HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-13-1999AUGUST 13, 1999
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
NOTE: Ward 1 Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their
comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6:00 PM before each
Regular Council meeting.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 5:3 0 PM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 7.00 PM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 7. 00 PM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 7. 00 PM
COUNCIL TOUR OF THE ZACHARY WATER
TREATMENT PLANT, Zachary Lane and County
Road 9. (Boz lunches will be provided)
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET
STUDYSESSION, Public Safety Training Room
SPECIAL JOINT COUNCILIPLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING ON
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, Council
Chambers
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 7.00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET
STUDYSESSION, Public Safety Training Room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 7.00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
Z SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, PLYMOUTHHISTORYFEST,
10: 00 AM -4: 00 PM Parkers Lake Park
3.
4.
S.
6.
7.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
AUGUST 13, 1999
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 7. 00 PM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 7.00 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 7.00 PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 7. 00 PM
Page 2
YO UTH A D VISOR Y COUNCIL,
Medicine Lake Room
PUBLIC SA FETY A D VISOR Y BOARD,
Public Safety Training Room
PACT, Hadley Lake Room
PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers
August, September, and October calendars are attached. (M-7)
1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a) Letter from Saundra Spigner with information regarding Metropolitan Council
agendas and committee packets (I -1a)
b) Cover memo from the Municipal Legislative Commission regarding the Jefferson
Citizen Jury recommendation on property tax reform. The entire report comes
separately due to its size. (I -1b)
c) Letter from NSP to residents affected by July power outages. (I -1c)
Z CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letters to City officials regarding affordable housing in Plymouth.
1) Barbara Brooks (1--2a.1)
2) Lynn Abe (I -2a.2)
3) Linda Seaton (I -2a.3)
b) Letters to Councilmembers requesting development of a Ferndale play area.
1) Susan Siegel (I -2b.1)
2) Patti Keeney. (I -2b.2)
3) Art Keeney. (1--2b.3)
c) Internet communication from Jim Peet with comments regarding development of
historical markers at sites around the City. (1--2c)
3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY—CORRESPONDENCE
a) Letter to Allen Tank from Public Works Director Fred Moore responding to
concerns about the July power outages. A copy of Mr. Tank's original letter is
attached. (1--3a)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
AUGUST 13, 1999
Page 3
b) Letter to Lance Kiland from Public Works Director Fred Moore responding to
comments about traffic noise from I-494. A copy of Mr. Kiland's original letter is
attached. (I --3b)
q). Letter to Ann Svensson from Public Works Director Fred Moore responding to
comments about the stop sign at 60' Avenue and Yucca Lane. A copy of Ms.
Svensson's original letter is attached. (1--3c)
A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (1-3)
4. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
a) Association of Metropolitan Municipalities AMM FAX NEWS. (I -4a)
C0
CD
z
W
W
J
U.
0
\.
15
�a
tea
201
N
a0a
r�iY(q
oaw
N
h
.1
rr
.,
N
ao
N
ILM�^N
E N N M
NN
>�
.0
u
LL
O N N
fA hN�N
�D
ti
N
N
N M
>�
�Yi
Z�
O
V
= C
gN.�
�•r
(how
0. N M N M
Iz
Z-
:00.2 ELo
_
=t�)OUJ
LcoM
aOa'
o�
00 NN
O
ai
aECE
a�
Ws
=7 3 N
Y
1O
Ooh
O
OLL-C
b N N
N
.M.
C
.a
�O�O
ZU
=
ZU
U)
V
zz
U
V
ZZ
wE
Acoo
2
aE
aE
a�aa.M
2 E
gY
o0"oOr
'
•„�
U.:(jo
U
ZLU
J
71�Zi
F
.ZWyZ�..�
2�=Uri
N
doJ�
OW3t_
zm
j�
OQvQ�
ObF
w�
i��I
3
a��
~zgow�'
7
R'J
JQW
UN
r2LU
R'J'z
20U.
y�_1�-
MUWO_
o4NaO�O»���:,
�UN�C7,,t'*._
Wz
o>
' Sot
az y
S��w
Q.Z2O - :'
o
P1LLa�
o
oOOZ
.�
J
10
'Q
Z
00'
CmOm
OBJ
G
aNll
8off
N
R
a
C
2
y
U.
0
r
L
CL
''0A
co
A
'O
.3
R
N
A a
R t
'a c
IN,
Sx
a
o�
O l�
$
Fcc
c >�
c� 3 I
'p Z � U U ZIrp 4
O
z E
Xca 0- J! QAILjr
~ aft aE aE 22 0
aWwc
00 Or OC OV -Q
• U� �p U i.NOD M O
rya: c pYtn 0".
B `.
O Y Oo = ZV ZOx�co c.
'C 2 Jz� 'L
LU
155>0 z- z- z3 w
m V WW2 �E. ZZ V ZZ gzZZ2
c dna g o 0 0 0
w E uai zo< = ay @ as E ay g -a�OZ WIL28 L+ •.
�j a� az (yA g••' a� E 2 25-odir
al n.2 E CL tWil a..
p- Raf: i o 0 02 W o>��jF
o- gomu got N A� ''coi i oOOw<�0
N
ol
FZ}. �FZ-•j,•.
'a "—.o
•N•, N N Wdf BUJ
'•
G/ w1ILL2 j W�2'
Of F
x;! N MV ME5
.•• 3 fD .�. N N OO. OO'O '.'
4 t� N N ..
