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Council Information Memorandum 09-22-2006
A. V CITY OF PLYMOUTH rp COUNCIL INFO MEMO September 22, 2006 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS %ummt{ PaCkP.� Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit (PACT) September 27 meeting agenda ............ Page 2 September, October, and November 2006 Official City Meeting Calendars ........................ Page 3 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ........................................... Page 9 League of MN Cities Regional Meetings............................................................................. Page 10 Plymouth Metrolink Station 73 Grand Opening................................................................... Page 11 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc ... USA Today news article about the use of highway divider cables (submitted by Councilmember Stein).................................................................................. Page 12 St. Paul Pioneer Press news story about the Market Value Homestead Credit program............................................................................................................................... Page 13 Star Tribune "West Edition" news stories: Plans for the "Northwest Greenway" referendum .................................................. Page 15 Plans for the opening of Station 73 transit station .................................................. Page 17 Plymouth Police and Fire team with North Memorial to teach seniors use of defibrillators Page 19 Wood Creek Neighborhood Notes....................................................................................... Page 20 Municipal Wi-Fi Articles (submitted by Councilmember Hewitt)................................................................................ Page 22 STAFF REPORTS Plymouth Fire Department Monthly Report August 2006 .................................................. Page 50 CORRESPONDENCE Letter to residents regarding a preliminary plat for U.S. Home Corporation for "Taryn Hills 4th Addition" (2006076)............................................................................ Page 58 Letter to residents regarding a zoning text amendment, site plan amendment and conditional use permit for Four Season's Automotive (2006080) ................................ Page 59 Letter to residents regarding an interim home occupation license for Madalyn Albers (2006083)........................................................Page 60 Letter to residents regarding registered land survey for Hans Hagen Homes, Inc (200609 1) ..................................................................................... Page 61 W3 16 AGENDA PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT Parkers Lake Conference Room (former Medicine Lake Room) Wednesday, September 27, 2006 7:00 p.m. 1. Approval of agenda 2. Approval of minutes for the August 23, 2006, PACT meeting (attached) 3. MVET Constitutional Amendment update (MPTA update attached). 4. Plymouth Community Transportation Assessment — Bev Coyne guest speaker from Wayzata Community Education. 5. Station 73 update 6. Ridership information and review of ridership statistics through August, 2006 7. Identification of areas of concern and/or recommendations 8. Comments or concerns on complaint log (attached) 9. Adjournment Note: Please call Pat Qvale at 763-509-5052, if you are unable to attend. 2 Engineeing TRANSIT AGENDAS 2005 PACT 09 20_06_AGENDA.doc OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS Sevtember 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Oct 2006 Aug 2006 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 LABOR DAY - City Offices ClOsad 7:30 PM SPECIAL CRY COUNCIL MEETING: BUDGET STUDY SESSION, Public Safety Train., Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers I 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -pafker6 Lake Room _ 9:00 AM -3:30 PM PLYMOUTH CLEAN-UP DAY, Public Works Maintenance Facility 10:00 AM -3:00 PM CITY OFFICES OPEN FOR ABSENTEE VOTING 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 CITY OFFICES OPEN UNTIL 5:00 PM FOR ABSENTEE VOTING 5:00 PM CRY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FILINGS CLOSE 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EDC), Council Chambers 5:00 PM DEADLINE FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES TO WITHDRAW Autumn Art Fair 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Plymouth on Parade 1:00 PM 800 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers STATE PRIMARY ELECTION: Polls open 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. 7:00 PM PARK 8 REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (FRAC), Counci chambers 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers. 7:00 PM HOUSING d REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA)' Medicine Lake Room A ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS AT SUNSET 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1:45 AM PLYMOUTH 11:4'-PL BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 Ridpedale Drh e, Minnetonka 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medickla Lake Room A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 6:00 PM, C-1 Ch—b— modified on 9/22/2006 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 YOM KIPPUR BEGINS AT SUNSET 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 700 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room Open House Fire Station #3 12-4 pm 7:00 PM PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Medicine Lake Room A 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 COLUMBUS DAY (OBSERVED), Public Works Dnision Closed 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambara 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL pUALITY COMMfTTEE (EOC), CouncN Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Counci Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 11:45 AMPLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT), Parkara Laka Room (Ihia maabrp only) 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Counril Chamban 29 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS - set docks back 1 30 7:OOPMYOUTH ADVIsoRv courlclL, Parkers Lake Room 31 Nov 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 Sep 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 hour 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 modified on 9/22/2006 S OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 2 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room 3 4 10:00 AM -3:00 PM CITY HALL OPEN FOR ABSENTEE VOTING Oct 2006 S M T W T F S Dec 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 STATE GENERAL ELECTION; POLLS OPEN 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK &REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers VETERANS DAY (OBSERVED), City Offices Closed 12 13 14 15 .16 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, council ch---- 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORRY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A City Offices dosed THANKSGIVING City Offices Closed THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOLIDAY 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 Ridgedale Ddve, Minnetonka 700 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Coumo Ch mbm modified on 9/22/2006 V Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Toastmaster's Proclamation • Public hearing on Wellhead Protection Program • Hearing on delinquent false alarm fees • Consider resolution supporting State Constitutional Amendment (requested by Mayor Johnson) • Hearing on alcohol compliance check violation for Woody's Grille, 220 Carlson Parkway • Hearing on diseased trees assessments • Hearing on weed assessments • Approve variance for impervious surface coverage to allow a remodel to the existing home located at 1429 West Medicine Lake Drive. Brad and Pauline Blaschko. (2006077) • Approve interim home occupation license to operate a therapeutic massage business out of the home located at 4250 Ximines Lane North. Julie Ralph. (2006079) • Approve variance to allow construction of a detached garage in the front yard for property located at 940 Garland Lane North. Ignacio Alarcon Polania. (2006084) • Approve a front yard setback variance and impervious surface coverage variance to allow construction of an attached garage addition for property located at 10210 South Shore Drive. Thomas and JoAnn Becker. (2006086) • Approve a conditional use permit to exceed 1,000 square feet of gross floor area in attached garage space for property located at 3615 Xanthus Lane North. Quality Home Services, Inc. (200687) • Approve zoning ordinance text amendment to allow a car wash with more than one car wash bay for the C-3, Highway Commercial Zoning District. The applicant is also requesting a site plan amendment and conditional use permits to allow a conveyorized car wash and 24-hour fuel sales for property located at 9950 Rockford Road. Four Season's Automotive. (2006080) • Approve a registered land survey to subdivide a property in Plymouth Station for a day care for property located at the southeast corner of State Highway 55 and County Road 24. Hans Hagen Homes, Inc. (2006091) • Variance to allow on-site directional signage with a corporate logo for property located at 4345 Nathan Lane North. Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (2005078) • Approve Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development amendment to allow a 115 -room extended stay hotel and a 21,334 square foot retail commercial development on the 4.9 acre site located at the northwest corner of State Highway 55 and Northwest Boulevard. CSMEquities, LLC. (2006030) October 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Hearing on Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment District for Plymouth Crossroads Station 3i Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. Sep 21 2006 11:50:31 Via Fax -> 763 509 5060 Administrator Page 001 Of 001 ` City staff and councilmembers: REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE CLOSEST MEETING TO YOUR CITY LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES • 7 -Im T , • 2006 DATES & LOCATIONS WE'RE COMING TO YOUR BACKYARD! Silver Bay Join the League to discuss timely, important Sept. 26 issues affecting cities, including: Cohasset Sept. 27 ■ Employee benefit trends Monticello ■ Common auditing Sept. Z8 g headaches Benson (including GASB) Oct.3 ■ Demographic trends In Minnesota Ottertail ■ Future staffing challenges Oct.4 Newfolden Newf Preview the upcoming legislative session, hear Oct. S Heron Lake about 2006 outcomes that impact your city, and Oct. 24 help shape 2007 League legislative policies. St. Peter Oct. 2S Meet your neighbors to share city stories and St.Charles learn from one another. Oct. 26 METRO MEETING St. Paul Only $35—includes dinner and materials Nov. 16 (Agenda to be determined) SPONSORED BY: ■ Gold Business Partner: Ehlers and Associates, Inc. LWSpringsted ■ Silver Business Partners: Qum Incorporated Voyageur Asset Management Register online at: WWWAmne.org H Friday, October 6, 2006 10:00 a.m. 10905 Highway 55, Plymouth (Southeast corner of Highway 55 and County Road 73) Station 73 provides timed transfer service between Plymouth Metrolink shuttles and Metrolink express bus It includes a 3 -level ramp with 280 parking spaces, an enclosed waiting area and restrooms. Lives saved as highways get cable New barriers much cheaper than concrete or steel beams By Wes Johnson USA TODAY SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A rela- tively low-cost safety device — steel cable strung in highway medians — is proving phenom- enally effective at saving lives, Emore so than steel - beam or concrete barriers. Steel -beam, concrete and ca- ble barriers all cut down on ac- cidents in which cars cross over into oncoming. traffic. Cable, however, also cuts down on the number of rebound accidents, in which a vehicle hits a barrier and bounces back into traffic. North Carolina, Missouri, Texas, Washington, California and Utah are among the na- tion's Leaders in installing medi- an guard cable; according to the Texas Transportation -institute, a rese4fch body,, atgTeix A&M Uniiieirsity. The institute says 27 other states are following suit including Florida, Wisconsin. Maine and Idaho. Because cable barriers are considerably cheaper, states can install them in medians wheremotorists had no pro- tection before. Cable costs about 30% less than steel and 50% less than concrete, says Dave Olson, research manager at the Washington State De- partment of Transportation. The low cost and high suc- cess rate impressed Utah high- way officials. "7Wo years ago, we heard about guard cables at a traffic -safety conference," says Nile Easton, spokesman for the Utah Department of Trans- portation. "In a 9 -mile test area, we've gone from having 12 crossover fatalities (in a two- year period) to none since we put guard cables in." Kristina Bernskoetter of Co- lumbia, Mo., says newly in- stalled median guard cables may have saved her life. Shortly before Christmas last year, she hit a patch of ice on In- terstate 70. Her Jeep slid out of control into the median and to- ward oncoming traffic. "I remember thinking, 'I'm going to cross into the other lanes,'" Bernskoetter says. "I didn't even notice the guard ca- bles. I did a quick prayer kind of thing before I hit." Stopping crossover crashes Cable barriers not only prevent vehicles from crossing highway medians and entering oncoming traffic, but also reduce rebound accidents. Concrete barriers and steel -beam barriers Cable barriers "fend to jar vehicle occupants and often send Absorb impact, reducing injury to vehicles rebounding back into traffic. people inside vehicle. Cable gives several feet, wrapping vehicles and Concrete barriers --- keeping them out of traffic. Her Jeep skidded into the steel cable, which snagged the vehicle, cushioned the blow and stopped her from sliding into the oncoming lanes. She al- so didn't bounce back into speeding traffic on her side of the highway. She says she drove away uninjured. Brian Chandler, a traffic -safe- ty engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation, says the department recently completed installing 179 miles of median guard cable on 170 at a cost of $20.5 million. By the time cable projects are completed on 1-44 and 1-55, the department will have spent about $50 million — all of it from federal highway safety funds that re utre no matching money from the state. Most important, Chandler says, median guard cables work. "When a vehicle hits a concrete barrier, it usually bounces back into traffic," he says. "But when you hit the guard cable, it gives 10 to 12 feet and helps absorb the force. The posts that hold the cable up It IIY-01—e.c .USA IOUAY are designed to break away. The cable stretches and wraps up the car in it:' Highway traffic engineers al- so say that because the cables give when hit, the G -forces on a driver involved in a guard -cable collision are much less than with a fixed barrier, Olson said. According to the Missouri DOT, 1-70 had 24 median cross- over fatalities in 2002. In 2005, after guard cables had been in- stalled, there were only six — four of which happened in spots with no guard cables. North Carolina was the fust to embrace guard cables on all of its interstate highways. Brian Murphy, traffic -safety engineer with the North Caroli- na Department of Transporta- tion, says his state has installed about 600 miles of cables. "We started our big push statewide in 1998, and we have seen our crossover fatality rates go down 75%," he says. Jim McDonnell, associate program director of engineer- ing for the American Associa- tion of State Highway and Transportation Officials, says, "These things do save lives, and more states are putting them in place, where appropriate." Dustin Terpening, spokes- man for the Washington State Department of Transportation, says his state began installing guard cables in 2000 and will soon have 140 miles installed on interstate highways. "Cable barrier successfully restrained 95% of the vehicles that hit it," he says. "With cable barrier, you're far less likely to have a fatality or serious injury" he says, "We just can't get it in fast