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Council Information Memorandum 12-03-1999
DECEMBER 39 1999 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.- NOTE: CHEDULE.NOTE: Ward I Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6:00 PM before each Regular Council meeting. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 7: 00 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 7: 00 PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 7: 00 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 7: 00 PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 7: 00 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING, Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING (CONTINUED IF NECESSARY), Council Chambers JOINT COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARK AND LAND USE ISSUES, Council Chambers REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers Hanukkah begins at sunset 2. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7: 00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers Agenda is attached. (M-2) 3. 4. 5. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO DECEMBER 311999 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7: 00 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7: 00 PM THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7: 00 PM 6. MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7:00 PM 7. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 8. 9. 10. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 Page 2 PRAC, Plymouth Ice Center (Change of location this meeting only) Agenda is attached (M-3) HRA, Medicine Lake Room PUBLIC SAFETYADVISORY BOARD, Public Safety Training Room YO UTH A D VISOR Y COUNCIL, Medicine Lake Room CITY OFFICES CLOSED—Christmas Holiday CITY OFFICES CLOSED New Year Holiday A List of future Regular Council Meeting agenda items is attached. (M-9) December and January calendars are attached. (M-10) 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a) AT&T/MediaOne merger information newsletter for November 1999. (I -1a) b) Notice from the State Pollution Control Agency of no further work required in the clean–up of a petroleum storage tank release at Will's Transmission, 11350 Highway 55. (I -1b) c) City news release announcing registration for the Lester and Connie search contest. (I -1c) d) Letter from the "Old Tyme Hennepin County Fair" Director Claire DesLauriers requesting financial support for the event. (I -1d) e) City news release announcing a Fire Department program to check residential smoke detectors and home fire safety. (I -le) J) Information concerning a Canadian Pacific Railway plan to add new signs at all public grade crossings, and to offer a toll–free number for emergencies. (I --1j) g) MNDoT notice of the availability of project money through the Transportation Revolving Loan Fund. (I --1g) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 3 DECEMBER 3, 1999 2. MINUTES a) Park and Recreation Advisory Board November 10 meeting. (I -2a) b) Youth Advisory Council November 22 meeting. (I -2b) 3. CORRESPONDENCE a) Letter from Joseph King praising the work done in the Ferndale Road improvement project. (I -3a) b) Thank—you letter from the Kids' Care Connection for donations from City employees for "Make a Difference Day" sponsored by the Human Rights Commission. (I -3b) c) Letter from Fire Chief Rick Kline to resident Barry Balzer, in response to concerns about fire department use of staf and equipment. Mr. Balzer's original letter is also attached. (I -3c) 4. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS a) Suburban Transit Association Legislative Report. (I -4a) b) Municipal Legislative Commission Update. (I -4b) -0-2- PLANNING -0-Z. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ® WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1999 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PUBLIC FORUM 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Toll Gas & Welding Supply. Site plan amendment to install a propylene tank and dispensing equipment at 3005 Niagara Lane North. (99120) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. TSP One, Inc. Amendment to the site plan and conditional use permit to add a 3,380 square foot one-story vehicle storage addition to the Central Services building located at 17305 19`' Avenue North, and to widen and realign the entrances at Oakwood Elementary School, 17340 County Road 6. (99102) (Public hearing previously opened and continued.) B. Wayne A. Jeske Associates. Site plan amendment and conditional use permit amendment for an approximately 16,372 -square foot building addition at West Lutheran High School located at 3350 Harbor Lane North. (99107) C. Grandma's Inc. Zoning ordinance text amendment to allow off-site directional signs. (99111) D. North American Properties, Inc. Land use guide plan amendment and a planned unit development (PUD) sketch plan for a development to be known as Plymouth Marketplace located on the northwest comer of Highway 55 and Vicksburg Lane North. (99123) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Two -Step Planning Applications 8. ADJOURNMENT --•,lam/ rr W�WE WILL MEET AT THE PLYMOUTH ICE CENTER Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission December 9, 1999, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Approved contract with Suzanne's Catering b. 5. Unfinished Business a. Review 1999 year at the Ice Center - Bill Abel, Ice Center Manager b. Review Chapter 8 of the Comprehensive Plan - Parks c. 2000-2004 CIP d. Plymouth Creek Center update 6. New Business a. b. C. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - January 6, 2000 :n\parks\staff\eric\prac\agendas\dec.doc Tentative Schedule for City Council Non -Consent Agenda Items December 13 Truth in Taxation continuation hearing, if needed December 21 Adopt Budget and Tax Levy Millennium Garden proposal Possible Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Signs Adopt Water Resources Plan January 4 Two alcohol compliance check violations January 18 CO CD Z W W LL O -,4-10 M rn a 0 0 i ., tn C 40C �' 2 O �. ur Tj5 to a MfA.x I {L { Q N. F•- C_" T 7 p�� C u z� aE ? uai�g �2 UQ.m 3 K$ JO�p mmC t >O xui affi x a�8 ~ N aim a ax ani~ 80. S 8Y g�T%i 8 � m h ds c zz 59 V o € a. CU a CML2E 8J OOL J UU in N Z H w 00 p C4 O F (.. �p .�. NN pp OO� itZ N.�...N r l� N .N. C'4;; OY La WW h NOt 2 Nto�f pOJm 6 C C TA t0 .�•• N N d2 M O g0 K c:3,,tonN 0,2 ell pp .�. NN rA N ANN N � 1n .r -,4-10 M rn a 0 0 i Cl) c!) � _ � ui ui 5 � � � � � _ � LL. 0 2 k \ £ � �k & 2 LL - , f a 2g| .z M°` ��{ M§ cr _ � g s■ s Aa �� e i _� $ oa 10oa 2 ~ & k� z} k §E �ke )�)2e - . 22 �§f & ,L�2 m U) ~110 CnQ � k _\ � ■ � #: \ , # . 0 tn A . UE k )E e 0 & §, 0 0§5 s . 2§■ ■o■ a� �4 © . � . § c 2 k \ £ MediaOne® This is Broadband. This is the way. ATT Merger Benefits Feature MediaOne Headquarters and Jobs Will Remain in St. Paul Unlike some other recent mergers involving Twin Cities companies, AT&T's merger with MediaOne will preserve local jobs. Together, AT&T and MediaOne employ about 2,800 Twin Cities residents in good -paying, high-quality jobs. In fact, because of all the new services that are planned, the local workforce will likely grow. When the merger is complete, AT&T will keep MediaOne's regional headquarters in downtown St. Paul. At a time when some downtown employers are restructuring and reducing the number of downtown workers, MediaOne will maintain its long-term commitment to the city. "The pending merger will break the traditional mold of most corporate mergers because this is one that will actually benefit customers, our employees, local communities and our shareholders," wrote Jeff Harkman, MediaOne vice president and general manager, in a column published recently in the Woodbury Bulletin. QUOTE OF NOTE NOVEMBER 1888 tt.0 WHERE THE MERGER STANDS MediaOne Group shareholders met in late October and voted overwhelmingly to ap- prove the proposed merger. The merger is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2000, once the franchise transfers are ap- proved by the local communities and the state and federal regulatory approvals are complete. Here in the Twin Cities, 88 of 89 communities have approved the transfer of MediaOne's cable franchises. MediaOne and AT&T hope to receive all the necessary approvals from Twin Cities -area communities by early December. "Once we complete the merger, AT&T and MediaOne will be able to put more resources into our broadband video, voice and data services," said Teresa Lynch, assistant vice president at AT&T, Minneapolis. MediaOne has made a great start in the Twin Cities. AT&T will help ramp up the broadband roll- out." "How will most of us access the Internet in ten years? Via wireless technology? Satellites? Cable wire? DSL phone lines? Like most smart people humbled by the rate of technological change, Federal Commu- nications Commission Chairman William Kennard does not know the answer to that question. As a result, the commission is wary of treating the cable industry, however promising its