E—nt!tN
�f
N
W4
N
2
v :nc,4
ECA
^ N HI
N til
y N.Z. NN
MrNN
E—nt!tN
�f
N
E—nt!tN
N
W4
N
E—nt!tN
ECA
N til
tit
CL
N ^ N N
�C
N
LIE -
.Nr
CD
L
.Q
0
Im
0
a
a 00
OLL
7
w L -e
N
2�
Qoawp
0
o�apo
�p
M -a S`"
O
N
N
M '
l0
'O
LL
tn
N
.�
00
N
►- c
TS
Cc
xU,
c
}
,p
VOm
QZQ�
j0
U
tF-
xf�yUg
xg
ROaa
a
a
r
aaU.��
oYo
agx
aohm
J
OmO�Q�g
f�J
USm
ti
00
'C
�r NN
ZU
p$
Z Z
x
F
?U
Z Z
c
o
go
U
0
w
ax
n.m�
a�E
ag
ax
am J!
a�E
o�<
N
cm
oO
pmm
S
�
$UL
O
z
OJ
M
OUO's
O
W
a
r4
'u��t�iijj
y�
d
W;2
W�B�
r
rOON
S'U
�
�.Ugr:LJU�
ONT
rN
N
O,
•
;
..
Ra,,
N
'�=NN
"
Is
!0
Nf.
�w� '..
aslt
m
hrrN
�8
IL
p
IOoo�
Q
.�
.r
00
�A
N
t
r
WL
cc
'fl
t
M
M
n�i
N
0
Im
0
Metropolitan Council r (fk
Working for the Region, Planning for the Future
August 3, 1999
To: City Managers/Township Clerks in Metropolitan Council District 1
I wanted to contact each community in my Council district to give you an opportunity to receive
Council committee packets.
The Metropolitan Council has five standing committees: Transportation, Livable Communities,
Environment, Management, and Regional Growth Policy. All Council members serve on the
Regional Growth Policy Committee, along with two other committees. I serve on the
Transportation and Livable Communities Committees. It is at the committee meeting level
where detailed presentations are made and in-depth discussion takes place. The information
provided at the committee level is draft in nature and does not become final until full Council
action is taken.
If you have an interest in receiving the informational packets for any or all of these Council
committees, please let me know and I will make sure a packet is sent to your community. I can
be reached during the day at 612/879-3773. These packets are normally mailed about one week
before the committee meeting. (If your community has internet connections, Council and
committee agendas can also be reviewed on our website at www.metrocouncii.org. The detailed
agenda packet information is not yet available on the internet.) My purpose for offering your
community the opportunity to review Metropolitan Council committee packets is that if you ever
have any questions or concerns about agenda items, you would be able to contact me prior to the
meeting date so that I can incorporate your thoughts into the committee's discussions.
We also have established a process to notify local governments when the Council takes action on
issues of a significant nature that affect specific communities.
And finally, to give you some feel for the types of information discussed at the committee
meetings, I have included an agenda item from the Livable Communities Committee's last
meeting.
I look forward from hearing from you in the near future and thank you for your time in
considering this matter.
Sincerely,
7�, 4.
Y/111 �c
Saundra Spigner
Metropolitan Council District 1
230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fax 602-1550 1UDfM 291-0904 Metro Info I.ine 602-1888
An Equal Opp-a-gy Employer
ISLMUNICIPALLBGISLATIVEOOMMISSION
TO: MLC Operating Committee
FROM: Bob Renner, Jr.
RE: Citizens Jury Recommendations
DATE: August 6, 1999
League of Minnesota Cities Building
145 University Avenue West, Suite 450
St. Paul, Minnesota 55103
Telephone: (651) 228-9757
Facsimile: (651) 228-9787
Please find attached a copy of the initial recommendations made by the Jefferson
Center's Citizen Jury. This report was presented to Governor Ventura and
Revenue Commissioner Smith at a press conference earlier this afternoon.
After five days of meetings and deliberations, the Jury's recommendations seem
to be quite modest. There are no radical changes recommended. In a nutshell,
the Jury recommended lowering property taxes slightly and increasing user fees
to make up for the lost revenue.
This report cost the Department of Revenue $75,000.
5 6
Member Cities: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina,
Lakeville, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Roseville, Shoreview, Woodbury
Northern States Power Company
I%NP
r !1 414 Nicollet Mall RS4
Minneapolis, MN 55401
-- Telephone 612-330-2064
August 6, 1999
Dear Valued NSP Customer,
We thank you for your patience during the numerous power outages you experienced
recently. Anytime your power goes out, we know it's an inconvenience to you.
Sometimes outages can be prevented, but due to the complexity of our system, weather,
wildlife and other circumstances, often they cannot. At NSP, we believe in providing the best
customer service we can. We do our best to respond to outages as quickly as possible, as well
as to prevent repeat outages from occurring. Unfortunately, there are times when we don't
meet our customers' expectations, and I apologize for the inconvenience caused by these
recent outages.
We are working to improve our system and prevent outages over which we have control, so
that you can have consistently reliable power. Currently, we are working to redistribute the
electrical load in your area and have scheduled extensive tree trimming for the areas served
by overhead wires. By taking these steps we can work toward our goal of providing you with
uninterrupted power.
If you have questions about the equipment that provides your power, or would like to learn
more about the improvements we are making, just mail back the enclosed card. One of our
team members will call you with the specific information you request.
We're working to make things better for you, and are confident you will notice
improvements. We value you as a customer and appreciate having the opportunity to serve
you.
Sincerely,
James Ashley
General Manager
Minnesota Electric
9929 — 37`s Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
August 9, 1999
Plymouth City Council
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear City Council members:
As you know, there is a serious shortage of affordable and low-income housing in the
metropolitan area. I understand that Plymouth has been playing a lead role in trying to impact this problem
and for that I am very grateful. Keep up the good work! I very much applaud the 1996-2010 City Goals
for Development which call for a substantial increase in affordable housing for both ownership and rental
purposes. Please continue to be strong advocates for meeting these goals. However, it is also necessary
that goals for low-income housing be addressed
Specifically, I strongly support an increase in the city's land area targeted for higher density
residential use and mixed-use development. I believe that if the proper incentives are in place, developers
should be required to build affordable units within larger developments and a target of 15% low and
moderate income units should be required Scatter site housing seems to be the most helpful configuration
rather than site-specific development.
