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Council Information Memorandum 12-26-2003
Dummy CITYCOUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO DECEMBER 26, 2003 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Official Meeting Calendars for January, February and March 2004 ................................................ Page 3 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings...................................................... Page 5 FOR INFORMATION... NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. Notice of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency notice of a briefing for NAHRO members on housing needs in the metro area................................................................................................ Page 10 News Release announcing appointment of Rick Krueger as Minnesota Transportation AllianceExecutive Director.............................................................................................................Page 11 Notice of ski and snowboard helmet sale sponsored by North Memorial Medical Center and Northwest Metro "Safe Kids" Coalition.................................................................................. Page 12 City news release regarding the January Special Council Meeting on Surface Water Fees and a copy of a letter going to homeowner associations for the event ........................................... Page 13 City news release announcing publication of the Plymouth Financial Extra ................................ Page 16 January 13 Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) Regional Legislative Meeting invitation. Interested Councilmembers should contact Kurt Hoffman (763/509-5054) so that he can make reservations.................................................................................................... Page 17 ISD 281 Community Ahead group nomination materials for the Role Model Campaign ............. Page 18 Invitation to January 5 reception for outgoing Minnetonka Councilmembers Dick Allendorf and Ken Tauer................................................................................................................ Page 20 Governor Office news release announcing appointment of new members to the State Board of Firefighter Training and Education, including Mayor Judy Johnson .............................. Page 21 Money Magazine story on the nation's most livable community — Plymouth, MN is ranked in the top 10 in communities under 100,000...................................................................... Page 22 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO December 26, 2003 Page 2 Notice of February 19 public hearing on the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission draft Watershed Management Plan and notice that the extension of review deadline for member cities is February 6, 2004................................................................. Page 25 MnPass Project revenue accounting system organization chart and 2004 budget ......................... Page 27 MINUTES I-394 Community Task Force November 6 meeting..................................................................... Page 29 I-394 Community Task Force December 11 meeting draft minutes .............................................. Page 35 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to residents regarding a request for a site plan amendment, preliminary plat, interim use permit, and conditional use permits for Banner Engineering Corp. (2003118) .......... Page 41 Letter to residents regarding a request for a site plan amendment and variance for Insurance Advisors, Inc. (2003134)............................................................................................... Page 42 Letter to residents regarding a request for a conditional use permit for Bargain Jims, Inc. (2003131)................................................................................................................................ Page 43 Letter to residents regarding a request for a conditional use permit for BertsBest.Com (2003127).............................................................................................................. Page 44 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dee 2003 Feb 2004 1 2 2 J 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 7:00 PM PARK 8 PLANNING REC ADVISORY COMMISSION, COMMISSION Council Chambers (PRAC), Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 730 AM MLC REGIONAL PlymouthhRadiTIVE sson,T3131 Campus Dnw 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EOC), Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake 5.00 PM SPECIAL Room COUNCIL MEETING. SURFACE WATER FEE, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BIRTHDAY Observed - City Offices Closed 6:00 PM BASSETT CREEK WATERSHED COMMISSION'S 2ND GENERATION PLAN & UPDATE ON FLOOD ANALYSIS' Public Safety Training Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM JOINT MEETING wl HRA - SALE OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY (NW BLVD & SCHMIDT LAKE RD) TO HRA, Public Safety Training Room 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 floor 4.00 PM MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE, Bass Lake Room 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 10:00 AM COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES - Public Safety Training Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 12/26/2003 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7:00 PM 7:00 PM HUMAN 2:00 PM -7:00 PLANNING RIGHTS PM FIRE & ICE COMMISSION, Council Chambers COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room FESTIVAL, Parkers Lake 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL TEE EQC), V COMMIreek (EOC), Plymouth Creek center 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 PRESIDENTS DAY -City Offices Closed 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7.00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 6:00 PM BOARD & COMMISSION RECOGNITION EVENT - Plymouth 11:30 AM TWIN WEST STATE OF THE CITY- Plymouth Creek Center 4.00 PM MEDICINE LAKE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE, Bass Lake Room Creek Center 7'OOPMREGULAR COUNCILMEETING, Council Chambers 7'00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT)- Medicine Lake Room Ash Wednesday (First Day of Lent) 29 Jan 2004 Mar 2004 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 modified on 12/26/2003 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS March 2004 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 S 6 5:00 PM YOUTH TOWN FORUM, Plymouth Creek Center Caucus Night M NG ION [CoufncilChambe]rs 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake Room 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers Chambers 14 IS 16 17 18 19 20 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7 00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 11 45 AM PLYMOUTH-MTKA BUSINESS COUNCIL, BORN Conference Room, 301 Carlson Parkway, 4th floor 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) - Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 28 29 6:45 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council 30 31 Feb 2004 S M T W T F S Apr 2004 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 Chambers 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 12/26/2003 .'7- 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. • 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 finishing lower level of Plymouth Creek Center • Accept donations for Millennium Garden • Approve annual updates to Zoning Ordinance • Appoint health officer • Designate official newspaper • Appoint Council Secretary • Approve official depositories • Approve annual surety bonds • Consider request to Hennepin County to conduct speed study on County Road 6 • Oath of Office to Police Officer Jeff Dorfsman • Consider Policy on responsible bidder criteria (tabled from December 16) • Consider options for conducting Citizen Survey (tabled from December 16) January 20, Special, 6:00 p.m. Public Safety Training Room • Bassett Creek Watershed Commission's Second Generation Plan • Update on consultant's flood analyses January 22, Special, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers • Joint Meeting with HRA to discuss sale of City owned property located at Northwest Boulevard and Schmidt Lake Road to the Plymouth HRA January 27, Regular • Annual Report on