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Council Information Memorandum 12-12-2003
rg) Dum►nY ]7� CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO DECEMBER 129 2003 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission December 17 meeting agenda...................................................................... Page 3 Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) December 18 meeting agenda ................................. Page 4 Official Meeting Calendars for December 2003, January, and February 2004 ................................ Page 5 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ..................................................... Page 11 FOR INFORMATION... NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. Star Tribune news story about the State Attorney General's opinion on administrative traffic citations written by cities...................................................................................................... Page 12 Star Tribune news story about Truth in Taxation hearings around the state .................................. Page 13 Minnesota Transportation Alliance Legislative Update................................................................. Page 15 Invitation to an open house at the new 494 Commuter Services offices ....................................... Page 17 Woodbury Bulletin news story on efforts to streamline local government budgets ....................... Page 18 St. Paul Pioneer Press news story about property tax increases in Minnesota .............................. Page 20 STAFF REPORTS Mayor's Housing Challenge weekly update.................................................................................. Page 22 Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility monthly population report .................................... Page 23 MINUTES Youth Advisory Council November 24 meeting............................................................................ Page 24 Charter Commission 2002 Annual Meeting................................................................................... Page 27 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to residents regarding the rescheduling of a request for Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Variances at 15100 Co. Rd. 6 (2003115)............................................................ Page 29 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO December 12, 2003 Page 2 Thank—you letter from Community Health Charities for Plymouth City employees' supportof the program.................................................................................................................... Page 30 E—mail communiqud from Brownie Troop #557 thanking the Mayor and staff for a recent tour of City Hall.......................................................................................................... Page 31 Correspondence between Interim City Manager Laurie Ahrens and David Johnson regarding security alarm issues...................................................................................................... Page 32 Thank—you letter from Dwight and Pam Johnson.......................................................................... Page 34 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2003 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. CONSENT AGENDA* 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. City of Plymouth. Annual update of the Zoning Ordinance. (2003097) 8. NEW BUSINESS 9. ADJOURNMENT AGENDA PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2003 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Medicine Lake Room City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept Monthly Housing Reports. B. Plymouth Towne Square. Review Plymouth Towne Square Lease. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Adoption of the Revised 2004 HRA Budgets. 5. ADJOURNMENT 4 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS December 2003 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7:00 PM TRUTH IN6:00 TAXATION PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER SEARCH; 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 3:00 PM REVIEW PLANS ON CITY HALL ENTRANCE CONCEPT, HEARING, Council Plymouth Creek enter Public Safety Training Chambers 6:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: INTERVIEW BOARD 6 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Room 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMMISSION Medicine Lake Room - Medicine Lake Room CANDIDATES, Plymouth Creek Center 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5'.30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING; CITY MANAGER PROCESS 8 BOARD 4 4'.00 PM MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE, Bass 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EDC), Plymouth Creek 7'.00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING, Public Safety Training Room COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS, Medicine Lake Room Center Lake Room 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council 6.00 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER INTERVIEWS; Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers Chambers 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6:00 PM SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING: CITY 7:00 PM PLANNING 7.00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Channukah begins at sunset g COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room MANAGER SEARCH; Medicine Lake Room Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY City Offices Closed 28 29 30 31 NOV 2003 Jan 2004 S D1 T W T F S S M T NV T F S 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 30 modified on 12/11/2003 J OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dec 2003 Feb 2004 1 2 3 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 City Offices closed 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 NEW YEAR'S 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 DAY 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 29 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 1.5 16 17 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7 30 AM MLC REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE MEETING, Plymouth Radisson, 3131 Campus Drive 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 5.00 PMS PE IAL COUNCIL EETING SURFACE WATER FEE, Council Chambers 7'.