HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 12-06-1985CITY OF
PLYM0UTFF
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
December 6, 1985
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS.....
1. BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT & APPEALS -- Monday, December 9. The
Board of Zoning Adjustment and Appeals will meet in the Council
Conference Room at 7:30 p.m. Agenda attached (M-1)
2. PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION -- Thursday, December 12.
The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will meet in the City
Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. Agenda attached (M-2)
3. NEXT COUNCIL MEETING -- The next regular meeting of the City Council
will be Monday, December 16.
4. SKIING IN PLYMOUTH -- Saturday, January 18. Attached is a copy of
the flyer announcing the 8th annual Skiing in Plymouth event
sponsored by the Plymouth Civic League. (M-4)
FOR YOUR INFORMATION....
0
1. ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES (AMM) MEMBERSHIP GENERAL
MEETING -- The AMM has scheduled a general membership meeting will
be held Thursday, January 9, 1986 commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the
Brooklyn Center Community Center. At this meeting, the Association
will discuss and adopt an addendum to its 1985-1986 legislative
policies and proposals. They will also be acting upon proposed
amendments to the AMM bylaws. Copies of both are attached for your
information. All Councilmembers are urged to attend this meeting as
it will provide you with a good opportunity not only to meet other
local elected officials, but also to discuss the legislative
positions of the AMM. Please let Laurie know by December 16 if you
will be able to attend. (I-1)
2. METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION (MWCC) SERVICE AVAILABILITY
SAC CHARGE FOR 1986 -- I recently sent the Council information
regarding a study undertaken by the Waste Control Commission dealing
with its billing system. We have now been informed by the
Commission that effective January 1, 1986, the SAC rate will be
increased from $425 to $450.
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
December 6, 1985
Page 2
3. PLYMOUTH METROLINK - NOVEMBER REPORT -- Show below is a table
displaying our average daily ridership for the commuter/ reverse
commuter, internal circulator and total system for each week of
November. The second table displays the year to date averages in
each service area compared with the target which we must achieve in
order to have a successful project.
MONTHLY
PLYMOUTH METROLINK
DAILY RIDERSHIP AVERAGES BY WEEK BY SERVICE TYPE
NOVEMBER 1985
Total
System
SERVICE TYPE
Commuter/
Internal
Total
TARGET
288
Reverse Commuter
Circulator
System
WEEK OF:
100%
13.7%
11/1 - 11/2
284
43
327
11/3 - 11/9
334
75
409
11/10 - 11/16
311
52
363
11/17 - 11/23
339
47
386
11/23 - 11/30
288
70
358
-----------------
MONTH LONG
------------------
-------------
----------------
AVERAGE
311
57
368
YEAR TO DATE
Item
Commuter/
Reverse Commuter
Internal
Circulator
Total
System
YEAR TO DATE
RIDERSHIP AVERAGE
305
51
356
TARGET
288
25
313
% OVER/(UNDER)
TARGET
5.9%
100%
13.7%
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
December 6, 1985
Page 3
A number of observations are in order:
1. Internal circulator ridership in November averaged 57 passengers
per day. The average ridership for January was 51, February -
50, March - 56, April - 55, May - 36, June - 53, July 52, August
57, September 42, and October 55.
2. The commuter/ reverse commuter portion of the service averaged
311 persons per day in November. Commuter/ reverse commuter
averages have been 307 for January, 292 - February, 311 - March,
295 - April, 298 - May, 314 - June, 297 - July, August - 292,
September 322, and October 312.
3. Year to date averages are 305 for the commuter/reverse commuter,
51 for the internal circulator and 356 system -wide.
Also, shown below is a third table which compares the daily
ridership averages by month for calendar years 1984 and 1985. To
date, the commuter/ reverse commuter portion of the service is
averaging 6.3% above 1984 levels, the internal circulator ridership
42% above 1984, with 1985 total system averages 11% above 1984.
DAILY RIDERSHIP AVERAGES BY
MONTH
FOR CALENDAR YEARS
1984 do
1985
SERVICE
TYPE
Commuter;
Internal
Total
Reverse
Commuter
Circulator
System
MONTH:
1984
1985
1984
1985
1984
1985
January
330
307
21
51
351
358
February
310
292
25
50
335
342
March
307
311
25
56
332
367
April
301
295
27
55
331
350
May
295
298
27
36
322
334
June
276
314
41
53
317
367
July
277
297
42
52
319
349
August
266
292
47
57
313
349
September
275
322
32
42
307
364
October
276
312
36
55
312
367
November
271
311
35
57
306
368
December
265
39
304
YEAR LONG
AVERAGE
287
305
36
51
321
356
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
December 6, 1985
Page 4
4. MINUTES:
a. Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals, November 18, 1985
(I -4a)
5. CITY SNOWPLOWING PRACTICES -- Attached is a memorandum from Fred
Moore explaining the City's snow removal and ice control policy. A
map which shows snow plow routes is also attached for your
information. The memorandum and map is provided to you so you may
keep a copy at your home when receiving inquiries from residents.
(I-5)
6. SNOWPLOWING DAMAGES QUESTIONNAIRE -- Recently the City of Roseville
surveyed twelve metropolitan area cities, including Plymouth,
regarding their policy on snowplowing damages. A copy of the
survey results is attached for your information. (I-6)
7. POLICE -COMMUNITY RELATIONS -- Public Safety Director Carlquist has
made available to all police personnel the attached article from the
F.B.I. Law Enforcement Bulletin on police -community relations.
pecifically, the article focuses on the City of Troy, New York and
the study results of its 1973 department policy to provide a wide
range of human services, many of which are unrelated to crime
prevention and crime control, to its citizens. (I-7)
8. ACTION ALERT - LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES -- Attached is an "Action
Alert" from the League of Minnesota Cities addressing a possible tax
reform threat to tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. (I-8)
9. CORRESPONDENCE:
a. Letter to Elliot Perovich, Chair, Regional Transit Board from
Mayor Davenport and Mayor -Elect Virgil Schneider, conveying
transit issues of concern to Plymouth. (I -9a)
b. Letter from Bruce Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation,
City of Mounds View, providing the final nomination form and
letters of recommendation submitted for Eric Blank's nomination
for the hack Niles Award. (I -9b)
c. Letter to Mayor and City Council from dames Bremer, 302 Zinnia
Lane, stating concerns with the possible installation of a
signal at the intersection of County Road 15 and County Road
61. (I -9c)
d. Letter to Bill Crawford, MnDOT District Engineer, from City
Manager, concerning the planned interchange at C.S.A.H. 6 and
I-494 and MnDOT's share of funding for said interchange. (I -9d)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
December 6, 1985
Page 5
e. Letter to Mr. E. J. McConville, from City Manager, responding to
Mr. McConville's December 2 letter to Hennepin County
Commissioner Robb regarding the County Road 9 project. (I -9e)
f. Letter to Mayor Davenport from W. Peter Enck, Chairman Bassett
Creek Flood Control Commission. (I -9f)
g. Letter to Gene Wills, Knights of Columbus, from Eric Blank,
allowing the KC's to use Medicine Lake for an ice fishing
contest on February 2. (I -9g)
James G. Willis
City Manager
JGW: jm
attach
AGENDA
Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals
Monday, December 9, 1985
1 CALL TO ORDER_
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. OLD BUSINESS
WHERE: Plymouth City Center
Council Chambers
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, Minnesota
7:30 P.M.
November 18, 1985
A. Erwin Stobbe. Variance from the minimum building front yard setback
for property located north of 12000 23rd Avenue North (11-03-85).
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Wayne Jopp. Variance from the minimum Shoreland Management setback
for property located south of 310 Sycamore Lane North (12-01-85).
6. OTHER BUSINESS
7. ADJOURNMENT
C' `'-'�:L
Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Park and Recreation Advisory Commission
Thursday, December 12, 1985, 7:30 p.m.
Plymouth City Center Council Chambers
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Visitor Presentations
4. Report on Past Council Action
a. Approved Wells Fargo Gamefield Grant for Zachary Park
b. Approved Parkers Lake Phase I Construction Plan
5. Unfinished Business
a. PRAC Education Session - Set Tentative Date
b. Review Goals and Objectives for 1985 Annual Report
C.
d.
6. New Business
a. Review 1985-86 Project Status Report and CIP
b. Review List of New Revenue Producing Ideas
c.
d.
7. Commission Presentation
8. Staff Communication
9. Adjournment
Next Meeting - January 9, 1986
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December 3, 1985
association of
metropolitan
municipalities
MEETING NOTICE
TO: AMM Member Cities
FROM: Ja gScheibel, President
AMM MEMBERSHIP GENERAL MEETING
TO CONSIDER LEGISLATIVE POLICY
AND BY-LAWS AMENDMENTS
DATE: Thursday, January 9, 1986
TIME: 7:00 REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
7:30 BUSINESS MEETING COMMENCES
LOCATION: Brooklyn Center Community Center
Social Hall
6301 Shingle Creek Parkway (see map on otherside)
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Announcements and review of voting procedures.
3. Consideration of proposed By -Law Amendments.
4. Consideration and Adoption of the proposed new legislative
policies and modifications to existing policies as recommended by
the Legislative Policy Committees and as approved by the Board of
Directors.
5. Other business.
6. Adjournment.
PLEASE NOTE
A. This notice is being mailed to Mayors, Manager/Administrators,
and Delegates.
B. Copies of the proposed Legislative Policies and proposed
By -Law Amendments are being mailed to the Manager/Administrator
for distribution to Mayors and Councilmembers.
C. We strongly encourage each city to have one or more
representative in attendance to cast your votes on these very
important matters.
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-5600
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December 3, 1985
association of
metropolitan
municipalities
Dear AMM Member City Official:
Subject: Proposed Amendments to AMM By -Laws.
Attached are several proposed amendments to the AMM By -Laws
which are being sent to you for your review and consideration.
The majority of these amendments were proposed by a Special
By -Laws Committee which was appointed by the Board of Directors
in June. When reviewing the proposed amendments developed by
the committee, the Board decided to propose several additional
"housekeeping type" of amendments to improve clarity and to
eliminate redundant wording. Members of the By -Laws Committee
were Pat Hoyt Neils, Plymouth Councilmember, who served as
Chairperson and Bea Blomquist, Eagan Mayor, Jan Haugen,
Shorewood Councilmember, Jim Lacina, W000dbury Administrator;
Don Pauley, Mounds View Administrator, Neil Peterson,
Bloomington Councilmember; Dennis Schneider, Fridley,
Councilmember; Maureen Warren, St. Paul, Mayor's Office.
The Committee and Board, in addition to the housekeeping
amendments, are recommending that the AMM's fiscal year be
changed from a June through May time period to a calendar year
basis; reduce the maximum number from two to one of
representatives from a single city allowed on the Executive
Committee and reduce the maximum number from three to two of
the representatives from a single class of cities allowed on
the Executive Committee. The key to understanding the proposed
amendments is: new wording is underlined and wording being
deleted is erossed otrt.
We hope that you will examine the
and attend the membership meeting
January 9, 1986 at 7:30 P.M. in
Center Social Hall to consider
By -Laws can only be amended by a
membership meeting attended by a
active AMM member cities.
Respectfully,
proposed amendments carefully
which will be held Thursday,
the Brooklyn Center Community
these proposed amendments. The
two-thirds majority vote at a
t least 30 percent of the
AMM By -Laws Committee and Board of Directors
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-5600
Z-1
BY LAWS
OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES
Adopted: June 6, 1974
First Revision: May 19, 1976
Second Revision: January 5, 1978
Third Revision: May 24, 1979
Fourth Revision: May 28, 1981
Fifth Revision: December 30, 1981
Sixth Revision: May 26, 1983
- 1 -
BY LAWS
OF THE
ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES
ARTICLE 1.
NAME
SECTION 1.
The name of the organization shall be the:
ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES
SECTION 2.
The prinicipal office of the organization shall be at a
place in the Twin Cities' metropolitan area, as designated
by the Board of Directors. The organization may have such
other offices and may from time to time be designated by
the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II
DEFINIT101143
SECTION 1.
The term "Association" shall mean the "Association of
Metropolitan Municipalities"
SECTION 2.
The term "municipality" shall mean "city, village,
borough, or town".
SECTION 3.
The term "Board" shall mean the "Board of Directors" of
the Association.
SECTION 4.
The term "active member" shall mean any municipality whose
sites are current.
-2-
ARTICLE III.
PURPOSES
The purposes of this organization shall be:
1. To effectively express in a united voice, policies
concerning the structure, powers and other matters relating
to municipal government for the municipalities in the
metropolitan area.
2. To serve as a forum through which all municipalities or
groups of municipalities may develop and propose policies
and position on matters of concern to the metropolitan
municipalities and develop strategies for advocating those
policies and positions.
3. To serve as a forum for the interchange of ideas and
information among municipalities in the metropolitan area
and to foster intermunicipal cooperation.
4. To develop and provide, either alone or in concert with the
League of Minnesota Cities or other organizations or
agencies, programs of technical assistance to member
municipalities.
5. To foster, generate a«dA promote information and data
concerning the problems and issues affecting municipal
government in the metropolitan area to the state
legislature, in particular, and to the public at large.
6. To encourage the improvement of municipal government in the
metropolitan area by holding conferences and by fostering
pertinent research projects.
7. To work closely with the League of Minnesota cities in the
interests of members of this Association of Metropolitan
Municipalities.
8. To strive to make the metropolitan area and its component
municipalities more efficient and progressive in the
continuing task of making the quality of life as complete,
satisfying and enriching as possible for all citizens.
-3-
ARTICLE IV.
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
SECTION 1. ACTIVE.
Z
Any municipality within the jurisdiction of the
Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities' area is eligible
for active membership in the Association.
SECTION 2. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.
Any public official, upon application, approved by the
Board of Directors, and upon payment of nominal dues, the
amount of which is to be determined by the Board, -of-
4i-re�b-o�&, may become an associate Member. An Associate
Member shall have the privilege of full participation in
Association activities, but shall not have the right to
vote at membership meetings or the right to membership upon
the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE V.
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
SECTION 1. SCHEDULE.
The annual active membership dues schedule shall be fixed
by the Board e € D-ireeterms and shall be coordinated with the
annual dues to the League of Minnesota Cities, and the
schedule may provide for a minimum charge for each member.
The total dues for each member shall be rounded to the
nearest dollar. The dues shall be fixed by the Board of -
in amounts which, together with other income and
surplus funds, if any, are sufficient to finance the budget
adopted by the Board. A change in dues schedule shall be
made no later than dune- August 1 of the year �& wi4 e--irtr i-9
to-timaee 2rior to the effective change.
SECTION 2. FAILURE TO PAY DUES.
Dues shall be payable annually and will be billed to
member cities in fume -January . Any member which has failed
to pay its dues by the first of F eb merry Mav following the
due date shall be stricken from the membership roll.
Reinstatement shall be upon such terms and conditions as
prescribed by the Board.e€ Any member may
withdraw from, the organization upon payment of all dues to
date and by notifying the Executive Director of the
Association in writing.
SECTION 3. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.
Special assessments may be charged to a member municipality
-4-
or group of member municipalities for services received
above and beyond normal membership services. Agreements to
provide the services shall require the approval of the
Board &f- and shall be administered by the
Executive Director.
SECTION 4. DUES APPROVAL.
Any dues increase which would exceed the cost of living
increase for the Minneapolis -St. Paul area as measured by
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the proceding calendar
year would require approval by the member municipalities.
Such approval action would be conducted in the same manner
as specified for amending these by-laws in Article XII,
Section 1.
ARTICLE VI.
FISCAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 1. BUDGET
The Annual Budget shall be adopted by the Board e-€-
4�4•rree-tens. i -n- 4ay- by August 1 immediately preceding the
fiscal year for which the budget is applicable.
SECTION 2. FISCAL YEAR.
The fiscal year of the Association shall be
tTufke January_ 1 through to-H&y-- December 31.
SECTION 3. AUDITS.
The accounts and finances of the Association shall be
post -audited annually.
ARTICLE VII.
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
The officers of the Association shall be President, Vice
President, 16 Directors and the immediate Past President,
all of who shall together constitute the Board.-vf
4�i-r►ee tre ps.
-5-
SECTION 2. OFFICERS' TERMS.
Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the
Association and they shall take office June 1 following
the Annual Meeting. The President and Vice -President shall
each be elected annually for one-year terms, and the
Directors shall be elected for two-year overlapping terms.
Eight Directors elected in even numbered years and eight
Directors elected in odd numbered years. The same person
may not be elected to the office of President for more than
two successive terms. The same person shall not be elected
to the Board of Ri-pec*�6o-re-for more than two consecutive two
year terms or serve more than five years if first
appointed by the Board or elected at the Annual Meeting to
fill a vacancy, unless elected to the presidency or
vice-presidency. Except for cities of over 75,000
population, when a director or officer leaves the Board e€,
4�i-ree•troi-s-- for any reason, primary consideration for
replacement will be given to member cities who have not
been represented on the Board during the past 12 months.
SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to be elected and to serve or to continue to
serve as an elective officer of the Association, a person
shall be an elected official or full time employee of a
member municipality. Any vacancy in an elective office
shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Board,
-ef 4i-neet-&r&-, except that a vacancy in the office of the
President shall be filled for the remainder of the term by
the succession of the Vice President, and except that a
vacancy in the office of director occurring within 60 days
prior to -em -111p, Annual Meeting and which term has more than
one year remaining shall be filled by election at the
Annual Meeting for the remainder of the term. The
provisions of this section shall not apply to the office of
the immediate past president.
Any member of the Board -&f D+^e-e�-tei^g who is absent for
three consecutive meetings or who is absent for any four
regular meetings 4-c- aw}* ei;►e Ger ship ye-ar- during any
consecutive 12 month period commencing June 1 shall be
deemed to have resigned from the Board, and the vacancy
filled as provided in this section. An -y eceu-Pr4n$-
z s e• of t.h3 s a t t ett d$ ne e- Prov -i -s -i eqn need fro+- be- f+l+e d-
by- anat4ei: af- trh - saroe
SECTION 4. PRESIDENT.
The President shall be Chairperson of the Board -941
D-i.PeQto-r,& and the Executive Committee. The President shall
preside at all general membership meetings and all other
meetings of the Association, hotlever, the President may
designate an alternate to preside at any such meetings.
The President shall appoint all committees established by
the Board e -f or the By -Laws, subject to
confirmation by the Board, e€
SECTION 5. VICE PRESIDENT.