Charitable Gambling Ordinance • Adopt comments on Bassett Creek Water Management Commission 2"d Generation Plan January 31, Special, 10:00 a.m. Public Safety Training Room • Establish Council Goals and Priorities Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. q -----Original Message ----- From: Minnesota NAHRO [mailto:mnnahro@qwest.net] Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 8:42 AM Subject: Housing Study Briefing To: Minnesota NAHRO Members From: Patricia A. Gustafson, Executive Director Re: Housing Study Briefing The Minnesota NAHRO membership has been invited to attend a briefing hosting by MHFA, AMM, and the LMC regarding a study of Minnesota's housing needs as follows: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) To Brief Local Officials on Housing Study. On Friday January 16, 2004 the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency in cooperation with AMM and the League of Minnesota Cities will sponsor a briefing regarding the recently released housing study addressing Minnesota's needs. Conducted by the national consulting firm BBC Research with assistance from the local firm of Dahlgren, Shardlow, Uban (DSU) and Associates the report (The Next Decade of Housing) projects Minnesota housing needs through 2010. The report presents the data county and region. At the briefing MHFA Commissioner Tim Marx and Tom O'Neil of DSU will present the report and answer questions. The briefing details follow: Housing Needs Briefing Minnesota Housing Finance Agency 10:00AM to 11:30 AM Friday January 16, 2004 League of Cities Building 145 University Ave. West (Corner of University and Rice) St. Croix Room Free Parking City officials, elected and staff, are invited to attend. To register please e-mail or call AMM at amm(a,amm145.org or 651-215-4000 by January 14, 2004. Minnesota NAHRO 1228 Town Centre Drive Eagan, MN 55123 Phone: (651) 675-4490 Toll Free: (800) 242-6804 Fax: (651) 675-4405 mnnahro(aagwest.net 10 ATHEMINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION December 2003 The Minnesota Transportation Alliance is pleased to announce that Rick Krueger has joined our organization as Executive Director. Rick has many years of experience in both the private and public sectors including the political arena and association management. Rick was elected to six terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives, from 1983 through 1994. He represented a district that spanned most of the area between Brainerd and Alexandria where transportation is important to agriculture and tourism. He held several leadership positions including Speaker Pro Tempore and Chair of the State Government Finance and International Trade and Technology Committees. In the legislature, Rick briefly served on the Transportation Committee and voted for the last increase in the state's gas tax back in 1988. "It's disappointing to come back to transportation after so many years and learn how little progress has been made." Rick noted. "Our transportation system still needs greater investments to enhance economic development, and yet there are serious obstacles blocking passage of a significant, long-term funding proposal," he said. "Our challenge is to find ways to move ahead and improve the safety and effectiveness of the transportation system," he added. Rick also has significant experience in several industries including high technology, commercial and industrial real estate, venture capital and associated businesses. From 1994 through 1999, Rick served as President of the Minnesota High Tech Association. He helped the organization become one of the most visible and respected associations in the state. Under his tenure, MHTA created the Wonders of Technology exhibit at the State Fair, initiated the "Come Home to Minnesota" advertising campaign in Silicon Valley to recruit high tech workers back to Minnesota and directed several major initiatives that received both regional and national media attention. "I'm looking forward to developing initiatives to help us make progress on transportation," Rick said. "This is a critical time for transportation funding. It's going to take some new ideas and collaboration among commuters, transporters and virtually everyone since we are all affected by transportation," he added. "I'm already busy meeting members and look forward to traveling around the state, meeting with interested parties and advocating for responsible transportation investments," he said. Since 1893 525 Park St., Ste. 1050 Saint Paul, MN 55103 • 651/659-0804 • Fax 651/659-9009 Email: alliance(cDtransportationalliance.com 0 www.transportationalliance.com SAFE KIDS t�-rkoear �Ktv N4wwAA er— ski and snowboard helmet sale Monday, January 12, 2004 Time: 4:00 — 8:00 p.m. Call SAFE KIDS at 763-520-4287 to schedule a 20 -minute appointment. Last appointment at 7:40p.m. South Metro Public Safety Training Facility 7525 Braemar Blvd., Edina. Directions provided during appointment scheduling, • 40% off MSRP of selected Giro helmets*: Fuse, nine.9, nine.9 MX audio, S4, Ravine SC, Camber, Sonic, Ricochet • 20% off MSRP selected accessories • All sizes available. Most styles/colors are redly -to -ship from Giro warehouse. '�;� • Visit www.giro.com to learn specifications of available helmets • All questions fielded by SAFE KIDS NW Metro Minneapolis at 763-520-4287 * We are NOT able to accept returns/exchanges, therefore helmets will ONLY be sold with a proper -fit lesson. Children must be present. To ensure proper fit please bring headwear that will be worn under helmet. Payment by cash or check at time of order. SAFE KIDS will place the order on January 13th. Please plan on picking up helmets on Monday, January 26th, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. North Nimixial MelicgCentcr City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release December 23, 2003 Contact: Mike Kohn, 763-509-5327 Surface water fee, pond cleaning to be subject of Jan. 13 meeting The Plymouth City Council will hold a public information meeting on Tues., Jan. 13, 5 p.m., at City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., to discuss the City's surface water fee and whether it should be used for cleaning ponds throughout Plymouth. The City adopted a surface water fee 2 '/2 years ago to help fund projects that address water quality and drainage issues. The $3.25 fee for the typical single family home has not increased since its adoption. Without undertaking any pond cleaning, the City Council is considering a 5% inflationary increase in the fee, raising the rate to $3.41 per month. Property owners pay the fee on their bimonthly utility bills. If the City begins cleaning ponds, the increase in the fee would be significantly more — a minimum of 15% more or 49 cents, which includes the cost of inflation. This increase would only address water quality ponds constructed by developers since 1992. That percentage could be larger depending upon the ultimate scope of the project and whether a City -owned location can be found to store dirt and sediment dredged from the ponds. If a site cannot be found, the City would need to plan for the cost of transportation and disposal, according to Financial Analyst Mike Kohn. In 1992, the City began requiring developers to build water quality ponds in new developments. Since that time, about 200 ponds have been added to Plymouth. All of those ponds need to be cleaned every 10 to 15 years at an average cost of about $15,000 per pond, according to Public Works Director Dan Faulkner. Faulkner notes that in addition to the water quality ponds, many other natural wetlands and sediment ponds also serve similar purposes — holding water to filter sediment and pollutants from it before they flow to larger water bodies like Medicine, Parkers, Bass, Schmidt and Gleason Lakes. Those ponds also need to be cleaned so that they can do their jobs. Developers were originally responsible for pond cleaning. But, most, if not all, signed the responsibility over to homeowner associations. The problem is that many homeowner associations exist on paper only, according to Faulkner. "Many residents may technically be part of a homeowners association and they may have a financial burden and responsibility that they don't even realize they have," said Faulkner. 