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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-26-2004rpDunn y Y,. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO MARCH 26, 2004 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Surface Water Task Force April 1 meeting agenda.......................................................................... Page 3 Human Rights Commission April 1 meeting agenda....................................................................... Page 4 March, April and May Official City Meeting Calendars.................................................................. Page 5 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ..................................................... Page 11 FOR INFORMATION..`. NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. Invitation to the opening of "Jumbles", a children's gym facility ................................................. Page 12 League of Minnesota Cities invitation for Plymouth to participate in the "Building Inclusive Communities" initiative.................................................................................................. Page 13 Wayzata School Board April 5 meeting agenda............................................................................. Page 14 MINUTES Surface Water Task Force March 6 meeting.................................................................................. Page 15 Surface Water Task Force proposed minutes of the March 18 meeting ......................................... Page 22 CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Frank Weir regarding unmarked railroad crossings; a copy of the letter has been sent to Public Works Director Dan Faulkner for a response ........................................... Page 32 Summary of 2004 Correspondence Tracking................................................................................. Page 35 CORRESPONDENCE Thank—you letter to House Majority Leader Erik Paulsen for meeting with Mayor Johnson and City Manager Ahrens at a recent forum sponsored by Representative Lynne Osterman ......... Page 36 Letter to residents regarding an informational open house on the Kingsview Lane/4`h Avenue reconstruction project........................................................................................................ Page 37 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO March 26, 2004 Page 2 Letter to residents from Wayzata Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Beilfuss regarding a proposal to renovate the Central Middle School stadium field ...................................................... Page 38 Letter to Three Rivers Park District Board Chair James Deane from Public Works Director Dan Faulkner responding to concerns about a drainage channel near County Road 9 and Northwest Boulevard; a copy of Mr. Deane's original correspondence is included .... Page 40 Letter from Wayzata Schools Finance and Business Director Alan Hopeman, Jr. regarding school district enrollment facility projections................................................................ Page 44 Letter to Beth and Terry McCabe from Parks and Recreation Director Eric Blank responding to concerns about lifeguard staffing at LifeTime Fitness; a copy of the residents' original letteris included............................................................................................................................. Page 45 Letter to residents regarding a request for site plan amendment, conditional use permit, and variances for Carlson Real Estate (2004012).......................................................................... Page 49 Letter to residents regarding a request for interim use permit, for DSU, Inc. (2004014) .............. Page 50 Letter to residents regarding a request for site plan and variance for DJR Architecture, Inc. (2004016)................................................................................................................................ Page 51 Letter to residents regarding a request for variance for Ronald Malone (2004017) ...................... Page 52 Letter to residents regarding a request for site plan amendment and conditional use permit for Plymouth Covenant Church (2004020).................................................................................... Page 53 Letter to residents regarding a request for planned unit development for Elim Care, Inc. (2004023)..................................................................................:............................................. Page 54 Letter to residents regarding a request for conditional use permit for FMHC/T—Mobile (2004015).......................................................................................................... Page 55 City of Plymouth Surface Water Task Force Agenda, Meeting #3 Thursday, April 1, 2004 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Plymouth City Hall Lunch Room (Lower Level) 1. Sign In/ Call to Order, 7:00 p.m. 2. Introductions 3 Approval of Minutes and Review of Meeting #2 • Background Presentations • Criteria for Evaluating Options) 4. Brainstorming Exercise: Identify Options 5. Evaluate Options: • Evaluate Against Criteria • Identify any Other Information Needed 6. Set Preliminary Agenda for Meeting #4 7. Adjourn, by 10:00 p.m. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 22, 7. 00 p.m. AGENDA Plymouth Human Rights Commission April 1, 2004 Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Medicine Lake Room 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Minutes 3. Approve Agenda 4. Presentation A. Fairness and Housing Dialogue ■ Jim Barnes, Housing Program Manager, City of Plymouth ■ Kathy Mass, Sales Manager, Edina Realty S. Committee Reports A. Student Workshop Committee B. Community Awareness Committee C. Community Education Committee D. Human Rights Incident Response Team 6. Old Business A. Report on Human Rights Day, December 5, 2003, Gloria Alexander 7. New Business A. Essay Contest, Gloria Alexander 8. Announcements and Articles (for your information) A. Ahead of the Game, article from Session Weekly B. Golden Valley HRC Agenda & Minutes C. Crystal Human Rights Commission dialogue, April 26 9. Adjourn Next Meeting: May 6, 2004 Call Sue Gulbrand at 763-509-5053 if you are unable to attend the meeting. t OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 5:15 PM YOUTH TOWN Caucus Night 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 8:30 AM SURFACE WATER TASK FORUM, COMMISSION - FORCE, Council Medicine Lake Chambers Plymouth Creek 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH Room Center ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT), Public Safety Training Room (this meeting only) 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: 7.00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE ON FLOOD QUALITY COMMITTEE ANALYSIS; WATER (EQC), Council TREATMENT PLANTS, Chambers ICE ARENA UPDATE, Public Safety Training Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 14 IS 16 17 18 19 20 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), 6 30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING. TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL, Council STUDIES FOR COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room Chambers VICKSBURG LN & Council Chambers MEDINA RD', WATER TREATMENT PLANTS 7:00 PM SURFACE RENOVATION & WATER TASK FORCE, EXPANSION, Public Lunch Room, lower Safety Training Room level 21 22 23 11 15 AM PLYMOUTH -M r" 24 25 26 27 BUSINESS COUNCIL, BORN Conference Room, 301 Carlson Parkway, an floor PM COUNCIL 5'.00 SPECIAL MEETING. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING EXPANSION, ICE CENTER BIDS, Pudic Safey Tra., R— oom]00 PM REGULARCOUNCIL I M MEETING, Council C.... 28 29 30 31 Feb 2004 Apr 2004 S ]11 T W T F S S Di T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 3/26/2004 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS April 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May 2004 S M T W T F S 1 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 2 3 Mar 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 COMMISSION - 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Medicine Lake Room 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM SURFACE WATER TASK FORCE, Lunch Room, lower level 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS COMMENCES- set clocks ahead 1 hour Passover begins at sunset 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers Good Friday Palm Sunday 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Easter 6:45 PM YOUTH11 ADVISORY COUNCIL, Public Safety Training Room 00 AM CITY EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION LUN CH, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM 7.00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7 00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Plymouth Towne Square (this meeting only) 7:00 PM BOARD OF REGULAR COUNCIL EQUALIZATION, Council Chambers MEETING, Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7 00 PM SURFACE WATER TASK FORCE, Lunch Room, lower level 9:00 AM CITY AUCTION, City Maintenance Garage, 1490023rd Avenue 8:00 AM -1:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STUDENT WORKSHOP, Plymouth Ice Center 25 26 27 28 29 30 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, PublicBILDSOE, Safety Training Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON 7:00 PM CITY TALK WICOUNCIL MEMBER Plymouth Creek Center Chambers TRANSIT (PACT) - 7:00 PM BOARD OF Medicine Lake Room EQUALIZATION (RECONVENED), Council Chambers modified on 3/26/2004 q, OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS May 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jun 2004 1 Apr 2004 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN 10:30 AM PLANNING RIGHTS PLYMOUTH COMMISSION, COMMISSION - HISTORY Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room FEST, Parkers Lake Park 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6.45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM SURFACE WATER TASK FORCE, Lunch Room, lower level 6 00 PM SPECIAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING: YOUTH SERVICE AWARDS, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 6'.30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: JOINT MEETING WITH SURFACE WATER TASK 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7.00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA Medicine Lake Room), FORCE, Council Chambers 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 6:45 PM YOUTH 1'45 AM 7:00 PM ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council BUSINESSCOUNCCIIL, BORN Confe0r'nceRoom, PLYMOUTH ADVISORY Chambers Carlson Parkway,41hfloor COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake 7'00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers Room 30 31 MEMORIAL DAY (Observed) - City Offices Closed modified on 3/26/2004 9 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items April 13, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Oath of Office for Police Chief Mike Goldstein • Oath of Office for Police Captain Joel Franz • Proclaim Housing Week • Presentation by Home Free to Police Chief Mike Goldstein • Announcement of Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners 25th Anniversary • Report on possible Transit Facility • Report on improvements at railroad crossings • Award bids on Ice Center addition April 27, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Present 2003 Volunteer Services Report �l Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. �w T�AA Q�cii March 18, 2004 The Honorable Judy Johnson 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Mayor Johnson: Please join us as we celebrate the opening of Minnesota's first J.W. TUMBLES, a children's gym, at our new Plymouth location. J.W. Tumbles is the premier children's gym in the country, with over 18 years of experience. At J.W. Tumbles, our philosophy is all about helping parents achieve both the physical and social goals they have for their children while allowing each child to grow in their own way, at their own pace, while having the most fun doing it! Our first session begins April 5. We are located on Hwy. 55 and Vicksburg Lane, next to Lunds. Our GRAND OPENING will run for