In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall
act as President.
SECTION 6. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
The Executive Director shall be the chief administrative
officer of the Association, subject to the general
supervision of the Board. a€-ieee-ps-, The Executive
Director shall have the following duties for the
Association: appoint employees and administer the office;
prepare an annual budget of revenues and expenditures for
the consideration of the Board -" &i-re-ct-ore and shall limit
expenditures to the total budget approved by the Board of
4i-re•et-ere-; submit to the Board. e€ B -i -re -e!6 -e" and the
membership an annual report of affairs, services and
finances; have charge of the records, accounts and
property; cause an official record of all meetings to be
made; and act as Treasurer and handle all funds. The
Executive Director and employees so designated by the
Executive Director shall post a corporate surety bond at
the Association expense. During state legislative sessions
the Executive Director shall institute a system whereby
member municipalities are alerted to introduced bills which
affect municipalities and shall to the greatest extent
possible relate the potential impact the bills could have
on municipalities.
ARTICLE VIII.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1.
The Board e€- H41 -e&;6 • shall consist of all officers of the
Association. All classes of cities of the Association
membership shall be represented on the Board. cf- Hire�tb'ra•
Two directors shall be elected or appointed from each city
of the first class, from the nominations submitted by the
respective cities, and no more than one director shall be
elected or appointed from a single city of any other class.
The Board shall be responsible for the general management
of the affairs of the Association, subject to the
provisions of these By -Laws. The Board shall supervise the
administration of the office of the Association by the
Executive Director of the Association. It shall establish
the positions and fix the rates of pay for employees of
the Association. It may adopt such rules and regulations
for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed
advisable and may, in the execution of the powers granted,
appoint such agents as it may consider necessary.
SECTION 2.
The Board af_ shall hold regular meetings at such
times as may be determined by the Board. Special meetings
may be called by the President or by any three members upon
at least three days written notice to the Board members.
SECTION 3.
A quorum of the Board shall be ten members, including
officers, and action by it shall require the favorable vote
of a majority but not less than eight members.
ARTICLE IX.
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1.
The President, subject to the approval of the Board, o
$i_+e"o.Ps_, shall annually appoint such standing, special,
or subcommittees as may be required by the By -Laws, or as
may be found necessary by the President.
SECTION 2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
There shall be elected annually by the Board &f-- �-ireee vis
four members thereof, who, with the President, Vice
President, and Past President, shall constitute an
Executive Committee. They may exercise the powers of the
Board af-- Bir-eo-te-ra- as delegated by the Board when the Board
e 4B4i-ee-ta-p&- is not in session, reporting to the Board e�
P4Feo4o43-s- at its succeeding meeting any action taken. Five
members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Representation on the Executive Committee shall
be from all classes of cities, with no more than -tiro-
one members- from any single city and no more than +h-ree
two members from any single class of cities excluding
the past President . Meetings may be called by the
Chairman or by two of its members.
SECTION 3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
Not less than 60 days before the Annual Meeting of the
Association, the President, with the approval of the Board,
a B-iia-ee4oi-&, shall appoint a Nominating Committee of not
less than five members. In making appointments to the
Nominating Committee, the President shall make the
committee representative of the entire metropolitan area
with regard to both geographic area and population of the
members. Members of the Board Gf- D4FLeo4oa& may serve or.
the Nominating Committee. The committee shall nominate, in
writing; candidates for election to the Board of -
and
and their recommendation shall be mailed with the notice
of the annual meeting. In making nominations, the
committee shall attempt to make the nominated slate
representative of the entire metropolitan area with regard
to geographic area and population of the members. At the
Annual Meeting, additional candidates may be nominated by
any member.
ARTICLE X.
MEETINGS
SECTION 1.
The Association ef- getrrape4A&r Ntir,+c"a+it-res shall hold
an Annual Meeting in May as the Board may direct, At -3�-enst
and may hold wee other regular or special meetings as may
be called by the Board.e-fAll annual and other
regular meetings of the Association shall be held at a
location within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Notice
of all meetings shall be mailed to the administrative
officer of each member municipality at least 10 days prior
thereto. A quorum for any meeting is 20 percent of the
pair active members, except that at a meeting at which the
By -Laws are to be amended 30 percent of the Va4& antive
members shall constitute a quorum. Each municipality shall
designate a delegate and such alternates as it desires to
represent it at all Association meetings and so notify the
Association Executive Director in writing. In case of a
dispute within a delegation as to its representation, the
municipality involved shall determine its representative
through its own procedures. Except on matters of
legislation, each municipality represented at a meeting of
the Association shall be entitled to one vote, which shall
be the majority expression of delegates from that
municipality.
Action on legislative matters and on amending the By -Laws
shall conform to the voting requirements set forth in
Article XI on legislative procedure and Article XII on
amendments to the By -Laws, respectively otherwise
parliamentary procedure shall be according to Robert's Rule
of Order.
SECTION 2.
The President, upon receipt of a written request signed by
officials of at least 20 percent of the member
municipalities, shall call a special membership meeting.
The special meeting shall be held within twenty days
following receipt of the request by the President. All
matters as to meeting procedure and notice shall be as
specified in Section 1 of this Article.
-10-
ARTICLE XI.
LEGISLATIVE PROCEDURE
SECTION 1.
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, no official
commitment shall be made by the Association on any
proposed legislative matter unless itis pp aved by
Board e� Bir-ec�t&ra- and is further app
favorable vote of the delegates present and voting at the
annual, regular or special meeting.
SECTION 2. VOTING.
The vote on any legislative matter shall be by acclamation;
but at any time before the result of the vote is announced
the chairman may, and shall, if requeseted to do so by five
or more delegates present, submit the question under
considertion to a vote by municipality, in which case each
municipality shall be entitled to one vote plus one
additional vote for each 50,000 population or major
fraction thereof of the municipality above the initial
50,000 population, according to the most recent population
estimate of the Metropolitan Council except when there is a
more recent official census. Voting by proxy is not
permitted, nor may any delegate cast more than one vote.
SECTION 3.
In lieu of approval at a meeting, an official commitment
may be made by mail ballot on any subject of legislation
when authoirized by the Board ef--D#rrec+o-r&. No commitments
shall be made by mail ballot unless ballots are cast on the
question by at least 20 percent of member municipalities
through their legislative bodies and at least two-thirds of
the municipalities voting approve the commitment. At least
ten days shall elapse between the mailing of the blank
ballots and the counting of the marked ballots.
- 11 -
SECTION 4 .
Subjects of legislation shall be initiated either by the
Board, ef- by the Council of any member
municipality, or by group of member municipalities, or by
the delegates at an annual, regular or special meeting.
Each subject thus initiated shall, if possible and as
directed by the Board ef- Bireo-tr�a-$ be referred to a study
committee with staff support. The recommendation of the
study committee shall be considered by the Board of
Bi-rect,or-s before reference to the delegates for final
action or before mail ballot is taken.,
SECTION 5.
During a legislative session, the Board e-D4rec+-ers or
Executive Committee, whichever urgency requires, may, by a
two-thirds vote of its members, make a commitment on any
bill then pending when the bill is of sufficient general
municipal importance and urgency to require such action. A
commitment adopted under this section shall be presented to
the legislature as an Association Board or Executive
Committee commitment and not an official commitment of the
Association.
ARTICLE XII.
AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
SECTION 1.
These By -Laws may be amended, repealed or alter,.�d, in whole
or in part, at an annual, regular or special meeting by a
two thirds vote of all municipalities voting, provided that
the amendments have been mailed out to members at least
seven days prior to the meeting and provided further that
the amendments are not contradictory with the Constitution
of the League of Minnesota Cities.
-12-
ARTICLE XIII.
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION 1.
--
The Board af- may, on written application and
subject to ratification at the next following meeting,
recognize as affiliates of the Association ef- Met-ro-po+it�-an
Mutt-ic-4p.e.14-twee- organizations whose membership consists
predominat-ely of metropolitan area municipal officials or
employees. The general purpose of such affiliations shall
be to encourage maximum cooperation through the Association
between the various municipal functions, between
administrative departments and councils and between
municipalities throughout the area. The Board may require
for affiliate recognition such conditions as to activities,
membership, and finances as it deems appropriate. The
written request for affiliation should include a letter
signed by the presiding officer which requests
affiliation, a copy of the By -Laws, a membership list, a
list of officers and directors, a description of activities
and a copy of the current budget and financial statement.
In no event shall recognized affiliates advocate
legislative or other policies as Association e
p9.e, ep�lta.n—r4itn-�e-i pal -Bess- proposals or policies, or
mention their affiliation with the Association unless such
proposals or policies have been approved through the
procedure provided in Article X1.
ARTICLE XIV
DISSOLUTION
SECTION 1.
The Association shall use its funds only to accomplish the
purposes and objectives specified in these By -Laws, and no
part of funds shall inure, or be distributed, to the
members of the Association except upon dissolution. On
dissolution of the Association, any funds remaining shall
b e d i s t r i b u t e d t o an-@ -o P. wo r_a. -v sg w.1 s-r_� ar$aA�i,&e 4. aon,4
q.u.a 1-i f -i ad -0 p- $ o,4 e -n n tae " -a sa oe i t o 4G- -be.-
1-he
be•-
the active members on a_
pro rata basis._
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Ll
t
association of
metropolitan
municipalities
FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP ON
JANUARY 9, 1986
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-5600
P
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LEGISLATIVE
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OSALS
FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP ON
JANUARY 9, 1986
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-5600
\fes
association of
metropolitan
municipalities
December 3, 1985
Dear AMM Member City Official:
Attached are recommended policy additions and changes for the
AMM 1986 Legislation package. Except where noted, all policy
adopted last year for the 1985-1986 Legislative biennium is
still in affect for 1986 and actions this year are in addendum
to those of last year.
The policies are separated into five sections representing the
five standing committees. Each policy, following the title, has
an indication of New, Additional, Delete, Replacement or
Modification. New and Replacement are entirely new language.
Delete has a single cross out to show complete deletion of
existing language. Additional and Modification repeat existing
policy language with the use of underlining for added language
and dash marks over existing words which are to be deleted.
There will be a meeting of all AMM member cities to discuss and
vote on these recommended policies. The membership meeting will
be held Thursday evening, January 9, 1986 at 7:30 P.M. at the
Brooklyn Center Community Center in the Social Hall.
The AMM Revenue Committee is meeting weekly to study and develop
additional policy concerning Fiscal Disparities. Its action is
expected to culminate in early to mid December, at which time,
any policy recommendations will be forwarded to you.
We hope that you will examine these proposed policies carefully
and attend the membership meeting to provide your input in the
AMM policy process.
Respectfully,
AMM Board of Directors
183 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 55101 (612) 227-5600
,Z
I N D E X
PAGE NUMBER
I. MUNICIPAL REVENUE AND TAXATION 1 - 2
II. GENERAL LEGISLATION
3 - 7
III. HOUSING IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA 8 - 14
IV. METROPOLITAN AREA ISSUES AND CONCERNS 15 - 18
V. TRANSPORTATION 19 - 20
I.
MUNICIPAL REVENUES AND TAXATION
PAGES 1 AND 2
I
MUNICIPAL REVENUES AND TAXATION
I -A-2 LEVY LIMIT INDEX (New Policy)
The 1985 Legislature reversed the annual levy limit base increase
index from the greater of the Implicit Price Deflator or 5°'0 to
the lessor of these. For many years cities argued that the levy
base increase should not be a flat percentage but be indexed to
reflect cost of doing business. This is especially true since
labor costs are 60 to 65 percent of the total municipal cost, yet
because of the state PELRA laws control of wages and wage
increases often is determined by outside arbitration. Also,
during those years, of flat percent increase, many adjustments and
gimmicks were needed to keep up but since.«,�,he adoption of the
Implicit Price Deflator as an, index, this has not been the case
and property tax increases have been reasonable.
THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO RESTORE THE ANNUAL LEVY BASE
INCREASE TO THE IMPLICIT PRICE DEFLATOR OR 5% WHICHEVER IS
GREATER.
I -B-11 COMPARABLE WORTH AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS LEVY BASE
ADJUSTMENT (New Policy)
Recent actions at the Federal and State levels concerning public
employee compensation is having a significant affect on the
ability of Minnesota cities to meet the increasing salary required
to maintain current staffing levels. Implementation of Comparable
Worth salary studies and compliance with the Fair Labor Standards
Act per the Garcia decision may cause city payrolls to increase
well above the percentage allowed by the restrictive 5% levy
limitation imposed upon cities over 5000 population. Most cities
budgets are 65% to 750A payroll related, therefore, labor related
mandated increases above normal inflation can not be accommodated
without service reductions in various sensitive public health and
safety areas.
THE AMM STRONGLY URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE LEVY BASE
INCREASES TO COMPENSATE FOR MANDATED IMPLEMENTATION OF
COMPARABLE WORTH AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT.
I -B-12 INFRASTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT SPECIAL LEVY (New Policy)
The legislature has in the past, recognized the need for
establishing special funds to ensure that local government
infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) is maintained in a safe and
usable manner by the creation of a Public Works Reserve Fund,
Minnesota Statutes 471.57. However, this law was passed prior to
the enactment of the very strict levy limitation law, Minn.
Statute 275.50 which negates the ability to create such a fund.
Many cities will soon be faced with the need to replace existing
-1-
facilities such as streets. This is very costly and based on
recent trends may not be accomplishable under Minn. Statutes 429
which require at least a 20% assessment, since proving a benefit
for assessment purposes in the courts has become much more
difficult. Therefore,
THE AMM REQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO MODIFY THE CURRENT PUBLIC
WORKS RESERVE FUND TO BE A LEVY OUTSIDE OF THE 275.50 LEVY LIMITS
OR TO CREATE A NEW SPECIAL LEVY TO ESTABLISH AN INFRASTRUCTURE
REPLACEMENT RESERVE FUND.
I -C-2 LCA ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS (New Policy)
The 1985 legislature provided that a portion of the LGA fund be
paid to the State Auditor and State Demographer for activities
associated with local government. Although the amount of dollars
involved is small, this sets a precedent that could lead to large
allocations of aid funds in the future to fund normal state
government operations and could affect all units of local
government not just cities.
THE AMM OPPOSES FUNDING STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS FROM A PORTION
OF AID ALLOCATIONS AND REQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO RESTORE THE LGA
FUND MONIES TAKEN FOR THE OPERATIONS OF THE STATE AUDITOR AND
STATE DEMOGRAPHER DEPARTMENTS.
I -F-; 'TELEPHONE TAX FOR 911 (New Policy)
The 1985 legislature enacted a tax on all telephone service to pay
the state share of capital and trunk costs for the mandated 911
Emergency Telephone Service. As part of the 911 mandate, counties
and local units had to pay equipment costs, line costs, and on
going operating expenses from an already overburdened and limited
general property tax levy. Unlike the state, local units do not
have the authority to recover these ongoing costs. Therefore,
THE AMM REQUESTS THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE THE 911
TELEPHONE TAX TO PAY THE LOCAL SHARE FOR EQUIPMENT AND CONTINUING
LINE COST.
-2-
13
II.
GENERAL LEGISLATION
PAGES 3 THROUGH 7
II
GENERAL LEGISLATION
II -DATA PRIVACY AND OPEN MEETING (Additional Policy).
II -N-1 CONSISTENCY OF DATA PRIVACY AND OPEN MEETING LAWS.
Data privacy laws protect individuals from the release of
information to the public which the legislature has deemed to be
private or which could be unnecessarily harmful to the
individual. On the other hand, the open meeting law prohibits
local government units from holding closed sessions except when
discussing pending or actual law suits with an attorney or labor
negotiations., Unfortunately, many occasions have arisen in past
years where local units in dealing with individuals or employee
disciplinary matters have been forced to either violate the Data
Privacy Statutes or the Open Meeting Statute in order to fairly
resolve the issue.
THE AMM REQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO MAKE THE DATA PRIVACY AND OPEN
MEETING LAWS CONSISTENT SO THAT TO COMPLY WITH ONE LAW A CITY
SHOULD NOT HAVE TO VIOLATE THE OTHER.
THE AMM STRONGLY SUPPORTS LEGISLATION FAVORING DATA PRIVACY OVER
OPEN MEETING WHERE CONFLICTS ARISE TO PROTECT THE EMPLOYEES RIGH
OF CONFIDENTIALITY FOR PERSONAL AND PRIVATE DATA AS IS DONE IN
THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND SECURED BY FEDERAL LAW.
II -N-2 DISCOVERY PROCEDURES
Section----! 3-.30 gf ic___.Governmcnt Data Practices Act attempts to
Maintain the confidentiality of data_ used by public attorneys in
preparation of litigation, subject to discovery procedures under
court rules However, any data relating to litigation under the
control of the responsible authority, other than the attorney, is
subject to the provisions of The Government Data Practices Act.
This provision allows an unfair advantage to persons suing
municipalities by allowing them to avoid normal notice to
municipal attorneys and the use of discovery in preparing their
cases against the municipality.
E AMM ADVOCATES AMENDING
AT LITIGANTS WOULD BE RE
OCEEDINGS WHERE LITIGATI
NICIPALITIES, RATHER THAN
TA TO LITIGATE AGAINST H
TA PRACTICES ACT ._
HE GOVERNMEN
ALLOWING A
NICIPALITIE
-3-
T DATA PRACTICES ACT SO
ZE NORMAL DISCOVERY
NED OR PENDING AGAINST
RSE PARTIES TO OBTAIN
BY USING THE GOVERNMENT
II -T PERA BENEFITS, FINANCING, AND ADMINISTRATION
T-15 DEFINED CONTRIBUTION (New S ubpolicy)
Defined contribution plans basically provide that an employee
receives that amount that the employee and employer have
contributed plus accrued interest at exit from public employment
or retirement. The amount can be taken in lump sum or used to
provide various annuity arrangements. It provides complete
portability and certainty of ownership of the account which cannot
be modified- by legislative acts. It resolves intergeneration
fights and fights between current generation employees as well as
forever resolving underfunding questions and ends pressures for
political tinkering for various benefit modification.
THE AMM SUPPORTS IN CONCEPT A CHANGE IN THE MEANS OF PROVIDING
PENSIONS FOR NEW MINNESOTA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES FROM THE PRESENT
DEFINED BENEFIT TYPE PLANS TO A SINGLE DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN.