prospects, as the sole provider of high-speed, broadband Internet access and thus deserving of a whole new regulatory re- gime. Mr. Kennard knows how stifling that can be on a nascent technology. Better for the federal govern- ment to allow competing channels to the Internet to develop unimpaired, and intervene only when abso- lutely necessary to ensure competition. " — Pittsburgh Post -Gazette editorial, Nov. 8, 1999 MERGER INFORMATION CENTERS: AT&T 901 MARQUETTE AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 900 • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402 The Federal Communications Commission recently released a report from the Cable Ser- vice Bureau that concluded regulators should continue to use restraint towards the broadband industry at this time. It is the same hands-off approach that Twin Cities communities have been following as they've reviewed and approved the cable franchise transfers. The report noted that since broadband is so new, government should not impose new regulations that aren't yet needed and may never be needed. TELECOM HEWS Other findings in the report included: ➢ The broadband industry is in its in- fancy. ➢ Cable modem deployment has spurred alternative broadband technologies. ➢ Rapid broadband deployment depends on a national policy. ➢ Regulation or threat of regulati �u ;y.i--..._ mately slows deployment of o ,id ' band. / S Over the last year, AT&T has merged with TCI and announced plans to merge with MediaOne. Recent news reports from Seattle, Lakewood, Calif. and Richmond, Va. highlight how AT&T's entry into the cable business is helping consumers. ➢ In Seattle, AT&T has rebuilt the city's cable system well before its deadline. An agreement reached earlier in the year between AT&T and city officials has given customers more program choices, better customer service and rapid deployment of high-speed Internet access, mayor Paul Schell said. The agreement addressed a num- ber of cable -related issues, including transferring TCI franchise control to AT&T. "AT&T's early completion of the cable rebuild shows the power of citizens and gov- ernment working together and indicates AT&T's commitment to the City of Seattle," Seattle city council member Tina Podlodowski said. ➢ In Lakewood, Calif., MediaOne is continuing with plans to introduce high-speed Internet access this month, with local phone service expected soon. The city recently took a "hands off for now" position on new cable regulation. City officials noted that competition from cable companies for local phone subscribers is likely to bring down the cost of local phone bills. ➢ Richmond, Va. residents will be able to receive high-speed Internet access over their cable lines by the end of next year. In early November local officials approved trans- ferring the local franchise from MediaOne to AT&T without excessive regulations. November 23, 1999 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Mr. Mark Leyendecker Will's Transmission 11350 Highway 55 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 RE: No Further Work Required At Petroleum Storage Tank Release Site/Off-Site Analysis Required at Land Application Site Site: Will's Transmission, 11350 Highway 55, Plymouth Site ID#: LEAK00011690 Dear Mr. Leyendecker: We are pleased to let you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) staff has determined that your investigation and/or cleanup has adequately addressed the petroleum tank release at the site listed above. Based on the information provided, MPCA staff will not require any additional work at the leak site. However, follow-up soil analysis as outlined in the MPCA fact sheet #3.8 Land Treatment of Petroleum Contaminated Soil: Land Treatment Sites (May 1996) is still required. The MPCA fact sheet #3.12 Soil Monitoring Results for Land Treated Petroleum Contaminated Soil (April 1996) should be used for reporting results. The file regarding this release will be fully closed when monitoring results indicate that soil at the land application site has been adequately treated. Failure to fulfill monitoring requirements may result in MPCA staff recommending a reduction in potential Petrofund reimbursement. Please be aware that the decision to discontinue further investigative/cleanup work at the leak site does not necessarily mean that all petroleum contamination has been removed from this site. However, MPCA staff has concluded that any remaining contamination, if present, does not appear to pose a threat to public health or the environment. The MPCA reserves the right to require additional investigation and/or cleanup work if new information or changing regulatory requirements make additional work necessary. If you or other parties discover additional contamination (either petroleum or nonpetroleum) that was not previously reported to the MPCA, Minnesota law requires that the MPCA be immediately notified. 520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (651) 296-6300 (Voice); (651) 282-5332 (TTY) Regional Offices: Duluth • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Marshall • Rochester Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 20% fibers from paper recycled by consumers. �-_ /b Mr. Mark Leyendecker November 23, 1999 Page 2 You should understand that this letter does not release any party from liability for the petroleum contamination under Minn. Stat. ch. 115C (Supp. 1997) or any other applicable state or federal law. In addition, this letter does not release. any party from liability for nonpetroleum contamination, if present, under Minn. Stat. ch. 115B (1996), the Minnesota Superfund Law. Because you performed the requested work, the state may reimburse you for a major portion of your costs. The Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Act establishes a fund that may provide partial reimbursement for petroleum tank release cleanup costs. This fund is administered by the Department of Commerce Petro Board. Specific eligibility rules are available from the Petro Board at 651-297-1119 or 1-800-638-0418. If future development of this property or the surrounding area is planned, it should be assumed that petroleum contamination may still be present. If petroleum contamination is encountered during future development work, MPCA staff should be notified immediately. For specific information regarding petroleum contamination that may remain at this leak site, please call the Leaking Underground Storage Tank File Request Program at 651/297-8572. The MPGA fact sheet Request to Bill for Services Per must be completed prior to arranging a time for file review. Thank you for your response to this petroleum tank release and for your cooperation with the MPCA to protect public health and the environment. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please call the project manager at 651/297-8577. Sincerely, I Stacey end ry an atten Pollution Control Specialist Site Remediation Section Metro District SHV:smm cc: Laurie Ahrens, Plymouth City Clerk Richard Kline, Plymouth Fire Chief Greg Lie, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer Nathan Eklund, Summit Envirosolutions Minnesota Department of Commerce Petrofund Staff CITY OF PLYMOU?FF News Release For Immediate Release Contact: December 1, 1999 • Sara Cwayna, 612-509-5198 Lester and COnnie: Contest offers $1,500 prize and valuable lesson If you want to be in the running to win $1,500 and teach your children valuable fire safety lessons, register to be part of this year's Where's Lester the Smoke Detector Contest. To be eligible for the contest, you must register by Jan. 3. The contest starts Jan. 5. Legend of Lester and Connie The contest features the characters of Lester the Smoke Detector and Connie the Carbon Monoxide Detector. Lester and COnnie will go into hiding in January to call attention to the importance of maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is the third year of the award-winning fire safety campaign. This year, Lester and COnnie will be hiding together. They will be in their hiding place as of Jan. 5 when the first clue to their hiding place will be issued. A $1,500 reward will be given to the registered contest participant who finds the duo. To be eligible to win the reward, you must register to be a contest participant by Mon., Jan. 3. The contest will begin on Jan. 5 when the first weekly clue to Lester and COnnie's whereabouts is issued. Clues will be printed in the Plymouth Sun -Sailor each Wednesday starting Jan. 5. Clues also will be posted on Channel 37, the Lester phone line at 509-5146 and the City Web site. PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 F& Registration forms are available at Plymouth City Hall and the Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., and on the City Web site. As part of the registration process, you must complete the home fire safety checklist that is included on the registration form. "The contest is fun, but it's important that people realize it carries a deadly serious message. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives, but they can't do their job without proper maintenance. Everyone needs to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries in each yearly. It's vital that parents teach their children what the warning sounds of each alarm sound like," said Fire Chief Richard Kline. The Plymouth Fire Department, Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund and Plymouth Firefighters Relief Association sponsor the Lester fire safety campaign. The Crime and Fire Prevention Fund, a non-profit organization, and the Firefighter Relief Association have posted the reward for the return of Lester and COnnie. Get complete details about the Where's Lester Contest by calling the Where's Lester Hot Line at 612-509-5146 or visiting the City Web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. -30- 322 Comanche Trail - Hamel, MN 55340 - (612) 420-4546 November 30, 1999 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Council Members: The Hennepin County Old Tyme Fair is requesting your support. This event highlights the culture, products and people of our community. The 1999 highlights include a carnival, 4-H and Creative Activities exhibits, childrens activities, amateur talent contest and much more. We need your support! Any amount will be recognized and appreciated. Please call us at 612-420-4546 for more information. Sincerely, 0 Claire DesLauriers Director �r' 1k News Release For Immediate Release December 2, 1999 CITY OF PLYMOUTFF Contact: Sara Cwayna, 509-5198 Plymouth Firefighters visit homes as part of Smokebusters campaign A team of Plymouth firefighters is playing the role of "smokebusters" throughout December. The firefighters are randomly visiting neighborhoods in Plymouth to offer voluntary smoke detector and home fire safety checks as part of the Plymouth Fire Department's Smokebuster campaign. If the home needs to have old detectors replaced, new detectors added or batteries changed, the firefighters will provide the detectors and/or batteries to the family. Families who have smoke detectors that work and whose homes pass the fire safety check will be awarded an official "Where's Lester?" t -shirt. The Smokebusters campaign is timed to coincide with the registration period for the Where's Lester contest. Where's Lester is an annual smoke detector awareness contest sponsored by the Plymouth Fire Department and Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund, a non-profit organization. As part of the contest, Lester the Smoke Detector and Connie the Carbon Monoxide Detector go into hiding somewhere in Plymouth. The person who finds the pair will earn a $1,500 reward. The Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund post the reward. People who want to participate must register for the contest by Jan. 3. Registration forms, which include a home fire safety checklist, are available on the City Web site and at the Plymouth City Hall and Public Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The contest begins Jan. 5 with weekly clues leading to the hiding place of Lester and Connie. Clues will be publicized in Plymouth Sun -Sailor, City Web site at www.ci.plymouth.mn.us and Where's Lester Phone Line at 509-5146. For complete details on the Where's Lester contest, visit the City of Plymouth Web site or call the Where's Lester phone line. -30- PLYMOUTH A BeautifufPface To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 ® �.,� www.d.plymouth.mn.us CANADIAN PACIFIC J RAILWAY To Mayors/City Administrators John C Bergene Suite 935 Assistant Director 501 Marquette (55402) Public Affairs PO Box 530 (55440) Minneapolis Minnesota November 30, 1999 Re: New grade crossing emergency telephone number of Canadian Pacific Railway Tel (612) 347-8209 Fax (612) 337-8800 Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is adding new signs at all of its public grade crossings listing a toll-free number to call in case of an emergency. The calls are routed directly to CPR's 24-hour police communications center which can then respond appropriately depending on the incident. Signage has already been installed on all crossings with flashing lights and signals. Installation of the emergency assistance signs will begin appearing at crossings marked with a "Railroad Crossing" (crossbuck) sign by the end of the year. The yellow and black signs are attached to the signal or sign post facing the crossing in clear view of passing motorists. Each sign lists the toll-free 800 telephone number to reach the communications center as well as an identifying number for the crossing. Attached is a news release which provides more details about the signage program and a sample layout of the Emergency Assistance sign. We hope you will make this information available to your city departments. We encourage the general public or communities to use this number to report incidents or unsafe conditions along CPR's track. In most communities, CPR has furnished an additional emergency response number to police and fire officials to use to directly contact our US Network Management Center in Minneapolis. The Center is in contact with train crews and local managers which handle operations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illlinois and Indiana. That toll-free number - 800-766-4357 (SOO-HELP) - continues to be the prime number to call if police or fire officials have an emergency to report. If you have any questions don't hesitate to call. U cz .c m co c � O •— O co M @ Mri co o cr^ / � co C. aD 70 cn 0 Z OC v O 0 0 CL or . C: U a). O — 1— — co -1-a -W a— TUU mss.. O w O J O CD O CL U cz .c m co c � O •— O co @ Mri co Mco 'l co .— cn 0 " O O 0 0 CL or �r. o _ .�CANADIANPACIFICRAILWAY Release: Immediate, November 30, 1999 1-800-716-9132 NEWS CPR COMPLETING SYSTEM -WIDE, TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE LINE CALGARY— Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) is putting the final touches on a system -wide, toll-free emergency assistance hotline program, with installation of signs displaying its 1-800 number at all CPR public level crossings in Central and Western Canada and the Midwest United States. As the final stage in its $600,000 Safe Passage program, CPR is currently completing the installation of signs displaying a toll-free number —1-800-716-9132 — for use by pedestrians or motorists in the event of emergencies. When completed, in about eight weeks from now, two signs will be on display at each of the railway's approximately 10,000 public level crossings from Northern Ontario to the West Coast in Canada, and in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. CPR installed these signs last year at 1,100 crossings in southern Ontario and Quebec, and followed-up early this year with installation at 300 crossings in New York and Pennsylvania. "The Safe Passage program provides members of the public with toll-free access to the CPR Police Service's 24-hour communications center in Montreal, allowing us to respond more quickly to emergencies. Motorists, cyclists or pedestrians will have the information they need to contact us immediately in the event of an incident or unsafe situation at any crossing on our Canadian and U.S. network," said Gerry Moody, chief of the railway's police force. "Coupled with our extensive public safety awareness programs, Safe Passage will help prevent accidents at road -rail intersections and will improve crossing safety awareness," Moody said. Yellow, weather-proof stickers bearing the toll-free telephone number and crossing identification numbers unique to each location are being applied to existing signals and sign posts at CPR crossings. It is expected that incidents can be prevented or reported more quickly as a result of the new signs, especially as cellular phone use becomes more commonplace, Moody said. He added that members of the public are encouraged to report all potential or actual emergency situations and to report damaged or malfunctioning signals and crossing warning devices. The CPR Police Service has direct links with local, provincial, state and federal police forces and with emergency response officials across its network. Canadian Pacific Railway, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canadian Pacific Limited, provides rail transportation services over a 24,000 -km (15,000 -mile) network reaching most of the principal centers of Canada, as well as the U.S. Midwest and Northeast. It also serves key ports on the east and west coasts of Canada and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard. CPR has assets of approximately $8.4 billion, annual revenues of approximately $3.5 billion, and approximately 19,000 employees in Canada, the U.S. and overseas. 