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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 12-15-2006Dummy CITY OF PLYMOI Fib COUNCIL INFO Mhmu December 15, 2006 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Youth Advisory Council December 18 meeting agenda ....................................................... Page 2 December 2006, January and February 2007 Official City Meeting Calendars ................... Page 3 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ........................................... Page 9 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc ... Star Tribune story about the debate over possible development of an Eden Prairie golfcourse.......................................................................................................................... Page 10 Star Tribune profile of Interfaith Outreach/Community (IOCP) Partners Director LaDonnaHoy...................................................................................................................... Page 12 Inspection Division newsletter, Plymouth Builder............................................................. Page 14 Notice of Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell's State of the Region address ................ Page 16 STAFF REPORTS 2007-2010 Transportation Improvement Program information related to Plymouth ........ Page 17 Transit Advertising Budget for 2006................................................................................... Page 19 2006-2007 Snow Season...................................................................................................... Page 20 ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES Highway 55 Corridor Coalition October 27 membership meeting .................................... Page 23 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to residents regarding application from Finn Daniels Architects requesting a PUD amendment and preliminary plat for office building (2006111)............................................................. Page 29 Letter from Wood Creek Homeowner's Association regarding Wood Creek Erosion Repair Project (for Council information only)............................................................................................ Page 30 YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL December 18, 2006 6:30 PM Parkers Lake Room 1. Call to Order 2. Presentations: a) Park & Recreation Staff on fundraising projects 3. Approvals: a) Agenda b) November 20 meeting minutes 4. City Council Update 5. Special Items: a) Youth Advisory Council projects with Human Rights Commission b) Meeting Date for February 6. Items for Future Discussion: a) 7. Adjournment Time Allotment 6:30 PM 6:30-6:45 PM 8. Additional Materials: a) January, February, and March 2007 Official City Meeting Calendars 6:45-6:50 PM 6:50-6:55 PM 6:55-7:05 PM 7:05 —7:10 PM 7:10-7:15 PM 7:15 PM OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS December 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Nov 2006 Jan 2007 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2:00 PM OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS - 7:00 PM TRUTH IN TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING, Council Do PM CHARTER COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING, Madcirx laka Rooms Aa.e 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS DAY ACTIVITIES, Plymouth Plymouth Crsek C.— Plymouth Historical Y Society Building Chambers ]:OD PM PLANNING coMM sswN. cwAe, ckame.s ):OD PM PLYMOUTX ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT, eats lata Room 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 4:30 PM -8:30 PM OPEN HOUSE FOR OUTGOING MAYOR Too PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EGc), Mad—Lake Rooms A&B CHANNUKAH BEGINS AT SUNSET JUDYJOHNSON, Plymouth Creek Center TOO PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 6:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 8:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: 7A0 PM PUNNING COMMISSION, Council Clambers INTERVIEW BOARD 8 COMMISSION APPLICANTS; CITY MANAGER ANNUAL EVALUATION, Medicine Lake Rooms A & B 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY, I +1:45 AM PLYMOUTH City Offices dosed IBUSINESS COUNCIL, 1220, Rldgedale Dna, M—Inke 31 modified on 12/13/2006 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS January 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 NEW YEAR'S DAY (City Offices closed) 2 3 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSONCounalIGHiS chem°.rs 4 L7:00PM HUMAN MMISSION s Lake Room 5 6 7 8 9 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chamfers 10 TOO PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Medic . Lake Rooms A 8 B 11 7:00 PM PARK 6 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 MARTIN LUTHER ICING JR. BIRTHDAY (Observed) -CRY offices Closed 16 800 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, Medicine Lake Rooms AS B 17 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Coieici Chambers 18 7:00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MRA), Msdiinw�s Lake Room A 19 7:30 AM 9:00 AM MLC LEGISLATIVE BREAK FAST, Radisson Hotel a. CONerenp CenMr, 3131 Campus On. 20 21 22 6:30 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL Parkes Lake Room 23 1 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH I BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 MmneWnka 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 24 I TOO PM PLYMOUTH I ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1 ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medickro Lek* Room A 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Dec 2006 S M T W T F S Feb 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 modified on 12/13/2006 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2007 Sunday Monday TuoidaY Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Mar 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 7:00PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room 2 3 2:00 PM -7:00 PM FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL, Pa kers Lake Jan 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 4 S 6 7 8 9 10 700 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 630 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council ChamMn 7 00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL DUALITY COMMITTEE (EOG). Medicine Lake Rooms A & B 7:00 PM HOUSING 8 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA). Medbkre Lake Room A 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 PRESIDENTS DAY- Cay OirCeS Closed 700 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, C-1 Chambers ASH WEDNESDAY (First Day of LenQ 25 26 27 28 11:30AMTWINWEST STATE OF THE CIN- Plymouth Creak Cerdsr 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT), Medina Lake Room A 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 12/15/2006 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items January 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Appoint 2007 Deputy Mayor • Appoint 2007 City Council Secretary • Designate 2007 Official Newspaper • Appoint 2007 Official Depositories • Ratify 2007 Surety and Blanket Bonds for City Employees • Approve 2007 Council Coordinating Representatives and other agency appointments • Approve 2007 Liquor Licenses • Announcement of "Walk with Me, Talk with Me" (Councilmember Sandy Hewitt) • Oaths of Office - Kelli Slavik, Mayor; Kathleen Murdock, Councilmember Ward 2; Ginny Black, Councilmember Ward 4, and Tim Bildsoe Councilmember at -Large • Presentation of 2006 MN Society of Arboriculture Volunteer Service Award to local resident Pam Darnell • Deny rear yard setback Variances to allow construction of a deck with stairway for each building within the Plymouth Office Plaza development for property located south of Old Rockford Road at 45"' Avenue North. RCV Homes/Loch Development. (2006107) January 16, Special, 6:00 p.m., Medicine Lake Room • Discuss 2007-2011 Capital Improvements Program January 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Staffribune-com I MIl EA