I will be following with interest the decisions made with regard to these issues.
Sincerely,
Barbara Brooks
August 10, 1999
Mayor Joy Tierney
Plymouth City Council
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Tierney:
'r- 2a , -,r
There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the City of Plymouth. We need affordable
housing to support:
• Community and economic development
• Strong families
• Stable workforce
• Strong sense of community
Affordable housing is extremely important in this community because:
• Plymouth is a great city to live in and everyone should be given the opportunity to live there
• Living near where you work makes sense for many reasons including convenience, cost, and
stress
• Employers need employees of all wage ranges
• Plymouth needs more diversity for the benefit of all of its citizens, adults and children
Please support the updated Housing Plan and Land Use Guide Plan portions of the
Comprehensive Plan that include requirements for developers to build affordable housing, and
that provide incentives to help make it happen. My husband and I strongly support an updated
Comprehensive Plan that includes the following:
1. An increase in the City's land area guided for higher -density residential use and mixed-use
development.
2. Requirements for developers to build affordable housing. New construction development, and
redevelopment in the city, either owner occupied or rental, should include a variety of prices
and designs which serve households with a range of incomes and housing needs (i.e.
housing developers who wish to create communities of 30 or more units are required to make
at least 15 percent of their units affordable to low- to moderate -income households).
3. Incentives to help make it economically viable for developers to build affordable housing.
4. Policies that support a range of affordability targets (i.e. ownership housing that serves
households earning 50-60 percent of the area median income as well as 60-80 percent of the
area median income; and rental housing that serves households at or below 30 percent of
area median income as well as 30-50 percent of area median income).
I have lived in Plymouth for 10 years and think it is a great city, have been a strong supporter of
Habitat for Humanity, have volunteered many hours of construction time and have met Habitat's
clients (all who need affordable housing). I think that we need to make it possible for all people to
live the American dream! Thank you for your consideration.
Si ere ,
Lynn e
Co -coordinator, Habitat for Humanity, Messiah United Methodist Church
Plymouth Resident
840 Harbor Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
cc: Linda Seaton, Co -coordinator, Habitat for Humanity, Messiah United Methodist Church
July 26, 1999
Plymouth City Council
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Plymouth City Council Members:
8
6 �
bUG > > 1999
I believe there is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the Twin Cities and the city of Plymouth. We need
affordable housing to serve a wide diversity of residents; singles, senior citizens, families, and first time
homebuyers. As I see the commercial development of the city expand, I wonder where the workers at these
establishments will be able to find affordable housing in the City of Plymouth. The city needs to be aggressive in
planning and implementing strategies for both rental and affordable home ownership for people at all income levels
and housing needs.
I was disappointed at the Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting held on July 27, 1999, to read the
negative comments and the spoken comments about the desire to remove the suggested LA3 and LA4 from the
development recommendations from certain areas. I think the planning commission did a good job in identifying
some areas where this type of development should be acceptable and strongly considered in the overall development
of the City of Plymouth.
I have owned a manor home and worked full-time in Plymouth since 1991. I was lucky to find something within the
city that I could afford to buy, and felt comfortable spending. I am also an active Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
volunteer; working alongside future homeowners, I have seen the sense of pride and hope that comes with giving
people an opportunity to be homeowners.
Please support updated Housing Plan and Land Use Guide Plan portions of the Comprehensive Plan that include
requirements for developers to build affordable housing, and that provide incentives to help make it happen. I
encourage you to support an updated Comprehensive Plan that includes the following elements:
1. An increase in the City's land area guided for higher -density residential use and mixed-use development.
2. Requirements for developers to build affordable housing. New construction, development, and
redevelopment in the city, either owner occupied or rental, should include a variety of prices and designs
which serve households with a range of incomes and housing needs. (Example: Housing developers who
wish to create communities of 30 or more units are required to make at least 15 % of their units affordable
to low to moderate income households.)
3. Incentives to help make it economically viable for developers to build affordable housing.
4. Policies that support a range of affordability targets (ownership housing that serves households earning 50-
60% of the area medians income as well as 60-80% of the area median income; and rental housing that
serves households at or below 30% of area median income as well as 30-50% of area median income).
I urge you to step up to your established goals for affordable and diverse housing. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Linda L. Seaton
14215 44h Place North
Plymouth, MN 55446
Dear City Council and Park and Recreation Advisory Commission,
Our neighborhood of Ferndale North is sorely in need of a neighborhood
park/playground. I am asking you to do all you can to help us get one as
expeditiously as possible. We have 174 families living in our neighborhood with
150 children aged 14 and younger. We are surrounded by Femdale Road on the
west, a big swamp on the south and Hadley Lake on the northeast. We have no
sidewalks or even a patch of grass for our children to play on. Our cul de sacs
and streets are the only place for them to congregate. Our 22 year old
neighborhood is turning over to younger families at a rapid rate. In the last two
years, about 15 homes sold with 13 of them now owned by families with small
children.
We moved to Ferndale North two years ago from our home in Golden Valley
where we lived for 9 years. Our Golden Valley home was on a neighborhood
park called Stockman Park. We know first hand that a small neighborhood park,
such as the one we would like in Ferndale North provides much more than just a
place for small children. It is also the "anchor" for the entire neighborhood. It is a
place where the men go after supper to shoot hoops together. Families bring
relatives and visitors for a walk after dinner. Grandparents bring visiting grand
children to play and socialize. People stop by as they stroll or walk through the
neighborhood. Neighbors gather to visit and discuss daily events. Celebrations
of all kinds are held such as block parties, birthdays and holidays such as Fourth
of July,. Fall Harvest and egg hunts.