CURRENT EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPTION TO TRANSFER INTO THE
NEW PLAN. HOWEVER, THE AMM WILL OPPOSE ANY SUCH LEGISLATION WHICH
DOES NOT CONTAIN A CLEAR COMMITMENT BY THE STATE TO FUND ANY
DEFICIT CREATED IN PRESENTLY EXISTING DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
RESULTING FROM THE TERMINATION OF THE ENTRY OF NEW MEMBERS, AND A
MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTION RATE THAT IS AS LOW OR LOWER THAN EMPLOYER
CONTRIBUTION RATES TO EXISTING PLANS.
II -U TORT LIABILITY LIMITS (delete for replacement)
ing the 1983 legislative session, Tort liability limits for
loc governments were increased from $100,000/$300,000 to
$200,0 $600,000 as of August 1, 1984. Limits for Hazardous
Waste di sal claims are $300,000/$600,000 and will be
$400,000/$1, 000 effective August 1, 1984. During these
discussions, the overnors office expressed a desire to remove
Tort liability li Us altogether. If done, this could have a
critical and disastr effect on city financing and property
taxes. The cost of pr 'ding insurance for unlimited liability
would be prohibitive and ca a long term unnecessary major
property tax increase. Also, 'f a major claim were to be filed
and supported through the judicial stem for a sum far in excess
of what might be considered reasonable, local jurisdiction could
literally be driven to financial ruin wi the taxpayers becoming
liable for huge property tax payments. Un a private sector
business, a city cannot merely declare bankru y and cease to
exist.
THE AMM CONSIDERS THE CURRENT TORT LIABILITY LIMITS A UATE TO
SATISFY ANY REASONABLE CLAIM AND THEREFORE URGES THE LEGI TURE
TO RETAIN THE LIMITS IN CURRENT LAW AND NOT CONSIDER UNLIM
LIABILITY.
-4-
l
II -U TORT LIABILITY LIMITS (Replacement Policy)
The Municipal Tort Liability Act was enacted to protect the public
treasury while giving the citizen relief from the arbitrary,
confusing, and administratively expensive prior doctrine of
sovereign immunity with its inconsistent and irrational
distinctions between governmental and proprietary activities. The
act has served that purpose well in the past, however, courts
frequently forget or ignore the positive benefits secured to
citizens damaged by public servants as a result of enactment of
the comprehensive act which includes some limitations on liability
and some qualifications of normal tort claims procedure.
The special vulnerability of far-flung government operations
to debilitating tort suits continues to require the existence of a
tort claims act applicable to local governments or local
governments and the state. The need for some type of limitations
is evidenced by recent experiences with the insurance market.
Cities in Minnesota are finding it increasingly difficult to
obtain insurance at an affordable rate, if at all. Amendments in
1983 to increase the dollar amounts recoverable by plaintiffs were
League supported and should be adequate to satisfy any reasonable
claim. Further changes in the law should not be made until the
Governor's Advisory Commission on State and Local Relations
(ACSLR) completes its study of the insurance and liability crisis
local and state governments face and makes recommendations for
statutory changes to the legislature.
THE AMM SUPPORTS THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE MUNICIPAL TORT
LIABILITY ACT AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE LEGISLATURE REFRAIN FROM ANY
AMENDMENTS OF THE ACT UNTIL THE GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY COMMISSION ON
STATE AND LOCAL RELATIONS SUBMITS A RECOMMENDATION TO THE
LEGISLATURE. FURTHER THE ACSLR STUDY SHOULD EXAMINE THE MERITS OF
A UNIFORM TORT CLAIMS ACT APPLICABLE TO STATE AND LOCAL UNITS OF
GOVERNMENT EQUALLY AS WELL AS OTHER CHANGES SUCH AS LIMITING JOINT
AND SEVERAL LIABILITY.
II X PLUMBING INSPECTIONS (New Policy)
Currently plumbing inspections are being handling as a routine
part of the overall inspections done through city Building
Inspection Programs. No special requirements exist other than
normal certification of the Building Inspector. Electrical
inspections are done by State Electrical Inspectors. In 1985 the
Senate passed and the House considered a bill to require plumbing
inspections be done by licensed plumbers Where this is currently
done, plumbing permit costs are significantly higher.
THE AMM OPPOSES MANDATING BY THE STATE THAT ALL PLUMBING
INSPECTIONS BE DONE BY LICENSED PLUMBERS AS UNNECESSARY AND OVERLY
EXPENSIVE. THE AMM WOULD SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPROPRIATE
PLUMBING INSPECTION TEST AND CERTIFICATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF
ADMINISTRATION FOR PLUMBERS AND/OR CURRENT BUILDING INSPECTORS IF
THERE IS PROVIDED ADEQUATE TIME AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR
-5-
CURRENT INSPECTORS TO BECOME CERTIFIED.
II -Y LAND SALES BY COMPETITIVE BID (New Policy)
Legislation introduced in 1985 (HF 363, Zaffke, and SF 1289,
Olson) would require that any land sold by a city would have
to have three weeks published notice and sold at the most
favorable bid to the city. All bids could be rejected. The
bill did not consider development activities such as TIF,
HUD, etc. or what happens if no bid is received. Nor did it
consider cases where small or unbuildable parcels exist that
should be handled through negotiated sales ----or trades with
neighboring property owners.
THE AMM OPPOSES IMPOSITION OF A MANDATED COMPETITIVE
BIDDING PROCESS FOR SALE OF LAND BY CITIES.
II -Z WINE IN GROCERY STORE (New Policy)
Sale of wine in grocery or fast food stores would create many
problems of control for local units of government since
minors have a significantly higher employment rate in these
establishments. A local option on sales is also unworkable,
particularly where cities share borders and are densely
located.
THE AMM OPPOSES PROVISION FOR THE OFF -SALE OF WINE IN
OTHER THAN LIQUOR STORES.
II— AA CHARITABLE GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT FEES (New Policy)
Since the establishment of the State Gambling Board and
liberalization of charitable gambling permitted within
various establishments, there has been a significant increase
in local enforcement needs and costs.
THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO
GAMBLING STATUTE TO PROVIDE LOCAL
THE ANNUAL STATE PERMIT FEES AND A
PROCEEDS FOR ENFORCEMENT PURPOSES.
MODIFY THE CHARITABLE
UNITS WITH A SHARE OF
PORTION OF THE TAX
Z �
II -BB. ASSE.SSMEh h w Pclicy)
The 1985 leg1sla:u, ..z:s till requiring the assessment
amount of a par is parcel to be included in the
individual notice of nearing, to the parcel owner. The law,
also, may require eac parcel ane amount to be listed in the
general notice of assessment hearing published in the legal
newspaper. To publisl: eacr. parcel and assessment amount in
the general notice is excessively costly and duplicative
since individual notice! n th individual assessment amounts
are sent. `
THE AMM URGES THE LECS'....RJRE TO MODIFY THE ASSESSMENT
NOTICE STATUTE TO CLP:RI Y TEAT ONLY INDIVIDUAL NOTICES
CONTAIN ASSESSMEF'--- ; ', i ' PARCEL AND THAT THE NOTICE OF
ASSESSMENT HEARI:RC: LEGKL PUBLICATION CONTAIN THE
OVERALL ASSESSMEK ,ja":: D:SCRIPTION AND OVERALL COST TO
BE ASSESSED.
_7-
HOUSING IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA
PAGES 8 THROUGH 14
HOUSING IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA
HOUSING PROBLEM DEFINITION (policy Modification)
Housing is a metropolitan problem of major proportions.
According to demographic data compiled by the Metropolitan,
Council, there is an estimated need for about 120,000 new
housing units in the metropolitan area by 1995. A signif: Ent
portion of these units (68,000) are needed for persons who
cannot afford market rate housing. There are strong
indications that under existing conditions, the total need for
housing or the need of the lower income segment will not be
met. In addition, there is an equally important
problem of maintaining and re -using the existing
housing stock effectively. Otherwise, more new housing
will have to be produced to make up for unnecessary losses and
there will be an under utilization of public service
investments.
The Federal and State Governments appear to be reducing their
financial commitments to provide housing for low and moderate
income persons and this will intensify the housing shortage
problem for those unable to purchase or rent at market rates.
It is also apparent that local units of government do not have
the financial capability to assume the shortfall in Federal and
State provided subsidies. The housing shortage problem for
persons unable to afford market rate housing can only be solved
if all levels of government and the private sector work
together and if each contributes a fair share to the solution.
Each level of government should contribute its fair share to
help solve the problem and each level's contributions should be
of the kind it is best suited to make. The Federal and State
Levels should continue to provide most of the direct subsidies
for low and moderate income persons. The Federal and State
Governments also have the responsibility to improve the overall
investment climate and to provide a tax climate in which the
private sector can produce rental units that are affordable to
low and moderate income households. The State should also
grant local units of government the authority and flexibility
to conduct the kind of housing programs that best meets their
diverse needs.
The Metropolitan Council should continue to place high
priority zn .dawe1"p a &aal.as�.fc &,;M-Weiwnsitie housing,
p 1 anL.1.� i or the Metropolitan Area tip Jd provide
specific guidance to the public and private sectors so that
both can make rational decisions relative to future
housing needs. The council should continue to be agressive
T-
in seeking inovative wa s to create housing o ortunities for
T Persons. 4b. a --k i JP.*e
awsp.&&si6Jw1i44asof a." t6& "eta."" a..P ate.com*Jmex 6QA&Xi.6*
4e liy a r4 a;; s "m--
Local units of Government also have a strong role to play.
Even though local land use controls constitute a small portion
of the total cost of housing, local units should not set
requirements which go beyond what is necessary for the
protection of health, safety and welfare. Local units should
also work with the private sector to make the best use of
existing tools (revenue bonds, tax increment financing, etc.)
to produce housing which, is more affordable.
Finally, decision makers at all levels of government must
become more cognizant of their actions, policies, and decisions
which have an indirect but substantial impact on housing costs.
Such actions, policies, and decisions may in
themselves be worthwhile and beneficial but which do drive
up the cost of housing.
.RA£.E P• 6Ij. g Hfi *0 U,B J.N G. P -R A$ LAK F ill I W ON , W G AM )& ASB C"M" ➢i
DPW q -
III -A EXAMINE LOCAL REQUIREMENTS
Local requirements constitute a very small portion of the total
cost of producing housing, but all participants in the housing
delivery system need to do -their part to hold costs down.
COMMUNITIES SHOULD EXAMINE THEIR LOCAL REQUIREMENTS (LAND
USE REGULATIONS, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES, ETC.) TO SEE
IF THESE REQUIREMENTS GO BEYOND WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE
PROTECTION OF HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE, AND INHIBIT
THE CONSTRUCTION OF IrA,3n &HLPL E'R AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
MODIFICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE WHEN APPROPRIATE.
III -4B PRACTICES WHICH INCREASE HOUSING COSTS
Decision makers at various levels of government must become
more cognizant of actions they take which have an indirect but
substantial impact on housing costs. These actions in
themselves may be worthwhile and beneficial, but when
implemented result in increased housing costs. Examples of
this type of action would include such things as the sewer
availability charge, restricted growth policies, building and
energy codes, environmental rules, etc.
THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND STATE AGENCIES SHOULD
EXAMINE THEIR PRACTICES AND POLICIES TO DETERMINE PO IBL
HIDDEN IMPACTS ON HOUSING COSTS OF SAID PRACTICES AND
POLICIES NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO HOUSING. CHANGES SHOULD BE
MADE AS NECESSARY.
so
III -OC MANDATORY STANDARDS AND ALTERNATIVE HOUSING
Mandatory, uniform land use standards for housing style and
location would not be appropriate because of the great
diversity among cities and differences within cities relative
to state of development, topography, lot and dwelling sizes,
the mix of housing values and costs, and the level of municipal
services which are provided. Therefore, cities should retain
the authority to regulate land uses, including the
determination as to whether alternative housing, such as
manufactured and accessory housing can be located in areas
where other modes of housing have been established.
Land use regulation is one of the tools city officials need to
protect the health, safety, welfare, and interests of the
city's residents.
THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD NOT PASS LEGISLATION WHICH SETS
MANDATORY ZONING AND SUBDIVISION STANDARDS OR WHICH REMOVES
DDITIONAL LAND USE REGULATION AUTHORITY FROM LOCAL UNITS OF
CITIES SHOULD RETAIN THE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE
THE LOCATION, SIZE AMOUNT, AND TYPE OF HOUSING, INCLUDING
MANUFACTURED AND ACCESSORY HOUSING, WITHIN THEIR BOUNDARIES.
III.FPD FINANCING " D"A4m STATE AND REGIONAL HOUSING POLICIES
T.tze a it y -" r v"S" s w44 -c h p r a h, i o Pe i d e"rb# mei prep a rbT
am"en4.fir-&aco"d• 1a"cgeip�' bi�i-pro"rtj—t,a***m-de-not -pe 1abe- to
.4.16�iaaAci" a -641i4* of-"h6--*rAa-pe*-%ry -own*4ae. Property taxes
provide the major revenue source for most cities and redrrttile
i& p rcp a a tay t"amae sa"a aaAL- aaw a 6" i 6y. to. pow w ooi d e oho u rds- d ke
bo6sdL&g -#ro6&--mom irate moo& 04t4oc in the Metropolitan Area
and the Minnesota property Tax System is one of the�t_
complex systems Unfortunately- rather then nimr,l{fv +►,e
Legislature often times adds to the complexity of this system
y changing a system to benefiE certain persons as a means to
TE-plement or Finance state or regional social
believes that the property tax system is not the annronriate
mechanism to finance state or regional housing policies and
goals.
THE AMM OPPOSES THE USE OF THE -6OCAS. PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM &HWLr&
NQZ &E -iS&D AS- T4E V"IG6E TO FINANCE OR IMPLEMENT fEDERItt,
STATE OR REGIONAL HOUSING POLICIES OR GOALS. STATE AND/OR
REGIONAL HOUSING POLICIES AND GOALS S
FTNAN('FT) RY NON -PROPERTY TAX SOURCES.
III-1DE RENEWAL OF FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING
The Federal and State levels of government have a broader and
- i0-
more diverse tax base than local units of government and should
provide the necessary funding to fulfill their housing policy
commitments to lower income persons. This funding commitment
is needed to provide adequate housing for those persons unable
to afford market rate housing.
FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING FOR HOUSING SHOULD BE INCREASED TO
IMPLEMENT THE HOUSING POLICIES OF THOSE LEVELS AND MATCH THE
NEEDS OF THOSE PERSONS REQUIRING ASSISTED HOUSING INCLUDING
ASSISTANCE FOR RENOVATING AND REHABILITATING SUBSTANDARD
HOUSING UNITS.
-*Vt
III -GF PROGRAM LATITUDE
There is a tendency on the part of the Legislature when it
provides funding to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)
or political subdivisions for housing programs to make sure it
is a safe investment. The AMM does not disagree with the need
to be prudent with public funding. However, the state
guidelines and regulations sometimes are so stringent they
inhibit inovation and render the programs inoperable. Also, at
times the rules and regulations for programs administered
locally, are more stringent and cumbersome than for similar
programs administered through the MHFA. There is a need for
creative and inovative programs to increase the production of
housing for low and moderate income persons.
THE LEGISLATURE WHEN PROVIDING FUNDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
INOVATIVE AND CREATIVE PROGRAMS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HOUSING
FOR LOW AND MODERATE INCOME PERSONS SHOULD PROVIDE ENOUGH
PROGRAM LATITUDE IN THE GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS SO THAT THE
PROGRAMS CAN BE TAILORED TO MEET THE NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF
A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS IN DIFFERING LOCALS. ALSO THE
STATE GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS SHOULD NOT BE MORE
STRINGENT FOR PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY LOCAL UNITS AS OPPOSED
TO PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED THROUGH STATE OR REGIONAL AGENCIES.
III -4G AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOCAL HOUSING PROGRAMS
There is a great diversity among the cities
area. Some cities need more housing for
income persons while other cities need more
and upper income persons. Cities should have
promote whichever kind of housing is within
and best interest of the city to do so. It
that state and federal agencies cooperate
developing workable programs to meet the
cities. Cities need to have more control
housing being developed if they are to
the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. In a
-11-
in the metropolitan
low and moderate
housing for middle
the authority to
the public purpose
is also important
with cities in
diverse needs of
over the cost of
meet the intent of
practical sense
municipalities, may be
but it is preferable to
statute specifically.
in lieu of land, for
be in addition to parks
that would better enable
aole .o require reduced cost housinZ,
have this authority specified by
Dedication would provide land, or cash
housing needs and is not intended to
dedication but a substitute for it if
the city to meet its overall needs.
CITIES SHOULD- BE GRANTED SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY AND FLEXIBILITY
BY THE LEGISLATURE TO CONDUCT HOUSING PROGRAMS THAT MEET THE
DIFFERING NEEDS OF DIVERSE CITIES AND THAT ENABLE CITIES TO
COMPLY WITH THE METROPOLITAN LAND PLANNING ACT WHICH
DIRECTS CITIES TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOW AND MODERATE COST
HOUSING. CITIES SHOULD BE ALLOWED, IF THEY DESIRE, TO
REQUIRE LOWER COSTS HOUSING IN PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS AND TO
REQUIRE THE DEDICATION OF LAND OR CASH FOR LOW AND MODERATE
INCOME HOUSING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE REQUIRED DEDICATION
FOR PARKS. ALSO, CITIES SHOULD HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP
HOUSING FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER INCOME PERSONS IF THAT IS NEEDED
TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED HOUSING STOCK.CITIES SHOULD CONTINUE
TO HAVE AUTHORITY TO USE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING TO ACHIEVE
ME HOUSING.
III -H METROPOLITAN HRA (New Policy)
ProvidinE housing assistance and affordable housing to low
income persons is very important in the metropolitan area. The
Metropolitan HRA was established in 1974 to assist local units
in providing low income housing and works in cooperation with
the local jurisdictions at their invitation. Federal funding
for low income housing programs is likely to decline or to be
eliminated entirely and it is important that the Metro HRA
continue as an active viable partner with local units of
government.
