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Council Information Memorandum 03-26-1999
MARCH 26, 1999 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.- NOTE: CHEDULE.NOTE: Ward I Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6:00 PM before each Regular Council meeting. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 7.00 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 7.- 00 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 7.00 PM TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 7. 00 PM 2. MONDAY, MARCH 29, 7: 00 PM 3. 4. S. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 7. 00 PM THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 7.00 PM SPECIAL JOINT COUNCIL MEETING WITH PLANNING COMMISSION ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers (TENTATIVE) SPEC)AL COUNCIL MEETING, Public Safety Training Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers YO UTH A D VISOR Y COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, Medicine Lake Room PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION, Council Chambers March, April, and May calendars are attached. (M -S) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 2 MARCH 26, 1999 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) Call for nominations for the Seventh Annual "Invest Northwest" Award, sponsored by the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council. (I -1a) b) Cable 12 announcement for the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council Seniors Forum, a live Channel 12 cablecast from the Crystal Community Center, Tuesday, April 13, 9:00 AM. (I -1b) c) Notice of award to Cable Channel 12 by the Northwest Broadcast News Association for Overall News Excellence for Cable Television. (I -1c) d) Notice of ribbon cutting ceremony for Northwest Community Television's new studios, Wednesday, April 7. (I -1d) e) Hopkins School District 270 Update newsletter. (I -1e) City news release regarding the Plymouth Fire Department's Distinguished Service Recognition Ceremony. (I -1j) 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter to Phil Demro from Public Safety Director Gerdes responding to questions about the administrative penalties against businesses selling liquor to underage buyers. Mr. Demro's original correspondence is attached. (I -2a) b) Letter to Dick Pickering from Public Safety Director Gerdes responding to concerns about noise at the intersection of 101 and 24. Mr. Pickering's original communication to Councilmember Slavik is attached. (I -2b) c) Letter from Lieutenant John Ward to Marilyn Miller responding to concerns about Police Department staff. Ms. Miller's original correspondence is attached. (I -2c) d) Internet correspondence from Diane Moyer regarding parking on Plymouth Boulevard in front of Life Time Fitness. The message has been forwarded to City Engineer Dan Faulkner for a response. (I -2d) A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (I--2) 3. CORRESPONDENCE a) Customer response card from Rob Vassallo of Allstar Construction, praising the City's inspections staff. (I -3a) b) Customer response card from Gar Anderson praising the City's building permit and plans review staff. (I -3b) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3 MARCH 26, 1999 4. COUNCIL ITEMS a) Draft agenda of the April 6 regular Council meeting. (I -4a) S. LEGISLATIVE REPORTS a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) FAX News. (I -5a) b) League of Minnesota Cities Friday FAX (I -Sb) c) Legislative alert from Charlie LeFevere regarding proposed legislation that would regulate who might serve on watershed management district boards. (I -Sc) d) Information provided by Councilmember Black from the League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Conference on March 25. (I -5d) e) League of Minnesota Cities legislative action alert regarding proposed legislation that would affect cities' use of eminent domain. (I -Se) IE: M-6 o� v V any o�.Sp�u o�u< u m M M � !egQj W a O .S gni ON N 00 N o 20't 4 U a �pen U 0.� N N a CI4 ON N ZOE g 1Fnj a i °OE 3 p y o m"� 3 0= mFF Ot Er> O Ha � $OaS of o hr E H ° g yyy5 Uca3, pp is O " 96 .� oo kn w v A N- Z a gaC6� Yi 3 $ZUyy i� 2 gogo V So > a M N U= C7�0 � U' T O o v U U s U U W V to a W y .E � - 6iti�0 F O U U P �Y CO Ups U $6o v W 4 v o. $2 h N > U n M f`1 Ell T o� .--� 00 to •--� N N T C 'QJ N rH o� v V any o�.Sp�u o�u< u m M M � !egQj W a O .S gni ON N 00 N ON ON OIN 7-4 � � ai 4;� fq.- 5' � . $ C � 7 ON � _ � .M o u§� k j>� a ` _ 00 1 C14 ■ °2� � R §(k§ 2:) a » _ /}\\ ao u C14 b= ! \)I k))) 8) 2 2)/ o. , j;R ƒ7 §@§� 82 4 � N . C14 ON %0 ƒ _ 00 tn �g .7 q 4 O a� 8 g .a r+loo N a N 00 N C � Y u CC <a m 9g g=T Vlh��ry "vi 8 8 8S N N n Li w _pa ~ O N N a a z U Ca �j u Ec $ g N 6p h brnOn N N < CY °' p6p 8 P to y^3=H = O V> o E N 7 Y.n P�A� VU C a 6isj LU U�z�P• iy- pOp y 96 CC 96 6. .Sy5-Cg.F $U10D n�NN i+C]VV IL g G EtC7 LLL n uzzSS 02y O 00 y y .=_a s v N wa 3 s �j E u i 0.p.5 F'U5V d0.5 SO M M a S g � s e e i a N O� .-� M N o M alljQ;N.or `it Afions Do you know an "unsung hero" in Northwest Hennepin County? Is there some person, organization, or business that you would like to thank for their contributions to our community? Nominate them for the ... 7TH ANNUAL ST NORTHWEST" AWARD We are looking for nominees whose efforts have significantly improved the lives of people residing in Northwest Hennepin County. Nominees can be individuals, organizations, or businesses. They can be from any sector of the community. Up to five nominees will be chosen to receive an Invest Northwest award. One of these awards will be given to a business that has demonstrated, through its policies and practices, a commitment to assist its employees in successfully balancing both their family and work obligations. Nominees for the "INVEST NORTHWEST" award will be evaluated based on the following characteristics: ❖ Has demonstrated innovation and creativity to improve the lives of others ❖ Has shown sustained activity in working to improve people's lives over a period of time (not necessarily in just one role or capacity) ❖ Has inspired others to get involved in addressing human, needs ❖ Has tangible evidence of progress resulting from his/her/their activity This is your chance to thank citizens and organizations whose efforts have helped meet the needs of people in northwest Hennepin county. Recipients of the Invest Northwest Award will be publicly acknowledged with a beautiful plaque and a dinner for two, compliments of the Olive Garden in Brooklyn Center. Call (612) 493-2802 for nomination forms. Nominations are due April 30, 1999 at: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council c/o Invest Northwest Award Committee OLYJ7601 Kentucky Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 email: info@nwhhsc.org Your Name Nomination Form Your Address Your Phone Numbers (_� Home Work Name of Nominee (Nominee may be an individual, organization, or business) Address of Nominee Nominee's Phone Numbers L, Home Work Please complete both sides of this form and return to: Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council 7601 Kentucky Avenue North, Suite 101 Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428 (6121493.2802 Phone (612) 493-2713 Fax Nominations are due April 30, 1999 Please be as specific as possible in answering the following questions. Please answer every question or we -will not be able to consider the nomination. Feel free to attach additional pages. How has the nominee made a difference? Describe how the nominee has demonstrated innovation and creativity in order to improve the lives of others. Please provide any additional information about ways in which the nominee has been involved in helping others in Northwest Hennepin County (e.g., years of service, length of commitment and specific examples of service). Describe how the nominee has inspired others to get involved in addressing the needs of others. Describe tangible indicators of progress in Northwest Hennepin resulting from the nominee's activity. Nominations are due Apri130, 1999 Watch the NW Hennepin Human Services Council Senior Forum "Seniors Helping Seniors " LIVE on Cable 12 Tuesday, April 13, 1999 9:00am Cablecast live from the Crystal Community Center Featuring: Miriam Reibold, Aging is Everybody's Future Angie McCollum, Changes in HMO's, Medicare and Patient Rights Cable 12 brings community events closer to you! NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TELEVIS101V 6900 Winnetka Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 (612) 533-8196 www.nwct.org C _ e L E: NEWS RELEASE ��'�4,p/y''�`j;' For immediate release 3/22/99 `�1y LeAnne Christensen, Promotions Coordinator 533-8196 BROOKLYN PARK, MN—Cable 12 has won a major regional journalism award. The Northwest Broadcast News Association is honoring Cable 12 for Overall News Excellence for Cable Television. NBNA is a service and membership organization, chartered in 1949. Its members are broadcast news professionals and students in the six -state upper midwest region, including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. NBNA's aim is to serve and improve the broadcast industry through educational and professional programs. The award will be presented during the annual NBNA Midwest Regional Conference to be held on Saturday, April 10, 1999 at the Holiday Inn Metrodome in Minneapolis. Cable 12 provides local news programming to the northwest suburban area. For more information about Cable 12 news visit www.Cable12.com. Cable 12, programming that is closer to you. Northwest Community Television's Cable 12 is part of MediaOne's channel line-up in 65,000 northwest suburban homes and covers local news and events in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Corcoran • Crystal • Golden Valley • Hanover • Maple Grove • Medicine Lake • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsdale • Rogers NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TELEVISION 6900 Winnetka Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 (612) 533-8196 www.nwct.org NEWS RELEASE For immediate release 3/23/99 LeAnne Christensen, Promotions Coordinator 533-8196 BROOKLYN PARK, MN— Northwest Community Television is proud to announce the ribbon cutting ceremony for it's new public access studios located at 6900 Winnetka Avenue North. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 7, 1999 at 8:15 a.m., and will be conducted by Northwest Community Television Board of Directors. "The new facility is the finest public access facility in the country and allows us to close a second outdated facility making us more efficient and saving money", states Greg Moore, Executive Director of Northwest Community Television. The new facility includes a fully equipped television production studio, 5 video -editing suites, a portable camera checkout area, and a large multi-purpose room that can be used for meetings or television production. Northwest Community Television offers the new facility to area residents to produce their own programs for cable television. The use of the facilities and channel time are offered at no charge following the completion of three free 2 -hour introductory classes. Mr. Moore also states, "The new facility is bigger and more spacious and much better suited to public access activities than the old facility." The public is invited to attend an open house of the new studio and the Cable 12 studios on Saturday, April 24"' from 10am to 2pm. Television professionals will also conduct a free workshop on How to Make Better Home Videos at 11 am and 1 pm. For more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony or the open house call Northwest Community Television at 533-8196 or visit the Northwest Community Television web site at www.NWCT.org. Northwest Community Television and Cable 12 is part of MediaOne's channel line-up in 65,000 northwest suburban homes and covers local news and events happening in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, and Robbinsdale. Bro&::yn Center - Brooklyn Park - Corcoran - Crystal - Golden Valley - Hanover - Maple Grove - Medicine Lake - New Hope - Osseo - Plymouth - Robbinsdale - Rogers What's de: - 270 Parent Extra - Report Card on • Student-BuiltU d te - Robot -P I A newsletter for parents in Hopkins School District 270 April 1999 Our Students. New Director of Special Services selected, <<"a Jan Ormasa has accepted the position of Director of Special Services for Hopkins School Eighteen Hopkins' Odyssey of"y se District 270. Ormasa is replacing Karen Filla, who is retiring, June 30, 1999, after 29 years of the Mindteams recently competed service with the School District, 19 of those as the Director of Special Services. mWethest Metro Regional Tour y employee Ormasa is a 27 -year em to ee with the School District, and has served as associate namen Nine"teams placed, and fOutadvance to thestate tourna principal at Hopkins High School since 1997. She served as interim associate principal at the ment,``'prl 10. High School during the 1996-97 school year. Me,"adowbrook ; #� As Director of Special Services, Ormasa will be responsible for District services to a ran ge econd place: 3rd gradersPeter of special -needs students including the disabled, homebound and immigrants. She will Day, � °chad Downey, Daniel supervise support services such as social workerspsychologists,s eech atholo fists nurses Haberman; Siri Jorstad, Martha P pP , P pathologists, t and occupational therapists, and will be responsible for drug and violence education pro- Kuz .`katie"Peterson and Scotty grams. Steinberg Ormasa has worked with District special education programs in the past. She served as a Third place: 5th graders "Kelly teacher of the Emotional Behavioral Disturbed at Hopkins North Junior High School in 1995- DahlmanHallieEspe1; Laura -' 96, was coordinator for the Test of Variables of Attention Project in 1994-95, and was Kuzz ,. Jeanna McKrell, Victona RulfhuIs Caitlin Stahl and coordinator of elementary special services from 1988-91. She was special services coordina- KatherineStatler for at Hopkins High School from 1979-85, and before that was a teacher at Hopkins High Gatewood School (1976-82) and Alice Smith Elementary School (1972-76). Third`place: 4th graders Tracy Because her father worked for the United States Agency for International Development, Fuad," Patrick Geiwitz, Louise Ormasa spent most of her youth, until age 17," living overseas in the Latin American coun- Hillen, Joseph Jensen, Nicole �' tries of Paraguay, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. She also lived in Turkey. Lind;"Krista Schneider, and " She attended the local schools and learned a lot about the culture of these countries. Initially, Kathryn Sefton she thought about pursuing a college degree in political science but instead chose anthropol- Alice Smith Third place: 6th graders Evan ogy, sociology, and education for students with special challenges. Coio I` ura Hacker, Heather Ormasa has a specialist certificate in educational administration from the University of Hetzler, Bennett Lang, Chelsea Minnesota, a master's in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota, and a Minkel;, Brian Paro and Heidi bachelor's degree in special education for emotionally disturbed. In February 1998, Ormasa Strohmaierwas selected to participate in the Bush Educators Program Group IV. As her school improve- NortH'& West Junior Highs ment change project, Ormasa undertook the implementation of the personal learner goal First place & on to state: 7th initiative at Hopkins High School. graders Karen Borchert, Stephanie ,11 Johnson, Hans Kuder, Luke..