Please do everything in your power to bring a park to our neighborhood for the
good of the people here in the City of Plymouth and our neighborhood. We are
counting on your positive support. Thank you foryour time and consideration.
Sincerely,.
u
Susan Siege
18520 a Avenue
Femdale North Subdivision
Dear City Council and
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission,
I am writing to ask that you please recommend development of a
neighborhood park in the Ferndale North Subdivision. Our
neighborhood has summer weekly playgroups and we currently
have no where to meet. We have many children in our
neighborhood that are driven to other neighborhood or city parks
on a daily basis. Building a park in our neighborhood would not
only cut down our traffic, therefore increase traffic safety, but also
would provide a safe place for the kids to play. We constantly
guard them from the traffic while playing in our yards or sloping
driveways. It would be relieving to be able to stroll them to a safe
place to play and exercise. We may be close to the Luce Line,
however, young children do not have the stamina to bike to the
next nearest park. We need a place to gather for the children as
well as the parents here in our neighborhood.
Please make this a priority to see that this neighborhood park
becomes a reality. We are asking for your support. Thank you
very much.
Sincerely,
Patti Keeney
900 Brockton Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447
745-0060
Mayor Joy Tierney
3400 Plymouth Blvd
Plymouth, MN 55447' '
Dear Mayor Tierney,
Tom'
� t
August 9, 1999
I am writing to ask you to support a park for our children in the undeveloped field in
Ferndale North The property is undeveloped in an area of our neighborhood where there
is no other common property where our children can play.
The reference to this property as a "nature preserve" is, in my opinion, purely historical.
The property has never been developed as a nature preserve -either by the city or the local
residents. Likewise, it has not been used as a nature preserve. There is no real public
access, no trails, no parking and no plantings. It is, in effect, a weed field with a nice
stand of trees. Those contesting a park in this area do not intend to support a real nature
preserve -one that would allow for access, trails, and public usage and city development.
In fact, that group feels this property is their right to control and to keep the rest of the
neighborhood and Plymouth from using on any regular basis. This vote is far more about
a small group of people who want to maintain control of public property -at the exclusion
of the rest of our residents -than it is their rallying against a park.
Either the Parks Commission or City of Plymouth should not confuse personal property
rights with the proper use of public property. Likewise, if we look at what is best for the
future of Plymouth and this neighborhood, inactivity regarding this plot hardly appears to
be the best civic solution.
A park is a natural and best use for this undeveloped public property. Please vote in favor
of our children and our neighborhood and against the status quo that demands this
property remains useless.
Plymouth, MN. 55447
7450060
i
From: Peet, James[mailto:James.R.Peet@Norwest.com] v
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 1999 8:52 AM
To: 'kelli.slavik@gpmlaw. com'; 'bradb2@aol.com'; 'judyinplym@aol.com';
Isharstad@mailexcite.com'
Cc: Internet Contact; 'roger629@hotmail.com'; Peet, Kathleen
Subject: Suggest that the city adopt a plan to have historical markers
for key historical locations
Our City's history is rapidly fading. For the current and future residents
of Plymouth I suggest that the city adopt a plan and fund the design,
purchase and installation of historical markers that mark key locations in
Plymouth's history.
I suggest that the plan be implemented over a 5 year period of time so that
the expense is not so great in any one year.
I suggest that the city work with the Plymouth Historical Society and/or the
West Hennepin Historical Society to identify and select the historical
locations that would be candidates for these markers.
I suggest that key dates, a historical brief, and a sketch of the building
at that site be included on a bronze plaque on a stone marker for these
sites.
Here are some sites / locations that I suggest:
Schiebe's Comer / Half -Way Tavern (I believe was near Rt. 73 / Rt. 55).
Old Methodist Church (at location of the New Horizon day care center on
County Road 6)
The Pavilion (I believe by the Luce Line trail behind Parker's Lake)
If you would like to visit a neat Website that has some of Plymouth's
history posted on the Internet, you are invited to visit
htta://www.DIVMouth-mn.com
Sincerely,
Jim Peet
4260 Cottonwood LN N
Plymouth, MN 55441
612-519-0203
Jim Peet
Wells Fargo Services Company
*
Phone: 612-667-7907
* Fax: 815-371-3600
* Email: james.r.peet@norwest.com
MAC N9301-1-30
S.J
August 13, 1999 ITV C
PLYMOUTH+
Allen R. Tank, Chief Executive Office
METROPOLITAN ANESTHESIA NETWORK
14700 28' Avenue North, Suite 20
Plymouth, MN 55447
SUBJECT: NSP POWER RELIABILITY
Dear Allen:
I am responding to your letter to Mayor Joy Tierney concerning the reliability of power
from NSP for small businesses. You copied your letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission and Northern States Power Company.
As you may be aware, cities have no regulatory authority over public utilitiL.;. The State
of Minnesota has established the Minnesota Public Utility Commission to regulate public
utilities such as NSP. I would suggest that you have your MAN Staff Attorney, Jim
Siepen, contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
By copy of this letter to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and to Northern
States Power Company, I am also requesting that they respond directly to you regarding
your January 19, 1999 letter with a copy to me. A copy of your letter has also been
shared with all City Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Fred G. Moore, P.E.
