HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-29-2004rpCITY OF PLYMOUTH Dummy
COUNCIL INFO MEM
October 29, 2004
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Planning Commission November 3 meeting agenda............................................................ Page 3
Human Rights Commission November 4 meeting agenda ................................................... Page 4
November, December, and January 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.
Star Tribune West Edition news items announcing the "File of Life" medical
folder and the availability of seats on advisory boards and commissions ......................... Page 12
City News release announcing availability of ski and snowboard helmets ........................ Page 13
City news release announcing new rain gardens to clean storm water in the
SchmidtLake area................................................................................................................Page 15
Staff Reports
Report on Plymouth—Maple Grove transmission line neighborhood meetings .................. Page 17
Home Free 2004 quarterly report ........................................................................................ Page 19
Police Department National Night Out After Action report ............................................... Page 20
Correspondence
Comments from Wright County Commissioners to Metropolitan Council
Chair Peter Bell regarding the Draft Transportation Policy Plan for Highway 55 ............ Page 33
Letter from Judge Lucy Wieland appointing Jacqueline B. Kohns to the Plymouth
CharterCommission........................................................................................................... Page 35
Letter to Tim Broge from Public Works Superintendent Tom Vetsch regarding
concerns about the intersection of 29th Avenue N. and Vagabond Lane ............................. Page 37
Legislative Items
Notice of Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) 2004 Policy
Adoption Meeting (a draft of the proposed legislative policies is under
separate cover Page 38
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 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 October 20, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.
B. City of Plymouth. Approve site plan and variances for a transit station and 285 -stall
parking structure for property located at County Road 73 and State Highway 55.
(2004130)
C. City of Plymouth. Review Tax Increment Financing documents for District No. 1-1,
CSM/Lowes Redevelopment Project.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. City of Plymouth. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment related to the regulation of
exterior lighting, including internally illuminated signs. The amendment is based on a
model lighting ordinance prepared by the International Dark Sky Association.
(2002046)
B. Tradewind Concepts, Inc. Rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development
District) to RSF-1 (Single Dwelling District), preliminary plat, and variances for
"Sleepy Hollow Woods", a development of five lots on the five -acre parcel located at
18555 13`h Avenue North. (2004078)
C. Minnesota School of Business. Conditional use permit amendment to increase their
student enrollment and interim use permit for reduced parking for property located at
1455 County Road 101. (2004113)
7. ADJOURNMENT
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
December 2004
Sunday Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
Nov 2004
S M T W T F S
Jan 2005
S M T W T F S
7:0o PM PUNNING
COMMISSION, Council
Chambers
7:00 PM PLYMOUTH
ADNSORY
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSIT (PACT)
Medicine Lake Room
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
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
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
28 29 30
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
S
6
7
8
9
10
11
7:00 PM
TRUTH IN
TAXATION
PUBLIC
HEARING,
Channukah
begins at sunset
L
EE
EPlyrnouthreek
700 PM PARK &
REC ADVISORY
COMMISSION
(PRAC), Council
Chambers
Council
Chambers
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
7:00 PM TRUTH IN
TAXATION
HEARING
CONTINUED (IF
NEEDED), Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM
CHARTER
COMMISSION
ANNUAL
MEETING, City
Hall, Lower Level
7:00 PM HOUSING b
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY (HRA),
Medicine Lake Room
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
6:45 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL, Council
Chambers
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED IN
OBSERVANCE
OF THE
CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAY
CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAY
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
CITY OFFICES
CLOSED FOR
THE NEW
YEAR
Council
Chambers
modified on 10/29/2004
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
January 2005
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Saturday
Dec 2004
Feb 2005
1
S M T W T F S
S M T W T F S
NEW YEAR'S
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4 5
DAY
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
26 27 28 29 30 31
27 28
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
6:45 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL, Council
Chambers
7:00 PM
LANNING
MMISSION,
:CouncilChambers
7:00 PM HUMAN
RIGHTS
COMMISSION -
Medicine Lake
Room
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
7:00 PM
REGULAR
COUNCIL
MEETING,
Council
7:00 PM
ENVIRONMENTAL
LITY COMMITTEE
L(EOC),PITouthCreek
Center
7:00 PM PARK &
DEC ADVISORY
COMMISSION
(PRAC), Council
Chambers
Chambers
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
6:45 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL,
Council Chambers
7:00 PM
PLANNING
COMMISSION,
Council Chambers
7.00 PM HOUSING &
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORfTY (HRA),
Medicine Lake Room
7:30 AM -9:00 AM MLC
REGIONAL
BREAKFAST, Plymouth
Radisson Hotel &
Conference Center
MARTIN LUTHER KING
JR. BIRTHDAY
(Ob ---d) - City Offices
Closed
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
11'.45 AM PLYMOUTH
7:00 PM
BUSINESS COUNCIL,
!; .nImnM.,nCO=w.n
tool Rbo.a.I. Dm.,
PLYMOUTH
ADVISORY
Mrvrronk.
COMMITTEE ON
1'.00 PM REGULAR
COUNCIL MEETING,
TRANSIT (PACT) -
Medicine Lake
C—d c--
Room
30
31
6:45 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
COUNCIL, Council
Chambers
modified on 10/29/2004
Tentative Schedule for
City Council Agenda Items
November 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Award sale of General Obligation Water Revenue bonds
• Proclamation declaring November 13-20 as "Housing Week"
0 Approve Site Plan Amendment for a parking lot and rain garden and a Variance to the drive
aisle setback for Silver King located at 1600 Xenium Lane North. Bonestroo, Rosene, and
Anderlik. (2004119)
• Presentation on Business Watch Program (Officer Angela Haseman)
• Approve Special Assessment Agreement and Adopting Assessments for property located at
5125 Pineview Lane North
• Approve final plat and development contract for Plymouth Office Plaza for property
located at Old Rockford Road and 45`h Avenue North. Terra Form LLC. (2004051F)
• Approve rezoning, preliminary plat and PUD general plan to redevelop the 28.7 -acre site
located at the southwest corner of State Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane. CSM Investors
II, Inc. (2004112)
• Heritage Development, southwest corner of Schmidt Lake Road and Northwest Blvd.
November 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Hearing on establishment of Tax Increment Financing (Redevelopment) District No. 1-1
and Creation of Redevelopment Project Area No. 1 (CSM -Lowes Redevelopment Project)
0 Station 73 Park and Ride
• New lighting regulations
December 6, Truth in Taxation Hearing, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
December 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers
• Adopt 2005 budgets and tax levies
ci
Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative.
startribune.com
Last update. October 25, 2004 at 2:26 PM
Youth activities could receive boost
Published October 27, 2004
Close window
_._.._.__.................. ......
Activities for youth in the St. Louis Park area could get a shot in the arm when the St. Louis Park Community Foundation holds its
"Give Back Day" awards ceremony and luncheon Thursday.
The foundation will announce which youth activities and programs will win one of $40,000 in grants made possible by a donation
from the Phil Weber family.
Though the luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. at the Double Tree Park Place Hotel in St. Louis Park, is coming up soon, reservations still may be
available by calling 952-546-3490. It costs $20 to attend.
The foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in St. Louis Park. Founded in 2002, it is in the process of trying to build up its
endowment. For more information, go to wwws...lpcf org.
"File of Life" medical folder
If you have a long-term medical condition, it is important in an emergency that paramedics and others know your medical history.
That's the idea behind the Plymouth Police Department's "File of Life" program.
For $1, Plymouth residents can buy a bright red folder that is attached with a magnet to their refrigerator. The folder can contain any
relevant medical information.
A sticker on the front door reminds police, paramedics or firefighters to look for the folder in the event of an emergency. If patients
are taken to the hospital, their folders go with them.
For more information, or to buy a folder, call officer Angela Haseman at 763-509-5147.
Counterterrorism training
A local firefighter was one of the first in the country to undergo a new training program on combating threats from terrorists.
David Anderson of the Wayzata Fire Department recently returned from a 32 -hour course, titled "Responding to Terrorist Incidents in
Your Community: Flammable -Liquid Fire Fighting Techniques."
The course was put on by the University of Nevada at Reno's Fire Science Academy.
City positions opening
The end of the year is getting close, and many local cities are looking to fill openings on citizen commissions.
in Plymouth, for example, applications are due by Nov. 5 for a variety of openings on boards that deal with the environment, housing
and redevelopment, human rights, parks and recreation, and transit and planning.
Most meet once a month.
For more information on the Plymouth openings, call Sandy Paulson at 763-509-5080 or go to www.ci.plymouth..mn.us. To check on
openiugs-elsewhere, call your city hall.
Ben Sleverman can be reached at 612-673-7168 or hsteverman�:'startrihune.cgm.
e- CgDTight 2(104 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
I ��
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2004
Contact: Sara Lynn Cwayna
Name, 763-509-5198
Plymouth Fire Department to Sell Ski and Snowboard Helmets on Nov. 15;
Buy Giro Helmets for 30% off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.
The Plymouth Fire Department, NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE KIDS Coalition and North Memorial
Medical Center have teamed up to give families a chance to buy Giro ski helmets at discount prices. The
Plymouth Fire Department will sell and take orders for helmets on Dion., Nov. 15, 6 — 8 p.m., at Fire
Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Ln. Because the helmets will be fitted, appointments are required. This will be
the only sale that the Plymouth Fire Department will host this season. You must attend the sale to
purchase or order a helmet. All sales are final. No exchanges or returns are permitted.
Interested families must call the NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE KIDS Coalition at 763-520-4287 to
reserve a viewing and fitting time for Nov. 15. Appointments will be scheduled in 10 -minute blocks. To
view the helmets that are available through this program, visit www.giro.com and look up
following models:
Fuse:
$134
Nine -9:
$104
S4:
$ 52
Sonic
$ 44
Ricochet:
$ 41
11"S
Full payment by check or cash is required when you place your order on Nov. 15. Helmets can be picked
up on any weekday after Nov. 29, from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., at the Plymouth Public Safety Building, 3400
Plymouth Blvd.
Before families attend the sale, they are asked to complete the following steps:
1. Visit www.giro.corn to view the models of ski helmets that are available. Make a tentative decision
on which helmet they'd like to purchase.
2. Call NW Metro Minneapolis SAFE KIDS at 763-520-4287 to reserve a viewing and fitting time
between 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 15.
3. Measure in centimeters the circumference of each head to be fit and bring this information with
you on Nov. 15. Also, bring the hat that will be worn underneath the ski helmet with you to the
fitting.
Bell Sports, a program sponsor of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, has made it possible for local
coalition members to purchase and sell Giro Ski Helmets at reduced prices.
F�
City of Plymouth
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact:
October 27, 2004 Margie Vigoren, 763-509-5507
New Rain Gardens Will Clean Storm Water in Schmidt Lake Area;
Gardens are a joint effort of City of Plymouth and Residents
Thanks to a cooperative effort of the City of Plymouth and residents living in the Schmidt Lake
watershed, storm water running off property in the area will be cleaned up before it reaches Schmidt
Lake. The City recently completed three new rain gardens in northeastern Plymouth. The rain gardens
will give runoff a chance to sink into the ground and be filtered before flowing into Schmidt Lake.
The rain gardens were installed in October in areas of the Schmidt Lake watershed that drain the
largest quantity of untreated storm water into the lake. Each rain garden is designed to treat runoff
from two acres of front lawns, rooftops, streets and driveways. Curb -cuts with special concrete aprons
direct runoff from the street into the gardens.