nine fantastic days, Saturday, March 27 through Saturday, April 4. Hours during the open house will be as follows: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday -Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We hope you and your family can stop by to celebrate with us! In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (763) 450-3501. Sincerely, ✓�c/ Stuart Swartz Jeannie DeRemer President General Manager and Director I� 3S2S`/icksbur; Line • PIymo.ith, YN 55-447 • 763ASG.3S01 • `:�,<-763ASO.3SG2 •-ww.tumblesmn.c:�m LMC Loagw of minn"G& CNeff C,b. asc &.ca March 24, 2004 League of Minnesota Cities 145 University Avenue West, St Paul, MN 55103-2044 (651) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Fax: (651) 281-1299 - TDD: (651) 281-1290 www.Imnc.org 3 C1, Ms.Laurie Ahrens, Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd "` Plymo th, MN 55447-1448 ' Dear ns:` Over the next six months, the League will be implementing a new project o its Building Inclusive Communities initiative. We are inviting a number of cities — including yours — to participate. As you may recall, for the past two years the League has been exploring the growing impact of immigration and racial diversity on Minnesota's cities. We expect that this new project will help the League learn more about Minnesota cities that are experiencing significant increases in immigrant or non-English speaking residents, or that have significant non-white populations. We will use the information gathered from cities to determine the appropriate League role for assisting members in this area. In preparation for budget discussions by the LMC Board of Directors in August, we will be developing several options for fiscal year 2005 and beyond. Options may range from connecting cities to existing resources throughout the state to providing direct assistance. We're asking member cities like yours to provide us with information about issues or challenges that exist or are anticipated with regard to increased racial and ethnic diversity, and what kinds of assistance cities need to respond. We will gather this information over the next few months througi: a survey and follow-up conversations. The League also will be compiling and distributing research regarding diversity -related grants and other resources that may be available to your city. Please respond to this invitation regardless of whether your city plans to participate'. Complete and return the enclosed form in the postage -paid envelope OR by fax to Sarah Dirksen at 651-215-4137. Thank you for the opportunity to work together on this project. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Dirksen, project coordinator. at 651-215-4036 or sdirksen@1mnc.or2. Sincerely, im Miller Executive Director cc: Mayor Judy Johnson 0 WAYZATA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Independent School District 284` _> Wayzata, Minnesota'; BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Meeting — April 5, 2004 — 7:30 P.M. District Administration Building 210 County Road 101 North, Plymouth AGENDA 1. Call to Order/Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda and *Consent Agenda Items Consent Agenda items (indicated by an asterisk*) are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and addressed in sequence. * 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Recognitions a. Employee of the Month — Dee Schrader — WHS b. Louise Sublette Award — Giselle Totman — Culinary Express C. Minnesota Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) — Judy Stucki — WHS 5. Reports from Organizations This section of the agenda provides the opportunity for parent, teacher, and/or student associations/organizations to provide the School Board with reports/updates. 6. Superintendent's Reports and Recommendations a. Superintendent 1) Proposed New Board Policy 508 - "Use of Peace Officers To Remove Students With Individual Education Plans From School Grounds" — 2nd Reading and Adoption 2) Proposed Amendment to Board Policy and Regulations 101 and 101-R — "School District Legal Status" — 2nd Reading and Adoption 3) Proposed New Board Policy and Regulations 719 and 719-R — "Telephone Use" — 1st Reading 4) Facility Use Agreement between Wayzata Public Schools and Hennepin County b. Curriculum and Instruction 1) Advanced Placement Social Studies' Class - Day at the Capitol C. Finance and Business Services 1) Monthly Financial Reports * 2) Finance and Business Recommendations * 3) Bid Award — Masonry Restoration 4) Sale of Certificates of Participation for Proposed CMS Facility Improvements 5) Trust Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association 6) Lease Purchase Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association 7) Ground Lease Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association 8) Proposed Property Tax Notice Information — Alan Hopeman d. Human Resource Services * 1) Human Resource Recommendations 7. Other Board Action * a. Approval of Youth Associations' Agreements 8. Audience Opportunity to Address School Board This section of the agenda provides an opportunity for those who have called in and placed their names on the list and for members of the audience who wish to address the School Board. 9. Board Reports 10. New Business 11. Adjourn OBE:1 POSTED: 4/01/04 i.' Surface Water Task Force Saturday, March 6, 2004 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Plymouth City Hall Council Chambers Adopted Minutes Also present: Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, City Engineer Quanbeck, Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analysis Kohn, City Manager Ahrens, Office Support Representative Langer, Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Black. A meeting of the Surface Water Task Force was held beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Saturday, March 6. Mayor Judy Johnson welcomed the task force members. Mayor Johnson explained that the charge of the Task Force is to hold several meetings and to build a consensus relating to surface water issues. This would be presented to the Council to aid them in making a decision on how to proceed. The task force will study �S Task Force Members Present Absent I IGracie Azine 2. Karla Anderson 3. Cal Baldry X 4. Bonnie Bronstad X 5. Steve Chesebrough 6. IPaul Christgau 7. Terrie Christian 8. Richard Dunn 9. Jack Gassner 10. James Griffin 11. ILee Keeley X 12. Herb Marth 13. Richard Manthe 14. Larry Marofsky X 15. Don Maxwell X 16. IJack Moe 17. Gary Ness X 18. Tom Orr X 19. Kathy Osborne 20. Keith Pizzala 21. Dick Plufka 22. Tov Rezabek 23. David Roy 24. Pete Savage 25. Robert Schafer X 26. JerrUnger 27. IMark Wollschlager Also present: Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, City Engineer Quanbeck, Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analysis Kohn, City Manager Ahrens, Office Support Representative Langer, Mayor Johnson and Councilmember Black. A meeting of the Surface Water Task Force was held beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Saturday, March 6. Mayor Judy Johnson welcomed the task force members. Mayor Johnson explained that the charge of the Task Force is to hold several meetings and to build a consensus relating to surface water issues. This would be presented to the Council to aid them in making a decision on how to proceed. The task force will study �S Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 2 of 7 the issues and present their findings and recommendations to the City Council at a study session on Tuesday, May 18. Community Development Director Hurlburt introduced staff members and gave an overview of the Task Force Process. Task Force members introduced themselves and gave a brief description of their concerns and special interests. Ground Rules and Roles of Participants were discussed and a draft of the suggested process of how to proceed was distributed. Staff Report - Drainatie and Water Quality 101 City Engineer Ron Quanbeck stated that surface water is generally discussed in two ways — water quality and water quantity. Rainfall is not just about how much falls, but also about distribution. Plymouth is 36 square miles in size, and rainfall is not evenly distributed. When rain falls, it is affected by infiltration, evaporation, retention, and drainage. Infiltration relates to the water soaking into the ground, and the rate varies depending on the type of soil and slope. Plymouth has a lot of clay soils that don't drain well. Engineer Quanbeck discussed the meaning of "100 -year storm". There is a 1 percent chance of that storm happening each year. There is a 20 percent chance of a 5 -year storm event occurring each year. One standard for determining a 100 -year storm is 6" of rainfall within 24 hours. However, 100 -year storm events can occur within that 24 hour period. For example, .66" could fall within 5 minutes, which would qualify as a 100 -year event. The City's entire storm water system is designed around the 100 -year, 24 hour storm events and the SCS standards. As part of the system, ponds are intended to store water. Ponds can be a natural wetland, a lake, or a constructed pond. He explained the impact of sediment, phosphorus, heavy metals running off hard surfaces, and floatables. It is difficult to detect a pond type (natural wetland, constructed pond, or nurp pond) just by looking at it. For example, the pond behind city hall was a natural wetland, but control structures were later added so it serves as a pond. Water flows into the pond and slows down, allowing sediment to settle out. Ponds are constructed to improve water quality, and most water quality ponds have "skimmers" installed so things such as oil and debris don't float further downstream. In the early years of century, attention was given to water quantity. The storm water system was constructed to address only quantity of flows. Ditches were frequently used for drainage when Plymouth was an agricultural area. With urban development, the wetlands were just filled in and buildings were constructed on top of them. Initial development was done at the mouth of a waterway, and as development progressed, there was more runoff and more flooding occurred. In 1972-3, the City's first drainage plan was done. Most of Plymouth has developed after that time. The drainage plan was updated in 1980. This system set up drainage basins to handle water. The concept is to take care of the water at "the top of the hill" so it doesn't cause problems for those at the bottom. Plymouth is divided into four drainage basins. The entire system includes i� Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 3 of 7 ditches, detention areas, pipes, outlets, etc. Bassett Creek had massive flooding and major flood control projects were done in the 1980's to take care of that problem. In the early 1990's, ideas started changing and the focus became water quality. In the 1990's, ponds started to be built to collect sediment. All natural wetlands also serve this water quality purpose. In Plymouth, a developer is responsible for constructing a system for that property to control water drainage. This must address the rate of water flow, as well as water quality. These costs are absorbed by the developer and eventually passed on to the home buyer. Maintenance of these ponds, the replacement of catch basins, and similar issues are the discussion at hand. City Engineer Quanbeck explained that the DNR has jurisdiction over protected waters, which are generally wetlands larger than two acres. Smaller wetlands are not under DNR jurisdiction, but are subject to the Wetland Conservation Act. This provides for no net loss of wetlands. When a wetland is filled, it must be replaced (mitigated) at a 2:1 ratio. This amount is sometimes less if buffers and similar features are included. He stated that a NURP Pond is a pond that meets specific criteria in the Nationwide Urban Runoff Program. These are the constructed ponds covered by pond maintenance agreements. All constructed water quality ponds are not NURP ponds — only those built to the specific standard. NURP standards ensure that the first 85 to 90% of sediment is removed, as well as about 50% of the phosphorus. This NURP standard has been determined to be economically efficient. The two water quality ponds being built on the east side of Medicine Lake are not being built to NURP standards. A task force member asked if the City has the option in a development of not constructing these ponds. Engineer Quanbeck stated that there is a requirement for improving the water quality. In the early 1990's, watershed districts starting requiring ponds. The federal Clean Water Act was adopted, and from that law all sorts of programs and regulations have evolved to accomplish the Clean Water Act standards. The holding capacity of a pond relates to water quality and quantity. The area below the normal elevation, which settles sediment, determines the water quality. Water quantity is determined by the area above the normal elevation — how high the water bounces after a rainstorm. If a pond is filled, it will bounce higher with the same amount of water coming in, than if the pond had capacity to hold some of the rainfall. The normal elevation of a pond is at the pipe elevation. He stated that various problems can occur. Ponds can have reduced storage which impacts quality and quantity, as well as blockages in the system. He described how bounce is impacted. When development occurs and more impervious surface is added, water runs off faster and can't infiltrate. This can increase bounce. Task Force member Terrie Christian said that it used to take days for Medicine Lake to bounce higher after a significant rain event. Now it takes hours. Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 4 of 7 Engineer Quanbeck said that removal of silt has no impact on flood control unless there are blockages. He described the city standards for concrete curb and gutter. He said that the most vulnerable part of a street is the edge. A lot of money is put into constructing streets, and curb and gutter helps to move water. Streets are degraded by standing water and by the freeze and thaw. Concrete curb and gutter is used to affect grade, and this reduces water problems. He noted that there are a few streets in Plymouth that were built as temporary streets without curb and gutter. These tend to be in relatively sandy areas, such as near Parkers Lake. Another approach is to use ditches to move the water, but the downside is having many culverts to install and maintain at the driveways and wider right-of-way is needed. Future Meetings Community Development Director Hulbert suggested that dates for future meetings be selected. The focus of the next meeting would be developing criteria and options. Dates selected were: March 18' April 1, April 22, and May 10, from 7:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. A study session will be recommended to the City Council for May 18 in order for the Task Force to present its recommendations. This meeting will be cablecast and held in the Council Chambers. Staff Report - Who's Who in Water Quality Engineer Quanbeck explained that the Federal Corp of Engineers regulates storm water activities, along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The initial focus of the EPA after the adoption of the Clean Water Act was point -source pollutants such as wastewater discharge and industrial waste discharge. Plymouth's sanitary sewer system and storm water systems have always been separated. Next, the EPA started considering non -point sources, such as agricultural run-off and the affects of urbanization, such as increased impervious surface resulting in increased pollutants in runoff. The National Pollution Drainage Elimination System (NPDES) adopted about 10 years ago addressed industrial sites in cities over 100,000 population. It now applies to cities the size of Plymouth. Plymouth now needs to map its system, track maintenance of the system, monitor and inspect the system. It involves a lot of recordkeeping and the intent is to "improve water quality to the maximum extent practical." Each state has the option of following the federal requirements, or developing its own requirements to comply with the federal act. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has done a statewide program. These requirements flow to local governments to implement and administer. Engineer Quanbeck stated that Total Daily Maximum Loads (TDML) considers water bodies and defines what is an impaired water body. Standards are set for various types of water bodies and if a water body does not meet the minimum standard, it is declared to be "impaired waters." In Plymouth, Medicine Lake and Bassett Creek are impaired bodies of water. In the future, if a body of water is determined to be impaired, a study will be done to determine the cause and to consider all inputs into the system in order to reach an I' Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 5 of 7 acceptable TDML. Shingle Creek was listed as impaired with respect to chlorides, and it has been monitored for two years. Road salt is another pollutant, but it needs to be balanced with safety. It is unclear who will be doing these studies, but all of these programs are things that cities will likely be mandated to spend money on. The extent of the problem and the amount of money is unknown. He said that the City has an Aquatic Vegetation Management Group, which is considering an aggressive program to regulate curly leaf pond week. DNR approval is needed for this program. Engineer Quanbeck stated the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates public waters. Permits are required to do various activities, such as manage vegetation, and the DNR reviews storm water plans. Protected waters are the primary focus of the DNR. The Board of Water and Sewer Resources (BWSR) oversees the Wetland Conservation Act. He noted that wetlands are not always discernable by viewing — there are technical requirements. A Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) is comprised of local government officials, representative from BWSR and from the Hennepin County Conservation District, etc., and is charged with determining the location of wetlands using vegetation, hydrology and other factors. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has many highways with run- off and a system to handle that. Their philosophy is that if it is in their right-of-way they deal with it and if not, the City does. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) takes the federal rules and applies state regulations to comply. MPCA has some funding available, but it is very competitive. An example is the Clean Lakes Program. We have applied without much success. The MPCA has a program called Non -Point Source System (NPS) which relates to construction sites. Previously a permit was required for any site larger than 5 acres, now a permit is required for any site disturbance of more than one acre. The Metropolitan Council is the regional government. Itis a regional planning agency that looks at the entire metropolitan area, and it does get somewhat involved in water issues, such as the review of watershed plans. The Met Council has some grants available, but nothing substantial. Engineer Quanbeck next discussed local governments involved in water quality. Hennepin County has a storm water system similar to MNDOT; however, they only handle issues to the curb line. Beyond that, the City is responsible for maintenance The County also comments on watershed plans, has an environmental services group, and provides some technical expertise. Hennepin Conversation District is an entity separate from Hennepin County. The Hennepin County Board recently took over some of their staff and duties, but they still Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 6 of 7 have a role in the Wetland Conservation Act and need to approve requests related to wetlands. Plymouth is covered by four Water Management areas. There are two types — districts and joint powers agreements. Minnehaha Creek Water Management District covers 20 cities and has 7 managers appointed by the County Board. The other three areas, Elm Creek, Bassett Creek, and Shingle Creek, are joint powers organizations. For example, Bassett Creek covers nine cities and has nine commissioners, one appointed by each city council. All of the area in the metropolitan area must be covered by a water management organization. The differences between a district and an organization established by a joint powers agreement relate to governance, funding, and operations. Minnehaha Creek is regulatory, while the others are not. It also has the authority to independently tax for operations and projects. Joint powers organizations do not have the authority to tax. The agreement establishes the funding formulas which are paid by member cities. The funding is typically based on two criteria — 50% based on the area of the city in the watershed and 50% based on valuation of land in the watershed. For example, in Bassett Creek WMO, Plymouth has 41 % of the geographic area and 47% of the property valuation. Plymouth pays 46-47% of the total budget of Bassett Creek WMO. The City has indirect influence, but little voice in the decisions. Both watershed types can mandate projects. Once a watershed organization as a plan approved, the City is required to update its plan to comply with it. Watersheds rarely get involved in maintenance issues. Those are left to cities. Engineer Quanbeck said that cities are responsible for everything else related to storm water. This includes running, operating, and maintaining the system, serving as the regulatory authority when people do projects, implementing the Wetland Conservation Act, and perhaps in the future the TMDL requirements. Staff Report — Who Pays and How? Financial Analyst Mike Kohn presented information on who pays the various costs for storm water systems and how it is paid. His comments are summarized in Handout #18, provided to the Task Force. He discussed construction, maintenance, and replacement of the system, the background of the surface water fee in Plymouth, and possible funding sources for water quality purposes. He said that key financial points to consider are that the 2004 Budget (as adopted) calls for a 5% rate increase in 2004. The cashflow projection provided to the Task Force calls for additional rate increases to cover inflation. The current activities outlined in the 2004 budget and cashflow projection show available cash falling to a marginally acceptable level of $487,000 in 2007. Staff would prefer a slightly higher cash balance to cover cashflow and emergencies, such as the 2003 flooding problems. He concluded that any additional activities related to storm water quality would require additional revenue. Task force members were requested to retain all of their materials throughout their work. All questions should be routed through Facilitator Anne Hurlburt. Surface Water Task Force March 6, 2004 Page 7 of 7 Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt concluded the Task Force Meeting at 12:00 noon. Sheila-t,anger Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force Thursday, March 18, 2004 Also present: Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, City Engineer Quanbeck, Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analyst Kohn, City Manager Ahrens, Mayor Judy Johnson, Councilmember Black & Office Support Representative Langer. A meeting of the Surface Water Task Force was held beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Lunch Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Thursday, March 18`h, 2004. Mayor Judy Johnson welcomed the task force members. Task Force Members Present Absent 1. Gracie Azine 2. Karla Anderson 3. Cal Baldry 4. Bonnie Bronstad x 5. ISteve Chesebrough 6. Paul Christ au 7. Terrie Christian 8. Richard Dunn 9. Jack Gassner 10. James Griffin X 11. Lee Keele 12. Herb Marth 13. Richard Manthe X 14. Larry Marofsky X 15. IDon Maxwell X 16. Jack Moe 17. Gary Ness 18. Tom Orr X 19. Kathy Osborne 20. lKeith Pizzala 21. Dick Plufka 22. Tov Rezabek 23. David Roy 24. Pete Savage 25. Robert Schafer 26. IJerry Unger Also present: Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Works Director Faulkner, City Engineer Quanbeck, Finance Director Hahn, Financial Analyst Kohn, City Manager Ahrens, Mayor Judy Johnson, Councilmember Black & Office Support Representative Langer. A meeting of the Surface Water Task Force was held beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Lunch Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. on Thursday, March 18`h, 2004. Mayor Judy Johnson welcomed the task force members. Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 2 of 10 Community Development Director Hurlburt asked for approval of the minutes from the March 6`h, 2004 Surface Water Task Force meeting. One correction was made and the minutes were approved. There were no requests for clarifications on information presented at the first meeting. Continuation of Background Presentations Community Development Director Hurlburt outlined the presentations to be given including water quality mandates, flooding and drainage problems and pond cleaning. City Engineer Quanbeck spoke about the Clean Water Act, which originally addressed point source pollution and explained how the program is now moving on to non -point pollution. In response to the 1987 Amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed Phase I of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Storm Water Program in 1990. The Phase I program addressed sources of storm water runoff that had the greatest potential to negatively impact water quality. Under Phase I, EPA required NPDES permit coverage for storm water discharges from: • Medium and large municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) located in incorporated places or counties with populations greater than 100,000. • Eleven categories of industrial activity, which includes construction activity that disturbs five or more acres of land. Phase II Final Rule, published in the Federal Register on December 8, 1999 requires NPDES permit coverage for storm water discharges from: Certain regulated small MS4s; and Construction activity disturbing between 1 and 5 acres of land (i.e., small construction activities). Phase II Final Rule requires the no exposure exclusion and the temporary exemption for certain industrial facilities under Phase I of the NPDES Storm Water Program and certain exemptions relating to ISTEA. The Phase II rule also established two potential waivers for small construction activities. City Engineer Quanbeck explained that the basic rule is that we are required to improve water quality to the maximum extent practical. The EPA has put together a program and asked the State Pollution Control Agency to take it over. From there it was handed down to local government. The program requires we address six main control measures: • Public Education Outreach -Plymouth has been doing this for a number of years. v � Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 3 of 10 • Public Participation -This program gives people a chance to see our storm water pollution prevention plan and gives people a chance to comment on it, including a public meeting once a year. • Illicit Discharge Detection -We haven't had a lot of problems in this area based on the age of our City. • Construction Site Storm Water Run-off Control -We have had a program in place for a number of years — which includes an erosion control ordinance and financial guarantees from builders. • Post Construction Run -Off Control -This includes permanent facilities such as ponds and land rain gardens to control run-off after construction. • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping. -Keeping track of things and making sure everything is maintained. These programs require a lot of our effort — we need to inventory the system and inspect 20% of the outfalls each year. In Plymouth, we tend to exceed that number. The City also needs to inspect all devices — sump manholes etc. and make sure they are taken care of. As part of that overall program we are required to put together a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). That plan outlines how we as a City are going to address these six control measures. We are required to turn in an annual report as part of this. Total Daily Maximum Loads (TMDL) program requires the state to prepare an Impaired Waters list that is submitted to the Federal Government. A study is done for each water body on the list that can cost between $50-$100,000.00 or more. The study's purpose is to find out where the pollution is coming from. Discharge of the pollutant has to be limited in those areas. City Engineer Quanbeck then reviewed other water quality mandates and spoke about the vast amount of record keeping and software maintenance that the City is involved with. The system needs to be maintained — but there is no clear definition. What we do has to be both reasonable and defensible. Plymouth is a member of four watersheds - Bassett Creek, Shingle Creek, Minnehaha Creek, and Elm Creek. If a TMDL is done we may have limits put on us. Studies are likely to originate from these watersheds. Programs are far reaching with unknown cost or results. The watersheds are completing development of their 2nd generation Storm water Management Plans and state law says that we need to revise our plan to be consistent n l� Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 4 of 10 with the watersheds' plans. Bassett Creek is just finishing up their 2"d generation plan. They are the last of the four watersheds to finish. Minnehaha Creek is working on a 3`d generation plan and other watersheds are starting in on that process. These plans need to be updated on a consistent basis. In 1991 we became the LGU (Local Governmental Unit) for our area under the Wetlands Conservation Act. The LGU is responsible for implementation of the Act, including identifying and delineating wetlands and approving sequencing and mitigation plans. This gives us limited enforcement power and we sometimes work with conservation officers from the DNR. Community Development Director Hurlburt asked if there were any other questions about the mandates. None were presented. Floodin! and Drainage Problems Director of Public Works Faulkner referred to the 1980 storm drainage plan map. There is a series of ponds throughout the City whose function is to hold water and not flush everything downstream. The 1980 plan includes calculated volumes, flow rates and proposed outlet pipes for these ponding areas in order to contain the 100 -year storm. As development occurs, the designated ponding areas are incorporated into the development and control structures installed in accordance with the 1980 plan. Ponding easements are required over the area that would be inundated by the 100 -year storm. When a large storm does occur, many people living around ponds indicate that their properties have been flooded, but actually the ponds and high water levels are typically functioning as designed. When flood damage does occur, it may be the result of a greater than 100 -yr. storm and/or due to sediment that has blocked or plugged outlets. Sediment caused by erosion causes problems throughout the system and requires much maintenance The City of Plymouth 1994 Wetland Inventory Map has identified 803 wetland basins in the city. The 803 -wetland basins were classified as: • 43 Exceptional Quality Wetlands • 131 High Quality wetlands • 501 Medium Quality Wetlands • 95 Low Quality Wetlands • 22 Storm Water Ponds • 11 Non -classified • About 96 of the 800 wetland basins are also part of MN DNR Protected Waters (Wetland) Since 1992, the City has entered into 150 Water Quality Pond Maintenance Agreements for 214 NURP (Water Quality) ponds. According to the City's Storm Sewer Map, there are: • 757 Outlets (taking water away from a drainage feature) Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 5 of 10 • 1243 Inlets (bringing water into a drainage feature) It appears that out of the 757 outlets: • 214 are associated with the identified water quality ponds • about 350 (rough estimate) are associated with wetland basins • and the remaining 193 are associated with road culverts, ditches, or water storage ponds that have not been classified yet. Public Works Direct Faulkner explained that students are hired during the summer to monitor erosion in new developments. The majority of sediment happens with new developments, making it important to make sure that ponds are cleaned up before all the financial guarantees are released. In 2001 we initiated the Storm Water Utility Fee, which helped further our maintenance efforts, but much more needs to be done. Last June's storm event caused a significant amount of problems, including separation of pipes and additional erosion. Plymouth got hit a bit worse than most cities (stronger rainfall). Amounts were in excess of the 100 - year storm. Over 20 residents contacted the City regarding flood related problems. They actually had surface water entering their homes from a surface water system. In the area of I 11h and Sycamore a pipe collapsed. This resulted in a resident being flooded due to the large upstream drainage area. Cost of that repair was $45,000.00 and in that same system downstream due to large upstream drainage area, we will incur a cost of over $100,000.00 to fix another large pipe that had partially collapsed. We hired a consultant to analyze 10 different sites that were difficult to tell exactly what happened during the June storm. Staff checked out our entire drainage system and specifically areas such as Larch and Co. Road 9. We spent weeks cleaning that area out. There was dredging to make sure the water could get through — downstream blockages were problematic. Financial Analyst Kohn summarized that funds are already allocated in the 2004 budget for Surface Water Fee for solving flooding problems. Money is coming from 3 sources — ad valorem tax from the Basset Creek watershed district, which is targeted for the ponds at Medicine Lake; surface water fee of $1.6 million dollars in new revenue; and $2.5 million cash accumulated over the years. We will be using surplus to fund operations and capital projects this year. We will we get the money back for the Medicine Lake ponds ($850,000.00), from the Basset Creek Watershed Organization. POND CLEANING Of the 757 drainage ways and ponds (anything with an outlet that we would need to clean) we would have to be cleaning 50 per year to meet a 15 -year cleaning cycle. With the 214 existing water quality ponds and another 100 ponds that will probably be added before the city is fully developed — we would have to be maintaining 20 water quality Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 6 of 10 ponds per year. The estimated cost is $15,000 each per year to clean those ponds or a total of $300,000 per year. MAINTENANCE OF WATER QUALITY PONDS UNDER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS Public Works Director Faulkner said that as of December, 2003, we have record of 150 signed Pond Maintenance Agreements covering a total of 214 water quality ponds, 24 of which are older than 10 years. It is expected that approximately 10 ponds, covered by maintenance agreements, will be added each year for the next 10 years. In addition, there are approximately 520 other ponds, drainage basin areas, and wetlands which the City is responsible for maintaining. Developers are originally responsible for pond cleaning. Most, if not all, developers sign the responsibility over to homeowner associations. The problem is that many homeowner associations exist on paper only. Many residents may technically be part of a homeowners association and they have a financial burden and responsibility that they don't even realize they have. Not all new homeowners have this information disclosed to them. City Engineer Quanbeck explained that a developer first signs the pond maintenance agreement with the City. That agreement should then be part of the homeowner's documents when a home is purchased from the developer and is recorded with a deed for the property. The title search should show pond maintenance as one of the obligations that go with that property. Public Works Director Faulkner said that if the City wants to establish a policy to take over the responsibility of maintenance of these ponds, then there needs to be a significant increase in the storm water utility fee. Approximately 214 homeowners associations have a pond maintenance agreement, which allows them to petition the City to take over pond maintenance if the City establishes such a policy. He further explained that it was the City's intent with the language in Article 4 of the agreements that we would assume future maintenance of water quality ponds if two things occurred: 1) if the City established a storm water utility fee; and 2) the City adopts a policy to maintain water quality ponds. The fee has been instituted, but the policy has not. This provision was not included in recent (approximately 12) agreements. While the agreements do indicate special assessments could be used to have the ponds cleaned, it would be very difficult — properties would have to show a benefit meaning their property value would have to show an increase equal to or greater than the assessment. Public Works Director Faulkner referred to three alternatives that were discussed in the January 9th 2004 Special Council Meeting (handout #12) regarding maintenance of water quality ponds under maintenance agreements. 