enough" Johnson reports daily for the Springfield(Mo.) News -Leader. Posted on Tue, Sep. 19, 2006 Wary of state promises, cities raise taxes now Suburbs worry legislators will withhold property aid money due in 2007 BY MEGGEN LINDSAY Pioneer Press Even the government doesn't trust the government. As cities across the metro area set 2007 budgets, a host of municipal officials are hedging their bets against a promise of state property tax aid. Rather than relying on the Legislature not to renege later, some suburban leaders are levying the dollars now. Eagan, for instance, is counting on a state payout of $915,000 from the Market Value Homestead Credit program. But just in case, the City Council increased the city's preliminary levy by that amount. Woodbury leaders did the same thing. "There's no reason for us to believe those dollars will be restored," Woodbury Finance Director Tim Johnson said. "We've seen this legislation come forward in the past, and the program cuts happened anyway." Against the Sept. 15 deadline for setting preliminary levies, the cities of Burnsville, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Apple Valley are also among those that decided to levy the extra amount, which ranges from $500,000 to more than $1 million. Those cities' officials and others say that, since 2003, they have had to either raise property taxes or cut city services to pay for a homeowners' rebate for which the state used to reimburse them. Although state statute calls for the cities to receive the reimbursement next year, some cities aren't counting on it. The communities insist they are not double -taxing residents by adding the levy. If the state money does come through, the extra levied dollars would be earmarked for one-time capital costs, like road improvement projects or new buildings. "I didn't know other cities were doing this too, but it doesn't really surprise me," Plymouth Administrative Services Director Jean McGannsaid. "If you look back since 2003, the total number of dollars lost is quite significant." The cumulative loss of homestead credit reimbursements to cities is about $70 million. Other suburbs that rely on those dollars decided to trust the state. But they're worried about the gamble. "If the Legislature in its infinite wisdom decide to take it away, we'll be in a pickle," said Jim Dickenson, Andover's city administrator and finance director. "We've decided to follow the current state statute. When you abide by the rules, you should not be kicked in the teeth." Minnesota cities have seen state property tax assistance slashed since the 2003 state budget crisis, when the Legislature balanced a significant deficit by cutting city aids and credits. Lawmakers also eliminated Local Government Aid to municipalities, but 103 cities did not receive much — if any — of that assistance. Many of those cities are newer suburbs with a growing residential tax base. For those cities, cuts instead came from reimbursements to the homestead credit program, which reduces a homeowner's property taxes by a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners have continued to receive property tax credits, but the state has not made up the difference to cities. The homestead credit program results in cities receiving less than the certified levy from taxpayers. The state makes up the difference by reimbursing the cities for the property owners' credit. Between 5 percent and 15 percent of a city's levy traditionally was paid by the state through the homestead credit reimbursement, according to the League of Minnesota Cities. When the homestead credit cuts came in 2003, it was too late for cities to raise levy amounts to make up the gap. Eagan faced a 13 $1.2 million shortfall. The cuts lasted through 2004, and the Legislature extended them in 2005 and 2006. "The 2005 action was a surprise and caught cities off guard," said. Gary Carlson, director of intergovernmental relations for the League. "I think what happened then has given some of the cities affected by this cut some pause." Apple Valley Finance Director George Ballenger agreed. "We got burned," he said. "The state hasn't seen this as a beneficial fiscal relationship to be involved in. It's an easy relationship to back out of. Cities and school districts don't vote." The state's fiscal outlook is rosy compared with 2003 conditions, however, pointed out Steve Hinze, a legislative analyst for the Minnesota House. He said he'd be surprised if the state again pulled the homestead credit reimbursements. "Without a budget shortfall, it's hard to imagine that would happen," he said. "There were a number of legislators uncomfortable doing it in the first place." Lakeville Finance Director Dennis Feller is counting on that sentiment. The city's preliminary levy increased by 12.4 percent over 2006, and leaders decided not to include the homestead credit dollars on top of that. "It's a leap of faith we felt we had to take," he said. Meggen Lindsay can be reached at mlindsay@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5260. C 2006 SL Paul Pioneer Press and svire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http:;; www. f win ci tics.com 1 H ffrlbune om MINNEAPOLIS - ST. PAUL MINNESaTA Last update: September 19, 2006 — 12:22 PM Plymouth will ask voters for money to preserve land With land prices rising, the city wants to use a referendum to raise $9 million to purchase open space. Jenna Ross, Star Tribune Back in 2000, the idea seemed simple. Or at least simpler. Plymouth would create the Northwest Greenway, a 2.5 -mile passage of winding trails, wetlands and trees, by buying natural areas from willing sellers. Six years later, an acre of land in northwest Plymouth can sell for $150,000 to $250,000. And the city still has about 50 acres left to buy. "Prices have taken us back and caught us off guard," said Eric Blank, parks and recreation manager. City staff and council members see the solution in a referendum. This November, Plymouth residents will decide whether they will pay increased property taxes to fund the city's $9 million plan to buy and preserve open space. If a majority of voters agree, property owners would pay a little more than $10 for every $100,000 of assessed property value for 15 years. For example, a resident with a home value of $350,000 would pay about $36 per year for a total of $540 in 15 years. Much of that money would go toward the Northwest Greenway. About $3 million.would go toward other "open space" — neighborhood parks and a play field. All the money would be used to purchase land. None would go toward developing it. Northwest Plymouth is largely rural. While the city plans to open up much of the area to development in coming decades, it plans to keep the area's wetlands and other natural resources. But Plymouth must fight increasing development pressure to do so. "This is literally the last opportunity to purchase undeveloped land in the city. Period," City Council Member Ginny Black said. Right now, the city purchases land through park dedication fees. It collects $5,000 for every new house built in Plymouth. Using those fees, the city can buy land from developers, Blank said. But in this process, the city waits for development to take place before collecting. In contrast, the city would use funds from the referendum to keep out in front of development. Steve Gardner, a Plymouth resident for 18 years, is pleased the city is trying to be proactive. He knows how hard it is to save open space after developers come in. Gardner has attended city council meetings for six years, pleading with the city to oppose individual developments. It never works, he said. He sees this referendum as a chance for people to tell the city how important trees and green space are to them. In recent cases around the west and south metro, such referendums have proved popular. Chanhassen, Minnetonka and Eagan all approved referendum proposals to acquire land in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Last year, Eden Prairie residents voted for three of four referendum options, putting $13.3 million toward parks improvements. But of the $13.3 million, only.