THE AMM BELIEVES THAT THE EXISTING METRO HRA STRUCTURE WHEREBY
THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL IS THE METROPOLITAN HRA AND IS
ASSISTED BY THE HRA ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS APPROPRIATE. WE ALSO
BELIEVE THAT THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF THE METRO HRA SHOULD
NOT BE INCREASED AS IT HAS SUFFICIENT TOOLS NOW TO MEET THE
NEEDS OF THIS AREA. THE AMM WOULD OPPOSE CHANGES TO THE METRO
HRA STRUCTURE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN INDEPENDENT OR
SEMI-INDEPENDENT AGENCY WITH ITS OWN STAFF SIMILAR TO THE MWCC
OR RTB.
III -*I RENTAL HOUSING IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA (Modification)
Rental housing plays an important role in the Twin Cities
housing market. Approximately 35 per cent of the housing units
in the Twin Cities region are rental units. Traditionally,
-12-
rental units have provided an affordable housing option for
singles, young adults, young married, students, the elderly,
and low and moderate income households. In reality, rental
housing units serve a market much more diverse than that served
by owner occupied units. Yet over the past several years a
number of problems have developed in the rental market,
including:
1. Production of new rental units has declined drastically as
households are unable to afford the rents which must be
charged to cover costs and financing.
2. Many households which in the past would have moved from
rental to ownership status are unable to do so due to both
the increased cost of housing units and high interest
rates.
3.' The combination of few additions to the supply of rental
units, increased competition for rental units, conversion
of rental units to condominiums, increased operating
costs, and general inflation has created a situation where
many rental units are not an affordable option for low and
moderate income households.
4. The supply of existing rental units, which is
predominately efficiency and one bedroom units, does not
adequately address the needs of families seeking rental
units.
Precisc;ly because rental housing serves so many diverse types
of households and because the relative size of each category is
changing the solution to these problems must be multifaceted.
ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD BECOME INVOLVED TO
SUCCESSFULLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEgr=E RENTAL MARKET. IN
PARTICULAR, THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE CRUCIAL
ROLES IN IMPROVING THE OVERALL INVESTMENT CLIMATE SO THAT
THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PRODUCE BOTH RENTAL AND OWNER OCCUPIED
UNITS AND IN PROVIDING SUBSIDY FUNDS SO THAT LOW AND
MODERATE HOUSEHOLDS CAN AFFORD DECENT RENTAL UNITS. POSSIBLE
ACTIONS INCLUDE:
MODIFYING FEDERAL AND STATE TAX •POLICIES TO IMPROVE THE
OVERALL INVESTMENT CLIMATE FOR THE PRODUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE OF RENTAL HOUSING.
CONTINUING AND INCREASING THE LEVEL OF FUNDING AIMED AT
GIVING LOW AND MODERATE INCOME FAMILIES ACCESS TO DECENT
HOUSING.
-13-
CONTINUING PROGRAMS WHICH USE TAX EXEMPT BONDING TO CREATE
BELOW MARKET RATE FUNDS FOR BOTH RENTAL AND OWNER OCCUPIED
UNITS.
CONTINUING PROGRAMS WHICH ALLOW REHABILITATION AND
WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS TO BE UTILIZED ON RENTAL UNITS.
GRANTING LOCAL UNITS MORE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE THE
CONVERSION OF RENTAL UNITS TO CONDOMINIUMS.
-14-
IV.
Z �
METROPOLITAN AREA ISSUES AND CONCERNS
PAGES 15 THROUGH 18
IV
METROPOLITAN AREA ISSUES AND CONCERNS
-C-2 METROPOLITAN STRUCTURE AND STRUCTURAL RELATIONSHIPS (delete
for replacement)
The ucture of Metropolitan Governance that has evolved over
the last years is basically satisfactory. The structure and
relationshi between the Metropolitan Council and the various
Metropolitan C issions and Agencies are not uniform and function
determines form. or structural changes are not needed but the
AMM does recommend wo minor but significant changes which
should help to promo more effective communication and
coordination of regional s vices.
THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE RE NAL TRANSIT BOARD AND THE
METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMIS N SHOULD BE APPOINTED BY
THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL RATHER THAN T GOVERNOR.
THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL SHOULD BE REQUIRE 0 REVIEW THE ANNUAL
OPERATING BUDGETS OF THE RTB AND MWCC AND TO ROVIDE COMMENTS
WITH RESPECT TO THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THESE GETS TO THE
REGIONAL POLICY PLANS ADOPTED BY THE COU
N FOR THOSE
FUNCTIONS.
IV- C-2 METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE (Replacement Policy)
The Structure of Metropolitan Governance that has evolved in this
Metropolitan area since the late 1960's has served the area well.
The structure of the various Metropolitan Agcr.,::es and rommiceinns
(MAC, MWCC, RTB, MPOSC, etc.) is not uniform nor is the
relationship between these agencies and the Metropolitan Council
uniform. Function has basically determined form and not form
determining function.
THE AMM DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT THE METROPOLITAN AGENCIES SHOULD
NECESSARILY BE STRUCTURED UNIFORMALLY BUT THE AMM DOES BELIEVE
THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD CONDUCT A STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE OF
THE MAC AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO
DETERMINE IF STRUCTURAL CHANGES WOULD ENHANCE AND IMPROVE
REGIONAL PLANNING AND SERVICE DELIVERY.
IV -D-1 LEGISLATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY (Policy Modification)
The system of regional governance should be more accountable to
the Legislature. The Metropolitan Council is in reality only
accountable and responsive to the Governor who is elected on a
state-wide basis. The Council, in turn, appoints the members of
the RTB, MWCC and MPOSC. Consequently, these Agencies are further
removed from the Legislature in terms of accountability. History
has shown that by and large the Council and Regional Agencies
members are appointed, reappointed or removed mostly on the basis
-15-
of political party affiliation. In theory, the Council and
Commissions are also accountable to the Legislature, but the
Legislature in recent years has shown little inclination to
exercise its overview authority unless the Council or Agencies
request increased funding or new funding authority.
A) BUDGET AND REVENUE FORECASTING OVERSIGHT
THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD REQUIRE THE COUNCIL AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
TO PREPARE LONG RANGE BUD4E-T- FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS, IN ADDITION TO
THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT OF ANNUAL OPERATING AND FIVE
YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS. THE MEUOPOLITAN COUNCIL
WOULD ASSEMBLE AND INTEGRATE THE SEPARATE AGENCY $iJ-HOE"
PROJECTIONS INTO A SINGLE BUDGET- FINANCIAL DOCUMENT AND PREPARE
SUMMARY AND OVERVIEW DOCUMENTS SHOWING AGGREGATE RESULTS AND MAKE
A YEARLY REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE AND PUBLIC. THE COUNCIL WOULD
NOT BE GRANTED ANY APPROVAL AUTHORITY BEYOND WHAT IT NOW POSSESSES
B) POLICY AND PROGRAM OVERSIGHT
THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD REQUIRE THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND
REGIONAL AGENCIES TO MAKE A FORMAL REPORT AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH
LEGISLATIVE SESSION WHICH FOCUSES ON THE MAJOR PROGRAMS, PLANS,
ISSUES AND CONCERNS OF THE RESPECTIVE AGENCIES. THE REPORTS AS A
MINIMUM WOULD IDENTIFY AND COMMENT ON NEW PROGRAMS; MAJOR CHANGES
TO ON-GOING PROGRAMS; THE NEED FOR SAME; MAJOR PRIORITIES: MAJOR
ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE THE PREVIOUS REPORT; AND DISCUSS REASONS
FOR INCREASES IN USER FEES WHEN SUCH INCREASES EXCEED THE
INFLATION RATES. THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD HOLD 'HEARINGS' ON SUCH
REPORTS AND ALLOW FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
C) LEGISLATIVE FOCUS
THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD ESTABLISH A CENTRAL POINT OF FOCUS WITHIN
THE LEGISLATIVE STRUCTURE TO ENHANCE INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY AND
OVERSIGHT. -HFr RRE_r-£R*ER MFrTH9D #0%D- M T -e ESSTkBLk&H aTA*DI'Id'9
68MM49TS,SS 14 BETH 44OUSSS WWIGN F$CUS- ONj MSZRO"LIIAN—AF9"RSS "D.
"54W-&- A4MH - C"GERNS OF ME-T-ROP6L-IT" @eVER+NANCR-. THIS CENTRAL POINT
OF FOCUS COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY STANDING COMMITTEE IN BOTH
HOUSES WHICH DEAL EXCLUSIVELY WITH METROPOLITAN AFFAIRS OR BY
FORMING A PERMANENT JOINT METROPOLITAN LEGISLATIVE AF AIRS
COMMISSION. IN EITHER CASE, ALL PROPOSED LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO
THE AGENCIES OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE WOULD BE REVIEWED tN "ElerE
SBM14ITTEZ& AT THIS CENTRAL POINT IN ADDITION TO THE NEW ACTIVITIES
SUGGESTED IN IV -D-1-
-16-
IV- D-2 PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY (Additional Policy)
The Association also believes that the metropolitan agencies
should be more accountable to the residents served by such
agencies. Direct election of agency members might improve
accountability but it would probably result in a general purpose
metropolitan level of government which the AMM opposes. The AMM
believes that a revised appointment process is necessary to
enhance public accountability and responsiveness to the residents
and local officials in the metropolitan area.
A) THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD IMPROVE THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS FOR
T'EMBERS OF THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND THE MWCC, RTB AND MPOSC.
THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS, AS A MINIMUM, SHOULD INCLUDE: A
REQUIREMENT FOR A SPECIFIED FILING PERIOD FOR EACH VACANCY; A
REQUIREMENT FOR AN ADEQUATELY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING IN EACH
DISTRICT FOR WHICH AN APPOINTMENT IS TO BE MADE INCLUDING
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION, CANDIDATE NAMES AND QUALIFICATIONS; A
REQUIRMENT THAT ONLY PERSONS WHO HAVE FILED DURING THE FILING
PERIOD ARE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT; AND A REQUIREMENT FOR
MEANINGFUL INVOLVEMENT BY LOCAL OFFICIALS AND LEGISLATORS FROM
THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THE APPOINTMENT IS TO BE MADE. LOCAL
OFFICIALS SHOULD NOT BE PRECLUDED FROM SERVING ON THE
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL.
D 111L+ LJ L+V1V L(11 V+u -
AUTHORITY OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE RTB AND THE MWCC FROM THE
GOVERNOR TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
IV- COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING - ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS (delete
replacement)
Regional, sta and federal governmental levels require a variety
of special-purp e and environmental reviews for propoesed
developemnt projects. Each of these reviews represents a response
to a perceived need or public concern. Environmental reviews
can cause significant d which creates uncertainty and
sometimes higher costs to developer and ultimately the
consumer. The process of environm tal review can also be abused
frivolously.
Improvements have been made to simplify th state environmental
review process, administered by the Environmen Quality Board
(EQB). In 1976, the Environmental Assessment Works t (EAW) was
introduced. To aid in determining whether a proposed tion has
potential for significant environmental effects that would quire
-17-
y
e thorough evaluation: of an Environmental Impact Statement
(E In most cases, an EIS is not required, and the
envir ental review process is complete when the EAW is cleared.
A more r ent change has shifted the responsibility for most FIS
preparatio to local units of government. We commend the
Legislature a the EQB for taking these positive steps to
simplify and st amline the environmental review process and
further believe tha nother step would be to incorporate more of
the environmental revi , process into the local planning process.
Each metropolitan area munity must prepare a comprehensive
plan; the local plan is n excellent vehicle for such an
approach.
THE AMM SUPPORTS THE CONCEPT OF ALLO G LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
AND ORDINANCES WHICH CONTAIN ACCEPTABL NVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS TO
BE USED TO SATISFY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RESSED IN THE EAW AND
EIS PROCESS. FURTHER, THE ENTIRE STATE'S EN ONMENTAL REGULATORY
SYSTEM SHOULD BE STREAMLINED IN SUCH A MA R TO ENABLE A
"ONE-STOP" PERMIT SYSTEM FOR ALL STATE PERMIT REQU MENTS.
IV -G ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS (Replacement Policy)
M.S. Chapter 116D sets forth the basic environmental review
procedure for this state. Since environmental reviews can cause
significant delay, create uncertainty for the developer, and add
to project costs ultimately borne by the consumer; it is
important that the review procedure be simple and straightforward
and yet thorough enough to assure that all important issues and
concerns are addressed. Improvements have been made in recent
years by the Legislature and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB)
to streamline the process and make it more difficult to abuse the
process. We commend them for these positive improvements.
THE AMM BELIEVES THAT AN APPROPRIATE BALANCE HAS BEEN STRUCK
BETWEEN THE NEED TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE DESIRE TO
ENHANCE AND IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE WITH RESPECT TO
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITHIN THE STATES ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
PROCEDURE (M.S. CHAPTER 116 D). NO SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES SHOULD BE
MADE UNTIL THERE HAS BEEN SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE TO DETERMINE IF
CHANGES ARE NEEDED.
v.
TRANSPORTATION
PAGES 19 THROUGH 20
V
TRANSPORTATION
V -N MTC MEMBERSHIP (NEW POLICY)
The 1984 legislature created the Regional Transit Board, as a
replacement for the then MTC which dealt with more than
operations of the major public bus company, to separate transit
alternative planning from bus company operations. In doing so
the MTC was reduced from 8 members to 3 members, one each from
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Suburbs. This arrangement has
worked, but not as well as it could and it is not
representative of the transit area population.
THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE MTC MEMBERSHIP
TO FIVE BY ADDING TWO MORE SUBURBAN MEMBERS TO FACILITATE
OPERATIONS AS A BOARD AND TO MORE EQUITABLY REPRESENT THE
TRANSIT SERVICE AREA POPULATION.
V-0 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS (NEW POLICY)
The Federal Government has mandated that states move to a 21
year old age limit for legal purchase and consumption of
alcoholic beverages by late 1986 or loose federal
transportation funds. The AMM is concerned about using federal
dollars as a type of blackmail or threat to accomplish
nationally what should be 'state rights' decisions but will
address that issue in another forum. The issue of what should
be the legal drinking age is also of concern to many AMM
members but is an issue more appropriately dealt with
individually. However, the AMM cities are very concerned with
any loss of federal dollars for much needed transportation
programs in the Metropolitan area. Therefore:
THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE LEGISLATURE TO ACT AS APPROPRIATE AND
NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED FLOW OF FEDERAL
TRANSPORTATION FUNDS TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.
-19-
V -P LARGE TRUCKS (NEN POLICY)
The trucking industry has recently proposed to the state
legislature allowing truck tractor and trailor combinations of
up to 110 feet on Minnesota State Highways. Due to offtracking
of rear wheels, acceleration distance needs, and time and
distance required for safe passing, current legal lenrths are
pushing the limit of safety and physical ability of our
interstate and trunk highway systems. Longer tractor/ trailor
combinations would only exacerbate these conditions beyond
tolerable limits. To upgrade the HiEhway System to accommodate
longer units would be very expensive reducing funding resources
-for other much needed critical projects. Once allowed on the
interstate and designated trunk route highways there would
undoubtedly by pressure to provide access to various local
areas which would be prohibitive in cost for local upgradin6
and unacceptable for safety, Therefore,
THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO NOT INCREASE TRUCK TRACTOR AND
TRAILOR COMBINATION LENGTH LIMITS BEYOND CURRENT LIMITS DUE TO
UNACCEPTABLE COST FOR HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND FOR PROTECT ICON
OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
V -Q MANDATORY SEAT BELTS (NEW POLICY)
Sufficient data exists to prove that wearing of seat belts
would reduep traffic deaths considerably. - Although many view
this issue as a personal decision that should not be mandated,
there is a significant public as well as personal cost in the
area of insurance and public safety and public .health needs.
Therefore;
THE AKH SUPPORTS MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR WEARING OF SEAT
BELTS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC DEATHS AND RELATED PUBLIC COSTS.
V -R .MSA FUNDS FOR OPTICOM (NEW POLICY)
Optical Command System, Opticom, equipment is used by Public
Safety vehicles to change traffic signals from the vehicle
while on an emergency .call. Opticom has proven successful in
decreasing emergency vehicle intersection accidents and is in
use in several metropolitan cities. However, it is expensive.
Current MSA standards and regulations do not allow use of MSA
funds for purchase of Opticom.
THE AHM REQUESTS THE MSA SCREENING COMMITTEE TO ALLOW USE OF
MSA HIGHWAY FUNDS FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF OPTICOM
SYSTEKS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS ON MSA STREETS.
-20-
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH
BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
November 18, 1985
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Zoning Adjustments and
Appeals was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Marofsky, Commissioners
Plufka, Bigelow, Musatto, Quass,
Victor, and Cornelius
STAFF PRESENT: Associate Planner Al Cottingham and
Building Official Joe Ryan
MINUTES
MOTION was made by Commissioner Plufka, seconded by Commis-
sioner Musatto to approve the October 14, 1985 Mirmtes as
amended.
VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairman Marofsky introduced the Board members and reviewed
the variance criteria which the Board uses in determining
whether a variance should be granted or denied.
MINUTES OCTOBER 14,
1985
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Marofsky introduced the request submitted by Joseph JOSEPH BERGLUND
Berglund for a variance from the minimum front and side yard VARIANCE FROM FRONT
setback requirements for property located at 2319 Kirkwood AND SIDE YARD SETBACK
Lane as described in the November 12, 1985 staff report. AT 2319 KIRKWOOD LANE
Mr. Berglund reviewed his request and explained that he
understood that there were other possible locations in which
to locate a detached structure; however, it would mean
severe changes to his lot since the topography of this lot
rises rapidly from the street. It would also mean the
removal of a few trees in order to construct a garage. He
reviewed the issue that if a road were brought in from his
other front yard from Larch Lane, that this driveway access
would be a severe down -hill to his garage and would make it
very hazardous during the winter months.
The Board inquired of Staff what were the possible locations
Of a detached structure. Staff responded that the garage
could be moved directly to the south and meet the setbacks
but may require the removal of a tree or two and possibly
some alterations to the topography in order to have an easy
access into the garage.
The Board inquired of Mr. Berglund if there had ever been a
garage with this home. Mr. Berglund responded that at one
time there was a small tuck -under garage that has been
converted into a small family room.
The Board discussed the design of this structure, the
topography for other possible locations and access into a
detached structure. They were concerned with the proposed
roof line and design of the structure and the concern that a
Page two '� -\�
Board of Zoning Minutes
November 18, 1985
future owner may choose to expand this structure upward and
would not need a variance to do so.