1. Have the City assume responsibility for maintaining and cleaning water quality treatment ponds currently under pond maintenance agreements. Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 7 of 10 2. Enforce the existing pond maintenance agreements. This would mean that water quality ponds under maintenance agreements would have to be maintained and cleaned by the responsible party for each pond maintenance agreement. 3. Defer the matter of maintaining and cleaning water quality ponds under maintenance agreements for a specified or indefinite period of time. Under this option, the City could choose not to enforce the existing maintenance agreements. The conclusion was that this is a very complex issue, which mixes legal, practical, economic, and contractual responsibility issues. We do have a lot of water quality ponds that do need to be maintained. It is something that needs to be done; we just need to figure out the best way. A resident asked about article four in the maintenance agreement that has since been removed from the contract, and desired an explanation from the City Attorney. City Manager Ahrens said that a special assessment would be a way that the City could recover costs of enforcing the pond maintenance agreement, however the City would need to show benefit to the property value. Mayor Johnson said that assessments of pond cleaning would be difficult to enforce. There would be an additional cost because of lawsuits with homeowners associations. The City would be fighting more battles than cleaning ponds. There is concern that state statute does not appear to specifically authorize such assessments. Community Development Director Hurlburt suggested that we needed to move on to the criteria and options section of the meeting. The group brainstormed to develop criteria for evaluating the options as follows: Criteria for Evaluating Options 1. Comprehensive 2. Equitable 3. Affordable 4. Legal 5. Politically Acceptable 6. Sustainable into the Future 7. Helps Meet Water Quality Goals 8. Helps Prevent Flooding 9. Manageable 10. Priorities/Ranking 11. Timely The task force was divided in four groups and each group was given half of the criteria to brainstorm the meaning of each of the criteria, answering the following questions: L(1 Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 8 of 10 • What does it mean? • Who does it matter to? • How do we measure it? • How will we know when we get there? The results were reported back to the group, as follows: 1. Comprehensive • Addresses big picture and covers 800 existing ponds, future ponds (including higher and lower ground) • Addresses all types of water features • Doesn't just focus on all 200 original ponds • Improves water quality and quality management 2. Equitable • Has consensus of the group • All pay fair share based on water contributed (homeowners and businesses) • Considers tax exempt properties 3. Affordable • City budget can afford (property tax and surface water fees) • Staged — short and long term • Cost of not doing something considered - litigation 4. Legal • Meets State and Federal laws • City's responsibility clear (what and how to do) • Comply in good faith, not minimally — with mandates • Lawsuits avoided/keep out of jail 5. Politically Acceptable • Compromise • Politically acceptable if group endorses • Council is test of politically acceptable • Solution benefits outweigh costs (cost -benefit ratio) • Citizens must be educated - surveys, etc. 6. Sustainable into the Future • Allows for future needs • Provides future funding • Functions with minimal changes in future Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 9 of 10 7. Help to Meet Water Quality Goals • Meets Federal, State, County water quality standards • Uses measures already in place within City 8. Helps Prevent Flooding • Storm control structures maintained and perform as designed • Matters to those with flooding potential. • Measure using storm damage reports; goal of zero % homes flooded 9. Manageable • Plymouth's administration & personnel capacity not exceeded • Feasible 10. Priority/Ranking • Addressing critical issues by importance • Varies by individual — difficult to prioritize • Must weigh generalized damage vs. one persons' damage • Avoid damage from critical incidents 11. Timely • Progress met in standards being set • Timeline to measure periodic progress Community Development Director Hurlburt asked if there was anything that needed to be part of criteria that wasn't included. No further criteria were offered. A task force member posed the question "how can we have any faith in the Council when only two are represented here tonight"? Mayor Johnson said that she advised the Council that they would have to listen to what the task force suggests. Mayor Johnson assured everyone that she and Councilmember Black would inform Council of the amount of work the task force is doing, and explain questions that have come forward. She advised the force that all material the task force has received is also being distributed to the Council. Community Development Hurlburt added that members of the City Council are also getting minutes and will be sent a final report. Councilmember Black suggested task force members call and let the Council know that this task force matters and that it is important. The City's web site was given as www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. Community Development Director Hurlburt concluded by stating that the next meeting was two weeks away — and that there would be more opportunity for brainstorming. The Proposed Minutes Surface Water Task Force on March 18, 2004 Page 10 of 10 task force has developed criteria for evaluating options and next time members will brainstorm those options. Dates for future taskforce meetings are, April I", April 22nd and May 10`h from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the Lunchroom of Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. A study session will be recommended to the City Council for May 18`h in order for the Task Force to present its recommendations. This meeting will be cablecast and held in the Council Chambers. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Sheila Langer, Office Support Representative X'ranlx H Wein illi]. ) )4c? March 14, 2004 Carol Molnau, Commissioner of Transportation Minnesota Department of Transportation Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55155 Dear Carol: I have had a concern about unmarked railroad crossings, especially two in the City of Plymouth, for some time. The enclosed article, clipped from The New York Times of Thursday, March 11, 2004, is support for this concern. The specific crossings I refer to in Plymouth are on West Medicine Lake Drive and South Shore Drive. The railroad is not frequently used and I believe this makes it more of a danger because people tend to forget they are used. If these crossings were used more, drivers would be more careful and reduce the possibility of accidents. As the article, concerning unmarked crossings in Queens, New York, points out, there is usually a flagman at those crossings to alert traffic of on -coming trains. Because this involved a run away train, there was no warning and the result was some rather extensive injuries and property damage. I would ask that something be done to correct all unmarked crossings in the state to avoid any similar accidents occurring in Minnesota. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Frank H Weir Cc: Judy Johnson, Mayor City of Plymouth A Runaway Engine Plows Through Queens, Injuring 4 By COREY KILGANNON A runaway Iix:omotive plowed through a Queens neighborhood yes- terday afternoon, slamming into five vehicles and injuring four people, two critically, the authorities said. The unmanned diesel engine, a Long island Rail Road locomotive, became unhitched from two other train cars at a freight -train yard in Queens around 2:20 p.m., the authori- ties said, and began roiling westward down a sloping stretch of track on the railroad's Bushwick branch. The engine ran through several in- tersections in an industrial section of Maspeth, smashing into three auto- mobiles. It barreled on toward the Brooklyn border, bearing down on a maintenance crew repairing the track. "One of the workers yelled, 'Run- away train; get off the tracks," " said Xavier Zevallos, 24, a warehouse manager. Mr. Zevallos said the roar- ing diesel's rumble and its impact with three cars shook the ground and the heavy brick buildings in the com- mercial area, which is dense with warehouses and commercial busi- nesses. The workers dashed to safety and the engine rammed two of their maintenance trucks on the track, causing one of them, a welding truck, to explode into flame. The burning truck became wedged between the tracks and the locomotive and helped grind it to a fiery halt near Varick Avenue, just shy of the old Bushwick terminal. As flames engulfed the locomotive, causing steel canisters of acetylene gas on the truck to explode, a city firefighter, Lt. William Pickett, leaped onto the engine, shut down the engine and activated the emergency brake. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the engine left almost a mile of destruction in its wake. The two most seriously injured people were in the first car the engine struck, a Dodge Spirit sedan travel- ing north on 54th Street. Its driver, Jason Kusinitz, 33, and a passenger, Demetrius Cuffie, 37, were taken to Elmhurst Hospital, where Mr. Kusi- nitz, who sustained head injuries, un- derwent surgery last night for re- moval of his spleen. Me Cuffie had gators to the accident to begin inves- tigating. "We're lucky," Mr. Bloomberg said. "This could have been an even worse tragedy." Thomas J. Kelly, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transit Authority, called it "a freak accident." He said traffic gates were not needed at the intersections because "each traits has flagmen that come out and direct traffic." He said the runaway engine had become unhitched at the Fresh Ponds rail yard in Queens, where it was attached to two other locomo- tives for transport and attachment to a Montauk -bound long island Rail Road train. "Usually they use either a hand brake, air brake or a chuck under the wheel to secure the train;' he said. "We don't know yet until we investi- gate if any of those things were done." There were no safety gates, traffic lights or even warning signs on any of the streets that the tracks cross, and yesterday many local workers and residents called the crossings dangerous. Local drivers and work - Intersections have no gates, lights or signs that warn about oncoming trains. ers said yesterday that train opera- tors were usually careful to stop at intersections and warn drivers with hand signals, flags, flares or horn blasts before driving trains slowly across the intersections. Enrique Vives, 22, an employee at Western Beef produce warehouse and supermarket, said: "If you drive here, you learn to listen for the train whistles when you cross the tracks. People play a game around here called beat the train." "This was a freak accident," said Philip Tse, the owner of a seafood wholesale business on 54th Street about 100 feet from the tracks. "But it's been RettinK dangerous here." 1�3 several broken bones and 7other in)u- ries. Both men were listed in critical condition. Chris DaVino, 27, a tow-truck dnv- er for a nearby auto-body business, saw the car after the engine hit. "The driver was completely mangled and bleeding from the head," he said. "He looked dead for sure. The passenger was gasping for air." Then, at Metropolitan Avenue, the locomotive hit a second and third car. Two people in the second car — a nun, 59, who sustained two broken wrists and a broken ankle, and an elderly man — were taken to Elm- hurst Hospital as well. They were both listed in stable condition last night. At a news conference late yester- day afternoon at the accident scene, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: "Obviously something went terribly wrong. Obviously this was a mal- function, or a mistake made by per- sonnel." He said that somehow the lo- comotive had come unhitched at the vard while it was briefly unattended, and began rolling. "Obviously, the brakes weren't set, or the brakes didn't work." he said. "Wtiv the brakes weren't on at the time is something that will be under investigation." The mayor said the crash would be investigated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board. Both agencies said last night that then had sent teams of investi- -tt'SM" g-Tingdangerous In the past, Mr Tse said, the trains came through only once or twice a week with their industrial cargo. But over the past couple of years it has been more like two or three times a day, he added. Usually there is a flag man to warn cars and passers-by, but there are no barriers at grade crossings, neighbors and transit offi- cials said. 