$1 million was dedicated to open space preservation. Plymouth's open space referendum is more similar to one Eden Prairie passed in 1994. It gave about $2 million to open space. Eden Prairie's parks and recreation director, Bob Lambert, wishes the city had asked for more. f I At that time, the city was "leery" about the referendum's chances, Lambert said. Officials didn't know if people would pay to preserve open space. It turns out 83 percent of those voting were willing. "It didn't take a sales pitch," Lambert said. With the funding, Eden Prairie bought specific sites it had identified prior to the vote, much as Plymouth has. More than a decade later, those river bluffs and forests remain protected. Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 • By JENNA ROSS jross@startribune.com ©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 10 ar7'r bune.'co '17 MINNEAPOLIS - ST'. PAUL MINi�tESOTA Last update: September 19, 2006 — 12:22 PM New park-and-ride in Plymouth Look out, Eden Prairie and Maple Grove. Plymouth has its own transit station. West Metro Insider Jenna Ross Look out, Eden Prairie and Maple Grove. Plymouth has its own transit station. Well, almost. There's a bit of welding left to do. But Station 73, a park-and-ride bus station at Hwy. 55 and County Road 73, should be open by the first week in October, said Plymouth's transit administrator, Pat Qvale. The station will be one of the service's last stops before downtown Minneapolis, where 80 percent of Plymouth's Metrolink customers are headed. Qvale's pretty proud of the "park" in this park-and-ride service. The four -level ramp will house 280 vehicles. It's your average ramp, but it's made to feel more enclosed with aluminum pieces that help shield the cars inside. Bikers can park their wheels in protective lockers. Then everyone can wait together in a heated, covered area. Surveys have shown that the most common reason people cite for why they don't ride a bus is that they don't want to deal with the weather — waiting on the street, leaving the car outside, Qvale said. She wanted this new station to rid people of those fears. The new station cost $5 million. A ride costs $2.75. Bringing families to the table — a big one Originally, the idea was to assemble the largest dinner table — ever -- and get into the Guinness Book of World Records. But someone looked into it and found that would mean gathering something like 25,000 people. "Let's be realistic," Renee Wixon said. "So instead of 'in the world,' we're trying to make the biggest table 'in these parts.'" Wixon is organizing the Sept. 30 mega dinner and celebration for Carver County's "Eat. Talk. Connect," a program obsessed with the dinner table. The initiative aims to strengthen families by getting them to eat three meals together each week for three months. Since it began last fall, the program has gotten thousands of people to take its three-month challenge. Now, organizers hope to gather those people and others at one giant table made of many smaller tables at the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia. They're a bit worried about how they'll seat everyone and thus are encouraging people to bring their own tables. The barbecue will begin at 5 p.m. Square dancing will follow. The gathering illustrates the program's larger goal: "It's about more than just family connections," said Wixon, of the Carver County Health Partnership, the consortium of local businesses, nonprofits, community groups, citizens, governments and churches sponsoring the program. "It's about community connections." I'll eat to that. 1-7 The event is free. Call 952-361-1958 to RSVP. Housing help It's the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust. But the nonprofit is also known as Homes Within Reach. Both names speak to the organization's goal: to make home ownership easier and cheaper by selling houses but continuing to own the land on which the homes are located. Buyers must meet income requirements — earning less than 80 percent of the area's median income. For more information, attend one of the Minnetonka organization's upcoming meetings at 6 p.m. Tuesday or on Oct. 26. Both will be held at Eden Prairie City Hall, 8080 Mitchell Road. Call 952-401-7071 to register. Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168 ©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. E City of Plymouth News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2006 CONTACT: Sara Lynn Cwayna 763-509-5198 Plymouth Police and Fire Departments team with North Memorial to teach seniors how to use automated external defibrillators Plymouth seniors can learn how to be better prepared in case they find themselves with someone who suffers sudden cardiac arrest. The Plymouth Police and Fire Departments and North Memorial Medical Center will offer a free workshop on Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N. At the workshop, attendees will learn about the risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. They will also learn how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Survivors of sudden cardiac arrest will be on hand to share their experiences. The workshop will provide information on the location of current public access defibrillators, initiatives on funding for future defibrillators, and the Minnesota's Good Samaritan Law. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is non -preventable and happens without warning. It can affect anyone, from teenagers to healthy adults to seniors. Most do not survive sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillation is the only one way to treat it. Because this hands-on class is limited to 38 students, seniors are encouraged to register early. For questions on course content, call Kim Bemenderfer, North Memorial Medical Center EMS Education, at 763-520-1714. To register for the course, call the Plymouth Police Department at 763-509-5169. This workshop is made possible through a Medtronic Foundation grant which was awarded to North Memorial Health Center to provide education on cardiac arrest, CPR, and automated external AED. # l� �. -s. �r F e� M 0! 1h Neiglthorhow Aolusisa newsletter addressing areas of interest to specific III -OUP's or ncigllborhoods in the City of Plymouth. In this issue: • It's time to move perennials from Wood Creek easement Wood Creek ighborhood No September. 2006 Now is the time to move perennials, other items from the Wood Creek easement Through the years many property owners along Wood Creel: have added landscaping, perennials and even small out -buildings in the easement along the creek. With the onset of work to improve the creek, those items are at risk. Work to improve Wood Creek will involve large equipment, grading, some tree removal and access for trucks and trailers. This wort: will take place in the easement. Private plantings or other property in the Wood Creek easement are likely to be clatn- med or removed as work along the creek proceeds. Now is the time to remove items of value from the easement area. These would include landscape • Tree marking to begin i. • City Contacts �. r, City contacts Dave Taylor, Senior Engineering Technician. 