Storm water scrubs nutrients, sediment and other pollutants from lawns and hard surfaces and carries
them directly into lakes or wetlands. There, these "hitchhikers" cloud water, feed algae and degrade
water quality, according to Derek Asche, Plymouth water resources technician.
When storm water loses its momentum in one of the new rain gardens, the pollutants will settle out and
feed the rain garden plants instead. The plants' roots will help break up the soil, creating pathways for
the runoff to sink into the ground, providing infiltration.
91l
Rain gardens are a good strategy for treating storm water in areas like the Schmidt Lake watershed
where there is no land available for treatment ponds. Even in parts of Plymouth that have storm water
treatment ponds, rain gardens can serve as additional storm water treatment to help extend the
treatment capability of the pond, according to Asche
The City contracted with a landscape designer to work with the residents to create the gardens, which
straddle private property and the City of Plymouth's right-of-way. The gardens were designed to
provide aesthetic value along with storm water treatment.
The gardens were installed by a professional landscaping company. They will be professionally
maintained for two years. After that, the homeowners will assume responsibility for maintenance.
"We are looking for opportunities to install more rain gardens in other priority areas of the Schmidt
Lake watershed," said Asche. "We're confident that people will be eager to invite us to work with
them to develop their own gardens when they see how attractive these first ones are," he said.
Homeowners throughout Plymouth are encouraged to consider rain gardens and other alternative
landscape solutions, according to Asche. The City will host alternative landscaping workshops in the
spring as it continues the "Landscaping for Water Quality" grant program. For more information on the
Schmidt Lake rain gardens, workshops or the City's grant program, call the Plymouth Engineering
office at 763-509-5500.
6:d
DATE: October 22, 2004
TO: Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director
FROM: Kip Berglund, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Plymouth - Maple Grove Transmission Line Neighborhood Meetings
I attended the Thursday, October 14, 2004 and Wednesday, October 20, 2004 public meetings at
the Plymouth Creek Center regarding the Great River Energy (GRE) 115 KV transmission line.
Great River Energy conducted the public meetings and representatives from Wright Hennepin
Cooperative Electric Association (W -H) were also present.
Thursday October 14, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
This meeting focused on the 7.1 -mile area of existing 69 kV line that will be upgraded to 115
kV using the existing route. The area runs from the Bass Lake Substation north of Schmidt
Lake Road along Fernbrook Lane into Maple Grove and eventually turns east along 73`d
Avenue to the Cedar Island Substation. Roughly 20 residents attended the meeting.
• Kevin Lennon from GRE gave a brief summary of the different design options for
upgrading existing lines. The pole for pole replacement being the ultimate design vs.
starting from scratch. He stated that GRE will be meeting with residents in late
October/November and the segment upgrade is tentatively scheduled to be completed
by Spring 2005. There may be some opportunities to move an existing pole location
one way or the other to free up some site lines, keep them away from the front of
homes, etc. However, that will have to be determined by the required technical
distance from the poles and field visits.
• Rick Heuring from GRE discussed the subject of amending the existing easements with
the various landowners. He referred to the large tract easements that were acquired by
the power companies when the line was originally built in the 1950's. Over time, some
of the easements have been reduced to 70-150 foot strips and some remain as large
tracts. He stated that GRE is looking to amend and upgrade the easements to maintain
a roughly 75 -foot strip where the line exists today. He stated that GRE would be
meeting with the landowners in late October/November to acquire the necessary
easement upgrades. He also discussed the subject of vegetation control. He did say
that there will be trees and landscaping lost. He stated that significant trees (other than
box elders or cottonwoods) will be replaced at a one to one basis with a nursery stock
V)
October 22, 2004
Page 2
tree. GRE will be meeting with property owners to discuss specific tree loss and
replacement plans.
• Residents were then given the opportunity to ask questions. They had a number of
questions relating to specific tree, landscaping and irrigation loss. GRE stated that a lot
of the specific questions would have to wait to be answered until the meetings in the
field are held. Wright Hennepin stated that they will be burying the existing 69 kV line
and they will be using the method of directional boring or plowing. The method used
will be determined on a case-by-case basis. For example, the directional boring method
could be used to go under an existing trail, significant landscaped area or an irrigation
system to be less invasive to a specific area. Property owners that have areas that
cannot be preserved and are damaged through the process should be able to be
reimbursed through construction damage costs.
• Residents also had questions relating to the amount of electromagnetic fields (EMF's)
and discussed Gow magnetic meter readings. GRE stated that burying the existing
69kV lines and adding the 115 kV could but will not necessarily add the amount of
EMF's but the reasoning why becomes technical. GRE stated that the amount of
EMF's would decrease as you get further from the line.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
This meeting focused on the area of new line along the east side of Interstate 494 along the
Rockford Estates Townhomes. This is the area of new line that will have the greatest impact
on existing residential area. The residents of Rockford Estates have shown a great amount of
concern relating to the GRE transmission line project from the beginning. Roughly 30
residents attended the meeting.
• Kevin Lennon and Gary Ostrom from GRE gave a brief discussion of the affected area.
They provided an excellent plan and profile of the proposed line that gives specific pole
placement and pole height overlaid on an airphoto of the area (included in the 3 -ringed
binder). They also discussed the vegetation loss and showed elevations of the proposed
privacy fence and vegetation replacement.
• The residents were then given the opportunity to ask questions. They had concerns
relating to the specific pole placement. The plan and profile airphotos gave a good idea
to the residents of the exact location. GRE stated that they have designed the poles in
that area to be wood as opposed to large metal structures similar to the existing large
line along Interstate 494 to have less visual impact to the Rockford Estates
development.
I have placed the additional information that I picked up at the meetings in the 3 -ringed
binder at the front counter.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH QUARTERLY
REPORTS
JULY 1, 2004 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
1ST
QTR
2003
15T
QTR
2004
2ND
QTR
2003
2ND
QTR
2004
3RD
QTR
2003
3RD
QTR
2004
YTD
2003
YTD
2004
Police Activities:
Arrests 16 17 20 21 22 24 58 62
Dual Arrests 2 3 2 3 4 5 8 11
Juvenile Arrests 2 1 0 2 3 1 5 4
Home Free Victim Services 737 542 559 487 531 647 1827 1676
Provided:
OFP's Written 8 7 5 7 11 8 24 22
OFP's Granted 3 4 4 7 5 5 12 16
Harassment Orders Written 2 1 3 2 1 1 6 4
Harassment Orders Granted 1 1 1 2 1 0 3 3
Safety Plans 24 25 12 29 25 27 61 81
Family Financial Assistance 1 1 2 2 3 1 6 4
Court Advocacy Provided 201 119 96 103 113 188 410 410
Systems Advocacy 108 75 123 65 91 101 322 241
Transportation Provided 15 16 31 5 16 8 62 29
Face -to -Face w/Information or 54 39 37 42 41 40 132 121
referral
Phone w/Information or referral 221 149 154 148 143 181 518 478
Letter w/Information or referral 76 72 68 59 68 61 212 192
# of Support Groups 23 33 23 16 13 26 59 75
UNDUPLICATED NUMBER
SERVED:
# of Women Sheltered
1
63f30
1
4
4
8
11
# of Children Sheltered
1
7
24
3
2
6
13
# of Women Attending Support
Groups*
15
43
29
18
29
62
102
# of Children in Support Group
Childcare*
31
39
27
30
7
11
65
80
# Victims Served in Community
Programs
91
90
90
97
97
104
278
291
Total Unduplicated
1 139
1 185
1 151
162
129
1 150
419
497
*Support Group #'s include all cities
�01
Plymouth Police
& Fire Department
NATIONAL
V
National
Night Out:
After Action
Report
Lt. Dan Plekkenpol
Support Services Division
b
Executive Summary
On Tuesday Augast 3d 2QQ4 o ity-Sta£Em btook4p, t upporting its
citizens in th13 , .: ah ht u ; - t ;crime preven ori.eelebration. The
WSW
planning for..thi vein Aga Yn pri1 in ude?. cc FirePubit o ark
emon mb dnei borliooco6idinat'ors
Maintenancs'N Mg
This e +� b r w b e' st d para,''loge::. City
Co uncil`merribers a afe C an thaw Ocie 'into, cpenea s. Each
unit wa ssim t sat a e f para _t tothe neighb brut»corn_
TM �
ty s
pzevention }n c sae rove a Ltexatpr , anw r ques, ns, and ksxen to Vie,-
concexr�ts -
Crnmet'revention information, flyers on special programs, safety publications, gunlocks,
,,�
children's DNA AKids, and coloring books and stickers for children -were landed out.
Fite and Police Departments offered -challenges to rceward a lomeowner vvho had worming
smoke;detectors and secured se'M e•doors to their garages. �ocal a.restaurants awarded
�.,
customers with reduced prices if..theyliveze hosting ; party. -A-n'60
errs able foodaa�n
,,
"back to-school'suphes dve took place to support two loc ,non profit organizations,
Prism and Interfaith .0►utreach Child en could: arttcipate m a coloring ,contest to�win an ice
�_ *� 0"
cream treat at Culvers Restaurant. �5 r y,
� R
j .
NNO ook place from G 3U p m until 9 30 p m ne addresses fol ie parties were broken
•�
down byeographic area and distrlbuted'to staff Each unit attend d as many parties as
�` �` eY'
possible "City staff, NNO $organizers, and neighbors reporteld testi the event waworthwhile
and very successful:RNS
5 4
NNO is a P -rear benefit'to the City It speaks or,partnership, safety, citizenship "endship,
and trust Valuable inforrriation wase aged that w,, 4, 1' -a' eat impact o e
reduction of -pre. Friendships•were estab hid anmmitment was mad #o work
together with e common goal�i£ rnakin P1 outhA safe,and respectable community.
This event crossed cultural, ender'-afid-age barters £ori e; ,ole,,purpose of'celebrating
community.The tannin nd�coo> dinahonit�s=eve �will.conttnue t4:inprove every
p g
year to reflect the�commi ent andJ&edation thaAcZity i�f�� lyniouth��has for its citizens.
On behalf of the
for her supp
Johnson an : '11 j
the event ev
would liktotha
The
Plyr.
Wol
u II
their
Acknowledgements
.aurie Ahrens
ayorJudy
Preface
National Night Out is a nation wide crime prevention and community safety program
where residents and businesses play a vital role in assisting police departments and cities
with joint crime prevention and safety initiatives: The City of Plymouth celebrated
National Night Out on Tuesday August `3ra from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This celebration
marked the 13`h year that Plymouth participated and the 201h year of NationalNight Out.
One hundred and seventeen neighborhoods took part in Plymouth's National Night Out.