'They should have railroad gates," said a woman who lives in a building a few doors south on 54th Street, and who gave her name only as Kathy. "1 said someone was going to get hurt here someday." To many neighbors, the trains are mainly a nuisance. They often stop for 15 or 20 minutes as iheN clank slowly uphill on their way east from Brooklyn to Queens, holding up traf- fic. And they often come through at night, shaking the floorboards with their heavy cargo and waking people up with their horns. Drivers for the Atlantic Express school bus company, which has a yard nearby, said that the tracks were often obscured by large build- ings and parked tractor -trailers near the tracks. "These trains come right out at you," said one Atlantic Express driv- er, who would not give his name. "If you don't know this area, you'd never know there was a trate coming. And it's going to happen again if they don't put gates up " v E a 'D O vOi C N O O O N a CoC O AoV G O cu V C G • � E ,D U � O .MO+ bl R 3 8 h '0 y u by a O b �'N c u � C C CZ p c r� T N O N U v c s s s R c° ` A A N A �' NO N N N .O d R A 0 s a� R w � L O V T a N O N fA o U N3 7 H 14 v c_ o 72 an on 5 0 U M M A 3 G E 7 y O O O O O a C V] U N N W y E � N G. � d 'O QAC � 3 � ❑'i d cz v On "3 x 1 ca ca A ^ ca o v a i a i ca co L z q ca w w m fa w t6 k. @ w 4u U cC U G C C C� W L1 D W Q D ca Q CITY OF PLYMOUT�+ March 17, 2004 Representative Erik Paulsen Majority Leader Room 459 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Majority Leader Paulsen: Thank you for attending the meeting hosted by Representative Lynne Osterman yesterday in New Hope. The City Manager and I certainly appreciated the opportunity to visit with you about legislative issues affecting Plymouth. I am enclosing two documents for your review. The first is the list of 2004 legislative priorities adopted by the Plymouth City Council. The second is a copy of our Financia! Extra, which is an annual report distributed to Plymouth residents and businesses. This is just one example of how we communicate our priorities and spending decisions to our residents and businesses. We strongly believe in local control and local accountability. Thank you again for meeting with us. Please let me know if there is any way I can assist you in the future. A.1 your service, Ju A Joh on Mayor S` ice ident, League of Minnesota Cities PL)IACWTH .-I CPtNIgO', MINNESOTA ����i�:; 14Ei,'•IFLE_f'HONEf7f�?!509-500(! ` March 18, 2004 SUBJECT: 2004 STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT KINGSVIEW LANE/4TH AVENUE PLAN REVIEW OPEN HOUSE CITY PROJECT NO. 4102 Dear Property Owner: The streets in your area are scheduled to be reconstructed this upcoming summer. The design for this project is in the final stages and prior to plan approval there will be an informational open house to discuss the project. The open house has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 31, 2004, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. Construction plans will be on hand and City staff will be present to answer questions regarding the project. If you have any questions or cannot attend the information meeting and wish to discuss the project, please contact me at (763) 509-5541. Sincerely, James W. Renneberg, E.I.T. Civil Engineer cc: Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E., Director of Public Works Ronald S. Quanbeck, P.E., City Engineer Ross A. Beckwith, P.E., Assistant City Engineer C:\Do d \l:ho m I sl a I nf r� P g Jes\OLK16A\O enHouseKin sview.doc 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 0 w%,x,.ci.plymouth.mn.us Isar -22-2004 03:27pm From-WAYAZA COMMUNITY EDUCATION 7637455268 T-659 P.002/003 F-270 Independent School District 284 Paul R. Beiliuss, Ed.D. / Supeantendenr of Schools 210 Ccur.:y F.cad 101 North P.O. 130x 660 Wayzata. MNI 5539.1-0660 March 18, 2004 763.745.5001 Fax: 763.745.5097 Dear Neighbors: pau1.beilfus90wayzata.kl2.mn.u9 The Wayzata Public Schools Board of Education recently approved a proposal from several area youth athletic associations to renovate the existing stadium field at Central Middle School. This Board action came after an extensive review of financial options and will result in agreements between the district and various youth associations. The project includes replacing the existing natural grass field in the former high school stadium with artificial turf to provide a durable and weatherproof surface for use from April through October. We would then erect a "bubble" or inflated dome over the field after fall seasons end for use from November to April. The school district's financial responsibility would be limited to capital expenses and would have no impact on district operations now or in the future. Operating expenses for the facility, including utilities and supervision, would be covered by the youth athletic associations thereby preventing an impact on the school district's budget and educational mission. Central Middle School has a long tradition as a community facility dating back to the early 60's serving as a high school and now as one of our three middle schools. District facilities, including gyms and fields, are booked solid to the point that families are driving across the metro area to find places to practice and play. With the growth of our communities and the youth athletic associations that serve them, space to accommodate youth programs is in high demand. More space to meet youth needs will keep them active and involved in activities and also better serve families by keeping them near home. It is our hope that the proposed project is met with a great deal of community support; however, we also realize that many of you who live nearby may have questions about the project. In the interest of being good neighbors, we would like to invite you to an informational meeting intended solely for the neighbors of Central Middle School. Please join us on Tuesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m. in Room A413 at Central. We have enclosed a fact sheet about the proposed project. A site plan map is also available on our web site at www.wayzata.k12.mn.us. Thank you for your continued support of Wayzata Public Schools — your support helps us maintain our reputation for educational excellence. erely, Paul R. Beilfuss, Ed. D. Superintendent Wayzata Public Schools 56 Mar -22-2004 03:27pm From-WAYAZA COMMUNITY EDUCATION 7637455268 T-659 P 003/003 F-270 The Board of Education recently approved a proposal from several area youth athletic associations to renovate the existing football field at Central Middle School. The associations involved include Plymouth/Wayzata Baseball Assoc., Plymouth/Wayzata Softball Assoc., 'Wayzata Youth IIockey, Wayzata/Plymouth Football, Wayzata Soccer Club, Plymouth Soccer Assoc., Wayzata Girls Basketball Assoc., and Wayzata Boys Basketball Assoc. They serve 7,200+ participants and hundreds of families in our community. Site PIan Their proposal includes replacing the existing natural grass field with artificial turf, providing a durable and weatherproof surface to use from April to October. After fall seasons end, we will erect a bubble over the field from November through April. The babble will be approximately 55' high and will have lights suspended from the roof to light the interior and minimize outdoor glow. Once the bubble is erected in the fall, the facility will expand from a typical football/soccer field to multi -use. As you enter the facility there will be an 85'x 85' sheet of artificial ice that will be used by hockey and also three smaller pieces of artificial ice for hockey skills. Adjacent to the larger sheet of ice will be four automated batting cages for use by the baseball and softball associations. Located next to the hockey area is a space about the size of a gymnasium that will be used primarily by soccer associations for skills training. This space frees up gym time that will be traded to basketball associations, giving them both more hours and more appropriate space. The rest of the field, which is about 165'x165', will be used primarily by baseball and softball to hold skills clinics and even play "restricted flight" games. The site plan also includes improvements to help with the additional flow of traffic that we expect for this facility including reconfiguring the parking lot to allow for an entrance near the baseball field off Vicksburg Lane. Construction Costs The construction costs of this project are just over $3 million. The school district will propose a lease - purchase agreement, which allows financing of these costs over 10 years. Under the current plan, the capital costs for this project will be levied as property taxes - the average tax impact for a $300,000 home is $13.93 per year for the next 10 years. This additional revenue will be used for capital costs only and will have no impact on district operations now or in the future. This revenue, by law, must be used only for the specific purpose identified and cannot be used to fund operational expenses like salaries or instructional materials. Operations The annual operating expenses for thisproject will total S 180,000 and, under the agreement, will be covered by these athletic associations who will directly benefit from the facility. Operating expenses for district facilities must be paid from the same fund that pays salaries and buys instructional supplies. During these challenging financial times, the district cannot sacrifice educational programs for an athletic facility. As a result, the athletic associations have agreed to cover annual operating costs for the 10 -year term of the lease -purchase agreement. Since the athletic associations will cover 100% of the operational costs for the new facility, they will have first option for "prime time" usage on evenings and weekends. However, there will be time available for district use of the facility during the school day and after school until about 5:00 p.m. when the associations begin their programs. In addition, there may be time available for other community use of the facility for a fee, which would offset future operating expenses. A unique facility like this offers great flexibility and accessibility for the entire community and further showcases the strong tradition of community collaboration. In addition, it will transform seldom used space into an exciting multiuse facility that will create more opportunities for youth in our communities to bet involved and stay involved for years to come. For a map of the site plan, please visit the district web site at www.wayzata-kI2.mn us. Created by Steven Brantner, Communications Coordinator 763-745-5068 or steve.brantner@.wayzata.kl2.mn.tis '� r1 til r _• .