13 A large number of ponds are due for cleaning within the next few years, according to Faulkner. "We need to look at the issue now to determine how this issue will be addressed. If it is not addressed by either the City or homeowners, the water flowing from these could undo some of the progress we've made in recent years in improving the water quality of our lakes," he said. The ponds would be cleaned to maintain their ability to improve water quality — not merely to improve aesthetics. Ponds must have sufficient depth to function correctly. Cleaning the ponds largely consists of dredging sediment that has accumulated and reduced the capacity of the pond. With diminished capacity, the ponds are unable to hold the water as long as they should. This allows the water to prematurely flow into the larger lakes that are used for swimming and boating — where it deposits the sediment, phosphorus and pollutants. Voice Your Opinion The City Council is interested in hearing thoughts from members of the public on whether the City should undertake a pond cleaning initiative. The public is encouraged to attend the Jan. 13 meeting or send written comments to Engineering Division, City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, MN 55447. You can also email comments via the City of Plymouth's web site, www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. i CITY OF PLYMOUTH - December 24, 2003 SUBJECT: Information on Jan. 13 Meeting on Pond Cleaning, Surface Water Fee Dear Homeowner Association President: The City Council will hold a meeting on Jan. 13, 5 p.m., at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, to discuss the surface water fee and a potential pond cleaning program. This meeting will be featured in the January city newsletter, Plymouth News. We've also shared information about the meeting with local media. The City Council is very interested in hearing feedback from residents. I have attached a copy of the newsletter story/press release. Please use whatever means you have available to share this information with members of your association. Thanks for your help in raising awareness of this issue. Sincerely, I �- Helen LaFave Communications Manager PLYMOUTH A Beautifiif Pface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 O - www.d.plymouth.mn.us City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: December 23, 2003 Helen LaFave, 763-509-5090 New Communications Tool Explains Plymouth City Finances and Budget; Publication to hit mailboxes Jan. 6 —10 along with City of Plymouth newsletter Plymouth residents will receive a bonus when the first 2004 issue of the Plymouth News is delivered in a few days. The regular bimonthly city newsletter contains an 8 -page Financial Extra that uses easy -to -read stories and colorful graphics to explain the City's 2004 budget. In previewing the Financial Extra recently, Mayor Judy Johnson and City Council member Tim Bildsoe said the idea was to go beyond the often -dry language of budget documents and use language cast in everyday terms. For example, when homeowners pay their property taxes they may not be aware that only 20 cents of each dollar goes to the city. The remainder of each tax dollar goes to the county, school district and special taxing districts. A replica of a homeowner's checkbook is used to show much of the City's tax portion goes for each major purpose. The new publication walks readers through the City's six-month budget process, including limitations placed on tax levies by the state and cutbacks in state -aid payments due to the state's financial problems. "What we're trying to show in simplified fashion is where the City's revenue comes from, how the budget is put together and how the tax dollars are spent. We believe Plymouth is a well-managed community and we hope readers reach the same conclusion after looking through the Financial Extra," said Johnson. The City's 2004 budget was adopted by the City Council Dec. 16. This is the first time a special reader -oriented publication has been used to broaden citizens' understanding of the budget process. "Minnesota's property tax formulas are complex and many different factors affect local government budgets. With all of the discussion about state and city finances, we thought it was a good time to try to clarify the City of Plymouth's financial situation for taxpayers," said Bildsoe. The Plymouth News and the special insert are scheduled to appear in mailboxes between Jan. 6 and 10. Stories for the Financial Extra were prepared by Helen LaFave, city communications manager, and volunteer Gerry Nelson, a Plymouth resident who is a retired Associated Press reporter. The Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) cordially inuites you to attend our Regional Legislative Meeting Tuesday, January 13, 2004 7:30 A.M. — 9:30 A.M. Breakfast will be served at 7.•45 a. in. Radisson Hotel and Conference Center 3131 Campus Drive Plymouth, Minnesota (see enclosed map) Please RSVP to Nilani Jayatilaka by phone 228-9757 or by e-mail at iijayatilaka@mandklaw. coin prior to January 7, 2004 Breakfast cost for legislators is $10.00 MUNICIA0.L L( LBGIRACMISSI�ON 13 TEAMMATE NEIGHBOR COACH BUS DRIVER w tin the i pi rit� th. 11C Role Model Campaign oe 0 Young people learn by watching what others do. Research suggests that those who have positive role models in their lives are less likely to make unhealthy choices. Here's an opportunity to honor men, women and young people who are committed to helping children and youth succeed. 4C W 2 V True role models aren't the superheroes of sports or the entertainment FWD- world. They are everyday people, of al ages, who make a difference and positively influence the lives of youth. Do you know an adult or young person who: • offers consistent support to kids • shows respect for others W is committed to helping children & youth ~Q is involved with community youth projects portrays a positive self-image to follows through on promises inspires, motivates & leads others to achieve V models compassion and caring for others endorses a healthy lifestyle including decisions around alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for self & youth W Q J W CL If so, please complete this form and return no later than Friday, January 16, 2004, to We Care ABout Kids, 4139 Regent Avenue N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422. Fax to 763-504-4944. ---------------------------------- ROLE MODEL INFORMATION The person I am nominating as a Role Model is: Please complete the Role Model's address, phone and age below. This information MUST be complete in order for the Role Model to be recognized. Address: City Day phone: ( ) F-1Age18 or younger , School ❑ Older than 18 213)WOM H1nO�C State Zip Evening phone: ( 213 "ISA8d8 �a /A*\ COMMUNITY \ AHEAD / (Please complete other side) WIN3W 1N3WUS -v Z i H Z V 0 O 7O M 70 Recognition Criteria: The only qualification is that the person, any age, is a positive role model who lives, goes to school, or works in the Robbinsdale Area Schools community. Role Model Recognition Ceremony: We Care About Kids Day is a free family event that promotes youth assets and recognizes everyday people who make a difference in the lives of children and youth. All "In the Spirit of Youth" Role Models will be honored and recognized at a special ceremony at 2:30 p.m. during We Care About Kids Day, Saturday, February 7, 2004, at the Northwest YMCA in New Hope. I am recognizing this person as an "In the Spirit of Youth" Role Model because: (Please print in ink or type responses. Use an extra page, if needed.) 