-end position $ 62,315 1986 Assets: Carryover $ 62,3i5 Membership Assessment 31,400 TOTAL $ 93,715 Expenses: General Matters - Fees $10,000 General Matters - Disbursements 3,600 NSP Electric Rate Case/ Municipal Pumping** 10,000 Northwestern Bell (Access Charge) 1,500 MWCC Matter (;-tater Quality Standards) 20,000 Other Projects 10,000 Gontingency Fund 38,615 $(93,715) -0- Proposed 1986 Assessment*** Total Votes are 157 31,400 : 157 = $200 per vote * Assumes some assessments will not be collected ** Includes committment of $7,500 to American Waterworks Association ***1984 Assessment was $245.40 per vote 1985 Assessment was $368.10 per vote `m 4) CL 0 N 4i d CL W) N w EN oc'� Q E n�..:E' � �3ycoCd ' G C C G 41-2 Q Q �oCt. U t Na3 L O > E— 3 �yo33;:_°.'.y-e°>R'G„=ytc y aEM CD r- = G 3z c E w Q o �R+ U R T U R F Vyi �co M -- � dr �-cm,a ='gypviCG "-, 6v� ^L C y y p L N Q., -E O t=7 a L. C 3 V C OtROs ar. O p o G` G zc G G T 3 R m� C•C y D G E °�o'�ss ay C E r tis c .�A O �o > RRD=�=°:Gs= mec-o , U t U d L /� D @ L O= C Ca O z L> C cc E y'� co ci ^ a c c m°� a E 3 v °i =s x.= 0 3 3 GyosGT o R �9 c_ y" C 72 ui ;, W -p u C r 3 mss Gib C, o o_ c.y =UGyV'D' U5Fv,=CG yOc Gm G E•=•= V c CL 1>1LIL sE VprR .c cn Ct._ G^._ Z R err v 3._•_ G Wy`o E v "G c= R s ER WH maw > w—E�_�r�_ 3 ■� w R>9cGato` W Qi R i R v, G R 7= Z c. O W N 5s = � R o.�H ca`', c`s o•E c`4 (1) C Z pp ,o - ° I:EES G a, w a, '° R 's w� p�GGL� V EN'CRcpp^s= 0.0 _v 0 crime Insurance costs up Continued from page 1 Insurance rates are "escalating dramatically" not only because of increasing liability exposure by municipalities. but also because of a decline in the number of insurance companies, Mr. Murphy said. Some cities. unwilling to pay the spiraling costs. are opting to go without insurance. • Dallas officials are operating their city of 1 million residents without liability insurance. Thev have chosen to do so since May 1, rather than pay premium increases of at least 6006,. and as much as 1.000 for less liability coverage than the city previously had for police. public officials and city vehicles. said Mark Ferraro, risk manager. The city has not added any money to an existing fund for self insurance. and Mr. Ferraro said he hopes to replace the coverage by early fall. • Baton Rouge. La., with 450.000 residents in the area. has gone without primary and excess gen- eral liability and excess auto liabil- ity insurance since April. Officials contend quoted rates were too high. Last year. the city paid $116.490 for $500.000 in primary general lia- bility coverage above the $100.000 claims it agreed to pay itself. and $50.000 for excess general liability and excess auto liability coverage up to $10 million. This year, Baton Rouge received a $1.2 million quote from one in- surer for about the same amount of coverage. but must pay its own claims up to $500.000. The city. which was self-insuring its public official and police profes- sional liabilities. does not expect to be able to renew its primary auto liability coverage in November. said Irvin F. Jones. risk manager. • Five governments in the Rocky Mountain states recently received non -renewal notices from Colonial Penn Insurance Co. for their com- prehensive general liability poli- cies. which include coverage for police and public officals. However. Colonial Penn is hope- ful that an agreement on another contract can be reached with the states — Colorado. Idaho. New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming — be- fore policies expire in September, said Cecil Munson, president of Public Entity Underwriters Ltd. in Denver, the underwriting manager for Colonial Penn. These examples hint at the diffi- culties public entities have in find- ing liability coverage. especially for police and public officials. The market for liability coverage for public entities is "diminishing to nothing." said Bruce Henriksen. assistant vice president at L.W. Biegler, a Chicago firm. "Available capacity has dropped significantly" in a year, agreed Randall Goss, president of Uni- mark Special Risks Inc.. Dallas, an underwriting manager. At least three insurers stopped underwriting liability coverage for public entities in 1985, and nine others did so during the past two years. The insurers that remain in the market are raising prices and tight- ening underwriting terms. The reasons for the crunch: In- surers fear losses resulting from erosion of governmental immunity by the courts, and they don't like the way public entities seek