Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-01-2004OF PLYMOUTH rp)CITY COUNCIL INFO MEMO October 1.. 2004 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Focus on Medicine Lake Water Quality Town Meeting....................................................... Page 2 Planning Commission October 6 meeting agenda................................................................ Page 3 Human Rights Commission October 7 meeting agenda....................................................... Page 4 October. November, and December Official City Meeting Calendars................................. Page 5 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings........................................ Page 11 FOR INFORMATION ... News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc. City news release announcing the 5 millionth Plymouth Metrolink rider .......................... Page 12 City news release with information on applications for board and commission seats ....... Page 14 Star Tribune "West Edition" stories: Plymouth's efforts to clean up Medicine Lake ....................................................... Page 16 Wayzata High School plans for a wind turbine power generator ........................... Page 19 Arts note on the Plymouth on Parade event............................................................ Page 20 Notes on the meeting with legislative candidates and the rental assistance program................................................................................................................... Page 21 Note on the Police Department safe workplace seminars....................................... Page 22 Suburban Transit Association semi—annual report ............................................................... Page 23 Staff Reports Fire-rescue incident of interest........................................................................................... Page 28 Correspondence Letter to residents regarding proposed improvement at the Bass Lake sanitary SewerLift Station............................................................................................................... Page 29 Letter to Marsha Pits Phillips addressing her concerns about her neighborhood streetsand signage.............................................................................................................. page 30 FOCUS ON MEDICINE LAKE WATER QUALITY TOWN MEETING Tuesday, October 5, 2004 AGENDA I. INTRODUCTION & WELCOME Mayor Judy Johnson II. BACKGROUND Council members Ginny Black and Bob Stein Planning for water quality: Citywide (Water Resources Management Plan) and Lake -specific (Medicine Lake Management Plan) Funding water quality efforts: Surface Water Utility Fee Surface Water Task Force III. IMPLEMENTATION City of Plymouth & Three Rivers Park District staff Projects and programs completed and underway Projects and programs planned Capital improvement projects through 2006 IV. QUESTION AND ANSWER Councilmember Bob Stein V. FINAL REMARKS Mayor Judy Johnson Full reports of the following are available on the Plymouth website at: www. ci.plymouth.mmus Plymouth Water Resources Management Plan Medicine Lake Watershed Implementation & Management Plan Medicine Lake Aquatic Vegetation Plan I PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2004 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the September 22, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Renovation Systems. Approve site plan amendment and variance to allow the construction of two screen walls for property located at 2735 Cheshire Lane North. (2004115) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. City of Plymouth. Proposed 2005-2009 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). (2004114) 7. OLD BUSINESS A. City of Plymouth. Provide direction on and set public hearing date for Revised Lighting Regulations. (2002046) S. ADJOURNMENT AGENDA Plymouth Human Rights Commission October 7, 2004 Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers Workshop Minneapolis YWCA "It is Time to Talk" PLEASE CALL SUE (763-509-5053) NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 4 TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE. OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Nov 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 1:00 PM Sep 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 PLYMOUTH ON PARADE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 3 4 S 6 7 8 9 17:00 PM SPECIAL HRA 1 MEETING, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, 6:30 PM HUMAN RIGHTS 7:00 PM TOWN MEETING REGARDING LAKE ISSUES, Plymouth Creek Center Council Chambers COMMISSION, Council Chambers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Plymouth Creek Center COLUMBUS DAY (OBSERVED), Public Works DKr;sion dosed LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Duluth 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HOUSING 8 PLANNING COMMISSION, REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY(HRA), Mdr. L.k. Room Council Chambers 7'00 PM PARK d RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Lunch Room (tl m..tkq o,ir) 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 6:45 PM YOUTH 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:00 AM -3:00 ADVISORY REGULAR PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEER PM CITY HALL COUNCIL, Council Chambers COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center OPEN FOR ABSENTEE VOTING 31 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS - set docks back 1 hour modified on 9/30/2004 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 CITY OFFICES GENERAL 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN OPEN UNTIL 7:00 PM FOR ABSENTEE VOTING ELECTION - Polls open 7 AM dose 8 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine lake Room 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council 7:00 PM ENITYCOMMITT QUALITY COMMITTEE (EOC),PlymouthCreek center 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION FRAC), Council Chambers Chambers VETERANS DAY (OBSERVED), City Offices Closed 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCILMEETING: INTERVIEW BOARD AND COMMISSION CANDIDATES, Plymouth Creek Center, I.level 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 1145 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, Sheraton Minneapolis West 12201 Ridgedale Dme.Mgmetonka 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT(PACT)- Medicine Lake Room City Offices THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY City Offices Closed THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 28 29 30 Oct 2004 Dec 2004 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 modified on 9/30/2004 11 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS Sunday I Monday Nov 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 December 2004 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Jan 2005 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN PLANNING RIGHTS COMMISSION, COMMISSION - Council Chambers Medicine Lake Room Friday I Saturday 3 14 S 6 7 8 9 10 11 Channukah begins at sunset 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL OUALI YcOMMITTEE (EOC), Plymouth Creek center 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING, Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING d REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CLOSE AT NOON IN OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 9/30/2004 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 12, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Consider Zoning Appeal regarding Evergreen Community Church • Approve conditional use permit to allow a 7 foot high fence for property located at 18215 24th Avenue North. Jeff Streeter. (2004117) • Comprehensive Plan Amendment, rezoning, final plat, site plan and a conditional use permit to allow construction of a six -million gallon in -ground drinking water reservoir, a 3,000 square foot pump house, and related site improvements for property addressed as 5025 Vicksburg Lane North. City of Plymouth. (2004108) • Call for a public hearing for establishment of Tax Increment Financing (Redevelopment) District No. 1-1 and Creation of Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 (CSM -Lowes Redevelopment Project). • Authorize sale of General Obligation Water Revenue bonds • Approve Comments on Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan • Fire Relief Association By—laws (deferred from September 28 meeting) October 26, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Presentation on donation from Providence Academy • Public hearing on 2004 removal and destruction of diseased trees (Roll 1) • Public hearing on 2004 weed eradication and destruction (Roll 1) • Report on Medicine Lake dock issues • Approve award of police ordered City towing contract November 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • CSM Proposal • Award sale of General Obligation Water Revenue bonds Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. \1 City of Plymouth News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2004 Contact: Pat Qvale 763-509-5052 Plymouth Metrolink Celebrates 5 Millionth Rider On Sept. 30, Plymouth Mayor Judy Johnson made one bus rider's morning commute a ride she will remember for a long time. Sharda Murlidharan was surprised as she waited for her bus at the Messiah United Methodist Church Park & Ride lot. Murlidharan was Plymouth Metrolink's 5 millionth rider since the transit system was established in 1984. Johnson presented Murlidharan with 100 free ride coupons from Plymouth Metrolink. "I am the lucky one today," Murlidharan said. The Stored -Value -Card she purchases to pay her bus fare had just expired, and she was going to buy a new one today. Murlidharan, a Plymouth resident, has used the same route for two years to commute to her job in downtown Minneapolis. "I ride the bus because it is so convenient and there are no parking problems," said Murlidharan. "It stops right by my work and I am always home to meet my son when he comes from school," she added. Murlidharan and