1. What characteristics does this person have that make him/her a positive role model? (125 words maximum) 2. Give examples of how he/she has made a difference in your life or someone else's. (125 words maximum) Role Models=Everyday People! .................... INFORMATION ABOUT YOU I am: ❑ Age 18 or younger, School ❑ Older than age 18 My name is: My address is: My day phone is:( ) How I know this role model: City/St, My evening phone is: ( ) ❑ ALL names will be published. If you do not want your name published, please check here. If you have questions about the campaign, please call Geri Timperley (763-504-4821) or Sandra 5 Bengtson (763-504-4905). Return form by January 16, 2004. Fax to 763-504-4944 or mail to We Care About Kids, 4139 Regent Ave. N., Robbinsdale MN 55422 Zip COMMUNITY AHEAD Need another form? Easy, just copy this one or print one out from our webside at: www.rdale.kl2.mn.us/ced/rolemodel.pdfI 0 J au �e /K�/tett to aM&W a, , , , �eee�itioK �aw Dick {���eKc%w� aid /�eK %auew Iff oKda, t7ayuafy 5, 200 4:30 p, /ff, to 6,-00 p, x, Zoeatiow: Ytia g Oal Box 2W �I oc, 1 �vetolrf a Coxmafflt eeff(ei� 14600 Avleo4a &W, Plcaml'oll'r 6k Citi a� lffliwe,eof4 int d of 4,a Pick and /den fi'x dwui ddli a tioff aftd '#'aws ai se lr e' to out eomxwi�, 1"eease IeYVP 6g auaty 2W to: /ra cert %le jr a Aoe&: 952, 939, 82/1 �m- & kaaa @ewlvltoffAeom �o FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Leslie Kupchella December 16, 2003 651-296-0061 Communications Office 651-296-0001 GOVERNOR PAWLENTY APPOINTS FIVE TO FIREFIGHTER TRAINING AND EDUCATION BOARD Saint Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Chief Marvin Calvin, Brian Fuder, Mayor Judy Johnson, Margaret "Peg" Larsen, and Kathleen Mullen to the Board of Firefighter Training and Education. Calvin, of New London, is the full-time fire chief and fire marshal for the city of Willmar. Calvin replaces Gary Conrath, who resigned, as a representative of fire chiefs to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2005. Fuder, of Breckenridge, is the right-of-way transportation generalist senior for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the director of emergency management for Wilkin County and a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the city of Breckenridge. Fuder replaces John Thalman as a representative of volunteer firefighters for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. Johnson, of Plymouth, is the Mayor of the city of Plymouth. Johnson replaces Stephen Sarvi as a representative of cities for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. Larsen, of Lakeland, is a professional lobbyist and a former four -term member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She also served as the Mayor of the city of Lakeland. Larsen replaces John Parizek as a public member for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. Mullen, of Minneapolis, is a captain with the Minneapolis Fire Department. Mullen replaces Michael Stockstead as a representative of professional firefighters for a four-year term that expires on January 1, 2007. The Board of Firefighter Training and Education reviews fire service training needs, establishes standards for educational programs and establishes qualifications for fire service training instructors. The Board consists of 14 members, including 13 appointed by the Governor. -30- Jeff Falk Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty 130 State Capitol Saint Paul, MN 55155 651-296-0058 phone 651-296-0056 fax v }_ �, , 1Y r 4 1' illi {ji!i!l�1�� i ri�i l� •; • • P �a . .. 1 -.t a a.it'!A `� 1i?` s: 114 �� 'fly ...gym, �.r! k !• NAPERVILLE. ILL. -C - E m W o i (WELCOME TO AMERICAS HOTTEST TOWNS E Incomes are high. Home prices are rising ever higher. Here's where people are moving ocation, location, lova- often in other parts of the country) that orth of data for communities with tion. It's the cliche of offer a more balanced life. Fueled by bove-average population growth choice for real estate. But cable interest rates and the need for which naturally leads to smaller places), .I in the great landgrab that od public education, economic oppor- bove-average income and above - modern American home ty and day-to-day comforts, mid - ore home prices. We cut towns ownership has become, r folks now expect big-time benefits ore than 60 miles from a major city E the meaning of location has evolved. The m small-town life. And many are will- d those with limited cultural a metric, unprecedented boom and upward mobil- to pay a premium to live that life• tional offerings. Then we used a metri xty of the 1990s inspired people m abanTo generate this list of America's call the housing premium ratio to don familiar zT nda; in..; omes rnwns,�screeneds�decade' saLreal estateFrices against— :; 2,� MONEYJanuary 2004 101 _ ,.kde•.^b".i,(t }��p �. � ':r ti f .' � ... 41125 'h ...`s lys,-<,+ .=.ii y>a tt rv'4 •�•t •s .. t• s�� ; .t., ' : : ; : .. - yarriors� nd m� Im .dia_ju�Yir !JylOLua•+--ice` - national Dark . our Lost iri amenca columnist � favoMe r. ��. ,,_ _ _ ,�}.: i y S` t., e�t"tl _ •ert-:.t.CC�:�a��iiVE�"' illi {ji!i!l�1�� i ri�i l� •; • • P �a . .. 1 -.t a a.it'!A `� 1i?` s: 114 �� 'fly ...gym, �.r! k !• NAPERVILLE. ILL. -C - E m W o i (WELCOME TO AMERICAS HOTTEST TOWNS E Incomes are high. Home prices are rising ever higher. Here's where people are moving ocation, location, lova- often in other parts of the country) that orth of data for communities with tion. It's the cliche of offer a more balanced life. Fueled by bove-average population growth choice for real estate. But cable interest rates and the need for which naturally leads to smaller places), .I in the great landgrab that od public education, economic oppor- bove-average income and above - modern American home ty and day-to-day comforts, mid - ore home prices. We cut towns ownership has become, r folks now expect big-time benefits ore than 60 miles from a major city E the meaning of location has evolved. The m small-town life. And many are will- d those with limited cultural a metric, unprecedented boom and upward mobil- to pay a premium to live that life• tional offerings. Then we used a metri xty of the 1990s inspired people m abanTo generate this list of America's call the housing premium ratio to don familiar zT nda; in..; omes rnwns,�screeneds�decade' saLreal estateFrices against— :; 2,� MONEYJanuary 2004 101 _ ie hc"r tomista at3growth;.The pir_a I rank comb M 1 —.1 . 1.11- V_ WWI" PU HIMIWAI991�' ron 16 77 noi )n7 rdvt2 n an ro A04tt� 93.98T-,- 290000 5C 09. 02. 290.Offl r�,. 160278 320 nnn 7!- 3 14 11 r, LLL9_621 31 97R 10 JA 5 95 vita residents clock in at just over 33 inutes on the road each way, on aver - re. The trade-off is pri's L'e.CalifozmI ing iri-a highl nnunrty,:_. yp_ ed P?,,u._ here little is left iRii chaiice. Nitled in efoothills .0f the Santa Aria moun_ iiii'S'Oddlacre Rancho Santa -Mir' -f inch M- - AMAW .�'kzracu ftnalduCl townsmadetht' I 6 ra esvillii 11 . 0,480 19 ugarlanaun. Va- 29-115 176 96 -ech outfits—attracts workers flocking �w se v diy�i iih. e ern up population �2 ManalaparsUp 4 abUi `iFd bdow)00,00Q) and 1 bed Francisco and elsewhere. `�S Centreville. Va f. em. b Central M -1.11-P, y regi 2 1) Mrs ftin ��4 Raidolph In-, NJ. 25643 in the tablesat p 5 North Andovatmals- -27_795]w'�99�' 6 F hn onla- Vi" Noe; t �i,' on ese" '&n p ces7,- Green, growing, family friendly 7-`Wi1116O�n_ Ra. f f stats; on more tb�an 1,200 towns ; 6 EdeaYiairledmon. 5,9602 41 8' Collierville, Tenn. 11 A17 :he Twin Cities region, Woodbury is 1&oii the coiEwry __"rentwood- Tenn. 96.30L _62� —8 -Leawood, Kans. esiplaces. But A;Z h Is apitaL Think green. The town boasts 43-134 49 DiMon- Rn 790 i fln t each of the top -ranked J1Aartlett.111. 37 372 7 12 11 dy.Ga- -: .24 151 ,in BUD I t�lm J2—Mule Grove Minn. 51 R94 1A 13 57 Galthershurg Md -089 ROPULATIONUNDER-106,00 survey, Woodbury residents say they're 14 Marlboro Twp-- N.J. 37-875 35- ast: . Sug arlandRun, willing to pay more property taxes to 15 Bridgewater (P_KJ, 45 w 40 'Iist , horses, high tech[ 'j'-.. maintain valued town services. 25 407 17 Peat tree 14 745 74 is near Civil War battlefields, t -MGa. A"�ty,Md, 45 -ountry, the Potomac River and the Nest: Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.- - 19 Roswell Ga. 78864 18 3eltway. George Washington actually Ebe ultimate commuter's compound T Hoover, Ala. .20 -6.4.553--54— 21 Bernards-UP.A.J. 26.355--L3-- ndoor park, with a playground and lept nearby. But the community isso- JA iation that is the unincorporated Edrip_- literni d Ranchn %ninVa atoaca. a.' 70 562 69 0 2 January 2004 MONEY_.�;, 1:4c. WE 23-01ney, Md, 33.17-426 — own of Sugarland Run is just 32 yews 11pqtAn V.5g 255 21 Id. Newcomers find good schools �' -25_Columbia.Md- 9.1 794 2.1 d affordable housing options within 2"oweLMakef1e1dJwp. Pa. 33-93R ' 38; e teeming D.C. exurb of Loudon 118— -2-Hamapo.-N.X IJZ684 20 :ounty—most homes still are under 300,0,6,0—aU within half an hour of 3 Coral prin"a. 198-715 68 )uUes airport and the federally subsi- I,__4_A1exandda._Va._____ 1.31.,91.a_19_ ized cultural fife of Washington. A �_5_Sufl 152J69 3— ch nexus of employers in the area— k_"hesapeakeja. 208,986 38 7 Hunter Mill Va.' 1J A28 97 .- - , II V_ WWI" PU HIMIWAI991�' ron 16 77 noi )n7 rdvt2 n an ro A04tt� 93.98T-,- 290000 5C 09. 02. 290.Offl r�,. 160278 320 nnn 7!