com- petitive bids for insurance, which often are court -mandated. Insurers say they cannot win renewals if another insurer underprices them. "Underwriters are picking and choosing the cream of the crop and charging exorbitant rates," said David McGurn, division vp with broker A.J. Gallagher & Co. in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Rate increases range up to 400% for public officials and 50% to 200°x, for police professionals. But some public entities have found the situation even bleaker. Dallas. for example, had a choice of a 600%ro, 958% or 1,128% increase during renewals in April. Depending on the size of a public entity and its taxing powers• going without insurance may or may not present a major risk. Many large cities with large enough tax bases do self -insure their liability risks. "A really big city is not as threat- ened by going bare as a small one would be," said Allen Hyman, risk manager for Corpus Christi, Texas. Smaller governments might not have the tax base necessary to raise funds to pay an uninsured judg- ment, said Frank Gardner, risk manager for Natrona County. Wyo. Other smaller cities also have faced huge premium increases. Fremont. Calif., with a popula- tion of 150.000, paid $44.000 last year for a package that included comprehensive general liability coverage (including coverage for public officials, police, pollution risks) and workers compensation coverage. It retained $250,000 on the primary layer, and purchased $19.75 million in excess coverage. The renewal premium jumped 1,157% in April to $509,000 for about the same general liability limits, said Joseph Tonda, Fre- mont's risk manager. "It was rather upsetting." • 1 \ 0, - July 30, 1985 CITY O� PLYMOUTH+ E. C. L'Herault Publisher Plymouth Post 8801 Bass Lake Road New Hope, MN 55428 Dear Mr. L'Herault: Typically, the Plymouth Post's coverage of community issues has been superior. However, I was disappointed with the front page of the duly 25, 1985 issue which depicted on a half -page the pictures of six cougar kittens, a female cougar named "Poopsie", and Mr. teff Howard, the owner of a game farm in Plymouth. In stark contrast was a 2 inch by 4 inch summary of the municipal court action to fine and temporarily incarcerate the owner of the malamute dog which killed 7 year-old Jeremiah Rogholt last year. One of the primary functions of municipal government is the protection of the public safety. To be effective in this effort, the City requires the assistance of the courts to deal stearnly with those who ignore municipal law with respect to animals, and in doing so, needlessly subject our citizenry to unnecessary danger. It has been frustrating to us that the courts have not been more supportive in this effort. It is even more frustrating when the Post newspaper displays cougars on the front page as if they were harmless domesticated kittens. The Post's cover- age clearly reenforces the image of these wild animals that they pose no threat to the public. The Rogholt incident clearly proves that even domesticated animals are not predictable -- let alone animals which are wild by nature. I hope that in the future you will not romanticize a situation that is a matter of great concern to the City Council and to the hundreds of people who live in close proximity to the so-called game farm. Sincerely; David J. Do"nport Mayor DOD:jm 3400 C:�_"AOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 b _ h CITY C)� PUMOUTR July 31, 1985 Mr. Charles N. Nye 18225 North 24th Avenue Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Nye: Your letter to me of July 19th was previously responded to by Jim Willis, Plymouth's City Manager. Your complaint is the second I have received about the ordinance. Given these circumstances, I am not inclined to recommend a change. If the ordinance only serves to work an occasional inconvenience on a small minority of our residents, its benefits as outlined to you in Mr. Willis' letter continue to outweight its shortcomings. If you desire the ordinance to be bhanged, you could petition the City Council to reconsider or modify it. Also, if, after consultation with a lawyer, you feel that there is a legal basis for doing so, then you of course would have the right to pursue legal relief. Thank you again for your letter. Sincerely, LINDQUIST/ David J. D,,Oenport Mayor DJD: cap 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 5592800 CHARLES N. NYE 18225 NORTH 24TH AVENUE PLYMOL'TH, MINNESOTA 5544 (612) 475.3469 July 19, 1985 Mr. David Davenport Mayor of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth MN 55447 Dear Mr. Davenport: 7.