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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-27-1985T CITY OF PLYM0UTFF CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM November 27, 1985 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS..... 1. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING -- Monday, December 2, 7:30 p.m. Reqular City Council meeting in City Council Chambers. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION -- Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. The Tanning Commission will meet in the City Council Chambers. Agenda attached. (M-3) 3. THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS -- City offices will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. 4. SUBURBAN HENNEPIN REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT - HEADQUARTERS DEDICATION -- Attached is an invitation from the oard of Commissioners of t e Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District for the dedication of their new Headquarters Building in Plymouth on Thursday, December 5. Tours of the new facility will begin at 4:00 p.m., with the formal dedication ceremony taking place at 6:00 p.m. (M-4) FOR YOUR INFORMATION..... 1. MINUTES: a. Planning Commission, November 20, 1985 (I -1a) b. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, November 14, 1985 (I -1b) 2. CORRESPONDENCE: a. Letter from State Auditor Arne Carlson providing a review of conclusions from the November 8 meeting of local and state Officials to discuss the state's revenue problems and the effect they could have on local governments. (I -2a) 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559.2800 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM November 27, 1985 Page 2 b. Letter from Niel Nielsen to Chief Carlquist on receiving the 1985 Public Safety Award of Merit. (I -2b) Happy Thanksgiving, es G. Willis Ci Manager JGW:jm attach PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1985 WHERE: Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. PUBLIC FORUM 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3.* APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7:15 P.M. 7:30 P.M. Planning Commission Minutes, November 20, 1985 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Holiday Stationstores, Inc. Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for property at 10900 State Highway 55. (85088) B. Scanticon Corporation and Prudential Insurance Company. Mixed Planned Unit Development Final Plan, Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Variance for "Scanticon" on property northwest of Campus Drive and Xenium Lane in the Northwest Business Campus (85117) C. Pastor Robert Nygaard, St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Preliminary Plat for property at 105 Forestview Lane North (85119) D. Glory of Christ Lutheran Church. Zoning Ordinance Textual Amendment for property at 18640 County Road within the FRD (future restricted development) District of the City. (85120) 5. NEW BUSINESS None 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Bob Fields and Brian Zubert. General Development Plan Amendment, Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for property at 28th Place and Glacier Lane (85109) 7. OTHER BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT 10:30 P.M. The Board of Commissioners of the Suburban Hennepin Regional Park District cordially invites you and your guest to the dedication of its new Headquarters Building, to be held �rom 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 1985. 4 p.m. Building Tours Hors d'oeuvres 6 p.m. Dedication Ceremony 7 p.m. Regular Semi-monthly Board Meeting The Headquarters is located at 12615 County Road 9, Plymouth. The entrance is on the south side of County Road 9, one-half mile east of 1-494. Coming from 1-494, take the first right turn after the semaphore on County Road 9 and West Medicine Lake Road. CITY OF PLYMOUTH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 20, 1985 The regular Meeting of the Plymouth Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Steigerwald, Commissioners Magnus, Stulberg, Plufka, Mellen and Pauba. MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Wire STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Coordinator Sara McConn City Engineer Sherm Goldberg Community Development Secretary Grace Wineman *CONSENT AGENDA AND MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Pauba, seconded by Commissioner Stulberg to recommend approval of the November 6, 1985 Minutes as submitted. VOTE 5 Ayes. Commissioner Plufka abstained. MOTION carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by doe Hamm for "Hamm Berg Addition" and requested an overview of the Nov- ember 7, 1985 staff report by Coordinator McConn. Chairman Steigerwald inquired about the Outlots. Coordinator McConn stated she was not aware whether contact has been made with any of the adjoining property owners and there is no verifi- cation that an exchange will occur. Chairman Steigerwald introduced Mr. doe Hamm. Mr. Hamm stated he had contacted the developer of "Woodlands" and they stated they were coming to this meeting to talk about the feasibility of an exchange of the outlots. He stated he was aware of the recommendation for Outlot E Woodlands, but was not awware of Outlot A until he received the staff report. Chairman Steigerwald opened the Public Hearing. Sandy Ritter, 120 1st Ave, stated he is a representative for the Woodlands development. He was not prepared