763-509-5524 Shane Missaghi, Water Resources Engineer: 763-509-5527 Engineering Division; 763-509-5500 pavers, statues. trellis work. special rocks, plantings and other items placed by own- ers. Some propert\ owners have installed bridges across the meek. These will be removed by construction crews and placed in a safe area while wort: con- tinues. The bridges can be replaced after consultation with City engineering staff—by the property owners when the work is complete. This will ensure that the bridge will not cause the creek to develop future problems for the neighborhood. l('onwilled on Doge 2) Activity to increase as work on Wood Creek draws closer Frozen ground and lower water flows that accompany our Minnesota winters make ideal condi- tions for the type of work entailed in the project to repair Wood Creek. Frozen soil Supports equip- ment necessary for the work, reducing environmental dam- age caused by soil compaction. Although actual construction is not expected to begin before winter, work will be underway through the fall to prepare for construction: • Wenck Associates. Kestrel Design Group and City Engineering staff will be in the area. observinu water flows and noting soil conditions to help in the preliminary design. Sudden fall rains are it good indicator of specific problem areas. LO, • The consultants are currently setting up com- plex computer models, taking into account the local watershed, hydrology. historical rainfalls. phosphorus levels in the water af- fecting area quality, and advanced survey information from recent city maps. • Local utility companies (electric. gas, phone, cable TV, etc.) will be contacted to minimize any disiruption to service. This work should not effect the overhead wiring that serves several homes. Owner -installed TV cable will require coordination between property owners and the City engineering staff. Lx - posed TV cable has been noted on the east end of the creek—some of which is attached to trees. • We will continue to update area residents durine this time with future newsletters. Watch for announcements of upcoming in- formation meetings at City Hall. • The City website will also be updated \Acekly. This can be accessed at I l( u1rrriu1rd lrnnr /1,M!" l i September is a _good time for transplanting perennials. There is enough time for the plants to become established in their new location be- fore the weather turns really cold. You can find the location of' the pub- lic right-of-way for Wood Creel< on your property on the Plymouth weh- site ai www.ci.plymoulh.mn.Lis. Click on the eService tab and select "my property info." from the drop-down. Enter the requested information. then choose from the linked documents. Or call Dave Taylor at 763,-509-5X24 for assistance. dcmber October is the best to fertilize your lawn. to use only phosphorus -free fertilizer. Tree marking to begin %,% ithiti the next ie\+r weeks. a number of u_ees Will be marked for potential icmoval in preparation for construction along Wood Creel. A visible orange "X" will be painted on the trees scheduled for removal. Removal of'some tees alon« the creek will provide access for equipment. It will also allow more sunlight to reach the ground to promote plant growth on the creek hank. which will stabi- lize the soil and prevent erosion. _ .. P P h' 1 k ,: rotect lymout s a es, streams and wetlands throughout the fall. Keep leaves out of streets where they can enter the '. = storm sewer, polluting water Mr Eff resources and blocking drainage. It's time to move perennials and other personal property item: from easement along Wood Creed. ^fi t# P S t:eus mariaigef?` eel ,p a -t ^`c br es, le, Le marked saioN pooT4-Toq-qzTQK Lbh95 NW '41nowAld PAIR glnow/Id OOVE glnow/Id fo bfl3 22 MULTICHANNEL NEWS SEPTEN1131 BY KAREN BROWN AMT Int.'s plan to build a Wi-Fi net- work in Springfield, Ill., not only signals its entry into the rim- nicipal wireless market, but it also is part of a new strat- egy to extend its broadband services outside of the home and office. The Bell operator is now in negotiations with about a dOZ- en cities to build and operate Wi-Fi mesh networks, which it plans to operate in paral- lel with its existing wired dig- ital subscriber line and Proj- ect Lightspeed fiber -optic -fell broadband services. In doingso, the former SBC Communications Inc. can of- fer customers broadband In- ternet service that follows them outside the home — something cable competitors as yet do not offer. COMPANY FINANCED The Springfield City COun- cil has yet to sign off on the deal, but if approved the plan calls for AT&T to finance and build a 25 -to -30 -square -mile mesh Wi-Fi network covering nearly the entire city. It would then offer a range of broad- band -access options, includ- ing free service as well as sub- scription residential and data services. The city also would have access to the network for Its communications. AT&T ivon't disclose how much the Springfield net- work would cost because the contract is still pending. But it is "a substantial amount," according to Ebrahioi Kes- havarz, AT&T's managing di- rector of new -services devel- opment. AT&T has been in the Wi- FI service business for semi' time through AT&T Wi-Fi, it service that offers wireless service for business and con- sumers through 54,000 indoor "hot spots" natiomvide. Now the telco is moving outdoors and expanding that strategy to include municipal VVi-Fi mesh networks. While indoor bVi-Fi hot Spots, cellular and wired digital -subscriber -line ac- cess might be the main con- nections for most customers, providing outdoor wireless through mesh bVi-Fi also play an important role in extend- ing that access to broadband, Keshavarz said. It also helps that Wi-Fi ra- dios have been incorporat- ed in almost all new laptop computers, as well as a grow- ing number of gaming devices and portable media players. A MOBILITY PLAY "Por the consumer side, we see it more as all extension of broadband in the home," lie said. While the more wide- ly available digital subscrib- er line services will provide higher -speed and more reli- able service, the added nut- nicipal Wi-Fi networks "ave see as a mobility play, really." In addition, cities are look- and it can offer bundled ser- vices that allow DSL custom- ers to take their connection outside the home. " bVhen cities look at us, they know that this is a company that knows how to do wire- less, and there is a financial viability aspect, as well," Ke- shavarz said. AT&T also has a for of expe- rience in the government and business sector, he added. By worki ng with AT&T these cities have a chance to build it viable network that takes ad- vantage of all the infrastruc- ture in the ground, he said. it may well be that AT&T wants to gain a foothold in the municipal Wi-Fi market wherever your premium of- fer is. In principal, it makes sense." That also could provide an- other competitive plank for AT&T, especially since ca- ble operators as Vet have not entered the nitlnicipal Wi-Fi competition. Whether this will prompt cable operators to jump in, "is a good ques- tion," Elliott said. "Historically, they've been focused oil what they do best, which is getting a lot of stuff into your home," he noted. "Technically it's a bit more Of a stretch for them than an AT&T." In addition, the joint ven- ture with Sprint Nextel Corp. ing to these networks to man- age utilities and provide sep- arate communications for public safety. Businesses also are looking for such systems to keep employees connected in and out of the office. "We've seen the market evolve, where in the past cit- ies had the right thought — if you build a wireless net- work, there are lots of uses for it," Keshavarz said. "bVhere we've seen it change, though, is that III Lill now re- alize the scale orthat. And do- ing it in it robust ivay'it makes sense to partner with some- one like AT&T or other part- ners who CIO that lot a living, essentially, and let them do that as ail extension of their current inlrastrucuuc.., OWNING NETWORK COUNTS The move does put AT&T in competition with the likes of EarthLink Inc. and Google Inc., which have already Pulled down Wi-Fi mesh net- work deals in San Francis- co and Philadelphia, aniong others. But Keshavarz argues that AT&T has significant a(van- tages beCULISe it 0wns the wired network that will be used to connect these net- works to the larger Internet, rather than cede it to poten- tial broadband service com- petitiors like EarthLink and Google, according to Tom El- liott, vice president of North American consulting for Strategy Analytics. It also Could attract more valuable customers who will sign up if Historically, [cable has] been focused on what they do best, which is getting a lot of stuff into your hone. Technically it's a bit more of a stretch for them than an AT&T 99 TOM ELLIOTT, Strategy Analytics for higher -tier offerings and generate more revenue. "Some of those people will turn into interactive gainers or video -swappers — they will be the high -bandwidth, high ARPII (average revenue per unit] -types. So if you are connected with offering them access, it is that much easier to Convert that custonicr to ,, / could be a barrier for partners Comcast Corp., Time Wanner Cable, Bright House Net- works and Cos Communica- tions Inc., as any 1Vi-Fi ser- vice could compete against Sprint's high-speed Evolu- tion -Data Optimized cellular network service. SPRINT CONFLICT? "If thev got serious about be- ing a mobile alternative, then you have questions about it they are doing a deal with Sprint, does it make sense for them to also be offering intra - urban mobility through Wi- Fi," Elliott noted. "If the)? felt compelled to offer their fixed customers a mobile alterna- tive, they might be better off Putting their energies behind supporting EV -DO." Elliott also speculates that AT&T's move into municipal 1Mi-Pi might have ramifica- tions beyond simply offering a broadband connection al- ternative to its customers. "It just seems to me that this potentially could be it chip played in games with it lot bigger stake than just cheap broadband access for the masses — like in [vid- eo] franchising wars. It never hurts to have another friend in city hall." w �j0�j .o U 7 w O ., �• a• �' O'0 w m— w G o w H O• ° a v' `p CI m C) N G . G m �" 3 N �, b G G (/1 G -O w ti Y " G CD o 0 o� < Q w o7r o o b a .