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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-01-1999OCTOBER 1. 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, OCTOBER 5, 5:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 7: 00 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 4: 00 PM MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7. 00 PM (Residents meet individually at 5:30 PAO TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 5:30 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7. 00 PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 7.- 00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: COUNTYROAD 101 PLANS, Medicine Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers TOUR OFADULT CORRECTIONAL FACILITY WARD 3 FORUM WITH CO UNCILMEMBER BROWN, Council Chambers SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CITY MANAGER EVALUATION, Medicine Lake Room REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers JOINT COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON PUBLIC FACILITIES AND CITY SURVEY, Council Chambers CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 2 OCTOBER 1, 1999 i 2. MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7:00 PM YO UTH A D VISOR Y CO UNCIL, Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-2) 3. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, Medicine Lake Room 4. THURSDAY,OCTOBER 7, 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room S. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9,1:00-5:00 PM PLYMOUTH ON PARADE, City Center area 6. MONDAY, OCTOBER I1 COLUMBUS DAY (OBSERVED) Public Works Department Closed 7. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 8. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7:00 PM CHARTER COMMISSION, Public Safety Training Room 9. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7: 00 PM HRA, Medicine Lake Rome 10. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 7: 00 PM PRAC, Council Chambers 11. September, October, and November calendars are attached. (M-11) 1. NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) Star Tribune news story regarding the Elwell property. (I -]q) b) Agenda for the Metropolitan Council October 5 meeting regarding transit service along I-494. (I -1b) c) Notice of application by First Link Communications Company, to provide competitive local exchange service in Minnesota. (I -1c) d) Information from MediaOne regarding the planned merger of MediaOne and AT&T. (1-1d) e) List of organizations and items needed for "Make A Difference Day." (7-1e) Schedule of TwinWest sponsored school district coffee break meetings. (I -If) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3 OCTOBER 1, 1999 g) Invitation to the public grand opening of the Hennepin County Ridgedale Library. (11 g h) MLC regional breakfast meeting schedule. (I -1h) i) New School District 279 community newsletter. (I -Ii) j) Schedule of planned Association of Metropolitan Municipalities regional issue forums. (I -1j) k) Star Tribune columnist Kim Ode's comments on policy to check ID's during tobacco and alcohol sales. (I -1k) 1) Wayzata/Plymouth Area Chemical Health Commission October 8 meeting agenda. (I -I1) m) Notice of a Government Training Services sponsored half -lay workshop on community innovation, Monday, November 22 in St. Paul. Other locations around the state are listed. (I -1m) n) Letter from Metropolitan Council member Saundra Spigner regarding reductions in environmental services fees. (I -In) Z STAFFREPORTS a) 1998 Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects under the Community Development Block Grant. (I -2a) 3. MINUTES a) Wayzata/Plymouth Area Chemical Health Commission September 10 meeting. (I -3a) 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY— CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter to Scott Mehus from Park Director Eric Blank regarding a request for an aggressive inline skate park in Plymouth. Scott's original letter is included. (I -4a) A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (1-4) S. CORRESPONDENCE a) Internet communication from David C. Holman regarding the plans for County Road 101 improvements. (I -5a) b) Letter from State Representative Ron Abrams responding to City concerns over state–regulated city levies. (1-5b) M ' 9j, YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL OCTOBER 4,1999; 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL, MEDICINE LAKE ROOM AGENDA 1. Introduce new members 2. Approve minutes of September 8, 1999 meeting 3. Finalize preparations for Plymouth on Parade 4. Review plans for "Make a Difference Day" 5. Receive update on grant application for next Youth Jam 6. Discuss possible meeting with area high school principals 7. Discuss possible Youth Citizen Law Enforcement Academy 8. Discuss topics and schedules for future meetings 9. Adjourn s M'8 AGENDA Charter Commission October 14, 1999 Public Safety Training Room 7:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order Larry Marofsky 2. Introductions 3. History of the Plymouth Charter Commission Laurie Ahrens 4. Role of the Charter Commission Joel Jamnik Legal Differences between Statutory and Charter Cities How Charter Issues are placed on the ballot 5. Recent and Future Charter Commission Issues Bob Sipkins 6. Election of Officers 7. Other -- Questions/Discussion 8. Schedule Next Meeting 9. Adjourn 0 Z W W a LL O r•I u CDN W 2c is aZ O (Lwow $L-, N� R N io FULLY 7 �a'ozwo a g $2,a.$ M �aoOx$ Cl N O� r• N M l0 In N O� N N fc E o8 ru_ Oggp c Wj 3FS �2 WWC 2DO U08 Z Nx N UNC (LSco x IL CLL CL ate. (LW~ $O u $M ?'o` E $c $;;-`m r�U r�Ua i�U rN . pp t� •-� N N zV = U Z ZZ U ZZ 'a w CLO, a E a2 _ooN g m8 � 3 ora om awe odo2E e -U 'U r— TUU Z N N tS ^NN RAU k: - 41 dd 6 p� Nt+l pp� OK t —,onNN 00 p 7 y _ N�NN QQ3mm63 QC 6 c ?g v o 0 �..+NN w� �z�. h^^N d2 O'Vm �p w g�F 0 z _ W W _ J a _ LL U. 0 CD CD0 r L E 0 Z c cc NO �Leel �! � Q � N T (... 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M�^n"CA y y y0 N oj h NOS^Nt�n C � Ool N N yJ dZC Z W Q}si aZ aFZWU> a 0 NM 4n N rn W 0 S2 rn 0 0 2 CDN0W CgckHere M E 1 I IR 16100 6100 Published Tuesday, September 28, 1999 G� Land sale opens up opportunities/debate over coveted site r s Mark Brunswick / Star Tribune startrbtme.com P*tro It's just an old turkey farm straddling Medina and Plymouth in western Hennepin County, a secluded place of pleasant rolling grassland. But the old Elwell property has been generating a lot of interest. Hennepin County bought 424 acres in 1990 for what was then considered an overpriced $10,000 an acre. The land was intended for a new public works site, sheriffs firearms training and maybe a county fairgrounds. Those plans have been abandoned and the county wants to unload the land. It stands to more than double its investment. In recent months, several well-financed developers have been wrangling over pieces of the property, one of the largest undeveloped parcels in a coveted part of the county. The Hennepin County Board is expected to sell the land today to one or more interested parties for about $9.3 million. A group that includes Vance Opperman, a well-known business and political figure and multimillionaire, wants to develop high-end housing on part of the site. Former Hennepin County Board Member Mark Andrew has been hired to lobby for another housing developer. But the most aggressive suitor has been the Golden Valley -based Speak the Word Church International, which wants to develop a campus on the Plymouth side of the property. Its plan includes new TV studios for its worldwide ministry, a 5,000 -seat sanctuary, a 1,000 -seat youth center, and 20 acres of parking. County staff has recommended that the board sell the 84.7 acres on the Plymouth side to the church for $1.7 million and the 330.8 acres in Medina to Twin Cities -based BancorNKO Enterprises, in which Opperman is involved, for $7.6 million (the other acreage involved in the county purchase is a public road). For several months, the County Board has debated the sale, and the debate has become more intense with the involvement of the church, whose tax-exempt status has raised concerns about keeping a large chunk of land off the tax rolls. Other members want to unload surplus land for the best price they can get. "If we set our standards too high about getting taxes back on the land, then no one will want to site a church anywhere," warned Hennepin Board Member Penny Steele during a recent discussion. Meanwhile, the negotiations have elevated the discussion about development in an area with a decreasing supply of land. Buyers will have to assuage officials from Medina and Plymouth. Both cities have been clear about limiting, if not stifling, high-density development that would create greater demands on such services as snow plowing and police and fire protection. Plymouth, for instance, has been adamant about keeping the Elwell property as it is, zoned for homes on 20 - acre lots served by wells and septic systems. Although subject to revision, the city's plan calls for no significant changes for 10 to 20 years as the city focuses its attention to development in other portions of the city. "We don't want to see premature development pressure on this property. We wouldn't allow a church to go there without public sewer or water; you wouldn't have adequate fire protection," said Anne Hurlburt, Plymouth's community development director. "The church is lobbying very, very, very heavily right now, and they think that, somehow, things are going to change. They think that if they buy it, Plymouth will change its mind. I don't know what's going on. l don't get it." Like their secular competitors, church officials say they recognize the uphill battle to develop the property but have adopted a land speculator's zeal. "Our eyes are wide open. The fact that the city has not welcomed us with open arms, and the fact the current plan doesn't permit us to do what we want to do, we certainly are not presumptuous to think that it's going to be easy to get that done," said Jay Hesby, one of the congregation's founders and a member of the church's board of advisers. "We understand that. We are willing to fight that battle after we get the property." Church's big pockets !! Although exempt from filing financial disclosure reports, Hesby said a 1998 church audit showed assets of more than $9 million, with between $800,000 and $900,000 in cash. liabilities were listed at around $200,000. A church representative came to one County Board meeting with a $100,000 cashier's check in hand as earnest money for a purchase. In the ongoing negotiations, the church has raised its cash purchase proposal by $500,000 and agreed to pay all county, city and school district property taxes on the land until its facilities are approved, and until tax-exempt status kicks in. The county estimates that amount to be almost $38,500 a year under current zoning and assessments. While reaching an estimated 75 million TV viewers in distant places such as Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by satellite every Sunday, Speak the Word Church International operates somewhat more quietly here in its home base, which includes, by its own estimates, more than $6 million in tax-exempt property, which will be sold if it buys the Plymouth site. The church started with just six members who held church services in a mansion in Minneapolis' Kenwood neighborhood in the mid- I970s. About 4,800 people now attend services each week. The growth has tripled since the church moved in 1986 to its current home, a contemporary office building behind fast-food restaurants and auto dealerships off Interstate Hwy. 394 in Golden Valley. It also owns a 5,000 -square -foot office building nearby. Sermons feature the charismatic Rev. Randy Morrison and his wife, Roberta. The church includes a bookstore, where the Morrisons' video and audio tapes are available for purchase. The church holds many activities throughout the week, including "Discovery Classes" designed to teach practical application of God's word. A class set to begin in October, for instance, is called "How to Win in the Money Game" and will instruct participants on the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. Pendulum swing Owners of some of the the hobby farms and horse stables near the Elwell site have pushed the no - development agenda. But pending development in Medina and the inclinations of any buyer to move things along on the Plymouth side are expected to raise the stakes. So will the construction of the Elm Creek interceptor, a long-awaited 54 -inch wastewater line that is expected to speed development in some northern and western suburbs, eventually including Plymouth and Medina. "The lobbying has always been against development in that area. Now the pendulum is going to swing very heavily the other way. It is not going to be pretty," predicted Plymouth Mayor Joy Tierney, who opposes changing the city's plan to accommodate the church. While nothing has been finalized, BancorNKO has said it plans to build high-end homes on the Medina portion of the property. It is within the Metropolitan Council's boundaries for growth, and the Medina City Council has authorized 120 much -prized sewer hookups for the acreage. As evidence of the value of the land, BancorNKO has agreed to increase the purchase price by $50,000 for every sewer unit over 120. BancorNKO Enterprises did not return telephone calls. Another group, Laurent Development Co., has proposed buying both the Plymouth and Medina parcels for $9 million. Laurent hired former County Board member Andrew, now working for the public policy firm Tunheim Santrizos, to assist in negotiations. An analysis by Laurent shows that both the Laurent and Bancor proposals would result in comparable development and property valuation in Medina. The company also says the Laurent proposal would likely result in 33 homes being developed on the Plymouth site after sewer and water are available. At an average price expected to be $855,000 per home, Laurent says its proposal would generate $540,000 a year in tax revenues, compared to none if the Plymouth property goes to the church. Terry Forbord, a principal in Laurent, pledged to live by the wishes of both cities and develop the land only when the municipalities deem it appropriate. Whoever ends up with the land on both sides of County Rd. 101 can expect more scrutiny from both affected cities. "Medina is about 28 square miles and has about 3,800 people, and there isn't a whole lot of support for stmbbme cam changing either one of those numbers now," said Medina Mayor John Ferris. Metropolitan Council Working for the Region, Planning for the Future IT SERVICE ALONG I-494 'uesday, October 5, 1999 3:00 — 4:30 P.M. Council Chambers Bloomington City Hall 2215 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 1. Welcome and Overview of Meeting — Phil Riveness 2. Characteristics of the I-494 Corridor — Nacho Diaz 3. Current Transit Efforts — Transit Providers 4. Discussion 5. Next Steps • Involving the hospitality industry, employers, and riders • Capital and operating needs • Timelines Note: If you have any questions, call Elaine Bauer (651) 602-1717. 