- 3 14 11 r, LLL9_621 31 97R 10 JA 5 95 vita residents clock in at just over 33 inutes on the road each way, on aver - re. The trade-off is pri's L'e.CalifozmI ing iri-a highl nnunrty,:_. yp_ ed P?,,u._ here little is left iRii chaiice. Nitled in efoothills .0f the Santa Aria moun_ iiii'S'Oddlacre Rancho Santa -Mir' -f inch M- - AMAW ny of them defense contractors ands I 6 ra esvillii 11 . 0,480 19 -ech outfits—attracts workers flocking A-' n from Atlanta, San Antonio, San =,,I come and Francisco and elsewhere. 1 WoodbuM inn -153 premium, m1uranks 2 1) Mrs ftin 3 W11dwoD"O_33.3%_,96_ entral: Woodbury, Minn. _4JAertyYMa_Twp.J1L . 52,147 23 Green, growing, family friendly --5—Chester.rte[cL.Mo--------5.5.Z6&--60 :)ne of the fastest -swelling suburbs in 6 EdeaYiairledmon. 5,9602 41 :he Twin Cities region, Woodbury is __1__fte11HML1WP__ HL 95154 77 ust southeast of St. Paul, the state's —8 -Leawood, Kans. apitaL Think green. The town boasts 0 rarroelind. 44103 60 1D_YJYMQU"WL66_47 31 600 acres of parklands, and neigh- J1Aartlett.111. 37 372 7 orhoods are connected by 70 miles J2—Mule Grove Minn. 51 R94 1A f walking and biking trails. Major survey, Woodbury residents say they're mployers in the area include State willing to pay more property taxes to =rn and 3M. Here, family friendli-- maintain valued town services. iess is more than 'a sl6gafion a "city. ;eal: In spite of state budget cuts, the Nest: Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.- - -own recently finished a $7 million Ebe ultimate commuter's compound T ndoor park, with a playground and 36uthern Californians commute.fusia JA mteifall-q- According D 03 �QFal Edrip_- literni d Ranchn %ninVa Ii 0 2 January 2004 MONEY_.�;, 1:4c. WE V_ WWI" PU HIMIWAI991�' ron 16 77 noi )n7 rdvt2 n an ro A04tt� 93.98T-,- 290000 5C 09. 02. 290.Offl r�,. 160278 320 nnn 7!- 3 14 11 r, LLL9_621 31 97R 10 JA 5 95 vita residents clock in at just over 33 inutes on the road each way, on aver - re. The trade-off is pri's L'e.CalifozmI ing iri-a highl nnunrty,:_. yp_ ed P?,,u._ here little is left iRii chaiice. Nitled in efoothills .0f the Santa Aria moun_ iiii'S'Oddlacre Rancho Santa -Mir' -f inch M- - AMAW MY Y. =,,I come and premium, m1uranks V_ WWI" PU HIMIWAI991�' ron 16 77 noi )n7 rdvt2 n an ro A04tt� 93.98T-,- 290000 5C 09. 02. 290.Offl r�,. 160278 320 nnn 7!- 3 14 11 r, LLL9_621 31 97R 10 JA 5 95 vita residents clock in at just over 33 inutes on the road each way, on aver - re. The trade-off is pri's L'e.CalifozmI ing iri-a highl nnunrty,:_. yp_ ed P?,,u._ here little is left iRii chaiice. Nitled in efoothills .0f the Santa Aria moun_ iiii'S'Oddlacre Rancho Santa -Mir' -f inch M- - AMAW Bassett Creek Water Management Commission www.bassettcreekwmo.org • Crystal • Golden Valley • Medicine Lake • Minneapolis • Minnetonka • New Hope • Plymouth • Robbinsdale • St. Louis Park December 19, 2003 Ms. Sandra Paulson City Clerk City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Bassett Creek Water Management Commission Watershed Management Plan — 60 -Day Review Draft (November 2003) Comment Period Extension Dear Ms. Paulson: At a request made by the cities of Golden Valley and Plymouth, the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission voted to extend the 60 -day review period for the draft Water Management Plan at its December 18, 2003 meeting. Formally, the 60 -day review period will end on January 20, 2004; however, the deadline to submit comments by the BCWMC member cities is extended to February 6, 2004. If you have any questions, please contact Len Kremer at 952-832-2781, or me at 763-764-2422. Sincerely, J4 zi- e)r ,� John A. O'Toole Chair, Bassett Creek Water Management Commission Elizabeth Thornton PA23\27\051\plan\60-day Review\Public Hearing Notice to Cities re_60 day review.doc MnPass Budget Capital Cost = $10,682,762 O & M for First Year = 1,800,000 Enforcement = 200,000 Evaluation = 300,000 Total $12,982,762 Partner Contribution = $ 2,682,762 Mn/DOT Contribution = $10,300,000 Rev. MnPass Budget 12/17/03 W, I-394 Community Task Force Meeting November 6, 2003 Wayzata City Hall Community Room Meeting Minutes Attendees: Georgann Bestler Winisch, alt. Plymouth citizen Scott Dibble, State Senator Charlie Ferrell, Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization Steve Fillbrant, St. Louis Park citizen Carol Flynn, Transit for Livable Communities Randy Halvorson, Mn/DOT John Hausladen, Minnesota Trucking Association Mary Hill Smith, Metro Council Jeff Johnson, State Representative Peter Knaedle, Golden Valley citizen Linda Koblick, Hennepin County Board Anne Naumann, Plymouth citizen Marthand Nookala, Mn/DOT Lynne Osterman, State Representative Barry Petit, Mayor of Wayzata Ann Rest, State Senator Julie Sabo, Minneapolis citizen Clarence Shallbetter, Minneapolis citizen Linnea Sodergre, Minnetonka citizen Blair Tremere, Golden Valley City Council Henry Van Dellen, Community Task Force Chair Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota Also Attending: Lee Munnich, Humphrey Institute Ferrell Robinson, SRF Absent: Dick Allendorf, Minnetonka City Council Jake Crandall, AAA Minnesota Paul Omdt, St. Louis Park City Council Scott Tripps, Wayzata citizen �.q Notes: Intro (Henry Van Dellen) ■ Henry Van Dellen emphasized that the recent media attention to the MnPass project has been positive and has kept the issue in the public eye. ■ He announced that Governor Pawlenty had publicly supported the MnPass project the previous day. ■ The members who had not attended the task force meeting in September introduced themselves. California Site Visits (Henry Van Dellen) ■ Henry Van Dellen stated that the task force first visited SR -91 in Orange County. They were given a tour of the Orange County Transit Authority offices, the control and customer service center, as well as a driving tour of the route. ■ He emphasized that SR -91 differs from I-394 in that the lanes were constructed as toll lanes instead of converted from HOV lanes. ■ The lanes on SR -91 are: open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; only have one entrance and one exit point; operated by transponders; and are actively promoted. ■ One side effect has been the increase in carpools to take advantage of the "3+ free" campaign, accounting for 20 percent of traffic volume. Transit use also went up at the facility. ■ SR -91 has gained $11.5 million in revenue while experiencing costs of $4.5 million. ■ I-15 is a north -south road, primarily used by residents of the northern suburbs of San Diego. I-15 is characterized by heavy congestion. ■ At I-15, eight miles of HOV lanes were converted into separated HOT lanes. There are plans to extend the HOT lanes to the north for twelve more miles. ■ The facility at I-15 only operates during peak hours, with the lanes blocked off at other times, as opposed to SR -91, the prices are set dynamically and typically range from 70 -cents to $8 dollars. ■ The San Diego Association of Governance, which governs the facility, pays the California highway patrol for enforcement. They experience revenues of $2 million and have operating costs of $600,000. $1 million of revenues is applied annually to other initiatives and especially to transit. ■ The fine for violations is $271 and increases with each offense. ■ Commuters valued the option that HOT lanes present and believed that they saved twice as much time as they actually saved. The task force took these findings away from the site visit: ■ The Lowrey Tunnel right-of-way will be an issue. ■ Need to ensure that the facility can operate in the black, if the lanes are going to perform financially. ■ While this is not meant to be a panacea it will provide guidance for other corridors. 