This year's celebration was the largest event in Plymouths history with over 7,000
residents participating
Police Officers, Firefigliters, McGruff Truck Sponsors and North Memorial Paramedics
visited residents at their planned party locations. Neighbors enjoyed ice-cream socials,
potluck dinners, dessert swaps, grill outs, pizza, petting zoos, parades, trivia contests,
face painting, fire extinguisher training, CPR \ first aid training, crime prevention tips and
crime intelligence information from officers. In conjunction with National Night Out,
many neighbors he to raise donations, of non-perishable food items and back to
4,
school supplies and gave them to Interfaith Outreach; and Prism. More than 2,000 pounds
of food, 500 pounds of school supplies and gifts of money were donated. The Public
Works and Park and Recreation Departments picked up the donations from these
neighborhoods the next day"
The following chapters will describe the various planning initiatives that were
implemented along with the event, the lessons learned and future planning considerations
4
Planning and Pre -Event Coordination
The planning and coordination for National Night Out (NNO) was orchestrated by Sara
Cwayna, the Police and Fire Department's Education Specialist. Officers Angie Haseman
and Susan Gottwald of the Crime Prevention Unit and Heidi Sanderson of the Fire
Department also contributed significantly to this program. Together they formed the
National Night Out Team.
Planning for this year's celebration began in April. Meetings for event organizers were held
on May 6"', June 23 d, and July '26`h. All meetings where held at the Plymouth Police
Department, 3400 Plymouth Blvd, in the second floor training room from 7-8 p.m. The
planning meetings provided neighbors with ideas for their block parties and the opportunity
to ask questions and learn about police and fire safety programs. Attendance at these
meetings was optional but the Department recommended that all organizers attend the last
meeting to pick up their complimentary National Night Out materials and receive final
updates.
At each meeting, Officer Haseman cd scussed the Neighborhood, Watch Program and the
Department's new Gunlock and Children's DNA, Kit initiatives Firefighters were also un-
hand to host a fire extinguisher demonstration and,let"organizers practice using an
extinguisher. Fire Extinguisher training has subsequently become apopular NNO
neighborhood activity
To promote National Night Out 2004, the Educational Team sent press releases on
April Th and June 2n1 to the Plymouth Sun Sailor, the Weekly News, and Cable Channel 12.
In April, promotional and registration packets were prepared and mailed to Neighborhood
Watch Captains and last year's National Night Out organizers. Helen LaFave coordinated
NNO information that was featured on the City's Web site and in the Plymouth Newsletter.
On July 13`, Lt. Plekkenpol presented the 2004; National Night Out Program to the Mayor
and City Council and the City Council Meeting. Council Member Bob Stein read a
proclamation for National Night Out, naming August 3`d 2Q04'as National Night Out in
Plymouth...,.,. ti ...
To ensure that the Department seizedi'e opportunity Louse NNO as a way to,deliver
priority crime and fire prevention messages, Sara Cwayna developed a Nationale Night Out
Smoke Detector and Police Challenge Program. Neighborhoods could choose to pre -
register to take part in these challenges.. ;The Smoke Detector Challenge consisted of
firefighters making rand om1nsits to NNO parties asking one family at each party if they can
test their smoke detectors." If the detector worked, they awarded the family with a NNO T-
shirt. The Police Challenge consisted of a visit of one fam2y's home to test the lock on their
garage service door. If the door was not secured, Officers provided information on how to
secure this door and the family was awarded a T-shirt for participating in the Challenge.
Sara Cwayna worked with local pizza restaurants in Plymouth and invited them to sponsor a
National Night Out Pizza special. Papa Johns, Dominos, and Green Mill each came forward
to be sponsors. The NNO Team coordinated the creation of a children's coloring contest.
The coloring contest was for children of the ages of 5 —10. Coloring sheets could be
downloaded from the City's website, or picked up at the Police Department, at NNO
organizer meetings, or at Culvers Restaurant. A drawing was held from the entries and two
lucky winners and three of their guests were transported to Culver's in a police car or fire
truck to enjoy a complimentary dessert together. Another six winners were awarded official
police or fire department T-shirts.
ME=
The National Night Out Event: An Overview
On the evening of NNO, Police Officers, Explorers, and Reserves gathered at the Police
Department, Firefighters gathered at Fire Station III, and Public Works and Park
Maintenance employees � gathered to � u lic�W,orks ffor,iastruction§ d a�sig=ents for the
event Sgt. Cdrti§dS` ' Uh Of ver Sus n Cx ald inn e he R�alice o fivers, Sara
rj
M.
Cwayna and Captain oixi venson riefd e fire ht , an ara and Sc T ewberger
briefed McQ ff Truk i5ponsors� Th event be n t x30 the la t�net hborhood
visits end � 9:30. m
North - 1i. - ce exets"were is tied`a list of aides in'the i anted=aereis ete that the
P. tY ... W , .... Y
��
placed an extra rig ui service At�p� vzde enaergency$co erage r, Orth ambulance ews did
*,, a,
not keep statistics -on how"many.pames theyuattend
Ones, dyed and seventeen neighborhoods hosted parties, making:2004 the largest event in
the 13;Vears thatthe Cit -_V outhnhas been hosting'NNO. The Mayor and City Counci
even
.ck and Sandy ewi asked to ride in`a squad car grid erode vv1 Officers Angie
and Jeff V6Iler Tun Bildsoe requested,to"ride with Chief Goldstein in his
unit and Kelp Slavick and- her son Grant choose to nde with the Fire Department.
,
rs Brandon Rausch and e'ri "Ahrens`escorted the Slaviks s
Police officers were asst ed to escoart the Council Membexs to ; p arties that werelocated in
their respective ward by assigning addresses in the preset mapped grids. This same
"'ted
concession vas not afforded tohe" Slaviks due to the l�iited seating space availaUle in the
trucks and the vast distance between the locations that'each truck had to travel. .
Several divisions represented the Poh�eDepaiiNO. These diviss were Patrol,
DARE, Cntnel' evention, SWAT;. Bike,` mm rservice 'raffic, K-9aw stigations,
a� -
Explorers, and•Reserves. Several op attonal unit a resentedthe Fire D'e amnent. These
units were EngigI 1 Tanker -3 Ae�ittal 2l ngl e l l +esSue:2�axid R e-11. The
listing of all party locatiansl� the NNO neighborhood ori anizer, the Ply io th Employee
Division that was assjgned ;to each V' rty,. nd�othex statisd4c are=locate , "" appendix K for
Police, appendix L f x Fire and ap qn& M for "Public %rks
Public Works and Park Main tenanc„eMcGru£f Truck S"gnsors consisted of 8 employees,
two per truck. Each group visited, on average; 12 parties for a total of 48 visits.
The following is a list of police, fire fighters and public works employees that were involved
in the evening events:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Josh Charles
Brent Hughes
Brandon Rausch
Henry Ahrens
Gary Hendrickson
Craig Spencer
Paul Deakins
Chuck Perbix
Scott Altman,
r x=
Steve Marti
Dan Carlson
Brent Wek oit%
POLI
Chief Mike,.Golds
Angie Haseman
Susan Gottwald
Curtis Smith
Randall Richardsc
Brian Bc ek
Dale Duerksen
Luke Way, �.
Dave Anderson
Kevin Pregler
Jeff Volley;
Greg Oly
Aaron Marsh=_
Chris Kuklok,
Jim Franklui'_
Terry Wetternach
Jerad Hoff'
Colleen Bouta
Chris Gilson
Brain Kakach
Abby McNeil
Robby Parks
Dan McCullough
Kurtis Nubaum
Justin Schmitt
Ashley Pederson
Brandon Oliver
E-31
E-31
T-31
T-31
A-21
PUBLIC WORKS MCGRUFF TRUCK
Dean Bellefeuille Park Maintenance
—4�
John Wenner
Park Maintenance
Pat Walton
Park Maintenance
Brian Young
Water and Sewer Supervisor
Kris Hofstedt
Office Support Rep
Glenn Willey
Water and Sewer
Dave Suhr
Park Maintenance
Dawn Billstrom
Seasonal Park Maintenance
The NNO Team developed a Customer Satisfaction Survey and mailed it each National
Night Out Coordinators after the event. A postage paid envelope was included in this
mailing. Forty-siti organizers returned completed surveys. Feedback from coordinators,
neighbors, and staffing was very positive. Results from the Customer Satisfaction Survey are
attached in appendix J and has specific comments from the organizers from the
neighborhood parties
The survey asked participants to rate the Cit} of Plymouth on their performance in hosting
NNO. A scale from one to ten, with the lower numbers representing least satisfied and
higher numbers representing highly satisfied, was used. The average rating from the surrey
form returned was 9.09%. The survey also asked organizers to rate crime prevention
educational programs in the City. The following rating was an average of 46% of the surreys
returned, 9.28%.
d
From the 54 returnedf survey s, the NNO Team determined that'average amount of years that
neighborhoods had participated was 4.87. The area in the City that had the most parties per
square mile and the highest return rate for the 'survey was grid 13, the area south of 45`h
Avenue North, north of 36`' Avenue Northeast of Zachary Lane, and west of Highway
169.,. a
The number of neighborhoods participating in NNO has grown each year and is expected to
be even larger in 2005. New housing developments, word of mouth, enhanced advertising,
and the internet, have all positively enhanced participation. Because of these factors, every
year it is becoming more difficult for police to make an appearance at every event. This year,
due to a limited number of trucks and staffing, the Fire Department committed to make the
first 37 parties that registered. mss,
f
In 2005, the Crime Prevention Unit will"strategize to address the growth issue in light of the
staffing and resources that areA�vailable. This year, resources were stretchedery thin, but
fortunately the De artment was a tgriiented by the graciousness of the Res and
Explorers.„ . .
Police and Fire believes strongly that visite g each party is imperative. Citizens were able to
learn about crime prevention, were advised of the level and type of crimes taking place in
Plymouth on a day-to-day basis, and could answer questions that they had regarding their
safety. This networking creates a tremendous connection between the neighborhoods and
the staff from Public Safety, which further enhances the livability on which the City prides
itself.
Lessons Learned
This year's NNO event was a great success. When any event of this magnitude is analyzed
there are actions and plans that can always be approved upon. Through the Customer
Satisfaction Survey and the valuable feedback from NNO organizers the following list has
been created to enhance the NNO experience for 2005.
• NNO 2005 will be improved by assigning the program to only one Division.
It will become the full charge of the Crime Prevention Unit.
• Assign a staff member or Senior Corp Volunteer to capture the activities of the event
with a digital camera to include in the After Action Report for 2005.
• Continue the practice of providing three organizer meetings in May, June and July.
The meetings are an efficient way to provide information to the neighborhoods and
answer questions in a timely manner
• Continue to provide flyers on summer programming for neighborhoods: Thursday
evening bike helmet program, the car seat program and summer open houses, etc.
• Three or more people are needed to run the last meeting. The turnout is
exceptionally high. The attendees can also be processed through in a more efficient
manner. The last meeting should be held in a larger venue to avoid organizers from
standing outside of the room in the atrium.
• The National Night Out pizza special was not popular with organizers. Review this
opportunity at the first organizer meeting in 2005to gauge coordinator's interest.
Follow up accordingly.
• The collection of food and back to school supplies is highly valued. Continue this
initiative.
• Consider organizing a Lester the Smoke Detector and McGruff Scavenger Hunt as a
warm up to NNO. Integrate the coloring contest into this program.
• Provide the NNO address list to council members. Allow them to choose their own
parties (not to exceed 7)and create their own travel route. Assign one police unit to
attend these parties with the council members. This will be the assignment for these
officers.
• The gunlock program and children's ID kits were well received. Host the same
opportunities next year.
• The Fire Duty crew helped fill 1500 helium balloons at Fire Station III. This activity
took five hours. Assign Plymouth Police Reserves or Senior Corp members to assist
to reduce the time. Research a more efficient clip to seal the filled balloons many
complained that the balloons they received went flat. The balloon bouquets were
very popular. Continue using Fire III for this activity it is convenient for organizers
and is close to Hwy 55 Rental the vendor for the helium supplies.