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fax 602-1550 TDD/77Y 291-0904 Metro Info Une 602-1888 An Equal Opportunity Employer LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN P. L. L. P. ATTORNEYS AT LAW SUITE 2200 100 WASHINGTON AVENUE SOUTH MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401-2179 TELEPHONE (612) 339-6900 FACSIMILE (612) 339-0981 WWW.LOCKLAW.COM SUITE 900, SOUTH BUILDING 601 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE,`N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-2612 TELEPHONE (202) 434-8163 FACSIMILE (202) 639-8238 TO: Clerk/Administrator ROBERT J. SCHMIT RICHARD A. LOCKRIDGE CHARLES N. NAUEN H. THEODORE GRINDAL W. JOSEPH BRUCKNER BRADLEY W. ANDERSON PATRICIA A. BLOODOOOD CHRISTOPHER K. SANDBERG HARRY E. GALLAHER WILLIAM A. GENGLER ERIC C. TOSTRUD HENRI G. MINETTE EARLE F. KYLE, IV OF COUNSEL DANIEL A. FARBER� MILDA K. NCDSLOM ELIZABETH A. SNELSON KATHLEEN F. YOUNG September 21, 1999 0/A/ KAREN M. HANSON SARA L. MADSEN GREGO M. FISHBEIN SUSAN E. ELLINGSTAD JEAN K. JANES KAREN E. REILLY CHRISTIAN M. SANDE JEFFREY T. NODLAND HEIDI DREWES-SILTON GREGORY J. MYERS JAMES M. GENIA JOSEPH F. HENDERSON ADMITTED IN WAlMINOTON, D.C. ONLY Re: In the Matter of the Request of First Link Communications Co., for a Certificate of Authority to Enable it to Provide Local and Interexchange Facilities Based and Resold Telecommunications Services In the State of Minnesota Docket No. Dear Sir/Madam: This is to provide you notice that First Link Communications Co. has filed an Application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission today requesting authority to provide competitive local exchange service in all exchanges in Minnesota presently served by USWEST, GTE, Frontier, and Sprint/United as well as long-distance service to all points in the state. A copy of First Link Communications Co.'s filing may be obtained by contacting the undersigned. CKS/sm 268486-1 Sincerely, LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN P.L.L.P. Christopher K. Sandberg MediaOne September 28, 1999 10 River Park Plaza St. Paul, MN 55107 Joy Tierney Mayor Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447.00 Dear Mayor Tierney: SEPI. s Administration 651 312.5000 Wia®ne is Broadband. This is the way. As you may know, AT&T and MediaOne are planning to merge. Our companies are excited about working together and believe this alliance will represent a significant new era for Twin Cities consumers. As a local leader, we wanted you to be aware of the merger and ' of the positive impact it will have on our community. AT&T has long been known for its commitment to customer service, its well-known brand name and its expertise in the long-distance market. MediaOne, in pursuing its aggressive cable upgrade schedule, has led the Twin Cities in rolling out new broadband services, including high- speed Internet access. MediaOne has plans to launch local telephone service in several communities soon. As a result of the merger, consumers will enjoy greater innovations in products and services, more price competition and more telecommunications choices. For the first time, one company will offer a full menu of services at a lower packaged price. Or, consumers can pick and choose their local phone service, long distance, high-speed Internet, cable TV, wireless, and voicemail from competing companies. With AT&T and MediaOne — it's your choice. Further, unlike many recent mergers, MediaOne's local headquarters will remain in the Twin Cities and high quality jobs in our area will increase to meet consumer demand for new broadband services. Just as importantly, the merger means an increased commitment to local investment and spending. For more information about the benefits of the merger, we encourage you to read the enclosed. brochure. We will mail regular updates to keep you informed about the status of this exciting partnership. If you have further questions, please contact MediaOne's Director of Communications, Brian Dietz, at 651-312-5290. Sincerely, Jeffrey A. Harkman Vice President and General Manager MediaOne Enclosure s = j o S- C 3 � ,Cry J 1 CO N - •B CA o = W m F- _u cA v v VQF °� = WQQ'�v� o f"cr zmio = ^ �Q'?sem Lu &u � c r •� u 'a W C Ju =00. Fig J Cf W c i W mi Q V O y P-166 Z E W mi > -_ W V to _ L 0Z 52 V= VQ 3 7i C 3 a 0 Im N W W H W Q W J LU Q ►E� � o Q •C_ � Mrd•. � � •J •� •�, CJ .0 C � � r� J C U to Im - 3 .. 1- Wj TU 'aUo p co s F• �+ u '� - w 2 oA ° u _ �+ w �s .,= c a 9. Vr 4r MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ITEMS NEEDED INTERFAITH OUTREACH & COMMUNITY PARTNERS • Cash Donations • Food Shelf Donations — Non-perishable • New un -wrapped toys and gifts - Children and Teens • Seasonal clothing - clean and in good condition • Birthday Shelf items — gifts, games, cake mixes, wrapping paper Volunteers are always needed to help with phone answering, in the food shelf, etc. HOMEFREE SHELTER • Toiletries — Deodorant, soap, lotion, shampoo, and other hair care products, toothbrushes & toothpaste, feminine hygiene needs • Clothing — Bras, underwear, socks, nightgowns, slippers, tennis shoes, shorts & jeans, T — shirts and sweatshirts • Miscellaneous — towels, washcloths and alarm clocks • Cleaning supplies — mops, brooms, paper towels, etc. • Baby items, baby clothing, and diapers CONECT COLLABORATIVE • Art and Office Supplies — Construction paper, markers, crayons, pens, pencils, children's scissors, copier paper, bulletin boards, dry erase boards, first aid kits • Cleaning supplies — Paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, window cleaner, kitchen plastic garbage bags • Snack items —100% real juice boxes, caffeine free pop • Games and toys — for all ages of children to use on site, either new or in good condition, any kind of camping equipment, new or used sports equipment • Televisions and VCRs, new or used but in working condition, a vacuum cleaner and bags and cookie sheets PRISM • Non-perishable food and clothing • Cash donations for emergency assistance • Office supplies and office equipment manila file folders, desk jet ink cartridges, paper shredder, electric pencil sharpener, reception desk, high back support chairs, office cleaning supplies • Clothing — business type for men and women, larger size clothing, underclothing, hosiery, business type jewelry • Vehicles — a 7-10 passenger van for Elder Express and usable automobiles • Volunteers are also greatly needed to help in the food shelf and clothes closet, answering phones, mechanics, legal advocates, front desk services, etc. .. .................................... A I�N� INT fuIIW ��W� III�IN VIII III�II �V�� Illlm KIDS'CARE CONNECTION L -le • Cash donations — for start-up funds and daycare scholarships • Office supplies — large desk, office chair, filing cabinet and office supplies • Outdoor play area — fencing, sandbox and toys, large muscle group toys, riding toys, wagons, balls, canopy, and youth size picnic tables • Indoor play area -large and small building blocks, double easels, push/riding toys, tape players, musical toys, washable stuffed animals, youth step stools, electric outlet shields. • Arts and crafts— glue, paste, construction and tissue paper, safety scissors, crayons and washable markers, sponges, brushes, Popsicle sticks, cotton balls, youth craft items. • Equipment and furniture — small refrigerator, folding wall unit changing tables, washable cots and mattresses, disposable diaper containers, bulletin boards, low movable shelving units, child size tables and non -folding chairs, adult size chairs, children's new or slightly used books, new baby blankets • Cleaning supplies —facial tissues, liquid soap, disposable diapers, bleach, single sheet paper towels • Snacks - They also need a lot of juice concentrate and non-perishable snack foods. 09/28/99y17:10 To:Laurie Ahrens [I From:Maureen Page 1/2 TwI1uWEs-7- CHAMBER CHAMBER O F COMMERCE Support Your School Districts... Attend State of the District Coffee Breaks! ♦ Come learn what's happening within the TwinWest educational system and how business and education can work together to prepare our kids for the next Millennium. We NEED your support! ♦ Coffee Breaks are non -structured, networking events from 7:30-9:00 a.m. within the TwinWest service area. Be sure to attend as many as you can — they require no reservations and are free of charge. Bring plenty of business cards! Hopkins School District 270, Wednesday, October 6 Eisenhower Community Center — Room 134, 1001 Highway 7 in Hopkins Robbinsdale Area Schools, Tuesday, October 12 Sandburg Middle School, 2400 Sandburg Lane in Golden Valley St. Louis Park, Thursday, October 14 Central Community Center, 6300 Walker Street in St. Louis Park Minnetonka Public Schools, Wednesday, October 20 Minnetonka Public Schools District Service Center, 5621 Highway 101 in Minnetonka Wayzata, Friday, October 22 Wayzata West Middle School, 149 Barry Avenue North in Wayzata For more information and directions, please refer to the October edition of the TwinWest Directions Newsletter IS OF THE LIBRARY HE RIDGEDALE-HENNEPIN AREA LIBRARY - 12601 RIDGEDALE DRIVE • MINNETONKA. MN 55305 r � J As/fir 1J l � To: Friends of all Hennepin County Libraries From: Ddn- Carlson, President, Friends of the Ridgedale Library Re: Invitation to the Public Grand Opening of the Ridgedale Library It is my special pleasure to invite you to the public Grand Opening Day celebration of the Ridgedale Library on October 10, 1999! The program will begin at 2:30 PM and the celebration to follow will include Ad K&', ceremony, family festivity, authors, tours and fireworks. Visitors will find a very attractive ambience in which to enjoy the latest in technology and electronic resources and 50,000 more books! The space will include study rooms, community meeting rooms, a coffee shop; used bookstore and a lobby welcome desk. The Friends of the Ridgedale Library are especially proud of the "Story Garden," an interactive art piece created by local artist Tom Rose that defines the Children's Area and was partially funded by the Ridgedale Friends. After two years of construction, our Friends are looking forward to returning "home" and hope you will join us to celebrate this very special occasion. I extend my personal thanks to you for your ongoing support of this project and I look forward to working with you as we prepare to launch "tomorrow's library today." FROM MES SEAL I & KRAMER ST. PAUL NON) 9. 27' 99 14:56/14:43/NO. 4261 1 241 25 P 1 Messerli Kramer professional association Telecopier: (651) 228-9787 Date: September 27, 1999 Telecopier Transmittal Sheet Attorneys at Law League Of MN Cities Bldg Suite 450, 145 University Ave West St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone (651) 228-9757 TO: MLC Operating Committee TELECOPMR No.: [copyaly) SUBJECT: MLC Regional Breakfast Meetings COAD4ENTS: Please find attached the finalized dates and locations for the 1999 MLC Regional Breakfast Meetings. I would appreciate it if you could make sure that your mayor and city councilmembers are aware of these daw. Formal invitations will be forthcoming as December nears. Please call me or my assistant. Liz, with any questions. Thank you. HARD COPY WILL NOT FOLLOW FROM: Bob Renner, Jr. Direct Dial #: (651) 2289757 NO. OF PAGES: 2. including this cover page. If you do not receive all pages, or are experiencing other problems in transmission, please cell Jennifer Tschida at (651) 228-9757. Thank you. The information coamolned in this facsimire message is attorney privileged and eonfdentrai injformadon intended for the use of the individual or entity named above. if the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination. distribution or copying of dds communkation is strictty prohibited. If you have received this fax in error, please immediately no* us by telephone, and return the original message to us at the above address via the U. S. Postal Service at our expense. FROM MESSERLI & KRAMER ST. PAUL (MON) 9-27'99 14:5 7/14 : 43/NO. 42 6L & e4T1ivu2n esviPc.lue2nu»Us b MUNUPAL. 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 MGMATIVE NLI St. Paul, Minnesota 55103 COMML550N Telephone: (651) 228-9757 - Facsimile: (6151) 228-9787 1999 MLC REGIONAL. BREAKFASTS Legion 1: Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka & Plymouth Date: Tuesday. December 7, 1999 Time: 7:30A.M. — 9:15A,M. Location: Radisson Hotel and Conference Center — Plymouth Region 2: Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & Woodbury Date: Thursday, December 9, 1999 Time: 7:30A.M. — 9:15A. M. Location. Maplewood Inn - Maplewood Region 3: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan & Lakeville Date: Wednesday, December 15,1999 Time: 7:30A.M. — 9:15A.M. Location: Royal Cliff Conference Center - Eagan Member Cities: Apple Valley. Bloomington. BumWille, Eagan. Edcn Prairie. Edina. Lakeville, Maplewood. Minnetonka, Plymouth. Roscvillt, Shoeavicw, Woodbury EEDistrict '7J SCHOOLS September 29, 1999 L. CHRIS RICHA SPDSON. Ph.D. D. Dear Community Members, exciting school year, we continue to value a strong, oo00ei cooperative spirit and ve hip As we enter another with you as parents of District 279 students.information, we have deve oped an initiative through a also provide you with quality parents g Education and partnership with The Search Institute of Minneapolis and our Community Services Department. s development initiative The Search Institute has completed extensive research on a positive et forkyouth. After surveying that centers around 40 developmental assets which act as a safety their research found that the students in a large number of school districts throughout the nation, umber of assets a student possesses, the lower number of at -risk indicators prevail for higher non ow parents, schools, organizations, that individual. Their work is focusing create strategies to build these assets in their youth. communities, and the faith community innin the last week of September, all District 279 elementary students will take home a Beg g monthlynewsletter entitled, "Ideas for Parents:' We also want to providing ke r ideas on how that you The flyer will feature the asset type of the month, p g receive a copy Please note the eight asset types and the 40 we can develop assets in our young people. a ssets listed on the back of my letter. A distribution calendar is a part of this listing- to to help mobilize the entire community to focus on youth, we are also working closely In orderP to distribute this information to with other agencies, organizations, and the faith community s families that they see on a regular basis. appreciate the opportunity to work cooperatively with you in promoting assets in we apP In closing, our young people. If you have questions. regarding this initiative, please call our Community Education and Services Department at 391-7114. Respectfully, C L. Chris Richardson, Ph.D. Superintendent "The Nurturing Nature of Support" Enclosure: The first newsletter, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTP.ICT 279 Educational Service Center. 11200 93rd Avenue North m—i. f:.nvo MN 55369-6605 OVER Ideas for Parents Newsletters THE NURTURING NATURE OF SUPPORT September 29, 1999 ASSETS: y Family Support •'r Caring Neighborhood ❖ Positive Family Communication Caring School Climate Other Adult Relationships e• Parent Involvement in Schooling VALUED AND VALUABLE October 20,1999 ASSETS: Community Values Youth Service to Others ❖ Youth as Resources Safety THE IMPORTANCE OF BOUNDARIES AND EXPECTATIONS November 17, 1999 ASSETS: •: Family Boundaries Adult Role Models •: School Boundaries •:• Positive Peer Influence •: Neighborhood Boundaries High Expectations YOUR CHILD'S CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF TIME December 15,1999 ASSETS: y Creative Activities Religious Community Youth Programs �o Time at Home THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMMITMENT TO LEARNING January 19, 2000 ASSETS: ❖ Achievement Motivation Bonding to School ❖ School Engagement •'r Reading for Pleasure ❖ Homework THE IMPORTANCE OF VALUES February 16, 2000 ASSETS: y Coring •: Honesty ti• Equality and Social Justice ❖ Responsibility ❖ Integrity ❖ Restraint THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL COMPETENCIES March 15, 2000 ASSETS: Planning and Decision Making •: Resistance Skills •: Interpersonal Competence •'r Peaceful Conflict Resolution ❖ Cutural Competence THE POWER OF A POSITIVE IDENTITY ;AAril 19, 2000 ASSETS: •'r Personal Power •'r Sense of Purpose r Self -Esteem •: Positive View of Personal Future IXG HEALTHY YOUTH LA for pare practical Suggestions for Building Assets in Your Child . ASSET TYPE #l: Support The more love, support, and adult contacts a child has, the more likely he or she is to grow up healthy. What Are Assets? Assets are tf 0 key building blocks to help kids succeed. -o...d.a s.mrh /..naw. ,,,V4P .r.a,b.r MAN 6M. a, 12MIrad. r(A M..jhmw M. u."d Smr.