MOTION was made by Commissioner Quass, seconded by MOTION TO APPROVE
Commissioner Musatto to approve the variance from the front
and side yard setbacks for property located at 2319 Kirkwood
Lane, for Joseph Berglund, subject to the conditions in the
draft resolution.
VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried.
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Marofsky introduced the request submitted by Robert ROBERT H. CHAPMAN
H. Chapman for a variance from the minimum side yard setback VARIANCE FROM THE SIDE
requirements for property located at 10877 South Shore YARD SETBACK AT 10877
Drive, as described in the November 12, 1985 staff report. SOUTH SHORE DRIVE
Mr. Chapman reviewed the history of the old surveys that he
had of this lot which showed the existing home five feet
from the property line. The survey prepared for this
application shows it setback 11.1 feet. Mr. Chapman
questioned what difference it would make if the Board
granted his variance and allowed him to construct the
addition five feet from the property line since, that it was
the assumed house location. He went on to review the layout
of the home and how the proposed solar room would be
accessed, and how it will help in heating his home during
the winter months.
The Board discussed other possible locations in order to
maintain the required 10 foot side yard setback. They
suggested shifting the 12 x 24 foot addition to the north to
maintain the setback, or pivoting the addition by shortening
the northern wall so that the addition would be parallel to
the south property line.
The Board discussed the type of solar system that Mr.
Chapman proposed. Mr. Chapman stated that it would be a
passive solar system and would provide 25% of his home
heating.
The Board questioned if there is a hardship, since an
addition could be built within the Ordinance setbacks. Mr.
Chapman stated that the cost of re -designing the addition
and the construction of a different style is what creates
the hardship. Mr. Chapman was informed that cost is not
looked at as being a hardship.
MOTION was made by Commissioner Cornelius, seconded by MOTION TO DENY
Commissioner Victor to deny the variance from the side yard
setback for property located at 10877 South Shore Drive, for
Robert H. Chapman, for the reasons stated in the draft
resolution.
VOTE. 7 AYES. MOTION carried. VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
Page three
Board of Zoning Minutes
November 18, 1985
Chairman Marofsky left the table on the next application,
since there was a conflict of interest. Commissioner Victor
would be the acting chair for this petition. Acting Chairman
Victor introduced the request by Erwin Stobbe for a variance
from the minimum front and rear yard setback requirements
for property located north of 12300 23rd Avenue North as
described in the November 12, 1985 staff report.
Mr. Stobbe reviewed his request and stated that he would
like to change the request to allow for a 20 foot front
yard setback and thus would not need a variance for the rear
yard setback. He submitted a petition to the Board with 26
signatures from residents in the area stating that they have
no problems with the reduced setback. He did however have a
list of five concerns from the two abutting property owners
that he did address. He stated that it appeared the main
concern was the proposed drainage of this site and how it
would be handled by the construction of a retaining wall
that would help to direct the flow of the water through a
draintile system, to the south, to 23rd Avenue.
Mr. ferry Murphy, 12030 23rd Avenue North stated that he was
concerned with the proposed drainage of this lot and the
effect on the roads in the area, considering that the
intersection of 23rd and Jonquil Lane forms a small pond in
front of his home. Due to the poor drainage of that area,
the construction of a home on this lot, would add to that
run-off problem. He also feels that this lot ;s too small to
build on; he is concerned with the noise that would be
generated from this home since this lot is elevated higher
than his lot.He stated that if the Board did approve Mr.
Stobbe's request, he would want the drainage system
constructed before the house was allowed to begin
construction.
Mr. Sohn Ritter, 2320 Jonquil Lane North stated that he was
also concerned with the affect of drainage on their
property; also that this home would be in close proximity to
his home. The Board addressed the concerns of Mr. Murphy and
Mr. Ritter. In reference to Mr. Ritter's concern as to the
closeness of this structure to his home, they noted that
Mr. Stobbe could shift this house closer to the north
property line than proposed. The Ordinance does allow for a
15 foot side yard setback and Mr. Stobbe is proposing a 21
foot side yard setback.
The Board continued discussion as to the run-off from this
site and questioned if a different design of home would
create a lesser run-off. Staff commented there would still
be impervious surfaces on this lot regardless if this home
is two story or a split level and thus there would be
run-off if a home is constructed.
ERWIN STOBBE
VARIANCE FROM THE
FRONT AND REAR YARD
SETBACKS AT NORTH OF
12300 23RD AVENUE
NORTH
::�-L-- x--51 c"
Page four
Board of Zoning Minutes
November 18, 1985
The Board discussed concerns with granting this variance
prior to having a drainage plan approved by the City
Engineer since this could create some problems in the
furture. Mr. Stobbe stated that his Engineering firm feels
that the Board could approve the request subject to a
drainage plan being approve be the City.
Chariman Marofsky returned to the table but did not
participate in the discussion.
Acting Chairman Victor noted that the Board had three
options in which to deal with this proposal. Option #1: to
approve the request based upon the conditions in the draft
resolution, #2: deny the request for reasons, or #3: table
the request seeking the information regarding the drainage
at this site.
MOTION by Commissioner Quass to approve the variance from MOTION TO APPROVE
the front yard setback to allow for a 20 foot front yard
setback and a 25 foot rear yard setback for property located
north of 12300 23rd Avenue North for Erwin Stobbe subject to
the conditions in the draft resolution.
MOTION died for lack of a second.
MOTION DIED
MOTION was made by Commissioner Quass, seconded by MOTION TO DEFER
Commissioner PLufka to defer action on this request until
the December 9, 1985 meeting so that Mr. Stobbe could submit
a grading plan to the City for approval.
VOTE. 6 - 0. MOTION carried.
ADJOUtNMFNT
The meeting adjourned at 9:42 P.M.
VOTE - MOTION CARRIED
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular meeting of the Board of Zoning
Adustments and Appeals of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota, was held on the 18th
day of November . 1985. The following members were present: Char iman Marofsky,
Commissioners Plufka, Bigelow, Musatto, Quass, Victor, and Cornelius
The following members were absent: None
Commissioner Cornelius
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. B 85 -
introduced the following Resolution and moved its
DENYING VARIANCE REQUEST FOR ROBERT H. CHAPMAN, 10877 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE (11-02-85)
WHEREAS, Robert Chapman has requested approval of a 5 foot encroachment into the
Ordinance side yard setback of 10 feet in order to construct a 12 x 24 ft. solar room
onto his existing home; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals has reviewed said request;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS OF
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does deny the request for
Robert Chapman, for a 5 foot variance to allow a 5 foot side yard setback for a 12 x 24
foot addition onto his home at 10877 South Shore Drive for the following reasons:
1. The variance criteria have not been met.
2. The improvement could be developed within Ordinance Standards.
The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly seconded by
Commissioner Victor , and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Chairman Marofsky, Commissioners Plufka, Bigelow,
Musatto, Quass Victor, and Cornelius
The following voted against or abstained: None
Whereupon the Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Regular meeting of the Board of Zoning
Adustments and Appeals of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota, was held on the 18th
day of November 1985. The following members were present: Chairman Marofsky,
Commissioners Plufka, Bigelow, Musatto, Quass, Victor, and Cornlius
The following members were absent: None
Commissioner Quass introduced the following Resolution and moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION NO. B 85 -
APPROVING VARIANCE REQUEST FOR JOSEPH BERGLUND, 2319 KIRKWOOD LANE (11-01-85)
WHEREAS, Joseph Berglund has requested approval of a 11.1 ft. encroachment into the
Ordinance front yard setback of 35 feet an a 12.8 foot encroachment into the Ordinance
side yard setback of 15 feet in order to construct an attached 24 x 24 ft. garage onto
his existing home; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals has reviewed said request;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS OF
THE CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA, that it should and hereby does approve the request for
Joseph Berglund, for a 11.1 ft. variance to allow a 23.9 ft. front yard setback and a
12.8 foot variance to allow a 2.2 foot side yard setback for an attached 24 x24 foot
garage at 2319 Kirkwood Lane for the following reasons:
1. The variance criteria have been met.
2. No other variances are granted or implied by this action.
The motion for adoption of the foregoing Resolution was duly seconded by
Commissioner Musatto , and upon vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof :Chairman Narofsky, Commissioners Plufka, Bigelow,
Musatto, Quass, Victor, and Cornelius
The following voted against or abstained: None
Whereupon the Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
SNOWPLOWING DAMAGES QUESTIONAIRE
1. Cities Completing the questioniare:
Apple Valley Eagan Blaine
Plymouth St. Louis Park Coon Rapids
Burnsville West St. Paul Minnetonka
Roseville New Hope Maple Grove
2. Does your City complete the snowplowing activity with:
3
4
a. City Staff 7
b. By Contract
C. Combination of both 5
If a City Employee damages residential property, specifically
mail boxes, while snowplowing, who is responsible for the
repair or replacement?
a. City will repair or replace 3
b. City will repair/replace only if mailbox is hit by
plow 7
C. City will not repair/replace damages to mailboxes that
sit in the right-of-way 1
d. City will repair/replace only if mailbox is hit by plow
and was correctly installed.
What set -back requirements, if any, has your City established
to avoid damage to mail boxes?
a. None 6
b. Cities with requirements 3
*Plymouth - restriction of mailboxes in right-of-way,
see attachment A.
*Burnsville - 42" high, front of box cannot extend past
the front of the curb
*Blaine - 45" high, front of box cannot extend past the
front of the curb, see attachment B.
*Minnetonka adopted Postal regulations on height 45-54",
minimum length from post to front of box 36", see
attachment C.
*New Hope - one foot back from curb
*Maple Grove - posts 3.5-4.5 ft. high, mailbox front in
line with curb front.
5. How have setback requirements been enforced:
a. NA: 8
b. On complaint basis: 1
C. By Postal Service: 1
d. Not enforced: 1
e. P.W. Employees or CSO complaints.
6. Comments?
a. Fall survey conducted to identify existing damages or
unstable mailboxes that may be affected by snowplowing
and related snowbanks to support our disclaimer of
liability if applicable.
b. "This has not been a big problem".
"Last year we 'took out' approximately 4U-50 total
mailboxes."
C. "We would like to do away with them."
d. "Really have few problems."
e. "We do not repair damage to lawn sprinkler heads within
the ROW."
f. "All in all, the system works adequately."
7. Copy of Results: Yes 8, No. 3.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55441
TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
DATE: July 14, 1981
MEMO
TO: Joe Ryan, Tom Vetsch
FROM: Frank Boyles, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: LANDSCAPING MATERIALS IN RIGHT-OF-WAY ADJACENT TO STREETS
In the past, each of you have requested clarification about the City's
policy with regard to landscaping materials being placed in street
right-of-way particularly where it poses a hazard to street maintenance
operations. This subject was discussed by the City Council at their
July 7 meeting. After reviewing State Statutes and City Ordinance on
this topic, the Council concluded that where landscaping materials were
found in street right-of-ways, particularly those close to the curb line,
the property owner should receive a letter from the City. The letter is
to indicate that the City does not look favorably upon placement of such
objects in the right-of-way. While the letter will not require removal,
it will state that the City will not honor claims arising by virtue of
damage to landscape materials caused by City equipment. At the same
time, the resident will be reminded that the City reserves the right
to bring notice of claim against the property owner in the event that
City equipment is damaged as a result of improper placement of materials
in the right-of-way. For your information, I am attaching a copy of the
letter which will be used for this purpose. One letter has already been
sent to the property owner at.12575.7 30th Avenue North.
' Pfease contact me if you have ary questions about this policy.
FS -19
cc: J. Ko_1 sltad
F. Mobtb
A. Kleinbeck.
2 5/8" O.D. GALLA
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NOTE:
FOR MULTIPLE MAILBOX
INSTALLATION - MUST CONFORM
TO UNITED STATES POST
OFFICE SPECIFICATION
MAILBOX DETAIL
I ITS LIAL DAT E
PLATE NO. 8LA 5G4
DATE . MAY 82
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF
HIGHWAYS
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FROM:
SUBJECT
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD., PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447
TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
November 27, 198
All Personnel
Chief Carlquist
Police -Com=ity Relations
MEMO
I have enclosed with this memo a recent publication from the F.B.I.
Law Enforcement Bulletin concerning the above subject matter. It
is a tremendous article. I want each and every one of you to take
the time during your normal roll call period to read this study
very carefully. You will find that assistance or appearance of
assistance given to citizens by police officers is what the citizens
appreciate most.
Ii. U i AM It
_
IN
November 1985 1
Building Bridges
Between Police
and Public
A 41 -year-old woman with an 11 th
with the police before. Two officers
By
grade education living in a middle in-
arrived in about 10 minutes, but I
come neighborhood of Troy. NY. gave
was very upset. They calmed me
DOROTHY GUYOT, Ph.D.
this reply when asked in a telephone
down and said it wasn't unusual
Research Director
interview about the police service she
and that 17 -year-old boys do that,
Children's Evaluation and
had received.
and the majority of boys come
Rehabilitation Center
"Well, my son, he's 17. had supper
home. They took all his friends'
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
with us and said he was going to
names down. They asked what Don
Bronx, NY
the store—which would have been
looked like and if he had been in
6:00. It's very unusual for Donny
trouble before. They were great.
not to come right back. We thought
They were understanding. They
maybe he visited a friend. but at
made it seems like they were going
10:00 he still never came home. We
to look for him. I was carrying on,
were concerned, so we called the
but they understood and tried to
Troy police. I've never had contact
calm me down. They made me feel
November 1985 1
Dr. Guyct
2 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
better by telling me this happens to
other people."
These officers are from a depart-
ment of 120 officers and 20 nonsworn
personnel serving an old industrial cl
of 55.000 located on the east bank of
the Hudson. When this mother called
the police for the first time in her life,
her son had been gone only 4 hours.
How would she have felt if the depart-
ment's policy had been to refuse miss-
ing persons cases until 24 hours had
elapsed? Such a policy. fairly common
across the country, defines the solu-
tion to the problem as the reappear-
ance of the missing person. Since the
missing person almost always turns up
within a day, this view holds that police
need not waste their time trying to rush
an immediate solution to a problem
that most likely will soon solve itself.
However, this narrow focus on efficient
task accomplishment completely ig-
nores the overwhelming fear and help-
lessness that parents may suffer when
their child is missing. This mother
clung to the reassurance in the offi-
cers' careful checking on the boy's
habits and their words, `The majority of
boys come home."
The leaders of the Troy Police De-
partment view police -community rela-
tions as individual relations. That is, at
every encounter when individual citi-
zens receive assistance from individ-
ual police officers, the officers have an
opportunity to build bridges between
the police and the public. As officers
help people solve their problems or at
least live more comfortably with them,
they establish the basis for future
closer cooperation.
-7
The most fundamental decisions
for any work organization are selecting
what goods and services it will pro-
duce. For members, the strongest and
most persistent incentives come from
the nature of work. To the extent that
leaders of service delivery agencies
can decide what services to provide
and who the clients will be, they can
influence strongly the satisfactions
which come from performing the work.
The policy of the Troy Police De-
partment since 1973 has been to pro-
vide a wide range of human services,
many of which are unrelated to crime
prevention and crime control. The de-
partment welcomes the fact that the
24-hour presence of police officers
throughout the community gives them
particular advantage as first re-
sponders to a broad range of social
and individual problems. This policy
holds that real police work includes as-
sisting the injured. rescuing victims,
calming landlord -tenant disputes, qui-
eting noisy kids hanging out on the
corner, and helping in numerous other
situations in which people are endan-
gered or merely inconvenienced. In
sum, officers in patrol are seen as the
professionals who safeguard the
health of the social body.
As a department makes known its
readiness to serve, calls for service in-
crease. Within 2 years of the change in
leadership, Troy's calls for service rose
from about 300 a year for every 1,000
city residents to about 500. An inter-
pretation of this rise is that initially. citi-
zens had many unmet needs for police
service. As citizens received prompt.
helpful service in serious situations.
they began calling about less serious
crimes and less troublesome prob-
lems. The department's index crimes
increased simultaneously, reflecting
largely a change in reporting. Police
management need not fear an endless
escalation in the number of minor inci-
"... when individual citizens receive assistance from individual
police officers, the officers have an opportunity to build bridges
between the police and the public."
dents brought to police attention. Calls
for service in Troy leveled off in the
mid -1970's and have continued to date
at an annual average of over 450 per
1,000 residents. Throughout this pe-
riod, about 65 percent of the depart-
ments calls for service have been for
incidents which are not crimes.
A policy to respond to a wide vari-
ety of needs among ordinary citizens
differs greatly from a lack of policy that
unthinkably sends officers on all sorts
of ceremonial services and errands.
Over a decade ago, the department
terminated a number of ceremonial du-
ties and protective services. In 1972.
an estimated 6 percent of all calls had
been to escort local merchants in mak-
ing their bank deposits. The depart-
ment discontinued merchant escorts
because they could afford to employ
private security services. The assign-
ment of 18 officers to the polls on elec-
tion day ended abruptly in 1973. and
motorcycle escorts for funeral proces-
sions had ended months earlier. In
declining to provide various special
services benefiting individuals and
businesses. the department freed re-
sources that could serve a greater
number of citizens.
Providing a broad range of serv-
ices unrelated to crime appears to en-
hance crime control in four different
ways.' One means is early intervention
in conflicts which could escalate into
criminal attack if left unattended. Com-
mon examples include neighborhood
disputes, domestic disputes, and nui-
sance complaints. Research in this
area included the 1977 Police Founda-
tion finding that homicides and aggra-
vated assaults were often preceded by
domestic disputes .2 A second means
is through increasing officers' informa-
tion which can be used in solving
crimes. An information model of polic-
ing suggests that officers in continual
contact with citizens pick up facts and
impressions useful in crime prevention
and apprehension.3 A third means is to
work with youths in trouble to steer
them toward socially acceptable be-
havior. William Muir. in Police: Street -
corner Politicians. vividly describes an
officer's success in getting youths to
accept responsibility for their acts.° In-
dividual officers have a rich store of
recollections on how their personal
rapport with citizens has enhanced
Figure 1
their own effectiveness in crime con-
trol. Rigorous research is now needed
to test each of these contributions to
crime control.
A fourth basis for improved crime
control occurs whenever officers
render assistance to citizens, which re-
sults in citizens getting to know officers
personally and thus becoming more
willing to get involved. In Troy the ef-
fect of knowing police officers person-
ally has been measured as it influ-
Questions on Six Situations
Where Citizens Could Cooperate in Crime Control
In the last year, have you seen any
children or teenagers damaging
property, such as throwing rocks at
cars, defacing signs. or breaking
windows?.