• Close registration for NNO the Wednesday prior to the event.
• North Memorial will be keeping statistics for 2005 on which of their personnel
worked for the event and what addresses they had gone to.
• Perform the fire extinguisherdemonstration on the street there had been a complaint
of the grass being burnt in a resident's lawn.
• Provide a more enticing reward for achieving the police challenge of a secured garage
service door. The fire department awarded NNO T-shirts while the police gave out
information on how to secure their door.
rcn'4.
P r
C)
m �
s.
C)
$3,794.25 in non -salaried wages were paid to
City employees on National Night Out.
NNO Organizing Team Hours
Worked
Sara Lynn Cwayna Adjusted
Event Total
1.
N/A
Josh Charles 5
Brent Hughes 5
Brandon Rausch 5
Henry Ahrens 5
Gary Hendrickson 5
Craig Spencer 5
Angela Haseman Weekly
rked
[67
53.85
Curtis Smith Work
1.
15 Officers
Susan Gottwald Schedule.
53.85
$2,884.12
No overtime
4 Reserve Officers
18
or additional
64.15
64.15
wages paid
2.
3.
Plymouth Police
rs
Event Total
Event Total
Josh Charles 5
Brent Hughes 5
Brandon Rausch 5
Henry Ahrens 5
Gary Hendrickson 5
Craig Spencer 5
Officers
rked
[67
53.85
64.15
64.15
56.50
1.
15 Officers
53.85
$2,884.12
5.
4 Reserve Officers
18
6.
64.15
64.15
Volunteer
2.
3.
7 Explorers dWS31.5
Volunteer
Plymouth Firefighters Hourly Wage
Hours
Worked
Event Total
1.
Josh Charles 5
Brent Hughes 5
Brandon Rausch 5
Henry Ahrens 5
Gary Hendrickson 5
Craig Spencer 5
53.85
56.50
2.
53.85
64.15
64.15
56.50
3.
4.
Paul Deakins 5
Chuck Perbix 5
53.85
56.50
5.
Scott Altman 5
Steve Marti 5
Dan Carlson 5
Brent Weldon 5
56.50
53.85
6.
64.15
64.15
698.00
National Night Out Hours Event Total
Coordinators -2 Worked
Organizers Per Event
1. 234 Neighborhood 5,616 Hours Volunteer
Organizers
c�-
Public Works Hours
Event Total
Employees Worked
Scott Newberger 5
1.
N/A Salaried
2.
Brian Young 5 Hours
$212.62
(time and a
half)
National Night Out Hours Event Total
Coordinators -2 Worked
Organizers Per Event
1. 234 Neighborhood 5,616 Hours Volunteer
Organizers
c�-
RICHARD W. NORMAN
County Coordinator
October 19, 2004
Mr. Peter Bell, Chair
Metropolitan Council
Mears Park Centre
230 East Fifth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101-1626
CO LINTY OF WRIGHT
COMMISSIONERS
10 2nd Street NW, RM 235
KARLA HEETER
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-1188
First District
PAT SAWATZKE
Second District
Tel: (763) 682-7378
JACK R USSEK
1-800-362-3667
Third District
Fax: (763) 682-6178
ELMER EICHELBERG
Fourth District
DICK MATTSON
�f
Fifth District
00
Re: Comments on Draft Transportation Policy Plan (TPP)
Trunk Highway 55
Dear Mr. Bell:
Though Wright County is not directly under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council, many of
its residents are affected directly by the Met Council's decisions as they travel daily to the
metropolitan area. A main travel route is TH 55, beginning at Annandale and picking up traffic
all the way to I-494 in Hennepin County. The rapidly increasing volume of traffic on TH 55,
resulting in both safety and capacity inadequacies, has motivated the communities in this Hwy 55
Corridor to come together as a Coalition to promote improvements in this corridor. Dues paying
members include both Hennepin and Wright Counties and all the Cities and Townships adjacent
to this corridor. Our goal has been adopted as our theme, "Saving Lives, Saving Dollars."
The need for improvements on TH 55 and the work of the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition to
promote those improvements have been recognized by both the Minnesota State Legislature and
the United States Congress. Funding has been awarded to support the Coalition's efforts to
preserve needed right of way and to raise public awareness of the need for safety improvements.
We feel that the Metropolitan Council can also be a vital part of our quest to improve safety on
TH 55, and we ask that you will carefully accept and consider this letter of comment from Wright
County on your draft Transportation Policy Plan.
We feel the TPP is a vitally important document as it guides the metropolitan area's future
transportation planning and programming. As early as 2001, Wright County, Hennepin County,
and Mn/DOT have all met with your staff during the planning stages of the 2030 TPP to request
and discuss the reclassification of TH 55 from a Minor Arterial to a Principal Arterial roadway
from I-494 to the west Hennepin County line. In addition, Mn/DOT District 3 has agreed, upon
upgrading of the functional classification in Hennepin County, to designate TH 55 in Wright
County as a Principal Arterial.
Based on these past discussions with Metropolitan Council staff and especially with the
understanding that our joint request for reclassification of TH 55 would be included in the draft
TPP, we are truly concerned that this issue was not even addressed in the TPP. We are also
Equal Opportunity / Affirmatiue Action Employer
somewhat frustrated with the statement in the draft TPP "As soon as this plan and MnDOT's
Transportation System Plan (TSP) are completed, the Council's Transportation Advisory Board
(TAB) will undertake a functional classification study of the regional streets and highways. " We
feel that this review is well overdue and needs to be completed as part of the current TPP to
adequately and appropriately plan for transportation in the metropolitan area and surrounding
counties. Unfortunately, the public's need for safety and road improvements will not diminish or
even remain static if this study is scheduled for the future.
We understand the time constraints placed on the Metropolitan Council and its staff for the
completion of this document. Therefore we request that the 2001 MnDOT request for
reclassification of TH 55 to a Principal Arterial be directed to the Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC) Planning Committee for their review and recommendation of approval to the full TAC.
We understand that this process, if initiated now, could be accomplished prior to the final
adoption of the TPP.
Thank you for your consideration of this request, which was discussed and approved by the
Wright County Board of Commissioners at today's meeting.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the draft 2030 TPP and look forward to your
response.
Sincer ,
d
Pat Sawatz , Chair
Wright C unty Board of Commissioners
cc: Penny Steele, Hennepin County Commissioner
Hwy 55 Corridor Coalition Members
Gary Erickson, Assistant Hennepin County Administrator, Public Works
Wayne Fingalson, Wright County Engineer
STATE OF MINNESOTA
FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
LUCY A. WIELAND
CHIEF JUDGE
HENNEPIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55487-0422
(612) 348-9808
October 18, 2004
Jacqueline B. Kohns
12820 — 54" Ave N.
Plymouth, MN 55442
Re: Plymouth Charter Commission
Dear Ms. Kohns:
Enclosed is a copy of my Order appointing you as a member of the Charter.
Commission for the City of Plymouth. �• �- _::,-,
You will also find enclosed a written acceptance and oath of office which you
should sign before a notary public and return to me.
Under Minnesota Statute Section 410.05, Subd. 2, an appointee who neglect -s to -
return the oath and acceptance form within thirty (30) days will be deemed to,"
have declined the appointment. )
�-r
1
Thank you for agreeing to serve on this important Commission.
Sinc ely,
Luc Wieland
Chief Judge of
District Court
LAW/vv
Enclosures
It Is ordered.- That
Jacqueline B. Kohns
Is appointed as a member of the
Charter Commission
For the City of
Plymouth
Said term shall expire on
October 19, 2008
October 19, 2004
Lucy W eland, Chiefjudge
File Number #655181
October 18, 2004
Mr. Tim Broge
18600 29`h Ave N
Plymouth MN 55447
Dear Mr. Broge:
Thank you for taking the time to write Mayor Johnson and the City expressing your
concerns about the intersection of 29`h Ave North and Vagabond Ln.
Maintenance crews were able to schedule repairs the week of October 4`h and October
11`'. The work performed was "milling" the hump out of the street and the catch basin
was repaired and adjusted to grade. As I write this, patching back with bituminous is all
that is left.
Please note that this work was a maintenance item and will not effect the timing of street
reconstruction on these streets. We will continue to do routine maintenance until
reconstruction of the streets comes to your area.
If you would like discuss this further, please give me a call.
Sincerely,
i
Thomas Vetsch
Public Works Superintendent
Cc: Judy Johnson, Mayor
Laurie Ahrens, City Manager
Eric Blank, Director of Park and Recreation
V)
PLYMOUTH A Beautif [Place to Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
A"2004 Pol'ic
Association of y
Metropolitan Adopt ion M e et ing
MunicipaUties
When: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2004 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: League of Minnesota Cities Building (LMC)
145 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN
The Policy Adoption Meeting is one of two major meetings the Association of
Metropolitan Municipalities (AIVIlVI) holds each year for YOU --the membership. All
mayors, councilmembers, managers and administrators, as well as city staff are
welcome to attend. A 45 -minute social featuring light hors d'oeuvres will begin at 5:3 0
p.m., followed bythe business meeting from 6:15-7:3 0 p.m. There is NO charge to attend
the social and/or meeting.
This is your opportu-
nityto debate and adopt
ANBTs 2005 Legisla-
tive Policies and to de-
termine the top priority
issues that AMM will
spend much of its time
and resources on dur-
ing the 2005 Legisla-
tive Session. Cities are
encouraged to send
more than one repre-
sentative to contribute
to the policy discus-
sion.
Vote on AMM's 2005 Legislative Policies
Determine AMM's 2005 lobbying priorities
Network with your metropolitan peers
-------------------------
Enclosed is a copy of the draft policies that the
membership will be voting on. The draft policies
were developed by our four policy committees
and approved by the Board of Directors at their
last meeting. A two-thirds vote of those mem-
bers attending the Policy Adoption Meeting is
required to adopt official AMM policy.
Please R.S. VP. by calling Laurie Jennings
at 651-215--4000 by Friday, Nov. 12.
145 VflIv rsity Ave. W. 1St. Paul, MN 55103 ♦ Phone. -651-215-4000 ♦ Fax: 651-281-1299 ♦ Email.• amm9amm 145. org
This flyer has been mailed to all AMM mayors, councilmembers and managers/administrators.
January 2005
� 4
2{✓� �'� r'+Y
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
145 University Ave. W. * St. Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044
Phone: (651) 215-4000 P Fax: (651) 281-1299
E-mail:amm@amm745.org
fOw-
f.4
4 Printed on recycled paper
Table of Contents
Municipal Revenue & Taxation (1)
1-A Levy Limits....................................................................................................... 1
I -B
Local Government Aid (LGA)............................................................................
1
-C
Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC).........................................................
1
-D
Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution.....................................................................2
111-0
I -E
Limited Market Value (LMV).............................................................................2
111-13
1-F
Transit Funding.................................................................................................
2
1-0
Constitutional Tax and Expenditure Limits.........................................................
2
I -H
State Property Tax: Oppose Extension to Other Property ...................................
3
NClass
Rate Tax System.....................................................................................
3
l,J
Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility........................................................
3
I -K
Revenue Diversification....................................................................................
3
I -L
Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases......................................................