Director of Public Works
cc: Laurie Ahrens, Asst. City Manager (C/R 99-47)
John R. Theis, Manager Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
NORTHERN STATES POWER CO. 121 East 7' Place
8701 Monticello Lane St. Paul, MN 53101-2147
Maple Grove, MN 55369
F:�pM i—inQ\GENEML%LMXFRED%I"%Tank.dw
PLYMOUTH A Beaatif ul Place v Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
Metropolitan ALLEN R. TANK Voice: (612) 559-3779 x12
Anes"esia Network CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cell: (612) 9405252
14700 28th Avenue North. Suite 20 FAX: (612) 559-3791
Plymouth. MN 55447 E-mail: atank@hmadoc.com
July 19, 1999 —
Mayor Joy Tierney
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mayor Tierney:
As the Chief Executive Officer of a small corporation located in the Plymouth
office park, I need to call to your attention the problem of recurrent, unscheduled,
irregular, total power blackouts which frequently occur in the park, and request
your assistance in the resolution of the problem.
Metropolitan Anesthesia Network, L.L.P. (MAN) is a partnership of
anesthesiologists owned by two professional associations, Anesthesia
Associates, P.A. (AAPA) and Midwest Anesthesiologists, P.A. (MAPA). Through
Health Billing Systems L.L.P. (HBS) and Health Management Alternatives, L.L.P.
(HMA), which are also owned by AAPA and MAPA, practice management
services and state of the art technology services are provided to over 170
Physician Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthetists. These physicians and
nurses are located at 17 facilities in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and St. Cloud areas.
The cornerstone of our practice management group is applying technology to
anesthesia practice management concepts. A necessary component of
technological tools is a ready and consistent source of electricity. Currently, due
to the frequent, recurrent, unscheduled, and irregular total power blackouts, we
do not have that source in the Plymouth office park. Every time an unscheduled,
irregular, total power blackout occurs we loose hundreds of man-hours in lost
data, missed communications, and software reprogramming. The bottom line is
this, from our perspective the Plymouth office park is, because of the electricity
problem, not technologically friendly and unless the park becomes
technologically friendly we will be forced to relocate to an office park that is.
Please don't take this letter wrong. Plymouth is a very nice community and we
enjoy living and working here but, the days of "gee, too bad your power went out"
and then waiting hours for restoration are over. In the business world of the next
millennium, where technology will rule and where MAN intends to operate, these
responses to frequent, recurrent, unscheduled, and irregular total power
blackouts, won't cut it. _
"Anesthesiologists committed to the Integrated Anesthesia Care Team"
Mayor Joy Tierney
July 19, 1999
Page 2
1
If you have any questions or comments regarding this request for assistance,
please do not hesitate to contact the MAN staff attorney, Jim Sieben, at
612.559.3779 x43.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Al� e
Allen R. Tank
Chief Executive Officer
cc:
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Senator Gen Olson
Representative Henry Todd Van Dellen
Northern States Power Company
"Anesthesiologists committed to the Integrated Anesthesia Care Team"
August 13, 1999 CITY C)F
PLYMOUTH+
Lance Kiland
800 Ithaca Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC NOISE FROM I-494
Dear Lance:
Mayor Tierney has requested that I respond to your letter to her concerning the traffic
noise on I-494 in the area of your home. You state in your letter that you feel that
asphalt roadways generate less traffic noise than concrete roads.
Both concrete road surfaces and asphalt road surfaces generate traffic noise which
increases as the surfaces age and become rougher. In your letter you requested
information when this portion of I-494 may be overlayed with asphalt.
I-494 is maintained by the MN Dept. of Transportation., I am forwarding a copy of your
letter along with this letter to the district engineer for this area requesting that they
provide a response to your letter. I am further requesting that MnDOT provide a copy to
me which I would share with the City Council. Your letter has been received by all
Councilmembers.
Sincerely,
Fred G. Moore, P.E.
Director of Public Works
cc: Laurie Ahrens, Asst. City Manager (C/R 99-48)
Richard A. Stehr, Division Engineer
Metro Division
Waters Edge Building
1500 West County Road B2
Roseville, MN 55113
F: w1 iviwdn;\GENERAL%LTRS%FRED\I"Miland.dw
PLYMOUTH A Beaati}uf Place o Give
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
®,�...w:.. www.ci.plymouth.mn.us
1�
r
.� JUL 2 2 1999
August 13, 1999
Ann Svensson
13620 - 60' Place N
Plymouth, MN 55446
PLYMOUTR
SUBJECT: STOP SIGN - LAKE CAMELOT ADDITION
Dear Ann:
Your letter to City Councilmember Tim Bildsoe concerning the installation of the stop sign at
Yucca Lane and 60' Place was referred to me for a written response. You have previously talked
with both Councilmember Tim Bildsoe and City Engineer Dan Faulkner concerning the sign.
The City Council received a petition for the stop sign from a majority of the property owners
within 500 feet of the intersection. Also, when this request was presented to the City Council a
representative of the homeowner's association board of directors spoke and stated that the Board of
Directors was also in favor and support of the installation of this "all -way" stop intersection. In
your letter you stated that you were able to catch a rerun of the Council meeting on our cable
channel and therefore was able to view the Council discussion.
In my opinion, there were two key reasons why the City Council authorized the stop sign although
it was not a unanimous vote of the Council. The key reasons were:
• The stop sign was supported by the homeowner's association
• This stop sign only affects the Lake Camelot Estates Addition and not other
traffic
If you would like to have the City Council review their decision, I would suggest that you get the
support of the homeowner's association and have them make a request to the City Council. - All
City Councilmembers have received a copy of your July 15 letter to Councilmember Tim Bildsoe.
Sincerely,
Fred G. Moore, P.E.