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MARTIN 7:00 PM LUTHER KING PLANNING JR. BIRTHDAY (Observed) - COMMISSION, Council Chambers City Offices Closed 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH-MTKA BUSINESS COUNCIL, BORN Conference Room, 301 Carlson Parkway, 4th Boor 4:00 PM MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE, Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 12/11/2003 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers S 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 6 7 2:00 PM -7:00 PM FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL, Parkers Lake 8 9 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 10 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 11 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYCOMMITTEE (EOC), Plymouth Creek Center 12 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 13 14 15 16 PRESIDENTS DAY -City Offices Closed 17 18 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 19 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 20 21 22 23 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 24 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 25 4 00 PM MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE, Bass Lake Room 7'.00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Med,are Lake Room 26 27 28 Ash Wednesday (First Day or Lent) 29 star 2004 S 11 T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Jan 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 modified on 12/11/2003 9 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items January 13, Special, 5:00 p.m. Council Chambers • Review Pond Cleaning Issues, as related to the Surface Water Fee Regular, 7:00 p.m. • Adopt comments on Bassett Creek Water Management Commission 2"d Generation Plan • Approve 2004 Liquor Licenses • Consider Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit, and Variances for a mausoleum and memorial garden for property located at 15100 County Road 6. David Lee Funeral Home. (2003115) • Award bid for Plymouth Creek Center • Accept donations for Millennium Garden • Annual update to Zoning Ordinance • Appoint health officer • Designate official newspaper • Appoint Council Secretary • Approve official depositories • Approve annual surety bonds January 27 Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. startribune.com Close window Hatch says cities can't issue their own traffic tickets Published 12/05/2003 Cities can't write their own traffic tickets without sharing the fines with counties and the state, according to an analysis by the office of Attorney General Mike Hatch. Police in some Minnesota cities have been writing administrative citations in place of state tickets for violations such as speeding and missing license plates. The citations don't go on a driver's record, and they carry smaller fines than regular tickets. Cities don't share the money with counties and the state as they must with official tickets. State Auditor Pat Awada warned city officials in October that the practice may be illegal when it comes to traffic violations. Her objection and this week's comment by Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Raschke do not apply to city administrative citations for nontraffic matters, such as unmowed grass, barking dogs or sprinkling -ban violations. Responding to a question from Rep. Steve Smith, R -Mound, Raschke said the law clearly says that cities can't take the power to write traffic tickets away from the state. He also said cities shouldn't be telling their police not to enforce state traffic laws in favor of the administrative citations. "In the case of traffic offenses, the Legislature has plainly preempted the field of enforcement," Raschke wrote. While his letter is not an official opinion, some of the estimated 50 cities that have issued administrative traffic tickets may stop doing so because of it, said Anne Finn of the League of Minnesota Cities. Only a few quit because of Awada's warning, she added. "The AG's opinion is going to be strongly considered by many cities," Finn said. "But there are city attorneys who disagree with both the state auditor and the AG's office. The Legislature and the courts will have the final say." Associated Press and Conrad deFiebre Copyright 2003 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. startribunexom Tax notices being met with yawns, for most part Anthony Lonetree Star Tribune Published 12/07/2003 Close window Chart the course of property -tax increases in the Twin Cities area and some numbers will jump at you as if in bold-faced print: a 16 percent projected rise in Roseville; a 12.3 percent increase in Hopkins; a 14.2 percent hike in Minneapolis. And voices of unrest? In Minneapolis last week, three people -- two of them a married couple -- turned out for a hearing on the School District's plan to increase its tax levy by 9.5 percent. In St. Paul, at the headquarters of the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, incoming calls have brought not a "peep" of protest, said research director Lynn Reed. In a year when property taxes were expected to be a political flashpoint, when legislators and Gov. Tim Pawlenty slashed state aid to local units of government, then limited what they could raise locally in taxes, the metro -area landscape, for the most part, is quiet. In Carver County, it took an extraordinary move -- the county treasurer's public criticism of commissioners -- to help fuel even a limited outburst of citizen anger over local spending practices. Elsewhere, observers say, public response might be muted for the simple reason that average metro -area increases aren't as bad as once feared. For the median -valued home, double-digit percentage jumps are widespread only in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Tax increases statewide are averaging 7.7 percent for homeowners, a smaller rise than in 2003 and less than the 10.9 percent that was projected earlier for 2004. Reed said he'd like to think that local jurisdictions are pulling back on potential increases to protect homeowners, moves that also could explain the taxpayers' silence. But Kaye Rakow, state public policy director for the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, which this year has printed and distributed nearly 200,000 copies of a property -tax flier aimed at getting people to attend Truth in Taxation hearings, said last week that many people simply might not understand the process. "When you start to talk about 'tax capacity,' I mean ..." Rakow said, her voice trailing off Charting the rise In the hope of identifying metro -area tax trends, the Star Tribune asked county auditors and assessors to provide spreadsheets detailing the maximum potential increases for median -valued homes in communities of more than 5,000 people. For homeowners in some cities, the resulting chart is incomplete. Because Truth in Taxation estimates are based on maximum levies proposed by local jurisdictions in September, the tax increases do not take into account school levies and bond measures that were passed in November. Before then, for example, South St. Paul's median -valued home could've banked on a property -tax savings. Nor do the property -tax statements detail the full cost of local government. A growing number of communities, including Robbinsdale, Anoka, Cottage Grove and St. Louis Park, are imposing utility franchise fees that are to be passed on to residential and business owners. "That, to me, is the story in all this," Rakow said. Reed