` The Nurturing of Support Wso are the champion upporters in your life? These champions are important. They cheer us on when things go well. They stick with us when life throws us a curve ball. They listen. They ask questions. They smile. They hug. They're people we enjoy being around What kind of a champion are you for your child? Are you a fair-weather supporter? A rain -or -shine supporter? What's your unique way of supporting and loving your child? Your love and support for your child are critical. But you cantgo it alone. You need others. Your child needs others. How supported and cared for does your child feel by teachers, neighbors, coaches, grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents of their friends, youth workers, and mentors? These other key adults Nature are important players in helping your child jump over the hurdles in life. In fact, the more supportive adults your child has, the better. And by nurturing and loving all the children in our communities, we help them grow to be loving caring people themselves. 6 Key Areas of Support Search Institute researchers, have identified six support assets that are crucial for helping young people grow up healthy. Check the areas of strength in your child's life U Family support—Family life provides high levels of love and support. O Positive family communication You and your child communicate positively, and your child is willing to seekyou out for advice and counsel. 0 other adult relationships—Your child receives support from three or more non - parent adults. O Caring neighborhood—Your child experiences caring neighbors. O Caring school climate—School provides a caring encouraging environment for your child E3 Parent involvement in schooling You are actively involved in helping your child succeed in school. Name Three 1 Have each family member name three ways the family supports her or him. Through Years Ways to Love and Support Your Child • Cheeryour child on as he or she masters new skills. • Touch your child often. Hug. Cuddle. Encourage your child as he or she learns new skills. When you and your child disagree; point out you still love her or him. • Continue to show affection foryour teenager. • Letyour teen overhearyou complimenting her or him to someone else. • Ask foryour teen's opinion or advice on something important More stun You C� Use What Kids Need to Succeed proVen pra Good Kids. This book ctjcal Wa people. (available 8ives practical tips for buildjn s to Raise in Suite 21Ava from Search Institute, 700 South ThW Street e young inrieapolis, MN 55415; I-800.888 7828.) ViNaL WORD Helpful `: Hints flips that make supporting your child easier. • adjust the way you support your " child as he or she grows • Idenh{y your own sources of support and what you can learn from them. • Ask your child what kind of s� support he or she litres best and why. • Watch fornon- verbalclues from your child saying he or she needs yoursupport. "Children need to know that, whatever else may happen, their parents love them." —Michael Poplin, Ph.D., director of the Active Parenting Program This newsletter and other asset resources are produced by Search Institute. 700 South Third Sheet, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415; 1-800.888.7828. Copyright O 1997 by Search Institute. Major support for Search Institute's HeaMhy Communities • Heafthy Youth initiative is provided by Lutheran Brotherhood. a hatamal benefit sod that sty spedalizes br insurance, annuities, and investment products. rr`rrrrrr�rr�rrrrrrr�rrrr��rrrrs�rrrrrrrrrrr■a arrrrarrrrrrrrrrrrrr�rrfir�rrrs Mark your calendars and plan to attend... Superintendents' Summit on Asset Building for Youth A collaborative planning session led by Superintendents of ISD 279, 286, cf it Saturday November 6,1999 Upcoming Meetings: Together for Kids of the Chomp/in Park Cluster October 13 at 7:30 am. Champlin City Hall 11955 Champlin Dr., Champlin Contact: Joan Molenaar, Coordinator - 506-6803 Healthy Communities, Healthy Youth of Brooklyn Pork October 19 at 2 p.m. Northwest Hennepin Human Services 7601 Kentucky Ave. N. Contact: Beth Becker, Coordinators 590-6050 Healthy Commonities, Healthy Youth of Maple Grove School Board Candidate Forum October 21 at 7:15 - 8:30 am. Old Country Buffet, 13603 Grove pr., Maple Grove Contact: bebbie Coss, Coordinator - 494-6166 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities i Sept. 28, 1999 oval Issue �iscusszon Forums The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) is sponsoring three more regional issue discussion forums this year. They will all run from 8-9:15 a.m, and will be held at the LMC Building (map is on reverse). All mayors, councilmembers, administrators & managers and city staff are invited to attend. Please call Laurie Jennings at 651-215-4000 to reserve a seat. Monday, Oct. 11, 1999 "The Stadium: An Owner's View" Should there be public funding for a stadium? Are professional sports vital to a city or region? Mr. Red McCombs, owner of the Minnesota Vikings, will answer these questions and discuss other stadium issues. Please R.S.V.P. for the Red McCombs forum by calling Laurie Jennings at 651- 2154000 by Friday, Oct. 8. Thursday, Nov. 4,1999 "Video: A Tool for Traffic Management" State Patrol Col. Ann Beers and Bob Weinholzer of the Minnesota Department of Transportation will discuss the issue of "camera cops" or Motion Imaging Recording Systems (M.I.R.S). Legislation was introduced in 1999 that would have permitted a three -city demonstration for camera -mounted red light violation enforcement. Issues involved include: type of citation, to whom issued and use of video. Please R.S.V.P. for the camera cops forum by calling Laurie Jennings at 651-215-4000 by Tuesday, Nov. 2. Wednesday, Dec. 8,1999 "Telecommunications & the Role of Cities" Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL -Hopkins) will address the telecommunications issue and the role of cities in franchising local cable providers. SF 2133 would establish a broader state role regarding the franchising and regulat- ing of services provided by telecommunication providers, including cable companies. Please R.S.V.P. for the telecommunications forum by calling Laurie Jennings at 651-215-4000 by Monday, Dec. 6. League of Minnesota Cities Building Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) 145 University Avenue West Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Phone: 651-215-4000 Fax: 651-281-1299 + I Highway 36 r Maryland Ave. Sherburne Ave. LMC University Ave. 0) State Capitol - N U Office CO� o . °C Bldg. .� w LO 1-94 CO Located one-half mile north of 1-94 at the corner of Rice Street and University Avenue. ♦ Park in the west parking lot and enter the building using the west entrance. ♦ Be sure to sign in at the receptionist desk to prevent your car from being towed. s>Et.F-SERVE cuAssIIFINas U I r T Published Saturday, September 25. 1999 LFI Kim Ode: Are you old enough to read? I need to see some I.D. Kim Ode / Star Tribune startribune.com variety count woman placed the petite bottle of white zinfandel on the counter, unlatching the clasp on her purse to count out the necessary $1.58. "I'll need to see some I.D.," said the guy at the register. "Oh my," she said pleasantly, digging further and presenting a card. Her age confirmed, she thanked him sweetly and tucked the wine in her purse and headed back to the assisted -living apartments where she resides. at 86. So it goes lately at Byerly's. Two weeks ago, the company joined the growing ranks of retailers requiring a photo I.D. of anyone buying either of humanity's favorite vices, liquor or tobacco. Checking I.D.s is a good idea, even though there's no fail-safe method of thwarting minors; there will always be adults so desperate for teenage approval that they'll spring for schnapps and a six-pack. We'd all better get used to having a grainy photo at the ready. It's going to take some getting used to, on both sides of the transaction. Jay Gleason manages the wine and spirits department at Byerly's Ridgedale store. One recent afternoon, he had to ask for I.D. from a woman whose kids he grew up with, and from a woman who employs his daughter. Both women laughed, sure that it was just Jay and his jokes. Other women waved off the request as the banter of a latter-day Eddie Haskell. A 60-ish woman burbled, "Thank you, dear!" and made air -smooch noises. Another crowed that he'd just made her day. Their reaction was not lost on Gleason: "I finally find a good pickup line, and I'm married!" It was almost painful, then, to listen as he invariably had to spoil the fun. "Uh, I really have to see some I.D.," he'd say. "It's a new store policy." A woman with the first strands of gray shook her head in disbelief: "N000000000." Another managed a wan smile: "I can't read the price without putting my glasses on, and I get carded." Yet no one made a fuss. As one said, "The law's the law." Most of the men cooperated, too, although some clearly considered flipping open their wallets an incursion on their time. "It's kind of ridiculous," grumped a man who looked to be in his 60s. Proving their age somehow took on the tinge of a mild affront, although it's too early to say whether the few who have stalked out saying they'll never be back really meant it. Those few disgruntled customers populated several of Mike McNiel's sleepless nights. McNiel is manager of the Ridgedale store and said the policy had been debated for months. The hesitation had nothing to do with serving underage customers, but with knowing that the playing field is far from level. Federal law requires that anyone 27 years or younger provide a photo I.D. if they're buying alcohol or tobacco products. But Byerly's execs found no reliable way for their employees to play guess -my -age. A wrong guess that results in a sale to a minor can mean a fine ranging from $250 to $10,000, which could land in the lap of the individual cashier. Yet, McNiel worried, how can any retailer risk doing something that could antagonize, or even mildly tick off, some customers, knowing that the place up the street makes no such demand? But he came around after having to produce his I.D. at MGM Liquor and found it wasn't a big deal, after all. So Byerly's joins a growing number of retailers enforcing a regulation because it's the right thing to do, but doing so at some competitive risk. McNiel would like to see a state law requiring -that everyone who sells liquor or cigarettes require all customers to verify their age. That would take the onus off a clerk trying to guess who's older than 27, and more broadly, would make clear to all consumers that preventing underage drinking is everyone's business. Some liquor stores have staked out a middle ground, warning that they'll check the I.D.s of everyone under 30. That may appeal to some seeking one less step at the cash register. But don't underestimate the tradeoff: You may get out of the store seven seconds sooner, but you'll unlock the car door pondering the humbling truth that they didn't ask startrbunexom — Kim Ode's columns run Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Write to her at kimodc a)startribune.com, or Variety 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis MN 55488. For past columns, go to ht4p.1Avww.startr_ bune.com/ode. Copyright 1999 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. W 13 A Cb ^z WAYZATA/PLYMOUTH AREA CHEMICAL HEALTH COMMISSION 600 RICE STREET - WAYZATA, MINNESOTA. 55391 - 612.'473 -0234!► -_1 �:�' - I i 3 Meeting Notice Friday, October 8, 1999 9 7:00 A.M. Wayzata School Administration Bldg. Conference Room 210 County Road 101 North Plymouth, MN A. Introductions s B. Review and accept/amend minutes C. Treasurer's Report D. Public Safety Update E. School Updates F. College News G. Agency Update H. Clergy Update I. Other J. Adjournment NEXT MEETING - November 12. 1999 7:00 a.m. at Wayzata School Administration Building Wayzata — Plymouth Area Chemical Health Commission Mission PROMOTE COMMUNITY EFFORTS ' THAT PREVENT CHEMICAL ABUSE c _i PLEASE CONT DO NGTHING iK) T VATi`xN 5 : B R'.i r"a H :,1.D,E A 5, I.N L Oi�A L ,`GAO Y�'.E R N E N T�`� § ` Community innovation is rarely, if ever, an individual effort. It requires many partners to make it happen. Yet the path to successful collaboration is often not as smooth as it might initially appear. This workshop shares practical how tos and proven techniques which will increase the probability that the time invested in such partnerships will yield the beneficial results you're seeking! r Don't miss this opportunity to learn: • How and why collaboration is a different way of doing work in a partnership • When to collaborate and when to avoid it like the plague! • What it takes to make collaboration a success • Common challenges faced by partners as they work together • Specific steps for getting started or furthering your current efforts • The latest thinking on power and decision-making in partnerships WORKSHOP TOPICS How collaboration differs from cooperation, joint powers, coordination, merger, partnership -- what the words really mean Implicit values that underlie collaboration Eight important tasks to complete in the first months of working together --and how to do them successfully It` Stages of development and what each requires What to do if a partnership has been in place for a while, but things aren't going as well as you'd like Individual organizational power in partnerships, shared leadership, decision-making Whether you are a new or veteran member of a collaborative effort ... whether a bright idea is just emerging or the lightbulb has been shining brightly for a while, this jam-packed workshop is guaranteed to provide tangible information and strategies for making it a reality for your community. t WHO SHOULD ATTEND This workshop is designed especially for: • Elected and appointed officials from all size Minnesota cities, counties, townships, schools, regional organizations. • Elected and appointed officials from state and federal government agencies especially those that work with local governments. • Individuals in non-profit organizations, and other groups involved in making things happen at the local level. WORKSHOP DATES/LOCATIONS Thursday, October 21 12:30 - 4:30 pm Prairie Wetlands Learning Center 602 Highway 210 East Bypass Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218/736-0938 ,. Yr Tuesday, November 9 .