Director of Public Works
cc: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager (C/R 99-49)
PLYMOUTH A'BcautiJu!'Flae'M&�`�eerinjlSIGNSWOMLTRS\1999%Svenswn 8_I3.doc
Ile
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
www.d.plymouth.mn.us
--
Ann Svensson
13620 60'x' Place North
Plymouth MN 55446
City Council
Tim Bildsoe
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth MN 55447
Dear W. Bildsoe,
July 15, 1999
JUL 1999 -
I would like to thank you able to have for you prompt return of my phone call and I
appreciated the conversation we were able to have.
I was able to catch a re -run of the council meeting pertaining to the stop sign on 6e and
Yucca, and although I would have to admit this probably isn't one of the most important
issues facing the City of Plymouth, a couple of items discussed by the council raised
some question in my mind about the way this matter was handled.
I had not realized before that the council had adopted a format in issuing stop signs. Like
so many people I often wonder why we have so many rules and regulations.but this one
small matter makes me realize often these regulations are put into place to avoid abuse
and over use, in this case of what Mayor Tierney referred to as a stop sign happy city. It
was apparent that most of the council felt somewhat uncomfortable about a sign but
decided to negate their format. I also accept your explanation of why that decision was
made Mr. Bildsoe, but let me give you an example of why that may not be a good idea
for the council to continue.
Recently I had a small addition added to my home. One of the footings for this addition
was too close to a retaining wall, which did not meet code. In order for the footing to
comply with the city code I had to remove the existing wall, rebuild a new wall and repair
considerable damage done to my yard. Not once did I question the necessity of this _
work. I just assumed those regulations were put into place for good reason. I must say I
found it disturbing that the council rejected their own regulations and the advice of the
city engineer and I wonder now if it was really necessary for me to spend $1500 and a lot
of work for just a few inches. I have to trust that the city and building inspectors have
good reason for these regulations and it is to avoid abuse.
Even the installation of this stop sign had to follow rules and regulations, hence a stop
sign planted in my perennial flower garden.
I feel I am in a rock and a hard place on this issue because as I told you, I really love my
neighborhood. It is not my intention to cause a rife in this neighborhood over one stop
sign, but I do feel some of the facts presented to the council were exaggerated and for a
better word possibly misleading. As the council is aware the meter put up did not
indicate a problem that would necessitate a sign, especially in lieu of the fact that I can't
be sure the speed that was reported by this meter are even accurate. It was reported there
was one car reported to be going 50, if that was true that of course is excessive, but it was
one car and could it be possible someone was just trying to see how high a number they
could get on the meter. It was also reported that their were 16 cars over forty, could any
of that be attributed to the neighbors themselves who were driving up and down Vucca to
pad the numbers of the meter. That situation really bothers me. You also mentioned you
had heard that a sign would help cut down on the town home traffic. As we talked, there
is almost no reason a town homeowner would use Yucca and even if they did, they
certainly have every right to use a city street and it doesn't mean they are speeding. I
questioned why a stop sign would be put on a cull de sac and your response was because
that was where the homeowners wanted it, yet my neighbors who were instrumental in
bringing about this action assured me that they really wanted it a block down the street
where there is a through street and where all the school busses stop, which would mean it
would be in front of their homes.
The suggestion that just because I have grown children I don't care about the safety in
this neighborhood is not only absurd, it is insulting. I live on this corner and spend a
great deal of time in my yard. I feel I am very aware of what goes on down Yucca Lane.
So this is what I am left with 1. A stop sign not only in my yard, but also in my flower
garden. 2. A stop sign that the council circumvented their standards to allow. 3. A stop
sign that was put into place by what I see as questionable facts. 4. A stop sign that is not
only awkward going in and out of this cull de sac, but just as I feared creates considerable
no a:;. Before this sign I was rarely aware of cars and trucks going by, now it is a
constant disturbance.4. A stop sign that may cause more problems as we look to winter
road conditions.
I fear that now that this sign is in place, it is here to stay and it is disheartening that what I
believe is a serious mistake will be hard to remedy. It is my life experience that once
people take a stand on something, even when it is an error, it is hard to undue. Maybe it
was the late hour that caused the council to pass this, or as you said your desire to grant
the wishes of what you were led to believe was a consensus of the neighborhood. _
Frankly Mr. Bildsoe, I commend the council for your willingness to listen to the citizens
and work with them, I just feel we may have been duped, and I am left to pay the price.
I sincerely thank you and Mr. Faulkner for your time and willingness to listen to my
concerns.
Sincerely,
Ann Svensson
CC: Mayor Tierney
Dan Faulkner
`
iP
W
W
a
m
z
W
o�
o�
rl
C O O U
� w �
Cl.00
c
0
0
-v o
u
^o
� G 3
0
Gs, . O
•v
o O y
0
I
y
N
eta
c�
�, Co�
S.
'
o � .r
..
No.
OCL
co
U
o
a� a
N
40
H
WU
S.
°
(n
in
�,
►a
0y
L
w0
as
ON
N
N
M
�,
M
.--
M
--
'00
p
O
O
O
00
Ocis
00
O
ON
ON
ON
ON
N
O
00
O
t—
O
O
O
O
O�
ON
ON
O
N
.�
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
t4.
CD
n
O
n
O
n
O
n
O
r -
O
ON
aN
ON
Q\
as
C14N
N
N
N
N
N
N
O
O
O
O
O
O
.�
.y
y
c
9
0
y
0
o
cn
O
U
•�
ami
�
a.
3
w°
0
� �
t a
'd
E
ed
UU
00ca
O
N
Q
y
cn
>
Q
O
1
•b
U
A
S
¢�
a
d
0
0
0
From: AMM To: Kathy Lueckert Date: 816199 Time: 2:40:06 PM
AMM FAX
HEWS
August 2-6, 1999
Auditor cites TIF
reporting progress
Bill Connors of the Office of
the State Auditor (OSA)
reported to the AMM's Housing
and Economic Development
Committee this week that as of
Aug. 2, 73 percent of all TIF
districts have filed substantially
completed TIF reports.