In the last year. did you see anything
happen that you thought was against
the law. a crime or probably a crime?
(PROBE) Did you see somebody hurt
somebody deliberately? Did you see
somebody's property being taken or
damaged?
In the last year, did you see anything
suspicious that made you think
someone might be going to commit a
crime?
In the last year. did a police officer ask
you about some trouble that had just
happened?
In the last year, did anyone in your
neighborhood have an argument or
fight that disturbed the peace?
In the last year, have you been away
from home for a few days?
Percentage Proportion of those
saying eyes" saying "yes" who
took positive action
370o 65°a
13°o 57°o
13% 67%
15°o 97°o
22°0 52%
62% 75%
This is the wording and order of the questions used in the survey. After individuals identified each op-
portunity for action, they were asked whether they did anything.
November 1985 3
ences the degree of citizen
cooperation. A cross section of 950
residents over 13 years of age re-
sponded in the Spring of 1978 to long
telephone interviews asking about their
contacts with officers.. their sense of
safety, and their recent experiences
with crime. The questionnaire asked
whether the citizen had recently seen
any of six crime -related situations and
what they did about them. Figure 1
shows both the percentage of citizens
who recalled each type of incident and
the proportion who took some action
on their own, with other citizens, or
with the police. Over one-third of the
citizens recalled witnessing some act
of juvenile delinquency. while fewer re-
called seeing a crime or a suspicious
event. All together. only 46 percent of
the population at large recalled seeing
one of these three acts within the last
year. An explanation why a somewhat
smaller proportion took action over
crimes than over kids doing damage
and suspicious events is that most
common occasions when citizens
failed to call the police were minor—
vandalism, speeding. running a stop
sign. and smoking pot. These four
types accounted for 60 percent of the
crimes witnessed but unreported.
As might be supposed. younger
people witnessed crimes more often
than their elders, men more than
women. Boys ages 14 to 17 had most
opportunity of all: 85 percent of them
had seen at least one instance of de-
structive acts by other teenagers, a
crime occurring. or a suspicious event.
The factor most clearly distinguishing
boys who called the police from those
who did not was knowing officers per-
sonally. Fifteen out of the 18 boys who
sought police assistance in stopping a
crime or delinquent act knew at least
two officers. Five boys who admitted
doing nothing did not know any officer.
4 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
Some insight into increasing citi-
zen cooperation over a period of time
can be obtained from the data depart-
ments routinely collect in their records
of calls for service. When people give
their names to police operators. they
expect to become Involved at least to
the extent of giving additional informa-
tion to the responding officer. Gener-
ally, citizens are more willing to give
their names in criminal Incidents
because they expect to provide infor-
mation for an official report. With non-
criminal incidents. such as neighbor-
hood disturbances. fewer are willing to
identify themselves because they want
to limit their involvement. Citizens can
thus frustrate an officer who arrives at
a scene and cannot locate a
complainant.
Citizen involvement has increased
over the years as a sample of calls for
service indicates. Between i972 anu
1975, the number of citizens identi-
fying themselves when calling for serv-
ice rose from 34 percent to 65 percent.
By 1983, 79 percent of those calling
the police gave their names. The pol-
icy of the department is to encourage
citizens to give their names. but not to
demand a name from any caller who
declines.
Once police -community relations
are viewed as the bedrock of police
service, it becomes apparent that the
organizational structure of a depart-
ment is crucial to enhancing these
relations. The practical methods of en-
couraging officers to commit them-
selves to quality service in noncriminal
matters must begin with adequate
staffing of patrol and must include
steady platoon and zone assignments.
If officers are shifted frequently from
one patrol area to another. from one
time of day to another, they will not be-
come thoroughly familiar with any
neighborhood. If the number of calls
for service so overwhelm the available
officers that they hurry without a break
from one call to the next. the officers
are likely to protect themselves from
an unreasonable workload by giving
cursory attention to some calls and
then delay reporting their availability in
order to create free time. With a patrol
overload, the types of calls most likely
to be disposed of quickly are so-called
"low priority" calls. ones where no re-
port is required.
A study by an Indiana Universitv
team. Patterns of Metropolitan Polic-
ing. provides national figures from 80
metropolitan areas on patrol staffing.
Their 1973 data on the number of offi-
cers In the patrol divis,On on the street
at 10 p.m. per 1,000 population dem-
onstrate that the smaller the depart-
ment. the greater the patrol density.
Figure 2 shows that the Troy PD
climbed from below average patrol
density in 1970 to near the top of the
range in 1984 without an expansion in
sworn personnel. From the mid -1970 s
through the early 1980 s. Troy staffing
at 2.4 officers per 1,000 population has
been above average for departments
of its size. Now with a substantial in-
crease in nonsworn positions. officer
staffing is near average. The Troy Po-
lice Department achieves a high den-
sity of patrol coverage by creating a
high proportion of patrol positions and
allocating them by tour in accordance
with workload. (See fig. 3.)
As of 1985, the only support posi-
tions held by a police officer are the
warrant officer and one position per
tour in the radio room. The major
method for achieving high patrol cover-
age is job enrichment for patrol offi-
cers, resulting in a need for fewer spe-
Figure 2
Adequacy of Patrol Staffing in Troy
Compared to Municipal Departments in 80 Metropolitan Areas
Agency Size, Number of Officers on the Number of
Number of Sworn Officers Street per 1,000 Population agencies
Median Range
Troy, 1970 (124 fulltime officers) .19 1
Troy. 1973 (122) .20 1
Troy, 1984 (117) .29 1
Over 150 fulltime officers .23 .16 to .32 45
51 to 149 .25 .17 to .34 77
21 to 50 .31 .22 to .34 121
11 to 20 .35 .25 to .47 124
5 to 10 .42 .28 to .65 209
1 to 5 .62 .42 to 1.15
Definitions: For each of the 785 departments in the national study. a knowledgable commander in patrol
estimated the number of officers of all ranks in the patrol division who were working on an average eve-
ning at 10 p.m. in 1973
Sources Elinor Ostrom. Roger B Parks. and Gordon P Whitaker, Patterns of Metropolitan Policing
(Cambridge. MA: Ballinger. 1978).
The Troy figures for the third platoon in 1970 are computed by excluding desk sergeants and radio room
officers, then taking 67 percent of the sergeants and police officers and reducing that number by 15 per-
cent for vacation. sick leave. and personal days Tre 1973 figures are comparably derived. The 1984 are
based on the staffing of squads 1 and 3 of the evening platoon, minus 15 percent for vacation. sick
leave. and personal days.
cialists. Thus, officers in the patrol
division work as evidence technicians.
perform all traffic control functions be-
yond those provided by the meter at-
tendants and crossing guards. and
conduct full criminal investigations on
midnights since no investigators are
assigned to that tour.
The squad system within the
patrol division provides officers conti-
nuity in their assignments, so that they
have ample opportunity to learn the
neighborhood they serve and its partic-
ular character during their steady tour.
An officer now serves for at least a
year at a time in the same zone, on the
same platoon, and in the same squad.
With sufficient seniority, an officer may
choose to continue indefinitely in the
same zone. Only officers who have
chosen to work squad 3 (which covers
for squads 1 and 2 on their days off),
or to work the "extra" positions, alter-
nate their work among different neigh-
borhoods. Figure 4 gives the patrol
duty chart for police officers and ser-
geants, which provide a simple pattern
of consistent service to neighbor-
hoods. These structures, which permit
every patrol officer to relate to the citi-
zens of his or her zone, are probably
more important in encouraging quality
service than explicit directives and
exhortations.
Departmental commendations do
set an obvious standard of what is im-
portant. The department gives awards
of 1 or 2 days' leave to officers who
save lives. Officers who rescue individ-
uals from burning buildings, disarm
mentally unbalanced individuals, or
prevent suicides have received leave
with pay. As for good arrests. the de-
partment expects them as part of the
job and takes note of an exceptionally
fine arrest through a written
commendation.
The most direct and quickest
source of praise is citizens who have
seen officers performing quality work.
Direct thanks and praise to the officer
are important citizen contributions. The
residential survey in Troy shore !hat a
large variety of actions witnessed by
citizens is considered praiseworthy by
them. (See fig. 5.)
Figure 3 7
Squad Chart Creating Consistent Working Conditions
SMTWTFS SMTWTFS SMTWTFS SMTWTFS
Squad 1 0 0 00 0 0 0 0
Squad 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Squad 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
cycle
starts
over
This duty chart is used by all police officers and sergeants in the patrol division. Four weeks are show,
across the top of the diagram and each day off of the three squads is indicated with an 0. Squads 1
and 2 have steady beats, while an officer in squad 3 alternates to cover the beats of an individual
apiece in squads 1 and 2 on days off. In each squad, a few officers hold "extra' and "relief" positions
and are the ones whose assignments vary to cover positions of officers off on sick leave. vacations.
and the like. Note that officers receive 2 days off within every calendar week and a weekend every third
week.
November 1985 5
.............
If
11
Az
.............
If
"Assistance of all types evoked admiration more frequently that
excellence in criminal investigation."
Assistance of all types evoked ad-
miration more frequently than excel-
lence in criminal investigation. Out of
the 105 specific praises which are
summarized in figure 5, only 12 con-
cern crime control, while 93 are admi-
ration in many other circumstances.
Since the typical American image
of police officers is that of protectors of
citizens from criminal attack, it is inter-
esting that citizens of one city praise
police assistance far more frequently
than they praise crime control actions.
This finding from Troy is consistent
with research results obtained by
Indiana University in 24 jurisdictions in
the Rochester. NY. St. Louis, MO, and
Tampa. FL, areas, which revealed that
citizens were more satisfied with serv-
ice in noncriminal situations than in
criminal ones.5 Thus, an added benefit
of devoting police resources to serv-
ices unrelated to crime control is to
build citizen goodwill. If broad cate-
gories of assistance were cut back in
order to increase crime control efforts,
the department would be paring down
of the kinds of services which citizens
appreciate most.
In Troy, citizens pass praises
among themselves much more often
than giving them directly to officers.
Only about 45 percent of the citizens
who witnessed praiseworthy actions
took the step of expressing their ap-
preciation directly to the officers in-
volved. For every time that an officer
received words of praise, citizens were
likely to have told 10 friends. Thus, a
department can be gaining an excel-
lent reputation among citizens, yet offi-
cers may seldom experience praises.
Figure 4
Troy Police Manning Patterns
-1977 thru 1985
Police Officers
Authorized Strength
Police Officer
in Field Assignments
% of Actual Police
BID PERIOD
Total
Police Officer
Actual
Patrol Investigation
Officers in Field
(Bid Positions)
Spring '77
132
88
84
67 4
84.5%
Fall '77
136
92
82
71 1
87.8
Spring '78
134
91
88
61 0
69.3
Fall '78
136
93
90
78 2
88.9
Spring '79
136
93
92
77 2
85.9
Fall '79
131
89
84
72 2
88.1
Spring '80
130
86
78
63 11
94.9
Fall '80
130
86
82
60 12
87.8
Spring '81
130
86
82
60 12
87.8
Fall '81
130
86
79
60 9
87.3
Spring '82
130
86
78
66 8
94.9
Fall '82
130
86
75
63 8
94.7
Spring '83
123
83
72
61 7
94.4
Fall '83
123
88
78
66 7
93.4
1984
123
88
75
67 8
89.3
1985
123
88
83
70 8
93.4
Data Source: Table of Organization.
November 1985 7
Sometimes words of praise return
to officers at unexpected times. An offi-
cer who chose to serve in the neigh-
borhood where he lived as a child. the
poorest section of town, used these
words to describe his work:
"One family where I had been
perhaps ten times Is a common law
couple. who live in the projects.
One evening. they were in the midst
of a particularly bad family dispute.
The 7 -year-old son was taking in
every move they made. It took me a
long time. but eventually they came
to a peaceable understanding.
Some weeks afterwards. I went to
lunch at the local convenience
store. As I walked in the door, the
kid sang out to friends, "There's
Sam. There's Sam." He was dirty
with summer sweat on his face. a
runny nose. shining eyes. and a big
grin. He was so cute he was ador-
able. I said. -How are you. pal?" He
came right up to me. "Know what.
Mister? When I grow up I want to
be just like you. -
8 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin
Figure 5
---
Footnotes
Stephen Mastrofsk! The Police and Non-Cr:me
Services, eds. Gordon P Wntaxe, and Chanes Daoa
Phillips. Evaluation of Performance of Criminal Justice
Agenciescriminal justice system annuals. no 19 IBeve'y
Hills Sage Press. 19831 pp 33--61
Mane Wilt, James Bannon. Ronald K. Breedlove.
John W. Kenntsh. Donald M Sandker. and Robes K
Sawtell_ Domestic Violence and the Police Srud,e� r
Detroit and Kansas City (Washington. Police Fc-nda!1or
1977)
'James M Edgar. -Information liv i Policing—A
Design lot Systematic Use of Cnm,nal Inteliiaence in a
Team Policing Operator %, Pace Sae^ce and
Adm^st,affor. vol. S. Ns , Septemoe! '977
272-284
'Wmiam Ker Muir. Jr Po:,ce Sneerem�, Pohhc,ars
:Chicago University of Chcage Press 1977 Cr 8
SMastrolsk,. supra note 1
Specific Police Services Praised by 114 Citizens
Type of Action
Assistance
Resolving conflicts
Helping people who cannot care for
themselves: Children, aged, intoxicated
After medical and fire emergencies
Other help
Facilitating Traffic
Individual drivers and pedestrians
General flow
Stopping dangerous drivers
Saving Lives
Medical emergency
Fire rescue
From other physical danger
Crime Control
Investigation
Assisting victims
Crime prevention
Generally good work
Total
Number of Citizens
Praising that Action
35
13
11
5
6
31
22
7
2
22
10
9
3
17
12
3
2
9
114
league
TO: MAYORS, MANAGERS, CLERKS
minnesota
November 26, 1985
FROM: Ann Higgins, Staff Associate
SUBJECT: TAX REFORM THREAT TO TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF MUNICIPAL BONDS
AUTHORITY TO ISSUE TAX-EXEMPT BONDS UNDER IMMEDIATE THREAT
Chances are growing that Congress may impose severe restrictions on
traditional uses of municipal bonds. Action by the House Ways and
Means Committee this past weekend signals that House action can be
anticipated soon. Please contact members of the Minnesota
Congressional Delegation (list attached) immediately. Indicate your
opposition to the proposed sweeping limits and restrictions on cities'
authority to issue municipal bonds.
SECRECY SURROUNDS DETAILS OF HOUSE COMMITTEE ACTION
Because Congress is not subject to open meeting requirements, the
currently proposed proposed limits on local tax-exempt financings are
the result of closed committee sessions. Actual legislative language
for these proposals is not yet available. Therefore, the information
in the media or provided informally by committee staff or members
serves as the basis for much of what can now be reported.
USE AND LOAN TESTS MAY ELIMINATE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF MANY PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT BONDS AND LEAD TO MORE COSTS FOR CITIES
It must be clearly understood that proposed federal tax reform
legislation now contains provisions that seriously threaten the
continued use of tax-exempt bonds for public improvements.
According to the actions of the House Ways and Means Committee, bonds
issued by state and local government are governmental - and therefore
tax exempt -only if less than 10 percent of the bond proceeds (or $10
million, whichever is less) is used by a trade or business and no more
than 5 percent (or $5 million, whichever is less) of the proceeds is
loaned to a trade or business.
It means that cities (as well as other state and local units of
government) will be able to issue tax-exempt bonds only as long as
these use limits or "tests" are not exceeded.
1 80 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 551 01 [61 2] 227-5000
1
BOND ISSUES FAILING THESE TESTS ARE TAXABLE AND TERMED NONGOVERNMENTAL
UNLESS AN EXEMPTION APPLIES.
The following categories of municipal bonds fit within the exemption
provided: small issue IDBS, exempt facility IDBs, owner occupied
housing, and 501(c)(3) organization bonds, BUT
THE TAX EXEMPTION CURRENTLY ALLOWED FOR SOME TYPES OF FACILITIES,
WHETHER PUBLICLY OR PRIVATELY OWNED, WOULD BE ENDED - SEE BELOW.
THAT LIST INCLUDES INDUSTRIAL PARKS, GAS AND ELECTRIC UTILITIES,
DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS, HYDROELECTRIC PLANTS, AIR AND
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES, SPORTS, AND CONVENTION AND TRADE
CENTERS.
This means that municipal G.O. and revenue bonds for such improvements
would be considered taxable.
"429" improvement bonds for curb, gutter, or road extensions to
subdivision developments might also be nongovernmental under such a
restriction if private developers stand to gain by as little as 10
percent of the proceeds of that bond issue.
MORE RESTRICTIONS
See page 2 of the attached memo for a list of other bond uses which
would automatically be placed under a new per capita volume limit
in which cities would compete to obtain authority to issue tax-exempt
bonds. Note solid waste, and municipal water facilities
are on the list.
What that means is that after January 1, cities must await the
decision of the Governor or the state legislature to find out whether
they will be able to issue bonds for these purposes as well as for any
of the other public purpose listed above that fail the 10 and 5
percent use and loan tests.
LIMITS ON TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Hundreds of Minnesota cities have made effective use of tax increment
financing to assist needed development, to redevelop downtown
commercial and industrial sections, and to provide financing necessary
to aid in housing development. Only a limited number of projects
would remain eligible under the strict limits set by the federal tax
reform proposals.
No acquisition, land write-downs, financing of development costs, etc.
would be considered tax-exempt activity within provisions being
considered by the House Ways and Means Committee. Efforts have been
made to try to gain an exemption for such activities at the local
level, but to date there is no certainty that such changes will be
added.
(All 8 House members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation have
2
sent a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman,
Representative Rostenkowski, urging him to permit exceptions to the
proposed "tests" to permit the use of tax increment financing.)
To the extent that tax increment bonds are used to finance
improvements such as streets, sidewalks, lighting, etc., their tax-
exempt status appears to have been sustained by actions of the Ways
and Means Committee. But, such bonds issued for redevelopment could
be subject to the new unified volume limits (referred to on page 2 of
the technical information) if proceeds are used for land acquisition
or relocation costs.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1 DATE POSES CRITICAL DEADLINE FOR CITY BONDING
AUTHORITY
When contacting your member of Congress and our U.S. Senators, urge
immediate action to remove the January 1, 1986 effective date now in
the proposals under consideration by the House Ways and Means
Committee. Without such action, the authority of all cities to issue
tax-exempt bonds will be subject to major uncertainties and severe
restrictions for the foreseeable future.