•w 12:30 - 4:30 pm Range Recreation and Civic Center 1901 Hat Trick Avenue Eveleth, MN 55734 218/744-1302 Wednesday, November 3 Thursday, November 18 12:30 - 4:30 pm 12:30 - 4:30 pm Southwest Regional. Development Center Beltrami County Service Center 2401 Broadway Avenue 616 America Avenue NW Slayton, MN 56172 Bemidji, MN 56601 507/836-8547 218/759-8188 Thursday, November 4 Monday November 22 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 12:30 - 4:30 pm Region 9 Regional Development Center Minnesota History Center 410 Jackson Street Honeywell Commons Room Mankato, MN 56001 345 Kellogg Boulevard West 507/387-5643 St. Paul, MN 55102-1906 651/296-6126 ABOUT THE PRESENTER Karen Ray, President of Karen Ray Associates, has assisted in the establishment of numerous collaborations, and consulted with hundreds of others across the United States during the past sixteen years. In 1983 she left her management position in the Minnesota Department of Education to open a consulting practice in organization development, specializing in innovation and problem -solving in non-profit and government agencies. Her dynamic presentation style combined with her special expertise in collaboration makes her a popular trainer. Author of many articles, she is co-author of the publication titled Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining and Enjoying the Journey sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. SPECIAL FEATURE For your convenience, this how-to text on collaboration will be available to participants at a discounted price from the original $28.00 (exact price not available at press time). you may purchase or order the handbook on site. ABOUT THE SPONSORS The Innovations:_ Bright Ideas in Local Government initiative is sponsored by: • Association of Minnesota Counties • Board of Government Innovation and Cooperation • Center for Small Towns, U of M -Morris • Government Training Service • League of Minnesota Cities • Metropolitan Council • Minnesota Association of County Administrators • Minnesota Association of School Administrators • Minnesota Association of Townships • Minnesota City -County Management Association • Minnesota Regional Development Organizations • Minnesota School Boards Association • Minnesota Services Cooperatives Partnership Minnesota Ramsey County • University of Minnesota Extension Service (Community Resources) Advance Notice A second Innovations: Bright Ideas in Loco/ Government Conference is p/anaed for February, 20011 FEE The registration fee for these workshops is $20.00 per person. Purchase orders will be accepted in lieu of advance payment. Billings are available for an extra $8.00 charge. Fee includes tuition, handout materials and a refreshment break. CANCELLATION Fees will be refunded only if cancelled five working days in advance of the program. Alternates will be accepted at any time. Should inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control necessitate cancellation or postponement, participants will be notified via announcements on WCCO Radio - AM 830 and other Minnesota radio stations. REGISTRATION Register in advance by completing and mailing the form included in this brochure. Multiple registrations should be made by du*iclting the registration form. Seating for a achgite is limited and early registration is encouragedl FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Government Training Service 651/222-7409 or Minnesota Toll Free 800/500-8547 Registration questions: Jennifer Wozniak, ext 207 Email: jwozniak@mngts.org Program issues: Carol Schoeneck, ext. 205 Email: cschoeneck@mngts.org REGISTRATION FORM "Turning Gright Ideas Into Reality Through Successful Collaboration" October - November, 1999 Name: Title: Affiliation: Billing Address: _`, t City/State/Zip: Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Email: Please register me for the following workshop: ❑ October 21- Fergus Falls ❑ November 3 - Slayton ❑ November 4 - Mankato ❑ November 9 - Eveleth ❑ November 18 - Bemidji ❑ November 22 - St. Paul ❑ Please fax me directions to the meeting site. I have the following special needs: ❑ Auxiliary aides (i.e. sign language interpreter, large print, taped or braille materials, or other)plerise= contact me at (VOICE or TDD) (requires two weeks notice) Payment options: ❑ Enclosed is check # (payable to Government Training Service) for $ ❑ Please bill meat above address. (An $8 billing charge will be added to the amount owed.) PO# Return this form (minimum of five working days before the workshop date) to: Government Training Service, Suite 401, 480 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-2240 NIN `Ined 'ii5 L�l� 'oN �lua.aad 61YJ SSdI3 I.GNIZI a6nsod •S•n 8bbl-LbtiSS NVq `ylnowXld PAIS ginowXld 00V£ glnowXld - 'J2W uosugorwRim T O-V33-LOl99 NW `Ined ',45 L0 -V -1I?1993 08-b (G j_o) 5a9ilugG DUJUWJ_L jU9WU�l9AOO t t� ?u�rning l3right Ideas into Reality - through 5uccessful Collaboration --1.999 Half -Day Workshops October 21 — Fergus Falls A part of the Innovations: Bright Ideas November 3 — 5layton in Local Government initiative. November 4 — Mankato Sponsored by more than 20 local government November 9 — Eveleth organizations and higher education` institutions committed November 18 —Bemidji to improving public service delivery systems through November 22 —5t. Paul collaboration and innovative practices. Funded In part by a Legislative appropriation. Metropolitan Council Workina for the Region, Planning for the Future September 22, 1999,, iI Joy Tierney, Mayor to City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear Mayor Tierney: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services' cost reduction goals are resulting in rate savings for cities throughout the region. In fact, anticipated savings from 1998 to 2005 are $2,241 per million gallons treated, or an average of $280 per million gallons per year. Environmental Services' Competitive Plan Savings Projection for your community is $6,229,700, which we hope will be passed on to ratepayers in the form of lower fees. These calculated savings are the sum of the savings (difference) each year between the Rate Policy rate and the actual rate charged for the eight years, multiplied by billing year 1999 flow (based on model year 7-98 through 6-99 flows.) Faced with significant forces for change, including rising customer expectations, increasing surface runoff pollution and private sector competition, MCES, in 1998, began stepping up efforts to be more competitive. By improving key processes and reducing overall staffing levels, MCES has demonstrated its commitment to cutting overall costs while maintaining high quality services to customers. This commitment is reflected in MCES's impressive environmental standards compliance record, a water resources management program with a mix of innovative point and nonpoint source pollution -reduction solutions, aggressive mercury and phosphorus reduction strategies, and efforts to ensure equity in the MCES rate system. We expect to achieve this rate system equity in the 2000 legislative session through passage of a legislative initiative that would change the Service Availability Charge (SAC) reserve capacity model to a growth cost model. I look forward to the opportunity to visit with you in the near future about Council issues. I can be reached at (612) 544-3049. Sincerely, 772 �G Saundra Spigner Council Member District 1 Enclosure: Committed to Organizational Effectiveness Cc: City Council/Town Board Members, Finance Directors, Administrators, Clerks, Public Works Directors 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fax 602-1550 TDD/TIY 291-0904 Metro Info Line 602-1888 An Equal Opportunity ErryAoycr Metropolitan Council n Working for the Region, Planning for the Future Environmental Services MCES Profile Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) is one of four divisions of the Metropolitan Council, a regional public agency working for the seven -county metropolitan area. Serving 2.5 million residents in 189 municipalities, MCES: • Partners with numerous public, private and nonprofit groups committed to a clean environment. • Contributes regional leader- ship to reduce water pollution through public education. • Provides water supply and water resources planning for three major watersheds: the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix. • Coordinates watershed protection for 46 sub - watersheds. • Works with 839 industrial clients to substantially reduce the amount of pollution entering our wastewater collection system. • owns and maintains 550 miles of regional sewers that collect flow from 5,000 miles of sewers owned by 104 communities. • Treats 300 million gallons of wastewater daily at nine regional treatment plants. • Continues to achieve, over the past 10 years, near - perfect compliance with federal and state clean -water standards. Maintains wastewater service rates consistently below the national average. Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Committed to Organizational Effectiveness Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) is responsible for: • Coordinated water resources, sewer service network and capital investment planning to preserve regional water quality and water supply. • Water resources management providing an optimal mix of point and nonpoint source solutions. • Cost and quality competitive wastewater collection and treatment for 104 communities and 839 industrial clients. In response to significant forces for change—increasing nonpoint pollution, private sector competition, and rising customer expectations—MCES has accelerated its change efforts, which have been underway since 1994, and is focusing on: providing cost competitive services; improving the environment through strategically focused initiatives; and ensuring equity in the MCES rate system. Providing cost competitive services MCES maintains rates that are consistently below the national average and will continue to lower the wholesale rate charged to its customer communities. • The MCES 1999 budget is $10.4 million below its 1998 unamended base budget. As a result of the cuts, the wholesale rate charged to customer communities ($/hundred thousand gallons) decreased 7% between 1998 and 1999. • An additional $9.6 million in cuts will be made by 2001 resulting in a total rate reduction of 14.4 percent by 2001. * As a result of Council -controlled increases in rates through its Rate Policy and Rate Objective, MCES will save current and future rate- payers $150 million through 2001. • Between 1994 and 1998, MCES reduced its workforce, through attrition, by 183 positions. As part of the planned budget reductions, MCES will eliminate 200 1 additional positions between 1998 and 2001 for a total workforce reduction of 35%. A late 1998 voluntary separation program has already resulted in reduction of 120 of those 200 positions. • By continuing efforts to buy commodities in bulk, buy cooperatively with other organizations, and negotiate better utility rates, MCES is flattening its non -labor program expenses. In 1997 and 1998 MCES received rebates of $1.8 million from NSP for its energy efficiency measures. • Debt service is about 40% of the MCES annual budget. In the early 1990s, the organization prepaid and restructured its debt, saving millions of dollars in debt service costs. MCES continues to see debt as a high priority issue. To control debt service expenditures in the future, MCES is re-examining the timing, scope, and costs of its major capital projects. The division is also shifting projects to pay-as- you-go financing to avoid interest expenses. (continued on back) 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1005 Fax 602-1183 TDD/Tff 229-3760 i A- Wm m n....,,.rrn/lrr RmnrM rnr DATE: September 30, 1999 TO: Dwi t Johnson, City Manager,,/' G` FROM: Reb 'ca Stoen, Housing Specialist and Edward Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor through Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director SUBJECT: 1998 Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects (Community Development Block Grant) The attached 1998 Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects is the annually required report to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the City and Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority's (HRA) performance in meeting the needs of low and moderate income residents under the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Report consists of a narrative Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects for the 1998-1999 program year, a Rehabilitation Activities Report, and a Financial Summary. This Report was publicly reviewed by the HRA at its meeting on September 16'', after a 15 day public comment period that began with the publication of a meeting notice in the Plymouth Sun Sailor on September 1, 1999. Letters were received during the comment period from Family Hope Services and the Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association. One verbal presentation was heard from the Northwest YMCA's Point Northwest Program for Runaway Youth at the public meeting. The comments received pertained to the need for continued funding of these programs to serve Plymouth residents. Copies of the letters are attached to the report. After receiving the public comments, the HRA reviewed and accepted the report. The report was submitted to HUD on September 28, 1999. The HRA requested that a copy of the report be transmitted to the City Council Members for their information. No official action by the City Council is required. Attachment: 1998 Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects V*, . WO. .�..�.. ....,.oma,...... Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects City of Plymouth, Minnesota for CDBG Program Year 1998 Reporting Period: July 1, 1998 -June 30, 1999 The following Summary of Consolidated Plan progress the City of Plymouth made during the strategic plan and other HUD requirements. Projects describes what accomplishments and 1998 program year relative to its action plan, The City of Plymouth did not receive federal funding during the past program year for HOME, HOPWA or ESG activities. All information in this report will relate either to CDBG program funding or other local resources. This report will contain the following information: I. A description of the use of CDBG funds and other resources during the program year; IL An assessment by the City of the relationship of approved activities to .the specific objectives set out in the Consolidated Plan with specific attention to the highest priority activities; III. Explanation of changes, if any, in program objectives and indicate how the City would change its programs as a result of its experiences; IV. Numeric data on extremely low-, low-, and moderate -income persons served by each activity where this information is required to determine eligibility, V. Strategies described in the Consolidated Plan and whether they were implemented, VI. Summary of Progress in Meeting Action Plan Goals VII. Promotion of Fair Housing Activities to address issues of housing discrimination, VIII. Efforts to leverage other resources and the results, IX. Pursuit of other resources by the HRA, X. Summary of citizen comments, M. Self-evaluation of the HRA in its efforts to make maximum use of its resources, XII. Listing of reports made available to interested parties. L Description of CDBG Program Activities and Other Resources The Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is responsible for administering the Federal Government's Community Block Grant Program for the City of Plymouth. Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides financial assistance to the City in the form of an annual federal grant. The grant amount varies from year to year, depending on both the formula established by HUD as well as the amount of funding approved by Congress and the President. In 1998 the City of Plymouth was awarded a total of $309,000, which was $13,000 less than the amount awarded in 1997. The Plymouth City Council, for the 1998 CDBG program year, approved a funding schedule proposed by the HRA recommending program appropriations by activity types. Table 1 shows the activity types with funding initially approved along with adjustments for program income and revisions approved by the Plymouth City Council. Table 1. 