•.. fib March 22, 2004 OTV O� PLYMOUTR James Deane, Board Chair THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT 3000 Xenium Lane Plymouth, MN 55441-2610 Dear Mr. Deane: Mayor Johnson and Council Member Black have asked me to respond to your January 8, 2004 letter regarding the erosion problem impacting the Park District property north of Rockford Road and east of Northwest Boulevard. As the City's current Public Works Director and former City Engineer, I have been aware of this worsening problem for the last several years. As you indicate the situation is the result of the eroding creek channel that has filled the box culverts with sediment and water making the trail usable by trail users. This has created a dangerous situation as pedestrians cross County Road 9 mid -block rather than walking to the intersection of Northwest Boulevard and County Road 9 to use the traffic signal to safely cross the roadway. We share your concern for this unsafe situation and over the past several months I have participated in meetings with representatives from the Park District and Hennepin County Public Works to try to provide temporary relief of this situation. There was a consensus among all parties that: there is a significant erosion problem that needs to be addressed both in the short term and long term; the pedestrian box culvert underpass needs to be made usable as soon as possible to alleviate the safety concerns of pedestrians crossing County Road 9 at grade. As part of the first step in this process, Hennepin County Public Works took the initiative to prepare a Grading Plan for the excavation of two sediment ponds downstream of the drainage culvert under County Road 9 to trap fixture sediment (in the short term). They will also clean the existing drainage culvert and build a berm to separate the two existing box culverts to prevent sediment from flowing into the pedestrian box culvert. The City partnered in this process by providing dump trucks to help with the hauling of the excavated material. While the above efforts should address the erosion problem in the short term, the long term solution, including funding, still needs to be developed. As you indicate, in the mid to late 901s, the three concerned parties were discussing options for correcting the erosion problem and Hetulepin County Public Works prepared a Grading and Ponding Plan for the Park District property in the northeast quadrant of County Road 9 and Northwest Boulevard. This was an extensive plan with a high cost estimate. At that time none of the three parties had the funding -4) O Engineering GE\ERAL',LTRS'DA\'1'_()U3De=e_Erosion_3 1' -do PLYMOUTH :q Beautiful Place to ir-e 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us James Deane, Board Chair Page 2 available for that project. In our more recent meetings on this issue, I believe that it is the group's consensus that a more affordable yet effective plan can be prepared to control future erosion and correct the existing problems. In addition, both the City and Three Rivers Park District share a concern about the degradation of Medicine Lake resulting from nutrient and erosion problem. As you know, both of our staffs have been working to effectively implement projects from the Plymouth's Water Resources Management Plan including the development of the Medicine Lake Implementation Plan. This five-year plan is estimated to expend approximately S2.4 million to improve the water quality in Medicine Lake through a variety of measures. Initially, the Medicine Lake plan did not include funding to correct the erosion problem at County Road 9 and Northwest Blvd. However, at the direction of the City Council, the Medicine Lake Sub -committee has been meeting to address those areas of Medicine Lake that were not included in the first Medicine Lake Plan. This issue as well as the nutrient loading occurring from Plymouth Creek are high on the list of issues the Sub -committee will be addressing. In addition, the City has a second committee of citizens, the Plymouth Surface Water Task Force, looking at funding for water quality projects. We are hopeful that these two citizen committees will help the City develop a plan that will allow us to address these critical issues in a timely manner. Please rest assured that the entire Plymouth City Council is well aware of this problem and is very interested in finding an affordable solution. In addition I would like to thank you and your board for partnering with the City to help find a solution to these problems. Your staff has been invaluable in this effort and the City looks forward to our continued partnership in addressing these problems. I will be in contact with your staff in the near future along with Hennepin County Public Works staff to discuss options for a long term solution. Sincerely, Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: Judy Johnson, Mayor Laurie Ahrens, City Manager O.•Engineering GENERAL `LTRS',DANF:OOA'Deane_Erosion 3_ '_ Joc MAR -12-2004 16:22 BAKER BARN NRM 763 476 1514 F' . 02 Rivers 0 Administrati,6rt Center T Yee 3000 Xcnium lane - Plymouth, uN 55441,26i0 vv Telephone 763/559-900() -,TDD 763/559-6719- Fax 7631559-3287 PARK DISTRICT %rww.threerivcrsparkdi�trict.org • an equal opportunity employer January 8, 2004 Mayor Judy Johnson City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Ave. _ Plymouth, IN 55447-1482 Mawr Johnson: in 1983, the Park District invested over 530.0,000 in the construction of an,underpass for the specific purpose of providing a safe crossing of County Road 9. for trail users. The underpass consists of two box culverts, orie intended for bike/hike use and the other for horse snowmobile use. Due to a continuing, erosion problem, these culverts have not been usable and the Park District has not realized the intent of its investment in public funds for a safe regional trail crossing. Attached is a recent photograph showing the sediment build up in the culverts. For over eight years, Three Rivers Park District has been dealing with a severe eiosCon problem on the regional trail 'corridor at the northeast corner of the County Road 9 -Northwest Boulevard i.ntersection. Also attached is a photo of -the eroded gully on Park District Property. The erosion problem is caused by runoff from the shopping center located on the rorili west side of the intersectiori and from the residential developments north and east of the trail corridor. Runof, from these two areas is diseharged.inty an open drainage channel on, -Three Rivers Park District's Regional Trail Corridor. The drainage channel on the trail corridor conveys the runoff water south into a Hennepin County drainage culvert under County Road 9, from where the water flows into Medicine Lake. When the shopping center complex and residential area were originally.developed, the drainage channel was a shallow ditch, approximately one -Riot deep and 3.. to 4 feet wide.' With the addition of the increased runoff, due to the expansion of the shopping complex and residential development, the charinel'eroded into a deep gully up to 10 feet deep, and 10 feet wide. During rain events, the drainage culvert under County Road. 9 is unable to handle the flow, forcing the runoff water into. the -regional trail underpass; which consists of two box culverts., When water flows through the underpass, it slows down and deposits the eroded sediment, onto the regional trail. In addition, a large amount of fine sediment is carried downstream into Medicine Lake. This situation creates a significant safety problem for the Park District. When sediment is deposited in the box culverts, trail, users typically cross County Road 9 on grade, rather thar. stepping in the mud on the trail. Frequently, trail users, especially young children, cross the road directly over the box culverts, rather than at the signal lights at the intersection of County 9 and 4Z Promoting mvvorenentol stewardship through recreation and education in o natural resources -basad park srsttun MAR -12-2004 16:23 BAKER EARN NHM rbc 44 iD114 r•r'' Northwest Boulevard: The amount and speed of traffic at the crossing site creates. a significant safety concern because of the increased potential -for apedestrian-vehicle accident to this location. The channel erosion is also a significant -pollution problem for Medicine Lake. Although, the. watershed draining under County Road'9 at the underpass location is relatively small, monitoring data show that this site contributes -the second largest sediment load to the lake. The sediment load reduces water clarity, increases the'lake phosphorus concentration, and provides a nutrient rich substrate for nuisance aquatic plants. Thiee Rivers Park District, .Hennepin County ilighway Department, and City of Plymouth staff made numerous attempts to correct the* erosion }problem, and, in 1999 designed a project tb control runoff water flow from the shopping center and residential development down the gully. Unfortunately, funding was -not available,.and the project was not constructed. More recently, Hennepin County proposed excavating two ponds in. French Regional. Park at the south end of the box culverts. The ponds would allow higher water velocities in the culverts and reduce the amount of sediment deposition on the regional trail. Constructton'of these ponds is currently. underway. Unfortunately, construction of the ponds will only provide a temporary solution to the sedimentation problem. A permanent solution to the problem will require stabilization of the eroding drainage channel. Because'of-the serious safety concerns presented by the eroding channel and the degradation of. _Medicine Lake, the Park District believes that it is imperative that the channel erosion problem be corrected. The Park District strthe Ci of Plymouth to -make the project a high ongly urges City priority item and implement a corrective program in the next few. years. If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact Superintendent Douglas Bryant at 763-559-67x8. Sincerely, J es Deane Board Chair c: Plymouth City Council Members Thiee Rivers Park District Board of Commassioners D6uglas F.- Bryant, Superintendent Laurie Ahrens, Interim City Manager John Barten, Water Resources Manager Boe Carlson, Planning Manager n TOTAL P.03 TOTAL P.03 Independent School District 284 4 4X arj/xi �"/s March 23, 2004 Ms. Anne Hurlburt Director of Community Development City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Anne: District Administrative Offices 110 hoad 101 North P.O. Box 660 b^]�i zata LUI55391 0660 763.745.5000 Fax: 763.745.5091 RE C SIVE W25M CITY Of PLYWW1TH C(►MMf3kfDREVEL( ,!ENT bEfARTMENf We recently engaged Professor Barbara Lukermann to update our enrollment projections. Enclosed is a copy of her report. There are no big changes from last year, and we continue to believe that we have sufficient capacity in our existing buildings to accommodate projected growth. Therefore, I do not anticipate construction of any new schools in the near future. Please feel free to contact me at (763) 745-5023 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Alan R. Hopeman, Jr. Executive Director Finance and Business ARH:jlw Enclosure 44- March 24, 2004 CATV OF PUMOUTR Beth and Terry McCabe 115 Kentucky Avenue S Golden Valley, MN 55426 Dear Mr. and Mrs. McCabe: I have received your letter regarding the swimming pool issue at LifeTime Fitness. I have been following this issue for a few weeks and have briefed the Mayor and Council on it, so they are also aware. We are working with LifeTime to explore possible avenues to rectify this situation. We all agree that the rule prohibiting adults from using the leisure pool needs to be amended, and we are looking for an effective way to make that happen. One of our Council members has talked to area legislators about the issue. However, we are not sure if, in this legislative session, we can get the issue resolved. The responsibility for this is totally with LifeTime Fitness, and you need to continue to discuss the issue with club management. I have enclosed a copy of the new pool schedule starting April 1. They have expanded the time the pool will be open and guarded. In the meantime, we will do whatever we can from our end to find an acceptable outcome. Sincerely, F"PL ekql� Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np cc: Mayor and Council Chris Fazi PLYMOUTH iv LiVC Pi_YIAOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 ©" 1NWV1'.CI.