to say that an exchange of outlots would be feasible as he had not had the opportunity to look into the situation until recently. He stated that on the surface it is logical and he doesn't see any major concerns, however, he does have a concern re- garding the setbacks to 45th Avenue North. !1pz.4Me *MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 6, 1985 VOTE - MOTION CARRIED BOE HAMM, FINAL PLAT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, SITE PLAN AND VARIANCE (85102) Page 262 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Mr. Ritter stated that he would like to know the transition of the single family dwellings from the 4-plexes on the south. He stated he recognizes the density is appropriate with this guiding, but would like to be assured that berming and landscaping will be accomplished to soften the impact from the single family residential neighbors; and, that the interface of these two parcels is a discussion point. Chairman Steigerwald inquired about the variances to the north; Coordinator McConn explained the proposed setback to the public street of 35 ft. vs. 50 ft. Mr. Ritter pointed out the areas of transition that would be of most concern; Coordinator McConn explained the measures for transition as proposed. Chairman Steigerwald stated he could see the concern for the lots to the north . Mr. Ritter stated he does not object to the four-plex build- ings. Comissioner Plufka stated the configuration of the buildings is important and there should be buffering between these developments. Mr. Sam Goldstein, 4350 Trenton Lane, inquired if the pro- posed development abuts his property. Coordinator McConn explained the location of the development and advised Mr. Goldstein the property he is concerned about is an un- developed area which was once owned by Orrin Thompson Company. Chairman Steigerwald closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Plufka inquired about the berming on the north side of the building noting that in looking at the topo- graphy, perhaps berming will not be effective. He inquired if the building is on-grade to 45th Avenue. Mr. Hamm answered affirmatively, and explained that he couldn't explain the details but that berming will be done in front of the buildings. MOTION by Commissioner Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Plufka to recommend approval for the Final Plat, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan, and Variance for "Hamm Berg Addition" subject to the conditions as stated in the Novmber 7, 1985 staff report. Commissioner Pauba stated he is concerned about the number of variances; that he does not oppose the project but would like to see this development combined with the land to the east. Commissioner Stulberg stated he understands Commis- sioner Pauba's concern. However, it appears that develop- ment of this remnant parcel is dependent upon the variances as requested; and, the development does tie in with the area. Commissioner Pauba agreed the parcel is difficult to work with. Page 263 It Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Chairman Steigerwald stated that an allowance should be given for the boundary areas to provide more room internally for the development. He stated this takes care of the practical concerns such as snow storage areas. Commissioner Plufka agreed that the number of variances is high, but be- cause of the topography and additional berming, the requests are reasonable. He stated concern with the selection of Summit Ash as a planting noting this is a light, airy tree which may not afford adequate screening. Coordinator McConn stated that with other applications the City Council and Planning Commission have considered reduc- tion of yard areas and have required additional landscaping to mitigate this situation. Commissioner Plufka stated that the Ash would not provide a year round screening and he would like to see conifers along 45th Avenue. He stated it is not necessary to have an impervious screen, but this would break-up the sight lines between the single family and multi -family units. MOTION to AMEND by Commissioner Pauba, seconded by Commis- MOTION TO AMEND sioner Plufka to require additional landscaping in lieu of the variances being requested; and, that staff make a recom- mendation regarding the type and size of conifers. Chairman Steigerwald stated the "key" for one sheet shows the symbol for 4" Maples, however, they do not appear on the landscape plan. He inquired where they would be located. Mr. Hamm stated that when this plan was submitted it was not acceptable to staff and he submitted a revised plan. Co- ordinator McConn confirmed that the first plan did not meet the Landscape Policy requirements and was revised. She stated there were no conifer plantings provided and the Policy requires a certain number of conifer and deciduous trees. Commissioner Stulberg stated that even 6 ft. Evergreens may not be enough to diminish the visual impact because of the difference in elevation of the lots to the north. Commis- sioner Plufka stated he is not looking for total screening but would like to see a plan that will break up the visual impact. Coordinator McConn explained the preliminary grad- ing plans and the elevations. Roll Call Vote on Amendment. 