� Lorenz, Nick Stein, Brett Warne, .. Kids & Company registratio net! April Dan Juola West Junior High & Hopkins High ~ Kid & any, Hopkins School District 270's sc p age extend d -'day program is First place & on to state: 7th" offertng regisTiion ±essions for the summer and fall arten pr am -from 4:30 p.m. to . graders Amanda Braun, Alicia 6:30 ono,1 wing dates:' Gleason, Andrea Kantor, Elizabeth n ay, A �� '9 Alice Smith Elemen Kitt, Anna Knaeble and Laura Lee day, A 120 atherine Curren an a ow ele schoo s First place,& on to state: 9th d � ,April 21 atewood and Eisenho r ele graders Breandan Gleason, Ted ,b ay, April 2 Tanglen to hools Quinn, Chris Roed, Jack Sterling, Steve Wang; and 11th grader <e programs inc r ode arte Brine me for children t•; Anme1�/esttnoreland ng kindergarte - ' e fall; 1 t each m h ols; and • ih th "` �" de at Eise ementary. Second place: 7th' graders Joei r,„ Bergeland, Robbie Chall, Peter .. ff will be availabl assist p ft out regi s t1 urttig Kim, Sara Nelson, Emily :. th , ssio y registration re a y, Ap 0, a accepted on a space Nycklemoe, Sam Pryor anc(Tara avat ` e basis, Registration for the fat s o y pr for children entering 1 st- Schneider 6th s wil a conducted in July 1,„ Hina n 8-40 Hopkins High School First place & on to state: 12th r� graders LindsayChall,Cristin Kin a �garten early"en ra a ting S t Clark, Dana Feigel, Anna Felkey, • ° " Stephanie Johnson, Kira Moriah, Parents cons, e " Brite e" chitictn the age of.Jve must first and Emily Pryor attend a D tric,-5ponsore p eti t�n ormation meetin s d d,fop.m. Thursday, A p r i .2 ,u t �e Harley Hop �yitt A :, opkins. This affects chi l hose 5th birthdays.eefiS n . an Oc . Information: 988-5000. Competition features student -built robot i'Student$.' • An 11 -foot -tall, 130 -Pounder will represent Hopkins High School in national competition, aWar�'� t , April 22-24, at Epcot Center in Orlando. Hopkws Ai1►'Sch6ol senior, The competitor is a robot designed and built by HHS students, together with their counter - Timothy. Lewandowski, was parts from Washburn High School in Minneapolis, at Alliant TechSystems in Hopkins. named the Region 6AA Academ- It will mark the first time HHS students have participated in the national FIRST (For Inspira- ics, Arts, and Athletics (AAA) tion and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, an event that for winner. The AAA program eight years has provided high school students an inside look at the work of engineers and recognizes the outstanding achievements of Minnesota youth scientists.z� t, in academics, the arts and Alliant TechSystems engineers and designers d worked with � dents from Washburn athletics." Tim is a member of the High School for five years. Hopkins was ad a 'x, ilis year, at Alli iIs invitation. HHS band, and cross country "We wanted to work Atli the hometown scho l," said Allian esign engineer Mike Balk. running, Nordic,ski and track HHS Technology ducatio,eachers Steve Ull,;t�ch and Tim ie p aced in the project. teams, and an outstanding student. Students we r en a look`�at the robot project early last f with ays set up outside the High Schoo ce and at s"ohomore orien`ltion. Abou stud signed up to partici- Cang:Youth Awards pate in weekly me s that begs in Octo and half s ' d in th project until the end. Thirty young people m The FIRST Roboti Competition es aye 1 laying field°, the contestants who Hopkins, lvLnnetonka and Golden come from an estimated XI sch o sacross the country; ar s "game" is announced in Valley who have given outstand January, and each team gets t_ ame equipment and construc to les. uig service, to others were honored„” Ullrich explained the kic "In January, an engineer from A t and a teache .from at the recent Canng Youth Awards �, . �. ceremony` The "Caring Youth Was urn ands' t. N Hampshire.... We picked up the rule or the,, gmpetition and Awards honor young people -who two cases of parts. You a fly had to work from theparts in your t and`from a catalog. demon caring byreach'ing Anything in the catalog, could use long'vvi w materials lik uminum and wiring. out t6otliers, or whose day=to- There were limits on wha a could e nd� ize,of fhe robot day lifestyles reflect uncommon There was a limit, too, how long on co clde. Aft ight weeks of meetings concern for others at Alliant, meetings in whi Balk said deme in, t he type of work engineers Disfnct"270 youth who were and their firms do desi d onstructih to be ra ed u no more than six weeks. recognized mclude`. Ho kins Hi h . PP g1°t p g The Hopkins-Washburn-Allian -beam worked a last e, then put the robot into a Schoo Jason Branch; Melissa" crate and shipped it out. Hamnieken, Kristine, Hake, "We didn't have enough time to pract with a bot' Ullrich said. "We didn't have an aKalm, Kirsten Klappa, e' re for kids to drive it or develo remot ols ere going to have to enter Kara�Ix�pdon, JenneaeDue� „ competition with drivers who haven't ha " a chan fiel test their skills. �Cehind`e�'"Mafe,`oseph Ruesewald P and Darnel Thomas; Hopkins The robot was constructed to perform o ehicl The FIRST national competition North Junior Hgli School calls for teams of two robots each to scurrys re -foot court to pick up soft Ctoinnie Burrhus'and Britta pillows, lift them high into the air and cli ad'up onto a six -inch -high platform. � ;KalgreN.., opkms*W i Junior Only one robot will fit onto the platform. a en ire is to be done in under two minutes. High School—Gregory Barnes, Balk said that the u ose of FIRST is to ` dents to technolo do hands-on µY , PrP �', Adam'T,ubbert,Biily Mattson, work with engineers, feel connected with a p Emilyeier and sect. Our main goal is to inspire students in IJennifer Parries k : " F �>� , technological and business areas." Engineering (mechanical, electrical, industrial,o ware, robotics) may be the centerpiece, RoyellesyDance Team " but it's not the whole show, Balk said. Students also participated in ordering materials, doing „The Hoplans RoyellesyDance graphic design (logos, T-shirts, buttons, ttons, robot design) producing a video on theproject, Team=undei the`direction ce taking pictures, and putting together a web site. The site can be viewed at www.luxfiles.com/ Coach 3i11 DiPancrazio, recently" -' I first place in the state"Dance ' -cog. Team Tournament for Class AAA HHS students participating in the FIRST Robotics project included 12th -graders Susan "Jaz/Eunk: Andersen, David Baker, Evan Johnsen, Adam Jordani, Trevor Knight, David Lam and Twenty -:three teams competed" Jefferson Pak; 11th -graders Jackie Flis, Daniel Gallego-Geisen, Blair Greenberg, Barry Kern, ia;the Class AAA competition, Peggy Schnack, Tom Webster, Jeff Winstead, and Adam Vansteen-berg; and 10th -graders wl tV1AWtop eight teams moving Rafe Anderson Daniel Connor Joe DeVore, Matt deWerff, Andrew Skalitzky, James St. ' on o finals Tl gyteams were , Michel and Emi Tidwell. oregrapnyanaacwcy r LCowdery honored for work on diversity issues e caAunee:?�ciderson, Vla`�Dabcic;Jaime` k "arnham` Diane Cowdery, Hopkins School District 270's coordinator of Affirmative Action and and Karu'Soby, plus"team "°� human relations, has been honored with a certificate of recognition as a community leader in menibers;'Jacllyn Alexander, BnUou the promotion of desegregation and integration in Minnesota schools by the Department of "Bongil d; Dana Coleman;.Kelsey` "_ Children, Families & Leaming. Danzeisen Sara Goldfuie; Dana" Cowdery has been the point person for the creation of District 270's Principles of Ethical KuhltephameLane,,Shantell Behavior, was one of the founders of the Hopkins Human Rights Commission, and has helped Quinn, Cassie §icshe%; Michelle .;: ' develop policies focused on diversity issues. She has received statewide recognition for her xis Radtke'aiid Alexis $ac work on the promotion of desegregation/integration issues, her assistance in planning magnet schools, and her efforts in the recruitment and retention of people of color. Page 2 Update April 1999 270 Parent Family education information supplement April 1999 A Report Card on Our Youth From the Desk of Sharon MacDonald .. . Time management and priority setting are such difficult tasks in our busy lives. I, like you, need to weigh the benefits of each precious evening away from home. We are pulled in a myriad of directions and sometimes just long for the comfort of the couch. In the next few weeks you will be asked to make a decision about attending a Town Meeting regarding the results of the Minnesota Student Survey. The evening is Monday, April 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts with a celebratory reception beginning at 6:30. Refreshments and jazz band entertainment will greet you. Let me influence your decision with the following items. The Minnesota Student Survey is given to every 6th, 9th, and 12th grader in the state every three years. In Hopkins, we have data from 1989, 1992, 1995, and most recently from 1998. We can monitor trends in student behavior, attitudes, and values by comparing data from one survey to the previous one and by looking at how Hopkins compares to students throughout the state. It's a bit like hearing their deepest thoughts and feelings without the rolled eyes and the embarrassed looks. Developmentally, it's appropriate for teens to have private ideas and thoughts which they discuss among their peers but are not willing to share with adults. Therefore, this opportunity to learn about them from their own self report is a priceless gift. We have much to celebrate in Hopkins. Our children and our students demonstrate they have been instilled with many of the assets known to be important for adult success. On April 26, you will have an opportunity to learn more about the strengths they already have and the ones yet to be developed. There, also, are significant reasons to be concerned. Trends statewide indicate a rise in tobacco use among teens. Minnesota sadly reports the highest rate of adolescent tobacco use of any state in the nation. Hopkins is not exempt. Statewide, students also report a rise in marijuana use at the 9th and 12th grade levels. This particular trend in Hopkins deserves significant attention. We cannot expect our children to achieve to ti: their maximum potential if they are regularly using a drug whose effect impacts memory and motivation. Other trends that need addressing include alcohol use and the behaviors that follow. You may still wonder what, if anything, will be different if you know this information. My hope is that we will: • Renew our commitment to providing our youth with a safe environment in which to grow and learn. ♦ Work together to develop action plans to address the needs of families and youth. ♦ Agree not to stand for the deterioration of the environment in which our children live. My hope is you will come on April 26 to join hands with the school district staff, the civic leaders, faith community members, business owners and managers, and other parents to ensure the healthy development of the children we share. I'll be there on April 26. Be there with me ... and bring a neighbor. — Sharon MacDonald is the District 270 Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator Discussing Tough Issues with Teens At some point during your child's teen years you will have to discuss a sensitive subject. Here are some steps to follow to make sure your conversation doesn't make the situation worse. 1. Identify the issue or the area of conflict. 2. Attack the problem, not the person. 3. Take an other -centered attitude. Try to think about your teen's needs and feelings as well as your own. 4. Listen to what your teen says ... and doesn't say. 5. Agree on a plan of action. 6. Test the plan. 7. Reinforce any progress. ("I really appreciate you calling me last night to tell me where you were going after Keisha's house.") 8. Reevaluate as needed — which may be frequently. — Reprinted with permission from "Parents Still Make the Difference" Activity for Parents & Childrei Loving a child means nurttu ing, teaching; tallangand together No matte is usually niucl or don't know the following e perhaps aroun and have fun li child ... and I to respond to tl The thing that's angriest is My best friend9, My hero/hernij I am mos My favori The subje The kind t The thing about my_ If I could world it u My favori Ofall the am pmudo My favori The�thing the most is+ +R,x` Y c spy Besides my parents, the person 1 like the best is April 1999 270 Parent Extra Page 3 in school: What can nts ander other concerned adults,oto help,,¢ children make the most of out-of- school time? How can we help,' children become the best students . they can bei My While there are fib- , arantees, be f 2Strictare�" •:'� Students'become r;. earners k ��_.. when parents provide aoregular routine andmonitor Alf ir,. childre S. n's`'achv . to -1: Stu ena� mete r rarnersY� t when they_ are piie�nted,with , opportunities to 1 o�itside of school' X^ 4. Studentsb'ecomebt i learners when adults talk`to th m¢about their schoolwork,' pe them for - successes, encouraget em'to keep trying, "and teach them problem -solving` 20 negotiation skills 9. hmate.8r Relationships and fnendlmess andw ei'they receive p""raise, reccig"qi on; and respect= �� � ~� 6.1odeliag ' Students" ecoMe be a earners when the, ,aduIts 1 riei dives read, study, ask giesti�ns, talk about education,'seu oft -term goals, and get involved n the child`sschool Y K Reprinted wit{i peion from th&U of M`Extenion Service www ez�ension. umn.edu to access more in on the 6 faetors''and links to other parenting sites (online'approx. April 1) Page 4 270 Parent Extra April 1999 Re Ott Card p,ssets Risk gehe Decision problem Monday, April 26 7:00 pm Hopkins Center for the Arts 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Hopkins 6th, 9th, and 12th graders report their attitudes, behaviors, relationships, and family life every 3 years on the Minnesota Student Survey. This evening will highlight results of the 1998 "report card" of Hopkins School students. Parents and community members are invited to celebrate assets, recognize risk behaviors, and develop home, school, and community solutions. Junior High Jazz Band — 6:30 pm — Refreshments Sponsored by the Hopkins School District and the City of Hopkins' Chemical Health Commission Update 270 Parea Extra Hopkins School District 270 1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305 612-988-4024 TIME VALUE 270 Paient Extra is a parent/familyy newskher.'with inforination,on a variety of:.",,.' parenting issues. Do you have an idea for parents,"a question for our parent educators, or a suggestion? We welcome your N comments. Write or call Katie Lee, Editor 1001 Hwy.,7 Hopkins, MN 55305 988-4070 katie_lee@hopkins.k12.mn us Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 160 Hopkins, MN 55343 Hopkins School District 270, serving the communities of: Hopkins • Minnetonka • Golden Valley • Eden Prairie • Edina • Plymouth • St. Louis Park An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Educator and Employer For an alternative format of this document, contact Eileen Harvala at 988-4024 CITY OF PLYMOUTFF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: March 26, 1999 Rick Kline, 612-509-5121 Plymouth Honors Firefighters Plymouth honored its top firefighters at the Plymouth Fire Department's Distinguished Service Recognition Ceremony on March 5 at the Kelly Inn. John Blake a 6 year veteran of the Fire Department was recognized with the Leadership Award. The Leadership Award is the highest award given by Fire Administration. Senior Fire Department staff members select the recipient. "The most significant quality of the recipient of the Leadership Award is the individual's willingness to extend himself or herself well beyond the `normal' responsibilities to further the Fire Department in its mission to protect the lives and property of our community," said Fire Chief Rick Kline. Rick Sheldon was named Firefighter of the Year. Sheldon has worked for the Plymouth Fire Department since 1983. Candidates for Firefighter of the Year are nominated, reviewed and selected by Fire Officers. Sheldon was recognized for meeting or exceeding 75 percent of his fire percentages. "This individual is a valued team player and is well known for his positive attitude and willingness to get involved. He seeks out extra training opportunities and takes self -initiative in being a problem solver and leader within the department," Kline said. Kevin Werstein, a relative newcomer to the Plymouth Fire Department, was honored as Rookie of the Year. The Rookie of the Year award goes to a firefighter with less than two years of experience who displays enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a great willingness to learn. The Rookie of the Year also must have above average participation in fire calls, training and special activities. PLYMOUTH A Beautiful4'face To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®WW -^MW www.d.plymouth.mn.us fire stations were also presented. Most Valuable Firefighter Awards for each of Plymouth's three Those awards went to: Dave Hertwig -Fire Station I, 13205 Co. Rd. 6; Shawn Horan -Fire Station H, 12000 Old Rockford Rd.; and Rodney Berg -Fire Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Ln. Candidates for Firefighter of the Year are nominated and voted on by their peers at each station. Five Firefighters were recognized for their Public Safety Education efforts. They were: Christopher Dore; Sue Magy; Christina Friedland; Shawn Horan; and Henry Ahrens. "The theme of our distinguished service event was `making a difference.' All of our Plymouth Firefighters truly make a difference in protecting lives and property in Plymouth. This is always a great opportunity to publicly recognize some of the outstanding work of our fire service members," Kline said. Plymouth has a paid -on-call Fire Department made up of 67 members working out of three fire stations, as well as a full-time Fire Chief and Administrative Fire Officer. Each year, the department responds to more than 1,200 calls for service, including all types of fires, emergencies, auto accidents, medical calls and mutual aid calls to other communities. The department also offers extensive fire prevention programs in the schools and community. -30- ary of PLYMOUTH March 1 5, 1999 Mr. Phil Demro 3235 Lanewood Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Demro: Your letter to Mayor Tierney dated March 40' was forwarded to me for response regarding the sale of alcohol to minors issue. The hearings that you saw regarding this issue were actually the City Council enforcing administrative penalties against the businesses involved. These were as a result of police department run compliance checks. In these instances the buyer was working for the police department, so we would not charge them. In 'our checks we find the majority of the time the buyers are never even asked for their identification. A large part of the administrative hearing you saw was to gain compliance from the liquor establishments. We assist them with training and encourage them to call when individuals are attempting to purchase and are underage. Underage buyers who are caught by the store or police are charged with the offense and sent to court. Also, clerks who make illegal sales are charged and sent to court. Under State Law and City Ordinance, the establishment is responsible for all conduct on their premises and are subject to administrative penalties involving fines and/or suspension or revocation of the license. That administrative penalty is what the Council was conducting their hearings on. I hope this answers your concerns on this issue. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, r ' e des Dire for of Public Safety PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT be PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To Lire 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 9'. gym. www.d.plymouth.mn.us Thursday, March 4`s 1999 a Mayor Joy Tierney \ �1 City of Plymouth 1 Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Blvd. �- Plymouth, NUN' 55447-1432 Dear Llayor Tierney, Since I joined you at the counsel meeting on Feb. 16, 1999, I've been concerned. about Plymouths forests. All around there are new developments popping up along with the destruction of large forests. I used to see forests in most of the places where new buildings have been built. I'm also concerned about the forests around my home. My friends and I like playing games in the forests but all the forests around my home are being taken down. What is the city of Plymouth doing to protect its old growth forests for future generations? Also, does the city of Plymouth have any new forest planting programs? If so, maybe my Boy Scout Troop, Troop 537, could help out a little. During the counsel meeting, the sale of alcohol to minors was discussed and I am concerned about this topic. There were a lot of issues on this at the meeting, and I have some views on it. As I recall, you only punished the sellers of the alcohol and not the buyers. I think the buyers should be punished also since they are the real law breakers. I also know that sometimes, it is the clerk that sells the beer, but most of the time, It's just an accident. What penalties does the city of Plymouth enforce against the buyers of the alcohol or their parents? I would appreciate it if you could respond to my letter at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Phil Demro 3235 Lanewood Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 Z -2b S CITY OF PLYMOUTF+ March 23, 1999 Mr. Dick Pickering 3030 Highway 101 Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Pickering: Your letter to Councilmember Slavik regarding loud muffler noise by your home was referred to Public Safety to address. Lt John Ward of our department contacted you on March 19, to get more detailed information regarding the time of day when the greatest violations were occurred. Further conversation with you also detailed that traffic stops at 101 and 24 and when they speed off the defective exhaust systems resonate through the area. Lt. Ward then put out this information to the patrol division and the traffic unit and they began addressing the problem. Both the traffic unit and the patrol division on routine patrol have worked details in the area and taken action; we hope you have begun to see a change. We will be following up with more detail to you on this item after April 5`h. If you have further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for taking the time to bring this issue to our attention so we could help correct the problem. Sincerely, � � i . Craig . Gerdes Director of Public Safety PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT be cc: C/R file (99-16) PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(Place To Live Ank 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNFRATA 55dd7.Ina'7 . Tei =0W^k1C --- FROM GRAY PLANT MOOTY MOOTY (THU) 2-25'99 15:52/ST.15:51/NO. 4261011306 P 2 _ .�._ .. ~jt- 'IS 3 b ;�,D H WY t Ol From the desk of ...Dick Pickering VA, -4 L -e- LL � S L,;-� A�dXe> j 0&L 1� Jit — ,esti" C. ✓LT S-{ I n JU o f t-\ T�l,� t •t,z S P" jr, s �. i''l.z N v rs�v 1--1 T—\lAJ IP aAl 01 -JY kkv . Zt r S IN t L�14.� +-oo. l x3. 1 CITY OF PLYMOUI'I+ March 23, 1999 Ms. Marilyn Miller 2785 Wayzata Boulevard Long Lake, MN 55356 Dear Ms. Miller: This letter is to confirm that your complaint of Lack of Courtesy has been received and will be dealt with promptly. In most instances, rudeness or lack of courtesy complaints tend to be difficult to specifically resolve because it is not so much what is said as how it was said and the officer's general demeanor. As such, we attempt to deal with these matters more positively between supervisor and subordinate in the context of how the situation might have been dealt with differently. This is not to say that we do not take this matter seriously; however, our response beyond that stated must be predicated upon a pattern of conduct and the results of a supervisor's efforts to deal with that pattern. Your complaint and the supervisor's contact are documented to determine if a pattern of conduct arises and is not dealt with as a formalized Internal Affairs investigation with any specific findings. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Should you have occasion to have contact with the Plymouth Police Department in the future, I hope it to be in a more pleasant vein. Sincerely, p u/Ward, Lieutenant (612) 509-5181 essional Standards Division YMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT cc: Steve Larson, Manager, Lifetime Fitness Joy Tierney, Mayor, City of Plymouth Dwight Johnson, City Manager, City of Plymouth PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®...�,.. www.6plymouth.mn.us T- 2L r 2785 Wayzata Boulevard Long Lake, Minnesota 55356 March 16, 1999 Craig Gerdes Chief of Police Plymouth Police Department 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Chief Gerdes: Today I was waiting for my daughter at Lifetime Fitness in the front of the building in the fire lane. Granted, I was apparently not supposed to be waiting there, but I am going to tell you what happened to let you know how rude one of your police officers is and, apparently, how she gets off on being a police officer. I do not know her name but she was a blonde and monitoring the Lifetime Fitness parking lot at 3:30 pm. First of all, I did not see her approach the car and I had my window down when she came up to my car and yelled "Are you a fireman?" making me jump. If I had a heart condition, I certainly could have been at a health risk. I then moved my car immediately. My daughter had ridden her bike there; so when she came out, I drove over to the bike area and was loading her bike in my trunk when she yelled at me again that I could not park there. I told her we were loading up the bike and would move in just a few minutes. Before we got the bike in the trunk, she was back again telling us that we had to do this in a parking space. We were not parked where we were in the way of the access to the building. She said that they had a person drown there and the emergency vehicles could not access the front door. My daughter told her she knew someone had drowned there and that she was a lifeguard there. The police officer then said "Well, you didn't do a very good job then, did you?" My daughter indicated back to her that she was not working there then. This was a very inappropriate comment. First of all, I don't think Lifetime wants the police officers who monitor their parking lot advertising to their patrons that someone has drown there. Second, if my daughter had been the lifeguard on duty when that person drowned, imagine how she would have felt hearing this remark. This police officer should take some lessons in thinking before opening her mouth. She needs to be taught when using her authority, she should respect the public who pays her wages. This letter is for your information as I am sure you want to correct situations like this so you have a staff that serves the public in a becoming manner of a police force and sets a good example of public relations. Sincerely, Marilyn Miller cc: Steve Larson, Manager, Lifetime Fitness Joy Tierney, Mayor, Plymouth Dwight Johnson, Chairman, City Council Internet Contact From: DMoyer [DMoyer@ msn.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 23,1999 1:53 PM To: contact@ ci.plymouth.mn.us Subject: Parking I have a few concerns about the parking that is allowed in front of LifeTime Fitness Center on Plymouth Blvd. 1. Parking is allowed too close to the corner of Plymouth Blvd & 37th Ave. When one is attempting to make any turn, or go straight, it is impossible to see traffic heading north. Several people from the city should try to make this turn during a busy parking time and see what I mean. Someday, there will be a very bad collision due to the lack of being unseen and traffic driving too fast. 2. Now that Lifetime has completed the expanded parking lot, why is parking still allowed on the street? I can't tell you how many times I have seen many empty parking spaces in the lots and people park on the street. 3. Plymouth Blvd is designed as a four lane road. Why can't it remain a four lane road? 4. A four way stop signor traffic light needs to be placed on the corner of 37th & Plymouth Blvd. 1 would be interested in knowing if traffic concerns about this area has been addressed, and if so, what is currently be done about. Thank you for your time. Diane Moyer 00 5 �p .� "o -, N on 96 N C Cy � N � N 0 ..7 yin• ..r V •� U N LL d4 •� •�. N •~ -0 N N •� cc N O q K N b F o o E N lr a 4 i o U a as E Cn O U V] •o O C cO LL ON M N M h O 00 M O O O O O O O vl V1 N r. Itt h r. O, N O O O O O O O O O T as cs T T Obi T O\ •-� N N v1 N 00 O ON O v1 ON •-� v N O O O O O O O O oas Os ON 0o •-- O� %n N 00 O ON O %n i as i v N O O O en O T en O O en O en O O Y O d v F > ai 42 N U 14 00 •� .7 r+ �+ ^ ed •� U N 79 •� 0 "a y N U U w O y •0 ,� ��' N V N O a+ .y U yU l0 U a w a� 2 w° ee c 0 a 0 •Urz e 0 � •0 U_ •o ao � 9 00 0 •� O ... O l0 a0i I'd O O O O •ty U �-+ N O N N 06 -- N N N IV L L L V O O N >+ �•� a. �LLa W a) C a U � L LN Q , c wi (a a)a) oC a) p t o v O .0 Ems, tea, . ca p • a) p .a o •- o .., U (1)U v OV) .0 CL C. �` N , v 0 Z O. a) E' . O E ' a) ' N to fl. V U a .-a- cu. •a a, >, E co >,� C C U ca. c E O M �? � (D N Q s U cu n CU o o 0 3 o a => qt (� L. CN CL cu a) o E ca N 3 }. o co �, o a� — ca N 3 3 'X . o' o cu N ca 'V a) �- v o v. C C� , .0 O x 30 x t3: (� O c. co Y. _ O_O a N a o y 2 Q d. O Z Q U co E o-E:v�.ao L� rn.� «: c.°E �o•L�°, -�Zvica ami ca E .C� 0�oEa)aiNVU� N C oVo Lo 0-0 C•Eo�5,U)m 'mCNL. OEca� o �L V L• cr .0 p- p. 4, F- O U 3.6 O.O L LL O. ca a.N O \ N ~ CU '. Y cu G lu- v- 3 c. el a Al` _ o amcai r• c. N �o�rn Lo �. , c vJ -' O p o • � - . N �., .>; • � o ai is W co a N;c N N p�cQcoi \. cr N o O Zi O O v c y E O. L >, U a c CO-) >,. ,� N= C E o v � �� U • O, L N N (- O j .0 3� �, �- fn Y 0 '' it J� 0 -. ~ N A O•�. �O N N N �� a) I— I .-.. — c !` N 05 '�• �- c c cv >- v p. rn a o cu 3 - o a coo c cu, —co cc 2 CU 2 ca _ Qcpca Q Co Co j N 0-0 CL m- a o U. a�oo E Wim. c No a�' Q o N O c� - a`O (D -0 -0- (D M.— aopL0 cu L p O � .�c .' O O O •E N .�.. vj N N co) V > C .3 O L O L.•- L co) c O O U CO) V U O N% c .— O .O . :i5 E c E a) � cu c cu CO) o ca m+ 0 o — 3 `.>a, N 0 O N O CO)LL c N Q >' .Q NO-. p O •V C 8- L cu CO) - ffi O L O O. m �r.� (� L L � Y c0 �Y .Co N•� N �... �.V �.�. L'V a. c. �� T� �a GRAFT 03/26/99 10:23 AM CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENDA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 6,1999,7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLYMOUTH FORUM Individuals may address the Council about any item not contained on the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the Forum, the City Council will continue with the agenda. The City Council will take no official action on items discussed at the Forum, with the exception of referral to staff or Commission for future report. 4. PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENTS 4.1 4.2 5. APPROVE AGENDA—Councilmembers may add items to the agenda including items contained in the Council Information Memorandum for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The Council will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 6. CONSENT AGENDA—These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed elsewhere on the agenda. 6.01 Approve proposed City Council Minutes 6.02 Approve Disbursements 6.03 Proclaim April 11-18 as the Days of Remembrance for Holocaust Victims * Items require 5 affirmative votes of the City Council for approval. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING April 6,1999 Page 2 6.04 Adopt Policy on Providing Information to the Public 6.05 Affirm 1999-2000 City Council Goals established at March 13 Special Meeting 6.06 Appoint Helen LaFave to Northwest Suburban Cable Communication Commission 6.07 Approve Lot Division of 3,637 square feet of U—S West property located at 13300 15" Avenue North to consolidate with property owned by AT & T located at 13320 151, Avenue North. U—S West Communications (99013) 6.08 Approve Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Amendment for a building addition and parking alterations for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints located at 330 Vicksburg Lane North. Neil Weber Architects (99011) 6.09 Approve Amendments to Chapter 21 of the Plymouth City Code, the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance to: 1) allow accessory buildings to be placed within an equivalent yard, which is the area between the main building and an abutting arterial, major collector, or other public street where access has been prohibited; and 2) clarify that accessory buildings that are 120 square feet in floor area or less are exempt from the requirement for a building permit. City of Plymouth (99019) 6.10 Approve Resolution for Abatement of a Hazardous Building located at 2025 Kilmer Lane North 6.11 Amend Snowmobile Regulations 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS ** 7.1 Public Improvement Hearing on 1999 Street Reconstruction Program, Project 9001 7.2 Conduct Hearing to Consider Civil Penalty for Liquor Law Violation relating to Off - Sale Intoxicating Liquor License issued to Four Seasons Liquor II Inc., 4232 Lancaster Lane (first violation) 7.3 Conduct Hearing to Consider Civil Penalty for Liquor Law Violation relating to On - Sale Intoxicating Liquor License issued to Blue Wave Ventures, Inc., d/b/a Green Mill Restaurant, 2705 Annapolis Lane North (first violation) * Items require 5 affirmative votes of the City Council for approval. **Items require 6 affirmative votes of the City Council for approval. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING _ April 6,1999 Page 3 7.4 Conduct Hearing to Consider Civil Penalty for Liquor Law Violation relating to On - Sale Intoxicating Liquor License issued to TGI Friday's Inc., d/b/a Italianni's, 220 Carlson Parkway (second violation) 7.5 Conduct Hearing to Consider Civil Penalty for Liquor Law Violation relating to On - Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor and Wine License issued to D & D of Minnesota, Inc., d/b/a Famous Dave's BBQ Shack, 11308 Highway 55 (first violation) 7.6 Application of Grazzi LLC., d/b/a Siena Ristorante'Enoteca, for a new on -sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor license at 3500 Vicksburg Lane North 7.7 Application of Angeno's Plymouth Hill, Inc., d/b/a Angeno's Pizza and Pasta for a new on -sale 3.2 and wine license at 3355 Plymouth Blvd. 8. GENERAL BUSINESS 8.1 Review Report on Future Traffic Signal Needs 8.2 Renew Property Casualty Liability Insurance and Approve Transfer from Risk Management Fund 8.3 8.4 9. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1 Declare Vacancy and Make Appointment to Public Safety Advisory Board 9.2 Legislative Update 10. ADJOURNMENT * Items require S affirmative votes of the City Council for approval **Items require 6 affirmative votes of the City Council for approval From. AMA To: Dwight Johnson AMM FAX NEWS March 22-26, 1999 State of Region address set for Monday, March 29 The annual State of the Region address sponsored by the Metropolitan Council will be held on Monday, March 29 at the Leamington Transit Hub in Minne- apolis. The hub is located between Second Avenue and Eleventh Street. The event, which includes a presenta- tion by Met Council Chair Ted Mondale, will run from 9-11 a.m. If you plan to attend please register by calling 651-602-1884. There is no charge to attend. .4.11.11 Far News is fared periodical!), to a11.4A1.11 city managers and administrators. The information is intended to he shared ►rich mayors. cuuncibnembers and staff in order to keep officials abreast of important metro ci(y issues. F -Cop right 1999 AMM 145 1'nirersiry Arcnue !I est St. Paul. AfN 55103-2044 Phone: (651) 215-4000 Far: (651) 281-1299 E-mail. amm'45amm145.org I eb Site: hr1p:/1"-"-n-.amm145.org Date: 3123/99 Time: 5:20:08 PM Page 2 of 2 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Fiscal disparities amendment heard he House Property Tax Division heard on March 22 HF 1700, which would redistribute the county portion of the fiscal disparities pool. Under the provisions of the bill, the county distribution formula would include a factor related to uncompen- sated hospital expenditures for low- income patients. The amended formula would begin for taxes paid in 2000 and subsequent years. The hospital costs factor would begin as 10 percent of the formula and gradually increase to 50 percent. The bill would primarily aid Hennepin County. The bill was opposed by Anoka and Washington counties, whose administrators spoke against the bill. The committee held the bill for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Tax Bill but there was considerable discus- sion regarding fiscal disparities. Some members suggested that the law be reviewed during the interim. TIF bills to be discussed in Senate The Senate Local Government Finance Division will hear several Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bills this week. Among them are special bills for specific cities, as well as general law amendments. Senate File 22, authored by Sen. John Marty (D -Roseville), is scheduled for a hearing. The bill would prohibit the use of TIF for new or expanded districts after June 30, 1999. Other bills to be heard include SF 924 that would prohibit the use of TIF for cultural, social and recreational facilities. Several local bills are also on the agenda. Hearings have not been scheduled in the House. Land use and planning fee bill heard enate File 1839, which would place limits on the imposition of fees for planning and zoning permits, was heard in the Senate Local Govern- ment Committee. The bill, which was sponsored by the Builders Association of Minnesota and authored by Sen. Deanna Wiener (D - Eagan), generated a lengthy discus- sion among the committee members and the witnesses including Ann Hurlburt, Plymouth planning director, and LMC Executive Director Jim Miller. As a result of the testimony and discussion, the bill was tabled. It's unlikely the bill will be acted upon this session. Since it didn't meet the Senate deadline, it won't be heard in the House. The issue of development and building fees will, however, continue to be an issue. It is possible that there could be an interim study of the issue. The study could be led by the Metro- politan Council or a state agency. From: AMM To: Kathy Lueckert Date: 3/25/99 Time: 1:54:10 PM Page 2 of 2 AMM fAX NEWS March 22-26,1999 (no. 2) State of Region address set for Monday, March 29 The annual State of the Region address sponsored by the Metropolitan Council will be held on Monday, March 29 at the Leamington Transit Hub in Minne- apolis. The hub is located between Second Avenue and Eleventh Street. The event, which includes a presenta- tion by Met Council Chair Ted Mondale, will run from 9-11 a.m. If you plan to attend please register by calling 651-692-1884. There is no charge to attend. AMM Far News is faxed periodically to all AMM city managers and administrators. The biformation is intended to be shared with mayors, councilmembers and staff in order to keep officials abreast of important metro city issues. ©Copyright 1999 AMM 145 University Avenue West St. Pau4 DIN 55103-2044 Phone. (651) 215-4000 Fax. (651) 281-1299 E-mail. amm@atnm145.org Web Site. http.-Ilnww.amml45.org 4" Association of Metropolitan Municipalities CORRECTION: The telephone number to register for the State of the Region should be: 651-602-1844. The number was listed incorrectly on the 3/23/99 News Fax. NHR ly ' yy 04: j4NP1 LLHbUL Vr rnr 1.1 I ltb P. 1 L_ 1�1 J T . �t 7" aAa poltto�•�' _ . L mc .(,�ayw o�llli�rwub CibM ---FRIDAYFAx Number 11 Ciha� rhrw A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities March 19, 1999 First committee deadline passes, bad ideas still abound Reverse referendum keeps coming back During the Thursday floor discus- sion of a bill that would allow Goodhue County to increase its levy above levy limits, Rep. Bob Milbert (DFL -South St. Paul) offered an amendment that would have required the county to allow voters to trigger a refer- endum on the increase in future years. Although the amendment was defeated on a 62 to 67 vote, the issue of local spending constraints keeps popping up during legislative debates. With proposals for tax freezes and reverse referenda requirements for property tax increases, the Tax Conference Committee will not likely be an enjoyable envi- ronment this year. Amortization repeal bill up in Senate Rules The bill that would repeal the authority of cities and counties to use a tool known as amortiza- tion will be considered in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday. Amortization has been used by cities to phase-out non- conforming land uses. An action by Sen. Jane Ranum (DFL - Minneapolis) redirected the bill to the Rules Committee from the Senate floor. The Rules Sub- committee on bill referrals was unable to agree on whether the bill should be heard in Judiciary or sent to the Senate floor. The full Rules Committee will now decide the matter. The House companion is awaiting action on the House floor. Final offer -total package arbitration On Thursday night, the House Government Operations Commit- tee approved a bill that would change final offer -total package arbitration (FOTP) to the default for contract negotiations with firefighters. The bill is authored by Rep. Gene Pelowski (DFL- Winona).Under current law, with the agreement of both parties FOTP arbitration can be used. The League testified in opposi- tion to the requirement based on concerns that FOTP arbitration could increase local government costs, result in losing control of traditional management responsi- bilities such as scheduling the workforce, and interfere with the implementation of pay equity. The Senate companion has not been heard. County EDA bill advances A bill offered by Rep. William Kuisle (R -Rochester) that would allow all counties to establish economic development authori- ties was heard in the House Jobs and Economic Development Committee on Thursday. Accord- ing to the Association of Minne- sota Counties (AMC), the Legis- lature has already authorized 10 counties to create EDAs. The AMC -supported proposal would allow the other 77 counties to establish similar entities. The League expressed concerns about overlapping economic development powers between cities and counties, and pointed out the problems that could be created if the county EDA was to support urban development immediately out- side the city boundary. In addi- tion, the League expressed concern that the county EDA levy could apply to city property owners and, in some cases, the city residents could pay the majority of the county EDA levy even though county projects would not occur within the city. Although the bill was amended to address several League concerns, it still needs major work. The bill was passed out of the House Jobs and Economic Development Commit- tee, and will likely be referred to the Tax Committee for further study. We will more completely summarize the bill in next week's Cities Bulletin. For more inEfwmation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Claes Intergovernmental Relations team. MAR 19 '99 04:54PM LERGUE OF MN G1IiLb FRIDAYFAx AURCH 19, 1999— PAGE 2 Post-traumatic workers' compensation On Thursday evening, the Senate Jobs, Energy, and Community Development Committee passed a bill that would establish post- traumatic stress as a compens- able injury for peace officers. The bill was authored by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL -St. Paul). With the input of the League and the Association of Minnesota Coun- ties, Sen. Kelly amended the bill in committee to limit the post- traumatic condition to instances where a police officer has either lawfully killed someone or caused great bodily harm by force or violence. The amend- ment should significantly narrow the conditions that could qualify under workers' compensation. The bill has yet to be heard in the House where an expansion of workers' comp will likely have less support. Senate committee hears bili on zoning and land use fee The Senate Local and Metropoli- tan Government Committee is considering a bill today which would mandate a series of processes and procedures that must be met before a local government can charge fees for various land use and building fees. The bill, S.F. 1839, authored by Sen. Deanna Wiener (DFL -Eagan), would require local governments to prepare a cost analysis estimating the annual expense in providing the city services, an estimate of the number of employee hours necessary to perform the ser- vices, and an identification of existing funds that may be avail- able to pay some or all of the expenses. House and Senate committees pass bills prohibiting zoning of gun shops The attack on municipal zoning authority continued this week as the House Civil Law Committee and the Senate Local and Metro- politan Government Committee passed bills prohibiting munici- palities from enacting zoning regulations pertaining to firearms dealers. The bills, S.F. 1135 and H.F. 1704, preempt local land use authority with respect to these types of business activi- ties. Both pieces of legislation would eliminate any local author- ity over the location of firearms businesses within a community, and would literally prohibit cities from excluding gun shops from residential zoning districts or P.2 from placing any other type of restriction on these types of business uses. This significant infringement on city zoning authority is part of a larger bill that prohibits local governments from suing gun manufacturers. We urge you to contact your legislators to express opposi- tion to these bills. Time Change! March 25 1999 LMC Legislative Conference Sheraton Midway Hotel St. Paull Due to a number of last minute scheduling requirements, the LMC Legislative Conference will begin at 8:15 a.m. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. For more information on city kaislativo issaes, Contac( any member of the l.eante of Minnesota Cities lieler90vernfsntd Reladons leaf. C H A R T E R E D 1 — C 470 Pillsbury Center A- 200 South Sixth Street Minneapolis MN 55402 (612) 337-9300 telephone (612) 337-9310 fax http://www.kennedy-gravcn.com MEMORANDUM �ARLEs L. LEFEVERE Attorney at Law Direct Dial (612) 337-9215 email: clefevere@kennedy-graven.com TO: Managers or Administrators of Cities Which Are Members of Bassett Creek, Shingle Creek, West Mississippi and Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organizations, and Commissioners FROM: Charlie LeFevere C_ DATE: March 24, 1999 RE: Legislative Alert It has recently come to our attention that bills have been introduced at the Minnesota Legislature which would prohibit city councils from appointing city staff members to serve as board members on joint powers watershed management organizations (such as Bassett Creek, Shingle Creek, West Mississippi and Lower Rum). A memorandum on these bills and the status of the bills is attached. Under current law, there is no such prohibition and city councils can, and often do, appoint staff members such as managers, administrators, or personnel from the city's engineering staff. There may, of course, be reasons why a city council wishes to appoint one of its own members or a member of the general public to serve on such a board. However, concern has been expressed about the proposed bills because they would take from city councils the option of appointing city staff personnel, even if the council were to determine that staff members would best represent the interests of the city. It may be difficult or inconvenient for city councilmembers to serve on such commissions or to find interested citizens to do so, particularly in cities which are members of multiple joint powers organizations. However, the most serious objection to the bills is that they take away the prerogative of the city council to select representatives to joint powers boards whom the council feels are best suited to represent the city by education, training, interest and availability. CLL -160299 BA295-1 1- 5C Any explanation from me about the purposes of the sponsors of these bills would be speculation on my part. However, I have not been able to come up with a public purpose which would be served by these bills. If you, your mayors and councils have a position on these bills, I would encourage you to notify your local legislators as soon as possible. I have discussed these bills with Gary Carlson of the League of Cities and Gene Raniere of the AMM, both of whom are aware of the bills. However, these organizations may not be aware of how cities would be affected by the bills, and I would encourage you to notify them if you have special concerns. I do not believe that the League of Cities or the AMM had any reason to expect that these bills would be introduced. Therefore, formal positions have not been taken, and I do not believe that either organization regards responding to these bills as a priority. In the absence of any response by affected cities, I am concerned that the bills may become law simply because no one has taken any steps to express their concerns to local legislators. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to give me a call. CLL -160299 BA295-1 INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: March 23,1999 To: Charlie LeFevere From: Ann J. Blair Re: BA295-1 Status of legislation relating to watershed management organizations; HF 1276 / SF 1730 Attached are copies of the text and status of House File 1276 and its companion, Senate File 1730. The bill began in the House, and was heard in the Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee on March 16, 1999, where it was amended and passed out of committee with a recommendation to pass. It is now on the House floor, where it will be considered, although no date is set at this time. (The amended copy of the bill is attached to this memorandum). The bill companion does have a committee hearing in the Senate, which presents an opportunity to lobby against the bill. The bill, SF 1730, was introduced in the Senate on March 11, 1999, and was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. It is not yet on the committee agenda, but it must be heard by March 31, or it will not meet the deadline. House Bill Status Document Display Document I of I http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us:81/SE...6M%3DI%26K%3DHF127601999%26R%3DY%26U%.