and Dan Salomone, the state's revenue commissioner, however, say the fact that many cities are choosing not to levy all they could is significant: "Tight levy limits forced many local governments to cut spending instead of raising taxes," Salomone said in a recent news release. The Minnesota House Research Department has estimated that cities statewide set levy maximums in September that were about $40 million less than anticipated, while school districts have come in about $70 million below research staff projections. (That $70 million figure includes the school levies passed in November.) The figures could grow when local jurisdictions take final action on tax levies later this month. Often, cities, counties and school districts will reduce 13 "maximums" they set in September. Gary Carlson, legislative director for the League of Minnesota Cities, said he's surprised that the projected tax bills weren't higher. Then again, he said, he knew of leaders in many communities, particularly those with large numbers of citizens living on fixed incomes, who were reluctant to shift the burden of budget -balancing maneuvers onto homeowners. Of the 211 cities across the state that were subject to the state -imposed levy limits this year, 151 of them, or about 72 percent, set preliminary levies at the maximums available to them, said Eric Willette, the league's public research manager. Asked to help explain the wild differences in metro -area tax increases, however, including those in cities with similarly sized levy hikes, the experts had no quick data at the ready, only guesses. Tax formulas governing cities and school districts "all have their quirks and complications," Willette said. Added Reed, "It gets so you really have to dive into the specifics of a location." A few clues Consider, for example, residents of the city of Anoka. The share of their proposed property -tax bill earmarked for the city could increase up to 8.6 percent, yet the median -valued home faces only about a 1.5 percent hike overall for the costs of local government services. Help arrived in this year's state K-12 education finance bill, which provided relief for residents of less wealthy cities who had approved excess levies for their schools. For taxpayers in the Anoka -Hennepin School District, that initiative meant about $5.3 million in property -tax relief for 2004, according to the House Research Department. Now compare the tax plights of homeowners in Shakopee with those in Mounds View and Roseville. Each city is weighing double-digit percentage increases, yet the owner of the median -valued home in Shakopee will see less of a tax increase than will his or her Ramsey County peers. How could that be? For Mounds View, Reed said, the issue could be its mix of commercial and residential properties. Largely residential communities with less commercial property, such as Mounds View, must collect a larger share of tax revenues from homeowners. Shakopee taxpayers might be benefiting from the city's booming growth, budget analysts said. An expanding tax base means a lighter tax load for all taxpayers, they said. Carlson said there could also be a down side for fast-growing cities like Shakopee that keep tax bills low: They could find themselves running short of money to provide the roads, sewers and other services the new residents want. If Shakopee residents were concerned about such tradeoffs, or were v:orrying about city taxes in general, it wasn't apparent to Kathy Gerlach. Twice a candidate for public office, she recalled being asked at candidate forums this year about the proposed "racino" -- a racetrack casino proposed for Canterbury Downs in Shakopee -- and about tax -abatement incentives being proposed as part of a local development project. And local taxation? It never came up, Gerlach said. Anthony Lonetree is at >aion etree@rtar 1ribun e. con. Q Cop)r�ht 2003 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 1+ TH E. MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION LLI MEMBERSHIP LEGISLATIVE UPDATE December 3, 2003 Page 1 of 2 State Budget Forecast Down Slightly The Department of Finance released the November Forecast for the state budget which shows a deficit of $185 million at the end of the 2004-05 biennium. This projection is $407 million (1.4% of the total budget) lower than the end -of -session estimate. The revenue shortfall was partially offset by lower spending in K-12 education and health and human services along with $79 million in carry forwards and reserves. Income and sales tax revenue were down from previous estimates. Projected revenue from the motor vehicle sales tax was up slightly (2.8%) with an increase of $16 million over the end -of -session forecast. Minnesota's economic outlook remains positive with both the U.S. and Minnesota economies entering a period of strong growth. According to state economist Tom Stinson, no one expected real GDP to grow by 8.2 percent during the third quarter, but more than a little of that activity was borrowed from the future, leaving the longer- term outlook largely unchanged. State revenues have yet to reflect the strong growth experienced nationally in the third quarter. For the fiscal year that just ended — FY2003 — a combination of higher revenues and lower expenditures resulted in an ending balance of $369 million, $188 million more than expected. After adjusting for appropriations carried forward, a surplus of $104 million remained. Under current law that money is allocated to the state's budget reserve so does not automatically reduce the projected FY2004-05 budget deficit. For the FY2006-07 biennium, revenues are now estimated to fall by $914 million from end -of -session estimates with expenditures projected to increase by $6 million. This creates a structural deficit of 5440 million for fiscal 2006 and leaves just a $46 million structural balance in fiscal 2007. Limit in State Spending Proposed Proposed Constitutional Amendment would limit state spending to rate of inflation and population growth Representative Phil Krinkie (R -Shoreview) and Senator Michele Bachmann (R -Stillwater) are proposing legislation that would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot limiting growth in state and local spending. State spending increases would be limited to the rate of inflation plus population growth. City and county spending would be limited to the rate of inflation plus increases in local property values. For school districts, the formula would be inflation plus enrollment growth. Tax rates could not be increased unless approved by voters. All surplus revenue collected would be refunded unless voters opt to spend more. For transportation spending, the implications of this proposal are ominous. Considering transportation spending is 20 years behind, a limit on total state and local spending could easily damage efforts to address the backlog of transportation needs. With the limit applied to total government spending, transportation spending could only increase at a