3 Ayes. Commissioners VOTE - TIE VOTE Stulberg, Mellen, and Chairman Steigerwald, Nay. Tie Vote. AMENDMENT FAILS Motion fails. Commissioner Stulberg stated that as there will be plantings around the buildings to soften the corners, direction could be given to staff regarding the final landscape plan for additional shrubbery and under -story plantings. Page 264 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Mr. Ritter stated that the landscaping is important and he would like the Commission to stipulate additional plantings and he will support the staff's recommendations. MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Stulberg, seconded by Com- MOTION TO AMEND missioner Plufka that complete landscape drawings to be re- viewed by staff prior to be submission to the City Council, which will locate additional plantings around the buildings on the north side. Roll Call VOTE AMENDMENT. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE ON AMENDMENT MOTION CARRIED Roll Call VOTE on MAIN MOTION as ONCE AMENDED. 6 Ayes. VOTE ON MAIN MOTION MOTION carried. MOTION CARRIED Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by Michael Anderson for "Anderson's Pheasant Trail". He requested an overview of the November 6, 1985 staff report by Coordinator McConn. Chairman Steigerwald introduced Tom Loucks, Tom Loucks & Associates, representing the -petitioner. Mr. Loucks stated they will comply with the landscaping requirements and that Lot 2, Block 3, will be adjusted to meet the minimum stand- ards as directed by staff. Chairman Steigerwald opened the Public Hearing. David Peterson, 5240 Cottonwood Lane, stated he has no objections to this development but is hopeful they will be as careful in developing this land, such as the maintenance of existing trees, as was done with the Harrison Hills project. Brad Phipps, 5309 Ximines Lane, stated he lives adjacent to the proposed development and he echoes the concern on re- taining the trees, especially those that exist as a separ- ation between this development and Harrison Hills. He in- quired about the transition to the single family residential area. Mr. Loucks stated their plan ties into the Harrison Hills development and he pointed out the existing vegetation that will be retained where they will supplement with additional landscaping. He stated they propose to move existing over story trees to other areas of the development where practical. Mr. Phipps stated there has been alot of construction occur- ring in this area which has been on-going for many years. He stated the roadways have been damaged and construction debris is prevalent. He also inquired whether berming, such as provided from Harrison Hills to the railroad track, will be provided with this development. MICHAEL ANDERSON PRELIMINARY PLAT REZONING, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE (85103) Page 265 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Phyllis Hanson, Landscape Architect, stated that Colorado Blue Spruce and American Linden provide a dense screen and will be placed adjacent to the railroad track. They are proposing construction of the units with the side yards to the railroad tracks and only those units at the end of the development will be impacted. Mr. Phipps reiterated the damage to roadways by heavy con- struction equipment and he inquired how the City controls the maintenance of roads during construction. City Engineer Goldberg explained that the developer is bonded for the con- struction of streets; and, that financial guarantees are provided for site work and erosion control which includes street cleaning. He agreed that there are some roads which were repaired and have now resettled and need additional work. Coordinator McConn explained that development and construction within Harrison Hills began prior to the City's establishing the Erosion Control Policy. Mr. Phipps inquired when the repair work and/or street cleaning would be called for by the City. Coordinator McConn explained that this is done when ever it is needed, that the City has a cash deposit from the developer so the City can contract to have the work done. City Engineer Goldberg stated the City requires the developer to have a contract with a street sweeping company. Mr. Phipps inquir- ed about roadways that are used by the construction vehicles but are not around or within a new development. City Engineer Goldberg assured that all areas showing construc- tion debris on the roadways would be cleaned. Mr. Phipps stated it is his opinion that the Ordinance is inadquate. He inquired about the outlots in this development. Mr. Loucks explained the outlot that is proposed because sewer is not available; and, the outlot designated for common open space for the residents of the development. Mr. Phipps reiterated his concern about the length of time it has taken to complete construction in this area. He in- quired if the City would designate a time -frame in which construction is to be completed. Chairman Steigerwald ex- plained there is no City Ordinance that calls for a time- frame for construction. Coordinator McConn explained that Development Contracts and Financial Guarantees for develop- ment; construction; and, site improvements, provide that all work will be completed. However, a time frame for build -out is not established. Mr. Phipps stated there should be an Ordinance to protect adjacent homeowners. Commissioner Plufka stated he has found that the financial guarantees and contracts posted with the City have provided a marked improvement in the clean-up of construction debris and timely completion of site improvements and he has noted this in his own neighborhood. Page 266 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Coordinator McConn suggested that