3
I -M
City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance.............................................................
4
I -N
Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under Funding ..................
4
1-0
Aggregate Mining Fee......................................................................................
4
General Legislation (II)
II -A
Mandates & Local Authority..............................................................................5
11-B
City Enterprise Activities...................................................................................5
II -C
Firearms on City Property.................................................................................5
11-1)
Compensation Limits.......................................................................................5
II -E
911 Telephone Tax............................................................................................5
11-F
800 MHz Radio System....................................................................................6
Il -G
State Paid Police and Fire Medical Insurance ...................................................
6
Housing & Economic Development (III)
lIMCity
Role in Housing.........................................................................................7
111-13
City Role in Lifecycle and Affordable Housing ...................................................
7
111-0
Livable Communities........................................................................................
8
111-13
Inclusionary Housing.........................................................................................
8
111-E
State Role in Affordable Housing......................................................................
9
111-F
Federal Role in Affordable Housing.................................................................. 9
Ill -G
Economic Development Responsibilities........................................................ 10
IIl-H
Eminent Domain.............................................................................................
10
IN
Tax Increment Financing..................................................................................11
111-J
State Role in Redevelopment/Reinvestment.....................................................11
111-K
"This Old House„ / "This Old Shop„..................................................................
12
2005 Legislative Policies
Contents
Metropolitan Agencies (IV)
IV -A
Purpose of Metropolitan Governance..............................................................
13
IV -B
Roles & Responsibilities of the Metropolitan Council .......................................
13
IV -C
Selection of Metropolitan Council Members ....................................................
14
IV -D
Funding Regional Services.............................................................................
14
IV -E
Regional Systems..........................................................................................
14
IV -F
Review of Local Comprehensive Plans...........................................................
15
N -G
Local Zoning Authority....................................................................................
15
IV -H
Regional Growth.............................................................................................
15
IV -1
Comprehensive Planning Schedule................................................................
16
IV -J
Natural Resource Protecton............................................................................
16
IV -K
Water Management........................................................................................
17
IV -L
Funding Regional Parks & Open Space.........................................................
18
Transportation (V)
V-A Transportation Funding................................................................................... 19
V -B Metropolitan Transportation Referendum........................................................ 19
V -C Regional Transit System................................................................................. 19
V -D Transit Operating Subsidies........................................................................... 20
V -E Road Access Fee.......................................................................................... 20
V -F Transportation Utility....................................................................................... 20
V -G Highway Turnbacks & Funding........................................................................ 20
V -H '3C' Transportation Planning Process: Elected Officials Role .......................... 21
V-1 Red Light Cameras........................................................................................ 21
V -J Airport Noise Mitigation.................................................................................. 21
V -K Cities Under 5,000 Population........................................................................ 21
V -L County State Aid Highway (CSAH) Distribution Formula ................................. 22
V -M Municipal Input (Consent) for Trunk Highways .................................................. 22
V -N Plat Authority.................................................................................................. 22
V -O City Speed Limit Control................................................................................. 22
Committee Rosters
Municipal Revenue Policy Committee........................................................................ 23
Housing and Economic Development Policy Committee ........................................... 24
Metropolitan Agencies Policy Committee.................................................................. 24
Transportation and General Government Policy Committee ....................................... 25
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
AMM MISSION STATEMENT
To serve as the primary representative of the collective
interests of all metropolitan cities on metropolitan issues
and statewide issues with metropolitan significance.
AMM MEMBERS
1. Albertville*
26. Golden Valley
51. Ramsey
2. Anoka
27. Hastings
52. Richfield
3. Apple Valley
28. Hopkins
53. Robbinsdale
4. Arden Hills
29. Hugo
54. Rosemount
5. Bayport
30. Independence
55. St. Anthony
6. Bloomington
31. Inver Grove Heights
56. St. Francis
7. Brooklyn Center
32. Lake Elmo
57. St. Louis Park
8. Brooklyn Park
33. Lakeville
58. St. Michael*
9. Burnsville
34. Long Lake
59. St. Paul
10. Champlin
35. Mahtomedi
60. St. Paul Park
11. Chanhassen
36. Maplewood
61. Savage
12. Chaska
37. Mendota Heights
62. Shakopee
13. Circle Pines
38. Minneapolis
63. Shorewood
14. Columbia Heights
39. Minnetonka
64. South St. Paul
15. Coon Rapids
40. Mound
65. Spring Park
16. Cottage Grove
41. New Brighton
66. Sunfish Lake
17. Crystal
42. Newport
67. Three Rivers Park District*
18. Eagan
43. North St. Paul
68. Wayzata
19. Eden Prairie
44. Northfield*
69. West St. Paul
20. Edina
45. Oak Park Heights
70. White Bear Lake
21. Excelsior
46. Oakdale
71. Woodbury
22. Falcon Heights
47. Orono
72. Woodland
23. Farmington
48. Osseo
24. Forest Lake
49. Plymouth
25. Fridley
50. Prior Lake
* =Associate Member
2005 Legislative Policies iii
Municipal Revenue &
Taxation (I)
I --A Levy Limits
The AMM strongly opposes levy limits and urges the legislature to not re-enact them. The AMM also
opposes the imposition of artificial mechanisms such as valuation freezes, payroll freezes, reverse
referenda, super majority requirements for levy, or other limitations to the local government budget and
taxing process. Expenditures for capital improvements such as infrastructure reconstruction should not
be subject to levy limits.
1-13 Local Government Aid (LGA)
Local Government Aid (LGA), the only remaining form of general purpose state aid to Minnesota cities,
was significantly reduced and reformed by the 2003 Legislature — at a significant cost to most metro-
politan communities. As a result of these changes, 82 of the metropolitan area's 13 8 cities no longer
receive any LGA.
AMM supports the continuation of Local Government Aid (LGA) to assist those cities who's public
service needs and costs exceed their local ability to pay, but believes the 2003 reforms fall short of
creating a state aid system that is accepted as both fair and understandable. At this time, the state
should avoid any further changes to the "need" or "ability -to -pay" components of the LGA formula, until
a comprehensive and inclusive study of Minnesota's system of tax revenue sources to fund local govern-
ment services, such as that being undertaken by the League of Minnesota Cities' Financing Local
Government Task Force, is completed.
I -C Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC)
The MVHC is a state aid to individual homestead property taxpayers. It is based on the value of the
individual's property and is shown on the tax statement as a tax reduction from the State of Minnesota.
If the state cannot fully fund MVHC, it should restructure the credit by reducing the amount awarded to
homeowners to the level of available funds. For the state to continue to award MVHC without reim-
bursing local governments violates the principle of truth in taxation.
2005 Legislative Policies
Revenue & Taxation
1-D Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution
The AMM opposes the use of fiscal disparities to fund social or physical metropolitan programs since it
results in a metropolitan -wide property tax increase hidden from the public.
AMM supports the continuation of the fiscal disparities program until such time as an appropriate
replacement is developed.
1-E Limited Market Value (LMV)
The AMM strongly opposes extension of artificial limits in valuing property at market for taxation
purposes to additional property classes since such limitations shift tax burdens to other classes of
property and create disparities between properties of equal value. The Legislature should monitor the
effects of the LMV phase-out to avoid excessive tax burden increases to currently benefiting properties.
The AMM believes that enhanced targeting for special circumstances better serves the tax system.
I -F Transit Funding
Removing transit operating expenses from the property tax and funding them with a percentage of
revenues generated by the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MV ST) was one component of the property tax
reform package enacted by the 2001 Legislature. Prior to this reform, transit operations in Minnesota
were much more dependent on the property tax as a funding source than transit operations in other
states. The removal of transit operations from the property tax allowed the state to both reverse this
unusual dependence and to provide an equal amount of net property tax relief across the state. The
AMM strongly opposes undoing this reform and returning transit operating expenses to the property
tax.
I -G Constitutional Tax and Expenditure Limits
The AMM strongly opposes including tax and expenditure limits in the state constitution. This would
eliminate any flexibility on the part of the Legislature or local governments to respond to unanticipated
critical needs, emergencies, or fluctuating economic situations. When services such as education, public
safety and health care require increased funding beyond the overall limit, experiences in at least one
other state indicate that other publicly -funded services receive less than adequate resources. Constitu-
tional limits result in a reduced base during times of economic downturn and the inability to recover to
previous service levels when economic prosperity returns.
2 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Revenue & Taxation
1-H State Property Tax: Oppose Extension to Other Property
The 2001 Property Tax Reform Act shifted general education funding to the state, and funded it, in part,
with a state property tax on commerical/industrial and cabin property. Since cities' only source of
general funds is the property tax, AMM strongly opposes extension of a state levied property tax to
additional classes of property.
Class Rate Tax System
The AMM opposes elimination of the class rate tax system, or applying future levy increases to market
value, since this would further complicate the property tax system.
W Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility
The personal property tax on Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) is a significant portion of the tax base for
local governments where the utilities are located and a major component of the metropolitan fiscal
disparity pool. AMM opposes exempting IOUs from the personal property tax, as this would result in a
significant shift in tax burdens onto other local taxpayers and the region as a whole.
Current law allows IOUs to receive property tax exemptions for pollution control and abatement
equipment. This exemption is being applied very liberally, resulting in IOUs being able to exempt signifi-
cant amounts of property only tangentially related to pollution control. AMM supports clarifying the
language of the pollution control exemption so that it applies only to equipment that has a direct and
material link to pollution control.
1-K Revenue Diversification
The AMM supports revenue diversification for cities in order to reduce reliance on the property tax.
The AMM opposes legislated reduction or limitation of various license fees, development fees or other
general fees which would force increased property taxes to pay for related services.
l -L Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases
The legislature should reinstate the sales tax exemption for all local government purchases without
requiring a reduction in other aids.
2005 Legislative Policies 3
Revenue & Taxation
I -M City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance
The AMM opposes state attempts to control or restrict city fund balances. These funds are necessary
to maintain fiscal viability, meet unexpected or emergency resource needs, purchase capital goods and
infrastructure, provide adequate cash flow and maintain high-level bond ratings.
1-N Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding
The 2001 legislature increased employer and employee contributions to PERA by 0.35 percent each,
made some administrative changes in qualification, and extended the amortization period from 20 to 30
years to deal with PERA's long-term funding deficiency, Based on recent actuarially studies, it appears
additional increases will be needed. The AMM supports employees and cities sharing equally in neces-
sary increases. The state should give cities sufficient notice of any increase for budget purposes and
cover any additional city share if the city increase is greater than that of the employees.
1-0 Aggregate Mining Fee
In order to provide an incentive for the extraction of local aggregate resources prior to urbanized
development and in order to help offset the negative impacts of aggregate mining on local communities,
the state should authorize cities and townships to collect a per ton host community fee from the opera-
tors of aggregate mines, with the fee proceeds to be deposited in the municipality's general fund.
4 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
General Legislation
11 A Mandates & Local Authority
The AMM opposes statutory changes which erode local control and authority or create mandated
additional tasks requiring new or added local costs without a corresponding state appropriation or
funding mechanism. New unfunded mandates cause increased property taxes which impede cities'
ability to fund traditional service needs.
11-B City Enterprise Activities
AMM supports cities' authority to establish city enterprise operations in response to community needs,
local preferences, state mandates or to ensure residents' quality of life. Creation of an enterprise opera-
tion allows a city to provide the desired service while maintaining financial and management control. The
state should refrain from infringing on this ability to provide and control services for the benefit of
community residents.