her family came to the United States from Bombay, India five years ago. She walks to the bus stop at Olive Lane, near County Roads 6 and 101, from her nearby home. i -C4, Plymouth Metrolink Page 2 of 2 Murlidharan said, "We are now looking for a house, and a priority for us is that it be on a bus route." She added, "We have a car, but my husband works long hours and we cannot ride together." Every Plymouth Metrolink passenger enjoyed a free ride on Thursday morning, to join in the celebration of the 5 Millionth Rider event. "Our riders have shown their continued support five million times. We want to show our appreciation," said Pat Qvale, Plymouth Metrolink transit administrator. "Our riders have been our partners, and essential to our growth and success," she added. This event was a continuation of Plymouth Metrolink's 201h Anniversary year. Johnson told riders, "We hope our buses make it easier for you to get to work. Sit back, relax, take a nap. This is a very special day and special year for us. We celebrate a strong and growing transit system, which serves Plymouth and many surrounding communities." Reporters asked Murlidharan how she would celebrate her good luck. "My parents are visiting us from India. I will use my coupons and ask them to ride the bus with me," she answered. For additional information on Plymouth transit services, visit the city's web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us (click on "Services" and then "Transit"), or call Customer Service at 763-509-5521. City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: September 24, 2004 Sandy Paulson, 763-509-5080 Plymouth residents invited to apply for seats on citizen commissions; Deadline for applications is Nov. 5 Plymouth residents who want to address issues that are important to them and make a valuable contribution to their community are invited to apply to serve on a citizen advisory board, commission or committee. Several groups advise the Plymouth City Council on a variety of issues. Applications will be accepted until Fri., Nov. 5. The City Council will make appointments later this year for terms beginning in early 2005. The following lists boards, which will have openings, as well as the times they typically meet. Environmental Quality Committee (EQC): Second Wednesday of month, 7 p.m. The EQC makes recommendations to the City Council on a variety of environmental issues. Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA): Third Thursday of month, 7 p.m. The HRA works with the City's housing and community development programs, administers federal, state, and local grants for housing programs and manages a residential apartment building for seniors. Human Rights Commission (HRC): First Thursday, 7p.m. The HRC advises the City Council on human rights issues, provides education on human rights and offers mediation services for human rights problems. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC): Second Thursday, 7p.m. PRAC oversees plans and proposals for the City's parks, trails and recreation programs. Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT): Fourth Wednesday, 7p.m. PACT advises the City Council on issues concerning bus services operated by the City of Plymouth. These services include Plymouth Metrolink, a commuter/reverse commuter service between Plymouth and downtown Minneapolis, and Dial -A -Ride, a shared, curb -to -curb service. Planning Commission: First and Third Wednesday, 7p.m. The Planning Commission reviews land development applications to ensure they conform to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. For an application, call Sandy Paulson at 763-509-5080 or download an application from the City web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. startribune.com Close window Last update: September 28, 2004 at 11:21 AM Plymouth's plan is good medicine for lake Ben Steverman Star Tribune Published September 29, 2004 Plymouth's efforts to clean up its waterways are paying off with the city's biggest body of water, Medicine Lake. Chemicals were used there last spring to kill off curly -leaf pond weed that has been pushing out native plants and contributing to algae blooms. It appears to be working. The first round of an ambitious three-year treatment program sharply reduced the exotic species, scientists said. That's good news for Medicine Lake, which at 936 acres is the second-largest body of water in Hennepin County, after Lake Minnetonka. The lake, surrounded by Plymouth and the small city of Medicine Lake, has been classified by the state as an "impaired resource." It suffers from poor water quality and algae blooms that harm other vegetation and create a green film on the surface that deters swimming and other recreation. The city has set specific goals for improving its water quality, council member Ginny Black said. "We've got a ways to go," she said. In 2000, the city implemented a surface water utility fee, now set at $3.25 per month for a single-family home, to pay for cleanup. "Finally we had funding that was set aside for water management