POLIS - ST. PAUL MINNESOTAI Last update: December 12, 2006 — 10:26 AM City's plan to preserve golf course stirs debate The primary owner of an Eden Prairie golf course wants to sell, but the city and neighbors say he can't -- a stance that could cost him millions. Jenna. Ross, Star Tribune To the city, it's a clarification. A change in words that keeps the land as it is and as it should be. To the owner, it's an illegal taking. A seizure of land that cheats him and his family out of millions of dollars. Next month, the Eden Prairie City Council will consider zoning and comprehensive plan changes that would, in effect, allow only golf courses on property now used for golf courses. A housing development on such land? Never. The move would affect the four courses within Eden Prairie but is aimed at one in particular: Bent Creek. The course's majority owner, Sam Hertogs, 80, wants to sell to a developer under existing zoning that allows residential development. He expects his 106 -acre golf course will lose money next year, but a sale to developers could bring him $18 million. The course's neighbors want the land -- and their view -- to remain a golf course. They, along with city staff, believe that a promise made in the 1970s and comprehensive plan guidelines give the city legal rights to zone the land as golf course -only. At a time when golf courses are struggling to make a profit and cities are emphasizing the value of open space, cities are weighing the rights of a property owner to sell against that property's benefits to the city. Such scales often hinge on zoning. And more than once, the question of how much authority a city has to control the use of property, through zoning or re -zoning, has been brought to court. Mendota Heights won such a case in the Minnesota Court of Appeals, where a case out of Eagan is still pending. Hertogs and his attorneys promise that if Eden Prairie passes the zoning and comprehensive plan changes, it too will face a lawsuit. Restricting a property not to a category but to a single use is unfair and illegal, Hertogs said in a letter to city officials. If the city wants to maintain the golf course, it should buy it, or at least compensate him for what he would lose. Courses are'quasi-public' When Hertogs first explored selling Bent Creek about a year ago, he discovered that city staff believed "that somehow the city had the authority to prohibit the development of the golf course into non -golf course uses," he said. Around that time, city staff heard rumors that Hertogs was thinking of selling and looked into the zoning. They realized that there were inconsistencies between the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances and imposed a moratorium until they decided how to reconcile them. In the comprehensive plan, golf courses are considered "quasi -public," a designation given to property such as that owned by private schools. But no zoning guide is attached to that designation. Zoning ordinances, however, designate golf course land as "rural residential," which would allow one house per 10 acres. The many lawyers involved in this dispute agree that under state law, a city's comprehensive plan trumps zoning. But Hertogs and his counsel, led by Bruce Malkerson, contend that saying land is "quasi -public" doesn't mean much without a definition, without zoning guides and without being printed on the property's title. "They are trying to create restrictions where there are none," Malkerson said. City says neighbors are key The city has pointed to a planned unit development, or PUD, agreement as further evidence. When the 1,000 -acre Edenvale development, which includes many types of housing, commercial property and the golf course, was planned in the 1970s, its paperwork included references to the golf course as open space that satisfied the development's requirements. Eden Land Corporation, the PUD developer, made public and written statements that as the course's owner, it would maintain the golf course. City Attorney Ric Rosow wouldn't comment on specifics because of the possible litigation, but he said council minutes and other documents regarding Edenvale include the golf course as part of agreements. Mayor -elect Phil Young, who is also a lawyer, said Edenvale is "the most important point of the issue. Our actions will be largely driven by the implications of that PUD." Malkerson disagrees that Edenvale means much. When PUDs are set up now, they include specific contracts between owners and the city, such as with two other courses in Eden Prairie, Bearpath and Olympic Hills. But when Edenvale was planned in 1970, no binding agreements were made, he says. Steve Chelesnik, who lives in Edenvale, said that when he bought his house, he paid a premium in part because of its views of Bent Creek and the idea that it would remain open space. "The idea was if you lived here, you wouldn't have to worry about what kind of development would end up next door," he said. "Promises were made." Hertogs is willing to turn over a portion of the land to the city for free, said Marilyn Michales, part of his legal team, but has found the city to be "totally uninterested" in that and other proposals to maintain significant open space. Chelesnik isn't interested either: "They'd be giving the city something we already enjoy." Course owners worried Eden Prairie, Eagan and other, similar cases involving golf course owners have caused worry in the golf course industry, said Curt Walker, executive director of the Midwest Golf Course Owners Association. Just a few years ago, owners assumed that if they wished, they could sell their property. But now, "it's like standing on sand," he said. The hit of the association's conference this year was a presentation on how course owners could defend their rights. Their points included: Get involved when your city is creating a comprehensive plan. And look out for any proposed zoning changes. Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 • By JEN..NA ROSS jross@startribune.com 02006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. Last update: December 12, 2006 — 10:26 AM Fighting poverty with people power LaDonna Hoy, founder of a Wayzata outreach program, has helped the poor for decades. Matching those in need with those willing to help has always been her goal. Gunnar Olson Special to the Star Tribune, By GUNNAR OLSON Special to the Star Tribune On a Sunday morning about 30 years ago, a man was lying on the ground near a church in Minneapolis when the service let out. Most worshipers made a path around him to their cars, but one woman with two children in tow stopped to talk with him. After a minute, the man stood up and dusted himself off. He accepted some money and, patting the woman on the shoulder, marched off. Only he will ever know for sure what the woman said to get him back on his feet. The woman, LaDonna Hoy, 72 -year-old executive director of Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners in Wayzata, can't recall. Her son, John, who was about 10 at the time, doesn't know what she said, either. But the memory reminds him of the way his mother helps people. "She could have gotten up on her own little pulpit," he said, "but the point about her -- and the magic that is her -- is she is more about solving the problem than being, 'Hey, look what I'm doing for this guy.'" In October, it was the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce that said, hey, look what Hoy is doing. The Chamber named Hoy its 2006 Person of the Year. Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, which Hoy founded 27 years ago at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Wayzata, is now a multi -million -dollar -a -year organization that helps people with food and an occasional rent check, as well as with finding long-term solutions to their needs, such as reliable transportation and affordable housing. In its 2005-06 fiscal year, Interfaith Outreach helped 1,400 households. "Part of what I grew up with is you don't walk past trouble," Hoy said in an interview. "People in trouble have a claim to whatever help you've got." The nonprofit organization has found more ways to help with each passing year. Its budget has grown from $25,000 in 1981 to roughly $3.9 million in 2006. It has 16 employees, and another 600 volunteers, to serve the area it has always served: Hamel, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Medina, Plymouth, Medicine Lake, Orono and Wayzata. Hoy knows many of these cities are perceived as being rich. But she also knows there are people living in each of them who sometimes have to choose between paying their rent and fixing their car. Making connections Mary Jo Engrav, now 48, of Plymouth, was introduced to Hoy's Interfaith Outreach as a volunteer about 20 years ago, but she also got help through the organization from time to time. A single mother raising two children, she occasionally needed help paying rent or putting food on the table. Engrav said Hoy also introduced her to a program to help people buy their first homes, which Engrav was able to do about 10 years ago. But more importantly, Engrav said, Hoy provided connections. She helped Engrav find secondhand equipment for her son, Patrick, now 27, to play sports. And she connected Engrav's daughter, Dana, now 30, with a work program at a bank. Dana is now a "successful banker" living in California, her mother said. "She just knew who to connect with," Engrav said of Hoy. "She always had the resources to help me find my way so my kids could find their way." Poverty up -close E Hoy was born in Chicago in 1934, in the midst of the Depression. Her parents, Henry and Elizabeth Brusseau, ran a general store, and she remembers them allowing customers to run up credit on food when times were tough. It wasn't unusual for her father to let strangers stay in their home. She married Tom Hoy three years after she graduated from high school, and they had nine children. They moved to the Wayzata area in 1961 when Tom took a job here, but it soon fell through, and it was two years before he found steady work. He had bouts with chest-wall cancer a few years later. He survived but was out of work for about nine months, LaDonna Hoy said. Sometimes, they couldn't make their mortgage payment. "I know how scary that is." Hoy started working part time at St. Bartholomew's shortly after her youngest child entered school, and after five years she was asked to find ways for the congregation, as well as eight others in the region, to help their members and others. She came up with a food and clothing bank, and together with another part- time church employee launched Interfaith Outreach. The more involved they got, the greater need they saw, said Hoy's longtime friend and neighbor, Greg Rye. "I think over time LaDonna realized that was just a Band-Aid," he said. "It was treating a symptom of a larger problem.... LaDonna's eyes opened to a much larger world of need, and she went there." Many ways to help Interfaith Outreach has seen many milestones since then. It expanded its core of sponsors from nine congregations to 23 and brought in businesses, schools and other organizations as sponsors. In 1990, it moved to its location at 110 Grand Av. in Wayzata. In 1997, Hoy convened some 100 leaders from the region and spelled out a vision for the future. She named five "barriers" that can keep people down -- housing, child care, transportation, employment and "connection" — that is, connecting "people of good will" with those who could use their help. Out of this grew programs to overcome the barriers. Another big step was the "sleep out" fund-raiser, where people camp out to raise money for emergency housing services. In its first year, 1995, one man raised $10,000. This year, more than 1,000 are participating with a goal of $1.7 million. Jill Kohler, a development director at Interfaith Outreach, said Hoy's "grandmotherly look" might belie her effectiveness at persuading people to help out. But "no one can say no to her." Though Hoy has reached an age when many people would be retired, she has no such plans. She still has work to do. "One of my big dreams is that this country would get back to that barn -raising spirit, you know? ... We do better when we all do better." 02006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. is Plymouth Builder A newsletter from the Plymouth Inspection Division, December 2006 Met Council to raise SAC Charge The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Division has approved the Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) rates for 2007. The base SAC unit will increase from $1,550 to $1,675 beginning January 1, 2007. Permits issued after the close of business on December 29, 2006 will be subject to the increased rate. While the City of Plymouth collects the charge for MCES, it is not a City charge. Carbon Monoxide Plan Ahead for Your Inspection Planning ahead when scheduling inspec- tions will keep your construction plans on track. The Building Code is very specific regard- ing inspections. It is the duty of the person doing the work authorized by a permit to notify the Build- ing Official once the work is ready for inspection. The permit holder must also provide access to and means for inspection of such work. It is important to understand that requests for inspections are to be made only after the work is completed and ready for such inspection. Alarms Now Required in The 2006 legislative session passed a new carbon monoxide (CO) law (Minn. Stat. § 299F.50) requiring CO alarms in all single- family homes and m« ltifamily apartment units. Every single-family dwelling and every multifamily dwelling unit shall be provided with and approved and fully op- erational carbon monoxide alarm. Effective Dates: Effective January 1, 2007, all newly constructed single family homes and multifamily dwelling units for which building permits were issued on or after January 1, 2007, shall be provided with an approved carbon monoxide alarm. Effective August 1,. 2008, all ex- isting single-family homes shall be equipped with and approved carbon monoxide alarm meeting U/L specifications. • Effective August 1, 2009, all other multifamily or apartment -dwell- ing units shall be provided with approved CO alarm.. General Location Requirements: Within ten (10) feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping pur- poses. Listing or Certification of Detectors: • All CO alarms shall be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standards (also known as UL2034 Standards). Power: CO alarms must be either hard- wired into the electrical wiring, directly plugged into an electrical outlet without a switch, or battery powered. Iy Requests Requests for building, framing and final inspections are not to be made until after all other required inspections have been ap- proved (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, etc.). Our inspection personnel are performing excessive repeat inspections on some jobs where work is not ready for the', inspec- tion being requested. These unnecessary inspections result in our"inability to pro- vide all of you with effective and efficient inspection services. Inspection requests for specific times will be honored when it is possible. If the requested time is not available, customers will be advised so that an alternate time or the next business day can be selected. Dwelling Units If you have additional questions or need further information oil the carbon mon- oxide legislation please contact the State Fire Marshall Division at 651-201-7200, or visit their Web site at www.fire.state. The Plymouth Builder is published by the City of Plymouth to share information with contractors and developers working in Plymouth. Let us hear from you. if you have any questions or comments, issues or concerns, call Building Official Joe Ryon at (763) 509-5431 or drop us a note at the City of Plymouth, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN 55447. New Staff Members Join Team Two new employees join the Community Development staff. Tanya Wagner joined the city on December 27, 2005, as an Office Support Representative. Tanya's responsi- bilities include permit processing, as well as inspection scheduling and customer service at the front counter. In addition, Todd Sandell joined the city in