°� � o 0 ID CD o y r, •, co CD cn m C o C _ '» ° U. o, O w ° v C � n C p "� f�D O `�' w N cn ` vwi .'7 O W CD CL O' UOQ CD O. G �• Q. w. 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G� cn 0 o m CD w (� (� v R G° •, o p �' 6 n O m w m m O CD 0 w UQ �D N w CD Cid ID vw UGQ a N W G O ■ - `O o � � � .'7 p o m m _ >n Gs. CD m G n n C� o x5'p FL O v C y t0 11 M coi` a ti Ctpn R a) cr CD O O 01OHdNDO1SI Z3 0 e z z m Z 14 ATTACEN ErTP 5 DECISION RESOURCES, LTD. 3128 Dean Court Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 612-920-0337 612-920-1069 (fax) wmorris@drlmpls.com EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2006 Northwest Community Television Cable Subscribers Survey Methodology: • Survey of 400 randomly selected subscribers of the Comcast Cable Television System. • Average interview time of nineteen minutes. • Telephone interviews completed between March 150' and 300', 2006. • Results projectable to the universe of Comcast Cable Television System subscribers within ± 5.0 percent in 95 out of 100 cases. Subscriber Demographics. Median subscription longevity of 10.4 years, an increase of almost two years from the 2003 result. • Ten percent have been subscribers for two years or less. • Twenty-seven percent have been subscribers for over fifteen years. The average monthly cable television charge is over $50 00 rrLnthly, over $8.00 higher than the 2003 median. • Twelve percent paid $25.00 or less per month. • Seventeen had monthly cable television charges of over $50.00. Nineteen percent, almost at the 2003 level, experienced interruptions due to technical difficulties associated with the cable television hookups "very frequently" or "occasionally." • Fifty-one percent "rarely" experienced them. • Thirty percent had "none at all." Seventy-two percent, up seven percent from 2003, accessed the Internet from their home computer. • Eleven percent used a dial-up modem at either 28K or 56K, while 54% used Comcast High Speed and five percent reported a DSL line. • Sixty-eight percent are satisfied with their current Internet service, while only three percent report dissatisfaction. Zq Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey • The average monthly Internet service charge is $43.33 per month. • Fifty-four percent regard the value of the service as either "excellent" or "good," while 15% see it as "only fair" or "poor." • Since obtaining the Internet service, 57% were watching about the same amount of television, while 12% were watching less. • Fifty-two percent, six percent higher than the 2003 level, report their city had a web site or home page on the Internet. • Twenty-nine percent had visited their city's web site or home page. • Twenty percent were aware of the "Channel 12 News" website. • Five percent had accessed the website. • Seventeen percent were aware of the Northwest Community Television website. • Two percent had accessed the website. The typical adult cable television subscriber was 37.5 years old, down 7.0 years since the 2003 study. • Twenty percent report ages under 35 years old. • Thirty-four percent report ages of 55 years old or older. The median education level remained some college, albeit short of graduation. • Thirty percent have no college experience. • Forty-nine percent graduated college. a Twenty-three percent of the households contain senior citizens, an increase of six percent since the 2003 survey. Thirty-one percent of the households contain school -aged children. • Seven percent of the households report children participating in high school sports, virtually the same as the 2003 level. Fourteen percent of the households contain pre-schoolers. Eighty-one percent of the respondents own their present residence, identical to the 2003 level. Nineteen percent own a business, up six percent from the 2003 study. • Five percent also report purchasing goods or services for their business, down by two- thirds from the 2003 result. Ninety-two percent classify themselves as "White." • Five percent are "African-American." • Two percent are "Asian -Pacific Islander." 23- Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey • One percent each are "Hispanic -Latino," "Native American" or "Mixed/Bi-Racial." The typical household posts a pre-tax household income of over $61,750.00 annually. Women outnumber men by four percent in the sample. City representation in the sample varies extensively. • Twenty-six percent reside in the City of Plymouth. • Twenty-one percent five in the City of Brooklyn Park. • Twenty-one percent five in the Cities of Maple Grove or Osseo. • Eight percent reside in the City of Brooklyn Center. • Eight percent live in the City of Golden Valley. • Seven percent live in the City of Crystal • Six percent live in the City of New Hope. • Five percent live in the City of Robbinsdale. Reasonable Service Charges: Seventy-five percent regard their electric service charges as "reasonable," down five percent from the 2003 level. 8 • Twenty-two percent feel they are "unreasonable." Seventy-six percent rate their telephone service charges as "reasonable," an increase of 11% from the 2003 study. • Twenty percent see them as "unreasonable." Forty-two percent rate their cable television service charges as "reasonable," down five percent from the 2003 level. • Fifty-five percent see them as "unreasonable." Thirty-seven percent rated the charges they pay for gas service as "reasonable," down 27% from the 2003 level. • Fifty-two percent consider these charges to be "unreasonable." Thirty-eight percent feel the charge for basic, non -premium, cable television service is reasonable" in comparison with all the other goods and services they buy; this level is down 10% from the 2003 result. • Fifty-nine percent see them as "not reasonable," up 10% from the 2003 study. W10 Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey Contact with the Cable Company: Forty-seven percent contacted the Cable Company during the past year, up 15% since the 2003 study. • Thirty-five percent rate the company's customer service as "about the same" as their experiences with other companies from which they purchase services. • Eight percent think it was "better," while only four percent see it as "worse." Cable Viewing Habits during Past Sia: Months: Sixty-three percent had watched programs on "Channel 12" or Northwest Community Television Channels 16 and 18 through 20 during the past six months. • The viewership is almost identical with the 2003 study. "Channel 12" viewership during the past six months was sixty-three percent. • The viewership level remains constant since the 2003 study. • Twenty-two percent report they regularly watched "Cable 12 News" between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM. • Six percent watch between 9:00 PM and Midnight. • Twenty-five percent report they watched the news at various times throughout the day. Thirty-eight percent had watched Channel 18 during the past six months. • In the 2003 study, thirty-three percent had watched Channel 18. • Weather information is the major reason for watching the channel. Thirty-eight percent had watched