30 Reference: Ian La Couvee Calgary, AB 403-319-6196 e-mail: ian_la_couvee@cpr.ca OR TO Minnesota Department of Transportation Metropolitan Division Waters Edge 1500 West County Road 132 Roseville, MN 55113 .r December 3, 1999 ,JJJ 1 Dear Recipient: The Metropolitan Division is soliciting candidate projects for funding through the Transportation Revolving Loan Fund (TRLF). The deadline for submitting TRLF applications for this solicitation is Friday, January 14, 2000. In 1995, the Federal government established the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) program. During the 1997 legislative session, Mn/DOT proposed legislation that would create a SIB for Minnesota. On May 12, 1997, this legislation, known as the Transportation Revolving Loan Fund, was signed into law. The purpose of the TRLF is to attract new funding into transportation, encourage innovative approaches to financing transportation projects, and help build needed transportation infrastructure. Operating much like a commercial bank, the TRLF provides loans or credit enhancements (lines of credit, letters of credit, debt service guarantees) that can be used to finance projects. Borrowers eligible for the TRLF financing include the state, counties, cities, townships, and other governmental entities with projects eligible for federal aid funding under Title 23 - Highways, or Title 49 -Transit. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: preliminary engineering activities, right-of-way acquisition; road and bridge maintenance, repair, improvement, or construction; rail safety projects, enhancement items, airport safety projects and transit capital projects. Loans must be secured by a dedicated revenue stream from sources such as property taxes, sales taxes, special assessments, future federal aid, or future state aid revenues. Repayments on such loans and financing will be deposited back into the TRLF and used to finance another set of projects, creating a continually expanding pool of transportation funding. All proposals for the TRLF projects will ultimately be required to go through the Metro Division Area Transportation Partnership (ATP) for approval and become a part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Proposals located within the seven county Twin Cities boundary must ultimately obtain Metropolitan Council approval and be included in the Metropolitan Council's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The ATP will submit a prioritized list of TRLF projects along with the Area Transportation Improvement Program to Mn/DOT's Office of Investment Management in mid-April each year. The Office of Investment Management will integrate the lists of projects received from the ATP's and submit them to the An equal opportunity employer Mn/DOT Transportation Investment Committee for final review and certification to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The PFA will request that certified project sponsors submit supplemental loan applications as well as provide additional information concerning their financial capability to repay the loan. Following loan approval, the PFA and the borrower will proceed with the execution of the project loan agreement, bond closing, and project letting. The PFA will use a bond market index to establish base interest rates for loans based on whether the borrower will provide a general obligation or a revenue bond. PFA will provide a discount from the base rate to make TRLF financing a viable and attractive alternative for funding transportation projects. Cities with populations of less than 5000 will receive an additional 1% discount to the already lower rate. Loan disbursements will be made to the borrower on a monthly basis as project expenses occur. I hope this solicitation request sparks interest in the TRLF program. The coordinator for this program in the Metropolitan Division is Brian Vollum. Please contact him at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1500 West County Road B-2, Roseville, Minnesota 55113, 651- 582-1408, if you have any questions about the program or wish to receive a loan application and information packet. A statewide TRLF Information Workshop will be held Tuesday, December 14, 1999, from 9:30 AM to Noon at the St. Cloud Civic Center. If you wish to attend this workshop, please RSVP to: Nancy Lindgren, 651-297-3297. Sincerely, Rich d A. Stehr Division Engineer Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting November 10, 1999 Page 52 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Musliner, Priebe, Willegalle, Thompson; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson; Councilmember Black Absent: Commissioners Wahl and Fiemann 1. Call to Order Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Priebe and seconded by Commissioner Musliner to approve the minutes of the October meeting as presented. Motion carried with all ayes. 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary distributed flyers advertising Old Fashioned Christmas on December 5. She said we have a new storyteller this year named Charlie Maguire. He's known as the singing park ranger. Mary stated that the dome opened on November 5, and all reports so far are very positive. We are taking rentals for the activity center beginning June 1. The City is in the process of negotiating a contract with Suzanne's Cuisine as the caterer. Commissioner Musliner asked if the caterer can charge whatever they want. Mary said they will have a wide variety of price ranges and menu choices that hopefully will meet everyone's needs. The contract is not a specified length of time, but the City can cancel with 60 days notice and Suzanne's can cancel with a 90 day notice. Mary said we're thinking about having a grand opening in June. She asked for suggestions for programming in the activity center and dome. Councilmember Black asked Mary to e-mail the Council with this information. Mary announced that Sara Mittelstaedt, our Senior Coordinator, has been working 20 hours a week for the City, but beginning in December, she will be full-time. Her office will be in the new activity center, once it opens. Councilmember Black asked about congregate dining. Director Blank said we're not sure if we will offer congregate dining. Apparently it's not a popular concept with our seniors. Mary said that 175 people attended the Volunteer Recognition event at the Carlson Towers, which was held Tuesday evening. c. Others. None. 4. Report on Past Council Action PRAC Minutes/November 1999 Page 53 Director Blank announced that the City Council approved the name Shenandoah Park. Landscaping is done there and the trails are in. The playground goes in next year. 5. Unfinished Business a. Comprehensive Plan discussion - open space and golf courses. Director Blank displayed a new open space map, showing nine sites. He pointed out these nine sites and explained a little about each one. The sites that were removed from this map will be shown on the park map and the trail map. A second open space map will include potential acquisitions. Director Blank stated that the recent city survey revealed that 52 percent of Plymouth residents play golf on a somewhat regular basis. This is second only to walking as a recreational activity. The resident survey also shows strong interest in preserving at least one golf course if it becomes apparent that the land may be sold to a developer. Director Blank explained the City's policies with respect to golf courses. First, the City will avoid any action (such as assessments for public improvements) that would encourage redevelopment of the courses for other uses; second, it's in the city's best interest to keep at least one 18 -hole course in Plymouth; and third, if we must preserve one of the golf courses, it should be Hollydale, because of its location, the quality of the course, and the nearby wetlands. Commissioner Thompson asked what the process is if Hollydale decided to sell. Director Blank said there isn't much of a process. Hollydale could simply decide to sell to a developer, and the City would not deny a change to the land use guide plan. If they were fast tracking, they may be able to sell it within 120 days. Councilmember Black was interested in percentage of golfers to total population in Minnesota. Upper midwest has the highest percentage of golfers, according to the SRF consultant. We have a large number of publicly accessible golf courses in Minnesota. Councilmember Black thinks golf courses aren't really open space. Commissioner Priebe agrees with Councilmember Black and feels they are a recreational area. Commissioner Priebe would prefer that golf courses be called park land, rather than open space. Councilmember Black feels that golf courses don't meet the criteria for open space. She does not agree that they preserve native habitats, as mentioned on page one of the golf document. There was discussion then on rephrasing the paragraph on open space preservation as it relates to golf courses, and it was agreed that this should be worded differently. Director Blank says there are two ways for the City to acquire a golf course -have a vote by the people to purchase one, or go to the Council and ask to do a revenue bond. The golf course in Richfield generates $150,000 in revenue a year said Director Blank. Councilmember Black explained that she does not support public agencies operating golf courses, because she feels a public entity should