-- r f■��+❑ House Bill Status Search Form Senate Bill Status Search Form House Bill Status Document Display Document 1 of 1 Bill Name: HF1276 Bill Text Senate Status Revisor Number: 99-2816 House Research Summary Chief Author: Ozment Author: Dempsey Other authors Companion File: SF1730 Bill Text Senate Status House Status Short Description: Watershed management organization board membership modified. Main Topic: Watershed Districts Long Description Unofficial Actions Official Actions: -I-..----.- .... . .. . . ....... Date Action fo1/19991F First reading, referred to .------j . . ........ ....... . ...... X02/1999 Author added f04/1999 Recalled and re-referred Ito 8/1999ilCommittee report, pass as Ijamended 'Pecond reading ... . ........ Committeeffiesctiption ............ )nment and Natural Resources F589 89 __j —'F6176, IFI -61 sey Government and Metropolitan 680 S F10785,1 F 085a. .. . ....... .. .... ........... ... ... 1096 1096 House Bill Status Search Form Senate Bill Status Search Form KF No. 1276, 1 st Engrossment http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/bldbill.pl?bill=H 1276.1 &session=l KEY: men = old language to be removed underscored = new language to be added NOTE: If you cannot see any difference in the key above, you need to change the display of stricken and/or underscored language. Authors and Status ■ List versions HX No.1276,1st Engrossment: 81st Legislative Session (1999-2000) Posted on 3/19/99 1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to water; modifying board membership on 1.3 watershed management organizations; amending Minnesota 1.4 Statutes 1998, section 103B.227, subdivision 2. 1.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.6 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 1998, section 103B.227, 1.7 subdivision 2, is amended to read: 1.8 Subd. 2. [NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCIES.] Appointing 1.9 authorities for watershed management organization board members 1.10 shall publish a notice of vacancies resulting from expiration of 1.11 members' terms and other reasons. The notices must be published 1.12 at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the 1.13 watershed management organization area. The notices must state 1.14 that persons interested in being appointed to serve on the 1.15 watershed management organization board may submit their names 1.16 to the appointing authority for consideration. After December 1.17 31 1999 staff of local units of government that are members of 1.18 the watershed management organization are not eligible to be 1.19 annointed to the board. Published notice of the vacancy must be 1.20 given at least 15 days before an appointment or reappointment is 1.21 made. 7 Inn A- Bill Summary H. F. 1276 hitp://www.housc.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/bs/81/HF1276.F: _...... .......... Minnesota House of Representatives House Research Bill Summary FILE NUMBER: H. F. 1276 DATE: March 16, 1999 Version: As Introduced STATUS: Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee Authors: Ozment and Dempsey Subject: Watershed Management Organizations Analyst: Wendy Simons, 651-296-5052 This document can be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please call (651) 296-6753 [voice]; or the Minnesota State Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529 [TTY] for assistance. This bill amends the section of statute regarding filling vacancies on the boards of watershed management organizations to make staffs of local governments that are members of an organization ineligible to be appointed to the board of the organization. Unofficial Status http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/perl/unoff—st.pl?session=ls8l&bilinum=HFI Minnesota House of Representatives House Information Unofficial Status HF1276 'jDate Committee Action LOCAL GOVERNMENT & METRO AFFAIRS .... .. . .... . .. . ... . ......... . ..... - ... ....... ..... -7 3/16/99 mmended to pass, as amended . ..... . .... ....... . .... .......... . . . . . .... ......... ......... ... ..... ....... ..... . .... . ........ ....... . .............. . ...... ...... ... .... . . . A Senate Bill Status Document Display Document 1 of I http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us:8 USE ... ARCH+INC+'SF1730'+AND+SESSION-NUMBER+= Senate Bill Status Document Display Document 1 of 1 Senate Bill Status Search Form House Bill Status Search Form Bill Name: SF1730 Bill Text House Status Revisor Number: 99-2816 Chief Author: Pariseau Author: Langseth Author: Robling Author: Wiger Companion File: HF1276 Bill Text House Status Senate Status Short Description: Watershed management organizations board membership provision modification Unofficial Actions Official Actions: Date � 03/11/1999 Intro 03/ 11 / 1999 Refe Action!) Committee/Description ction and first reading, to _IlEnvironment and Natural Senate Bill Status Search Form House Bill Status Search Form BJP :,Roll Call 643' Effective January 5,1999 - Minnesota•House of Representatives 1999 Members PhonePhone District/Member/Party Room• (651) 296- District/Member/Party �� �Room• (651)296- 651)296 -49A 49A Abeler,Jim (R) S81 1729 .33A Lindner, Arlon (R) 417 7806 45A Abrams, Ron (R) 585 9934 47A Luther, Darlene (DFL) .._ 371 3751 196 Anderson, Bruce (R) 411 5063 67A Mahoney,Tim (DFL) 223 4277 3A Anderson, Iry (DFU »-»»-»-------- - 343 4936 55A 65B Mares, Harry (R) Mariani,Carlos (DFL) 401. 209 5363 97.14 6A Bakk,Thomas (Tom) (DFL) 345 303 2190 4219 578 Marko, Sharon (DFL) 221 3135 59A 306 Biemat, Len (DFU Bishop, Dave (R) 453 0573 SSB McCollum, Betty (DFU 239 1188 25B Boudreau, Lynda (R) 473 8237 366 McElroy, Dan (R) 437 4212 30A Bradley, Fran (R) 559 9249 54A McGuire, Mary Jo(DFU 259 4342 536 Stoecker, Sherry (R) 533 7153 396 Milbert, Bob (DFL) 243 4192 356 Buesgens, Mark (R) _.__..___ . _... 415 1072 35A Molnau, Carol L (R) Mulder, Richard (R) 443 515 8872 4336 466 Carlson, Lyndon R. (DFU » 279 4255 3709 21B 58A Mullery,Joe (DFU 387 4262 476 108 Carruthets,Phil (DFU-217 Cassell. George (R) 421 _»».4317 7A Munger,Willard(DFU.-------.-----283 4282 52A Chaudhary, Satveer (DFL) 311 .4331 BA Murphy, Mary (DFU.»..».--------- - - 357 2676 4344 23A Clark,JamesT.(R) 583 9303 20A Ness, Robert`Bob'(R) 509 471—.-- 4946 61A Clark, Karen (DFL) 307 » 0294 10A 19A Nomes, Bud (R) Olson, Mark (R) 501 -- 4237 11 A Daggett, Roxann (R) 439 �»- 367 4293 9278 16A Opatz,lce(DFU 281 6612 316 65A Davids, GregoryM.(R) Dawkins, Andy (DFL) 215 - »- 5158 606 Orfield, Myron (DFU »------- --.- 377 9281 14A Dehler,Steve(R) 491 _ 7808 29B Osskopp, Mike (R) 449 273 9236 4224 29A Dempsey, Jerry (R) 549. _»»»» _ ". 8635 66A 118 Osthoff,Tom (DFU Otremba, Mary Ellen (DFU 393 3201 27A 24A Dorman, Dan (R) Dorn,John(DFU 579 201 8216 3248 37A Ozment,Dennis(R) 479 4306 64A Entenza, Matt (DFL) 213 8799 426 Paulsen, Erik (R) 44S » 459 » 7449 4128 42A Erhardt, Ron (R) 591 4363 6746 388 64B Pawlenty,Tim (R) Paymar, Michael (DFL) 331 4199 17A • Erickson, Sondra (R) »_»»» _ » »_»»_. 407 _» _ _ 517_» » » »»» . 9918 32A Pelowski Jr. Gene (DFU 295 8637 1 B 44A Finseth,Tim (R) Folliard Betty (DFU _» »_» . _ »_ » »»r»_» 211 »__"_»_M___ .» » »_ 3964 138 Peterson, Doug (DFU — 287 4228 4A Fuller, Doug (R) » _ 525 5516 39A Pugh,Thomas W. (DFU ---. ---- 267 6828 4176 36A Gerlach, Chris (R) 531 »_.»._..»»»_ 5506 46A 28A Rest, Ann H. (DFU Reuter, Doug (R) 277 S07 --5368 636 Gleason, Mark S. (DFL) 313 _ » »» _ 563 _»_-_» 5375 5515 44B Rhodes Jim (R) 409 9889 9A 586 Goodna Kevin (R) Gray, Gregory (DFL) � . r»_._ 229 - » 8659 328 Rifenberg, Michelle (R) » 423 1069 62A Greenfield, Lee (DFU 207. _ _»»» »»»»»» _ . 0173 18A Rostberg, Jim (R) 545 375 5364 0170 54B Greiling, Mindy (DFU 253 » _ »_» _ »_» _ 5387 5A 178 Rukavina,Tom (DFL) Schumacher, Leslie J. (DFU 327 5377 26A 528 Gunther, Bob (R) Haake, Barb (R) 379 429 »» »_»»_»_» 3240 _ »- 0141 41A Seagren, Alice (R) 477 7803 48A Haas, Bill (R) 569 5513 57A Seifert,Jim (R) 577 593— 7807 374 50A Hackbarth,Tom (R) _ 575 2439 21A 2B Seifert, Marty (R) Skoe, Rod (DFU 321---4265 22B 12A Harder, Elaine (R) Hasskamp, Kris (DFU 487 _»___ _»»_»_»_. 353 5373 4333 62B Skoglund Wes (DFU 251 _»»_. 4330 "" " 666 Hausman. Alice (DFL) 245 » » �» »"-- — 3824 34A Smith, Steve (R) 503---9188 309 9188 2365 88 H)ity, Bill (DFL) 241 _»»_»». »»»»»»»_ 4308 3B Solberg, Loren A. (DFU.»---------- 543 — . 5502 37B Holberg, Mary Uz (R) 433 -6926 338 146 Stanek, Rich (R) Stang, Doug (R) 597 4373 56A Holsten, Mark William (R) 381 ._»» 3018 2451 24B Storm,Julie (R) 527 7065 48 6B Howes, Larry (R) Huntley,Thomas (DFL) 431»» 351 »»» 2228. 286 Sviggum, Steve (R) 463. . » _ »-» - —2273 76 Jaros, Mike (DFU 291 4246 23B Swenson, Howard (R)— 539 .........».. 8634 186 Jennings, Loren Geo (DFL) 237 0518 436 506 Sykora, Barb (R) Tingelstad Kathy (i) ._..._.....".-- 403 567 -4315 51 62 48B Johnson, Alice M. (DFL) 349 » _ _ _»»w.» - -.. 5510 56 Tomassoni, David J. (DFL) 233 15A 59B Juhnk%A](DFU Kahn, Phyllis (DFU •329___»___"._ 255 » _». _..» _.»_.6206 ".»»-- 4257 676 Trimble, Steve (DFL) --"».»»-.---» 289 4201 26B Kalis, Henry J.(DFU 317.-4240 25A Tuma,John(R) 369. _ »»»»-»»- -»»-"4229 9635 60A Kelliher, Margaret Anderson (DFU —231__»._»_» _ 0171 1A Tunheim,Jim(DFU »-»-----"---335 571 5511 20B Kielkucki,Tony (R) 521 »____» »_»_.1534 346 Van Dellen,HenryTodd (R) 529 4124 166 Knoblach. Jim (R) » _ 451 6316 518 63A Vandeveer, Ray (R) Wagenius,Jean (DFU...-.»---"----227 4200- 49B 53A Koskinen,Luanne (DFU Krinkie,Philip (R) 301 ».»_» 365 .»»»____.4231 2907 618 Wejcman,Linda (DFU �203 7152 156 Kubly,GaryW.(DFL).»»..».». 315 4346 12B Wenzel, Stephen G.(DFU......_..»..»»»-.389 4247 4226 31A Kuisle,William(R) _» 565 4378 51A Westerberg, Andrew(R)».».»_......""_»523 553 6829 568 Larsen, Peg (R) ...» 551 4244 96 Westfall,Robert L(Bob) (R) 557 4929 40A Larson, Dan (DFL) _ . _»» »._» 225 7158 13A Westrom,Torrey (R) ..».».».-».----.»-» 413 3533 276 Leighton, Rob (DFL) 261 4193 38A Wilkin,Tim (R) 247 5505 40B Lenczewski, Ann (DFL)337 »»» _ 4218 22A Winter,Ted (DFL) » "»»_» 359 » - 5185 458 leppik, Peggy (R) 485 7026 41B Wolf, Ken (R) 537 5066 2A Lieder, Bernie L.IDFU 323 5091 43A Workman,Tom (R) House Public Information Office -17S State Office Building -100 Constitution Ave.. St.Paul, MN SSI 55 • (6S1) 296-2146 This document an be made available In alternative formats by calling the Nouse at 11651) 2962146 voke,01) 2969896 TTY Now Room numbers are subject to change. — — -- --- Ust as of December 18,1998 •AB rooms sre W the state Once B•.81ding. St.Oau4 MN SSI SS District/Member/Party Minnesota Senate 1999 Members Phone Phone Room* (651) 296- District/Member/Party Room' (651) 296- 66 Anderson, Ellen R. DFL G-24 Cap -SS37 8 Lourey, Becky DFL G-9 Cap 0293 26 BeckmamTracy LDFL 124G Cap 5713 54 Marty,John DFL 326 Cap S64S 41 BelangerJr.WUlamV.R 113506 S97S 39 Metzen,JamesP.DFL 303Cap 4370 13 Berg, Charles A. (IND.) G-51 SOB 5094 2 Moe, Roger D. DFL 208 Cap 2577 61 Berglln,Unda DFL 309 Cap 4261 32 Morse, Steven DFL G-24 Cap 5649 48 Betzold, Don DFL 306 Cap 2556 29 Murphy,Steve DFL 301 Cap 4264 64 Cohen, Richard 1. DFL 317 Cap. 5931 25 Neuville Thomas M. R 123 SOB 1279 28 Day, Dick R 147 SOB 9457 52 NovakSteven G.DFL 322 Cap 4334 20 Dille, Steve R 103 SOB 4131 43 OBver, Edward C. R 121 SOB 4837 14 FlSchbach,Michetle LR 149 SOB 2064 34 Olson,Gen R 119 SOB 1282 62 Flynn,Carol DFL 120 Cap 4274 19 Ourada, Mark R 145 SOB 5981 49 Foley, Leo DFL GA Cap 4154 65 Pappas, Sandra L DFL 120 Cap 1802 23 Frederickson, Dennis R.R 139 SOB 8138 37 Parlseau,Pat R 109 SOB 5252 50 Hanson,PaulaEOF1. 328Cap. 3219 27 Piper, Pat DFL G-9Cap 9248 58 Higgins,UndaLDFL 227Cap. 9246 59 Pogemiller, Lawrence I DFL 235 Cap 7809 24 Hottinger,J06C.DFL 120Cap. 6153 S7 PrkmLeonardR.DFL 23SCap 297.8060 S JanezldbJerryR.DFL 328 Cap. 8017 63 Ranum,JaneB.DFI 306Cap 297.8061. 40 Johnson,DaveDFL 111 Cap. 9261 4S Robertson,MarthaR.R 125506 4314 15 Johnson,DeanER 117S0B 3826 3S Robling, Claire A.R 151508 4123 6 Johnson,DouglasJ.DFL 20SCap 8881 S3 Runbeck, Linda R 107 SOB 1253 18 Johnson,Janet LOFL GA Cap 5419 i l Sams, Dallas C. DFL 328 Cap 297-8063 46 lunge, Ember R. DFL 205 Cap. 2889 12 Samuelson, Don DFL 124 Cap. 4875 44 Kelley,steveDFl 1321 Cap 297-8065 31 Scheevel,KenricIR 129508 3903 67 Kelly, Randy C.DFL 323 Cap 5285 • 47 Schekl,Unda DFL 317 SOB 8669 30 lOscaden,ShellaM.R 135 SOB 4848 7 Sok^SamG.DFL 303Cap 4188 . 16 Kids, Dave R 143 506 6455 60 Spem,Allan H. DFL 120 Cap 4191 36 Knutson, David L R 133 SOB 4120 17 Stevens, Dan R 105 SOB 8075 51 Krentz,JaneDFL 23SCap 7061 1 StumpE LeRoy A.DFL G- Cap. 8660 56 Laidlg,GaryW.R 141506 4351 4 Ten Eyck, David J. DFL G-24FCap.4913 9 Langseth, Keith DFL 122 Cap 3205 42 Tawilliger, Roy R 115 SOB 6238 10 Larson,Cal R 153 SOB 5655 22 Vk kennan,Xm DFL 226 Cap 5650 21 LPsewski,Arlene J.R 131508 4125 38 Wlener, Deanna LDFL 303 Cap 297-8073 3 Lessard, Bob DFL 111 Cap 4136 SS Wiger Charles W.DFL 32S Cap 6820 33 Lknmer, Warren R 127 SOB 2159 -capitol or State Office Bulling. Sc Paut MN 55155 Minnesota House and Senate Membership 1 A-R*.gmTurdrdm.m 8-Rep.TknFkrsetMR 15 A-RepAlAalrrk M 8•RepGaryW. l A-RepkryDempseyR 29 8• Rep.MRte0sskepp�R A-Rep.TomtModunar►R 43 B-RgL8arbsyk«a8 EdwardGOlh" A-Rep.AmSefenat 57 8-Rep.S ummado-ca SealeaurdR.Prke•DFL S*rLW A.Stumpf•OFL Sen.0eanEJWvaon-R Sen.StaveMw*-DFL Sen 2 A-RepBemkLLkder-OFL B-RepRodSkoeM -16 A-ftJwOpaU-DFL B-Rep.JmKnobI& M A-RepFrankad" -30 B•RepD-Nitnp�R A-RepBenyFOUNd�OFL 44 6-Rep.AmRhodes.R A-ReploeMulert-M 58 8-RgLGremGrry-DFL Sen.Roger0.mWm Sen.Davegds,l SenSheAaMgtcaderaR Sen.SteveKeBeitM Sen.UndaLWBgk*M 3 A-RgLkvArdenon-M � 17 A-ReµSordnEdcks 4 �Swm" A-RepWRramlfh" A-RepRonAbraMA 31 45 A-Repten6lemat-DFL 59 �� Sdwv" nR ce er-Oft 4 A-RepogMerR 8-Reptarry►owes'R 1 8 A-RepAmRostbergR e•RepWrcnGeoknnkgWXL A-RepGenePekwrskUJr.DFl. A-Rep.AnnKliest-0FL 32 8-ReP.MldrdkPoknt"4 46 8-ReptyndmLCad=-DFL Sm.EnimR.Arge-OFL A- Rep. AUWretAnderson KeMu-DFL 60 8-RepMyron*$dd.OFL SenAWKSpear-DFL Sen0addIlan 4&.DFL SenknetMohnson4XI. Sen.StevenMone-0FL A-RepTom&A&InaDFL 19 A-RepMAOIw4 �R Oura A-RepAdonLhvkwR 33 ��4i �a A-Rp.DxWNIudu-0FL 47 � A-Rep.Kar"Cark-DFL5°aa" 61 r�Sd 6 A-Re 11 mas(TWOBakk-DFL 20 A-Rep.Robert•Bob•Nm-R SmstteveeDDig" A-RepStt**WMR A-Rep.B111PA R 34 � VanD R 48 seoon&twldd� °" A-RepLeeficcnReld-M 62 L , 7 A-Rep6W%xdMugeaDFL � 21 A-RepMWWW444 A-RepCndLMObWA 35 OMA.R A-RgLJmAbdK4 49 � A-RepJeanWage"-DFL 63 a,,,� 8 A-RepJA"MurOVM �" 22 A-R%%TedNMurM � � A-R%%Q*GeslasMR 36 A-RepTomiladds&" 50 � A-RepMaUbtenUM 64 Son v1�dI K�ndtayA arm N l 9 A-RepKevinGoodno-R ��t 23 A-RepJarnesT.Gak4 RFre A-Rep0w*Om*nt-R A-RepAndrewweaerbergR 37 51 �:*"Knr� - A-RepAndyDawkin M 65 SmSoftl-P t„r 4t A-RepiludNom" 10 �G aaeB� A-Re;LOmWn#L 24 0� A-RepTknWYdra# A-RepSatveerOWjdra tM 38 ;L w0,. 52 A-RepTom0stho7.OFL 66 r.M t A-Repilmann0aggettA 11 � °� 25 A-ReploMTuna-R �Th� A-RepTho=W.Pugh#L A-RepPWPVAn WR 39 gip. 53 A-RepTlmMahoney-M 67 � Ckl ta� s � 26 s�12 � 40 54 ,,g�Jd Mw This document can be made A-Replm"Weshama . 