11-C Firearms on City Property
Cities should be allowed to prohibit handguns in city -owned buildings, facilities and parks. This would
allow locally -elected officials to determine whether to allow permit -holders to bring guns into municipal
buildings, liquor stores, city council chambers and city -sponsored youth activities. It is not AMM's
intention for cities to have the authority to prohibit legal weapons in parking lots, on city streets or city
sidewalks.
11-D Compensation Limits
The Legislature should acknowledge that all state and local governments, not just school districts, must
be competitive in recruiting and retaining upper level management employees. In addition, there is no
correlation between the compensation of citizen volunteers and career public sector professionals.
Therefore, the state should repeal or modify laws limiting the compensation of a person employed by a
statutory or home rule charter city to the governor's salary.
ll -E 911 Telephone Tax
The AMM supports an increase in the current charge per phone line 911 access fee to provide neces-
sary and mandated upgrades and modifications to 911 systems in public safety answering point (PSAP)
2005 Legislative Policies 5
locations throughout the state. This fee increase is needed to maintain reliable emergency communication
services and to comply with the FCC mandate for cell phone automated location identification. The
increased funds should be distributed to the local PSAPs in a fair and appropriate manner. The Legisla-
ture should also restore the Commissioner of Administration's authority to establish the surcharge
amount.
II -F 800 MHz Radio System
The AMM supports the 800 MHz Radio System, as long as cities are not forced to modify their current
systems or become part of the 800 MHz Radio System until they so choose. The system should provide
a phased transition guaranteeing uninterrupted service and be technically capable of allowing communi-
ties the flexibility to form various coordinated arrangements for dispatching and service provision. Since
the prime advantage of this system is the fact that public safety agencies and other units of local gover-
ment will be able to communicate with each other, state funding of the entire system should be consid-
ered. We urge the retention of a strong Metro Radio Board, which includes representation by the
AMM.
II -G State Paid Police and Fire Medical Insurance
♦ The state must fully fund programs that pay for health insurance for police and fire employees
required under M.S. 299A.465, as amended in 1997, for police and fire employees hurt or killed in
the line of duty.
♦ The Legislature must clarify whether M.S. 299A.465 applies to injuries incurred prior to June 1,
1997 (the effective date of the law).
♦ The Legislature must clarify the amount of an employer's contribution under M.S. 299A.465 and
whether it changes over time.
♦ The Legislature must identify a single public entity as the authority for making the disability determi-
nation for purposes of the benefits assigned under M.S. 299A.465, establish the minimum criteria
used to determine ability to work, and set a percentage threshold of disability for eligibility into this
�
6 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Housing & Economic
Development (III)
Introduction
While the provision of housing is predominantly a private -sector, market-driven activity; all levels of
government – federal, state and local – have a role to play in facilitating the production and preservation
of affordable housing in Minnesota.
AMM's housing policies recognize the intergovernmental nature of this issue — starting with policies A
through D, which outline the role of cities. Cities are responsible for much of the ground -level housing
policy in Minnesota– including land -use planning, building code enforcement, and often times, the
packaging of financial incentives. However, the state must also play a maj or role by empowering local
units of government and providing a variety of funding programs and tools. Policy E addresses the
state's responsibility to provide financial resources and establish a general direction for housing policy.
Finally, policy F speaks to the urgent need for the federal government to increase its financial support for
the production and preservation of affordable housing.
111-A City Role in Housing
In the state of Minnesota, the provision of housing is predominantly a private sector, market-driven
activity. However, all cities facilitate the development of housing via responsibilities in the areas of land -
use planning, zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations and many cities choose to play an additional
role by providing financial incentives and regulatory relief, participating in state and regional housing
programs and supporting either local or county -wide Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. Cities
are also responsible for ensuring the health and safety of local residents and the structural soundness and
livability of the local housing stock via building permits and inspections.
AMM strongly opposes any effort to reduce, alter or interfere with cities' authority to carry out these
functions in a locally determined manner.
III -B City Role in Lifecycle and Affordable Housing
AMM supports lifecycle and affordable housing and recognizes that it is key to the economic and social
well being of individual communities and the region. Cities can facilitate the production and preservation
of lifecycle and affordable housing by:
♦ Applying for funding from applicable grant and loan programs;
2005 Legislative Policies 7
Housing and Economic Development
♦ Working with developers and local residents to blend affordable housing into new and existing
neighborhoods;
♦ Expediting review processes; and
♦ Working to reduce locally -imposed development costs.
III -C Livable Communities
The Livable Communities Act (LCA) program operated by the Metropolitan Council provides a
voluntary, incentive -based approach to affordable housing development, brownfield clean-up and
mixed-use, transit -friendly development/redevelopment. AMM strongly supports the continuation of
this approach, which has been widely accepted and is fully utilized by local communities.
Currently the LCA program is primarily funded via a Metropolitan Council property tax levy, which is
subject to levy limits. AMM supports the loosening or removal of these levy limits as well as the
appropriation of additional state funds for this program in order to allow it to more fully meet the dem-
onstrated need that currently exists in the metropolitan area.
Use of interest earnings from LCA funds should be limited to covering the costs of administering the
program. Remaining interest earnings not used for program administration should be considered part of
the LCA funds and used to fund grant requests from the established LCA accounts, according to
established funding criteria.
111-D Inclusionary Housing
AMM supports the location of affordable housing in residential and mixed-use neighborhoods through-
out a city and would support enabling legislation that authorizes cities to utilize new and innovative
means of achieving this goal. However, AMM does not support passage of a mandatory inclusionary
housing law that would require a certain percentage of units in all new housing developments to be
affordable to households at a particular income level.
Advocates of a mandatory inclusionary housing law often point to its use in Montgomery County,
Maryland. However, AMM does not believe the situation or experiences of Montgomery County are
broadly applicable or transferable to the Twin Cities metropolitan region, given this area's development
stage, housing market and state - local government structure. Furthermore, a close look at the Mont-
gomery County experience shows that the production of affordable housing units has fallen -off signifi-
cantly from the levels achieved in the mid -1980's to the point where, today, it is not achieving large-
scale production of affordable housing units.
Mandatory inclusionary housing policies are based on the assumption that in every new housing devel-
opment cities are capable of providing enough regulatory relief, via things such as density bonuses and/
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Housing and Economic Development
or fee waivers, for the developer to produce below market rate units without a direct financial subsidy
or cross -subsidization from the other houses in the development. While AMM does believe there are
cost savings to be achieved through regulatory reform, density bonuses, and fee waivers, AMM does
not believe a mandatory inclusionary housing approach can achieve the desired levels of affordability
solely through these steps.
Ill -E State Role in Affordable Housing
By establishing and funding statewide housing programs, to be administered by the Minnesota Housing
Finance Agency (MHFA), the legislature establishes a general direction/prioritization for the state on
housing issues. The state's financial support of homeless shelters, transitional housing, supportive senior
housing, and low-income family housing is essential to communities throughout the state and should be
continued.
In recent years, the State of Minnesota has been an active partner in addressing lifecycle and affordable
housing issues. However, AMM believes the state's continued, and increased, participation is essential
to addressing this ongoing issue.
Therefore, the state should:
♦ Increase funding, including state general fund appropriations, for MHFA's development and redevel-
opment, supportive housing and housing preservation programs and appropriate new funds to help
establish affordable housing land trusts.
♦ Continue the policy of using MHFA's investment earnings for housing programs.
♦ Amend the tax exempt bond allocation statute to maximize its availability for affordable rental
housing.
♦ Provide exemptions from or reductions to the sales, use and transaction taxes applied to the devel-
opment and production of affordable housing.
♦ Repeal the $50 reduction from aperson or household's monthly Minnesota Family Investment
Program grant ifthey are residents ofpublic or Section 8 housing.
♦ Authorize cities to amend their comprehensive plans, in order to facilitate increased lifecycle and
affordable housing, with a simple majority vote of the city council, rather than a super majority.
111-F Federal Role in Affordable Housing
The AMM strongly believes that the financial support of the federal government is necessary in order to
address the affordable housing challenges facing this, and other, metropolitan areas.
`—Historically the federal government has been a major partner in the provision of affordable housing for
low and moderate -income individuals and families. However, during the last twenty years, the federal
government has significantly reduced its commitment and its financial support–reducing the amount of
Rinds available for the production of affordable housing and eliminating key tax credit programs.
2005 Legislative Policies
Housing and Economic Development
A recent report by the Congressionally -commissioned Millennial Housing Commission reaffirms that
there is a federal role in the provision of low and moderate -income housing, and calls for new or ex-
panded programs in the areas of housing production, tax-exempt bonding, and federal tax credits, as
well as increased flexibility for states spending federal block grant dollars. AMM believes the
Commission's report should serve as a starting point for a federal housing policy that reinserts the
federal government as an active partner with state and local governments and the private sector.
AMM urges the Governor, the Legislature and local governments throughout the region to adopt
memorializing resolutions and utilize other means, such as public forums and roundtable discussions, to
inform federal officials and members of Minnesota's Congressional delegation of the urgent need for
federal support.
III -G Economic Development Responsibilities
The state of Minnesota should continue to recognize cities as the primary unit of government responsible
for implementing economic development policies and land use controls. However, the state should
adopt policies that encourage cities to jointly plan for and implement economic development projects.
New or amended economic development programs designed to address specific economic circum-
stances within cities or counties should use problem definition as the criteria rather than geographic
location, city size or similar criteria.
III -H Eminent Domain
Current Minnesota law gives cities the authority to exercise eminent domain in pursuit of a public
purpose and the responsibility of balancing the rights of private landowners with the interests of the
public. In recent years the Legislature has considered changes to cities' eminent domain powers that
would impose a significantly higher standard of proof, institute j udicial review over the deference cur-
rently given to local elected officials, and authorize payment of the challenger's legal fees by cities and
their taxpayers.
These changes would severely limit cities' ability to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their citi-
zens, greatly increase the cost of doing business for the public good, and significantly increase the
likelihood of expensive and time-consuming lawsuits against cities. Therefore, AMM supports efforts
to maintain and strengthen cities' ability to exercise the power of eminent domain for economic develop-
ment and redevelopment proj ects that reduce blight, increase the local tax base and/or create j obs.
10 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Housing and Economic Development
111-1 Tax Increment Financing
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been and continues to be the primary tool available to local commu-
nities for assisting economic development, redevelopment and housing projects. However, recent
judicial decisions and property tax reforms have raised several issues that could require legislative
action. Among the issues are the changing nature of redevelopment, such as the emergence of mixed-
use developments and the concept of economic obsolesce vs. blight; potential shortfalls resulting from
the tax reforms and the scheduling of activities within the TIF district. During the 2894 2005 session,
the legislature should:
• Continue to monitor the impacts of tax reform on TIF districts and, if warranted, provide cities with
additional authority to pay for possible TIF shortfalls.
• Define "mixed-use" and "mixed -income" housing developments and allowable uses of TIF in such
developments.
• Support increased pooling flexibility, relief from the five-year rule and unfreezing of the certified tax
rate for redevelopment projects.
Finally, the current reporting requirements surrounding tax increment financing are costly and burden-
some for cities. AMM urges the State Auditor to work with stakeholders and the Legislature to
streamline TIF reporting requirements to achieve greater efficiency.