1998 CDBG Program Appropriations plus Revisions and Program Income *Funding froml997 was reprogrammed resulting in an additional $7,500 in funds over the original budget plus program income. "Funding approved November 1998. Program income earned by activity (second column under Funding) and revisions to funding (third column under Funding) are added to the original funding allocation to result in the Revised 1998 Budget (fourth column) in the above table. Except for site specific new development, planned program activities are city-wide in scope. Activities are not to be concentrated in any one area in order to maintain a dispersion of low- and moderate -income persons throughout the community and avoid undesirable concentrations. A description of the use of other community resources is outlined in the City's 1998. Consolidated Plan. A copy of that report is available upon request. Housing Rehabilitation Program In 1975 the City of Plymouth issued its first grant to a very low income homeowner with the Housing Rehabilitation Program having run continuously since that time. Approximately 198 homes have been improved over the last 24 years. During the 1998 program year, eight homeowners received funding for a variety of home improvements. A total of $65,639.31 was expended through June 30, 1998. Program income in the amount of $31,339.67 was received through June 30, 1998. In addition to the $65,639.31 spent during the program year, approximately $27,000 has been committed to rehab work in FA Funding Approved Activities Original Revisions Revised 1998 Program To 1998 1998 Bud et Income Budget* Budget 1. Housing Rehabilitation Grant/Loans $100,000 $31,339.67 +$25,000 $156,339.67 2. First Time Homebuyer Program 32,000 47,300 -65,458 13,842 3. Hammer Residences 30,000 0 0 30,000 4. Greater Mpls. Day Care Association (GMDCA) 4,500 0 0 4,500 5. Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners 10,000 0 0 10,000 6. Community Action Suburban Hennepin (CASH)** 0 0 +10,000 10,000 7. NW Branch YMCA 2,500 0 0 2,500 7. TRAILS/Section 8 Self -Sufficiency Program 20,000 0 0 20,000 8. Shenandoah Woods Apartments 50,000 0 0 50,000 9. WESTONKA (WECAN)* 0 0 -7,500 0 9. Affordable Housing Development** 0 0 +60,000 60,000 10. Administration 60,000 0 -22,042 37,958 Totals $309,000 $78,639.67 0 $395,139.67 *Funding froml997 was reprogrammed resulting in an additional $7,500 in funds over the original budget plus program income. "Funding approved November 1998. Program income earned by activity (second column under Funding) and revisions to funding (third column under Funding) are added to the original funding allocation to result in the Revised 1998 Budget (fourth column) in the above table. Except for site specific new development, planned program activities are city-wide in scope. Activities are not to be concentrated in any one area in order to maintain a dispersion of low- and moderate -income persons throughout the community and avoid undesirable concentrations. A description of the use of other community resources is outlined in the City's 1998. Consolidated Plan. A copy of that report is available upon request. Housing Rehabilitation Program In 1975 the City of Plymouth issued its first grant to a very low income homeowner with the Housing Rehabilitation Program having run continuously since that time. Approximately 198 homes have been improved over the last 24 years. During the 1998 program year, eight homeowners received funding for a variety of home improvements. A total of $65,639.31 was expended through June 30, 1998. Program income in the amount of $31,339.67 was received through June 30, 1998. In addition to the $65,639.31 spent during the program year, approximately $27,000 has been committed to rehab work in FA process or completed but not invoiced for various reasons. For example, one homeowner has =appr©ximately $15,000 in handicapped accessible improvements almost completed, but the:, : contfactors haven't invoiced for any portion of the work. Other homeowners have had work completed, but the contractors have not submitted the paperwork required to make payment. Funds have also been reserved for four additional applicants, pending start of rehab work. The Housing Rehabilitation Guide was revised in 1998 to increase the allowable loan from $10,000 to $15,000 in order to more comprehensively address the necessary home improvement needs. As the limit had not been raised in many years, the HRA felt the loan increase was necessary to account for price increases and the additional improvements needs of older homes. Affordable Housine Assistance This activity is also referred to as the Plymouth First Time Homebuyer Program and has provided financial assistance to first time homebuyers since 1990. There was only one homebuyer who received $4,318 in assistance through the Plymouth First Time Homebuyer Program. The program generated $47,300 in program income for the 12 months, ending the year with a balance of $82,248.85. For the last four years the HRA has successfully combined this assistance with programs sponsored by- the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MI3FA). In 1995 Plymouth began participation in the MHFA Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) and in 1996 the HRA started using the MHFA Community Activity Set -Aside (CASA) Program as well. In 1998 the City joined a consortium headed by Urban Hennepin County to access MCPP funding. During 1998 program year three first time homebuyers received MCPP mortgages through Hennepin County totaling $209,747. Only one family was able to use the CASA program with $70,970 in mortgage financing at 5.5%. The family who used a CASA _mortgage also used Plymouth First Time Homebuyer assistance, in the amount noted above. The most challenging aspect of the first time homebuyer programs is the high cost of housing in Plymouth. The 1999 Assessors records show that an average single family detached home value in Plymouth is $206,300, which is well out of reach for low-income households. Affordable homes are very limited and many are still unattainable for low-income households. Until recently, the MHFA programs also limited the purchase price of existing homes to under $95,000, which narrows the field of housing choices even further. The limit was just raised for both the CASA and MCPP programs to $121,842 for existing homes and $128,000 for new construction. We are hopeful that the raise in the maximum limit will allow more first time homebuyers to utilize these programs in Plymouth. The CDBG program funds do not have this price limitation but potential Plymouth homebuyers still face the very serious shortage of homes priced at an affordable level. Hammer Residences This non-profit corporation serves developmentally disabled and other special needs persons by providing group housing accommodations in the communities of Plymouth, Wayzata and Minnetonka. Hammer Residences have provided this service for over 70 years. Currently, 13 of these group homes are located in Plymouth. In 1998, the City allocated $30,000 toward 3 handicapped accessibility improvements at the Queensland Residence to provide for greater wheelchair accessibility and bathroom modifications. The work is almost completed and the home -is currently occupied. Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association (GMDCA) The GMDCA provides financial assistance to qualifying families to cover the cost of day care for their children. Subsidy payments are based on family income. This activity has been funded with City CDBG funds for the last 15 years. In 1998 this activity received $4,500. By June 30, 12 households with children, for a total of 36 individuals, received child care services and have been assisted with sliding scale assistance payments to their day care providers. Communitv Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) The HRA provided funding for this non-profit agency in the 1998 program year in the amount of $10,000. CASH employed the funding for four programs for Plymouth residents, including the tenant hotline, homebuyer education and counseling, mortgage foreclosure prevention counseling - and home rehab advisory services. In 1998, the Tenant Hotline took 214 unduplicated calls from low and low/moderate Plymouth households, 29 households participated in homebuyer education and counseling the Homeowner Counseling service had assisted 10 Plymouth families with foreclosure prevention counseling, and 17 households utilized rehab advisory services. Training and Resources to Attain Individual Long-term Success (TRAILS) The Plymouth HRA has been collaborating with the Housing Authority of St. Louis Park for four years on a Family Self -Sufficiency program encompassing both communities. In 1998, $20,000 in Plymouth CDBG funding was allocated for this activity. These funds are being applied toward the cost of administering the program in Plymouth. During the past program year, 38 heads of households were assisted with counseling services with 34 persons in the very low income category. Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (TOCP) The HRA provided $10,000 to IOCP for the expansion of a collaborative effort between IOCP and the Employment Action Center Employment Services (EAC) project for "unemployed, underemployed and women in welfare -to -work transition. In 1998, IOCP/EAC provided employment related case management and employment services to 45 Plymouth residents. Although these services were provided during the grant year, due to staff turnover IOCP was unable to invoice in time for their expenses to be reimbursed during the program year. Shenandoah Woods Apartments This mixed income development consists of 64 apartments. The construction of forty units was assisted with a total of $100,000 in CDBG funds, half of which was provided in 1998. The forty units rent as follows: 6@45% median, 12@50% median, and 22@ 60% median. As this development was recently constructed and is in the process of leasing, complete data on the households assisted is not available. All of the units at 45% and 50% of median are occupied and about half of the units at 60% are occupied. 4 rf� Affordable Housing Development This activity was made possible by the reallocation of $40,458 in 1997 First Time Homebuyer Funds and $19,542 in 1997 General Administration funds. The HRA will use the $60,000 for purchase of land and site development for construction of affordable housing. We are currently finalizing the purchase of a tax -forfeited parcel from Hennepin County. Depending on the environmental review and potential for re -zoning, we may be able to facilitate the construction of between three to four affordable single family homes on this parcel. Table 2. Total Number of Plymouth Households and/or Individuals Served during the 1998 Program Year Other City Resources The City has also provided funding for a variety of public service purposes over the years through its general fund. Table 3 shows funding approved by the Plymouth City Council by agency for 1998. As noted in the following table, these resources are used to meet a wide variety of community needs. 5 Tahle 3. Other City Resources Provided during 1998 Program Year Agency Description Funding— Senior Community Services Senior citizen outreach program $12,200 West Suburban Mediation Assist in mediating tenant/landlord disputes 4,000 Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners . Human services for low income families/persons such as housing assistance, transportation and food shelves 15j450 Teens Alone Crisis intervention 2,000 West Medicine Lake Community Center Senior citizens' meeting acetrental of facility 5,400 Family Hope Services Human services for troubled youthtfamilies 3,000 YMCA Detached 'worker program that provides counseling and intervention for at -risk youth and their families. 2,920 PRISM Human services for low income families/persons 5,150 Employment Action Center Employment and job development services to low-income Pl outh residents 3,000 HomeFree Battered women's' shelter located in City 32,945 CONECT Collaborative Tenant family/landlord intervention on site 7,725 Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council . Provide information and research in human services 10,908 - Total: $104,698 II. Assessment of Approved Activities to Priorities and Objectives of Approved Plans As a member of the Hennepin Housing Consortium, the approved Strategic Five Year Plan outlines three basic goals, as follows: 1. provide decent housing; 2. provide a suitable living environment; and 3. expand economic opportunities. The following is a list of specific accomplishments that meet high priority needs as described in the Five Year Plan: • Infrastructure Improvements, including improvements for flood drainage, water, street, sidewalk and sewer were all included in this category. Efforts are on going to secure land with potential for affordable housing development, which will require -infrastructure improvements. The HRA is currently evaluating a tax -forfeited parcel for possible development of three to four single family homes. • Senior Services. The HRA has used its property tax levy for several years to provide subsidized rental housing for up to 97 senior citizen households utilizing approximately $250,000 annually to provide subsided rents for eligible renters at Plymouth Towne Square. • Child Care Services. The HRA has continued its practice of providing Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association with CDBG funding to assist lower income families with day care assistance. A total of 12 households were assisted. • Accessibility Needs. The HRA has facilitated the development of two single family accessible homes by providing funds for the purchase of two lots and assisted with development costs using MHFA, CDBG, and HRA funds. Additionally, although the City Parks Department has not received CDBG funds for several years, the department has increased the number of playgrounds receiving accessibility improvments to three 0 playgrounds a year. The City's general fund has provided for most of these improvements over the last four years. The following approved activities are listed in the table and ranked by priority: Table 4. Approved CDBG Activities and Ranking by Priority Level for City's Consolidated Plan during the 1998 Program Year Activity Consolidated Plan Housing Rehabilitation Medium to High Affordable Housing Assistance Low to Fligh Hammer Residences High GMDCA High CASH Medium IOPPMniployment Action Center Medium TRAIIS/Section 8 Self -Sufficiency Low YMCA Homeless Youth High Affordable Housing Development High Shenandoah Woods Apartments new High Most of the approved activities are in the highest priority ranking group. CDBG funding is limited, therefore only a few activities can be undertaken in any one year. The HRA has also found that a limit on the number of activities assists in a more efficient and cost effective method of delivery of services to residents. III. Reasons for Possible Changes in Program Objectives At the present time there has been no consideration of changing any of the current program objectives. The HRA did modify its 1998 Program Year CDBG budget, as shown in Table 1, to respond to the need for additional rehab funds and challenges in the First Time Homebuyer program. We have also increased the rehab loan maximum amount from $10,000 to $15,000, as discussed in Section L 7 IV. Numeric Data by Activity Thefollowing two tables show program participation by either households or individuals, as appropriate: Table 5. Characteristics of Households Served during 1998 CDBG Program Year Activity Income Catei Ethnic Category Low/Mod Low iory Black Hispanic Asian Pacific Indian Female Alaskan Headed Low/Mod Low White Black Hispanic Asian Indian Female Total YMCA N/A 23 20 1 1 1 Pacific Alaskan Headed 41 34 Housing Rehab 3 5 6 0 1 0 1 6 8 First Time 01 0 3 4 Totals 171 611 751 231 11 31 Homebuyer Program 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 CASH programs: Home -buyer Educ. & 11 18 25 4 0 0 0 18 29 Counseling Rehab Advisory 8 9 14 2 0 1 0 10 17 Foreclosure Prevent. 