not be operating something for profit. She went on to say that golf courses are available to a much smaller segment of the population than other public park programs. She said she received many phone calls from her constituents saying they did not support the Eagle Lake golf course, which is being proposed by Hennepin Parks, and no calls favoring it. Commissioner Priebe stated that for the I � ZAl PRAC Minutes/November 1999 Page 54 benefit of its residents, the City should step in and take over the operation of a private golf course, if it wasn't economically feasible for a private owner to continue. Other commissioners agreed. Director Blank asked about the statements on the back page of the golf handout. Commissioner Thompson suggested rewording it to say "the following policies, in priority order, will guide future actions with respect to golf courses." Commissioner Musliner asked if Hollydale were to sell, what happens with Hampton Hills and Elm Creek? Would the City try to preserve one of them? Commissioner Willegalle said the City would have to do a feasibility study to see if it would be worthwhile to purchase one of them. Councilmember Black said she was talking to Planning Director Hurlburt and the way that the sewer and water is being developed, it will be very expensive for Hampton Hills to get sewer service, which could lead to Hampton Hills being very undesirable for any type of future development. Director Blank then asked the commissioners if they were comfortable with the golf chapter of the comprehensive plan as it was presented, with the few changes that had been discussed. Commissioners said they were okay with it. b. Plymouth Creek Center update. The dome opened and is being used seven days a week. The main building should be done in March, according to the contractor. Parking lots are all paved and lighted. Some of the landscaping is underway. The ornamental lighting will be installed soon. Windows are being installed on the upper level. Construction is on track. c. 2000-04 CIP. Director Blank said the list that was created last month was reorganized by year. He said we have a 50 year plan for everything we own, and everything has a life expectancy. Director Blank then explained the park improvements proposed for each year and how each item will be funded. Bleachers must be totally enclosed now, due to legislation passed after a child suffered a fatal fall last winter at an indoor hockey arena. This means that all of our bleachers will need to be replaced, but the cost will be spread out over the next couple of years. West Medicine Park vault toilets are going to be installed because portable satellites cannot keep up with the demand. The long term plan is for a permanent building there someday. Commissioner Thompson asked how we decide which buildings with bathrooms are kept open? Director Blank said only if something is going on at the park are the bathrooms available. Parkers Lake is open when the beach is open. We must have staff available for security reasons. Director Blank explained the plan to put in a playground on the ESS property (environmental park), west of I-494. He stated that the Mud Lake Park development is proposed for 2002. This property could be as nice as Three Ponds Park. It has very beautiful views. Armstrong Youth Baseball wants a new building at Zachary, but they've been told it's not high priority. If they can fund it with a half match, we will try to find funds for the other half. In the 2003 plan, we start funding the acquisition of the 10" playfield. Commissioner Priebe asked about the trail across 494 at County Road 9. Director Blank said we put money in the 1999 CIP for that, but it won't be constructed until 2000. The City of New PRAC Minutes/November 1999 Page 55 Hope wants to build a pedestrian bridge over Highway 169 at 36`h Avenue connecting New Hope and Plymouth. MNDot agreed this was a good idea but they want both cities to help fund it. Director Blank wrote and told them we'd contribute $15,000 in 2003, but they want $58,000. Mary mentioned her concern that electronic signs to advertise events wasn't included in the CIP. Director Blank said there could be one at the Ice Center, but current city ordinance doesn't allow for them at other locations. Commissioner Thompson thinks more things need to be done to advertise what the City is doing. Director Blank then discussed things on the list that are desired but not funded. Everyone wanted to know what a spray playground is. Director Blank said this replaces old wading pools and is a new concept. It's like playing under a sprinkler, but you capture the water so it can be reused. Director Blank said the main concern is how much revenue we're going to get to help fund these things. He is confident that the figures he assigned to each project are 90% accurate. Based on trends he has seen in terms of housing starts, he believe' we can afford everything in the proposed CIP. Director Blank displayed plans for the athletic fields at Greenwood. There are two different design plans. Director Blank also displayed a couple of ideas for the millennium garden. As plans progress, a professional team will be hired to design the garden. 6. New Business a. There was no new business. 7. Commission Presentation None. 8. Staff Communication Director Blank said the December meeting might be at the Ice Center for a presentation by Manager Bill Abel. 9. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. V -1� 11 )�, YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 22,1999 The meeting was called to order by Chair Paul Lenhardt at 7:40 PM. Also present were Amy Anderson, Dev Jadhav, Jameson Johnson, Laura Marofsky, Manager Dwight Johnson, Councilmember Judy Johnson, and Deputy City Clerk Kurt Hoffman. Absent were Nnennia Ejebe and Trent Eisenberg. The minutes of the November 1, 1999 meeting were approved without objection. Jameson Johnson provided an update on the Youth Jam 2000 plans. He said the planning subcommittee was waiting for confirmation on talent. Following discussion, Councilmembers approved a tentative date of June 3, rain or shine. Subcommittee members reported that a charity has been selected to receive the proceeds from Youth Jam 2000, Way 12, a Wayzata—based youth shelter house for young people who have completed treatment programs. Noah Kunin will work on coordinating fundraising efforts. Amy Anderson and Jan Barichak will work on poster design. Councilmember Judy Johnson reported that the City of Minnetonka held a youth town forum. It was agreed that Minnetonka would be contacted for information on how the forum was developed and publicized. Topics will be solicited through the schools. Staff will explore the availability of the Plymouth Creek Center for the forum. A tentative date of April 27 from 7:00-9:00 PM was decided upon. Amy reported that the National Council on Criminal Justice Youth Forum on Violence and Youth Alienation would be holding a regional meeting at the Star Tribune offices on December 2. She said this is a continuation of the local forums held around the state. Paul Lenhardt volunteered to serve as a judge in the Plymouth Human Rights Essay Contest. Councilmember Judy Johnson reported on conversations with WCCO—TV newsperson Dennis Douda about a possible story on the activities of the Youth Advisory Council. Staff retained his business card to keep in touch with him. Manager Dwight Johnson distributed a list of opportunities for youth to help Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners during the holiday season. He said the projects might serve as entries in the "Make A Difference Day" program. The topic was placed on the agenda for discussion at the November 29 meeting. He also distributed information on the formation of a project called The Pier. Future topics for the agenda were discussed. At Sam Kelner's request a discussion of the City's overnight parking regulations will be on the November 29 agenda, along with reports on the Plymouth Citizen Survey from Nnennia Ejebe and a report on the Youth Violence and Alienation Forum from Amy Anderson. Youth Advisory Council November 22, 1999 Meeting Page 2 Councilmember Johnson asked that the Council consider a discussion of a dialogue on health issues, including abstinence education. The topic was put on the list of future issues for meeting discussions. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. 