Senator Rudy Boschwitz
506 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-5641.
Local Office
210 Bremer Bldg.
419 N. Robert Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(612) 221-0904
Toll Free 800/652-9771
Rep. Timothy J. Penny
501 Cannon Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2472
Local Office
Blue Earth Government
Box 3148
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 625-6921
Park Towers
22 N. Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 281-6053
Rep. Vin Weber
318 Cannon Bldg.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 225-2331
Local Office
Senator Dave Durenberger
375 Russell Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3244
Local Office
1020 Plymouth Bldg.
12 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 349-5111
Toll Free 800/752-4226
Rep. Bill Frenzel
1026 Longworth Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2871
Local Office
Center 812.0 Penn Avenue S.
Suite 445
Bloomington, MN 55431
(612) 881-4600
Rep. Bruce Vento
2433 Rayburn Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-6631
20515
P.O.Box 1214
Marshall, MN 56258
(507) 532-9611
P. 0. Box 279
New Ulm, MN 56073
(507) 354-6400
919 - 1st Street
Willmar, M1\' 56201
(612) 235-6820
Local Office
Rm 150 Mears Park Place
405 Sibley Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(612) 725-7724
Rep. Martin Sabo
436 Cannon Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-4755
Local Office
462 Federal Courts Bldg.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 349-5110
OVER
Rep. Gerry Sikorski
414 Cannon Bldg.
Washignton, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-2271
Local Office
8535 Central Avenue
Blaine, MN 55434
(612) 780-5801
Rep. Arlan Stangeland
1526 Longfellow Bldg.
Washingtin, MN 20515
(202) 225-2165
Local Office
4th Fl. MF Center
403 Center Ave.
Moorhead, MN 56560
(218) 233-8631
Toll Free 800/432-3770
Federal Bldg.
720 St. Germain
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(612) 251-0740
Rep. James Oberstar
2351 Rayburn Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-6211
Local Office
Brainerd City Hall
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 828-4400
Chisholm City Hall
Chisholm, MN 55719
(218) 254-5761
231 Federal Bldg.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727-7474
S
league of minnesota cities
MEMORANDUM November 26, 1985
TO: Mayors, Managers, Clerks
FROM: Ann Higgins, Staff Associate
SUBJECT: TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON FEDERAL TAX REFORM PROPOSAL
RESTRICTIONS ON TAX-EXEMPT FINANCING
Actions taken by the House Ways and Means Committee increase the
potential for major new restrictions on the authority of cities to
issue traditional public purpose bonds. It is estimated that the
following provisions, if adopted by Congress, would reduce the types
of municipal bonds eligible for tax-exempt status by at least 40
percent and subject so-called "nongovernmental" bonds to a new state -
by -state per capita volume limit.
It is vital that cities contact both House and Senate members of the
Minnesota Congressional Delegation to make clear how serious an impact
these intrusions on city authority to issue bonds will have on the
ability of the city to manage public improvements, deliver public
services, and support economic development. Unless members of
Congress can be persuaded to reverse or modify proposed bond
restrictions, it is expected that they will become key provisions of
federal tax reform legislation to be sent to the floor of the U.S.
House of Representatives during the first week of December.
Restrictions on Traditional Public Purpose Bonds
Traditional general obligation, revenue, and tax increment bonds
would be restricted by a new generic definition, effective January 1,
1986. Bonds would be non-governmental if the lesser of 10 percent or
$10 million of the bond proceeds is used to benefit, directly or
indirectly, any person (trade or business) including 501(c)(3)
organizations other than a governmental entity, and if less than 5
percent (or $5 million) of the proceeds is loaned to a trade or
business.
What does this mean to cities?
It means that cities planning to issue such bonds after January 1,
must check with bond counsel to determine if those bonds meet the use
test described above. Bonds termed non-governmental under terms of
these new limits will be subject to much higher risk re: their tax-
exempt status and therefore be more costly to issue (because bond
1 83 university avenue east, st. paul, minnesota 551 01 (61 2) 227-5600
counsels are most likely to issue only qualified opionions as to their
future tax-exempt status).
This follows from the reaction of bond counsel to the prospect of
pending federal legislation (federal tax reform) that potentially
will limit the definition of governmental bonds as noted above.
Whether or not the Senate has acted on the measure by January 1,
bond counsel's concern for liability on this issue will preclude the
chances for "clean" opinions on bond issues where the benefits to
trade or business appear to exceed the 10 percent test.
An example offered by the National League of Cities: if your city
is planning to make improvements to a municipal parking facility
financed with G.O. bonds, you will want to take special care to be
certain that no business receives more than a 10 percent benefit
through either exclusive access or use of a number of reserved
parking places.
A New Per Capita Volume Limit on "Non-Governmental" Bonds
Some municipal G.O. and revenue bonds that fail the 10 percent test
would be termed "non-governmental purpose" bonds and would be included
in a new state-by-state volume cap along with small issue industrial
development bonds (for which the House Ways and Means Committee has
voted to eliminate the sunset provisions of Dec. 31, 1987).
In addition to those in the above category (public purpose bonds for
publicly owned and operated facililties that fail the 10 percent test),
the following uses would also be permitted, limited by a volume cap.
The cap would place all tax-exempt non-governmental bonds, with the
exception of certain airport and port facilities (excluding
warehouses) under a state limit of $175 per capita - $25 per capita
of which would have to be set aside for non-profit hospitals and
universities, further reducing the volume of tax-exempt financing
authority to $150 per capita for 1986 and 1987. (In 1988, the cap
would decrease to $125, with the sunset of mortgage revenue bonds.)
Of the remaining $150 per capita, $75 would have to be set aside for
housing bonds unless the legislature determines othewise.
* multifamily rental housing
some airport and port facilities
* sewage amd solid waste disposal facilities
municipal water facilities
single family housing (until 1988)
* veterans' mortgage bonds
* small issue IDBs (with sunset date eliminated)
* student loan bonds
non-profit university and hospital bonds
Impact for Cities
The proposed per capita volume cap would force cities, other units of
local government including counties and school districts, as well as
2
state agencies to face the prospect of competing for limited bonding
authority.
Overall housing bond volume nationally would be expected to decline
by at least 10 percent, compared with 1984.
Another very ominous prospect is the fact that certain uses of tax-
exempt financing that fail the 10 percent test would not be eligible
for tax-exempt financing, effective January 1, 1986.
The following publicly owned and operated facilities would be
ineligible for tax-exempt financing, under these provisions:
* sports facilities
trade and convention centers
* parking facilities
* electric energy
* gas furnishing facilities
* hydroelectric generating facilities
* district heating and cooling facilities
* industrial parks
hazardous waste facilities
* pollution control facilities
Even if municipally owned and operated, these facilities are
considered sufficiently non-governmental in their purpose and
operation that the House Ways and Means Committee has determined that
they shall not retain eligibility for tax-exempt bond financing.
Any non-governmental portion of a governmental issue in excess of
$1 million would also be subject to the volume cap. (That would mean
that in the instance where a governmental issue benefitted a trade or
business by that amount, even though that is less than 10 percent of
the bond proceeds (even as little as 1 percent or less), the portion
exceeds $1 million could not be issued under the sole authority of the
city to determine but would have to be allocated under a statewide
allocation system.
FURTHER PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON REFINANCING
Advance refunding of traditional public purpose bonds would continue
to be allowed, but the cost of the new issue could not be recovered
through arbitrage earned on the bond proceeds. Unless the present
volume of interest savings was more than the cost of issuing the
advance refunding bonds, the latter could not exceed 250 percent of
the volume of the refunded bonds.
Advance refunding bonds would also be subject to the same per capita
volume limits of any new non-governmental bond issue (as noted above).
In addition, the call period for such issues would be limited to a
period no earlier than the date they could be called at par or at a
premium of 3 percent or less. No unlimited arbitrage could be earned
as a result of a provision which would limit such a period for advance
3
refunding bonds to 30 days after issuance and for refunded bonds no
later than the date of issuance of the refunding bond issue.
Finally, bonds for the following non-governmental activities would no
longer be eligible for advance refunding:
multi -family, single family and veterans' housing
governmentally owned airports (including land, noise abatement and
freight -handling facilities)
* port facilities (not including storage warehouses)
* mass commuting facilities
* sewage and solid waste disposal facilities
+� facilities for furnishing water
* small issue IDBS (with all sunsets removed)
* Section 501(c)(3) organization bonds
* student loan bonds
(All the above, except housing, sewage and solid waste disposal
facilities, would have to be publicly owned to qualify for tax-exempt
financing.)
Private developments financed with tax-exempt bonds (except low-income
housing) would have to be depreciated using the straight-line method.
Provisions for multifamily housing more favorable
Apparently, although such housing bonds would be covered by the per
capita volume cap on non-governmental bond issues, tax-exempt
eligibility would be retained for all such bond issues if either 25
percent (now 20%) or more of the units are rented to families whose
income is 80 percent or less than the area median income or 20 percent
or more of the units are rented to families whose income is 70 percent
or less of area median income.
The state volume cap, unless the legislature changed it, would be
allocated ($75 per capita) one third to multifamily, one third to
single family, and one third left to the discretion of the governor.
CONCLUSIONS
Minnesota cities would retain little authority available under any
allocation system that would be designed to comply with the volume cap.
The total allocation for all bonding authority under the proposal
would be $725 million for the state. Of that, only $321 million would
remain for both state and local government bonding authority in 1986.
IDB authority in 1985 in Minnesota totaled $620 million, under the
current volume cap. Add to that $600 million in multifamily housing
bonds, at least $200 million in tax increment financing, and $200
million in owner -occupied housing bonds. An incomplete estimate of
of the current level of bond activity would indicate that at least
$1.6 billion of tax-exempt bonds were issued last year. That figure
does not include either the tax-exempt bonds issued by 501(c)(3)
organizations or the portion of governmental purpose bonds that may
4
be subject to these new unified per capita volume limits
Actions taken by the House Ways and Means Committee are far-reaching
and intrude in major ways into the conduct of local improvement
planning, service management, economic and redevelopment activities.
The House Ways and Means Committee scheduled to report out tax reform
legislation in early December. It is essential for cities to make
their opposition to these sweeping restrictions known to members of
Congress now. Illustrating the local impact of the proposed changes
in tax-exempt status of bonds will underline the seriousness of the
impact of these tax reform bond restrictions on city services,
development, and capital improvement programs.
December 2, 1985
CITY OF
PLYMOUTFF
Mr. Elliot Perovich, Chair
Regional Transit Board
Suite 270
Metro Square Building
St. Paul, MN 55101
Dear Mr. Perovich:
z��
First of all, we want to congratulate you and the Regional Transit Board for
your aggressive efforts to communicate with residents of the metropolitan
area with respect to transit issues. Your series of nine Chairman's
meetings clearly demonstrates your desire to be responsive to the needs of
residents in our metropolitan area.
As you know, we at Plymouth are concerned about transit matters and Mayor -
elect Virgil Schneider and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with
you the issues which are of concern to us.
Our first and foremost concern is one of equity. Under the current tax
feathering and opt out statutes, Plymouth residents are penalized approx-
imately $200,000 annually for operating Plymouth Metrolink. If the City
were to eliminate Plymouth Metrolink and Medicine Lake Lines service to our
community, we would be eligible to approximately $500,000 in tax savings
under tax feathering (1.25 mills). By contrast, the annual cost for
Plymouth Metrolink is $300,000. We are especially concerned about this
and in the absence of any action by the Regional Transit Board to mitigate
this penalty, it is likely that Plymouth Metrolink will be in Jeopardy in
1986. We are anxious to find some means to alleviate this situation with
your help.
A second concern is one of understandability. As you are aware, the current
statute provides that the Regional Transit Board may levy up to 2 mills for
transit operating purposes. However, if any community in the metropolitan
area calculates the actual number of local mills generated by the Regional
Transit Board levy, they will find that it equals over 3 mills. This
situation engenders suspicion. In the interest of clarifying this
situation, the Regional Transit Board should support legislation which more
clearly identifies the actual millage which the Regional Transit Board may
levy. Attached is a memorandum from the Association of Metropolitan
Municipalities staff which describes how this 2 mill levy -per community
turns out to be something over 3 mills.
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
mr. tiiioLL verovicn, Lnair
Regional Transit Board
December 2, 1985
Page 2
A third area of concern involves the language in the tax feathering statutes
which excludes para -transit from the definition of mid-day service. As a
result of this definition, Shakopee operates full mid-day service with
subsidies as high as $8.00 per person and is still eligible to a 1.25
feathered mill rate. Plymouth, on the other hand, is assessed the full 2
mills with the same level of mid-day service as Shakopee. The only
difference is that it is not considered "para -transit". We would like a
Clarification of the Board's position on this matter.
In closing, we hope that the Regional Transit Board will address the three
issues identified above. To be sure the legislature has placed high
expectations on the Board in terms of accomplishments. To date, your
leadership has considerably improved the Board's chances of achieving these
objectives. We would encourage the Board, however, to accelerate its
consideration of the steps it will take to encourage competition between
public and private providers. As a first step, the Board should consider
allowing mechanisms which would allow private providers to become eligible
to public assistance for capital improvements. Private providers should
also be exempted from state sales and gasoline taxes as are public transit
providers. The extension of these benefits to private providers would
result in savings to the public.
Once again, thank you for your efforts to solicit input on transit matters.
Elliott, I will be leaving the office of Mayor of Plymouth the first Monday
in January. For this reason, Mayor -elect Virgil Schneider and I have
elected to jointly author this letter. I know that Virgil shares my concern
for transit and equitable tax treatment of Plymouth residents. I hope that
one or both of us will be able to meet with you to resolve these matters in
order that Plymouth Metrolink can continue.
Sincerely,
David J. Ddyi6npTt
M4yor
encl.
cc: City Council
V.7irlgil Schneider
Mayor -Elect
e
Gc`,
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS,
RECREATION AND FORESTRY
November 20, 1985
C 0 I Voun SViIle
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
2401 HIGHWAY 10
MOUNDS VIEW, MINN. 55112
784-3055
Mr. James Willis, City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Rd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Willis:
This is just a short note to follow up on our phone conversation
on Wednesday, November 20, 1985 regarding the selection of Mr.
Eric Blank as the 1985 MRPA Jack Niles Award recipient as the
outstanding young recreator in the State of Minnesota. It is a
real honor to receive this prestigious award which is awarded
annually to a male MRPA member with 15 years or less experience
in the field who has contributed his time, talent and service to
advance the profession of parks and recreation.
I have included a copy of the nomination form along with letters
of recommendation which outline some of the services and programs
that Eric has provided to our field during the past 15 years.
The award was formally presented to Eric at the State MRPA Con-
ference on Thursday evening, November 21, 1985.
MRPA would like to extend their congratulations to the City of
Plymouth and Mr. Eric Blank for his outstanding contributions to
the municipal parks and recreation profession. Should you have
any questions regarding the nomination process itself, feel free
to contact myself Airectly at 784-3055, ext. #20.
Siffere1y / ......
• r
��uce K. AncdersoDirector
Parks, Recreation ;and Forestry Dept.
BKA/sll
Enclosure
cc: David Davenport, Mayor
Barbara Edward, Chairperson Park & Rec. Commission
Vi C if4 p OF SQ
RAMSE V COUNTY. MINNESOTA
2401 HIGHWAY10
MOUNDS VIEW, MINN. bb112
7843055
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS,
111 0111 Al 111N AN1110111:;IIIY
October 31, 1985
Ms. Mary Ellen Erlandson
Chief of Therapeutic Recreation
Fairview Hospital
2312 South 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Dear Ms. Erlandson:
Enclosed is a copy of the final nomination form on behalf of Eric
Blank as a recipient for the 1985 Jack Niles Award.
It has been
my pleasure to have known Eric both personally and professionally
for the past 15 years. During that time, I have known Eric to
uphold the highest standards for the park and recreation profes-
sion in both his work and personally related projects.
I worked with Eric as his assistant in the City of Maplewood for
four and one-half years and one year prior as a program supervis-
or. During my tenure in Maplewood, I saw Eric build a relatively
small department to the forefront in Ramsey County.He accom-
plished this by actively soliciting community support in the
development of the first City-wide Comprehensive Parks and Open
Space Plan, as well as establishing community task forces and
standing ad hoc committees. To his credit, Eric was able to
construct and improve numerous park development projects includ-
ing the first metal halide lit softball system in the metropoli-
tan area at Goodrich Park.
In addition to using the resources that were available to Eric
within the City, Eric was an expert at preparing grant applica-
and
tions and he received the Mahe devel-
le oodo Nature th State
Center, asaw well money
as for t
the Hazelwood
opment o P
play field.
-2-
Eric worked for the City of Maplewood for ten years, and served a
short period of time as the acting City Manager. Following his
departure from Maplewood in 1980, he became the Park and Recrea-
tion Director for the City of Plymouth, Minnesota. He has been
there for the past five years and has coordinated over $3 million
in park development projects, while at the same time increasing
recreation programs.
In addition to his noteworthy accomplishments in the field of
parks and recreation, he has been active in our state association
serving as the first two year term President serving from 1978-80
and coordinating the Life. Be In It campaign on a state-wide
basis since 1982. Eric's dedication and committment to the field
of parks and recreation has been exemplary over the past 15 years
and he has been long overlooked for this award due to his modest,
unassuming profile.
It is with a great deal of pride that I submit Eric Blank as a
final nominee for the 1985 Jack Niles Award. Should you have any
questions regarding his background or desire additional informa-
tion, feel free to contact myself directly at 784-3055, ext. X20.
i rely,
Bruce. K. An rs n DirecLtJr'
Parks, Recreatio d Forestry
BKA/sll
'- \ b
the Minnesota
D{ recreation g pork
association
FINAL NOMINATION FORM
FOR PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
To Nominator: Your nominee is one of the final candidates being
considered for the ;hack Niles
Award. Please complete this form with all of the
requested information. If additional pages are needed,
please make sure that the categories The care ieartaken ly in
delineated on the additional pages.
preparation of this information and the detail and manner
in which documentation is submitted provides the Com-
mittee with the primary source and basis upon which to
fairly evaluate your nominee.