2 8 9 1 0 0 0 4 10 Hotline onlyTenant Y 81 133 118* 17* 1* 9* 1* * 214 IOCP/EAC 5 40 16* 6* 5* 4* 1 * 271 45 Shenandoah Woods Apartments" 18 10 ** ** *# , ** 21 21 28 Totals 129 223 189 30 7 14113.. 86 352 •••w ••�• o.a==ate=� .,_= aai tuvuw uuc to uncus renmat to proviae uuormanon, mcomptete data, and/or difficulty obtaining information "Race data provided for overall occupied units (43): White=26, Black=12, Hispanic=2, Asian ---I, Other --2 Table 6. Characteristic of Individuals Served during 1998 CDBG Program Year Activity Income Cate ory Ethnic Category Low/Mod Low White Black Hispanic Asian Pacific Indian Female Alaskan Headed Total GMDCA 13 23 23 7 0 2 4 30 36 YMCA N/A 23 20 1 1 1 0 12 23 TRAILS 41 34 23 15 0 01 0 36 38 Hammer 01 41 4 0 01 01 0 3 4 Totals 171 611 751 231 11 31 4 81 101 V. Strategies Described in Consolidated Plan The following issues are addressed in this section: Continuum of care for the homeless: While the City does not directly reference this issue in its Consolidated Plan, homelessness is addressed in detail in the Hennepin County Consortium Consolidated Plan on pages 96-100 of that report. One strategy outlined is for the continued support of collaborative efforts made over the last decade by various groups in the public and private sectors in creating a responsive network of housing and support 8 .services for homeless adults, families and youth in Hennepin County. Interfaith Outreach and - Community Partners along with CASH are two non-profit -public service agencies that have continued worldng with others to address the needs of the homeless. The Northwest YMCA Point program also provides services such as crisis intervention, counseling, and assistance to homeless youth in Plymouth. The City's HRA Supervisor currently is a member of the Hennepin County Taskforce on the. Homeless to represent suburban concerns regarding services for the homeless. • The City has for several years provided local funding for Mission, Inc. a social service agency involved in rehabilitating substance abusers and providing safe housing and advocacy to battered women and their children. This non-profit agency has a 38 acre campus in Plymouth serving elderly men in a 104 bed nursing home, a battered women's shelter (HomeFree) serving 30 homeless women and children per night along with 107 beds of transitional lodging for chronically chemically dependent persons. • Special needs of persons that are not homeless but require supportive housing (including persons with HIV/AIDS): The Hennepin County Plan references this issue and strategies to deal with it on pages 100-102 of their report. The City has continued to provide CDBG funding for such special needs housing managed by Hammer Residences who now have 13 group homes in Plymouth. • Obstacles to serving under -served needs: The most significant obstacles are high construction costs, the high cost of acquiring property in the City, the limited availability of land suitable for development, and the lack of adequate funding experienced in most communities. The City currently is updating its Comprehensive Plan and the elimination of obstacles to the development of affordable life -cycle is an issue being examined as part of this update. • Foster and maintain affordable housing. The City's Consolidated Plan identifies ways the City has addressed this issue. The City's rental housing licensing program, is one example. This program warns property owners of the need to do essential corrective repairs in a timely fashion. City staff also meets with non-profit affordable housing advocates on various issues to promote and maintain affordable housing. City staff has worked with developers and property owners to make application to ..appropriate agencies and lenders to maintain or to produce affordable housing. Following up on the example cited in last year's CAPER, when a homeowner association board of a 219 unit lower cost townhome development built in the 1970s, approached the City for financial assistance to make essential improvements. The City utilized recent state legislation allowing for the use of a special taxing district including only that development. HRA staff successfully made application for $178,000 in deferred five year no interest loans from the Federal Home Loan Bank to assist 53 lower income homeowners pay for a significant portion of the improvements on their townhomes. This project is scheduled to be completed in fall 1999 and has helped maintain a very affordable townhome development in .the City. • Eliminate barriers to affordable housing. The, most significant barriers are high construction costs, the high cost of acquiring property in the City, the limited availability of land suitable for development, the lack of adequate funding experienced in most communities and the strong market demand for higher cost housing in the City. The City currently is updating its Comprehensive Plan and the elimination of obstacles to the development of affordable life- cycle is an issue being examined as part of this update. The HRA has taken actions to increase the supply of affordable housing as outlined in Chapter XI later in this report. Z • Overcome gaps in institutional structures. The City does not face significant gaps in the institutional structures in the community, however there are state and/or -federal regulations, taxing policies and processes that hamper. affordable housing. ..A MIWA housing program requirement for first time homebuyer applicants limited the purchase price of housing to $95,000 which limited the use of this program in Plymouth. Fortunately, in August of 1999, MICA increased the maximum sale price to $121,842. We believe this change will serve to expand housing choice to first time homebuyers in Plymouth. • Public housing and resident initiatives: The City has no public housing, however the Plymouth HRA does own a locally financed 99 unit subsidized senior housing development. This development, Plymouth Towne Square, was opened for occupancy in 1994. It has a residents' council and resident volunteers do participate in the management of the property. • Lead-based paint hazards: The City Consolidated Plan delineates its strategy regarding lead- based paint hazards on page 7 of this report. The City refers suspected cases of lead-based paint poisoning to the Hennepin County Health Department. • Compliance and monitoring: Contractual agreements are established with all grantees receiving CDBG funding. As well, City staff normally makes annual monitoring visits to the offices of the various subgrantees. • Reduce number of families in poverty: The City Consolidated Plan references this issue on pages 6 and 7 of the Plan. City and CDBG funding have helped fund employment training and job placement services, one of the best strategies to reduce the number of families in poverty. VL Summary of Progress in Meeting Action Plan Goals The following table shows the progress made during the 1998 program year relative to the goals identified in the Action Plan. The goals, indicators of progress, and target dates to expend any remaining funds goals are as follows: Table 7. Quantitative Goals/Pro¢ress/Tarapt nAtPc fnr Prnaram vpar 1004 Goal Indicators of Progress Target Dates to Ex Funds Rehabilitation of 12 single familyend homes 8 homes rehabilitated 12/31/99 Assistance for 3 low/moderate income first 1 first time homebuyer assisted. time homebuyers 12/3.1/99 Rehabilitation of one handicap group home (Harnmer Residences Rehabilitation completed Funds expended Child care assistance for 3 families 12 households received assistance GMDCA Funds expended Provide 6 subsidized units and 40 affordable rental units (Shenandoah Woods Apts.) Construction Completed. Apts in rent -u . Funds expended Provide jobs for 20 persons and job training for 40 persons OCP 45 clients received job services 8/31/99 Assist 30 homeless youth YMCA 23 homeless youth served Funds ex ended Provide self-sufficiency counseling for 30 low income families S 38 persons counseled 12/31/00 [to] 0 VII. Promotion of Fair Housing Activities Under the CDBG regulations the HRA is required to promote fair housing activities to address issues of housing discrimination. In this regard, the HRA has continued -its participation in the Suburban Hennepin County Fair Housing Initiative. The initiative provides funding to promote fair housing choice, testing, enforcement, information and referral in suburban Hennepin County. In early 1998, the MetropolitAn. Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (1VIICAH) interested several non-profit groups, area churchestsynagogues, the League of Women Voters and the Plymouth HRA to sponsor a musical play about justice in housing. The play, Like Waters Rolling Down focused on educating the public of the subtle dangers of housing discrimination and how to counteract its deleterious effects. VIII. A Description of Leveraging of Other Resources The HRA has done several things to leverage other resources to more effectively multiply benefits to low and moderate income persons. The following is a list of the results: • The HRA has purchased two single family lots in April 1998 for the development of two affordable handicap . accessible houses with $40,000 from MHFA's Community Revitalization Fund, $25,000 in CDBG funds and $25,000 in HRA funds. • The HRA has allocated CDBG funds to the Shenandoah Woods Apartments, a 64 unit apartment project having a mix of Public Housing, affordable and market rate .rental units. The City has approved a total of $100,000 in CDBG funding to help pay development costs assisting in leveraging some $784,500 in subsidy commitments from MHFA, HOME Program, Metro Council and the Family Housing Fund. • The HRA provided CDBG funding for one first time homebuyer combined with a MHFA CASA mortgage. The CDBG money helped with downpayment and closing costs to enable a family to purchase their first home. There were also three first time homebuyers who used MHFA's Minnesota Cities Participation Program (MCPP) for first mortgages without additional CDBG assistance. IX. Pursuit of Other Resources by the HRA The primary funding source for programs to benefit low and moderate income persons has been the federally funded CDBG program. The HRA has also pursued Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MICA) housing funds and made application for Community Activity Set -Aside (CASA) and, along with Hennepin County, Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) funding. The City was successful in being approved for funding in both instances. In August 1999, the HRA was also approved for $800,000 for seven CASA loans to be used specifically in the Village at Bassett Creek Townhomes. The HRA also has a grant application currently under consideration for funding through the MHFA Community Revitalization Fund (CRF) for $70,000 in deferred zero -interest rehab loans. The CRF funds will be used in combination with up to $70,000 in CDBG funds for zero -interest deferred loans for home improvements for low- and moderate -income homeowners in the Tiburon cluster home development. 11 In September 1998, the City provided over $3 million in TIF bonds to assist the Rottlund Company and the nonprofit CommonBond Communities to develop the Village At Bassett Creek _ site for a variety of affordable housing including 46 units of .Section 202 low income senior rental housing. In May 1999, the HRA applied for the second time to the Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) for a contamination cleanup grant of $2 million for further develop at this site. X. A Summary of Citizen Comments A meeting open to the public to receive citizen comments was advertised for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September. 16th, 1999 before the Plymouth HRA. Citizen comments are attached XI. A Self-evaluation of the HRA as to the Maximum Use of All Available Resources The HRA has continued to expand its role and influence in the City over the last five years relative to making available more public service programs and to increase the supply of affordable housing. During the 1998 program year, in addition to the on-going management of the HRA's federal Section 8 Certificate and Voucher Programs and the Plymouth Town Square senior apartments, the City continued to support the development of affordable housing within the City. _ Significant accomplishments during the program year included the following: Shenandoah Woods Apartments The City granted land use approvals for 64 mixed income one, two, and three bedroom apartments to be constructed at 22nd Avenue and Shenandoah Lane. This development includes 6 Metropolitan Housing Opportunity Program (MHOP) Public Housing units (90/o), 18 units (28%) affordable to persons up to 50% of area median income, 22 units (35%) affordable at 60% of median income, -and 18 units (28%) at modest markets rents. The City also approved $100,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to assist this development. Construction was completed summer 1998 and the apartments are now occupied. Villa -Re At Bassett Creek The City created Tax Increment Financing District No. 7-5A at Highway 55 and Revere Lane as a Housing District to support development of 176 modest cost townhomes (68 [39%] of which would sell below the Metropolitan Council's $128,000 threshold for affordable housing), 46 federally subsidized apartments for low income seniors, and 6 subsidized MHOP rental townhomes for low income families. The first phase o? 71 townhomes are currently under construction by the Rottlund Company and the rental housing is being developed and managed by CommonBond Communities. The City sold $3,290,000 in TIF bonds to make this development feasible. 