rate greater than inflation if spending in other areas (i.e., education, health care, environment, etc.) was reduced. In addition, a limit on all spending would mean that regardless of the source of income — even dedicated funds — spending would be limited. If the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund (HUTDF) were to experience a significant growth in revenues, a limit on spending could potentially leaves us with unspent dollars sitting in the Trust Fund. GOP leaders in the House and Senate have said their caucuses will likely push for this idea. Governor Tim Pawlenty is reportedly warm to the idea and is having his staff study the issue. The Taxpayers League is making this proposal its top goal. Senate Democrats are willing to consider the proposal. Now is the time to let your legislators know the damaging impact this proposal could have on efforts to improve the safety and effectiveness of our transportation system! With traffic fatalities on pace to reach over 700 people this year and congestion continuing to grow, this is wrong time to pass any kind of limit that would affect our ability to invest in the state's transportation infrastructure. 1 '15. Page 2 Metropolitan Council Holds Public Hearing on Regional Framework The Metropolitan Council is holding a public hearing today on its proposed 2030 Regional Development Framework. This is the new administration's version of the previous 2030 Blueprint. The Council held open houses and information sessions on the framework in November and is accepting public comments through December 13`h. The Council expects to adopt the Framework on January 14`h. In contrast to the Blueprint's seven policies, the Framework has four: • Work with local communities to accommodate growth in a flexible, connected and efficient manner. • Plan and invest in multi -modal transportation choices, based on a full range of costs and benefits, to slow the growth in congestion and serve the region's economic needs. • Encourage expanded choices in housing locations and types and improve access to jobs and opportunities. • Work with local and regional partners to conserve, protect and enhance the region's vital natural resources. The strategies encourage land -use patterns that connect a variety of uses, take advantage of existing sewer infrastructure, and have convenient access to transportation corridors. The transportation policy gives priority to maintaining the existing metro highway system, reducing bottlenecks that impede travel, implementing new strategies to improve the system's efficiency and adding capacity where possible. It also supports the expansion of the transit system. Open House Scheduled for .HnPass HOT Lane Project The I-394 Express Lanes Community Task Force and MnDOT will host an open house for the public to learn more about the HOT lane project on Thursday, December 11`h at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel from 5 to 7 p.m. The Task Force will then hold its regularly scheduled meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. with the agenda largely devoted to accepting public input on the project. *'REMINDER • Alliance Annual Meeting and Welcome Reception — December 10, Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis 1:00 PM — Federal Update with Congressman Jim Oberstar 1:30-4:30 — Annual Meeting 4:30-7:00PM — Welcome Reception for our new Executive Vice President, Rick Krueger REGISTER TODAY! • 2004 Construction Partnerships, Practices, Proposals — December 18, Minneapolis Hilton North 8:30a.m. — 12:30 a.m. Join your colleagues for a discussion of future construction funding, innovative project delivery methods, alternative financing mechanisms including FAST lanes and tolls in addition to hearing more about the proposed Minnesota Rural Road Safety Program. Congressman Mark Kennedy will be joining us along with numerous MnDOT representatives including Deputy Commissioner Doug Differt. REGISTER TODAY! Christmas Event at Transportation Museum For train enthusiasts and parents with small children — visit with Santa Claus at Santa's Trainshop at the Jackson Street Roundhouse Museum on December 6`h 10:00a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Caboose rides will be given every % hour, see the Greater Midwest LEGO Train Club, model train layouts and train restoration tours. Photos with Santa and story times are highlights. For more information call: (651) 291-7588. I he Minnesota Transportation Alliance • 525 Park St, Ste. 105 St. Paul, MN 55103 • Phone 651/659-0804 • Fax 651/659-9009 E-NIAIL: mdonahoe(cDtransportationalliance.com I� You are invited... ...to an OPEN HOUSE ...to celebrate the NEW home of 494 Commuter Services Tuesday, December 16th 2-5pm RSVP by replying to this email (kate j( 494corridonorg) or call Kate at 612-750-4494 Address: 5100 Eden Avenue in Edina From Hwy. 100, take the Vernon Ave./501h St. exit. We are located in the Eden 100 building, just west of Hwy. 100. Call for directions. PRINT (� L1091 Woodbury Bulletin Your online link to Woodbury Minnesota Streamlining the delivery of services Tuesday, December 09, 2003 By Dick Stafford, rhstaff@concentric.net As government budgets get tighter and tighter, local government officials are working feverishly to provide quality services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. Next year, local governments can expect additional cuts to state aid. But there are only so many employees that can be let go without significantly reducing services, only so long that capital projects can be postponed, and there is a limit to the number of times fees can be increased. What's the answer? A variety of alternatives exist • Encourage more intergovernmental cooperation; • Consolidate governments and the services they provide; and • Encourage the Legislature and the governor to introduce innovations that foster collaboration within the public sector. Municipal consolidation is charged with social, political, economic, and emotional issues. And yet many people question the necessity of having so many units of local government in Minnesota. Do we have too much governance? To answer that question, let's look at county history in our state: When Minnesota took shape in the 19th century, the fastest means of transportation available to most people was the horse; hence, 87 counties were needed to deliver services to citizens in a timely manner. In an era when automobiles have replaced horses and communications move at the speed of light, do we still need 87 counties? In my opinion, the answer is no. Is consolidation of counties likely to occur? The likely answer to this question is probably not. Much has been written on the topic of municipal consolidation. Consolidation is hailed as more than good economics, it's seen as a matter of survival and a natural consequence of squeezed budgets. There are many potential benefits of consolidation: Fewer duplicated services and staff, a larger pool of resources to draw from and, overall, a brighter future for the "right -sized" governmental units. The majority of citizens, in principle, like the idea of consolidation, but they don't want the concept implemented in their own municipality. Local identity and control are just a few of the reasons why consolidation is an unlikely solution to the on-going budget problems. The fact that citizens strongly identify with their city or county should not, however, prevent local government officials from finding new and more efficient means of service delivery. Oftentimes, local governments can achieve a common goal by joining together for specific services and projects and pooling scarce resources to get the job done in ways that couldn't be done alone. Intergovernmental cooperation between and among cities, counties and towns often produces less expensive and more efficient local government services. Mergers of similar service activities can provide substantial cost savings. V There are many ways local governments can work together. In Washington County, government leaders have worked for years to optimize financial, capital, and human resources. Long before the current state budget shortfall, Washington County undertook efforts to reduce the cost of government and hold down or reduce the burden on taxpayers. For example, Washington and Ramsey counties developed an agreement whereby Ramsey County processes Washington County's property tax payments. This agreement yields a host of benefits. Washington County realizes increased interest earnings and eliminates the need to hire temporary staff to assist with manual processing of tax payments. Ramsey County gains a revenue source, and both counties benefit from the increased efficiency of economies of scale. Both Washington and Ramsey counties recently entered into a joint powers agreement to operate the East Metro Public Safety Training Facility. This facility is designed to meet the training requirements for police officers. Again, everyone benefits from this action because properly trained officers reduce liability. More importantly, deputies and officers will have access to a local state-of-the-art firearms training facility that will increase public safety and community confidence. If local intergovernmental cooperation can increase efficiency, reduce costs, limit government restructuring and, potentially, expand services, why aren't more cities, counties, and towns participating in these streamlining efforts? Loss of local control, inequality, and the inability to reach and/or maintain an agreement can stymie some local governments who are traveling along the road to cooperation. This is where the efforts of legislators and governmental leadership are needed. Although state leaders may advocate more voluntary agreements by local units of government as a way to reduce the property tax burden on residents, we need to insist that legislators provide incentives and rewards for governmental bodies that create joint plans for service delivery, economic growth, long-term land use, transportation, etc. Legislators and governmental leaders could foster more collaboration within the public sector by removing obstacles that inhibit or create barriers to collaboration. Ultimately, however, all elected and administrative officials in local government must continue to innovate in the use of technology, joint powers agreements, and collaborative service delivery. While some of these ideas may be controversial, we need to consider new models for providing local government services. Even without a budget crisis, these are actions we should be taking as elected leaders. Common sense, as well as the voices of our constituents, reminds us that it is the right thing to do, regardless of the current economic conditions. We should turn these tough times into an opportunity to look for new and better ways to serve the public. If not now, when? Stafford, of Woodbury, represents District 5 on the Washington County Board of Commissioners, and can be reached at (651) 730-9846 or by e-mail at rhstaff@concentric.net. Content© 2003 The Woodbury Bulletin Software ©1998-2003 1up! Software, All Rights Reserved 11 TwinCitiesocom Posted on Fri, Dec. 12, 2003 PIONM PRO Average property tax hike 7 percent BY PATRICK SWEENEY Pioneer Press Minnesota property taxes are projected to rise 7.1 percent this year, three times the rate of inflation but still significantly below the double-digit increase that some Democratic -Farmer -Labor lawmakers predicted last spring as a result of state cuts in aid to cities. The statewide total masks big variations between communities and among different property types within communities. Some cities, such as Alexandria and Brainerd, where city officials raised taxes to partially make up for big cuts in state aid to local governments, will see property tax increases of nearly 20 percent or higher. In the metro area, some suburbs, such as Maplewood, Stillwater and Woodbury, are expecting increases of about 4 percent. And homeowners in many neighborhoods of a few suburbs like Brooklyn Park and Edina will get tax bills in late March that will be lower than the bills they paid this year. At the Minnesota Capitol on Thursday, DFL House leaders said the property tax increases were the predictable result of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2002 campaign promise to veto any state tax hikes — a vow that did not extend to local property taxes. The DFLers said Pawlenty's budget last year bailed the state out of a $4.2 billion deficit, but passed the problem on to local communities. The Democrats said Pawlenty's budget created a pattern of winners and losers, with homeowners in many of the mostly Republican outer -ring suburbs escaping big property tax increases while the center cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and many outstate communities face bigger increases. "There's no question that the communities that were rewarded under the Republican tax bill are the solidly Republican communities like Edina," said Rep. Matt Entenza of St. Paul, the leader of the House DFL minority. Pawlenty angrily denied Entenza's assertion that the budget -balancing enacted last spring was intended to protect Republican strongholds from tax pain. Pawlenty said the 7.1 percent average increase statewide, which adds up to $355 million, is too high. It results, he said, from DFL lawmakers' failure to accept tighter limits he sought on cities' ability to raise taxes to make up for losses of state aid. "If the Democrats are concerned about property taxes, come on back here in February and let's put on levy limits," Pawlenty said during a news conference. In comments to reporters last week and again Thursday, Pawlenty insisted the property tax increases now predicted are in line with recent increases. In fact, Revenue Department data show that the current 7.1 percent increase would be the third-highest annual rise since 1992. 