5,3a-,- November 23, 1999 City of Plymouth Administrative Offices 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter to thank you for the new Ferndale Road between Wayzata Boulevard and County Rd. 6. The sidewalk along Ferndale Road has been a wonderful blessing to our family as it gives my wife and I a place to walk and jog for our daily exercise. In addition, the new sidewalk provides the community with a safe means for the adults as well as our children to get to and from the Luce Line. The addition has also provided a more peaceful means of transportation—no more road bumps and chuck holes that shake us up!. I know it was difficult to determine how to get this done since it lies between two cities, but we are very grateful you did. I am sure everyone in the surrounding neighborhoods appreciates it as much as my family and I do. Again, thank you. Sincerel , Joseph A. King 142 Chevy Chase Drive Wayzata, MN 55391 JAK/kmh --;f 3b November 27, 1999 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear City Employee's: On behalf of the KIDS' CARE CONNECTION I would like to extend our thanks for your support and generous gifts for the future child care center which will be coming to Plymouth in the year 2000. (Projected start-up is April 2000). We were so excited to be able to display the many gifts on November 7`h at Messiah United Methodist Church's Dedication of the new facility. We are still months away from opening, however the donated toys, books, tapes, equipment, clothing and paper products will make our start up a success. These gifts will bring a smile to many children and staff. We would like to recognize Becky Wheeler for her time and efforts put toward the "1999 Make a Difference Day" sponsored by the Human Rights Commission. This worth while project is making a difference toward many lives here in Plymouth and we are proud to be partnering in our community to help those in need. Again, we express are deepest thanks and wish all of you at the City of Plymouth a very Merry Christmas and a happy Millennium. Sincerely; /5 onda Berghoff Co-chair, Child Care Board of Director's M_ CITY OF PLYMOUTFF December 2, 1999 Barry Balzer 17520 41 `t Av. N. Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 Dear Mr. Balzer, Thank you for your recent letter regarding the City's Fire Department. I am very pleased that your son Wyatt's fourth birthday party at Fire Station III was such a success — making his day and serving to enlighten as well. The four firefighters who hosted your son's party provided a tour of the station, and answered your questions are part-time employees of the City of Plymouth. They, along with fifty-eight other part-time firefighters, operate out of three fire stations and respond to nearly 1300 calls for service per year. On the evening of November 23, 1999, those four firefighters were serving as members of the Fire Department's Duty Crew. The Plymouth Fire Department's Duty Crew Program is a variation of the traditional way of delivering fire protection services, where firefighters receive a call, leave their homes and workplaces, drive to the fire stations, wait for others to arrive, get on a fire truck, and respond to the scene of the emergency. The Duty Crew Program schedules firefighters to work during the City's peak times for fire calls. Members of the Duty Crew staff one of the City's fire stations, respond to calls for service, complete training and maintenance duties, and provide public education opportunities (including preschool and K-6 grade programming, fire extinguisher training, home escape planning, business pre -planning, smoke detector programs, and birthday party tours) to the City's citizens and business community. The Duty Crew Program provides several distinct advantages over the traditional way of providing fire protection services, including predictable staffing and significantly shorter response times to emergencies. In addition, 'firefighter committed time is considerably reduced by consolidating call response, training, maintenance, and public education obligations. Last year, the Duty Crew Program enabled the Plymouth Fire Department to respond to more calls for service, sponsor more training opportunities, complete more maintenance duties, and provide more hours of public education programming than ever before — all while spending less in firefighter salaries. PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place ?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 un ., n0 nlvmnnfh Mn nc / The Duty Crew Program is in operation twelve hours per day, five days per week, and provides a service similar to that of a fully paid fire department, but at a substantially reduced cost. Members who are assigned to the Duty Crew are allowed reasonable breaks for meals, with appropriate limitations as to time and place. They are on-call during their entire shift, and are frequently called to respond to emergencies that occur during meal breaks, or training sessions, or birthday party tours. Taking a fire truck to dinner in order to be prepared for an emergency is an expectation that I have for the Duty Crew. It is not something that they choose to do "when the boss is away." It has been our experience that having the Fire Department be a visible part of the community often brings unexpected rewards. A big red fire truck parked outside a school, home, or business generates a great deal of interest from the general public. Our firefighters often spend unplanned time with children and adults teaching them about the importance of working smoke detectors and safe escape plans, or explaining the tools and equipment on the truck. These casual conversations often open the door to more formal fire prevention education opportunities, and have even served as a firefighter recruiting tool. I appreciate the interest you have in the City's Fire Department, and I am glad to have the opportunity to respond to your concerns. The Plymouth Fire Department is committed to fiscal responsibility and continues to examine ways, like the Duty Crew Program, to best employ tax dollars. The part-time firefighters, made up of your fellow taxpaying neighbors, are dedicated to providing you and all of the other Plymouth residents with the best possible fire protection services. Sincerely, A Richard C. Klin Fire Chief cc: Mayor Tierney Councilmember Bildsoe Councilmember Slavik Councilmember Brown Councilmember Black Councilmember Harstad Councilmember Johnson Public Safety Director Gerdes 11/27/99 Mayor Tierney, I have been a Plymouth resident since 1974. Recently my son turned 4 and wanted his birthday party at the fire department on Dunkirk Lane. The fire department was nice enough to oblige my son with his request and it made his day. While we were touring the facility the firemen were answering questions from some of the adults. One of the questions was the cost of the new fire truck, which we were told was around $600,000.00. We were told that this fire truck was first out and went on all calls. The whole tour was enlightening, beyond belief. When the birthday party adjourned back to the classroom one of the firemen came in and stated that the four of them were going to the Grand Buffet for dinner and we should feel free to finish up and leave. Kiddingly, I asked them if they were taking the new fire truck to dinner. The conversation went on and I thought they were leading me on. While we were walking out the door I looked in the garage and the fire truck was indeed gone. At this point I was internally angry. I was going to let this go but I cannot get the thought of four firemen taking a $600,000.00 city vehicle to dinner out of my mind. Is this acceptable to you and the rest of the council members? I have asked numerous people in the course of conversation and they are floored by the thought of this or any city vehicle being used for personal purposes. The more I think about it the more questions I have. Does the City carry insurance on these vehicles to cover personal use? What are the legal ramifications to the City if there was an accident with a city vehicle being used for personal use? Does the city get reimbursed for gas and wear? Why is there a fully outfitted kitchen in the fire hall? Are these firemen "on the clock" while out to dinner? I can go on and on but I hope you see my point. I am a business owner, as such I am well aware that when the boss is away children will play but to this extent is unimaginable, unethical and down right wrong. I also do not want to get people into trouble but the way I see it, my tax dollars are supplying necessities to our community and I do not see any necessity in four firemen using city property for personal use. Please respond, I would like to know how all of you feel about this after all, it is "OUR" money we are spending. Sincerely, Barry Balzer 17520 41 st Ave. N Plymouth, MN 55446 P.S. I was watching the Council meeting on television this evening and you were discussing the intersection by the new High school and how to make it safer. I agree with you, Mayor we should seek other solutions rather than police officers at $50.00 per hour. How about Duty officers from the fire departments? They were on City payroll sitting around watching television and taking a $600,000.00 vehicle to dinner. Why not have them contribute to safety? They did state that 98% of the calls they get are false. Why not try to make it 99%? Cc: Tim Bildsoe Kelli Slavik Iclb Brad Brown c o Ginny Black ' � a Judy Johnson .,r Scott Harstad SUBURBAN -J� ' TRANSIT LEGISLATIVE REPORT ASSOCIATION REPORT 1999-7 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1999 METROPOLITAN COUNCIUMETRO TRANSIT UPDATE STA Legislative Committee Meeting At