Connors also noted that 48
TIF authorities have not filed
reports. In discussing the report-
ing status, he suggested that
some TIF authorities may have
assumed that it is not required to
report because the district was
decertified in 1998. Reporting is
required under certain conditions
for districts for at least a year
after decertification
The 1999 reporting progress
is not comparable to prior years
because the OSA instituted a
new review process in 1998.
AMM Fax News is faxed periodically
to all AMM city managers and
administrators. The information is in-
tended to be shared with mayors,
councilmembers and staff in order to
keep officials abreast of important
metro city issues.
OCopyright 1999 AMM
14.5 University Avenue West
St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
Phone: (651) 215-4000
Fax: (651) 281-1299
E-mail. amm®amm145.org
Page 2 of 2
4W
Association of
Metropolitan
Municipalities
Met Council releases budget
Regional Administrator Jim
Solem and Met Council staff
presented the year 2000 unified
operating budget at the Aug. 4
meeting of the Regional Growth
Policy Committee.
The proposed $472.6 million
budget is 2.6 percent above the
current year's budget. Most of the
budget increase is for transit, while
the budgets for the Council's other
divisions are either declining or flat.
The unified budget is funded by
user fees (environmental services
and transit), federal and state
grants, of which some are passed
through to local governments, and
a tax levy.
The proposed tax levy of
$130.278 million is 6.1 percent
above the 1999 levy. Of the total
levy approximately 76 percent is for
transit operations and transit debt
service. If adopted, the Council's
levy is estimated to be approxi-
mately $96 on a $120,000 home-
stead.
The budget does not propose an
increase in transit fares but does
reduce municipal waste water rates
by 4.5 percent over 1991.
The budget will be subject to
Council committee meetings and the
final budget and levy should be
adopted in December. Subsequent
AMM faxes will provide additional
Council budget details.
ALOHA amounts to be released
Within the next few days,
cities should receive their
Affordable Life -Cycle Housing
Opportunity Amounts (ALOHA) for
the year 2000.
ALOHA is part of the Livable
Communities Act (LCA) and is the
minimum amount the city should be
spending on affordable life cycle -
housing.
The legislative formula for the
ALOHA considers growth in the
market value of homesteads and
the growth in homesteads that are
twice the average homestead
located in the city.
As a result of the formula, 19
cities, which did not have a 1998
ALOHA, will have ALOHA in 1999.
Other cities will experience rather
significant increases in the annual
amounts.
The AMM Housing and Economic
Development Committee will meet
with Council staff to review the
formula and determine if there
should be changes in the formula.
DATE: August 13, 1999
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Summary of Events
Ferndale North park issue. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission met last
night on the Ferndale North park/open space issue. Eric Blank reports that about 56
residents appeared, and perhaps 20 spoke. A few more of the speakers appeared to be in
favor of retaining the park as open space rather than developing any of it. After three
hours, PRAC members voted 6-0 to recommend that the area remain open space, that the
entry areas be opened up to allow walking access into the area, and that opportunties for
active recreation should continue to be sought in the general neighborhood area. The
PRAC recommendation will go to the Planning Commission on September 8th.
Budget. Final preparations on the draft budget are underway, and we plan to have the
draft to you at the end of next week. The first budget study session is scheduled for
August 24th with a follow-up meeting on September I". While the proposed budget will
be at or close to the current tax rate, the average resident will likely see a 2-3% increase
(about $10 per year) in actual taxes paid to the City for the proposed budget. There are
still some late valuation figures coming from the County that will sharpen up our_
estimates next week.
Facilitator. As most of you know, we have had a facilitator, Mr. Bill Hudson, working
with employees and supervisors in our maintenance divisions for most of this year. The
results have been excellent, and we are winding up the process with some training
sessions and "checkup" sessions before the end of the year. Now, members of the police
department have shown interest in working with the same facilitator. He has met with
some of the officers, the Lieutenants, and the Chief so far. A meeting with the Sergeants
is scheduled for next week. Assuming all agree to move forward, we will inviting Mr.
Hudson to work with the police this Fall.
Labor Negotiations. Negotiations will be beginning soon with all four of the City's
bargaining units: police, sergeants, maintenance workers, and the CTP (clerical,
technical, and professional employees) unit. All four contracts are up on December 31 sc
With the maintenance workers, and quite possibly the CTP group, we will be trying a
new process called "interest-based bargaining" rather than the more traditional "position-
based" bargaining. In the interest-based bargaining, issues are identified and explored
regarding the true needs or desires of each party. Then various solutions are proposed
and evaluated to try to find the best fit in meeting the needs of both sides. Ideally, this is
a more collaborative approach. The State Bureau of Mediation provides training and
facilitates these sessions.
Train whistles. Thursday, Craig Gerdes and I attended a meeting hosted by the CP
Railroad where a regional official of the Federal Railway Commission talked. About six
years ago, Plymouth passed an ordinance against train whistles at night except in
emergencies or at crossings without lights and gates. The Federal government has been
studying for five years on whether or not to allow these "quiet zones" to continue, and a
proposed final regulation is expected this Fall. One intriguing alternative technology that
has emerged is the idea of a fixed automated horn at the crossing. A horn would direct an
audible warning directly toward the crossing, eliminating the need for the train to blow its
whistle for hundreds of yards either side of the crossing. The literature shows that the
degree of neighborhood sound is cut drastically, and there is no evidence that safety at the
crossings is compromised in the three test cities where this has been tried in Nebraska,
Kansas, and Iowa. At the meeting yesterday, we expressed our interest in possibly
becoming a Minnesota test city, since train whistle noise has been an ongoing concern of
a number of our residents. We will follow-up with them to see if this is a possibility for
Plymouth.