issues," said Terrie Christian, who lives on Medicine Lake and helps lead the Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens. After decades of studies and little action, something is finally being done, she said. On Tuesday, the City Council discussed a proposal to address water quality by spending $2.6 million over five years. The city has already begun implementing some of those suggestions, including the curly -leaf pond weed treatment. One of the city's goals is to reduce the amount of fecal coliform that ends up in the lake. Fecal coliform comes from the droppings of geese, ducks and other animals. Plastic bags have been provided for dog owners to pick up after their pets near the lake, and the city has tried to limit the goose population there, Black said. Using chemicals to kill curly -leaf pond weed gets rid of a plant that starts growing in the winter under the ice, giving it a head start on other plants. When it dies in early summer, large mats of the dead weed make boating and swimming difficult. The dead weeds also release phosphorus, which contributes to algae blooms. Because of the treatment, the lake didn't see the usual big increase in phosphorus levels this year, according to John Barten of the Three Rivers Park District, which monitors the lake. The lake also had fewer algae blooms this year, Christian said, but that may be attributed partly to weather that was colder and wetter than usual. The biggest challenge in cleaning up the lake is the sheer quantity of water running off streets, lawns and roofs from nearby neighborhoods into the lake, Black said. That runoff contains a wide variety of pollutants. I Two ponds are being built on the eastern side of the lake to absorb some of this runoff from Hwy. 169. The city also plans to fix an erosion problem from a nearby shopping center that has sent tons of solid waste into the lake. And an expensive effort is planned to clean up water in Plymouth Creek, which carries much of the water that flows into the lake. The city is studying ways to build ponds or use other methods to clean up the water before it enters the creek. Black said Plymouth has gotten good cooperation from the City of Medicine Lake and Three Rivers Park District, which owns French Regional Park on the lake's north side. Ben Steverman is at bstevermanrstartribuna com. © Copyright 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. \ —1 startribunexom Close window Last update: September 28, 2004 at 11:21 AM Town discussion: Medicine Lake Published September 29, 2004 Plymouth residents will get an update on the city's ongoing efforts to clean up Medicine Lake. WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday WHERE: Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. N. WHAT: City officials will discuss future cleanup plans and answer questions about water quality issues. ® Copyright 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. A startribune.com Close window Last update: September 27, 2004 at 3:09 PM Wayzata High turbine will generate power, discussions Shruti L. Mathur Star Tribune Published September 29, 2004 A little bit of California is coming to Plymouth. The Wayzata school district recently was granted $1.1 million from Xcel Energy to build a 1.65 -megawatt wind turbine behind Wayzata High School. Standing 85 meters tall -- or almost 280 feet -- the turbine will produce the amount of energy consumed by the school in one year, the same as about 350 homes. It should be completed by late 2005 or early 2006, said Alan Hopeman Jr., executive director of finance and business for the school district. The district must first get permits and find contractors to build the turbine. The site where the turbine is planned is surrounded by wetlands and shielded from existing homes by the school, Hopeman said. The district held a community meeting while applying for the grant and received enthusiastic response from the neighbors. To build the turbine -- which is like the kind used extensively in California -- the district will provide about $700,000 in addition to the grant money. The district will sell the power produced by the turbine back to Xcel at a set tariff rate. The new turbine should net $20,000 to $25,000 per year for the school for the first decade, increasing to about $75,000 after the district's debt for the turbine is paid off, Hopeman said. The district decided to sell the power back to Xcel rather than use the power directly because there are times when the turbine will produce more energy than the school is consuming -- such as "a windy day at midnight when there is nobody in the building," Hopeman said. Besides the financial benefits, Hopeman said teachers plan to use the turbine in their curriculum -- and not only in classes such as physics. They will also look at the engineering behind the design, the economics of the operation and the environmental impact of producing power by such a clean method. Shruti L Mathur is at.vinatitutfa-,�ytartribitite.com. C CopyTight 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. ME startribune.com Close_wndow Last update: September 25, 2004 at 10:31 AM LEISURE AND ARTS IN BRIEF Published September 29, 2004 CHANHASSEN Fall festival Apple treats made from apples grown at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Horticultural Research Center will be a main attraction at the Fall Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the arboretum. The festival will feature pumpkin -painting, live entertainment and apple treats such as homemade apple crisp, apple dumplings and apple cider. Most activities are free with gate admission, which is $7 for adults and free for those 15 and under. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is at 3765 Arboretum Dr. Call 952-443-1400 for more information. MAPLE PLAIN Tram ride Seniors age 50 and older can take a Fall Color Tram Ride from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Baker Near - Wilderness Settlement in Baker Park Reserve. The ride will include lunch and is wheelchair accessible. Reservations are required, and the cost is $10. Call 763-559-6700 or visit www.threeriversparkdistrict. org to make reservations. The settlement is at 4001 County Rd. 24. MINNETRISTA Harvest festival Visitors at Gale Woods Farm from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday can celebrate the harvest season with activities such as a hayride, farm animals, canoe rides and scenic hikes. Cost is $5 or $18 for groups of four to six people. Gale Woods Farm is at 7210 County Rd. 110 W. Call 952472-9203 for more information. PLYMOUTH Plymouth on parade Plymouth on Parade, a community celebration, is scheduled from I to 5 p.m. Saturday. A parade will be held at 1 p.m. and will feature representatives from community schools, businesses and churches. The route begins at 34th Avenue and will continue past Plymouth Creek Center, Plymouth Boulevard and City Hall. After the parade, live entertainment and activities will be offered at Plymouth Ice Center, 3650 Plymouth Blvd. Call 763-509-5200 for more information. WACONIA Pancake breakfast The Waconia Fire Department will hold its annual Fall Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday. Cost is $5; children under 5 can attend for free. Visitors will have a chance to tour the fire station and see equipment the firefighters use. The Waconia Fire Station is at 26 S. Maple St. Call 952-442-2184 for more information. WAYZATA Organ recital Diana Lee Lucker will perform with saxophonist Dale Underwood in an organ recital at 8 p.m. Monday at Wayzata Community Church, 125 E. Wayzata Blvd. Call 952-473-8877 for more information. Christina Preiss !Q Copyrijght 200.4 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. o startribune.com Close window. Last update: September 28, 2004 at 11:18 AM More news: In brief Published September 29, 2004 MINNETONKA Reflections Award Minnetonka is seeking nominations for the city's 2004 Reflections Award. Presented every other year, the honor recognizes people, businesses and programs that make a contribution in Minnetonka. A committee will review the nominations, which must be submitted by Nov. 17, and the award will be presented by the City Council in January. For an application, visit www.eminnetonka.com, go to City Hall or call 952-939-8207 to have one mailed. r MOUTH assistance he first time in three years, the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority is taking applications for the Section 8 Housing ce Program, a federally funded program that provides rent assistance to low-income families. The city expects many people to for the assistance. It will accept applications on two days, Nov. 16 and 17, at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. N. A y will help choose 300 names for the Section 8 waiting list. For more information, call 763-509-5410. [Legislators MOUTH meeting lymouth City Council will hold a special meeting today to discuss issues with local legislators and legislative candidates. The ng is at 6:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Av. N. WEST METRO AREA Gunyou honored John Gunyou, city manager for Minnetonka, was awarded the Friend of Education award by the Association of Metropolitan School Districts for helping to make education a top priority in the state. Also receiving the award was Art Rolnick, senior vice president for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. The association gave the award to Gunyou for serving "as a one-man truth squad testifying at the State Capitol, speaking to groups around the state and writing commentaries regarding the structural imbalance in the state budget and the state's disinvestment in public education." HENNEPIN COUNTY Author interview The Hennepin County library is holding an online interview with Arthur Phillips, author of the novel "Prague," via the suburban Hennepin County Library's Web site throughout October. Participants also can enter an online drawing for Phillips' new book, "The Egyptologist," a murder -mystery set in 1920s, Egypt. To participate in the interview, go to www.hclib.org, then click on Books & Reading. Ben Steverman and Shrub L Mathur 0 CopSjight 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. __4A startribune_ com C.L.ose_window Last update: September 25. 