2� The latest property tax projections were made by the nonpartisan House Research staff. The predictions are based on preliminary tax levies approved by local governments for truth -in -taxation hearings and updated to include school tax increases approved by voters in referendums last month. Final tax bills next spring could be lower than the projections, but they are not likely to be much lower. Revenue Commissioner Dan Salomone said he accepts the projections as an accurate predictor of taxes across the state. At the end of the legislative session, state budget planners expected that the overall property tax increase would be 9.2 percent. The increase came down for a number of reasons: • Some cities, notably St. Paul, chose not to raise property taxes to make up for the big funding cuts they suffered when state aid to local governments was reduced by $140 million this year. • School districts took advantage of low interest rates to save $48 million on construction and remodeling projects. • School districts sought fewer voter -approved tax increases than planners expected. Across the state, apartment owners are scheduled to pay 3.4 percent less. It comes from the final year of changes enacted by the Legislature to reduce tax breaks that once flowed to homeowners. In St. Paul, Mayor Randy Kelly and the City Council coped with a $19 million reduction in state aid through a variety of mechanisms that stopped short of a property tax increase. But total property taxes, which include taxes levied by the county and the school district, are predicted to rise 6.3 percent; taxes on owner -occupied homes will increase 6.6 percent. In Minneapolis, where high vacancy rates have depressed the value of downtown office buildings, the overall tax increase for all types of property is 3.7 percent. But because taxes are dropping on commercial -industrial property, the tax burden is being shifted to homes. Taxes on homes are projected to increase 12.5 percent. In St. Paul Park, a similar tax reduction for commercial and industrial property will result in a projected overall cut in taxes. But homeowners will see a 12.5 percent increase. A reverse of that shift is expected in Lake Elmo, where many homeowners will get a small tax cut because of a huge increase — 44 percent — in the market value of commercial and industrial property. In Brooklyn Park, one of the areas where residents will get a tax cut, the reduction is coming because of changes in the state school funding formula made by legislators last spring. About 93 percent of Brooklyn Park's residents, those who live in the Osseo or Anoka -Hennepin school districts, will get the cuts. Patrick Sweeney covers state government and politics. He can be reached at psweeney@pioneer press.com or 651-228-5253. 2003 Pioneer Press and % ire senicc :cora•,. ,111 Ri,.;hu Reserved. http:iiwisw.t�� incitics.com L� CITY OF PLYMOUTHf Date: December 10, 2003 To: Mayor Judy Johnson and Plymouth City Council Re: Mayors Housing Challenge Weekly Update To date, checks totaling $6,845.00 have been received and forwarded ($4,180.00 for Interfaith Outreach and $2,640.00 for Prism) with donations continuing to come in. On Wednesday, December 10, Bob's sleep -out had raised a total of $858,603.00 towards their $1 million goal. Z?,-- PLYMOUTH .,I !)'eautijll(P<acc to i iz,c 5400 PLYMOU T H BOULEVARD e PL'r MOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 U; www.b.plymouth.mn.us DATE: December 5, 2003 TO: Laurie Ahrens, Interim City Manager FROM: Anne Hurlburt, 80m unity Development Director SUBJECT: Hennepin County Adult Correctional Facility (HCACF) Population Report Hennepin County Community Corrections staff has submitted their monthly report on average daily population for the month of November 2003. The average daily population reported for the Plymouth facility was 527, less than the occupancy limit of 601 set by the Conditional Use Permit. The chart below shows the average monthly population since we began receiving reports in June of 1998. 700 500 � j 400 m 300 a 200 100 0 HCACF Monthly Population Report co co LO C N 9 Z Q li ON MM M O 0 M p O n O O O U f6 Q (0 3 O O z Month/Year Z-� []CUP Limit i ■Average Count YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2003 Council Members Present Absent Peter Beste ✓ Heather Gaudette ✓ Adam Hahn ✓ Paul Jungels ✓ Akash Kumar ✓ Mark Lenhardt ✓ Michael Letich ✓ Janet Li ✓ Aneesh Sohoni ✓ Ally Taylor ✓ Whitney Waters ✓ Police Officer, Angela Haseman, Community Liaison Gary Landis, Deputy City Clerk Kurt Hoffman and Recreation Supervisor Regina Michaud were also present. Janet called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM. Akash made a motion seconded by Paul, to approve the agenda. The motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Janet made a motion seconded by Mike, to approve the minutes of the November 10 meeting. Mark noted that he was listed as "present at the November 10 meeting, when in fact, he was not. The minutes were amended to reflection correction, and the motion passed in a unanimous voice vote. Guidelines for Youth Board Members Working With Members of the Public Regina explained that the Mayor and Acting city mgr Laurie Ahrens have introduced a safety issue for the City. She said that students are becoming more involved with the City, taking on new projects, and sitting on advisory boards. She said there is need to set some safety guidelines for students when they work with residents who are not under the umbrella of City groups. She introduced Officer Angela Haseman from the Plymouth Police Department. Officer Haseman spoke with YAC members about possible situations they might find themselves in, and why safety standards might be needed. She said that preparations might be needed when students meet with members of the community who are not representing the City. She presented some suggested guidelines on how to conduct meetings with residents outside advisory board or committee meetings. She invited other suggestions from the Youth Advisory Council, and suggested that the Council review the Youth Advisory Council November 24, 2003 meeting Page 2 suggested guidelines. She reminded them that safety should always be at the forefront of their activities. The Youth Advisory Council discussed the guidelines and agreed to carry and further discussion, or adoption of the guidelines to another meeting. January and February 2004 Meeting Dates Council members discussed alternate meeting dates due to the conflicts in the meeting calendar that were created by holidays in December, January, and February. Janet made a motion, seconded by Adam, to move the December 22 meeting to December 16, and to move the January meeting dates to the alternate Mondays: January 12 and 26, and February 9 and 23. The motion passed without opposition. Committee Updates Mayor's Housing Challenge/Sleep—out Committee Paul, Janet, and Akash reported that they attended activities at the Mayor's sleep—out site on November 21. Regina reported that close to $7,500 has been donated to date, and that the Mayor thanked those attendees for showing support for her efforts. Whitney