-11 b. Recently, I received a ticket for parking one of our automobiles overnight in front of our home. Apparently this regulation has been in place for a year. I found this out by appearing in front of a hearing officer. I have also learned that a number of my neighbors have received similar citations. Now, you may justify this by pointing out how much effort has gone into this creating public awareness. This is a stupid and very inconvenient statute. It's summer, many of us have sons and daughters home, friends visiting, driveway and home improvement projects in place. And, in our neighborhood, we have one car stripped and undergoing an overhaul in a driveway and another parked on the rear of a lot with weeds all around it. If the objective is to deal with eyesores, why isn't someone addressing these examples? Winter obviously is another case. Anyway, please formally advise me of the process whereby a citizen may undertake (legally or otherwise) to formally alter a statute. Sincerely, Charles N. Nye CNN:alf t July 31, 1985 Mrs. Gloria Strandberg 16610 26th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mrs. Strandberg: CITY C)� PLYMOUTR -7--: � 1C_ Thank you for your letter of July 16th. I am sorry that you elected not to speak at the July 15th meeting. I did not intend to make you feel "patronized, belittled and intimidated" from my conduct of the meeting. By advising you of your legal rights, I was merely attempting to ensure that those of you in attendance were fully informed of your appeal rights. It would be wrong for me to presume that residents protesting special assessments are always represented by lawyers. Most are not. It is for this reason that I go to the efforts that I do to explain those rights. Ironically, I have also been criticized for encouraging appeals because of my thorough explanation of the appeal procedure. Regard- less, if I am going to err, I would prefer it to be on the side of full disclosure. Mrs. Strandberg, the appeals process provided for by law is imperfect because it does require people like yourself, Mrs. Chen and others aggrieved by the Council's actions to go to the expense of hiring an attorney to prosecute an appeal when in the case of storm sewer and curb or gutter improvements, the legal costs may not be recoverable and may also exceed the amount of the assessment itself. If, by my vote to approve the roll, you feel I "disregarded your complaints", you are correct, but I did not do so "in favor of orchestrated plans of financing projects with ill -received monies", but rather because as Mayor I have an obligation to ensure that our special assessment policies are consistently applied. Precedent weighs heavily in those consideration. A mayor must make decisions based upon what he or she believes to be in the best interests of the entire community, including the interests of those thousands of residents who were not present at the hearing, but who would have to pick up the cost of your special assessments if the City were to assess them back on an ad valorem basis. 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612) 559.2800 =-\\c, Mrs. Gloria Strandberg July 31, 1985 -Page 2 - You challenged the Council's finding of benefit and state that I have benefitted as much from the road as you have. Not so. I do not utilize Dunkirk Lane very often. I don't live on Dunkirk and it is not a thoroughfare I use to get from my home to City Center. The City had four representative appraisals done to determine if there was, in fact, benefit to the extent of the amount of the proposed assessment. These were representative appraisals only and in individual circumstances the conclusions may be different but the appraiser's conclusions will stand in the absence of contrary evidence. If you believe your property has decreased in value, then please obtain an appraisal from a competent appraiser confirming the amount of the decrease. That appraisal can be`then brought to the City's attention through the appeal process by you or your lawyer. We will consider your appraisal, together with the findings of our own appraisal and if an adjustment is warranted under the circumstances, it will be made. Thank you Singfrel,�7, David J. I6venport Mayor DJD: cap 77-` \� AUL 1 . u,rt ' a,t A7 - q-,-" uA�t4 a44, ,� .� �- a�'�'u.-Q-t- ��t���c-tom• � .c-� `��c.e..�-a�,�% ttoj *-*4 �!