Providence Academy. Formerly known as the Wayzata Academy, this proposed private
school is now considering building on Schmidt Lake Road east of Vicksburg. They are
planning a neighborhood meeting on August 19'' at 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Covenant
Church, 4300 Vicksburg. They say that Council members and Planning commissioners
will get a letter of invitation.
DATE: August 13, 1999
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: Summary of Agenda Items for August 17, 1999
6.15. Second quarter financial report. The report shows no problems, but it is
interesting to note that the projected surplus for 1999 is predicted to be in the $250,000
range, which is about the amount we need annually to meet our cash flow policy which
calls for beginning each year with a General Fund cash amount equal to 40% of the
budget. This is because we do not get any general tax receipts each year until July.
8.1 Wayzata stadium. Only one resident showed up for the neighborhood meeting
sponsored by the school district Tuesday evening and no one showed up at the Planning
Commission meeting Wednesday night. Notice had been mailed to all within 500'. So
far, this does not look like a controversial proposal, unlike the Armstrong stadium project
several years ago. There is plenty of parking on site, the lights will be shielded, measures
taken to control the sound, and off-duty police will be hired to control the traffic. The
item for approval at this meeting is simply the site plan; several variances are discussed
in the report but are on a separate approval timeline.
8.2 Y2K report. The report shows that the City is 85% complete in its technological
updates and a staffing plan for the new year weekend is also now in place. The two most
important items not yet complete are the testing of some new financial and utility billing
software. Both items have been installed, but need more testing.
9.1 Fire Station 4. With excellent assistance from Anne Hurlburt, the Public Safety
department has documented the need for a fourth fire station. Over 4,000 current and
future residents would see a response time reduction averaging more than 1 % minutes,
based upon current 2020 plans and densities. If more density is added, or more
development ultimately allowed after 2020, the number of households benefitted might
be over 6,000. We have a good opportuntity to share the cost of a fire station with Maple
Grove and get the benefit of a full station for about half the capital and operating cost.
Assuming the Council agrees that the need is emerging, actual construction would
probably be 3-5 years away.
Z
i
0y
++ •
LL
� ch
V
Q
is
O
Q
V
CL
m
v
Q
c
CL
0
c
ca
'F
i
I
i
Lo>
N
3
Q
C-
o
W
++
r
y
v
N
a
N
V
r
r
c
c
o
V
rn
rn
•a
>
c
d
a
O
XCL cc
E
CLs
a)
E�•
V)
N
�
V)
of
=
s
O
.Gr
E
.a
Q
rte•
.a
0
o
CL
O
c
a?
3
Z
to
2N
U)
(p
V)
E
;
-p
w
C
co
j
0
C
fl
O
c
>,
O
O
V
O
.-.
0
R
O
Ncm
V
O
N
s
N
Y
.�
t
m
i
>�
CO
21
C4
W
rmo
J
c
o
a
0
2
cm
Q
v
0
�.
c"
0
`
c°
a)
m
E
c04
°
>,
75
aof
Lo
O
..
E
a
J19
0
cW
M-
E
to
E
CO0
c-4
Q
=
0
O
v
p
E
p
a
7
m
(
>
Cii
p
0'0
N
0
04
OL
75�
E`
L
S'
0
U
'O
a
CL
p
V
C
O..
M
O
a
y
0)
r
p
X
O
a)
7
0
a)
O
r0+
0
a)
o
r
-O
�+
V
Q
_
V
a)
c
d
_
c
3
0
°'
y
o
c
E
�
a)
a�
3
eo
c
s
Z
o
L
°o
a
c
E
O
U
o
N
s
tv
tom-
,o
a
E
0
a)
C.
m
Q
t
(fl
'O
N
d
C
U
fA
r.
�.
O
U
N
Q)
c0
Z
y
r
a)
N
=
�'
c
fl
-
C
0
E-
c
V
N
o
N
�'
O
2
U
N
'y
�0..
j
Y
£.0
aco
a3
>�
O
N
s
CL
Q
=
m
e
m
c
•>
c
a
Q
Cb
c
tm
cm
m=
E
m
a)
r
R
O
a)
Y
c
10
a)
s
o
a)
E
O
O
N
C
L
=
O
io
a1
Z
N
C
(7
a
°-1
y'
a)
a
N
M
o
v)
m
"'
m
w.
m
c
►-
w
as
c)
E
o
O
C
3
O
N
(A
C
-
0
0
aS
3
m
3
N
7
O
O
a)
.a
d
O
.2
{�
+''
O
Y
d
=
M
O
O
U
7
N
N
a)
C
fl.
(p
r-
C
!Q
=
0
n=Y
_
C
m
•�
a
Q
c
ca
NDN
E
N
c
a�
a)
z
L
Q
3
m
N
a,�
2
`_1
U
°a
°
`
ma
OQ
in
U
o
a
a°'
N
Uin
v
tin
o
O
CD
00
m-
_
U)
as
c
°'
a)
O
N
T
m
c
O
E
.:
c
E
r
d
v'Fa)
E
—0N
z
o
o
°a
N
7
d
+''
a)
a
a
E
Z
N
>
CL
:a
V)
7D
c
o
-0
v
N
o
Q
c-
m
da)
c
c
a)
rn
c
E
m
o
U
O
o
C
u•
U
U
E
=
eo
a
=
V)
N
0t>
ca
O
s23ma
�fA
U
vm
Y
I
vO
m
a
ao
ec>C10
o
r
70
(D
a)
2>
%
D
oO
U>amiccai)
a
O
U
U
OMd
NUm
O
11
1
O
H:±`
r