13 6-R*OogPeenon-DFL 27 A-RepOanDomurfR 8•RepRobIaW*on•DfL A-RepAIwSeag" A-R*NA"Maft4 41 B-P*FLV"WbFR 55 8-RepBettyM&OL Im avallabkinaRemative formats by a" the House at StnChadea 66er9•ND. sen.PatPipem Smwolaray.Belanwkat Sen.Cu4aW.WigerOFL (651)296.2146 voice. (6519 296 9896 TTY Or eSe ate at 14 A-RegSteve0ehl" 6-RepDougStm" 28 A-ReP.DmgReut" 8•Repkewe Svlg w" A-Replkn&hadt4 42 B-RepEmpauis" A-RepMakWW&rn"oW*" 56 6•RepPegLWW" (651) 29"S" voke ((fiSI) 9&02SOoke «(6s1) 296-0250TTY Sen MkhdeIJhchbadrA SwOkkOaplt S-RoyTerw8lger t SenGaryW.taldig•R L_ C. Lmc'* 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Iecgnoo`M;nnesota C;t;e: Phone: (651) 281-1200 - (80.0) 925-1122 Cities promoting e=enence Fax: (651) 281-1299 - TDD (651) 281-1290 Land Use and Zoning Amortization Prohibition The Senate Rules Committee rejected a request by the Senate Judiciary Committee to provide judicial review to S.F. 854 / H.F. 896 — Langseth (D-Glyndon) / Larsen (R - Lakeland). The bill is now on the Senate floor. The bill repeals city and county authority to use amortization to phase-out non -conforming land uses, overturns more than 30 years of established Minnesota case law, voids existing municipal ordinances and directly interferes with ongoing litigation. The House companion is awaiting action on the House floor. Municipalities should expect this bill to completely deny local governments the use of amortization as a method to deal with non -conforming uses except for very narrow application to certain nuisances. County EDAs A bill offered by Representative William Kuisle (R -Rochester) and Senator Jim Vickerman (D -Tracy) would allow all counties to establish economic development authbrities. According to the Association of Minnesota Counties, the legislature has already authorized ten counties to create EDAs. The AMC supported proposal, H.F.I 182/S.F.1226,,.would allow the other 77 counties to establish similar entities. The League, AMM, and NAHRO expressed concerns about overlapping economic development powers between cities and counties. Land use concerns included problems that could be created if the county EDA were to support urban development immediately outside the city boundary. In addition, the League expressed concern that the county EDA levy could apply to city property owners and in some cases, the city residents could pay the majority of the county EDA levy even though county projects would not occur within the city. Although the bill was amended to address several of our concerns, the bill still needs major work. The bill was passed out of the House Jobs and Economic Development Committee and will likely be referred to the Tax Committee for further study. Zoning and Land Use Fees The Senate Local and Metropolitan Government Committee tabled a bill that would have mandate a series of processes and procedures before a local government can charge fees for various land use and building fees. The bill, S.F. I 839/H.F.2055, authored by Sen. Deanna Wiener (D -Eagan) / Representative Tom Workman (R -Chanhassen), would have require local governments to prepare a detailed cost analysis estimating the annual expense in providing the city services, an estimate of the number of employee hours - over - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER necessary to perform the services, and an identification of existing funds that may be available to pay some or all of the expenses. Shooting Ranges Exempt from Planning and Zoning The Senate and House Local Government Committee passed S.F.592 / H.F 619 Vickerman (D -Tracy) / Hackbarth (R -Cedar, legislation exempt shooting ranges from local planning and zoning requirements. In the event that enough evidence is compiled to prove the range is a safety hazard or fails to comply with certain standards set out by a nationally recognized non-profit membership organization that provides firearms safety education, the governmental entity will be responsible for paying relocation and other costs. Both bills are on the House and Senate floors waiting final action. Prohibiting Zoning of Gun Shops The House and Senate Committees on Local Government and Civil Law have passed bills prohibiting municipalities from enacting zoning regulations pertaining to firearms dealers and others involved in the transaction of firearms. The bill, S.F. 1135/H.F. 1704, sponsored by Senator Doug Johnson (D -Tower) and Representative Steve Smith (R - Mound) preempt local land use authority with respect to these types of business activities, eliminating any local authority over the location of firearms businesses within a community, and literally prohibit cities from excluding gun shops from residential zoning districts or from placing any other type of restriction on these types of business uses. Both bills are on the House and Senate floors waiting final action. Annexation and Municipal Board While several bills have been introduced to change the State's annexation laws, reinstate the municipal board, stop annexations, provide for votes on contested case annexations, these bill appear to have failed to meet the policy committee deadlines. The League expects to see some type of language directed to the Office of Strategic and Long Range Planning to use alternative dispute resolution methods including mediation, arbitration or and administrative law judge to address contested boundary adjustments. This language will likely be developed during the agency budget process of the 1999 session. County Approval of City Plats The Senate Transportation Committee passed, as amended, to the floor S.F. 702 / Vickerman (D -Tracy), a bill originally designed to require county approval on any city plat approvals that abut existing or proposed county roads. The amended version of the bill removes the mandate that counties have absolute approval over city plats. However, it does require the city plat to reflect five county adopted criteria. In the event the county disagrees with the city's disposition of the criteria the county may demand dispute resolution. The House companion, H.F. 672 / Kuisle (R -Rochester), is scheduled to be heard in the House Transportation Committee on Thursday, March 25. 1 SJ LMC145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 53103-2044 League of Minnesota Cities Phone: (651) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Cities promotingexeellence Fax: (651) 281-1299 - TDD (651) 281-1290 Y2k Legislative Update Information -sharing Immunity And Loan Fund Y2k legislation which would give cities latitude in borrowing to address unanticipated costs due to Y2k remediation or contingency planning or to obtain a state loan for that purpose is moving forward. S.F. 2 (Kelley, S.)/ H.F. 73 (Larsen) have been heard, amended and approved by as many six or more policy committees in both House and Senate. Both bills are now either before Tax or Finance Committees. S.F. 2 is currently before the Senate Finance Committee to determine whether to recommend $20 million for loans to aid cities (as well as metro agencies and other local units of government) to prevent serious Y2k problems. H.F. 73 has been referred to the House Taxes Committee where a hearing will be held on language providing local government with emergency borrowing authority for critically needed Y2k expenses. The two bills are nearly identical at this point and contain other important provisions, including: • liability protection for sharing information about Y2k problems, remediation, testing, and replacement (which mirrors the federal Good Samaritan Act enacted last October); • Y2k-status reporting requirements for municipal utility and water supply systems and hospitals; and a . • waiver from competitive bidding and municipal contracting requirements for urgently needed services or equipment to deal with Y2k issues. Last week, the Senate Economic Development Budget Division recommended that the legislature provide $20 million in the Y2k loan fund which would be available for cities and other local units of government to help prevent threats to public safety, property and environmental damage due to Y2k problems. The State Y2k Project Office would administer the loan program, which provides that the loan amount be paid off in equal yearly installments over a five year period. Y2k Immunity Protection S.F. 299 (Kelley, S., Olson, Day, Limmer, Moe), legislation that would provide state and local government with limited immunity for losses or damage resulting from malfunctions or failures of city services due to Y2k-related causes is #14 on General Orders on the Senate floor, awaiting final action. Unfortunately, there is no companion bill in the House, although there has been considerable discussion about the issue. It is not clear at this point whether provisions in the Senate bill might make their way either into S.F. 2/H.F. 73 or be included in other pending legislation that also provides liability protection for government actions. There is less likelihood that the bill will be acted upon soon enough to be considered in the House Civil Law Committee prior to the March 31 deadline for committee action there. - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER -- S(A The League played a central role in urging that the following provisions be included in S.F. 299: • defining occurrence as any direct or indirect harm resulting from a single Y2k problem, regardless of the number of Y2k claims resulting from that problem; • preserving contractual rights so that vendor obligations or warranties would remain in force so that remedies for a vendor's failure to perform due to Y2k problems would be available as set forth in the contract or other applicable law; • limiting state and local liability for damages for Y2k claims if state or local units of government have identified the Y2k problem that is directly related to the claim; made reasonable efforts to correct or mitigate its effects, and to the extent that the effects could not reasonably be corrected, have disclosed, by July , the potential Y2k problem with the Minnesota Y2k Project Office - including a description of the problem and of efforts made (or to be made) to correct or mitigate it; • establishing a 60 -day notice of claims for Y2k loss or damages as a jurisdictional prerequisite; • providing for a "cooling off' period of 180 days for filing a claim after the Y2k occurrence in which loss or damage is discovered; • excepting state and local government from liability for damages or losses that result from Y2k problems if the failure or malfunction causing the loss is the result of failures or malfunctions of computer systems or components not owned or controlled by- state or local units of government. Ann Higgins (651) 281-1257 -J �qMAW- --L- S � LMC 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 League of Minnesota Cilias Phone: (612) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Cities promoting excellence Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290 Information Policy Legislative Update March 24, 1999 Legislation to implement Information Policy Task Force Recommendations In January, the Information Policy Task Force established by the 1997 legislature issued a report containing far-reaching, complex and costly recommendations. At a public hearing held prior to the release of the final report, city officials testified in opposition to several recommendations, in particular to those mandating electronic access to information be provided without regard to costs of retrieval and requiring changes to current information management systems and to legislative language that presented new obstacles to compliance with Tennessen warning procedures. Legislation introduced to implement the task force recommendations has been approved in both House and Senate committees and will be incorporated into the Omnibus Data Practices legislation to (S.F. 653/H.F. 2058) be considered for final action. The following measures of interest to cities are included: • authorize retention and maintenance of government records in computerized form; • allow government to charge a reasonable cost for remote access to data for commercial use of government data only upon specific legislative grant of authority; • require all responsible authorities to prepare, post, update and distribute free copies of written procedures on how.to access public government data; • allow more time (up to 10 days) to comply with requests for information regarding whether an individual is the subject of public, private or confidential data maintained by the city; • require state government to prepare model policies and procedures on public access to information and rights of data subjects, subject to adoption (or rejection) by local units of government and requiring local government to notify the state of such action and to provide a copy of policies and procedures in use at the local level; • funding of a state information policy training program; • makes building code violations public on names of complainants and on civil and criminal investigative data unless otherwise provided in current law; and • makes data on customers of municipal utilities private (regarding individuals) and nonpublic (regarding entities).. S.F. 653 (Betzold) has been designated as the Omnibus Data Practices legislation in the Senate; H.F. 2058 (McGuire) is the House version of the omnibus legislation. - over - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Measures that were rejected As a result of widespread concern expressed by schools, counties, townships and cities, legislators scaled back the most costly and troublesome recommendations that had been included in bills which were introduced earlier this session. Among the most contentious issues that have been dropped are: • barring local government from charging for on-line access, printing and downloading of public government data; • establishing new Tennessen warning requirements that would have mandated that a complete notice be given at the outset of employment that would cover circumstances in which the .1 employee could be requested to provide personnel data during the course of employment; • require cities and other units of government to report to the state when acquiring surveillance devices; • require that contracts with the private entities to perform any government functions must include provisions requiring those entities to comply with the Data Practices Act with respect to data collected, maintained, etc. within that contract for services. <:w. LMC 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 League of Minnesota Cities Phone: (612) 281-1200 • (800) 925-1122 Cities promoting e=llence Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290 Personnel Legislative Update March 24, 1999 Final Offer -Total Package Arbitration On Thursday night, the House Government Operations Committee approved a bill that would change FOTP arbitration to the default for contract negotiations with firefighters. The bill is authored by Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL -Winona). Under current law, with the agreement of both parties FOTP arbitration can be used. The League testified in opposition to the requirement based on concerns that FOTP arbitration could increase local government costs, could result in losing control of traditional management responsibilities such a scheduling the workforce and could interfere with the implementation of pay equity. One city official has suggested that a compromise may be to look at the Wisconsin model for FOTP arbitration. In Wisconsin, state law places significant restrictions on what can be included in each party's offer. Such restrictions could prevent management rights and nonstandard benefits from being arbitrated. The Senate version of the bill has not yet been heard. (EW) Post -Traumatic Workers' Coma On Thursday evening, the Senate Jobs, Energy, and Community Development Committee passed a bill that would establish post-traumatic stress as a compensable injury for peace officers. The bill was authored by Sen. Randy Kelly (DFL -St. Paul). With the input of the League and the Association of Minnesota Counties, Sen. Kelly amended the bill in committee to limit the post-traumatic condition to instances where a police officer has either lawfully killed someone or caused great bodily harm by force or violence. The amendment should significantly narrow the conditions that could qualify under the workers' compensation. The bill has yet to be heard in the House where an expansion of workers' comp will likely have less support. (RS) Part time peace officer bill update S.F. 1152 (Sen. Randy Kelly, DFL -St. Paul) and H.F. 1033 (Rep. Rich Stanek, R -Maple Grove) would restrict new part-time peace officer licenses and establish a 320 -hour training requirement for current part-time officers. The bill was presented on Monday in the Senate Crime Prevention Committee. Opponents of the bill were scheduled to present their concerns yesterday. - over - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Proponents of the bill believe that substantially increasing training requirements for part time officers will enhance the professionalism of law enforcement. The League has heard from several cities that believe this bill would have a negative impact on their cities. Part time officers save taxpayer money and provide continuity in small departments that have a difficult time retaining full time officers for long periods of time. The League has requested that a local impact note be prepared for the bill. This process attempts to estimate the potential cost of