1. Name of Nominee Eric John B1
Position Title Director Plymouth Parks and Recreation
Address 3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Street 55447
P1 mouth MN
State Zip Code
City
Bruce K. Anderson
2. Name of Nominator View Parks, Recreation & Forest
Position Title Director, Mounds
Address 2401 Highway 10
Street 55112
Mounds View MN
State Zip Code
City
EVALUATION CRITERIA USED TO SELECT AWARD RECIPIENTS
4. Professional Preparation BS 1970 U of M
College degree earned - year Institution
Degree
M.ED.
Degree _ 1978 U
Graduate degree/s - year Institution
Degree Year Institution
Minnesota Recreation and Park Association • P n Box 186 • 9401 Fernbrook Lane • Maple Grove, MN 55369
-2- fl _-'� -A")
Continuing professional Education completed: Symposia, Seminars,
Workshops, special schools. Give name of school and date.
NRPA Executive Development
1985
NRPA National Congress 16 years _
MRPA State Conference 16 years
Computer Management 1 year
4. Director
6. Record of Service
14
1980 - Present
Plymouth P&R
Coordinated over $3 Millioi
in park development projec-
while increasing recreatioi
programs.
as Professional Member of YRPA
year joined MRPA
Describe MRPA service participation.
a. Give names of committees served on and dates of such service.
Include leadership positions held such as committee chairperson,
member of Board, officer, or other.
1. State Life Be In It
2. V.P. Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation
3. President MRPA
4. Chairman, Parks & Natural Resources
5. Member in good standing of the Conference,
Legislative and Membership Committees
1982-Presen
1985-Presen
1978-80
1978
numerous ye
5. professional Service Record
(Begin with first full-time professional
position and bring up to
present position.)
Noteworthy
Position Held
Dates of Service
A9RKO,g Accomplishments
I. Asst. Director
1970-73
National recognized teen
Maplewood P&R
program entitled T -Peace.
Developed a traveling play
ground in the street progr.
called PITS and initiated
a community puppet wagon
2. Acting Director
1973
program. Supervised numer
Maplewood P&R
ous park development proje
including creative play
environments, neighborhood
parks and community play-
grounds.
3. Director
1974-80
Maplewood P&R
4. Director
6. Record of Service
14
1980 - Present
Plymouth P&R
Coordinated over $3 Millioi
in park development projec-
while increasing recreatioi
programs.
as Professional Member of YRPA
year joined MRPA
Describe MRPA service participation.
a. Give names of committees served on and dates of such service.
Include leadership positions held such as committee chairperson,
member of Board, officer, or other.
1. State Life Be In It
2. V.P. Minnesota Recreation & Park Foundation
3. President MRPA
4. Chairman, Parks & Natural Resources
5. Member in good standing of the Conference,
Legislative and Membership Committees
1982-Presen
1985-Presen
1978-80
1978
numerous ye
=li__�b
-3-
b. List MRPA conferences, symposia, workshops, etc., attended.
Mr. Blank has attended 16 years of MRPA Conferences and numerous
IPD's and countless one day workshops and seminars. In addition
to his active attendance at MRPA training programs, Eric has
served as a speaker, presentor and coordinator for numerous
conference sessions.
*V.
7. Presentations, publications --state, regional, or national.
U of M guest lecturer
Metro Youth Workshop
8. Other Professional and/or Community Service (i.e. NRPA )
Organization memberships held, together with brief description of
service contributed or accomplishments in each. Give pertinent
dates where possible.
NRPA Great Lakes Regional Council 1978 - 80
NRPA Cultural Programming Committee 1978
9. Other pertinent information not identified in the above categories.
See attached letter
**Please enclose two letters of support from other MRPA members.
Hennepin County Park Reserve District
3800 County Road 24 • Maple Plain, Minnesota 55359 • Telephone 612-473-4693
October 30, 1985
PARK RESERVES
BAKER
CARVER
CROW-HASSAN
ELM CREEK Ms. Mary Ellen Erlandson
HYLAND LAKE Chief of Therapeutic Recreation
LAKE REBECCA
MURPHY-HANREHAN Fairview Hospital
REGIONAL1669 Hague Street
BRYANTLAKE KS St. Paul, MN 55104
BRYANT LAKE
CLEARY LAKE
CLIFTON U FRENCH Mary Ellen:
COON RAPIDS DAM
EAGLE LAKE
FISH LAKE This letter is in support of the nomination of Eric Blank to
JAMES W. WILKIE receive the MRPA Jack Niles Award. Eric is a very deserving
LAKE SARAH candidate who has served the communities he has worked in and
SPRING LAKE
the MRPA well.
SPECIAL USE AREAS
ARTHUR EALLEN WILDLIFE
SANCTUARY Eric's professional career has included service as Director,
SANCTUARY
BAKER PARK GOLF COURSE both in Maplewood and Plymouth. During his time directing these
CLEARY LAKE GOLF COURSE departments, both saw significant growth and improvement, both
HYLAND HILLS SKI AREA
NOERENSERG MEMORIAL PARK in park facilities and recreation services. The Maplewood Nature
WAWATASSO ISLAND Center and Plymouth Park and Playground development are excellent
WILD GOOSE CHASE ISLAND examples of good planning and design. In addition, both communities
TRAILCORRMORS have available a wide range of recreation programs and activities
NORTH HENNEPIN TRAIL appealing to all segments of their population.
Eric has served MRPA in a number of ways, including two years as
President. He has also chaired committees—most recently the
CBOARD OMMISSIONERS "Life. Be In It" Committee. Eric also serves on the MRPF ooard
DAVIDLATVAAHO of Trustees and is currently Vice President.
CHAIR
GOLDEN VALLEY
These are a few of the reasons why I believe Eric deserves the
SCOTT L.NEIMAN
VICE CHAIR Jack Niles Award. There are others, including NRPA involvement,
MINNEAPOLIS etc. He is a credit to our profession.
JUDITH S. ANDERSON
BLOOMINGTON
SHIRLEY A SONINE Thank you.
MAPLE PLAIN
MIILLUUI H. BOYNTOM
ST. LOUIS PARK
VALUAM 1. HOLBROOK
MINNEAPOLIS MartyJ ss
?6
NAOMILOPER
MINNEAPOLIS
"' MJ : ghd
VERN J. HARTENBURG
SUPERINTENDENT i
SECRETARY TO THE BOARD cc: Kay Zwerni k
MRPA Executive Director
&iAPLEW Q10
1380 FROs'r ,"T.N11" M:%J'I.I:WO011 MINNI✓SOT.X 55109
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
November 1, 1985 t-.1 �
Mary Ellen Erlandson
Minnesota Recreation & Parks Association
9401 Fernbrook Lane
Maple Grove, Mn. 55369
Dear Nominating Committee
Nov , 4 �0-4570
I would like to write a letter of support on behalf of Eric Blank for the Jack
Niles Award. I truly feel that Eric is the best candidate for this prestigious
award. He has been a dedicated member of the M.R.P.A. for years, serving as -
President, Chairperson of several committees, Legislative work, Life -Be -In -It
representative, active with conferences including the N.R.P.A. Conference,
Student Section. Eric is a dedicated and sincere professional in the Park and
Recreation field. He strives for perfection on his job and also from M.R.P.A.
He believes in the philosophies of recreation and in the importance of a strong
State organization.
Eric has contributed countless hours of dedicated work to M.R.P.A. to insure
its success in representing the State of Minnesota. I strongly feel Eric is
justly deserving of the Jack Niles Award because of his professionalism, dedi-
cation and hard work.
Sincerely,
Pauline Staples
Assistant Director
= (�!-AC'
November 25, 1985
To: Mayor David J. Davenport
Councilmember Virgil A. Schneider
Councilmember Patricia Hoyt Neils
Councilmember H. David Crain
Councilmember Maria Vasiliou
From: James P. Bremer
302 B Zinnia Lane No.
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Home: 546-1298 Work: 828-9174
It has come to my attention -that there has been considerable
discussion about putting a signal in at the intersection of Old
County Road 15 and New County Road 61. It is my understanding
that City Council is giving this serious consideration.
It is obvious that the reason for such consideration is in order
to grovidc a safe method of crossing New County Road 61 for the
children who live in the Zinnia/Berkshire area. Not knowing
what type of signal is being looked at, I would like to offer
some suggestions and concerns about installing a any signal at
this intersection.
I would recommend if any signal be put in at this intersection,
it be pedestrian tripped such as they have at school crossings.
I feel strongly that if a full fledged semaphore is put in with
continual stop and go traffic that it will create a definite
increase in the number of cars that will consider the
intersection as a through to Highway 494. And as such will very
quickly create a greater hazard to the children in the
neighborhood. Simply from living at the corner, since the roads
have opened, it is amazing how many cars are trying to get
through to 494.
Common sense, I think, dictates that when you come upon a
semaphore you have generally come to a through street. If you
come upon a school type pedestrian signal you generally have not
come to a through street.
It would be really ironic that if the City put in a semaphore to
get the kids across the road, that by doing so creates a busy and
dangerous road out of Zinnia and Berkshire. I would think the
City Staff would have a good idea of how many cars a day would
deviate with a full semaphore and I do not think anyone would
like the numbers.
The other problem. Stop and �o traffic with a full fledged
semaphore would not do anything positive about the noise level
entering the neighborhood from this intersection. While I am
very concerned about how children cross New County Road 61, I
have four children under 10 myself, I am not at all interested
in anything that will increase the noise level near my home. You
all know my feelings about the noise level I have been forced to
take on since the development of County Road 61. Existing levels
of noise let alone further increased noise levels can easily
become costly legal issues.
Logically a full fledged semaphore would be more a convenience
for the cars exiting the neighborhood than for children . I do
not know about you, but I am more concerned about children than
cars.
If you have any questions regarding my position in this matter
please fell free to call me at home or work.
Thank you.
S_ q
December 4, 1985
Mr. William M. Crawford
District Engineer
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF
2055 North Lilac Drive
Golden Valley, MN 55422
i
CITY OF
PUMOUTR
TRANSPORTATION
SUBJECT: PLANNED INTERCHANGE AT C.S.A.H. 6 AND I-494
Dear Mr. Crawford:
As you are aware, the City of Plymouth has been planning for the
construction of a new interchange at C.S.A.H. 6 and I-494. This
interchange, in conjunction with the recently opened interchange at Carlson
Parkway and I-494, will provide certain transportation benefits to the
adjacent land uses, the City of Plymouth, the Region and the State of
Minnesota. As a result of these benefits, we are requesting that you review
the project for the purpose of determining MnDOT's share of funding of the
subject interchange.
We have accomplished the preliminary work required and at this point the
Project Path Report, the Metropolitan Council's Interchange Addition
Request and Criteria Analysis and the FHWA Interchange Addition Request
104(b) have been completed and approved. We are currently preparing the
Federal Environmental Assessment and State Environmental Assessment
Worksheet. The schedule for the remaining work is as follows:
Study Report Completion June 1986
Design Approval September 1986
Right of Way Acquisition November 1986
P, S&E Approval July 1987
Contract Letting January 1988
Construction Completion July 1989
As you can see, we are making notable progress toward completing an
important element of the Transportation Plan for this area and we are at the
point where the question of funding of the aforementioned interchange must
be dealt with.
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
Mr. William Crawford
December 4, 1985
Page 2
While the City has included this project in an expanded Tax Increment
Financing District, we are requesting that MnDOT provide funding for certain
elements of the interchange. We are supporting this request with the
analysis which shows that construction of the County Road 6/I-494
interchange will result in substantial benefits to the State. Specifically,
and most importantly, the benefits to the State will result from diversion
of traffic from the overloaded elements of the Regional System to the new
interchange. Such benefits include but may not be limited to the following:
- Sub -regional traffic will be diverted from the T.H. 55 and I-494
interchange to this interchange which will allow the T.H. 55 and
I-494 interchange to operate effectively as a Regional Facility.
- The diverted traffic will reduce the current congestion problems
experienced at the T.H. 55 and I-494 interchange off ramps which
result in the trafic queues backing up onto the shoulder of the
southbound I-494 mainline and on the outside lane of the mainline
during the winter months and will reduce the accompanying increase
in safety problems and deterioration in level of service.
- The calculations of the levels of service for the intersections at
the interchange of T.H. 55 and I-494 indicate that the planned
improvements of the interchange will be largely offset by the
growth in area traffic by the year 2005 and that the construction
of the proposed interchange will be needed to avoid additional
major reconstruction of the T.H. 55 and I-494 interchange.
- The planned interchange will also improve the traffic operations
and safety at the iiearby intersections on T.H. 55 by removing
sub -regional traffic which is currently forced to use T.H. 55 and
these intersections to access the developments in this area (the
intersections of Fernbrook Lane and Xenium Lane with T.H. 55
currently rank near the top in accident rates for the intersections
In District Five).
- The planned interchange will provide better access to the Regional
Transportation System for the traffic in this area which will
reduce the volume of vehicles on T.H. 55 east of I-494 so the need
for future improvement of this segment of T.H. 55 will be reduced.
We finally believe that the construction of the C.S.A.H. 6 and I-494
interchange will enable MnDOT to postpone and even reduce significant future
improvement costs to the T.H. 55 and I-494 interchange as well as the
adjacent segments of T.H. 55. Also through this, the Regional
Transportation System will be substantially enhanced by providing more
effective and efficient routing of the regional, sub -regional and local
traffic.
Mr. William M. Crawford
December 4, 1985
Page 3
Thank you very much for your consideration of this matter. Please contact
me if you have any questions regarding this issue.
Sincerely,
6mes G. Willis
Ci y Manager
JGW:Jm
cc: Fred Moore, Public Works Director
Franc Strgar
Herb Klossman, Hennepin County Engineer
December 5, 1985
Mr. E. J. McConville
4310 Larch Place
Plymouth, MN 55442
Dear Mr. McConville:
j
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
Thank you for sending me a copy of your recent letter addressed to County
Commissioner Robb.
The EAW for the County Road 9 project does not indicate that "the noise
level all along the new roadway will exceed MPCA standards." What the
report says is, "several locations along the proposed roadway are predicted
to have noise levels exceeding the MPA standards by the year 2010.
Mitigation measures are essentially limited to landscaping and grade
adjustments." The EWA in its conclusions, goes on further to say, "The
predicted noise levels are essentially caused by an increase in traffic
volumes. This increase is not a direct result of this project, but rather
can be attributed to development in this and nearby areas. Any noise
mitigation measures which are practical, will be incorporated into the
project."
Based upon the foregoing statements and the conclusion, I believe Hennepin
County is appropriately aware of the projected 2610 noise prohiem and is in
a position of taking appropriate measures to mitigate that problem as part
of this proposed project. I am sure that the project plans will address
this matter more specifically.
Thank you again for copying me on your correspondence.
Yours truly,
mes G. Willis
Ci y Manager
JGW:jm
cc: County Commissioner E. F. 'Bud" Robb
Fred Moore, Public Works Director
Mayor & City Council
Vern T. Genzlinger, P.E., Associate County Administrator & Engineer
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447, TELEPHONE (612) 559-2800
4310 Larc; �i Place
Plymouth, MN 55442:
December 2, 1985
Commissioner E. F. Robb
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, M innesota 55415
Dear Commissioner Robb:
This memo is to confirm our telephone conversation of a few
weeks ago regarding the reconstruction of County State Aid
Highway 9 from Interstate 494 to Nathan Lane. The purpose
of that conversation was to solicit your help in resolving a.
concern of area residents related to the noise pollution
caused by the new roadway.
As stated in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet, the
noise level all along the new roadway will exceed MPGA
standards. Since all of this roadway will pass through
residential areas either currently completed or planned in
the future, several thousand people will be exposed to this
pollution.
Our concern is that as of this date, the Hennepin County
Department of Transportation has only published some very
general and vague statements about the County's intent to
use any kind of screening to minimize the effect of the
noise pollution. We feel that the County needs to prepare
detailed plans for screening before starting the
reconstruction to ensure that the screening can be
effectively implemented. We ask your assistance in
identifying the County's plan to minimize the above
mentioned noise pollution.
Sincerely,
E. J. McConville
EJM/srfi
copy: Jim Willis
City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
BASSETT CREEK WATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
7800 Golden Valle\ Road
Golden Vallee. Minnesota 55427
December 2, 1985
Mayor David Davenport
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
. cr.'stal
. Golden Valle\
• Medicine Lake
• Minneapolis
• Minnetonka
• Neu Hope
• Phmowth
• Robbinsdale
• St. Louis Park
Re: Bassett Creek Water Management Commission
Dear Mayor Davenport:
The year 1985 has been a great year for the Bassett Creek
Water Management Commission. After approximately 25 years of efforts
on the part of the nine municipalities making up the Commission, the
Corps of Army Engineers has obtained funding for construction work to
resolve the Bassett Creek problems. As the Chairman of the
Commission, I am extremely proud of the Commission and the individual
Commissioners, and I wanted to write to you to indicate that Fred
Moore and John Sweeney have both contributed greatly to the work of
the Commission in obtaining approval for the funding.
I also want to thank you and your Council for the continued
support of the Commission and for the willingness to assist in
lobbying efforts with our Congressional representatives and also the
icated to the project. I would also
time that Fred and John have ded
ommission Season's
Greetings,
d we
like to extend to y6a
you from
thethe C encement of constructiononthe
look forward to 198
project.
With kindest personal regards, I remain
WPE:lh
CC: City Manager
Sincerely yours,
W. Peter Enck, Chairman
Bassett Creek Flood Control
Commission
,;• I" ^0
December 4, 1985
Gene Wills
Knights of Columbus
3621 Morgan Avenue N
Minneapolis, MNI 55412
Dear Gene:
C; , Y �,;�
PLYMOUTH+
This letter is to notify you of the City's permission allowing you to use
Medicine Lake for an ice fishing contest on Sunday, February 2, from 1:00
to 4:00 p.m.
As we have in the past, we ask that you supply all necessary barrels, bags,
etc., to facilitate the clean-up of that area of the lake that you use.
A member of my staff will view the lake on Monday, February_ 3. your future
use of this lake will depend on how well you clean the ice surface upon
conclusion of your contest.
Would you please send me a copy of the flier that you used to advertise
this event, so that I may place it in my files.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me.
I hope that you have good weather for your ice fishing contest. Good luck
with it.
Sincerelv,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Park and Recreation Dept.
/np
cc: City Manager
Public Safety Director
Park & Environmental Supervisor
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD. PLYMOUTH Mlw.-SOTA 55447. TELEPHONE (612 559-2600