June, 2006 as the city's new Electrical Inspector. Todd will be conducting on-site inspections of all newly installed electrical systems through out the city. State Code Adoption Process The State of Minnesota is currently in the process of adopting new model building and fire codes as well as amendments to other chapters of Minnesota Rules. Learning of the proposed changes requires hearing notices, which are currently under- way. We anticipate the complete adoption process to take place sometime within the next few months. The new codes under consideration are: 2006 International Building Code 2006 International Residential Code 2006 International Fire Code Stay tuned, we will keep you informed! Oaasons greetings from .7II Of CVs Joe Ryan, Building Official 763-509-5431 Larry Farris, Assistant Building Official 763-509-5436 Bob Rood, Commercial Plan Review 753-509-5442 Greg Metz, Commercial Plan Review 763-509-5434 Jessica Archer, Residential Plan Review 763-509-5432 Chris Land, Building Inspector 763-509-5439 Karleen Lutter, Building Inspector 763-509-5435 Erik Noraas, Building Inspector 763-509-5438 Arnie Rasmusson, Building Inspector 763-509-5437 Bill Tonn, Building Inspector 763-509-5441 Todd Sandell, Electrical Inspector 763-509-5447 Stan Scofield, Fire Inspector 763-509-5443 Randy Kurtz, Fire Inspector 763-509-5444 Warren Kulesa, Housing Inspector 763-509-5445 Support Staff Denise Hutt, Support Services Manager 763-509-5408 Laurie Lokken, Office Support Specialist 763-509-5430 Janice Bergstrom. Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 Barb Peterson, Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 Tanya Wagner, Office Support Rep. 763-509-5430 Sewer & Water Residential Equivalent Connection Charge Increase The Plymouth City Council adopted new Sewer and Water area and connection charges effective January I st, 2007. Per- mits issued after the close of business on December 29, 2006, will be subject to the new charges which are: Sewer Residential Equivalent Connec- tion Charge, $400 per dwelling unit. • Water Residential Equivalent Connec- tion Charge, $1,025 per dwelling unit. Electrical Permits and Inspections Now Under The Administration of the City Effective July I, 2006, the City of Plym- outh started issuing electrical permits and conducting electrical inspections on all electrical work performed in the city. The city has issued on average approxi- mately 200 electrical permits per month since the inception. Our goal is to provide a "One Stop Shop" for our customer and /5— to make it easier to schedule and obtain electrical inspections. Electrical plans must be submitted and a plan review fee will be required for all commercial and industrial jobs with a valuation in excess of $50,000. Our Electrical inspector is available for electrical code questions from 8:00 AM until 8:30 AM, and again from 4:00 PM until 4:30 PM, Monday thrtu Friday. -----Original Message ----- From: Dawn Hoffner [mailto:dawn.hoffner(a�metc.state.mn.us] Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 1:05 PM Subject: Mark Your Calendars Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the Twin Cities metro area on Monday, February 5, at the Council's annual State of the Region event. This year also marks the Council's 40th Anniversary. We have invited all of the Council's past chairs, and plan to acknowledge their contributions to progress in our region. The event will be held at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., in St. Paul (at the corner of Kellogg and John Ireland Boulevard). Following his speech, Chair Bell will take questions from the audience. Afterward, refreshments will be served and information will be displayed on the 40th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Council. Watch the Council's website at www.metrocouncil.or for further information. Im MEMO CITY OF PLYMOUTH 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 DATE: November 27, 2006 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager FROM: ran Cote, P.E., Director of Public Works SUBJECT: 2007 — 2010 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP) FOR THE TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN AREA As requested, I have reviewed the above referenced document as provided by Councilmember Hewitt. The TIP is a multi -modal program of highway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and transportation enhancement projects proposed for federal funding for the metropolitan area. The TIP includes nearly $2 billion worth of project requests, of which about $1.17 billion is requested of the federal government. The TIP assumes $534 million of available federal funding over the 2007 — 2010 period. The following is a summary of the TIP projects as they relate to the City of Plymouth: • The 2009 — 2030 Expansion projects include I-494 from TH 55 to I-94. • The 2009 — 2013 MnDOT work plan does not include construction of I-494. • I-494 is identified as a regional priority project to move into the 10 -year plan if funding becomes available. • There are $1.7 million identified for I-494 in 2009. • The TIP identified the I-494 project as a regionally significant TIP Project in the 2020 action scenario (add HOV/mixed use lane, bus shoulders). • The TH 55 funding secured by the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition is identified in the TIP for environmental work, preliminary engineering, and right-of-way acquisition. The TH 55 spot safety improvements, such as the Fernbrook Lane project, are also included in the TIP. • The TIP includes a mill and overlay on TH 55 in 2008. • Hennepin County's CSAH 101 project is programmed for $5.4 million in 2007. • The Three Rivers Park District has a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across TH 169 at 36`x' Avenue programmed in the TIP for 2007. I would suggest that Pat Qvale review the transit projects portion of the TIP to determine if it includes projects of significance to the City of Plymouth. t� O\lingineering�GENERAL\MEMOS\DORANL006\Laurie_T1P_1 127.doc DATE: December 7, 2006 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager FROM: Pat J. Qvale, Public Services Manager SUBJECT: Transportation Improvement Program 2007-2010 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Per your request I have reviewed the TIP program for the transit related components that involve the City of Plymouth and Plymouth Metrolink. 1. The key underlying transit goal in this document is to increasing transit ridership by 50 percent by 2020 and doubling it by 2030. It also states the funding is not currently in place to achieve this goal. The recent state forecast projected an $8.1 million decline in MVST between now and the end of June 2007 and $31 million for the next biennium. Peter Bell, Chairman of the Metropolitan Council stated this puts the ridership goals in significant jeopardy. 2. New Transit ways. The Northwest transit way which runs along CR 81 will be monitored by Plymouth Metrolink as a possible connection to the Robbinsdale Transit Center and a possible alternative to some of our current Dial -A -Ride services. No other transit way specifically affects Plymouth. 3. Regional Transit Bonds are reflected in Table 6 which appears to be a consistent level. Today regional bonding levels are not meeting our current needs for fleet replacement. This is means Plymouth Metrolink is running buses longer than their expected life. This has a direct effect on our ability to deliver timely dependable service. 4. Major Transit Capital Projects on Table 14 includes new bus purchases and Table A-1 page A-5 refers to 2008 CMAQ funding for buses for the regional suburban transit authorities. Plymouth Metrolink bus purchases need to be factored into these allocations. 5. Appendix C defines Metropolitan Council as the legislatively authorized agency to enter into and administer financial assistance with transit providers including the suburban providers. 