{)�Vlllilllili IIIILUS REQUEST FOR RESPONSE RE: POOL REGULATIONS AND PERSONNEL AT LIFETIME FITNESS PLYMOUTH Many adult members, young and old, handicapped and tit, have selected Life Time Fitness Plymouth because of the variety and accessibility of the swimming pools. It is an invaluable, albeit expensive, community resource. Since the club opened in 1997, members have been able to use all the pools at all times except during swim meets and cleaning. Suddenly, as of February 1, 2004, we have been denied the use of the leisure pool except during family hours with NO explanation except that the government requires a lifeguard at all times when the pool is used even by adult members that need the leisure pool for power walking, lap swimming and water aerobics classes. After six frustrating weeks, we feel we must voice our concern to people who can do something to alleviate this situation. First, it seems that burdensome and unrealistic government regulations should be revised for adult users at this facility. Considering time constraints in confronting the bureaucracy, our local facility must address the problem. Predictions show that the greatest growth in population in Plymouth will be in the 55 to 65 age group. If Life Time Fitness wishes to address the needs of the community, the management should do everything it can to attract this age group and provide "user- friendly" facilities for all, including seniors and the handicapped. Why does Life Time Fitness provide a lifeguard only during family hours but not during off -family hours when many adult members want to use the leisure pool? Many of these members cannot tolerate the colder water in the lap pool and some of them do the deep water aerobics in the leisure pool, taking advantage of the instructor's routines in the deep water pool Has anyone explored the possibility of erecting a fence across the zero - entry area that can be removed for family hours? Has anyone explored the possibility of creating a waiver that adult members can sign that would allow them to use the pool when they wished? Since no children under twelve are supposed to be in the area before family hours, why does the regulation require that the pool be closed? Isn't it irrational that the diving and lap pools, which are only feet away from the leisure pool, can be open 24 hours without lifeguards? Moreover, what is to prevent an unsupervised child or an unaware adult from using or falling into one of those pools? Since there is a regulation that a zero -entry pool must be closed when there is no lifeguard on duty, why has a lifeguard not been hired? If Life Time Fitness Plymouth can provide free day care for its members, why can't it provide a lifeguard so pools can be used at all times? We find it ironic that pool personnel are on duty to kick people out of the pool, often in a threatening and arrogant manner, but no personnel are available to serve as lifeguards. Further, pool personnel routinely sit in the office talking, ignoring the pool. Why? Aren't these pool personnel certified as lifeguards? These people should be M, required to be certified lifeguards and be courteous as well. Elurt feelings, anger and frustration have resulted when members have been told to leave the pool. If pool personnel are not lifeguard certified -lifeguards should be hired to be on duty at all times. Finally, we have been told that our aqua classes might be cancelled because our instructors are not certified lifeguards. No one has ever drowned during one of these classes. The only drowning occurred when a lifeguard WAS on duty. How can an instructor teaching class be the lifeguard on duty at the same time? These aqua classes have incalculable benefit for the people enrolled, often upon the advice of a physician. Mobility, range of motion, aerobic exercise, and general fitness are promoted in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The instructors for these classes are highly qualified; they truly care about the physical well being of the members exercising in the pool. The only complaint that we have is that there are not enough of them and not enough classes throughout the day. When the outdoor zero -entry leisure pool opens this summer there will be additional problems.. It is impossible to use that pool for laps, aqua jogging and power walking during family hours in the summer because the pool is so crowded, AND the indoor pool would be off limits because there would be no lifeguard. In closing we must express our frustration once again. We as a group find it difficult to comprehend this regulation and how it applies to Life Time Fitness Plymouth. Our befuddlement was exacerbated when no one attempted to explain the ruling or offered possible actions that the club might take to rectify the situation. It is absurd that the "premier" club in the Life Time group has chosen to close its leisure pool to adult members. We believe regulations should be followed but along with that we expect to be able to use the pool that we have paid for just as we have in the past. We also believe that the pool staff should be polite, respectful, and fully engaged in their duties. Sincerely and Collectively, L- AQUA SIGNUS lona Bakk 1015 `Gene Ln. N Plvmouth, %1N 55447 Jeanne Bendzinski, 16040 37" Ave. N Plymouth, tilN 55.146 1bend zinski(�vcomcast.net Billy 2Q 10 Ellsworth Ln *vllnnetonka, %1N 55305 Irene Clark Urmi Desai and Nalini Desai 3635 L-awndale Lane 47 Plymouth, MN 55447 Betsy Ellgren 3120 Holly Ln. N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Bonnie Ellini-,ston Lois Favell 3725 Archer Ln. N Plymouth, MN 55446 Ann Ferro 14715 43`d Ave N Plymouth, MN 55446 Diane Flies Annie Fraser 5110 S. Lakeshore Dr. Independence MN 55359 763.479.6182 Dee Gause 840 Vicksburg Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55447 Sharon and Dave Goodrie 2940 Alvarado Ln. Plymouth, MN 55447 Irene Goodfellow 15040 20 Ave. No Plymouth, MN 55447 Barbara Heinrich 10915 38th Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55441 Linda Hermann 3335 Walnut Grove Ln. N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Karen Holtmeier 4025 Terraceview Lane, Plymouth, 55446 Leilani Jorgensen 16233 70`h Pl. N. Maple Grove, MN 55311 Melissa Kaufman Renee Kestell 16605 14th Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Kathy Khan 850 Windjammer Lane, Orono, MN 55364 Joyce A. Kirscher 16894 89th Place N. Maple Grove, MN Nancy Kralovec 15213 Holdridge Rd. Minnetonka, MN Harriet LaBorde 4430 Vicksburg Lane North Plymouth, MN 55446 Barbara Lanning 11021 No. Oak Knoll Terrace Minnetonka, MN 55305 Lois Lee 10506 8th AVE. N. Plymouth, MN 55441 Edith Lejonvarn 4820 Quantico Ln. N. Plymouth. MN 55446 Ellen Magratten 2160 Zanzibar Lane North, Plymouth 55447-2361 Beth and Terry McCabe 115 Kentucky Ave. So. Golden Valley, MN 55426 763.544.6473 Judy Morrow 1171 Yuma Lane Plymouth, TNN 55447 Dorothy Myrick 1245 N Archer Ln. Plymouth, MN 55447 James Peterson 812 Meander Drive Medina, MN 763 478 6267 Vicki Nelson 7140 Maplewood Dr. Maple Grove, MN 55311 Pat Quinn 14035 44th PI N Plymouth, MN 55446 Vicky and Tim Sveiven 19600 63`d Ave. N. Corcoran, MN 55340 Dennis Ree 1972 Oak Circle Medina, MN 753.449.9583 Anna Rohlfsen 640 Brockton Ln. N. Plymouth, MN 55447 Bev Romfo 14215 44`h PI.N. Plymouth, MN 55446 Linda Sand 3830 Xenium Ct. N. Plymouth, MN 55441 Eleanor Sachs 9225 Medicine Lk. Rd. #206 Golden Valley, MN 55427 Norma Segal 7930 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427 Jan Segner 3870 Orchard Lane N. Plymouth, MN 55446 Barb Syverson Barbie 15820 48h Ave, N Plymouth, MN 55446 syv@aol.com Shirley Schneider 2170 Tamarack Dr. Long Lake, MN 55356 Helle Silpala 2000 Rhode Island Ave. N. Golden Valley, MN 55427 Mable Smith 1155 XeneLn.N. Plymouth, MN Dennis Ree 1072 Oak Circle Medina, MN 763 449 9583 Vonnie Wanha 1174 Western Ln. N. Plymouth, MN Rose Whetzel 4060 Everest Lane N Plymouth, MN 55446 Joan and Tom Woldum 15555 41" Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55446 Lois Zander 3109 Zarthan Ave. S. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 to 0 M CITV CITV • I • 2004 SUBJECT: SITE PLAN AMENDMENT, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCES FOR CARLSON REAL ESTATE (2004012) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by Carlson Real Estate, under File 2004012, for a site plan amendment, conditional use permit, and variances to allow construction of 6 town office buildings for property located at 3501 Plymouth Boulevard. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, .Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004012propnotice \\`ice\���\ x'1111111111111 PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us 71 March 26, 2004 SUBJECT: INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR DSU, INC. (2004014) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by DSU, Inc., under File 2004014, for an interim use permit for grading to create a berm on property located on the east side of County Road 101 at 54`h Avenue North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, Vx*'^ "Xyw�ts/L7 — Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004014propnotice r� PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 "'- y www ni nhimni ith mn i i. March 26, 2004 SUBJECT: REZONING, SITE PLAN, AND VARIANCE FOR DJR ARCHITECTURE, INC. (2004016) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by DJR Architecture, Inc., under File No. 2004016, for a rezoning from CC -RE (City Center, Retail/Entertainment) to CC -R (City Center, Retail) and for a site plan and variance to allow construction of a roughly 4,000 square foot Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union on the vacant 1.5 -acre parcel located south of 34` Avenue between Plymouth Boulevard and Vicksburg Lane. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, 'i I1 Cr N Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager r Site z 2004016propnotice PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Pface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mmus 4 SUBJECT: VARIANCE FOR RONALD MALONE (2004017) Dear Owner/Occupant: This letter is written to inform you that Ronald Malone, under file 2004017, submitted a planning application requesting approval of a variance for a 5.4 -foot side yard setback where 10 feet is the minimum required to allow conversion of a portion of the existing garage to living area for property located at 10106 South Shore Drive. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, NNt)N /,nv,, `� Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004017propnotice PLYMOUTH A Beautijid Pface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mmus March 26, 2004 SUBJECT: SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR PLYMOUTH COVENANT CHURCH (2004020) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by Plymouth Covenant Church, under File 2004020, for a site plan amendment and conditional use permit amendment to allow construction of a 760 -square foot narthex addition for property located at 4300 Vicksburg Lane North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. X1 '.< Vii' Sincerely, wm avllmt-6 Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004020propnotice ............... ..........___.._._ _.... _—._._ - ......- JS PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place to lave 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mmus SUBJECT: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT FOR ELIM CARE, INC. (2004023) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Elim Care, Inc., under File No. 2004023, for an amendment to the Cornerstone Commons Planned Unit Development to install an emergency generator within the air conditioning equipment enclosure behind the assisted living building located at 3750 Lawndale Lane North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, tIy�4w' art 6`e 1^ Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004023propnotice I - PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(Pface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 G_ --c. www.ci.olVmouth.mn.us SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR FMHC/T-MOBILE (2004015) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by FMHC/T-Mobile, under File 2004015, for a conditional use permit to allow the placement of wireless telephone antennas at an elevation of 75 feet to an existing 330 -foot tower and related ground equipment located at 1145 Shenandoah Lane North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2004015propnotice 55 PLYMOUTH A Beautifuf Pface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.ci.olvmouth.mn.us