'The developer is currently working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address the presence of concrete debris on the remainder of the site that is contaminated with asbestos floor tile. Shenandoah Townhomes Housing Imnrovement Area The City created this Housing Improvement Area in response to a request for assistance from the Homeowners Association and a petition from area homeowners as provided for instate statute. The City has issued $1,030,000 in taxable general obligation bonds to finance needed re -siding and related improvements that the Homeowners Association cannot finance. The Shenandoah Townhomes consist of 219 12 affordable homes with assessor's values from approximately $60,000 to $98,000 and an average value of approximately $72,800. The. City's assistance .will preserve these affordable homes in the City. The Plymouth HRA was successful in obtaining $178,080 from the Federal Home Loan Bank through the assistance of the Franklin National Bank to subsidize the cost of the proposed improvements for 53 low and moderate income Shenandoah Townhome owner - occupants. The re -siding work was completed in 1998. Section 8 Landlord Participation As rental vacancy rates have fallen in Plymouth and the entire Twin Cities area to below 2%, the numbers of properties participating in the federal Section 8 certificate and voucher housing assistance programs have also fallen dramatically. This has made it extremely difficult for persons with Section 8 Certificates or Vouchers to find housing that will accept this. assistance. The Plymouth HRA has initiated a program to work with .local landlords to develop incentives to retain landlords already participating in the programs and to recruit other landlords to participate. This is essential if this major source of affordable housing is to continue to be available in Plymouth. As part of this initiative the HRA will be the agency that monitors the new 4d low income property tax classification in Plymouth for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Community Housing Coalition City staff have continued to work cooperatively with Interfaith Outreach And Community Partners (IOCP) and the City of Wayzata to support affordable Dousing for area residents and workers. As an outgrowth of this effort IOCP has organized the Community Housing Coalition to develop responses to the housing needs in our community. With a grant from the McKnight Foundation, IOCP hired a Housing Coordinator to organize the Coalition and develop programs to support affordable housing. The City of Plymouth, IOCP, City of Wayzata, Plymouth Housing Alliance, West Hennepin Community Builders, Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH), Minnesota Interfaith Coalition for Affordable Housing (MICAH), Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council and People Resporiding in Social Ministry (PRISM) have been represented at the Coalition's monthly meetings. XII. A Listing of Reports The following reports are available to the public at this time: 1. 1995 Hennepin County Consortium Consolidated Plan 2. 1998 City of Plymouth Action Plan 3. Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in Hennepin County, MN 4. Financial Summary for Plymouth CDBG Funding, 1998 Program Year 5. Rehabilitation Activities for Plymouth CDBG Funding, 1998 Program Year HraNmports\c&g\CDBG Perfomance Report, 1998 13 REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects Community Development Block Grant Program City of Plymouth, Minnesota 1998 Program Year (7/1/98-6/30/99) Note: All work expenditures were for single -unit housing activities only. 1. Staffmg: Number of Staff Years 0.5 2. Current Program Year Expenditures: Activity delivery costs form CDBG funds a. Staff costs: Amount expended in 1 above $31,253.60 b. Other direct costs (not included in 3) 0 3. Current Program Year Expenditures: For all projects (a+b+c below) $65,639.31 a. CDBG funds expended $65,639.31 b. Other public (Federal, state, local) funds expended 0 c. Private funds 0 4. Number of Units Committed for Rehabilitation 12 5. Obligations: Amount obligated but not expended for units committed to 4 above $ 76,999.00 a. CDBG funds obligated b. Other public (Federal, state, local) funds obligated 0 c. Private funds obligated 0 6. Number of Units Completed 8 7. Cumulative Total (expended + obligated) $142,638.31 8. Program Income Received $31,339.67 hraWpmU\cdbg\Rehabilit&don AcdvitiesN -f - Financial Summary U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Grantee Performance Report Office of Community Planning and Development Community Development Block Grant Program OMB Approval No. 2506-0077(Ezp.3%31/94) Public Reporting Burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 12 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed. and completing and reviewing the collection ofinformation. Send commentsregarcfingthis ourdenestimate or any other aspect of this collection of information. including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Reports Management Officer. Office of Information Policies and Systems, U.S. Departmentof Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C. 20410-3600 and to the Office of Management and Budget. Paoerwork Reduction Project (2506-0077), Washington, D.C. 20503. Do not send this completed form to either of these addressees. 1. Name ofGtantee ;2 GrardNunba 3 Reporting Period City of Plymouth 1698 -MC -27-0009 iFrom7/1/98 To 6/30/99 Part I: Summary of CDBG Resources 1. Unexpended CDBG funds at end of previous reporting period (Balance from prior program years) g 189,228 2. Entitlement Grant from form HUD -7082 is 309,000 3. Surplus Urban Renewal Funds S 4. Section 108 Guaranteed Loan Funds (Principal Amount) is i S. Program Income received by: Grantee I Subrecipient '• (Column A) (Column B) a. Revolving Funds IS 78,640 S i fi t, b. Other (identify below. If mores ace is needed use an attachment��/;.�ij.i%%' jji l Y P ) �� // / / �$ !S y �S 1' c. Total ( Income Program Sum of columns aand b ,//" 9 ) 6. Prior Period Adjustments (if column is a negative amount. enclose in brackets) is 7. Total CDBG Funds available for use during this reporting period (sum of lines 1 through 6) Part 11: Summary of CDBG Expenditures 8. Total expenditures reported on Activity Summary, forms HUD -4949.2 &4949.2A 9. Total expended for Planning S Administration, form HUD -4949.2 IM Amount subject to Low/Mod Benefit Calculation (line 8 minus fine 9) 11. CDBG funds used for Section 108 principal & interest payments 12. Total expenditures (fine 6 plus line 11) 13. Unexpended balance (line 7 minus line 12)) Part 111: Low/Mod Benefit This Reporting Period 14. Total Low/Mod credit for multi -unit housing expenditures from form HUD -4949.2A 15. Total from all other activities qualifying as low/mod expenditures from forms HUD• and 4949.2A $ 42,836 '230,855 78,640 IS 576,868 's 273,691 15 - s 273,691 s 303,177 %'. j i$ IS 230,855 16. Total (line 14 plus line 15) I s 230,855 17. Percent benefit to low/mod persons (line 16 divided by fine 10 this reporting period) ! 100 % This forth may be reproduced on local office copiers.Prevform HUO-4949.3106%2493) Retain this editions are obsolete. page ( ) of ( ) ref Hanc000k 6510.2 Retain this record for 3 years. FINANCIAL SUMMARY ATTACHMENT PROGRAM INCOME: Program Income Received From: First Time Home Buyer Program (Single -unit housing rehab) $47,300 Rehab of Private Dwellings Program (Single -unit housing rehab) 31,340 Total Program Income 78,640 RECONCILIATION OF LINE(S) OF CREDIT (LOC) AND CASH BALANCES TO UNEXPENDED BALANCE OF CDBG FUNDS SHOWN OF GPR Unexpended Balance Shown on GPR 303,177 Add: LOC balance as of GPR Date 300,144 Add: Program Income Balance (June 30, 1999 Draw) 5,936 Subtract: Grantee CDBG Program Liabilities from Program Funds (2,903) Total Reconciling Balance $303,177 Unreconciled Difference 0 Finance Dept/Acxounting/Wkshts/Cecker//Finance Summary Attachment Public Comments Received Two letters were received prior to the public meeting on September 16, 1999. Letters were received from Family Hope Services and Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association, both sub -recipients of 1999 CDBG funds. Copies of both letters are attached and have been included in the HRA minutes. One public comment was given verbally at the public meeting. Eric Zieske, Program Director of the YMCA Northwest Branch, spoke on behalf of the Point Northwest program for Runaway Youth. He thanked the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board for their support in the runaway youth programs through the Point Northwest Program. FAMILY 2. :: ;, HOPE A'' u 3 0 1999 ,.• �' SERVICES® 3315 Fembrook Lane North Plymouth. MN 55447-5327 (612) 557-8670 FAX: (612) 557-8673 Emall.-Ialnts6T F@bo Zzom City of Plymouth attn. Rebecca Stoehr August 26, 1999 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear Rebecca, Thank you for the invitation to submit comments regarding the city of Plymouth's CDBG fund distribution. Since I will not be able to attend the September 16 hearing in person I am writing to voice my appreciation of your support of Family Hope Services' TreeHouse program for at -risk youth and families in the community. On behalf of at -risk teens in our community I would also ask for the City's continued funding of the TreeHouse program tiirodgh CDBG as well as any other sources. TreeHouse's target population is at -risk youth (ages 11-18) who are in trouble, or headed for crisis at home, school, or in the community. Issues we regularly deal with include poor school performance; anti -authority; alcohol/chemical abuse; sexual activity; depression; suicide, eating disorders; juvenile crime and violence; physical and verbal abuse; and broken homes. Broken homes, chaotic, and violent family relationships are core contributors to our growing "at - risk" youth population. Without constructive parental involvement, young people often do not learn how to develop skills to resist peer pressure and to make healthy choices. There are no admission requirements or income eligibility standards. Youth are most often from low-income, single -parent or blended families. These youth and families are referred by social workers, school personnel, courts, juvenile diversion programs, crisis agencies, churches, or peers. To our knowledge no other agencies focused on at -risk youth offer TreeHouse's combination of long-term in-depth relationships and year-round balanced programs. TreeHouse is a long-term relationship based model leading to life transformation. Quantity of teens (raw numbers) is not nearly as important in our success as are in-depth long-term relationships. The power of positive role models and shared experiences can make a huge difference in the lives of teens. To those characteristics TreeHouse adds long-term relationships. It is typical for a teen to remain connected at TreeHouse for 2,3, and even 5 years. That "long- term". connection to positive caring adult TreeHouse staff members produces significant and permanent life change for the better in the lives of countless TreeHouse teens. We have literally hundreds of stories of lives being transformed through a prolonged involvement with TreeHouse. Our central offices are located in Plymouth on Fembrook Lane North Plymouth youth and parents are served by two TreeHouse facilities. Youth from the north and east side of Plymouth are served from our New Hope TreeHouse (at Boone and Rockford Road). Youth from the south and west side of Plymouth are served from our Minnetonka TreeHouse (located at Highway 7 and 101). New Hope TreeHouse Brooklyn Park TreeHouse ChaskaTreeHouse Minnetonka TreeHouse 4203 Boone Avenue North 7520 Brunswick Avenue North 3740 Chestnut. Hwy. 41 17800 Hutchins Drive New Hope. MN 55428 Brooklyn Park. MN 55443 Chaska, MN 55318 ` Minnetonka. MN 55345 (612)533-9667 FAX: (612) 533-8308 (612)560-2334 FAX: (612) 560-1412 (612)368-2813 FAX: (612) 448-6836 (612)470-1945 FAX: (612) 470-0468 "SERVING YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES" ,:E --;, Za TreeHouse provides: • year-round balanced programs (one-to-one mentoring; weekly small groups; monthly activities; extended adventure trips, and service projects), • services offered without charge, including transportation within school district boundaries, • 78% of all funds received applied to direct program service with fund-raising/administrative costs totaling 22% (during 1998-99 fiscal year the figure was 74% to direct service), • long-term relationships with positive adult role models, • reliable referral solution for school counselors, juvenile diversion, etc. 0 preventive, cost-efficient results (TreeHouse costs are 3% of annualized cost for juvenile offender residentiaVmcarceration costs) The TreeHouse model has a track record of long-term positive results helping hundreds of youth who are `written off by schools, counselors, and often their own parents. Many are now productive citizens with families of their own' The TreeHouse program is a year-round, balanced, preventive approach involving youth in small groups, mentoring, education, activities, service projects and extended trips. TreeHouse provides both crisis support, as well as ongoing skills and mentoring which lead to greater self-sufficiency and stronger family systems. Thank you for your support of area at -risk youth through the TreeHouse program. We look forward to continuing to partner with the City of Plymouth to provide constructive help for hurting teens. Sincerely, Paul J. Murphy . Vice President for Development FROM GMDCH 09.15.1999 10:04 P. 2 • GMDCA. Child Care Leadership and Services GREATER MINNEAPOLASSOCIATION DAY CARE ASSOCIATION TO. (612) 341-1177 Email: gmdca@gmdca.org September 1 S, 1999 Voice/TDD (612) 341-2066 Rebecca Stoen 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Rebecca, We would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Plymouth for it's on-going support of child care with CDBG funds. We urge you to continue to support this program next year, as the need has grown tremendously while State and County dollars have only slightly increased. In the past two years, thirty-two Plymouth families have been assisted with their child care costs while they were working, in school or in job search. The Plymouth CDBG dollars are accessed by Plymouth residents while they are on the waiting list for the larger County/State funded Child Care Assistance Program. The waiting period for that program is about 12 months. Because of the Plymouth CDBG dollars, approximately ten families will have a shorter waiting period (about nine months). Families we are now contacting will get two to three months of assistance before they are moved over to the County program, which we also administer in our office. We are able to provide a seamless service and maximize use of your city dollars. As you make your plans for Year 2000 funds, we wanted to let you know how this program has been helping families toward self-sufficiency while allowing them to choose child care that is best for their children. We look forward to updating you again after the first of the year. In the meantime, don't hesitate to call if you have questions. My direct number is 349-0526. Sincerely, Laurie Possin Director of Family Services and Community Planning cc: Alison Canty, GMDCA Subsidy Programs Manager f MocsNsubsidy'cdb&Iymouth PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY REFERRAI.S '• CAREGIVER TRAINING • FEE SUBSIDIES 1628 Elliot Avenue South 2518 2nd Street North, Su Minncapclis, MN 55404-165Suite B Fix (612)341-4356 Minneapolis, MN 55411-2211 Fax (612)3 ***Eh4_i*** OZ -27-99 14:07 SPECIAL SERVICES I0=8124763214 Wayzata -Plymouth Arm Chemical Health Commission Minutes September 10. 1992 Members Pre n : Lisa Nelson, Carolyn Cade, Judy Hanson, Lydia Kihm, Barbara Hickok, Donna Marget, Judy Hoover, Gary Swedberg, Craig Gerdes, Mandy Little, Jeyn Hofacker, David Hadden, Bill Nelson, Tim McCarthy Introductions: Amend/A rove Minutes: Accepted with change that Chief Gerdes is the VP of Hennepin County Police Chief Association, s ! Treasurer's Report: Balance of $1050.94, Wayzata Bay Center Holiday - Dec 11th is a possibility. .. Public Safety: Plymouth — alcohol and tobacco compliance 42% fail rate for alcohol average is 50% (of those checked) Tobacco 28% fail fate Golf courses failed — 3 on city side. Sold to'20 year old. Most business that failed contacted the police department asking for training. ' In major stores (grocery) when they scan beer or tobacco -- the computer asks for verification. As of 811199 a minor consumption fine is class and reduce the $fine. This Violator can choose to go to a 6 hour class option is being created — the class will be a. combination of explaining what is happening in society and to the user as well as providing education on chemical health. MN State law requires compliance checks — it is a violation of the law to not conduct them. Federal block grant dollars are coming to sfate for compliance checks — Plymouth submitted request for $5000 to cover overtime costs. . 