6. Appendix D again addresses the current funding level stating both capital and operating needs will require a new and yet unidentified revenue source. W U IRANSIT-MET COUNCIL.2006 TlRdoc DATE: November 30, 2006 TO: Jean D. McGann, Director Administrative Services FROM: Pat J. Qvale, Public Services Manager SUBJECT: TRANS:I"1 ADVERTISING BUDGET 2006 The current transit budget for advertising is $50,000. In 2007 the budget amount is proposed at $25,000. This line item includes all of the production of schedules, ride guides, rider alerts, and media advertising. Historically the expenditures in total have been: Year Amount 2001 $73,982 2002 $53,635 2003 $56,454 2004 $28,922 2005 $13,469 To date in 2006 we have spent $8,477. The last two years little or no media advertising has been done in an effort to balance the transit budget. Very little has been spent this year as we were waiting for the completion of Station 73. With the completion of Station 73, the following initiatives and their related budgeted amounts are currently underway: 1. Mann theater advertising for January and February 2007 - $1,200 2. Channel 12 cable advertising for January and February 2007 - $1,900 3. Local ads in local papers November/December 2006 - $1,200 4. Time point bus schedules production for December 2006 - $2,200 In 2007, we will reproduce the Plymouth Metrolink ride guide which has not been done since 2003. This production piece is use for our new rider information packet. If you need any more specific information, please contact me at (763) 509-5052. IC� C\Documents and Settings\LAhrens\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Fi1es\0LK27\McGann_ADV_11_30_06.doc DATE: December 13, 2006 TO: Mayor and City Council through Laurie Ahrens, City Manager, and Doran Cote Public Works Director. FROM: Thomas Vetsch, Public Works Supt. SUBJECT: 2006-2007 SNOW SEASON The street division is prepared for another season of snow and ice. As of this date with no snow or ice we have saved a lot of money in fuel, salt, parts and wear and tear of equipment. Snow will come again, be patient. The preparations needed each year include mounting and inspecting snow/ice removal equipment, preparing routes maps, calibrating salt spreaders, preparing agreements with contract snow plowers and getting mentally prepared for some long days and odd starting times. When snow starts falling eight trucks will be dispatched to plow and salt the major roadways following our thorough fare guide plan. These are streets with the higher traffic volumes, higher speeds and those with other dangerous conditions such as hills and curves. This will be continued until the major roadways are safe. The crews will then move into the local streets salting as needed. The major roads receive a higher level of service than the local streets much to the dismay of some residents. With snow falls of less than 2.5 inches, they may feel their street was missed or that is it should have been plowed when they see snow plow activity on major roadways. To educate our residents, this was noted in snow articles in the Plymouth Sun Sailor and it is posted on the city's web site. When we have received 2.5 inches or more of snow contractors are notified that we are commencing a full snow removal operation plowing all streets curb to curb. This includes all cul-de-sacs and parking lots. We anticipate 25 snow ice events where we need to perform some maintenance on the streets. We anticipate 10 of these snow fall events to be over 2.5 inches of snow where we need to plow all streets and cul-de-sacs. The cost for contractual snow plowing per average snowfall event (2-6") is $18,500. The salt cost per ton delivered for 2006-2007 is $44.89. If we have what we consider to be a normal winter, (55 inches of snow) 5000 tons of salt will be used. This has not increased the last years even with added growth. More frequent plowing of the main roads results in the use of less salt. More education on proper salt spreading techniques and calibrating salt spreaders along with the brine usage has also resulted in decreased salt usage. a o:\maintenance\pubwks\centegp\snow info\2006\snow plowing to council 12.6.06.doc The chart below shows snow events from 1979 to the end of spring 2006 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 SNOW ICE EVENTS 79- 80- 81- 82- 83- 84- 85- 86- 87- 88- 89- 90- 91- 92- 93- 94- 95- 96- 97- 98- 99- 00- 01- 02- 03- 04- 05- 06- 07- 08- 01 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0- 11 YEARS L-�-# OF FULL PLOWINGS - # OF SNOW ICE EVENTS Routes and Emnlovees: For a total snow removal operation, the city has 22 snow plow routes. The snow plowers are made up from 10 street, 10 utility and 2 park maintenance employees. These workers plow streets, cul-de-sacs, parking lots and apply chemicals. For an average snow fall of 2-6" the routes will be complete in 8-10 hours. One street employee is assigned to fill in for any missing snow plower. Contractors: Contractors are utilized to supplement city crews. North Central and North West streets and select townhouse developments are plowed by contract. In addition to streets, many cul-de-sacs are plowed contractually. The use of contractors plowing streets aids in timely snow removal and keeps most other public works and park maintenance services uninterrupted. As street plowing is occurring, snow is being removed from sidewalks, trails and ice rinks. Water mains are being repaired and all work in the Utility Divisions goes on during a major snow removal operation. Other aid for successful snow removal efforts: • This year crews marked selected yards with lathe to give the snow plowers a guide as to where the curb is. The yards selected are those prone to sod and sprinkler head damage because of the curvature of the streets. • The city's web site has had added information about snow removal to educate residents on what to expect. a� o:\maintenance\pubwks\centegp\snow info\2006\snow plowing to council 12.6.06.doc • The police have been asked to participate in "street condition reporting". They will notify the street supervisor when the condition of streets warrants some snow ice control work. For the second year now an employee is held back from the start of the snow removal operation and starts his/ her shift when most plowers are half done with their snow plow routes. This plower then is able to assist plowing routes that have fallen behind schedule and to answer snow plowing complaints when snow plowers have finished their plowing and their shift. Common complaints are, missed street, too much snow at the end of the driveway, not close enough to the driveway, and slippery streets. Changes in snow plowing ice control operations: • All larger trucks used for snow removal are equipped with "brine tanks" The brine pre wets the salt before it is spread on the roadway. The salt works much quicker and stays in place when it is soaked with brine. The city has brine making equipment and storage for mixed brine. • The 5 newest trucks have rear mounted wings that will pick up snow from the under body plows allowing operators to easily plow off any snow before applying salt, resulting in less salt used and quicker melting action. Recently an " anti icing " tank was purchased. Anti icing is applying a melting agent to the roadway before a storm to lessen the bond of snow/ice to the roadways. The crews will be experimenting with Sodium Chloride brine and Magnesium Chloride with this . This again should result in less salt usage and safer roadways quicker. as o:\maintenance\pubwks\centeqp\snow info\2006\snow plowing to council 12.6.06.doc HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Highway 55 Corridor Coalition Full Membership Committee Meeting Meeting Minutes Friday, October 27, 2006 9:30 a.m. —11:30 a.m. Hennepin County Transportation Facility Medina, MN Training Room 1. Call to Order — A quorum being present, Marvin Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. 2. Introductions — Marvin Johnson, City of Independence; Dick Mattson, Wright County; Wayne Fingalson, Wright County; Marthand Nookala Hennepin County; Jim Grube, Hennepin County; Doran Cote, City of Plymouth; Ann Sheehan, City of Buffalo; Paul Johnson, City of Buffalo; Claudia Dumont, MnDOT District 3; John Griffith, MnDOT Metro District; Mark Casey, City of Annandale; Willard Vetsch, City of Loretto; Chad Adams, City of Medina; Sue Vergin, City of Corcoran; Mark Matuska, Office of Congressman Kennedy; Brent Morningstar, Wright Hennepin Electric & Security; Dan Rowe, MnDOT Metro; Rickard Miska, City of Rockford resident; Steve Brown, SRF Consulting Group, Inc.; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. 