2 3� ■ There is a need for further information, such as projections of traffic patterns; the growth and demand expected west of the city; the projected growth in the size and number of car pool lot spaces. ■ There will need to be transponders for enforcement, so that officers will know who traveled with or without paying. A read/write transponder is ideal. A slide show of the trip was shown. Questions/Comments: Scott Dibble noted that while SR -91 had problematic congestion due to the way they approached their pricing scheme, I-15 was clear about the purpose of HOV lanes and selling excess capacity. In I-15 they used dynamic pricing, where an increase in price is meant to keep people off the lanes. Linda Koblick emphasized that in San Diego, there are back ups trying to get onto the lanes due to the fact that there is only one entrance, which affects local streets. Blair Tremere noted that if a person is traveling beyond the end of the lanes, they will still experience congestion and won't benefit as much as those traveling to where the lanes end. Pete Knaedle inquired about the percentage of cars with transponders. Daryl Taavola replied that on SR -91 the transponders cost $40 and 170,000 have been sold. Clarence Shallbetter asked who the task force can direct questions to. Henry Van Dellen stated that he would answer the questions. John Hausladen asked about the economic profile of users of these lanes. Henry Van Dellen replied that broad mixes of socioeconomic classes use the lane and that there is a higher demand in the evening. He emphasized that the mix of socioeconomic classes depended on the time of day, but overall there was a mix of gender, background and incomes. Gail Weinholzer added that some frequent users include individuals whose jobs depend on their ability to show up on time. John Hausladen asked if commercial vehicles are allowed. Henry Van Dellen replied that commercial trucks are not allowed on the roads. Carol Flynn inquired about how carpoolers traveling for free are differentiated from SOV's. She further asked if the carpool also has to have a transponder and how the enforcement officials know if there are two or more people in the car, especially with tinted windows. She stated that the whole point of the lanes is to encourage HOV use. Henry Van Dellen stated that the system relies on visual enforcement, with the highway patrol ensuring that cars have three or more people. He emphasized that the lanes are focusing on encouraging multi -occupant cars and thus risk missing SOV violators. Pete Knaedle stated that carpools don't need transponders. 3 RFPP Update: Marthand Nookala Marthand Nookala discussed the timeline for MnPass, which aims for Phase One (an electronic toll collection system on I-394 HOV lanes) being operational December 31, 2004. Marthand Nookala gave an overview of the RFPP process including objectives, tasks, and evaluation criteria. He announced that Wilbur Smith Associates has been selected as the contractor. Negotiations on the contract will begin soon. Marthand Nookala described the Wilbur Smith Associates team concept for the lanes that includes a five -zone approach; open architecture/scalable system; non-proprietary transponders; and innovation with enforcement of the transponders. Ferrell Robinson talked about the preliminary concept that Wilbur Smith Associates has in mind and emphasized the need for the task force to get involved. Questions/Comments Carol Flynn inquired why Metro Transit is not on the steering committee. Marthand Nookala replied that they are represented on the technical team. Carol Flynn argued that Metro Transit should be more involved in all stages. Marthand Nookala asked for names of Metro Transit employees who should be involved. Linda Koblick inquired if cities and city engineers have been asked to participate. Marthand Nookala stated that he is planning on getting input from the cities and city engineers in January. His goal is for construction during the spring and summer. Blair Tremere emphasized that the task force needs to get information back to their respective staffs and noted that he keeps his city engineering staff involved in what is happening. Clarence Shallbetter inquired if resolving serious geometric problems should be a top priority, as it currently is Phase II. He emphasized that they should ensure this project can be done before it is started. Marthand Nookala emphasized that funding is the issue and that the concept of tolls should be debated first to ensure proper support. Clarence Shallbetter stated that there should be a discussion of if this project is solvable at the beginning of the project. Marthand Nookala stated that they are not adding lanes rather they are shifting traffic. Clarence Shallbetter noted that preference is given to people who pay to access the tunnel. Clarence Shallbetter asked when the issues will be dealt with. Henry Van Dellen stated that the task force has done a good job at prioritizing the issues. Pete Knaedle stated that he thought the objective was to increase the carrying capacity of the general-purpose lanes. Marthand Nookala emphasized that this more of a byproduct than an objective. Scott Dibble stated that the task force needs to be careful about promising an increase in carrying capacity. '3Z 4 Carol Flynn emphasized the need to preserve HOV lane flow. Marthand Nookala stated that the number one objective is to continue flow. Carol Flynn inquired if an RFPP has been requested for the independent evaluator and noted that the task force has an interest in this. Marthand Nookala replied that they want to do the other RFPP first and expect to address the independent evaluator in January. Mary Hill Smith inquired about the difference between a toll zone and a toll segment. Ferrell Robinson replied that a toll segment is the diamond lane and the toll zone is the guarantee for a toll charged when the car enters the lanes. Blair Tremere asked if the toll zones are found at toll plazas. Ferrell Robinson stated that is the case. Linda Koblick noted that County Road 15 and Bushaway Road back up, as well as I-494 heading towards Ridgedale. She emphasized that these two problems need to be included. Ferrell Robinson stated that one of the first steps is a detailed traffic simulation. Clarence Shallbetter inquired if the toll will relate to the distance a car travels. Ferrell Robinson stated that initially there was a mileage based toll charge, however the short distances made this impracticable. He emphasized that they plan two segments with two charges and a toll that is charged by the time of day. There will be peak periods, shoulder periods and non -peak periods. The rate will increase as demand increases, to maintain speeds of around 55 mph. Pete Knaedle asked if non -rush hour times will be charged. Mary Hill Smith asked if SOV use could be restricted if speeds get lower than 55 mph. Ferrell Robinson stated that restricting access is possible. Mary Hill Smith inquired about the federal government waiver necessary to complete this project. Anne Naumann asked if a car is charged once or every time an entrance is crossed. Ferrell Robinson replied that the cars are charged once when the first enter the toll. Georgann Bestler Winisch inquired how they anticipate the entrances and exists will deal with traffic, as there is too much traffic at certain points to merge into the lane. Ferrell Robinson stated that entrance lanes are a minimum of/4 mile in length. Georgann Bestler Winisch asked what happens to current HOV users. Ferrell Robinson noted that the team has struggled with this question and has come up with two options: allow a greater opening or control the entrance point and allow for more exit points. Georgann Bestler Winisch asked if there will eventually be barriers on the diamond lane. Ferrell Robinson replied that there is not enough room for barriers. 5 3n S Georgann Bestler Winisch inquired about what happens to cars that can't access the lanes in time. Ferrell Robinson stated that they can get on at the next entrance point and that the team is going to try to find the best balance of entrance points and widths. Georgann Bestler Winisch emphasized that she does not want to harm existing HOV users and asked if concessions could be made to HOV users. Scott Dibble asked what the role of the partner will be as they move into the operations phase. He also inquired if the partner is paid just for the work they are going to provide and operating the corridor or if there is some incentive built in to drive private traffic into the facility. Marthand Nookala emphasized that the main goal is to manage the infrastructure and not to make money. He stated that he intends to model the road after I-15 in California. Linnea Sodergren suggested incorporating project returns into other transit means a goal of the project. Marthand Nookala noted that while he is optimistic he does not want to promise a profit. Clarence Shallbetter inquired about what areas of transit the money can be applied to. He stated that he did not want to limit the returns to buses, but would like to see it expanded to van and carpools. Marthand Nookala stated that the revenues will go to Met Council. Carol Flynn added that the legislature limited the revenues to buses, because it has concerns with Light Rail Transit. Clarence Shallbetter emphasized that nearly half the users