111-J State Role in Redevelopment I Reinvestment
The need to undertake redevelopment/reinvestment activities is a natural part of the development cycle
experienced by all cities. Redevelopment allows local communities to adj ust to changing market condi-
tions, better utilize existing public infrastructure, and maintain a viable local tax base. However, due to
the higher up -front costs of redevelopment, as compared to greenfield development, desirable redevel-
opment projects often require public assistance.
The State of Minnesota has a responsibility to work with local governments to provide a practical,
flexible and multi-purpose mix of tools, resources and authorities that will allow local communities to
address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities of redevelopment.
AMM supports the establishment of a statewide redevelopment fund administered by the Department of
Employment and Economic Development (DEED), with grants awarded on a competitive basis. Pro-
portional allocations of the grant funding should be earmarked for the metropolitan area and Greater
2005 Legislative Policies 11
Minnesota, with the provision that any unused allocation can be transferred to the other allocation.
AMM also urges the state to provide additional funding for the metropolitan Livable Communities
Program and DEED'S Contamination Clean -Up grant program.
III -K "This Old House" / "This Old Shop"
AMM supports the reenactment of the "This Old House" law (MS273.11 subd. 16), which allowed
owners of older homestead property to defer an increase in their tax capacity resulting from repairs or
improvements to the home. AMM also supports passage of similar legislation for owners of older
commercial/industrial property who make improvements that increase the property's market value by at
least 12%.
12 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Metropolitan Agencies (IV)
N -A Purpose of Metropolitan Governance
The statutorily -defined Twin Cities metropolitan region is made up of 193 cities and townships covering
over 3,000 square miles in seven counties. The effective and efficient delivery of certain public services
and the continued economic growth of this region is enhanced by the existence of a regional entity to
provide coordination and facilitate cooperation.
Therefore, AMM supports the continued existence of a metropolitan governance system for the pur-
pose of.
♦ Facilitating long-term region -wide planning with the cooperation and consideration of the affected
local units of government; and
Planning for and providing those public services that are needed by the region, but cannot be
effectively and efficiently provided by local governments or the state.
With or without the Metropolitan Council as it exists today, the region needs some entity to perform
these functions. However, the Twin Cities' metropolitan governance structure should not be granted,
nor should it assume, general local government or state agency powers.
N -B Roles & Responsibilities of the Metropolitan Council
The primary responsibilities of the Metropolitan Council are to:
Plan for the orderly and economical development of the metropolitan area by preparing a compre-
hensive development guide that includes long-range comprehensive policy plans for the transporta-
tion, aviation, wastewater treatment and recreational open space systems.
Review local comprehensive plans for compatibility with the plans of neighboring communities,
consistency with Metropolitan Council policies and conformity with metropolitan system plans.
♦ Provide specific regional services and administer select regional grant programs as assigned by state
or federal law.
2005 Legislative Policies 13
Metropolitan Agencies
♦ Provide technical assistance, research and information to local units of government.
Any additional responsibilities taken on by, or authority granted to, the Metropolitan Council should be
the result of a specific statutory assignment or grant.
IV -C Selection of Metropolitan Council Members
Members of the Metropolitan Council should be selected via an open process that includes an opportu-
nity for local governments and other stakeholders to provide meaningful input. Council members should
be understanding of and responsive to the districts they represent while also serving the best interests of
the region. Metropolitan Council members should serve fixed, staggered terms.
IV -D Funding Regional Services
The Metropolitan Council should continue to fund its regional services and activities through a combina-
tion of user fees, property taxes, and state and federal grants.
User fees should be set by the Metropolitan Council via an open and visible process that includes public
notice and public hearings. User fees should be uniform by type of user and set at a level that will: 1)
support effective and efficient public services, based on commonly accepted industry standards; and 2)
allow for sufficient reserves to ensure service and fee stability over the long-term.
Fee proceeds from one service should not be used to fund another regional service or program.
IV -E Regional Systems
There are currently four regional systems defined in statute — transportation, aviation, wastewater
treatment and recreational open space. The purpose of these regional systems and the Metropolitan
Council's authority for them is clearly outlined in state statute. In order to alter the focus or expand the
reach of any of these systems, the Metropolitan Council must seek a statutory change.
The system plans/statements prepared by the Metropolitan Council for these regional systems should be
specific in terms of the size, location and timing of regional investments in order to allow for consider-
ation in local comprehensive planning. System plans should clearly state the criteria by which local plans
will be judged for consistency and the criteria that will be used to find that a local plan is more likely than
not to have a substantial impact on or contain a substantial departure from metropolitan system plans.
Additional regional systems should only be established if there is a compelling metropolitan problem or
concern that can best be addressed through the designation. Common characteristics of the four
existing regional systems include public ownership of the system and its components and an established
regional or state funding source. These characteristics should be present in any new regional system that
might be established. Water supply does not meet these criteria.
14 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Metropolitan Agencies
IV -F Review of Local Comprehensive Plans
In reviewing local comprehensive plans and plan amendments, the Metropolitan Council should:
♦ Recognize that its role is to review and comment, unless it is found that the local plan is more likely
than not to have a substantial impact on or contain a substantial departure from one of the four
system plans.
♦ Be aware of the statutory time constraints imposed by the legislature on plan amendments and
development applications.
♦ Provide for immediate effectuation of plan amendments that have no potential for substantial impact
on systems plans.
♦ Require the information needed for the Metropolitan Council to complete its review, but not pre-
scribe additional content or format beyond that which is required by the Metropolitan Land Use
Planning Act (LUPA).
IV -G Local Zoning Authority
Local governments are responsible for zoning. Local zoning decisions, which are the implementation of
cities' comprehensive plans, should not be conditioned upon the approval of the Metropolitan Council
or any other governmental agency. AMM strongly opposes the creation of any appeals boards with the
authority to supersede city zoning decisions.
IV -H Regional Growth
The most recent regional population forecasts project an additional 930,000 people and 460,000
households for the seven -county metropolitan area by the year 2030.
In order to accommodate this growth in a manner that preserves the region's high quality of life:
♦ natural resource protection will have to be balanced with growth and development/reinvestment;
♦ significant new resources will have to be provided for transportation and transit; and
♦ new households will have to be incorporated into the core cities, first and second -ring suburbs, and
developing cities through both development and redevelopment.
2005 Legislative Policies 15
Metropolitan Agencies
In order for regional and local planning to result in the successful implementation of regional policies:
♦ the state of Minnesota must contribute additional financial resources —particularly in the areas of
transportation and transit, reinvestment, affordable housing development, and the preservation of
parks and open space;
♦ the Metropolitan Council must recognize the limitations of its authority and continue to work with
cities in a collaborative, incentives -based manner; and
♦ metropolitan counties and school districts must be brought more thoroughly into the discussion due
to the critical importance of facilities and services such as county roads and public schools in
accommodating forecasted growth.
♦ greater recognition must be given to the fact that the "true" metropolitan region extends beyond the
traditional seven -county area and the need to work collaboratively with the twelve adjacent counties
in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the cities within those counties. The region faces environmental,
transportation and land -use issues that connot be solved by the seven -county area alone.
Overall, it is the Metropolitan Council's role, through the regional development guide and its accompa-
nying policy plans, to set broad regional goals and then provide cities with technical assistance and
incentives to achieve those goals. Local governments are ultimately responsible for zoning, land use
planning and development decisions within their borders.
IV -1 Comprehensive Planning Schedule
Cities are scheduled to review their comprehensive plans and submit any necesssary updates to the
Metropolitan Council in 2008. The adoption of a new metropolitan development guide does not
warrant a change in this schedule.
Any future changes to the schedule for local comprehensive planning should be accompanied by the
statutory establishment of a complementary schedule for regional planning. This schedule should: (1)
protect cities from being forced into a state of perpetual planning in response to regional actions; and (2)
ensure sufficient time for cities to understand and incorporate regional policies into their local planning
efforts.
IV -J Natural Resource Protection
The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities supports the Metropolitan Council's efforts to compile and
maintain an inventory and assessment of regionally significant natural resources for the purpose of provid-
ing local communities with additional information and technical assistance. However, any additional steps
16 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Metropolitan Agencies
taken by the Metropolitan Council regarding the protection of natural resources must recognize that:
The state has a significant role to play in the protection of natural resources — especially when those
resources are significant to a multi -county area that is home to more than 50 percent of the state's
population and a travel destination for many more. Given the limited availability of resources and the
artificial nature of the metropolitan area's borders, neither the region nor individual metropolitan com-
munities would be well served by assuming primary responsibility for financing and protecting these
resources. AMM urges the state and/or the Metropolitan Council to provide financial assistance for
the preservation of regionally signficant natural resources.
♦ The completion of local Natural Resource Inventories and Assessments (NRI/A) is not a regional
system nor is it a required component of local comprehensive plans under the Metropolitan Land Use
Planning Act.
The protection of natural resources will have to be balanced with the need to accommodate growth
and development, reinvest in established communities, encourage more affordable housing and pro-
vide transportation and transit connections. Decisions about the zoning or land -use designations of
specific parcels of land not already contained within a public park, nature preserve or other protected
area are, and should remain, the responsibility of local units of government.
IV -K Water Management
As the Twin Cities region plans for approximately one million new residents by the year 2030, the state
of Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council and individual local governments are facing increasing federal
regulations related to water quality and increasing concerns about the adequacy of our water supply.
These challenges cannot be resolved by shifting the responsibility and cost for regulatory compliance
onto local units of government. They will require financial participation from the state.
Any future changes to state statute and/or administrative rules pertaining to surface water and ground-
water management should seek to clarify responsibilities and reduce duplication among the various
levels of government involved. AMM opposes any changes that will result in additional unfunded
mandates being placed on local units of government or in the reduction of cities' authority in the area of
land -use planning.
In order for cities to participate in their local Water Management Organizations (WMOs) to the best of
their ability, individual city councils should have the authority to appoint a representative of their choice
to their local WMO Board. Therefore, legislation enacted in 1999, limiting who may represent cities on
WMO boards should be repealed.
2005 Legislative Policies 17
Metropolitan Agencies
IV -L Funding Regional Parks & Open Space
In the seven -county metropolitan area, regional parks essentially serve the role of state parks. There-
fore, the state should continue to provide capital funding for the acquisition, development and improve-
ment of these parks. State funding should equal 40 percent of the operating budget for regional parks.
18 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Transportation (V)
V-A Transportation Funding
The AMM strongly supports increased funding for transit and highways, both of which are a critical
need in the metropolitan area. In addition, funding for mass transit, including transit ways, light rail or
heavy rail in existing corridors, should be dedicated in a manner consistent with current highway funding.
Funds allocated to the metropolitan area should be flexible so that the most efficient and cost effective
transportation solution may be chosen and the main metropolitan problem (congestion relief) can be
addressed.
The AMM supports a constitutional amendment dedicating the motor vehicle sales tax and/or other
revenue source to a new Surface Transportation Multimodal Fund from which an appropriate amount is
allocated to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund to replace the auto license tab fee reduction of
2000, and the remaining amount to be used for transit and/or highway needs as priority dictates.
The AMM supports a general gas tax increase, gas tax indexing, and adequate funding for transit. All
non -transportation programs should be funded from sources other than currently dedicated transporta-
tion funds.