Mr. Phipps call the City offices with any future problems and concerns. She also explained the Site Performance Guarantee provisions now in effect. Robert Keiser, 10750 53rd Avenue, stated he lives directly north of the proposed development and is concerned with the setbacks; and, that proposed 53rd Avenue North will impact his and other residents' driveways. He is also concerned that traffic coming from the proposed development will impact their homes because of headlight glare. Mr. Keiser stated the drawings are inaccurate with respect to the loca- tion of the existing driveways. Coordinator McConn res- ponded that, a review of the original Harrison Hills plans will be necessary to check the location of the existing driveways and determine if they were constructed as approved. Mr. David Peterson stated these drives are temporary because at the time of development he was unable to contact the owner of the property now proposed for development to dis- cuss the extension of 53rd Avenue. Coordinator McConn responded to Mr. Keiser's concern about headlight glare and advised there are no plans for addition- al landscaping for the Harrison Hills development. Chairman Steigerwald stated that impacts from the extension of 53rd Avenue North will be considered by staff and the developer. Mr. Keiser inquired about the density for this development and if the development of multi -family buildings will affect the property values of the single family residences. Mr. Loucks stated that the density is higher in Harrison Hills than what is proposed for this development. Coordinator McConn explained the density for the proposed development is within the LA -2 (low medium density resi- dential) Guide Plan designation. Mr. Loucks explained the future development plans and the constraints on further development of this area. Mr. Keiser stated his concern that the density for this development is misleading. Coordinator McConn explained that the Ordinance allows 26 townhouse units and this pro- posal calls for 24 townhouse units. Chairman Steigerwald stated the development plan is consistent with development in the surrounding areas. Mr. Keiser inquired about the prices for these homes. Chairman Steigerwald explained that the developer is not required to guarantee the prices of the homes to be constructed. Mr. Loucks stated the proposed style of the homes will fit into the surrounding neighborhoods. Page 267 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 Chairman Steigerwald closed the Public Hearing. MOTION by Commissioner Pauba, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Magnus to recommend approval for the Preliminary Plat, Re- zoning, Conditional Use Permit, and Variance for Anderson's Pheasant Trail, subject to the conditions as stated in the November 6, 1985 staff report. Roll Call VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED Chairman Steigerwald stated the Minutes shall reflect the concerns conveyed by Mr. Keiser and the residents of Harrison Hills in the area of 53rd Avenue North, regarding the buffering and landscaping; and, the location of the existing driveways. Chairman Steigerwald introduced the request by Hew -Lynn, HEW -LYNN, INC. Inc., for Land Use Guide Plan Amendment. He requested an LAND USE GUIDE PLAN overview of the November 6, 1985 staff report by Coordinator AMENDMENT (85118) McConn. Coordinator McConn explained the number of owners for prop- erties in this quadrant and the City's suggestion for a co- hesive development of this area. Chairman Steigerwald introduced Mike Gair, Gair & Associ- ates, representing the petitioner. Mr. Gair clarified the property area and guiding designations. Chairman Steigerwald opened the Public Hearing. Dale Berthiaume, 16650 101st Avenue North, inquired if this development will be single family residential. Mr. Gair stated the guiding reclassification request is for LA -3 (high medium density residential) which will accommodate twin homes and 4-plexes; and, these housing types will be proposed with their development plans. Mr. Berthiaume stated his concern about residential dwellings along the freeway. Mr. Gair stated this is a valid concern, however this property is at least a quarter mile from I-494. Chairman Steigerwald closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Stulberg confirmed there will be no access from this property to County Road 9. MOTION by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commissioner MOTION TO APPROVE Stulberg to recommend approval for the Land Use Guide Plan Amendment for Hew -Lynn, Inc., subject to the conditions as stated in the November 6, 1985 staff report. Roll Call VOTE. 6 Ayes. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED Page 268 Planning Commission Minutes November 20, 1985 OTHER BUSINESS Coordinator McConn identified the planning applications to be reviewed by the Commission at their meetings in December. An'" IRNbFNT The Meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission November 14, 1985 Page 34 Present: Commissioners Anderson, Beach, Edwards, LaTour and Reed; staff Blank, Brown, Busch, Patterson and Pederson; George Watson of Brauer and Associates; and Councilmember Vasiliou Absent: Commissioner Mullan 1. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Edwards called the November meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission to order at 7:33 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Reed and seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve the October minutes as presented. The motion carried. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. No representatives were present. b. Staff. Rick Busch explained the enrollment charts for his programs that had been distributed to PRAC members with their packets. Team sports enrollments continue to increase from year to year. Some of the special events held at Plymouth playfields this past summer included the 1985 Boys World Softball Tournament, and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Co-Rec Softball Tournament. Currently Rick is reviewing applications from warming house attendants. Rinks are scheduled to open December 21. Other winter programs starting soon are broomball, 5 -man and 3 -man basketball, power and unofficiated co-rec volleyball, 4 -man hockey and whiffleball. Mary Patterson discussed enrollments in her programs from January through September. Fall figures are not available since most of those programs are still in progress. A new program for winter is In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre's presentation of La Befana at Wayzata Senior High. This program is being jointly sponsored by Plymouth Park and Recreation, the Art Center of Minnesota and Wayzata Community Education. The November/December issue of Plymouth on Parade was distributed to residents in early November and the January/February issue will be out the week between Christmas and New Year's. Skiing in Plymouth, sponsored by the Plymouth Civic League, is scheduled for January 18. Ruth Brown discussed the programs she is involved in which include aquatics, wallyball, waterpolo, and special events for families and children. She recently took over the supervision of the youth fall soccer league which continues to have high enrollment. There were only a few complaints regarding team assignments this year. We've been invited to participate again in 1986 in the TV11 Health Fair. Because the 1985 Health Fair here at the City Center was only success- ful due to high employee participation, we will not get involved in 1986. The second annual Iceman Triathlon is scheduled for February 8. Some of the holiday programs Ruth is running include making a Ginger- bread house, an event for families; Santa's mailbox and a Christmas with Mother Goose, events for children. Ruth is also involved in a New Year's Eve overnight party at Robbinsdale Community Center. This program is being sponsored by MADD and SADD (Mother and Students Against Drunk Driving). Ruth will be introducing some programming for single - parent families in 1986, and also some programming for industrial PRAC Minutes November 14, 1985 Page 35 employees in Plymouth. Director Blank announced 'that the park and recreation department has begun the initial planning for computerized registration. We hope to start using it for our summer programs. He also stated that we have begun thinking of some "unusual" revenue- producing programs that PRAC can review in the future. 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION The Council recently approved the Parkers Lake budget, Brauer's contract for Phase I development of Parkers Lake park, and the CIP and 1986 budget. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Parkers Lake Phase I Construction Plan. George Watson of Brauer and Associates was present to discuss the Phase I construction of Parkers Lake park which will include the trail loop around the park, basic grading, storm sewer, seed and sod, one picnic shelter, three comfort stations (restrooms), entry signs, the road and parking area on the south side of County Road 6, beach, underground utilities for the bathhouse, artificial pond and fountain at the park entrance and buffer plantings. At the present time, there is enough funding for only one picnic shelter. If bids are reasonable, there may be enough money to construct two or three. Commissioner Reed questioned the necessity of the fountain and pond in Phase I. Director Blank stated that he felt it was necessary from an aesthetic/visual standpoint and that it would help to "identify" our first City park. It's an unusual feature that no other park in Plymouth has. Flowers will be planted around the fountain, and it will help attract people to the park. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BEACH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LATOUR TO APPROVE THE PHASE I CONSTRUCTION PLAN FOR PARKERS LAKE CITY PARK AS PRESENTED BY GEORGE WATSON OF BRAUER AND ASSOCIATES, LTD. The motion carried. Commissioner Reed asked to be sent some information on the fountain. b. Neighborhood Park Improvements Update. Green Oaks park is basically finished, with trails paved, playground equipment in, and re -sodded. A bike rack is still to be installed. At Circle park the playground equipment is in place but is not cemented in, and sand is not installed yet. c. PRAC Education. It was suggested that PRAC training for new members and new Council members should be sometime in January. This item will be discussed again at the December meeting. PRAC encouraged the Council to replace Betty Threinen as soon as possible. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Proposal for Wells Fargo Gamefield Grant -Fitness Court. Director Blank reviewed PRAC's earlier action approving the submittal of a grant for a fitness court to be installed in Zachary park. He announced that we had received a grant in the amount of $3,600 from Wells Fargo Bank. The additional cost of $4,280 will be required from park dedication's city playfield account. This fitness court will be installed in the spring with the help of a community group. The court will include a number of exercises to help athletes prepare for their activities at the park, as well as follow-up exercises which are a cool -down process that should be completed prior to leaving the park. PRAC Minutes November 14, 1985 Page 36 A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER LATOUR AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BEACH TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A FITNESS COURT FOR ZACHARY PLAYFIELD USING FUNDS FROM THE PARK DEDICATION CITY PLAYFIELD ACCOUNT TO COVER THE BALANCE OF THE COST. The motion carried. b. 1985 PRAC Annual Report. A draft copy of the 1985 annual report will be available for the January meeting with the final report ready by February 13. Commissioners should review their 1984 reports for changes in style, content, etc. In December, commissioners should be prepared to list their 1986 goals and objectives. C. Lake Ridge Estates Plat. Director Blank briefly reviewed this new plat which was recently submitted to the City. It is located on the northern border of Plymouth, west of 1-494, and includes most of the shoreline around Mud Lake. Director Blank pointed out that this site is one of the two that was proposed for neighborhood park when the comprehensive plan was first developed. The other alternative was Pomerleau Lake, but it has become apparent that that site will not be available to us. Therefore, it becomes very important to consider this site for park dedication from the developer. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER EDWARDS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LATOUR TO PRESERVE AS PLATTED THE SHORELINE AROUND MUD LAKE WITH CONDITIONS THAT BECOME APPROPRIATE AS PLAT IS REVISED FOR LAKE RIDGE ESTATES. The motion carried. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Commissioners Edwards, Beach and LaTour will be attending some of the sessions of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association's Annual Conference in St. Paul, November 20-22. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Director Blank briefly reported on the National Recreation and Park Association Congress which was held in Dallas in October. One of the more interesting ideas he learned about while there was a White Amur fish developed in China which eats lake weeds and algae. These fish are currently being used in 17 states in the U.S., but are illegal in Minnesota. A written report on the White Amur fish will be sent to each commissioner. Councilmember Vasiliou was present at the PRAC meeting and spoke to the commissioners reassuring them that she is not against parks and recreation. She indicated that she is supportive of our programs and is very pleased with our diversity. However, she pointed out that Council's first respon- sibility is to see that necessary services such as fire and police protec- tion, sewer, streets, etc., are provided first. She stated she supports acquiring land for parks through park dedication only, but that the City must then maintain that land which does cost the taxpayer. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. ARNE H. CARLSON STATE AUDITOR STATE OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF THE STATE AUDITOR , SUITE 400 555 PARK STREET SAINT PAUL 55103 , November 15, 1985 TO: City Councils and City Finance Officers County Boards and County Auditors FROM: Arne Carlson, State Auditor On October 8, our office sponsored a forum on Local Government Revenue Stress to bring together local officials and state officials to discuss the sta- te's revenue problems and the effect they could have on local governments. About 170 of you attended. Nellie Johnson, Deputy Commissioner of Finance; Tom Triplett, Commissioner of Revenue; and Bill Schreiber, Chairman of the House Tax Committee, were the key presenters on the state side, with Dr. Paul Hasbargen of the University of Minnesota speaking on the agricultural outlook. In view of the close financial relationship of local governments and the state --or the average, the state provides 28 percent of city revenues and 49 percent of county revenues --our objective was to give participants the oppor- tunity to make their own assessment of the most likely scenario for state reve- nues and potential cuts in state -to -local funds. It is our concern that the longer any fiscal bad news is postponed, the more difficult it is for local governments to react financially. While we recognize local budgets for 1986 are already set, we also believe that it is better to plan for contingencies at this time than later, during your fiscal year. For this reason, it seems useful to share with you some of our principal conclusions from the discussions on November 8. 1. As matters now stand, the state is without an official, or "point" revenue forecast. In July and again in October, three differing economic scenarios were released --a high, "control," and low scenario. The mid-range or control sce- nario in July projected general fund resources to be $538 million below general fund spending; the control scenario in October projected general fund resources to be $736 million below general fund spending. (The forecasts and ranges are shown below.) Since the forecasts are a range, however, the state's revenue shortfall is projected to be between a $160 million shortfall and a $915 million shortfall. As the chart below shows, the "bottom line" for state general fund resources ranges from a positive $300 million (in the optimistic scenario) to a negative $400 million (in the pessimistic scenario). The "bottom line" con- templates use of the state's $450 million budget reserve and the suspension of income tax indexing, estimated at $77 million in revenue. The state will make an official or "point" revenue forecast on January 21. Prior to the legislative session which begins February 6, the administration will release its budget for the state's 1987 fiscal year, which will include any cuts or tax increases. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - 2 - F.Y. 1986-87 General Fund Balance ($ in millions) High Control Low July Forecast Range (134) (538) (811) Budget Reserve 450 450 450 Suspend Indexing 0 81 81 Balance 316 (7) (280) BOTTOM LINE 300 0 (300) October Forecast Revisions: Major Revenue Sources 4 (153) (84) Other Resources (1) (1) (1) Gain from F.Y. 1985 11 11 11 Expenditure Changes (40) (53) (30) Total Forecast Revisions (26) (196) (104) October Forecast Range (160) (736) (915) Budget Reserve 450 450 450 Suspend Indexing 0 77 77 Balance 290 (209) (388) BOTTOM LINE 300 (200) (400) Source: MN Dept. of Finance 10/22/85 2. At the conference, Deputy Commissioner Johnson announced that the state revenue collections for October were $18 million above the prior control or mid- range forecast. This is the forecast where the state general fund revenues are $736 million below spending for the biennium; if the $450 million budget reserve is used and indexing is suspended, this forecast predicts a negative $200 million "bottom line." 3. Also at the conference, Representative Bill Schreiber commented that if the December revenue reports indicate that the state general fund budget must be cut, the Governor should call a special session in December to allow local governments more time to react to any cuts. Only the Governor, however, can call a special session. 4. If cuts in the state's general fund expenditures are necessary, they will almost certainly affect local governments. Aid to school districts and post- secondary education are 24 percent and 18 percent respectively of the state general fund budget. Major credits and assistance (homestead credit, circuit breaker and agricultural credits) are 16.1 percent of the general fund budget, and local government aid is 5.7 percent. By way of comparison, state agencies comprise 8.5 percent of general fund spending. In the 1981-83 budget crisis, the majority of both payment shifts and reductions affected local governments. - 3 - 5. We strongly recommend that local governments begin contingency planning now for possible cuts in state -to -local funds. The actual size of reserves needed will vary depending on the size of the local government and particularly on the relative importance of non -state revenues in your budget. At a minimum, there should be sufficient reserves to provide regular cash flow without short-term tion of general purpose state aids --those which seem most likely to be reduced if there are state revenue shortfalls. Finally, reserves should be accumulated sufficient to accommodate any particular situation unique to your jurisdiction -- an anticipated equipment purchase you intend to make from current revenue, for example; or anticipated delinquency in property tax revenue. 6. We also recommend developing a plan for the next two years to accumulate reserves to protect your jurisdiction against state revenue shortfalls, and making the planning process include the public. Making your constituents and legislators aware of your fiscal objectives is the best way to prevent the crit- icism of reserves that sometimes surfaces. Be assured that our office will continue to support reserves as a prudent financial management strategy for local governments. 7. For planning purposes, you may wish to note that Dr. Hasbargen projected a 25 percent decline in the estimated market value of agricultural land in 1985 (to be reflected in 1986 assessments). He was not optimistic on farm incomes, commenting that the agricultural recession is in the second stage where it is "hitting Main Street" and that we may be coming to the third stage where it affects the entire state. Judging from our discussions on local finance, the Office of the State Auditor can play a useful role in this process. We intend to continue to moni- tor developments and comment on them when necessary. If our office can be of help in a specific situation, please let me know. 4 a CITY OF PLYMOUTR November 26, 1985 Richard J. Carlquist Chief of Police Department of Public Safety Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Chief: I was very pleased to receive the Award of Merit at the second annual Public Safety Awards dinner held at North Memorial Hospital on November 21, 1985. It is an honor to receive this award and it means a great deal to me. I am very proud of it. Thanks so much for nominating me for this award. Chief, I would also like to take this opportunity to tell you that it is a privilege to work under your leadership as you have done much to make the Plymouth Police Department one of the most respected and pro- gressive Police departments in Minnesota. Again, I would like to say that I am very proud to have been nominated to receive the Award of Merit, and I will try to live up to the image of this honor. Si ncerely, k. Is- . N.O. Nielsen Investigator Plymouth Police Department cc: James Willis 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800 I