proposed legislation to local governments. (EW) Pensions Two League pension bills will be heard this Thursday night. The first bill, H.F. 1444/S.F. 1468, changes employee eligibility for PERA from a dollars earned threshold to an hours worked threshold. Currently, PERA excludes anyone not earning $425/month in salary. The bill would exclude from PERA non -school employees who work less than 975 hours in a year and school employees who work less than 720 hours in a year. Proponents of the bill believe an hourly threshold will be easier to administer and will avoid PERA payments for short-term and part-time employees that are not likely to vest with the fund. The bill is supported by the League, the county association, and the school board association. It is opposed by unions representing part time school employees, who want a lower eligibility threshold. (EW) The second pension bill, H.F. 1853/S.F. 1689, merges the 44 police and fire consolidation accounts with PERA's police and fire fund. The bill would return excess assets to municipalities with well -funded plans and would establish a fixed 10 -year amortization payment for municipalities with underfunded plans. The concept is simple, but the bill is complicated and final details are still being worked out. Included in this bill is a reduction in employer and employee contribution rates to the PERA police and fire plan, which currently has a substantial surplus. (EW) Remi Stone 651-281-1256 Eric Willette 651-281-1263 4 J 5 LMC145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 League of Minnesota Cities Phone: (651) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Cities promoting e=effence Fax: (651) 281-1299 - TDD (651) 281-1290 Taxes and State Aid Programs Governor's Reforms/Sunset The Governor's budget proposal includes a sunset for all of the major property tax aid programs, including Local Government Aid and Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid. The sunset would be effective for 2003. The governor has discussed creating a task force to study and make recommendations for a replacement system. The Governor has also outlined property tax reform as a priority but we have not yet seen a comprehensive reform bill offered on behalf of the administration. Levy Limits Representative Ron Erhardt (R -Edina) has proposed extending levy limits through taxes payable in 2001. The bill was heard in the House Tax Committee and was laid over for possible inclusion in the House omnibus tax bill. The Senate has not yet discussed an extension of levy limits. Reverse Referendum Representative Bob Milbert (DFL -South St. Paul) has proposed a bill to allow voters to trigger a referendum on property tax levy increases. H.F. 667 would establish a reverse referendum procedure that would only apply when a county, or a city that has a population of more than 2,500, has adopted a property tax levy increase over the levy amount certified in the previous year. If the petition is signed by a number of eligible voters equal to at least 5 percent of the votes cast in the county or city in the last general election, the levy increase shall not be effective until it has been approved by the voters at a special election to be held on the fourth Tuesday in January. If the voters do not approve the increase, the preceding year's levy shall be certified to the county. The bill will be heard in the near future. LGA: Per Capita Minimum Distribution Representative Henry Todd Van Dellen (R -Plymouth) has introduced a.bill that would create a $25 per capita minimum LGA distribution for each city. The bill includes an additional state appropriation of approximately $23 million to implement this provision. The bill will be heard this week in the House and has not been scheduled for a Senate hearing. LGA: Grandfather Phase -Out Representative Ann Lenczewski (DFL -Bloomington) has offered a bill that would begin phasing out the LGA grandfather. The phase-out would be accomplished by redistributing $1 of base LGA with every additional dollar of new state appropriation. This proposal is similar to an amendment that was included in the LGA formula redesign in 1993. That provision was removed by the legislature in 1994. - over - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER S8 Sales Tax Exemption for Local Government Purchases This year, at least 20 bills have been introduced in the House and the Senate that would exempt the purchases of local governments from the state sales tax. Given the state's optimistic budget situation, the $80 million per year proposal could be accomplished without increasing taxes or cutting state services. Unfortunately, the governor did not include the proposal in his budget. In recent committee hearings, Representatives and Senators seemed supportive except for purchases made by government -operated enterprises that complete with the private sector such as municipal golf courses. Revenue Diversification Late in the process, the cities of New Ulm and Proctor have introduced bills to allow local option sales taxes. The Proctor proposal was defeated late last week in the House Local Government Committee. Committee member concerns were focused on two issues. First, local sales taxes would be a tax increase, at a time when the legislature is trying to cut taxes. Second, the growth in Internet and mail order commerce has raised questions about whether local option sales taxes make sense and whether these local taxes would be vulnerable. Limited Market Value Representative Bob Milbert (DFL -South St. Paul) has offered two bills that would extend the state's limited market value law. The first bill, HF 88 would effectively freeze property market values for agricultural homestead, ag nonhomestead, residential homestead or nonhomestead, and noncommercial seasonal recreational residential (cabins), until the property is sold or improvements are made. The second bill, HF 200, would limit the percentage growth in all property market values to the lesser of 5 percent or the annual consumer price index. Both bills would introduce new factors to the already complicated property tax equation. These limited market value proposals could gain support in the legislature. Property Tax Freeze Representatives Dan Larson (DFL -Bloomington) and Bob Milbert (DFL -South St. Paul) will introduce a property tax proposal that will freeze property tax levies and market values for at least one year. Although we have not yet seen the actual bill draft, the proposal may be modeled after a similar proposal offered by the Senate several years ago. Due to a number of technical and political problems, that proposal was never enacted into law. However, this time, the rationale for the bill is that property market values are rising rapidly and the freeze will prevent rapid tax increases and allow the legislature to overhaul the property tax system. We have not heard of any reaction from the House majority or the governor on the freeze concept. Utility Property Tax Exemption Under current law, facilities that generate electricity used to manufacture or produce products are exempt from property taxation. A bill offered by Sen. Steve Novak, S.F. 767, would extend this exemption to the facility, even if its purchased by an electric utility to generate electricity for retail sale. In addition, any future expansions of the facility would also be exempt from property taxation. Although this proposal is not the exemption from existing facilities sought by the investor-owned utilities, it would create a significant loophole in the state's property tax system. LMC 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 League of Minnesota Cities Phone: (612) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Cities pmmotii g axe Amce Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290 Tax Increment Financing TIF Prohibition Senator John Marty (DFL -Roseville) has offered a bill, SF 22, which would prohibit the creation of new tax increment districts and changes to existing TIF districts after May 31, 1999. The bill has been heard in the Senate Property Tax Subcommittee and it could be included in the Senate omnibus property tax bill. TIF Cap. Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL -St. Paul) and Representative Ron Erhardt (R -Edina) have proposed bills (SF 924/HF 1399) which would prohibit any city with more that 15 percent of their taxable tax capacity from creating additional TIF districts. Both bills. have received hearings and could be included in the respective House and Senate omnibus tax bills. Pooling Ratifications Several cities have proposed bills that would ratify the pooling of tax increments in districts created between 1979 and 1982. The issue of pooling in these districts has arisen out of differing interpretations of state statutes. The cities of Milaca, Faribault, Fergus Falls, Minneota, St: Cloud, and Stearns County all have introduced bills to address the pooling issue. In addition, Duluth and Columbia Heights have introduced bills that would permit future pooling. There may be legislation introduced or an amendment offered that would create a general law ratification for the pooling on tax increment in 1979-1982 districts. If such an amendment is offered, we expect that the ratification will be coupled with a requirement to decertify the district as soon as all current obligations are fulfilled. TIF Shortfalls Representative Ann Lenczewski (DFL -Bloomington) has offered a bill that would clarify the authorization of cities to pool TIF district resources to cover shortfalls created by property class rate changes. Under current law, the pooling remedy is available if a city has a shortfall and also either applies to the state for a TIF shortfall grant (under the 1997 tax bill) or creates a special taxing district (under the 1998 tax bill). The Lenczewski bill would authorize a city to pool resources without undertaking either the grant or special taxing district remedy. In addition to the Lenczewski bill, several cities have sought legislation to address shortfalls in TIF districts created by recent property tax reforms. The most frequent - over - AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER remedy has been district extensions. The cities of Columbia Heights, Jackson, St. Paul, Dawson, Chanhassen, Inver Grove Heights and Nisswa have bills in that would extend the duration of individual TIF districts. Reduction of LGA/HACA Offset and Local Contribution Senator John Hottinger (DFL -Mankato) has introduced SF 1803, which would exempt some TIF districts from the local contribution requirement, reduce the local contribution requirement for all districts and would cut in half the LGA/HACA penalty. The districts that would be exempt from the local contribution are those districts that receive a direct state grant or similar incentive. Representative Ron Abrams (R -Minnetonka) has offered a bill that would reduce the local contribution requirement for housing districts from the current 10 percent to five percent. Superfund Site TIF exemption from Fiscal Disparities A bill proposed by the city of Brooklyn Park would exempt TIF districts containing a parcel designated a Superfund site pursuant to the Federal Superfund Act or state law from the Fiscal Disparities contribution. The exemption would require that the designated parcel be developed in accordance with a development action response plan. L MIC League o`Minnesota Cities Cities promoting excellence 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone: (651) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Fax: (651) 281-1299 - TDD (651) 281-1290 Miscellaneous Snow / Ice Immunity Clarification The Senate Local Government Committee passed S.F. 891 / Hottinger (D -Mankato), a bill to clarify the municipal snow and ice immunity law. The bill, if passed into law, is designed to reduce municipal defense costs by making it clear which municipality is liable for snow and ice accumulation claims. The House companion, H.F. 1348, is authored by Representative Holberg (R -Lakeville) and is scheduled to be heard Thursday, March 25 in the House Local Government Committee. Joint / Several Liability The House Civil Law Committee passed H.F. 90 / Sviggum (D -Kenyon), a bill to change the joint and several liability law. The change in the liability threshold will likely reduce costs'to cities by limiting plaintiff s use of government entities as the "deep pockets. The House amended the bill to allow for a 40% threshold, rather than a 50% threshold before liability applies. The Senate companion, S.F.282, is authored by Senator Hottinger (D -Mankato) and is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 911 Dispatchers Immunity The House Civil Law Committee passed H.F.541 / Stanek (R -Maple Grove), a bill to provide limited immunity to 911 dispatchers and, subsequently to municipal employers, when providing general pre -arrival medical and emergency advice. The Senate companion, S.F.436, is authored by Senator Foley (D -Coon Rapids) and is expected to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee the week of March 29. Bleacher Safety Senator Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) and Representative Steve Smith (R -Mound) introduced a bill that would address bleacher safety issues raised in several recent events. The bill, S.F. 1117 / H.F. 1124, would require all municipalities to adhere to bleacher related provisions in the Uniform Building Code, even if the municipality has not adopted a building code (a similar law exists for ADA building code requirements). Currently the bill requires all retrofitting to occur by January 1, 2001. An unspecified appropriation has been made in the bill to provide matching grant funds to municipalities to retrofit existing bleachers. Sidewalk Utilities The House and Senate Local Government and Jobs Committees have passed legislation to the respective body's Tax Committees allowing home rule charter and statutory cities to establish sidewalk utilities under Minnesota Statutes section 412.321. The bill, S.F. 312 / H.F-399 — AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Senator Steve Dille (R-Dassel) / Representative Tony Kielkucki (R -Lester Prairie), are prepared for possible inclusion in the Omnibus Tax Bills. Municipal Grants To Senior and Youth Centers The House has passed legislation to allow statutory and home rule charter cities to appropriate money to support the facilities, programs, and services of a public or private, not-for-profit senior citizen center or youth center, provided the appropriation does not exceed two percent of the municipality's annual budget, that the city council passes a resolution approving it, and that the voters of the city may have a say in the matter. The bill, H.F. 371/ S.F.461— Stang (R -Cold Spring) / Fischbach (R-Paynesville), has passed the House and is waiting final action in the Senate. License Tabs A series of bills have been introduced to reduce license tabs fees. The bills will create a deficit in the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. Some bills provide for a replacement -funding source, others do not. Some have provided for a Constitutionally dedicated replacement -funding source to ensure that the current level of HUTDF will be maintained. While a series of hearings have been held on the issue, the outcome will not be determined until the 1999 Omnibus Tax Bills have passed the House and Senate and the Conference Committee begins its work. Speed Limits Legislation has been introduced authorizing cities and town in the metropolitan area to set speed limits on streets and highways in their jurisdictions. The bills, H.F. 1195/S.F.1652, authored by Senator Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) and Representative Todd Van Dellen (R -Plymouth) are in the Transportation Committees of both the House and Senate. Water & Wastewater,Funding Initiatives Over 50 bills have been introduced to provide for state revolving loanfund grants and wastewater infrastructure funding for individual local communities. While it is highly unlikely any of these bills will be funded, the push from local governments to place the SRF and WIF funding on the radar screen at the Legislature may result in a general fund appropriation to DTED and the PFA to provide a minimum amount of funding for both programs. Although, the state has projected the two-year needs at $250 million, it is realistic to expect a $10 to $15 million appropriation from the