3. Approve Meeting Minutes from June 23, 2006: The minutes were reviewed with no changes noted. Motion by Wayne Fingalson, second by Chad Adams to approve the June 23, 2006 meeting minutes. Motion passed. with all voting in favor. Secretary/Treasurer Vacancy: Brad Larson noted that Anne Hurlburt has left the City of Plymouth to become the City Administrator of Scandia and thereby creating a vacancy in the Coalition's Secretary/Treasure position. There are two options that the Coalition can take. The first option is to nominate and elect a Secretary/Treasurer at this meeting. The second option is to wait until the next meeting in December to elect the Secretary/Treasurer along with the Chair and Vice Chair officers. The December meeting is the time for the annual election of officers. If the first option is taken, the motion should be to elect the Secretary/Treasurer for the remainder of 2006 and 2007 so the office does not have to be elected also in December. Question was asked if waiting on the election would have any impact on the operations of the Coalition. The answer was that waiting would not affect the Coalition's operations. Wayne Fingalson moved and Chad Adams seconded the motion to wait until the December meeting for the election of the Secretary/Treasurer. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX- 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North a 3 E-mail: ti+`right. my. its Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 l� HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota 4. Membership Committee Report: Wayne Fingalson and Brad Larson updated the members on the most recent Membership Committee discussions. The Committee has made a significant effort to recruit members with some success but it takes a lot of commitment and to date it has been essentially Karla Heeter and Wayne making the contacts. So the Membership Committee members in attendance were disappointed in the mixed reaction of the Coalition at the Committee's recommendation to focus on communicating with agencies/businesses and residents through various media forms and with funding of the Coalition's work coming primarily through the two counties and other governmental units. This is a similar structure to the Hwy 52 Freeway Partnership where the 3 counties fund the Partnership activities. With a number of Committee members not in attendance and not knowing exactly where to go from here, the Committee focused on some of the items that came out of a Hennepin County meeting involving Penny Steele and Marthand Nookala. Those items supported by Hennepin County were a four-page brochure, website updates and flyers in city utility bills. Dick Mattson asked if the Coalition sent out press releases as this is a free way to get information out to the public about the Coalition and its activities. It was noted that the Coalition has sent out news releases on the Coalition activities and will continue to do so when there are events/projects to announce. The Coalition has not sent out releases on members. Dick also said that the public might not understand why TH 25 moved ahead of TH 55 for its improvement and this may be a concern that has some people not interested in being a Coalition member. Claudia explained the reason for the TH 25 improvement given that it is much smaller than TH 55, it is all within one MnDOT district and that improvements to TH 55 have to be made from east to west in order to handle traffic and congestion. Maybe District 3 needs to send out a news release on this. Website: The website needs to be updated after the elections. If anyone has ideas for updating the website, please send them to Brad. Resolution of Appreciation —Anne Hurlburt: Wayne noted that given the cancellation of the August Coalition meeting, Jack Russek, as Chair of the Coalition, signed a Resolution of Appreciation to Anne Hurlburt for all her contributions to the Coalition, including being an officer. Marthand Nookala moved and Ann Sheehan seconded a motion to rearm the Coalition's Resolution of Appreciation to Anne Hurlburt. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Financial Report: Wayne Fingalson handed out the Financial Report as of October 6, 2006. He noted the current fund balance of $15,046.81. Motion by Wayne Fingalson, second by Marvin Johnson to approve the Financial Report. Motion was approved. Marvin asked if invoices are sent out each year to members as he did not get one for 2006. Brad said that invoices go out in December of each year and will check why Marvin did not get one. 6. Technical Advisory Committee/MnDOT Report: • TH 55 EA/EAW Status: Jim Grube, John Griffith and Steve Brown updated the Coalition on the status of the EA from I494 to Rockford. Jim handed out a revised schedule for the Environmental Assessment process, TH 55 Stakeholder Involvement Plan and a Summary of the Official Mapping Process. Initial meetings with all the cities have been completed. The meetings seemed well received by the Cities with the main theme from the Cities that we can't get the improvements to TH 55 done Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX. 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: wavne.fiiigalsoyiL&co.i+,ri,hhi.mn.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota fast enough. Chad Adams and Sue Vergin both said that their cities were happy with the process. The goal is that at the end of this process an official map be approved by each of the Cities. This will help protect the corridor from future development as MnDOT currently does not have any TH 55 projects in their 20 year plan. Approval of the EA and official maps moves this project forward. The only way to improve TH 55 will be through a series of smaller projects and one project to upgrade all of TH 55 is not financially feasible. Steve Brown noted that the study is about one-third the way through the process and getting close to a preferred alternate identified. With TH 55 alignment remaining in the existing corridor, they are looking more at access and which way to widen TH 55—north, south or equally on both sides. After Preferred Alternate identified the focus will be on detailed environmental studies and access. Next on the schedule will be the first Public Open House. Claudia Dumont updated the Coalition on District 3's environmental work. They have not officially started their EA, but given that they cannot finish before the Metro's EA, she felt they would be starting after Christmas. • Federal Funding Technical Correction. At this time the $4 Million in federal funds authorized for TH 55 can only be used for environmental/traffic studies and right-of-way acquisition as the additional wording to include "safety improvements" was not in the bills description of the project. FHWA will not allow the funds to be used for safety improvements unless the bill is corrected to add those words, even though the application had those words in the description and Congressman Kennedy agreed with the Coalition's request. A Technical Corrections bill which includes adding the "safety improvement" wording has been passed by the House but the Senate did not take action on the House bill before it adjourned on September 29, 2006 for the election recess. Claudia Dumont said that MnDOT's Legislative Liaison Brad Larsen noted that the Senate could take it up after the election but there is also the possibility of the bill not being brought up for a vote in the Senate. Mark Mutuska says he was very confident that the Senate will act on the Technical Correction after the election. Until a bill is passed with the changed wording, the funds can only be spent on studies and right-of-way preservation and until the EA's are completed which will be a year from now, MnDOT cannot acquire right-of-way. • Coalition Project Status and Funding Recommendations: Jim Grube, Brad Larson and Wayne Fingalson updated the Coalition on the Coalition's federally funded projects. 