Channels 19 and 20 during the past six months. • In the 2003 study, thirty-two percent had viewed Channels 19 and 20. Thirty-six percent had viewed Channel 16 during the past six months. • Viewership has increased six percent since the last survey. Eleven percent had watched North Hennepin Community College and Hennepin Technical College Channel 14 during the past six months. • In 2002, sixteen percent reported watching Channel 14 during the previous six months. Ten reported watching Osseo School District Channel 21 during the past six months. • Twenty-seven percent had watched Osseo School District Channel 21 during the previous six months in 2003. Z7 Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey Sixteen percent watched Wayzata-Robbinsdale School Districts Channel 22 during the past six months. • In 2003, 21% had viewed Wayzata-Robbinsdale School Districts Channel 22 during the same period. Cable Viewing Habits during the Past Month: Twenty-nine percent reported watching high school sports on "Channel 12" during the past month, virtually identical to the 2003 level. • Seventeen percent watched high school sports at least once per week. "Channel 12 News" was watched by forty-seven percent during the past month, an increase of five percent since the 2003 study. • Thirty-six percent watched the program at least weekly, up 13% during the past three years. • Forty-seven percent see "12 News" as fair, balanced, and accurate, while only one percent disagrees. • Forty-five percent tended to watch on weekdays, up nine percent since the 2003 study. • Thirty percent tended to watch on weekends, up four percent in the same time period. "Northwest Cities" was watched by 35% during the past month, up eight percent from the 2003 level. • Fourteen percent watched the program at least "once a week," double the 2003 level. "Sports Jam" was watched by 23% during the past month, virtually unchanged from the 2003 result. • Thirteen percent watched the program at least "once a week." "Community Journal" was watched by 36% during the past month, up seven percent from the 2003 level. • Eighteen percent watched this program at least "once a week," a seven percent increase in three years. "Accu/Weather" was viewed by 34% during the past month, an insignificant change from the 2003 study. • Twenty-eight percent reported watching at least "once a week." Thirty-seven percent report that household members watched Channel 12's coverage of local parades or highlights from community events, up six percent from the 2003 level. 25 Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey Specific public access programs were examined: • Four percent watched the "Black Sky Cinema" during the past month. • Five percent viewed "Scotty J.'s Trailer Trash" during the past month. • Ten percent watched "Polka Spotlight" during the past month. • Eleven percent watched "NW City Politics" during the past thirty days. • Fifteen percent viewed "Best of the Cities Today" during the past month. Twenty-one percent watched the City bulletin board information on Channel 16, virtually unchanged from the 2003 level. Forty-one percent watched their communities' City Council meetings during the past month. • Viewership increased by nine percent from the 2003 level. Twenty-one percent watched their School Board meetings during the past month. • Viewership remained virtually the same as in the 2003 study. Northwest Community Television and Public Access Opportunities: Eighty-four percent report awareness of Northwest Community Television and "Channel 12" prior to this survey, consistent with the 2003 study. Fifty-five percent rate the picture and sound on "Cable 12" as at least "about the same" as on other cable channels, virtually identical with the 2003 study. • Two percent feel it is "better than most," while seven percent see it as "not as good as most." Forty-nine percent are aware of the public access service. • Awareness is seven percent lower than in the 2003 study. Forty percent are aware Northwest Community Television provides this public access service. • Awareness is down eight percent from the 2003 level. General Cable Channel Viewership: Thirty-seven percent viewed thirty minutes or more of CNN the day before they were surveyed, down 13% from the last study. • Another 31 % watched the previous week, up nine percent from the 2003 level. NZ Decision Resources, Ltd 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey Thirty-four percent watched at least one-half hour of programming on The Discovery Channel the day before they took the survey, unchanged from the 2003 level. • Another thirty-six percent had watched during the previous week, also virtually unchanged. Twenty-four percent watched at least one-half hour of programming on Cable 12 the day before they took the survey, up nine percent from the 2003 study. • Another twenty-six percent watched during the previous week, up only two percent since the last study. Twenty-seven percent watched at least one-half hour of programming on PBS the day before they took the survey, up four percent in three years. • Another 31% watched during the previous week, also up four percent. • Thirteen percent had tuned into the Comedy Channel the day before they were interviewed, down seven percent from the 2003 level. • Another 19% did so the prior week, down five percent from the last study. Thirteen percent tuned into Business CNBC the day before they were interviewed, an decrease of four percent since the last study. • Another ten percent did so the prior week, down eight percent during the same time period. Twenty-four percent viewed thirty minutes or more of The Learning Channel the day before they were surveyed, virtually unchanged from the 2003 study. • Another 16% watched the previous week, down 13%. Twenty-three percent watched the Travel Channel for at least one-half hour the day before they were surveyed, up six percent from its 2003 level. • Another 29% did so during the previous week, down three percent from the past study. Advertising: Eighteen percent shop at least weekly at local businesses advertising on Channel 12. • Thirty-four percent shop at these establishments at least monthly. Nineteen percent report they have a "much more favorable" or "somewhat more favorable" opinion of local businesses advertising on Channel 12. 30 Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey Cities Offering High -Speed Internet Access: By a 62%-14% margin, cable subscribers support their cities offering high-speed internet access. • Intense opinions on either side of this issue are low. Conclusions: The following conclusions can be drawn from this study, particularly when compared with previous annual studies: Channel 12 programs increased their viewership compared with three years ago. The "12 News" audience increased by five percent from the 2003 study; similarly, "Northwest Cities" viewership increased by eight percent. "Community Journal" gained seven percent in viewership since the previous survey. "Sports Jam" and "Accu/Weather" improved by two percent. 2. In one measure of channel viewership — tuning in during the previous day or week — a comparison with seven other channels reveals a middle ranking for Cable 12 against very well -advertised cable offerings. It ranks above Comedy Central, Business CNBC, PBS, and the The Learning Channel; Channel 12,ranks even with The Travel Channel. As expected, Cable 12, not surprisingly, ranks much lower than CNN and The Discovery Channel. Its relative position vis-a-vis these channels strengthened. In comparison with other Metropolitan Area suburban cable systems, the total reach of Cable 12 easily outdistances all other community channels. The core audience of Cable 12 – frequent and occasional viewers – also proves to be three times greater than in any other system. 