the November 18 Legislative Committee meeting, Art Leahy, Metro Transit's General Manager, was our special guest. He spoke to the Committee about the Metropolitan Council's possible plans for the upcoming session, including requests for supplemental funding and capital bonding. Mr. Leahy explained that the Met Council intends to request supplemental funding of $3.7 million for Metro Transit's operating costs, $16 million in regional bonding to fund capital improvement projects requested, but not funded, in 1999 and a state bonding request of $70 million — $20 million for a new bus garage and $50 million for transitway development. He also discussed future funding mechanisms that the Met Council is considering, for example an expansion of the transit -taxing district to fund transit services for a greater portion of the metropolitan area and the collar counties. While the Council has not yet approved a specific funding proposal for recommendation to the legislature, they have not removed any proposals from consideration. According to Mr. Leahy, the Metropolitan Council is also investing resources for an outreach program aimed at expanding the use of the Metro Pass program. This program allows companies to buy transit passes from Metro Transit at reduced rates and, in turn, provide these passes to their employees free or at a reduced cost. Other issues discussed at this meeting include: 1. Metro Transit's plans for increasing ridership. 2. Fleet modernization and diversification. 3. A modernization plan to rehabilitate Metro Transit's buses every six years and to utilize wrapped buses for funding advertising campaigns. 4. The progress made so far on developing the transit master plan (see page 3 for more information). Those in attendance found the meeting informative and enjoyable, and they appreciate Mr. Leahy's willingness to take the time to discuss these important issues. The STA LeaislallveReporf Is preparedby Tom Poul and lenniferPeterson Messerli & KramerP.A.,145 UniversityAvenue West, Sulte 450, St Paul, MN 55103 Telephone (651) 228-9757 Fax (651) 228-9787 :�� .11 40-/ Meeting with Nacho Diaz On November 9, the executive directors from STA transit providers, as well as Maple Grove Transit's executive director, Mike Opatz, met with Nacho Diaz from the Metropolitan Council to discuss the Transit Master Plan (see page 3 for full discussion). The executive directors provided Mr. Diaz with proposals of how they believe opt -outs will help the Met Council to achieve the goal of doubling ridership by 2020. Finally, the Met Council's plans to build additional park and ride facilities and find other methods of mitigating traffic congestion were discussed. Meeting with Rich Gardner Also on November 9, the executive directors met with Rich Gardner from the Department of Revenue to discuss the technical aspects of the opt -out funding levy, specifically issues regarding the June 30 deadline for levy certification. Mr. Gardner was helpful in answering questions and explaining the process, providing the executive directors with a more clear vision of how the levy process works. LEGISLATIVE PLANS FOR 2000 As the legislative session draws ever closer, our legislators have begun discussing their transit and transportation initiatives. From the tone of the discussion, and frequency of the issue's mention, it is clear that transportation and transit policies are going to receive a great deal of attention in 2000. Below are some highlights of recent legislative proposals. 1. Senator Dick Day (R -Owatonna) is again going to pursue proposals to open the high occupancy vehicle lanes on Interestates 35W and 394 to general traffic, and to turn off the freeway ramp meters. You might remember that he attempted to pass a similar plan last session, but faced strong opposition from transit supporters and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Ultimately, his 1999 efforts failed. This year Senator Day plans to introduce legislation entitled "Freedom to Drive" which includes the above proposals as well as: (a) a license tab fee cut of 20 percent on all vehicles that pay more than the $35 minimum; (b) a one-time $200 million dollar investment from future surplus funds into road repair and construction; (c) ticketing of drivers in the left lane if they are not passing those on the right; and (d) an increase in the speed limit on Interstate 35E through St. Paul from 45 to 55 miles per hour. We will discuss Senator Day's proposal with more specificity after it is officially introduced in February. 4 2. Representatives Steve Sviggum (R -Kenyon) and Carol Molnau (R -Chaska) recently announced the Republican House Caucus' plan to use $400 million to relieve metro area congestion. The funding is to be derived from predicted surplus revenues and bonding. Republican legislators stated that their transportation funding proposal will be their first priority in the upcoming session as it is necessary to ensure economic activity, increase safety and relieve congestion. They further stated that such funding is a "core function" of state government and is an investment in the Metropolitan Area and Greater Minnesota roads that is long overdue. TRAFFIC CONGESTION BECOMES A FRONT -BURNER ISSUE As you may have recently read in the local newspapers, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area was recently ranked 14th in a national study of traffic congestion. The study, performed by the Texas Transportation Institute (an organization that has studied the issue of congestion for many years and is respected for its objectivity), ranked cities based upon number of hours spent in traffic by commuters. The study results showed that the average Twin Cities' commuter sat in traffic for 34 hours during 1997 while in 1992 commuters were congestion -bound only for about 20 hours. Transportation experts believe the increase in congestion is partly due to the increase in population, which has surpassed the increase in investments in road and transit system capacity. However, as our congestion ranking has increased, our population ranking has remained steady. This study coincides with a poll taken earlier this year by Metropolitan State University regarding metro area residents' views on traffic congestion. This poll showed that congestion is the number one concern of Twin Cities' residents. The combination of those two studies has helped to bring the long -neglected issues of transportation funding and public transit to the attention of Minnesota's policymakers. TRANSIT MASTER PLAN UPDATE The Metropolitan Council's Regional Master Plan for Transit (the Plan) will likely provide new and exciting opportunities for opt -out transit providers. On November 17, a proposed plan was delivered to the Met Council's Transportation Committee. The Plan outlined problematic issues facing the metro area's transit system, including rapid population growth, rapidly increasing congestion, and limited funding for highways. The primary objectives of the plan to deal with these obstacles include creation of a regional "smart -growth strategy" to discourage rapid expansion of the metro area and development of a multi -modal, balanced and cost effective transportation system to support the growth strategy. In order to meet these objectives, the plan currently recommends the following tactics: 3 1. Doubling bus capacity by 2020 by extending geographic coverage of the transit system, simplification of route structure, and increasing service hours and frequency. 2. Developing dedicated transit corridors, including busways, light rail transit and commuter rail. 3. Adding additional shoulder bus lanes and high occupancy vehicle lanes. The Met Council will include a cost -benefit analysis, technical issues, land -use considerations and financial feasibility in its development of a final plan. There will also be a series of public hearings between December 7 and January 6. The January 6 meeting will be at the MVTA Transit Hub in Burnsville from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. As we have discussed in previous issues of the STA Legislative Report, the plan will likely be approved by the Met Council and provided to the legislature at the beginning of the 2000 Legislative Session. UPCOMING MEETINGS The STA Legislative Committee will be meeting on December 21 from 11:30 a.m. —1:30 p.m. at the Southwest Metro Transit Commission (SMTC) transit hub. It is expected that the Committee will review possible legislative programs for the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Public Transit Association and the Transportation Alliance to help finalize a recommended STA Legislative Program for the 2000 session. Also mark your calendar for the next STA Board of Directors meeting scheduled for January 20 from 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. at the SMTC transit hub. It is hoped the Board will then give final approval to a legislative program for the 2000 session. If you are a member of the Board of Directors and are unable to attend the January meeting, please