1. TH 55 @ Fernbrook in Plymouth: Plans are ready for final plan review, offers out on all R/W property and a Spring construction letting is planned. Doran Cote noted that the estimated cost of R/W has increased considerably from the earlier estimate, so additional funding is needed. 2. TH 55 @ CR 115/Gabler in Rockford: Wayne Fingalson and Claudia Dumont confirmed a previous notification from Rockford that the project is not moving ahead as the developer on the north side has pulled out of the project. The City wants to continue the south part of the project but needs more funds from both MnDOT and Wright County which is very doubtful. Wright County has already taken their $300,000 share out of their budget for next year after being notified by the City of the project not going forward. This leaves approximately $342,000 in FY 2003 federal funds unallocated by the Coalition. 3. TH 55 @ CR 134/Calder in Buffalo: The Project Memorandum is being worked on and field work is ongoing. Plan to let later this winter. Two projects are being pursued. One is the work just at the Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail: wavne.fingalson[co.wright.mn.its Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 .*1P!HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota intersection with TH 55 and the other is to upgrade TH 55 from the previous project on TH 55 through this intersection so no further upgrades of TH 55 would be needed on this segment. The issue is cost. Claudia said that estimates for the full project were $1.7 Million for R/W and $2.25 Million for construction. The City and Wright County will be requesting $1 Million from the District 3 Local Initiative fund to help finance the larger project. The main point is that this project will move ahead either with or without TH 55 being expanded to 4 -lanes in this segment. The project currently has $75,000 in FY 03 federal funds and $980,000 in SAFETEA-LU funds allocated to the project. 4. TH 55 @ CSAH 12 in Buffalo: Environmental work completed. Meeting with property owners on R/W and looking at a Spring, 2007 construction start. This project needs the SAFETEA-LU Technical Corrections bill passed in order to use the $380,000 in federal funds allocated to this project. 5. TH 55 @ Autumn Oaks: Federal funding of $500,000 allocated to project in 2008/2009. Project is waiting for City Council action to move ahead. 6. TH 55 @ CR 116 in Medina: City's consultant is looking at the traffic data to determine the typical section of TH 55. They are looking at both a 4 -lane and a 6 -lane facility. The data is showing a need for 6 lanes through the intersection. The new signal at the Target entrance is helping the movements at CR 116. They are pursuing layouts for the EA on CR 116. This project has $1.24 Million in SAFETEA-LU funds allocated through 2009 with additional funding needed. 7. TH 55 @ CSAH 101 in Medina: Project under study to determine feasibility of the pedestrian bridge. Bridge would be very expensive. No SAFETEA-LU funding has been allocated to this project at this time. 8. TH 55 @ CSAH 19: Project understudy, but behind the CR 116 project in development. The AUAR for this area shows one option of a 6 -lane TH 55 through the CSAH 19 intersection. Other alternatives are possible. No SAFETEA-LU funds are currently allocated to this project. • Presentation of new federal funding requests & funding recommendations: 1. TH 55 @ CSAH 92 in Greenfield: The City of Greenfield requested future federal funding for the TH 55 frontage/backage road on the south side of TH 55 connecting to CSAH 92. Project provides for removal of direct access from private property and construction of frontage/backage road to provide required access. Project also provides for relocated roadway connection to TH 55 further west of existing connection. Project will include construction of necessary left and right turn lanes to accommodate the safe movement of traffic. $2.36 Million in federal funds are requested. City is also looking for possible MnDOT Cooperative Agreement funds. 2. TH 55 from Rolling Hills Road to Pioneer Trail in Corcoran: The City of Corcoran requested a project that consists of access closures and removals and construction of a frontage road on the north side of TH 55. The City is requesting $446,000 in federal funds for R/W acquisition. Total project cost is estimated to be approximately $3 Million. The Technical Advisory Committee concurred that both were valid projects for federal funding and recommends to the Coalition that these two projects be added to the list of future federal funding needs. The Technical Advisory Committee also recommends to the Coalition that the $342, 439 in unallocated federal FY 03 funds resulting from the CR 115/Gabler project being dropped should be allocated to the CR 134/Calder project in Buffalo for R/W acquisition on TH 55. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 7631682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX- 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North C� (0 E-mail: wavne. n gat lson c6co.wright.mn.its Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Wayne Fingalson moved and Jim Grube seconded the motion to approve the Technical Steering Committee recommendations. Motion was approved. As to the $300,000 in SAFETEA-LU funds in 2008 unallocated by the CR 115 project, the Technical Advisory Committee recommends that further discussion is needed on this at the next TAC meeting in order to bring a recommendation back for the Coalition to consider. Jim Grube noted there are many options available to fund projects and the Coalition will need to establish a process and methodology on how future and existing federal funds are allocated to projects. Jim noted a few of the items that need to be considered: ■ New funding to new unfunded projects or to existing under funded projects? ■ One-time allocation or additional allocations to a project if certain costs increase? ■ Should additional allocations to a project, if approved by Coalition, be to maintain same percentage of federal funds originally allocated to project or amount to cover increase in cost? ■ Try to stay within the funding guidelines of the Coalition of 50/50 split between Hennepin and Wright County projects The Coalition directed the TAC to review this issue and bring back a recommendation at the next Coalition meeting. In addition, the TAC should develop a Project Tracking report/schedule to help inform Coalition members of the projects and their status. 7. TH 55 Transit in Wright County -Update: Ann Sheehan indicated that a new bus service based out of the City of Buffalo has started up using smaller vans for commuters on TH 55 getting from Buffalo to the Twin Cities. The service seems to be doing well with no lost of ridership from the initial bus service. Approximately 25 riders per day. 8. Legislative Updates • Federal: See Agenda Item 6 on the federal Technical Correction • State: Jim Grube noted the Constitutional Amendment for transferring the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax all to transportation that will be on the election ballot. The Coalition had previously taken the position to support the amendment. Jim asked if the Coalition would consider a letter to the editors of newspaper along TH 55 noting the Coalition's support of the amendment: This could influence people on their vote if they see the Coalition's position on this. Wayne said he was preparing a letter to the editor and with some changes to reflect the Coalition position a letter to the editor could go out later today. Marvin Johnson would sign for the Coalition. Motion by Jim Grube, second by Marvin Johnson to send out letters to the editor of the Coalition's position on the Transportation Amendment. Motion approved 9. Establish next full membership meeting date and time: The next meeting is Friday, December 15, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works Facility, Training Room. Other Business: Mark Matuska expressed Congressman Kennedy and his appreciation of the work the Coalition is doing and the good relationship with the Coalition. Marvin Johnson and others expressed the Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North E-mail. wavne./ibigahsonLibco.wright.mn.