and Aneesh reported that the committee would begin working on activity plans for next year. Marketing Committee Adam said there were no developments to report. Intergenerational Committee Whitney said that no committee meeting dates have been set, but would be announced at a later date. Youth Service Awards Paul reported that the committee would meet on November 29 at 4:00 PM in the upper level of Lund's on Vicksburg. Youth Town Forum Janet reported that the committee supports the idea of dividing the event into a forum setting, with an opportunity for students to find out about possible employment as well as colleges. She said letters to area colleges would be sent requesting materials or possible representatives to attend the event and answer questions. She said the committee has set a goal of at least 101 people for the event to be successful. She asked that Council members speak with social studies teachers for possible topics that could be discussed in the forum portion. She said the committee is now seeking a unifying theme for the event. She said the Plymouth Creek Center has been reserved for March 1, with the event to begin around 5:00 PM. She said a tentative agenda has been set to have a keynote speaker, followed by time to visit booths, a dinner, and another chance to visit booths. She said Davanni's and Cub Foods have both expressed an interest in the event. Youth Advisory Council November 24, 2003 meeting Page 3 Future Agenda Items Gary suggested the Council devote a meeting to the sole discussion safety guidelines. Paul requested the Council review calendar dates again after the first of the year. Whitney requested a discussion on attendance of the Washington, DC National League of Cities March conference. Adjournment Janet made a motion, seconded by Paul, to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 PM. The motion passed without opposition. Adopted Minutes Charter Commission December 12, 2002 The annual meeting of the Plymouth Charter Commission was called to order by Chairperson Marofsky at 7:00 p.m. in the Police Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on December 12, 2002. PRESENT: Chairperson Marofsky; Commissioners Walling, Donovan, Thompson, Preus, Murphy, McKee, Schwartz, Willis, Garst, and Bobra (arrived at 7:05 p.m.) ABSENT: Commissioner Speck. STAFF: Assistant City Manager Ahrens. Approval of Minutes Motion was made by Commissioner McKee and seconded by Commissioner Willis, to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2001 meeting. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Approve Annual Report Motion was made by Commissioner Willis and seconded by Commissioner Garst, to approve the annual report. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Commissioner Bobra arrived at 7:05 p.m. Charter Issues Chairperson Marofsky asked if Commissioners have any charter issues to suggest for consideration in the coming year. He said that information had been distributed in the meeting packet relating to voting system reform and run-off voting for the Commission's information. Commissioner Garst noted that the Plymouth charter does not have a provision for a primary election, and this issue could be studied by the Charter Commission. Commissioner Preus said he has no objections to studying the issue, but noted that there has not historically been an overabundance of filings for Plymouth local offices. It is a question of whether the Commission wants to be reactive or proactive in considering the primary election issue. Commissioner Willis suggested that there is merit in the Commission studying the issue in the event there is interest in a primary election in the future. 0 Charter Commission December 12, 2002 Page 2 Commissioner Thompson stated that it is possible a primary election could harm the election process more than help it. Motion was made by Commissioner Donovan, seconded by Commissioner Willis, to establish a subcommittee of the Charter Commission to study the issue of primary elections. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. The following individuals will serve on the subcommittee: Commissioners Garst, Marofsky, Bobra, Donovan, Preus, McKee, with Commissioner Willis chairing the Subcommittee. Election of Officers Motion was made by Commissioner Schwartz, and seconded by Commissioner Garst, to nominate Larry Marofsky for the position of Chairperson. No other nominations were made, and nominations were closed. Larry Marofsky was elected Chairperson by unanimous vote. Motion was made by Chairperson Marofsky, and seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to nominate Jim Willis for the position of Vice Chairperson. No other nominations were made, and nominations were closed. Jim Willis was elected Vice Chairperson by unanimous vote. Motion was made by Commissioner Preus, seconded by Commissioner Donovan, to nominate Mary McKee for the position of Secretary. No other nominations were made, and nominations were closed. Mary McKee was elected Secretary by unanimous vote. Adiournment Motion was made by Commissioner Thompson, and seconded by Commissioner Bobra, to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager '1'7 y CITY OF December 8, 2003 PLYMOUTR SUBJECT: Request for a Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Variances to allow the construction of a 3,375 square foot mausoleum and memorial garden at 15100 County Road 6 (200311 5). To Whom It May Concern: This letter is being sent as a courtesy to those who received the subject application's original notification letter as well as to those that spoke at the public hearing on December 3, 2003. Due to the number and complexity of items scheduled for the December 16, 2003 City Council meeting, the discussion concerning the mausoleum application is rescheduled to be heard at the January 13, 2003 City Council meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. If you have any questions, please call me at 763-509-545 7. Sincerely, Marie Darling, AICP Senior Planner Z ° PLYMOUTH ,q Beautifie(PCaee to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 wWU/ rl nh/moi Ith mn i is Minnesota Stroke Association Muscular Dystrophy Association, Minnesota Chapter National Kidney Foundation of Minnesota, Inc, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter Twin Cities FertilityCore Center SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Sight & Hearing Association United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota University of Minnesota Cancer Center Be7t.Regards, 'Yu,' Tbrdi Anthony President and CEO Rhall Pope Board Chair Live longer. Live better. Give more to health. Women's Health Fund ep 4640 West 77th Street I Suite 179 1 Minneapolis, MN 55435 1 tel (952) 844-9844 1 fax (952) 844-9842 www.healthcharitiesmn.org I info@healthcharitiesmn.org Community Health Charities M i n n e s o t a Members The Alzheimers Association American Lung Association of Minnesota 8 December 2003 r ALS Association, '~ r` Minnesota Chapter 4 +•.4. Association for Nonsmokers Laurie Ahrens Minnesota City of Plymouth Brain Minn soca Association of Minnesota 3400 Plymouth Road Plymouth MN 55447 Cancer Kids Fund Children's Cancer Dear Ms. Ahrens, Research Fund Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Minnesota On behalf of Community Health Charities' board of directors, staff, and the Association of thousands of Minnesotans living with chronic health conditions, thank you. Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Minnesota/Dakotas Your support of the City of Plymouth campaign is evidence of your Chapter commitment to your employees, your community, and the health of Hazelden Foundation Minnesotans. Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota/Dakotas Preliminary results indicate that the City of Plymouth employees raised Juvenile Diabetes Research $11,270.50. Each dollar raised will touch, improve and save lives in the Foundation, ---- Minnesota Chapter The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Minnesota Chapter The success of your employee giving campaign would not have been possible without leadership from within your organization. Barb Cox was The lupus Foundation of Minnesota vital in coordinating your campaign. Her hard work and dedication is a March of Dimes, tribute to your company. Minnesota Chapter Melpomene Institute for Thank you, again, and we look forward to working with you in future years. Women's Health Research Please don't hesitate to call if there is any way Community Health Charities Minneapolis Heart Institute can be of assistance to your organization during the coming year. Foundation Minnesota Stroke Association Muscular Dystrophy Association, Minnesota Chapter National Kidney Foundation of Minnesota, Inc, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter Twin Cities FertilityCore Center SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education Sight & Hearing Association United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota University of Minnesota Cancer Center Be7t.Regards, 'Yu,' Tbrdi Anthony President and CEO Rhall Pope Board Chair Live longer. Live better. Give more to health. Women's Health Fund ep 4640 West 77th Street I Suite 179 1 Minneapolis, MN 55435 1 tel (952) 844-9844 1 fax (952) 844-9842 www.healthcharitiesmn.org I info@healthcharitiesmn.org Page 1 of 1 Laurie Ahrens From: Sandy [sandy.swenson@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 8:07 AM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Dec 4th Brownie Troop thankyou Laurie, Thank you so much for helping to organize such a wonderful tour for our Brownie troop last week! Mayor Johnson and the Police Officers including K-9 "Dallas," helped make the tours not only educational but also a lot of fun for the girls. The Troop leaders and I thought the tours were excellent, and it was wonderful that Mayor Johnson took the time to meet with us. The girls really enjoyed speaking with her while sitting in the Council Member seats. Please send our thanks to everyone who helped make our visit to the City Hall and the Police Station so special. Keep up the great work! Sandy Swenson and Brownie Troop #557 12/9/2003 j Mr. David A. Johnson Jewelry World Company 4190 Vinewood Lane, Suite 117 Plymouth, MN 55442 Dear Mr. Johnson: Thank you for meeting with Mayor Johnson, Captain Goldstein, and me to resolve the past alarm issues relating to Jewelry World. This letter acknowledges receipt of your check in the amount of $225 in order to resolve the issue. The City Attorney has been advised to discontinue all collection actions relating to the past alarm fees. We understand that you are not admitting any culpability in the matter. In your letter, you asked who initiated this action. The Police Chief forwarded the information to the City Attorney to proceed with collection of past due alarm fees, which is the normal process used. I believe we agreed at the meeting that some negotiation had previously been done with staff because the Police Chief had voided 5 or 6 prior false alarm fees after discussions with you. Although we couldn't agree on all of the facts involved or even whether the City's ordinance is appropriate, I do want to sincerely thank you for coming to the table and agreeing to a solution to resolve the past alarm fees. The City has followed up with two actions as the result of the meeting: 1. I have contacted the Hennepin County Health Department regarding the two sites mentioned in our meeting. 2. Police Captain Mike Goldstein has been requested to prepare some background information on the City's false alarm ordinance. This information will be forwarded to the Council in January, and the City Council can decide whether any changes in the alarm ordinance to exempt certain businesses or other changes are appropriate and should be pursued further. Again, thank you for generously meeting us halfway to resolve these past alarm fees. Happy holidays, Laurie Ahrens Interim City Manager PLYMOUTH A ` cautifufPface to%izve 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 50Y,--5000 "°"' www.d.plymouth.mn.us City of Plymouth Mayor Judy Johnson 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Judy Johnson: November 28, 2003 Jewelry World Company David A. Johnson 4190 Vinewood Lane Suite 117 Plymouth. MN 55442 Enclosed please find our check in the amount of $225.00 as complete settelment for an unlawful police action. We do not admit any culpability and abhor that this payment was required to protect our business alarm system. Thank you for your concern and time you gave us to address this matter. After later inquiry, we find that neither the Plymouth police or contract law firm will admit responsibility for the bogus charges filed against us, nor will they give the name of the person responsible for initiating this filing originally charging David Johnson and later filing change to Jewelry World Company. We are sure that you and the current City Manager can curb this draconian type of conduct in dealing with "like kind" businesses in the future. With ordinance improvements and personal accountability for actions and decisions made, Plymouth taxpayers will be treated with the respect and fairness their tax dollars dictate. Laurie Ahrens appears to be an improvement and shows a willingness to absolve unfair situations. Therefore, as final resolution and without an interrogatory response action, I want to know the name of the individual that authorized this unwarrented law suit without prior attempt at a negotiated settelment. This treatment of Plymouth taxpayers thru harrassment and vindictivness is shameful. I expect a letter of settlement and explanation to this inquiry. Plymouth deserves better which can only be achieved thru increased fairness, accountablility and responsibility to Plymouth's taxpayers. Your cooperation in this settlement will have a positive start to a better Plymouth. cc: Laurie Ahrens Sincerely, David A. Johnso Parnela 8 61S , Ow soutl, 8 Ight Joh Oak pa'k, it lvcl U171 -t L) fton 60302-4606