4 P.02 09-27-99 14:06 SPECIAL SERVICES ID=6124763214 P.03 Adult seller who sells to underage buyer has a fine of $210 for 1't offense License side of fine is much stiffer now — 60 days suspension is max with $2000 fine. 16t time is 500-1000 fine. Adding 3`d liaison officer in district — on board in a week. Will rotate the middle schools. By adding the 3`d person we will always have someone•at the high school. Wayzata Tobacco — 80% compliance Don't do alcohol compliance checks. Sr,hooi date: From the end of summer until now a lot of busy kids — lots of violations s ! have come in the last few weeks — 20 violations over the summer (about average). Lots of Minor consumption. In the last 2 weeks there has been 8-10 violations. Mock crash will be 9123199 — the week of Homecoming at 1:00 2700 kids at WSH this year. Theme for homecoming is Staying Alive WMS — Is planning retreats - cost is taken care of internally and by donations. The retreat is a big environmental learning opportunity which also includes interactions to bring the kids together — do it early in the year because they are not yet connected. Prevention information is not given specifically — we do problem solving — but don't necessarily talk about druglalcohollviolence prevention. Hopkins — marijuana numbers were up last year — there will be an action plan to reduce the use of marijuana. A marijuana task force has been started in Hennepin County — it is metro wide. They are coming up with marijuana information and facts. Meed to get accurate information out to community members. Also coming out with recommendations for parents/care givers, school/community. Community focus items — not legislation. There is not a lot of concrete data out there — the information is loose. College Update: Nothing from over the summer 4 R9-27-99 14:06 SPECIAL SERVICES ID -6124763214 P•04 Macalaster — they do have a chemically free dorm — working on strategies to take a look as to what young people think. Taking advantage of positive things happening in college community and focusing on them. There will be 4 floors at Augsburg for chemically free. 4 How do we groom young people after treatment to return to the college - community? Re goal is to get them to feel comfortable. Other Program share in St Cloud will be November 4" and 5'. ; LCTS grant deadline will be 9/27/99 with next round of money. Thus far we have provided afterschool activities at East Middle School and Central Middle School,as well as a partnership with Pyramid and YMCA. Also a Home assistance program has been developed. i ! On 10/15/99 from 11:30-2:30 there is a satellite conference on violence in communities this will be broadcast at Wayzata High School in the 2" floor Forum Room.' All are welcome. If you have any questions or need further information please direct them to Judy Hanson at 745-6988. Great thanks to the Plymouth Police Department for coming,in and assisting in the training of de-escalation and violence prevention in the Wayzata Schools. Teens Alone coffee at the Bridge 10/14/99 open house from 8:OOam — 9:00 at the Bridge for Runaways. Call Lydia at 988-4085 for more information. Is the 2nd Friday of the month good for everyone? We will keep it. Next Meeting will be October 8, 1999. September 24, 1999 Scott Mehus 3660 Yuma Lane Plymouth, MN 55446 Dear Scott: CITY OF PIYMOUIT+ Mayor Tierney has forwarded your letter to me regarding a possible aggressive inline Pte park in Plymouth. We are aware that you, and many other kids in Plymouth, are greatly interested in having aggressive inline skating facilities available. It was for this reason the City undertook the project of making the concrete slab behind the Plymouth Ice Center available for future inline skating. With the closing of the 4 Down Skate Park, we have been re-evaluating the need for a facility in Plymouth. There is a non-profit group studying this issue and the City is waiting to see whether or not they will able to bring forth a proposal to operate a new inline skate park. The Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, the City Council, and the staff are monitoring this situation. It is our hope that something positive will happen in the near future. Thank you for taking the time to write. Sincerely, ?'J� ' �,P ,/�- Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np� cc: V(5ity Council PLYMOUTH ABeau 441Plaee?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ®=—•-� www.ci.p1ymc-:^.mn.us 9/13/99 Dear Mayor Tierney, My name is Scott Mehus, and I like to aggressive inline. The skate park I go to now is in Maple Grove, and when my parents can't take me to the skate parkin Maple Grove I go anywhere that has rails or cliffs. But alot of places have no skating signs up, so there are not alot of places to skate. Thats why we need a skate park in Plymouth, you were going to put one behind Lifetime, but then you didn't because you didn't want competition with 4down. But 4down closed and I don't know why you haven't put one up behind Lifetime, because you already have the cement down, so why not put one up. So it would be a big help to the kids and Plymouth if you put up a skate park behind Lifetime. Sincerely, Scott Mehus 3660 Yuma Lane N Plymouth, MN, 55446 559-4882 a- �-4 a b o � o U _ o �• o o O a� o o cA`��'' � ^"U moo°' a� p ��_� �°' >o O v •K �, N p. •N .� 00 p +O-' O O� as O 1 .. � U y N to o O O i-- 4 C) y� Com" •.N-� �y 7 yam, j t�• O N V .L� 's. ., to C►' U p 0 0 P4 O p p c, O O O O O a. �, cd p ., i]• ON CN ON o, a, N N N 00 00 00 Ok C� O* O O co O O O V1 00 00 O O 0000 O O O N N O O O O O O O 00 00 00 00 o O O O O O O rn T TON N v1 V1 �%O N N N N N 00 00 00 00 0k dk O O O O O O O O p Cd o Q o. O 48, O O a O tiy a� 8 . O O '' O c� N U E E+ da 3 z as O 'N O rA a�O rn Q AxxUGn CA d� v� •� rn o o 0 as 0 Kurt Hoffman From: Dwight Johnson Sent: Friday, September 24, 1999 3:11 PM To: Kurt Hoffman Subject: FW: County Road 101 Expansion Please place in next CIM. Thanks. --Original Message --- From: Slavik, Kelli L. [mailto:Kelli.Slavik@gpmlaw.com] Sent: Friday, September 24, 1999 2:52 PM To: Johnson, Dwight; Moore, Fred Subject: FW: County Road 101 Expansion I'm fowarding this as an FYI. You may include this in the council packet if you feel it is necessary. Thanks. —Original Message ----- From: David Holman [mailto:DCH@OTC-LAW.COM] Sent: Friday, September 24, 1999 2:10 PM To: 'kelli.slavik@gpmlaw.com'; 'bradb2@aol.com'; 'judyinplym@aol.com; 'sharstad@excite.com';'mary.tambornino@co.hennepin.mn.us'; 'pen ny. steele@co. hen nepin. mn. us' Cc: 'mholman3@aol.com'; 'ths47154@aol.com'; 'swoelfel@mscsports.com; 'bwasscher@medtron ic. com' Subject: County Road 101 Expansion Dear Council members and Commissioners: I previously wrote to some of you back in late July after learning about the proposal to modify and expand county road 101. At that time, I requested your assistance to persuade the county and the design firm to minimize the impact of this project on the surrounding residential neighborhoods. At the initial public meeting, we were told that no definitive plans were in place for this project. We were also advised that the design firm and the county would like to work with the affected residents to address their concerns. The primary goal was to minimize the impact of this project on the adjoining properties. After the initial public meeting, a group of residents from the Fischer's Pond development had a separate meeting with representatives from Hennepin County, the design firm and the City of Plymouth. The purpose of that meeting was to discuss our unique concerns about the impact of this project on our property. I say unique concerns because this expansion project has resulted in a greater impact on the residents situated south of county road 24 than those to the north. When the property northeast of county road 24 was initially developed, apparently there was sufficient foresight used to acquire adequate right -of -way to accommodate this expansion project. However, when Fischer's Pond was developed, the plans were approved without leaving adequate right-of-way to accommodate this anticipated expansion. As a result, this area south of county road 24 is facing a significant direct impact on our property. We also have a unique concern given the nature of the property involved. The area south of county road 24 is heavily wooded. There are numerous 100 year old oak trees that line this area. These trees provide a buffer between the residential area and the roadway. They also provide maturity to a new development. This is a rarity in the Plymouth area. During this separate meeting that took place on 9/13, we expressed and prioritized our concerns. We made suggestions that would lessen the environmental impact that this project would have on our properties. We assumed that this meeting would have some impact on the final de si n of the road. We were wrong 8n 9/23 the County requested a second meeting witD our development. This meeting included a preview if the proposed plan. We were shocked to learn that virtually none of our concerns were addressed in the plan proposal. It left me with the impression that our previous meeting was a waste of our time and energy. The proposed plan included cement medians, lengthy right turn lanes, lengthy left turn lanes, 2 thru lanes in each direction, and bike paths on both sides of 101. The plan failed to consider the existence and location of the valuable oak trees. All of the items had the effect of creating an expansive roadway and are of questionable necessity. 1 concede that some revision of county road 101 is required. However, I question the necessity of such an expansive revision, particularly at the cost of giving up our environmental assets. It has been pointed out, and acknowledged, that the present expansion proposal cannot be continued as 101 proceeds south towards county road 6. There is insufficient room for medians, tum lanes or bike paths. If this is the case, I question the necessity of such an expansive proposal for 101 and 24. By eliminating the medians, shortening the turn lanes and eliminating the bike paths from the proposal, the impact on our property could be greatly diminished. I suspect that the county and design firm will maintain that eliminating these items will result in increased safety concerns. We were told that a road with medians is twice as safe as one without. Yet when asked to quantify this increase in numbers of anticipated accidents, we were told that it could not be quantified. Also, keep in mind that the proposed expansion and stop lights create cross traffic safety concerns that need to be considered. Although I agree that safety is a significant concern for any roadway, the term should not be used as a shield against criticism of the plan. Safety can be used as a buzz word that invokes emotion in people. I would only ask that you carefully scrutinize any claims that an alternative design cannot be safe. As a resident and taxpayer, I would ask for your assistance in minimizing the impact this project will have on our residential area. Remember that county road 101 runs primarily through residential areas. Any changes will have a direct impact on the quality of life for the surrounding neighborhoods. I would encourage you to participate in the upcoming 9/27 public meeting: I would also invite you to meet with me individually to discuss our particular concerns. Thank you for your time and concern. Sincerely, David C. Holman Ron Abrams State Representative Speaker Pro Tempore Hennepin County Delegation, Co -Chair District 45A Hennepin County Z.56 CHAIR: TAX COMMITTEE Minnesota House of Representatives COMMITTEES: RULES AND LEGISLATIVE ADMINISTRATION; PROPESTY TAX & TIF DIVISION; WAYS AND MEANS; LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION; LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON G0 SCAL POLICY 1bf September 27, 1999 r �c��Edt�O Joy Tierney, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Joy, SEP 2 8 AW Your letter of Sept. 10, 1999 expresses a number of concerns about the newly -enacted provision pertaining to city and county levies contained in Minnesota Statues, section 275.078. This provision was introduced in a bill authored by Rep. Dan McElroy, incorporated into the House omnibus tax bill, and ultimately included in the 1999 omnibus tax bill by House and Senate Conferees. Minnesota Statutes §275.078 requires cities and counties that intend to levy property taxes for the upcoming year that are higher than the levy for the current year to hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution to that effect. The statute is intended to increase local officials' accountability for the effect of their spending decisions on property taxes. Some local officials (e.g., in the city of Minneapolis and the Hennepin County) have claimed to be holding property taxes down by drawing attention to their constant tax rates. As you know, a constant tax rate in this environment of rapidly inflating property values yields significantly more revenue. The new statute is simply intended to make local officials more accountable when their levy decisions increase property tax revenues in step with increases in property values, even though the rates are constant or dropping. Many members of the public think that rising property values mean automatically increasing property taxes. This misperception creates the constituency for ever tighter limited market value rules, a result that in my judgment is not good for taxpayers or local government units. The new law is intended to help the public realize that inflating property values need not automatically result in tax increases. , To respond more specifically to the points in your letter. The same tax base is used for both years because the amount of the tax base is outside of the control of the city or county. The statute is intended to focus attention on the effects of local spending decisions. 2211 Austrian Pine Lane Minnetonka Minnesota 55305 (612) 546-5356 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1298 (651) 296-9934 FAX (651) 296-4307 TTY (651) 296-9896 Email: rep.ron.abrams@house.leg.state.mn.us iia -55 Allowances for growth and inflation were not included to keep the mechanism simple. (Provisions are made for this, as I'm sure you know, in the levy limits which actually govern the amount a city may levy.) It is up to local elected officials to justify their increases based on the needs created by growth or inflation. The new requirement is intended as a supplement to truth in taxation at an earlier point in the process. It is hoped that it will counter the reliance by some officials on specious tax rate arguments to justify spending increases. The truth in taxation process helps with this but the notice contains so much information that the point can be lost to taxpayers. The law probably should contain a notice requirement for the hearing. It was omitted to hold down costs and the work imposed on cities and counties. I sincerely do applaud the efforts of yourself and the Plymouth city council to hold the line on property tax levies, and to propose a levy containing a reduction in the city's tax rate. I only wi5h-dwq other local units of government would exercise similar restraint. truly, Ron Abrams State Representative RA:kk