2004 at 1:26 PM Eden Prairie's finest are finest of the fine Published September 29, 2004 The high school football team isn't the only Eden Prairie institution finding a way to win this month. The city's police department won "top team" at a five-day competition put on by the Minnesota Tactical Association at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minn. The department's 12 -member Emergency Response Unit competed against 10 other teams in the exercises, which were designed to sharpen officers' law-enforcement skills. Chris Wood and Tom Lowery brought further distinction to their department by winning the top gun sniper and top gun pistol awards, respectively. The City of Minnetonka will opens its doors and windows to more than 5,000 people next week. That many people are expected for Minnetonka's Fire Department and City -Wide Open House from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The entire Civic Center campus, at 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., will be opened to the public, and the top goal seems to be showing kids a good time. Popular with children -- though maybe not with squeamish parents -- is the Inspection Department's "House of Germs." Employees who usually spend their time making sure restaurants and pools are hygienic will talk, in gross detail, about germs and how to avoid them. The event started 11 years ago as a fire department open house but has been expanded to include the whole city government. Each city department plays its part. There will be rides on fire trucks, chances to sit inside public works' heavy equipment and a demonstration of the police canine unit. Also planned are free food, entertainment, miniature golf and the announcement of the results of the city's photo contest. The Victoria Chamber of Commerce is hoping a Web site can knit the rapidly growing community closer together. With help from the city, the local bank and school district 112, the chamber has launched www victoriacom.mun_ityn_.ews. c_o..m, where businesses, residents and organizations can share information. Basketball. Volleyball. Indoor soccer. Ballroom dancing. A wide variety of programs for adults starts in October and November at Hopkins -Minnetonka Recreation Services. Call 952-939-8203 or go to www_em.i..nnetonkacom for more information. Starting Tuesday, the Plymouth Police Department will be teaching businesses how to make their workplaces safer and less prone to crime. The three free workshops, each on a different topic, are from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays starting next week and continuing until Oct. 19. Make a reservation by calling 763-509-5165. Space is limited. Ben Steverman is at 612-673-7168 and bs(evermanGsfar..Irrbnne...com. , C9pyTight 2004 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. AssocimoN League of Minnesota Cities Building 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: (651) 228-9757 Facsimile: (651) 228-9787 REPORT 2004 — 2 Friday, September 23rd, 2004 MAPLE GROVE TRANSIT DEDICATES NEW TRANSIT STATION Aerial View Photo Courtesy of Maple Grove Transit (c 2004) The Maple Grove Transit Station held dedication ceremonies July 28th, on hand for the event were Congressman Jim Ramstad (R - 3rd Congressional District) along with Mayor Mark Steffenson and the Maple Grove City Council. The Maple Grove Transit Station facility includes a three level "park-and-ride" parking ramp with 924 parking stalls and an indoor, climate -controlled waiting area. The facility is located at 12350 Main Street North, which is within the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes retail center (just east of AMC Cinema). The facility opened in December 2003. Members: Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth Metrolink, Shakopee Area Transit, Southwest Metro Transit Commission The STA Newsletter it prepared by Nilani Jayatilaka and Thomas J. Poul Messerli & Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone: 651.228.9757 Fax: 651.228.9787 E-mail: njavatilakato-Dmand klaw.com and tpoul@mandklaw.com The facility is served by Maple Grove Transit's Route 781 with rush-hour commuter bus service to and from Minneapolis. The Route 781 has been expanded to 14 -round trips. Photo Courtesy of Maple Grove Transit (c 2004) The time span of service at the Transit Station for the morning trips is 5:55 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. and for the afternoon trips is 3:52 p.m. to 7:07 p.m. The Transit Station includes a waiting area, a customer service desk, restrooms, elevator, public pay phone, and vending machines. Attached to the front of the transit station is a canopy to cover the customers and buses during the loading and unloading process. The City will explore options to contract with a private vendor to provide coffee and pastries in the Transit Station. The Station and Ramp is equipped with 37 security cameras. In addition, the project provides additional parking for customers of AMC Cinema and the Shoppes of Arbor Lakes on evenings and weekends. 