-A.c—uraa.ia July 31, 1985 Mrs. Cathy Groetsch 620 South Sycamore Lane Plymouth, MN 55441 Dear Cathy: In your letter to me of July 18th you indicated that you did not find the City's response satisfactory. I am sorry. I have no explanation as to why our police officer was conducting radar surveillance in such a visible location. The application of simple common sense says that you are right - that anyone seeing police radar will act to avoid it by decreasing speed. The officer that your husband talked to should have been better informed about the reasons he was asked to patrol Sycamore Lane. I have sent a copy of your letter to Dick Carlquist, the Director of Public Safety, so that when the City conducts radar surveil- lance in the future the officers engaged in that activity are aware of the reasons for the particular request. Your reference to drag races in the early morning hours is the first complaint I have heard of this nature. Please contact the police at 911 to report future incidents of this kind. The future volume of the traffic on Sycamore Lane is everyone's concern, including my own and if it increases to a level that Sycamore was not intended to handle, then the Council will reconsider the problem. In the meantime, the City will also continue periodic radar surveillance on Sycamore. Also, if there is a significant amount of truck traffic on Sycamore, the Council will re-examine the problem, if the truck traffic can be Thank letter. cc: Mr. Richard Carlquist 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 documentec rasp RITTE R SUPPES PLAUTZ ARCHITECTS LTD -ONE HUNDREDAND TWENTY • FIRST AVENUE NORTH • MINNEAPOLIS MINNESOTA, 66401.612-339-03' 29 July 1985 Ms. Sara McConn Community Development Coordinator City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 RE: Vantage Companies Plymouth Technical Center Site Plan and Variance Approval Dear Sara: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of Ritter, Suppe_s, Plautz/Architects, Ltd. for your work and diligence in assisting our effort to complete the approval process for the referenced project. The construction documents for the project site work are underway and the building design development set is complete, ready to go into contract documents. We expect to have e contractor requesting excavation and utility permits soon, with construction beginning in August. Because of your assistance, Vantage Companies and the City of Plymouth will benefit from increased revenues and jobs, a difficult piece of property will be developed, and future development potential in Plymouth is improved by the positive, constructive approach that you and the staff in general have provided. Together, we were able to define the issues and devise the solutions to those issues. We will continue to be in contact with you for design updates and the satisfaction of the conditions of the site plan and variance approval. Please contact this office should you or staff have any questions regarding our projects in the City of Plymouth. Sincerely, ,--� Thomas H. Sopoci Project Manager THS:cmb Doc: VANLt7-29 Copy: Mr. Blair Tremere, Director of Community Development Mr. James Willis, City Manager Mr. David Davenport, Mayor Mr. Matthew Nicoll, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Minneapolis Division, Vantage Companies --� - \ a t . On closet wall in home at 1.3304 Arthur Street, Minnetonka I lived here from ages 7 to 14. I spent 1/3 of my childhood in this room. It has seen the best times and worst times of my life. I left you a small sample of what the walls look like. I am writing this in pencil so if you choose you can erase this or paint over it. I am a 14 yr. old about to move to Hawaii. This is the hardest thing for me to do becuz I've lived here in Mtka. all my natural life. I am 518" and weigh 130 lbs. I have blue eyes and sandy blonde hair. I love camping, outdoor activities and SPORTS! My four best friends in the world Terri Harrel, Tammy Weiland, Christina Sullivan and Shelly Gaspar are a major part of my life. The stains on the floor are either chocolate milk or Pepsi. Please take good care of this room and this house because we built it with our bare hands. If you feel the urge to correspond with me, my new address is: P.O. Box 37755 Honolula, Hawaii 96837 I have 1 brother age 18 and a rabbit. My parents are happily married. I hope you will have as much fun here as I have! Love, Jeanene Schmid Age 15 13304 W. Arthur St. Minnetonka, MN 55343 June 14, 1985 12:07 p.m.