are in carpools and that he wants the best return on this money. He suggested going back to the Legislature. Public Outreach Update: (Lee Munnich) Lee Munnich announced that the State and Local Policy Program at the Humphrey Institute is working with Mn/DOT. He noted that the purpose of the task force is to understand as much as possible and to offer advice. Currently, there are plans for conducting five focus groups comprised of randomly selected individuals. Three groups will focus on SOVs; one group will focus on carpoolers and one will work with transit users. Lee Munnich emphasized the importance of sharing the information discussed at the Community Task Force meetings with local city councils and the community. He announced that in the next couple of months, he wants to have meetings with each of the city councils in the corridor. He asked for the task force's help in identifying groups and setting meetings up. Next Meeting: December 11, 2003 Fq- 0 I-394 Community Task Force Meeting December 11, 2003 St. Louis Park Doubletree Hotel Meeting Minutes Attendees: Scott Dibble, State Senator Steve Fillbrandt, St. Louis Park citizen Randy Halvorson, Mn/DOT John Hausladen, Minnesota Trucking Association Kevin Johnson, Minneapolis citizen Linda Koblick, Hennepin County Board Anne Naumann, Plymouth citizen Marthand Nookala, Mn/DOT Lynne Osterman, State Representative Sascha Peterson, Transit for Livable Communities Barry Petit, Mayor of Wayzata Julie Sabo, Minneapolis citizen Blair Tremere, Golden Valley City Council Scott Tripps, Wayzata citizen Henry Van Dellen, Community Task Force Chair Also Attending: Lee Munnich, Humphrey Institute Ferrol Robinso, SRF Consulting Ed Regin, Wilbur Smith Associates Daryl Taavola, Mn/DOT Absent: Dick Allendorf, Minnetonka City Council Jake Crandall, AAA Minnesota Mary Hill Smith, Metro Council Jeff Johnson, State Representative Peter Knaeble, Golden Valley citizen Paul Omodt, St. Louis Park City Council Ann Rest, State Senator Linnea Sodergren, Minnetonka citizen Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota S5 Notes: Intro Henry Van Dellen, Task Force Chair ■ Henry Van Dellen announced that the meeting would focus on citizens concerns about the MnPass project. ■ He read comments submitted from the open house held previous to the task force meeting. o Lindsey Krantz, Minneapolis, wrote that the citizens have already paid for the road and that by not opening it up to the entire public they were discriminating against those who could not afford to travel on the lanes. o Another comment submitted anonymously, emphasized that they were highly supportive of opening up HOV lanes for single occupant vehicles and was looking forward to using HOT lanes. Besides the two comment cards, Henry Van Dellen spoke with individuals who were concerned about enforcement of the lanes and issues surrounding physically entering and exiting the lanes. Open House ■ Lee Munnich relayed some of the conversations he had with citizens at the open house. o One citizen inquired why passes wouldn't be sold instead of transponders. o Other concerns focused on winter weather related congestion; if the lanes favor those traveling longer distances; enforcement; merging issues on the tunnels; and if large trucks would be allowed on the lanes. ■ Daryl Taavola stated that he heard supportive comments during the open house. In addition to concerns similar to those previously outlined by Lee and Henry, he answered questions relating to the pricing structure and the change in public perception of HOT lanes. Marthand Nookala spoke about concerns related to the tunnel. o He emphasized that simulation studies will be conducted before any proposals are submitted, to ensure that the project is feasible. o Nookala indicated that most people were interested in the operation side of the project. o He brought up the concern that hybrid cars are not allowed to use the lane for free. o One individual was opposed to all toll roads in Minnesota, as they were afraid of an extensive network of toll roads. Nookala emphasized that HOT lanes will not completely relieve congestion. o However, they will maximize existing infrastructure. One goal of these lanes is to maintain existing speeds for carpoolers. o Nookala announced that the public/private partnership held their final negotiation meeting that morning. Capital costs for the project are expected to be $10.68 million, with the private partners contributing 2 oU J 25 percent of that cost. Mn/DOT will be responsible for approximately $8 million. The operations, maintenance and enforcement costs will be approximately $2 million. They are anticipating that revenues will cover the operations and maintenance costs. Lynne Osterman asked if the signed contract will allow Mn/DOT to back out of the project if the simulation proves that HOT lanes will not relieve congestion. Nookala replied that the contract allows either party to end the contract with 60 days notice. Nookala stated that the contract should be signed by December 31, 2003. Once we have a signed contract, Wilbur Smith Associates will be preparing simulations to be presented to the task force in February 2004. ■ In response to Chair Henry Van Dellen's inquiry on how people were notified about the open house, Sonia Pitt, Mn/DOT, stated that a media advisory announcing the open house and task force meeting was sent out a week and a half ago to metro area and surrounding media where commuters using the routes come from. Citizen Comments Helen Burke, lives in Edina and works in Minneapolis, stressed her opposition to the lanes. o She emphasized that higher access to government services should not be given to individuals based on their ability to pay. o Burke noted that this should be the last resort. o She also requested that the legislature allow hybrid vehicles to use the carpool lanes. o Burke touted viewing the MnPass as a pilot project with a sunset date. Jim Japson, commutes from Minnetonka to St. Paul, brought up concerns with enforcement. o He cautioned that the Highway 100 interchange could cause congestion. o Japson indicated that provisions requiring the free flow of traffic need to be strengthened. o He noted his opposition to commercial trucks using the lanes. ■ Mark Nelson, carpools from Minnetonka to downtown, inquired about the current number of HOV users inbound and outbound. ■ In response, Nookala stated there are approximately 1429 vehicles going downtown in the lanes per hour between 6 and 9 AM or a total of 2,083. ■ Nelson asked how many vehicles would be expected to use the HOT lanes. ■ Nookala stated that it is expected that the HOV lanes may be able to accommodate an additional 1000 vehicles. ■ Nelson emphasized that this is a large amount of money to spend to only shift 1000 vehicles that can afford to pay. ■ Nookala replied that removing 1000 vehicles from the general lanes relieves conditions in the general lanes. ■ Nelson further stated that he is concerned about the exits, as drivers from the HOT lanes need to merge through the general lanes to exit the highway. He indicated that there could be safety concerns. ■ Osterman emphasized that she was concerned with access points flowing into the tunnel. o She inquired if a lottery could be used allowing individuals at random to use the lanes instead of charging. ■ Nookala replied that they had not discussed the possibility of a lottery and that the revenues would be used to maintain the system. ■ Osterman noted that the drivers could evenly distribute themselves onto available highway. ■ Nookala warned that this solution would penalize carpoolers and transit users, as there would be no way of controlling the flow of traffic on the lanes. ■ Munnich stated that the lottery would not make the most efficient use of the lanes and would limit access to the lanes and warned that a lottery could leave excess capacity. ■ Peter Langley, St. Paul citizen, stated that the equity argument states that general lane users are better off due to the increased capacity left by those paying to remove themselves from the general lane to the HOT lane. ■ Nookala concurred and noted that studies on the California lanes prove this. ■ Osterman asked if any HOT lane project in the country involved a tunnel with a 90 -degree turn. ■ Nookala stated that he didn't thinks so. ■ Linda Koblick inquired about the read/write technology. ■ Nookala replied that a police officer receives a signal if a car does not have the transponder. If no transponder is read and the officer views a single occupant, the police officer follows the car and gives a ticket. The officer will also have access to the MnPass account database to confirm if the driver has an established account and has simply forgotten the transponder. ■ John Hausladen inquired if the simulation will include semi -trucks. ■ Nookala responded that truck size will be taken into consideration. ■ Mike Doyle, Minnetonka, indicated that he is concerned about the HOV lane becoming congested, as it currently does get congested at times. ■ Nookala emphasized that if the HOV lanes are busy, additional people will not be allowed to enter the lane. ■ Doyle inquired why motorcycles are allowed to use HOV lanes and not hybrids. ■ Nookala stated that this probably has to do with safety issues. ■ Scott Dibble replied that California allows motorcycles due to fuel efficiency. 