2 _1\A OPT -OUTS SEE BIG GAINS IN STATE FAIR RIDERSHIP Although State Fair attendance was down by 110,000 in 2004, two opt -out providers Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and Southwest Metro Transit had blue- ribbon ridership to the "great Minnesota get-together". MVTA's weekend ridership increased from 13,421 in 2003 to 21,171 in 2004 an increase of 58%; the increase was due in part to the addition of weekday service from Burnsville. Southwest Metro Transit also experienced a substantial increase in ridership with 42,810 boardings, an increase of 43% over the previous year. "Without bus service it would be a huge nightmare here," said Steve Gran's the fair's transportation coordinator. "I've heard of people who have complained that it's taken them two hours to park in our fairgrounds. I feel sorry for them. I wish they would have gone by bus. Last year, buses made more than 20,000 trips to and from the fair. More than 1 million boardings were tallied" (Star Tribune 8.26.04). *Southwest Metro Transit member cities are Chanhassen, Chaska and Eden Prairie Minnesota Valley Transit Authority member cities are Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount and Savage 3� METROPOLITAN COUNCIL RELEASES 2030 TRANSPORTATION POLICY PLAN On August 25th, the Metropolitan Council released its Draft 2030 Transportation Policy Plan which "incorporates the transportation policies and plans that support the Metropolitan's Regional Development Framework and describes the Council's approach between now and 2030" (Met Council 2004). According to the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan, "by the year 2030 the region is expected to add nearly 1 million people, 470,000 households and 560,000 jobs. This will generate 4 million daily trips, a 37 percent increase in travel on our region's highways." The 2003 Metropolitan Council's survey of metro area residents, found that traffic congestion ranked as the No. 1 concern, outpacing crime, education and housing. Moreover it is expected that "the bus system will remain the foundation of future transit services" (Met Council 2004). The Council's transit plan is intended to increase ridership by 50 percent, or 36 million riders per year, by 2020 — with the goal of doubling ridership by 2030. The policy plan's strategies for achieving the 2020 target include: • Adding new express bus routes, limited -stop routes, improved frequency and longer hours of service, as well as additional passenger amenities such as transit centers, bus stop shelters and park-and-ride lots • Funding enhancements such as bus -only shoulders, ramp meter bypasses and signal priority that give buses travel -time advantages in mixed traffic • Providing additional fare incentives such as the Metropass now available through employers and the U -pass available to University of Minnesota Students • "Arterial corridors" — selected high -traffic urban and suburban streets — will receive the highest level of local bus service — very frequent, 7 -day, up -to -24-hour service, highly visible passenger facilities at major stops and introduction of faster limited -stop service • Developing a network of dedicated "transitways" — including bus rapid transit, light rail and/or commuter rail — with mode choices based on a careful cost -benefit analysis. The region now has two such transitways in place or nearing completion: bus rapid transit on 1-394 and LRT in the Hiawatha corridor. Five additional transitways should be added between 2005 and 2020, with work done to advance three more However, these improvements come at a price, the cost of implementing the transit plan: $500 million in capital investments to grow the bus system and $800 million to $1.4 billion to build the transitways, with an additional $120 million a year for operating costs by 2020. "Transit service improvements, which could help ease the pressure on our highways, will not be possible at the current funding levels. Indeed, current funding levels will not be adequate to maintain transit services at current levels" (Met Council 2004). 4 � U It is the Metropolitan's Council's goal to work with the Governor, the Legislature, the business community and other stakeholders to achieve an adequate level of funding "to address the region's unmet transportation needs". The transit focus of the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan is good news for opt -out transit providers who have seen a steady increase in ridership in the last 8 years, particularly riders using Express Service during the peak congestion periods. Data extracted from the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Transportation Policy Plan If you are interested in learning more about the Metropolitan Council's 2030 Transportation Policy Plan a series of public open houses has been scheduled to discuss the plan and the Council has invited the public to submit comments via comment cards, mail, facsimile, telephone