V -B Metropolitan Transportation Referendum
The AMM supports a metropolitan area referendum for an additional half -cent or full -cent sales tax to
support major highway and transit needs in the metropolitan area, with the caveat that current state
funding sources, amounts and percentages for the metropolitan area are maintained.
Additional major funding is needed for the metropolitan transportation system over and above current
sources and levels. This is due to projected population increases totalling nearly one million by 2030,
congestion approaching grid lock, and the significantly greater cost of road construction in the metro
area versus rural areas.
V -C Regional Transit System
The Twin Cities metropolitan area needs a multi -modal regional transit system that serves both commut-
ers and the transit -dependent. The transit system should be composed of a mix of HOV lanes, express
and regular route bus service, exclusive transit ways, light rail transit and commuter rail corridors de-
signed to connect residential, employment, retail and entertainment centers. The system should be
regularly monitored and adjusted to ensure routes of service that correspond to the region's changing
travel patterns.
2005 Legislative Policies 19
Transportation
In order to slow the growth in congestion and provide regional residents and visitors with a realistic
alternative to the automobile, the regional transit system needs a funding source that is both stable and
capable of growing with the region. The AMM is opposed to legislative directives that constrain the
ability of metropolitan transit providers to provide a full range of transit services, including reverse -
commute routes, suburb -to -suburb routes, transit hub feeder services or new, experimental services that
may show a low rate of operating cost recovery from the fare box.
V -D Transit Operating Subsidies
The Twin Cities metropolitan area is served by a regional transit system that is now expanding to include
rail transit and dedicated busways. Any operating subsidies necessary to support this system should
come from a regional or statewide funding source. The property taxpayers of individual cities and
counties should not be singled out to fund the operation of specific transit lines or routes of service
within this regional system.
V -E Road Access Fee
In order to fairly provide for maj or street improvements of primary benefit to a particular subdivision
development but not directly assessable and to allocate cost so that new growth pays its fair share, the
legislature should authorize cities to establish, at their option, a road development access charge to be
collected at the time that subdivisions are approved and/or at the time building permits are issued similar
to park dedication fees.
V -F Transportation Utility
The AMM supports legislation to authorize cities to establish a transportation utility for street construc-
tion and reconstruction of aging infrastructure, similar to the existing storm water utility, so that costs of
improved facilities can be more fairly charged to the users rather than the general population as a whole.
V -G Highway Turnbacks & Funding
The AMM supports jurisdictional reassignment or turnback of roads on a phased basis using functional
classification and other appropriate criteria subject to a corresponding mechanism for adequate funding
of roadway improvements and continuing maintenance.
Cities do not have the financial capacity, other than significant property tax increases, to absorb the
additional roadway responsibilities without new funding sources. The existing municipal tumback fund is
not adequate based on contemplated turnbacks.
20 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Transportation
V -H `3C' Transportation Planning Process: Elected Officials Role
The AMM supports continuation of the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), a majority of local
elected officials membership on the TAB itself and the TAB process, which was developed to meet
federal requirements for designation of the Metropolitan Council as the Metropolitan Planning Organiza-
tion that is responsible for the continuous, comprehensive and cooperative (3C) transportation planning
process to allocate federal funds among metropolitan area projects. This process requirement was
reinforced by the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and the 1998
Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21 st Century (TEA21).
V-1 Red Light Cameras
Cities should be allowed to enforce traffic laws and promote public safety on Minnesota's streets and
highways through the use of cameras at light -regulated intersections. Motion imagining recording system
technology has been proven and is currently used by law enforcement departments in numerous states,
municipalities and other countries. At a minimum, the state should authorize a pilot project or projects
on municipal streets in the metropolitan area.
V -J Airport Noise Mitigation
AMM supports noise abatement programs and expenditures designed to minimize the impacts of
MAC -operated facilities on neighboring communities. The Metropolitan Airports Commission should
determine the design and geographic reach of these programs only after a thorough public input process
that considers the priorities and concerns of the impacted cities and their residents. The MAC and state
should seek long-term solutions to fund the full mitigation package as adopted in 1996 for all homes in
the 64-60 DNL impact area. Noise abatement efforts should be paid for by fees and charges collected
from airport users, as well as state and federal funds.
V -K Cities Under 5,000 Population
Currently cities under 5,000 population receive no state funding or MSA funds for collector or arterial
streets regardless of traffic volume, origination and/or destination. Current CSAH distribution to metro-
politan counties is inadequate to provide for the needs of smaller cities in the metropolitan area. Criteria
such as the number of average daily trips should be established in a small city local road improvement
program for funding qualification and a distribution method devised. Possible funding sources include the
five- percent set-aside account in the Highway User Distribution Fund, modification to county municipal
accounts and/or state general fund.
--V-L County State Aid Highway (CSAH) Distribution Formula
2005 Legislative Policies 21
Transportation
The AMM supports modification of the County State Aid Highway (CSAR) distribution formula to
more fairly account for total vehicle miles traveled on metropolitan county CSAH funded roads. Al-
though only 10% of the CSAH roads are in the metro area they account for nearly 50% of the vehicle
miles traveled. The metro counties receive less than 20% of the CSAH distribution and have instituted
city cost participation, whereby cities are now forced to pay up to 45% of a CSAH road project cost in
some areas.
V -M Municipal Input (Consent) for Trunk Highways and County Roads
The previous municipal consent statute for trunk highways was unclear, allowed multiple sign-offtimes
including just prior to bid letting and allowed proj ect delay. MnDOT never invoked an appeal. The
current statute, as totally re -written in 2001, provides for MnDOT to submit detailed plans with city
cost estimates at a point one and a half to two years prior to bid letting, at which time public hearings
are held for citizen/business/municipal input. If MnDOT does not concur with requested changes,
MnDOT may appeal. Currently, that process would take a maximum of three and a half months and the
results of the appeal board are binding on both the city and MnDOT.
The AMM opposes any change to the current statute that would allow MnDOT to totally disregard the
appeal board ruling for state trunk highways. The result of such a change would significantly minimize
MnDOT's desire or need to negotiate in good faith with the city for appropriate project access and
alignment. Plus it would make the public hearing and appeal process meaningless.
During the 2004 legislative session, the Association of Minnesota Counties proposed eliminating the
municipal consent and appeal process for county road projects. The AMM opposses elimination of the
county road municipal consent and appeal process for the same reasons we oppose changing the
process as it applies to MnDOT trunk highway projects.
V -N PlatAuthority
AMM supports the current law granting counties review and comment authority for access and drainage
issues for city plats abutting county roads. AMM opposes any statute change that would grant the
county veto power or shorten the 120 -day city review and permit process time.
V -O City Speed Limit Control
The AMM supports uniform speed limit control of city roads and streets as currently provided by law
and opposes changes allowing differential speed especially in contiguous cities.
22 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Committee Rosters (VI)
Municipal Revenue Policy Committee
Jerry Splinter, City Manager, Coon Rapids (Committee Chair)
Bill Barnhart, Government Relations Representative, Minneapolis
Mark Bernhardson, Manager, Bloomington
Tom Burt, City Manager, Golden Valley
Sherry Bucher, Councilmember, Eden Prairie
William Droste, Mayor, Rosemount
Jerry Faust, Councilmember, St. Anthony
Walt Fehst, City Manager, Columbia Heights
Matt Fulton, City Manager, New Brighton
Heather Harden, Councilmember, Bl000mington
Lee Helgen, Councilmember, St. Paul
Eric Johnson, Administrator, Oak Park Heights
Jim Keinath, City Administrator, Circle Pines
Tom Lawell, City Administrator, Apple Valley
Linda Masica, Councilmember, Edina
Bruce Nawrocki, Councilmember, Columbia Heights
Tammy Omdal, ChiefFinancial Officer, Burnsville
Samantha Orduno, Manager, Richfield
Don Rambow, Finance Director, White Bear Lake
Douglas Reeder, City Manager, Brooklyn Park
Steven Sinell, City Assessor, Eden Prairie
Steve Stahmer, Administrator, Long Lake
Harlan Strong, Councilmember, Independence
Gertrude Ulrich, Councilmember, Richfield
Jim Willis, CityAdministrator, Inver Grove Heights
Wendy Wulff, Councilmember, Lakeville
2005 Legislative Policies 23
Committee Rosters
Housing and Economic Development Policy Committee
Tom Goodwin, Councilmember, Apple Valley (Committee Chair)
Bonnie Balach, Contract Consultant, Minneapolis
Janis Callison, Councilmember, Minnetonka
Ultan Duggan, Councilmember, Mendota Heights
Tony Feffer, Councilmember, White Bear Lake
Regina Harris, HRA Director, Bloomington
Jon Hohenstein, Community Dev. Dir., Eagan
Liz Johnson, Planning Commission Mbr., Lake Elmo
Myrna Kragness, Mayor, Brooklyn Center
Chad LeMair, Councilmember, Prior Lake
Anne Norris, City Manager, Crystal
Ron Rankin, Community Development Director, Minnetonka
Steve Stahmer, Administrator, Long Lake
Bob Streetar, Community Development Director, Columbia Heights
John Sullivan, Community Development Dir., Prior Lake
Craig Waldron,Administrator, Oakdale
Liz Workman, Councilmember, Burnsville
Metropolitan Agencies Policy Committee
Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director, Plymouth (Committee Chair)
Charlie Crichton, Councilmember, Burnsville
Craig Dawson, Administrator, Shorewood
Charles Dillerud, Planner, Lake Elmo
Ulton Duggan, Councilmember, Mendota Heights
K1araFabry, Dir. of Public Works/Engr., Minneapolis
Dean Johnston, Councilmember, Lake Elmo
Tom Link, Community Development Director, Inver Grove Heights
Steve Mielke, Manager, Lakeville
Tammy Omdal, Chief Financial Officer, Burnsville
Terry Schneider, Councilmember, Minnetonka
James Smith, Councilmember, Independence
Pierre Willette, Gov't Relations Rep., Minneapolis
24 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Committee Rosters
Transportaton and General Government Policy Committee
Steve Larson, Mayor, New Brighton (Committee Chair)
Greg Andrews, Dir. of Fin. & Dep. City Manager, Brooklyn Park
Chuck DeVore, Councilmember, White Bear Lake
Steve Elkins, Councilmember, Bloomington
K1araFabry, Dir. of Public Works/Engr., Minneapolis
Chuck Haas, Councilmember, Hugo
Mary Hamann -Roland, Mayor, Apple Valley
Bill Hargis, Mayor, Woodbury
Jon Haukaas, Director of Public Works, Fridley
Mary Johnson, Mayor, Independence
Dave Kelso, Councilmember, Circle Pines
Mike Klassen, St. Paul
Steve Lampi, Mayor, Brooklyn Park
Mary McComber, Councilmember, Oak Park Heights
Mark McNeill, Administrator, Shakopee
Joan Molenaar, Councilmember, Champlin
Veid Muiznieks, Councilmember, St. Paul Park
Dave Osberg, Administrator, Hastings
Dave Pokorney, Manager, Chaska
Martin Rafferty, Administrator, Lake Elmo
Ellsworth Stein, Airport Relations Commission, Mendota Heights
Karen Lowery Wagner, Gov't Relations Rep., Minneapolis
Pierre Willette, Gov't Relations Rep., Minneapolis
Wendy Wulff, Councilmember, Lakeville
2005 Legislative Policies 25