check to ensure a proxy will attend in your place — it is important that a quorum is available to vote on issues needing approval. We hope to see you at these meetingsl 4 MUNICIPAL League of Minnesota Cities Building T F3ISL qTWE 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450 Gl_ MMISSION St. Paul, Minnesota 55103 Telephone: (651) 228-9757 Facsimile: (651) 228-9787 UPDATE 1999-7 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1999 MLC CITY ELECTIONS As discussed in the October MLC Update, four MLC cities held elections on Tuesday, November 2. Results of the elections are as follows: In Bloomington, Councilmember Gene Winstead prevailed handily over his opponent, Frank Lindholm to become Bloomington's new mayor. Mike Fossum bested Steve Mahowald to fill the council seat vacated by Mayor -Elect Winstead. In Bloomington Council District I, Steve Peterson prevailed over Diane Pahl Bump to replace Tom Spies, and in District II, Heather Harden beat Joe Campo to replace Peggy Ramthun. In Maplewood, Robert Cardinal defeated Councilmember Mary Koppen in a tight mayoral race to replace Mayor George Rossbach. Councilmember Koppen will retain his council seat. Julie Wasiluk and Ken Collins were elected to fill two council seats. John Kysylyczyn ("John K") prevailed in Roseville's mayoral election, a three-way race that received a great deal of attention. The two candidates he bested were Councilmember Barb Mastel, who will retain her council seat, and write-in candidate Katie Harms. Councilmember Dean Maschka prevailed over Greg Thordson in his re- election bid. Finally, in Minnetonka, councilmembers Dick Allendorf, Linda Koblick, Ken Tauer and Al Thomas were all re-elected easily to their council seats as there were no challengers. Congratulations to newly elected and re-elected city officials! Mr. Schreiber's knowledge, experience and legislative contacts will be an asset to both Messerli & Kramer and the MLC. .3` S kq The MLC Update Is prepared by Robert G. Renner, Jr. and Jennifer J. Peterson Messedli d Kramer P.A., 145 Unhwslty Avenue West, Suite 450, SL Paul, MN 66103 Telephone (651) 228-9757 Fax (651) 226-9767 Member Cities: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Burnsville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina,'' Lakeville, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Roseville, Shoreview, Woodbury y . 0 MESSERLI & KRAMER HIRES DISTINGUISHED LOBBYIST Bill Schreiber recently joined Messerli & Kramer's lobbying team. Mr. Schreiber brings to the firm many years of public policy experience, particularly with local government issues, tax policies, and regional government concerns. Mr. Schreiber served as a member of the Metropolitan Council from District 2 and as Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Policy for the Minnesota Department of Transportation from 1993 to 1999. He also served as a minority leader in the House of Representatives, Chair of the House Fiscal Disparities Task Force and Chair of the House Tax Committee at various times during his 19 years in the Minnesota Legislature. Mr. Schreiber was also a Brooklyn Park city councilmember from 1968 until his election to the House in 1972. MLC BREAKFASTS APPROACHING The MLC 1999 Regional Breakfasts have been scheduled. The dates and locations are: Region 1 (cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka & Plymouth) — Tuesday, December 7 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Plymouth. Region 2 (Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview & Woodbury) — Thursday, December 9 at the Maplewood Inn in Maplewood. Region 3 (Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan & Lakeville) — Wednesday, December 15 at Royal Cliff Conference Center in Eagan. All meetings will be held from 7:30 a.m. — 9:15 a.m. If you have not yet done so, please RSVP to Liz Shields by telephone at 651/228-9757 or by e-mail at eshields@mandklaw.com. These breakfasts have been both enjoyable and informative in the past and we hope everyone will attend. 2000 MLC LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM The MLC Board of Directors approved its 2000 Legislative Program at its October 20 meeting in Eden Prairie. The entire program will be presented at the regional breakfasts in December, but here are some highlights: (1) Property Tax Reform — The MLC will continue its policy of support for additional reduction in the property tax rate for homes valued over $76,000 from the payable 2000 classification rate of 1.65 percent to 1.5 percent. The MLC believes this reduction is necessary to reduce the disparity between the Metropolitan Area and Greater Minnesota regarding the percent of income earned that is expended on property taxes. 0q (2) Tax Increment Financing — The MLC believes that the legislature should continue to help cities overcome financial shortfalls that are occurring in TIF districts due to commercial -industrial property tax rate compression. Additionally, the MLC is opposed to any additional legislative restrictions on the use of TIF by local units of government. Finally, the MLC would support a change in TIF laws that would allow cities to use TIF for the creation of affordable housing. (3) Property Tax Restrictions — The MLC continues to oppose any extension of levy limits or a freeze on property taxes. Both policies restrict the ability of locally elected officials to make fiscally responsibledecisions that are appropriate for their cities. (4) Limited Market Value — Once again, the MLC will work to defeat the imposition a property tax policy that artificially restricts the growth in market value of residential property. The MLC is opposed because further limiting market value growth will create inequities in the property tax system and will stifle the ability of local governments to provide the additional services needed as their communities grow. (5) The MLC will closely monitor any legislative action regading fiscal disparities, local government aids, transportation funding, and tax -base sharing. 2000 CAPITAL BUDGET The 2000 Session is a bonding year during which the Legislature will pass a capital budget for the 2000 fiscal year. Minnesota typically adopts capital budgets in the legislative sessions of even -numbered calendar years (alternating with the biennial operating budget adopted in odd -numbered calendar years). The capital budget provides recommendations for capital expenditures not financed in regular state agency operating budgets. Items funded include: acquisition of land • construction and repair of state agency, college, and university buildings • construction and repair of state prison, hospital, and nursing home facilities construction and repair of dams and flood control structures �43 construction and repair of recreational facilities like state trails, interpretive centers and campground facilities, roads, bridges, and parking lots in state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and the Minnesota Zoo grants to local government units for construction of capital projects Capital budgets are typically funded through the issuance of state general obligation bonds. The state constitution limits the term of these bonds to twenty years. Principal and interest costs of the bonds are included in the state's general fund operating budget. The Department of Finance issued instructions for the 2000 legislative session capital budget in April 1999. Preliminary submissions of capital budget requests for state agencies were due to the Department of Finance in June 1999 with final submissions due in October 1999. Preliminary submissions from local governments were due September 15, 1999, with final submissions due on November 1. The Governor's capital budget proposals to the Legislature will be released in January 2000, and the Legislature is expected to adopt capital budget appropriations in April 2000. Currently, requests totaling approximately $1.5 billion have been submitted to the Department for consideration. Here are some highlights of the requests submitted so far: 1. The University of Minnesota system has requested $132.2 million for building or improving facilities on the Minneapolis, Duluth, Morris and Crookston campuses. 2. The Minnesota State College and University System has requested $230 million for building renovation and construction. 3. The Metropolitan Council has requested $70 million for transit projects, $20 million of which is for bus garages and $50 million is for transitways. 4. Various requests have been made by political subdivisions, including $1.5 million for the Gibbs Farm Museum, $15 million for the Duluth Sports and Recreation Center and $7 million for the Minneapolis Parks and Trails system. The South Metro Public Safety Training Facility has requested $3.1 million in bonding, and the Northwest Public Safety Training Center has requested bonding in the amount of $3.22 million. When the Governor's recommendations are available (likely in January) we will provide you with a more complete summary. (Source: Minnesota Department of Finance.) 4