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 HIGHWAY 55 CORRIDOR COALITION Preserving the 55 Corridor from I-494 to Annandale, Minnesota Coalition's appreciation for all that the Congressman has done for the Coalition and appreciated Mark Mutuska's attendance at the Coalition meetings. 10. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. Respectfully submitted; Brad Larson, SRF Consulting Group, Inc. Contact: Wayne A. Fingalson Phone: 763/682-7383 Wright County Highway Department FAX: 763/682-7313 1901 Highway 25 North $ E-mail: wavneLmyalson cUco.wright.mu.us Buffalo, Minnesota 55313-3306 1,2P City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life December 14, 2006 Dear Resident/Land Owner: The City has recently received an application from Finn Daniels Architects, under File No. 2006111, requesting approval of a PUD (Planned Unit Development) amendment and preliminary plat to allow construction of a five -story, 165,500 square foot office building for the CO (Commercial Office) property located north of Highway 55 and west of 6t" Avenue. A map indicating the location of the subject property is provided below. No development is presently proposed for the northerly LA -3 (Living Area 3) residential portion of the site. This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice and information about the application — in advance of the official notice that will be sent out prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. The City will send out another letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior to the hearing date. The purpose of the public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments relating to the application. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. If you have any questions or comments concerning this application or the review procedures, please call Shawn Drill, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5456. In addition, you may review information relating to this application at City Hall during regular office hours. The application and plans are available for review at City Hall. Office hours at City Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, except holidays. Plymouth City Hall is located at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager notices/2006/2006111-first-notice. doc 3400 Plymouth Blvd - Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tet 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us The Wood Creek Homeowners' Association 10830 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55441 • 763/593-4081 Via U.S. mail & e-mail to bmoberCci.nlymouth.mn.us December 11, 2006 Bob Moberg, City Engineer City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Wood Creek Erosion Repair Project Dear Mr. Moberg: DEC 14 2006 The Wood Creek Homeowners' Association is excited but also anxious about the Wood Creek Erosion Repair Project. Obviously, something must be done to repair Wood Creek without delay, and we are mindful of the City's efforts towards identifying and implementing a solution. At the same time, however, it is incumbent upon the Association to try and prevent a situation in which some of the homeowners experience a sizeable and disproportionate decline in the values of their properties as the result of considerable tree removal. After giving the matter considerable attention, and discussing it thoroughly, the Association has devised a solution that, if adopted, would strike the appropriate balance. Specifically, the Association hereby proposes that the City execute a straight pipe solution to the outlet under Medicine Lake Boulevard, subject to a partial reroute of the pipe away from one segment of the existing creek bed. Under this proposal, the pipe would follow the path of the current creek until approximately 10725-340i Avenue North, at which point the pipe would be routed south of the existing creek further into the out lot. The pipe would then rejoin the existing creek bed behind the lot at 3225 Wellington Lane, roughly one -hundred feet upstream of the outlet coming from Armstrong High School. The exact location would be left to the city and consulting engineers. During the meetings that you attended with affected owners on November 13 & 29, you mentioned several times that the residents had previously expressed a desire to retain an actual creek through the out lot. While this may have been true at the time that the owners expressed these feelings, none of them could have imagined the scope and breadth of the tree removal that would result from "saving" Wood Creek. From our perspective, there is a strong consensus among the affected homeowners that a straight pipe solution (with the minor pipe reroute described above) is preferable to the plan that has been presented to us by the City, which places too much stock in "saving" the creek at the expense of the wooded characteristic of the neighborhood. Apart from the Association's proposal for a straight pipe solution (with the minor pipe reroute), we do have other suggestions for improving the plan. For example: 30 • The current plan appears to neglect approximately 30 lineal feet of erosion at the very eastern edge of the project. It seems to us that the repair of the creek should begin at 10510-33`d Avenue North. • The owners of 10540-33`d Avenue North are opposed to granting the large, permanent easement that the City has requested over the northwest corner of their property. We respectfully request that the City not pursue such a large and permanent easement over property that is owned by an individual homeowner. • As you are certainly aware, a number of homeowners have questions and concerns regarding how the project is going to impact certain features of their properties. It would be extremely helpful if affected homeowners were given the opportunity to meet with one or more representatives of the City and the construction firm before any construction work begins. The homeowners should have the option to conduct these meetings at their homes, so that the questions and concerns can be more effectively articulated. We would greatly appreciate a prompt response to our proposal for a straight pipe solution (with the minor pipe reroute), plus the three ancillary suggestions identified above. We are aware that Wenck and the City closely studied straight pipe alternatives for the project, and, therefore, it is our impression that Wenck and the City should not have to spend much time evaluating the nuance of the minor pipe reroute. Moreover, inasmuch as the whole purpose for the minor pipe reroute would be to reduce the number of trees slated for removal, we assume that the cost savings generated by not cutting down so many trees would be taken into account when estimating the total cost for our proposed solution. In the meantime, we would also appreciate receiving guidance from the City Attorney as to the City's expectations with respect to the desired easements to perform the construction and maintenance work. The Association certainly intends to have an attorney review and possibly edit the actual legal documents proferred by the City. Needless to say, the sooner that we are able to obtain draft copies of these documents, the easier it will be to efficiently manage the process of formalizing the paperwork. The Association is grateful for the City's efforts towards repairing the erosion of Wood Creek. Hopefully, we have identified and described a solution that the City finds satisfactory. It is still our goal to see the construction work completed by spring, and we are looking forward to working with you to accomplish this objective. Sincerely, Dale Brekke, President cc: Dave Taylor, Sr. Engineering Technician — dtaylor(a�ci.plymouth.mn.us Doran Cote, Director of Public Works — dcote�a�ci.plymouth.mn.us Bob Stein, City Councilmember — bstein(cr�,ci.plymouth.mn.us Ginny Black, City Councilmember —bg lackkci.plymouth.mn.us Roger Knutson, City Attorney — rknutsongck-law.com 3l