and online postings (the deadline to submit comments is October 22nd 2004). A copy of the plan can be obtained at: http://www metrocouncil org/planning/transportation/TPP/2004/summary.htm 5 PLM M°UTU FIRE -RESCUE PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 763-509-5120 FIRE -RESCUE INCIDENT OF INTEREST DATE: 09/23/04 TIME: 5:59 a.m. ADDRESS: 13205 Industrial Park Blvd. DETAILS: An apparent delayed ignition of natural gas resulted in an explosion at an industrial bakery. Arriving units reported a smoke condition within a spec warehouse and upon investigation determined that the fire sprinkler system had extinguished the resulting fire from the gas explosion. Three workers self -evacuated and were treated and transported to HCMC for burn injuries. Tower 11 (Kuss, Weldon, Perbix, D. Carlson, Nordby) and Engine 31 (Lanning, Deakins, Hughes, Stotts) conducted a search of the building, removing one additional worker, and determined that the fire had not extended. The fire was placed under control 11 minutes following fire department arrival. Twenty-five Plymouth fire personnel responded to this incident (on -scene and stand-by). RESPONSE TIME: 10 minutes. FIRE ORIGIN/CAUSE: Delayed ignition of natural gas. ESTIMATED FIRE LOSS: $20,000 P.F.D. RESPONDING UNITS: Engine Companies: E-11, E-31 Ladder Companies: TW -11, A-21 Support Units: Rescue Companies: R-31 Chief Officers: C-1 Mutual Aid: ASSISTING AGENCIES: EMS: Yes Red Cross: No Salvation Army: No Public Works: No State FM: No SECTOR OFFICERS: Chief Kline (Command), Captain Evenson (Interior). September 30, 2004 SUBJECT: BASS LAKE SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION, PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS CITY PROJECT NO. 4116 Dear Resident: The City of Plymouth is in the process of upgrading our sanitary sewer lift stations throughout the city over the next five to six years. Our first lift station upgrade is currently underway and we are now beginning the process to upgrade the Bass Lake Lift Station which is located east of Larch Lane toward the end of 54th Avenue on the south side. I would like to invite you to an informational meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Creek Center located at 14800 34th Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the need for this project, its overall scope, and receive input. The existing lift station was originally constructed in 1976 and, while some equipment has been replaced in recent years, the station has served its useful life. In addition to new equipment, the proposed project would include the addition of a permanent standby generator to provide continuous power during power outages. At the October 14 meeting, the City's consulting engineer for this project, Howard R. Green Company will have concept sketches of the proposed building needed to enclose the new generator and controls. The sketches have the look of a residential home and would blend well with the surrounding homes. These concept sketches are one item we would like to receive your input on before we proceed with more detailed architectural drawings. If you cannot make the meeting and have questions or concerns, please contact me at 763-509-5520 or Sewer and Water Supervisor, Brian Young at 763-509-5992. Sincerely, Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E. Director of Public Works cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager Brian Young, Sewer and Water supervisor 0AEngineeringTROJECTS\2000 -'_009\41I6\Ltrs\BusLk_SS Info %Itg 9 JO.doc September 30, 2004 Marsha Pits Phillips 1170062 nd Ave. N. Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Ms. Phillips: r� CITY Of PLYMOUT4 Thank you for attending the study session on September 28 to discuss the streets in your neighborhood. Your ward councilmember Ginny Black, Mayor Judy Johnson, and Councilmember Tim Bildsoe expressed interest in meeting with your neighborhood to discuss your streets. Perhaps you and Councilmember Black have already connected to discuss a date, but if not, I'd also be happy to coordinate time and location for a meeting. My number is 509-5051. I felt very bad at the study session that you believed that Councilmember Tim Bildsoe had ignored your city limits sign request. I wanted you to know that he did act on your behalf and forwarded your request to me that the Plymouth sign be reinstalled. Our public works department installed the sign on the new portion of County Road 61. We learned at the meeting that the sign was not installed where you anticipated. With the road designation change and the closing of Hemlock at Bass Lake Road, the sign had been moved to the roadway now carrying the traffic, rather than reinstalled on what is now a residential street. According to the direction provided by the City Council at the meeting, we have ordered another sign and as soon as it is received, we will install it. Again, I'm sorry for the confusion. Sincerely, Laune Ahrens City Manager PLYMOUTH Adding Quality to Life 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 CO www.ci.plymouth.mn.us