30 Q 4 ■ One citizen inquired if studies dealing with capacity are publicly available. He also asked if the lanes would see any increases in transit use. ■ Nookala announced that the available studies will be placed on the website. He further stated that he hopes the transit -use will increase due to these lanes, as there will be marketing for carpools and buses. ■ Munnich indicated that state law requires that 50 percent of the excess revenues be dedicated to transit, with the other half used for improvements in the corridor. ■ A citizen stated that improvements could be made from Highway 100 to Highway 169 as there is a major bottleneck. ■ More information on enforcement was requested. ■ Nookala stated that as photo enforcement is not allowed in Minnesota, visual enforcement would be used. ■ Van Dellen emphasized that there may not be support for photo enforcement, especially since technology is available to accomplish the same result without photo enforcement. ■ Helen Burke asked if it has been decided that these lanes will be implemented. ■ Van Dellen announced that the project was approved by the legislature last session. However, the Governor wants as much public participation as possible. This led to the formation of the community task force. If the simulation indicates that the project will not work, the project will not move forward. However, negative results from the simulation are unlikely. ■ Burke emphasized that she was concerned that too much has been invested in this project, thus increasing the possibility that this project will continue regardless of the simulation's outcome. ■ Van Dellen emphasized that the cost of converting the HOV lanes is modest compared to the cost of building an additional lane. ■ Dibble stated that the legislation does not require the project be completed. Rather, it allows for it. Dibble noted that the simulation will be instructive in moving forward. ■ Nookala indicated that the evaluation process will occur after the project has been operational for a period of time. ■ Osterman stated that she was concerned that the same company who will receive the contract will also conduct the simulation that determines if the project goes forward. ■ Nookala emphasized that the simulation is part of task design. He indicated that funds would not be spent until after the simulation. ■ Steve Fillbrandt noted his concerns with the process of the task force, as he is not sure how to effectively utilize the task force. He requested that information be provided at a faster rate, so that constructive feedback can be submitted. S1 ■ Tremere stated that he made a presentation to the Golden Valley Business Council. The group gave general support. However, questions were raised about the length of the HOT lanes, and exiting the lanes. ■ Koblick argued that the ultimate goal is to increase carpooling and transit use. She noted that this is the interim solution. ■ One citizen inquired if there would be any charges on the weekends? They also requested that westbound lanes not be enforced in the mornings. ■ Nookala stated that any change in diamond lanes needs to be approved by the legislature. Currently, the lanes are open for general public use on the weekends. ■ Barry Petit inquired if the project will continue if problems with the tunnel are unsolvable. ■ Nookala replied that alternative solutions will be identified to the obstacles presented by the tunnel. ■ Sascha Peterson requested that more focus be placed on gathering public input. ■ Munnich mentioned that a study involving focus groups will be conducted in January 2004. In addition to focus groups, there will be outreach efforts to local organizations. Munnich suggested holding another public meeting. ■ Fillbrandt asked how feedback from the focus groups will be integrated into the final plan. ■ Munnich invited members of the task force to observe the focus groups. ■ Osterman requested that the public/private contract not be signed until after the simulation. ■ Van Dellen emphasized that the initial agreement is part of the established deadline. ■ Petit suggested waiting to hold the public meetings until after the simulation has been conducted. ■ Osterman concurred. ■ A citizen requested that the simulation show different types of enforcement, as anytime a police officer pulls over people traffic slows. ■ Van Dellen invited the public to come to future meetings. He indicated that there may be future open houses. Future Meetings: Thursday, February 19, 2004 and Thursday, March 18, 2004. These meetings will be held at the St. Louis Park Doubletree Hotel. 6 Lv SUBJECT: SITE PLAN AMENDMENT, PRELIMINARY PLAT, INTERIM USE PERiMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERivIITS FOR BANNER ENGINEERING CORP. (2003118) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by Banner Engineering Corp., under File 2003118, for a site plan amendment, preliminary plat, interim use permit, and conditional use permits for a two-story, 48,000 square foot research and development building for property located at 9714-10`h Avenue North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays... ��..�.�._,,........... , ._ Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2003 1 18propnotice cD m 4-1 it,, kyaklum. 11111111111111111y PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.d.plymouth.mn.us SUBJECT: SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AND VARIANCE FOR INSURANCE ADVISORS, INC. (2003134) Dear Owner/Occupant: This letter is written to inform you that Insurance Advisors, Inc., under file 2003134, submitted a planning application requesting approval of a site plan amendment and variance for a garage door and a 9 -foot drive aisle setback, where 15 feet is required, to allow a loading area on the north side of the building for property located at 15020 -27th Avenue North. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, WTe'n yr,�m-�, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2003134propnotice PLYMOUTH A BeautifufPface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 �. � �www.d.plymouth.mn.us December 26, 2003 SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BARGAINJIMS.COM (2003131) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by BargainJims.Com, Inc., under File 2003131, for a conditional use permit to allow an accessory enclosed retail area in the I-1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District for sales and merchandising for an internet based company for property located at 3600 Holly Lane North, Suite 70. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, bmf XIIN Y-� Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2003 13 1 propnotice PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www dplymouth.mn.us December 26, 2003 SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BERTSBEST.COM (2003127) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this is to inform you of a request by BertsBest.Com, under File 2003127, for a conditional use permit to allow accessory enclosed retail sales events in the I-2 (General Industrial) Zoning District every Friday and one Saturday per month for property located at 800 Berkshire Lane North. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 7, 2004, in the City Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509- 5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter (lower level), on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2003127propnotice L- `1' PLYMOUTH A BeautifufPface to Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 © �� awww.d.plymouth.mn.us