state for this biennium. Water Utility Cooperatives Legislation has been introduced to make significant changes to municipal wastewater treatment operations and facility approval. The legislation, H.F. 1277 / S.F. 1367, authored by Representative Dave Bishop (R -Rochester) and Senator LeRoy Stumpf (D -Thief River Falls), has be promoted by the University of Minnesota — Rural Technology Center and the Head Waters Rural Utility Association. The bill will, among other things, require cities to justify the use of currently accepted technology for wastewater treatment, require cities to be subject to review outside the MPCA by allowing the U of M Center to determine what is or is not a suitable cost effective alternative to established technology, allows water cooperatives to underbid every traditional wastewater treatment plant, requires municipalities to construct relatively untested alternative sewer treatment facilities at the expense of city tax payers, and directs state policy away from planned, efficient use of infrastructure and land to larger lot development that is inappropriate or exceedingly expensive to serve with traditional, proven wastewater treatment facilities. Public Waters Wetlands Reclassification The Senate Environment Committee has passed legislation to provide clarification on wetlands delineation and reclamation processes. The bill, S.F.83/H.F.1493, authored by Senator Dan Stevens (R -Mora) and Representative Dennis Ozment (R -Rosemount), will provide simplification and consolidation of wetland regulation. The bill provides for uniform delineation guidelines and requires the state will perform minor reclamation activities. Also, the bill is designed to eliminate last minute coordination problems between all the government entities involved. The House bill is waiting action in the House Environment Committee. Watershed Management Organization Membership A bill, H.F. 1276 — Ozment (R -Rosemount), to prohibit the staff of local governments from being members of watershed management organizations has passed the House Local Government and Environment Committees and is waiting for action on the House floor. The Senate companion bill, S.F. 1730 — Pariseau (R -Farmington) is currently in the Senate Environment Committee. Uniform Municipal Contracting Law Limits Increased The House and Senate Local Government Committees have passed legislation increasing the municipal bid minimum dollar amount from $25,000 to $50,000. Both bills, S.F.I 188/H.F.1097, authored by Senator Steve Kelley (D -Hopkins) and Representative Bill Kuisle (R -Rochester), are currently on the Senate and House floors waiting final approval. Mail Order Distribution of Liquor A bill proposed by Senator John Hottinger (DFL -Mankato) and Representative Mark Holsten (R - Stillwater) would establish more stringent regulations for the mail order delivery of wine to Minnesota consumers. Under the bill, a common carrier or delivery agent is required to obtain a permit from the Department of Public Safety in order to deliver alcoholic beverages. The common carrier or delivery agent must require the person who receives a delivery under this section to sign for it, verify that the receiving person is at least 21 years of age, and record proof of age. The signature record and proof of age must be kept for one year and shall be made available for inspection by the department on demand. The Senate bill has passed the Commerce Committee while the House bill is still awaiting action. Housing Improvement Districts A bill offered by Representative Bill Haas (R -Champlin) and Senator Linda Scheid (DFL - Brooklyn Park) would extend the authority of cities to establish housing improvement districts at the request of townhome and condominium homeowners. Under current law, cities can establish such districts until the sunset date of June 30, 2001. In a housing improvement district, the city is able to assess these property owners for necessary common area improvements to the properties. The House bill is currently on the floor, while the Senate bill will be heard this week in committee. "�"' MAR�26T99 _11�Q AM LEAGUE OF MN CITIES P.1 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 r iaCilita Plione: (651) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 xCVIIV"cc Fax: (651) 281.1299 • TDD (651) 281-1.290 March 26, 1999 ACTION ALERT Cities to pay for condemned businesses? A proposed amendment to an already -bad bill prohibiting cities from phasing out non -conforming land uses would add more requirements to cities using eminent domain authority. SF 854 and HF 896, which would prohibit the use of amortization by cities, are on the floors of the Senate and House awaiting action. Legislators are considering adding an amendment that would dramatically change how cities can use eminent domain to condemn non -conforming land uses, like adult businesses, salvage operations, billboards or concrete processing facilities. The amendment would force cities using eminent domain to not only pay the fair market value of the real estate as required under current law, but also for the "going concern value" of the property to-_ essentially requiring ci!y taxpayers to DaV for the inherent nature of the business including things as intan ible as ood will." Amortization and eminent domain are important tools of last resort to help local units of government respond to non -conforming land uses that often impair the quality of life for adjacent residential and business owners. Please contact your legislators and ask them to vote against SF 854/HF 896 and any amendment that would place further restrictions on cities' use of eminent domain. DATE: March 26, 1999 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager SUBJECT: Summary of Events Maintenance Workers. A facilitator, Mr. Bill Hudson, was retained a few weeks ago to help rebuild communications and good working relationships among employees and supervisors in the maintenance divisions. Two meetings of the "Resolution Team" have been held so far. The Resolution Team consists of all of the maintenance supervisors, myself, and about 10 of the employees which includes the union executive board. Mr. Hudson has now interviewed every member of the Resolution Team and shared his overall results with the group. It was agreed yesterday that he should also interview all of the remaining employees individually to get a complete picture. After that, there will be four training sessions to help everyone acquire or improve conflict management skills. The employees have told me that they are glad that the process is underway and they remain hopeful that it will do some good. But, many also agree that things may get temporarily worse before they get better. We are now getting beyond generalities and theory, and starting to take on some of the real problems amongst various individuals and groups. This process is understandably difficult for the supervisors, who can justifiably feel caught in the middle at times, but they are showing good patience and good will. This morning, Mr. Hudson and I held a meeting of all maintenance employees to discuss what is happening and what will happen next. This meeting was well appreciated to get everyone on the same page. In related news, the contract for the ISSC and STS convict labor will come up for possible renewal within the next couple of months. Many of you will recall that this issue was at the forefront of our very difficult labor negotiations a year ago. I have invited a committee of the maintenance employees to review the contract, and make suggestions for changes or improvements. They have done so, and I will be meeting with them next week to see if we can be in agreement on this issue. Assistant City Manager position. This position has been advertised in the Star Tribune, the League of Minnesota Cities bulletin, and posted in-house. We have reviewed the job description, researched similar positions in many other cities, and made some changes to the position. The new position envisioned will work more closely in day to day administration with both me and the City Council, but will have somewhat less responsibility for budget, the Capital Improvements Program, and will probably not directly supervise Human Resources. Also, the new Assistant City Manager will not automatically become acting Manager when I am absent; one or more senior department directors can fill this role. With these changes, the new pay range for the position will be about 10%below the previous pay range, according to a review by our outside consultant. The deadline for applications is April 9`h, and the method for reviewing them will depend on the number and quality of applications received. An attorney for Rainbow Foods at 10200 6`h Avenue inquired this week whether or not staff would agree to recommend to the City Council a deal to stay their ten day suspension for liquor violation in return for a 1,000.00 civil sanction and waiving its right to appeal. Since staff has seen no change in material circumstances in the case since the Council's hearing, we declined. Save the Open Spaces 16395 County Road 47 Plymouth, MN 55446-1109 pppc@unique-software.com TO: Plymouth City Council Members FROM: Paul Wardell, Save the Open Spaces, chair SUBJECT: Community's Values DATE: March 30, 1999 for Meeting on Wednesday, March 31, 1999 As you "give some thought" to the three questions presented to you in Anne Hurlburt's March 19th memo in preparation for this Wednesday night's meeting, let me suggest some additional questions for your consideration: • How can grants from the Legislative Commission on MN Resources help us to achieve our overall community goals? As you recall Resolution 98-652 states that, "the (comprehensive) plan shall meet the following criteria: • Preservation of wetlands, lakes and woods in the area, • Minimize impact on the watersheds and water quality, • Maintenance of current inflow stream rates, • Establishment of riparian corridors, and • Establishment of greenways and open space park areas." Through the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR), millions of lottery dollars are being granted each year for the preservation of open green spaces. One approach is to apply for grants directly from the LCMR. Another approach is to apply for grants from the Department of Natural Resource's local grants program, which is funded by the LCMR. Today, I talked to Wayne Sames, (651) 296-1567, coordinator for the DNR's local grants program for the Metro Area. He identifies four funding programs (through his department) that he says that we should be participating in: • Metro Greenways in Natural Areas Grants Program This grant funds the planning process of greenways in metro areas. Al Singer (651) 772-7952 is the Metro Greenways coordinator. • Natural Scenic Area Grant Program This is a 50% matching grant up to $500,000. A natural scenic area includes scenic vistas and bluffs. • Outdoor Recreation Grant Program This includes the development or redevelopment of parks and trails. Next years funding will hopefully go up to $250,000 per grant. • Cooperative Trail Linkage Grant Program This includes money for linking parks and trails, such as the Luce Line to neighborhood parks. The deadline for applying for some of this year's grants is ironically March 31. But Wayne points out that we're interested in the big picture. Next year's money will soon be available. For example, direct requests to the LCMR will begin again this December. Wayne finished our conversation by saying, "We have given several grants to Maple Grove." "You (Plymouth) should take advantage of them to the full extent that you can. You don't want to be left behind." • Are the means as important as the ends? Is the process as important as the content? When you give thought to "what you value most (or most want to value) about our community" please underline our city government's continuing effort to maintain and deepen its trust with the community. I believe that the Pro -Plymouth Pledge (or some derivative of it) needs to be at the heart of this undertaking. Without careful attention to the process, city government could, in its eyes, build a "beautiful future" which alienates the very people for which that future is built. Instead of centering this decision-making process in City Hall, why not center it within the community by having neighborhood meetings (churches, homes, businesses) where proposals that affect that very neighborhood are discussed and advanced? This is one way to develop a shared sense of "we" in both the community and in City Hall. Nobody has expert insights into a neighborhood like the people who live there. Neighborhood meetings (held within the various neighborhoods) will help city planners to capture the spirit of the residents and show that the city is a good listener. Building and maintaining trust with the residents is as important as building and maintaining physical structures for the residents. • What do we mean by community development? Although housing densities, business construction and traffic flows are important, I would hope that community development would help the residents of Plymouth to develop a sense of community. Community development implies that its primary objective should be to help residents develop a sense of community, a sense of interpersonal connection with each other. In a world full of "personal isolation devices" such as the Walkman and the single -occupant car, the community development design needs to help us to breakdown the barriers that artificially separate us while at the same time allow residents to maintain their privacy. It's a tricky balancing act between community connection and personal privacy. It's a goal that should be actively sought, for if it is not, we will fail to build a Plymouth community; instead, we will build a city of strangers. The overall layout of a city's design can greatly build or diminish a city's interconnectedness. The downtown Plymouth area now emerging around Cub is a good example. Suddenly, there begins to be a sense of "downtown." This is a step in the right direction. However, if we had designed downtown Plymouth with a town square where cars could be parked only on the outside, we would have created a stronger sense of community interconnectedness through pedestrian interaction. A great architect aims for positive psychological effects within her/his design as much as anything else. A great city architect must aim for nothing less. • How dedicated are we to the car? Somehow, we have to strike a balance between our quest for a wholesome and safe environment for our families and our love for the car. Numerous examples illustrate how a love for the car can win this contest. One need only stand on the corner of Bass Lake Road and West Broadway to see the destructive results of a suburb that loved its cars too much. What you see is one tarred parking lot seamlessly connected to the next. It's a dead environment where power poles replace trees, and asphalt replaces earth and grass. We need to learn from other cities' mistakes. I understand that there is no plan to build additional freeways around the Metro Area. As you know, Maple Grove residents are using Vicksburg as an alternative north -south route. Let's say we consider expanding Vicksburg into a four -lane road to solve this problem. In the short run, it will. In the long run, it will not. Remember the phrase from the film, Field of Dreams: "Build it, and they will come." The same is true for roadways. By making Vicksburg into a four -lane road, we water the seed of a future major Metro highway. Vicksburg becomes an obvious choice since no additional freeways are available. More and more people will travel Vicksburg until it is as congested in the morning and afternoon as it is now. However, in the future, there will be many more times the cars than we have now, and the City will have gone to great financial and environmental expense to build the road and its necessary controlled intersections inadvertently to invite this effect. I think most Plymouth residents would not consider this progress. How important is the car to our future design of Plymouth? Is it more important than preserving our neighborhoods and our natural environment? These are tough questions that demand answers. And the answers we give will have a major impact on the quality of life within our city in the near future. Thank you for listening. Paul M. Wardell Save the Open Spaces