4. Both the awareness of public access television and the role of Northwest Community Television in that offering are down by approximately eight percent from the 2003 level. These results are more consistent with the findings prior to 2003, lending some credence to the observation that the increase in 2003 may have been due to unique circumstances. Following the Metropolitan Area pattern, the percentage of cable subscribers never watching Channels 12, 16, and 18-20, increased. However, in the case of Northwest Community Television, the increase from 33% to 38% is much less than the suburban norm of 13% between 2003 and 2006. As in the 2003 study, Northwest Community Television posted the highest viewership levels 3I Decision Resources, Ltd. 2006 Northwest Community Television Subscriber Survey across the Metropolitan Area. The key Channel 12 programs — "12 News," "Northwest Cities," "Sports Jam," and "Community Journal' — have insulated NWCT from the more dramatic drops in viewership found elsewhere. This unique program offering clearly distinguishes the region from other parts of the Metropolitan Area. And, key for individual cities and school districts, viewers of Channel 12 programs are much more likely to watch city and school district cablecasts; City Council meeting broadcasts in the region enjoy a viewership "bump" of 12% in comparison with other areas. Channel 12, then, continues to play a synergistic role with city and school district broadcasts: motivating residents concerned about local affairs to move from general news programs to specific coverage of decision-making as it happens. 32 DECISION RESOURCES, LTD. NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TELEVISION 3128 DEAN COURT VIEWERSHIP SURVEY MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55416 FINAL FEBRUARY 2006 MARCH 2006 Hello, I'm of Decision Resources, Ltd., a nationwide survey research firm located in Minneapolis. We're talking with people in your area tonight about cable television and would like to ask you a few questions on a confidential basis. (DO NOT PAUSE) 1. How long have you subscribed to cable television? LESS THAN ONE YEAR ..... 4% ONE OR TWO YEARS ....... 6% TWO TO FIVE YEARS ..... 14% FIVE TO TEN YEARS ..... 25% TEN TO FIFTEEN YEARS..25% FIFTEEN TO TWENTY YRS.17% OVER TWENTY YEARS ..... 10% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 2. In comparison with all the other REASONABLE ............ 38% goods and services you buy, do NOT REASONABLE ........ 59% you feel that the charges you pay DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 3% for the basic, non -premium, cable television service are reasonable, or not? 3. Have you had contact with the cable company during the past year? IF "YES,".ASK: 8 4. Based on that experience and in comparison with other ser- vices you buy, how would you rate the cable company's cus- tomer service -- much better, somewhat better, about the same, somewhat worse, or much worse? 5. How frequently have you experi- enced interruption of your tele- vision viewing because of tech- nical problems associated with the cable television hookups -- very frequently, occasionally, rarely, or not at all? Now.... YES...................47% NO....................54% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% MUCH BETTER ............ 1% SOMEWHAT BETTER........ 7% ABOUT THE SAME........ 35% SOMEWHAT WORSE......... 30 MUCH WORSE.............1% DON'T KNOW/P,EFUSED..... 0% VERY FREQUENTLY ........ 5% OCCASIONALLY .......... 14% RARELY................51% NOT AT ALL ............ 30% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% I would like to read you a short list of services. For each one, please tell me if you consider the charges you pay to be very ,33 reasonable, somewhat reasonable, somewhat unreasonable, or very unreasonable. If you have no opinion, just say so. VRs SRs SUn VUn DKR 6. Your electric service? 20% 55% 17% 5% 3% 7. Your telephone service? 15% 61% 16% 4% 40 8. Your cable television service? 4% 38% 41% 15% 3% 9. Your gas service? 6% 31% 32% 20% 12% Moving on.... 10. Prior to this survey, were you YES...................84% aware of Northwest Community NO....................16% Television and "Channel 12?" DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 11. How often have you or a member of FREQUENTLY ............ 14% your household watched programs OCCASIONALLY .......... 33% on "Channel 12" or Northwest Com- RARELY................16% munity Television Channels 16 and NEVER.................38% 18 through 20 during the past six DON'T KNOW/REFUSED._...0% months -- frequently, occasion- ally, rarely, or never? IF RESPONDENT HAS "FREQUENTLY, OCCASIONALLY, OR RARELY" VIEWED THEN, ASK: OTHERWISE, SKIP TO PAGE 6, AFTER #45. Let's consider each of these channels separately. For each of the following, please tell me if you or a member of your house- hold has watched each one frequently, occasionally, rarely, or never during the past six months.... FREQ OCCA RARE NVER DK/P. 12. "Channel 12?" 14% 32% 17% 0% 0% IF "FREQUENTLY," "OCCASIONALLY," OR "RARELY," ASK: I would like to read you a list of time periods during which "Channel 12" is shown on television. 13. In which of the following time periods do you watch "Channel 12" most regularly? (READ LIST) 6:30 AM TO 9:00 AM..........................2% 9:00 AM TO 3:30 PM..........................4% 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM..........................4% 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM..........................8% 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.........................14% 9:00 PM to MIDNIGHT .........................6% VAEIES/THROUGHOUT THE DAY..................25% NO..........................................0% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ..........................0% .3y FREQ OCCA RARE NVER DK/R 14. Northwest Community Tele- vision Channel 18, carrying a program schedule, program highlights, and weather information? 3% 130 22% 25% 1% IF "FREQUENTLY," "OCCASIONALLY," OR "RARELY," ASK: 15. What do you tend to watch PROGRAM SCHEDULE ....... 8% most often -- the program PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS ..... 4% schedule, the program high- WEATHER INFORMATION...13% lights, or the weather infor- ALL EQUALLY ............ 4% mation? VARIES.................8% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% On a related topic .... 35� FREQ OCCA RARE LAVER DK/R 16. Northwest Community Television Channels 19 and 20 carrying public access programs? 1% 14% 23% 24% 0% 17. Northwest Community Tele- vision Channel 16 cablecasting city council meetings and programs? 2% 15% 19% 27% 0% 18. North Hennepin Community Col- lege and the Hennepin Technical College Channel 14? 0% 2% 9% 51% 1% 19. Osseo School District Channel 21? 1% 4% 5% 52% 1% 20. Wayzata-Robbinsdale School Y District Channel 22? 2% 5% 9% 46% 1% 21. During the past month, have you YES...................29% or a member of your household NO....................34% watched any high school sports DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% on "Channel 12?" IF "YES," ASK: 22. During the past month, how EVERY DAY..............2% often have you or a member of TWICE PER WEEK......... 5% your household watched high ONCE A WEEK ........... 10% school sports on "Channel 12" EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 4% -- every day, twice per week, MONTHLY ................5% once a week, every other LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 3% week, monthly, or less fre- DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% quently? On a related topic .... 35� 23. How would you rate the quality of BETTER THAN MOST ....... 2% the picture and sound on "Channel ABOUT THE SAME........ 530 12" in comparison with other chan- NOT AS GOOD AS MOST .... 7% nels -- better than most, about DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% the same, or not as good as most? DON'T WATCH ............ 0% I would now like to ask you about several specific programs offered on "Channel 12." For each one, please tell me if you or a member of your household have watched that show during the past month. 24. "12 News, with Mike Johnson, Jenn- YES...................47% ifer Anderson and John Jacobson?" NO .... A .....15% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% IF "YES", ASK: 25. How often have you or a mem- MORE THAN ONCE A DAY...1% ber of your household watched EVERY DAY..........:...8% -- an information show "12 News" -- more than once a TWICE PER WEEK ........ 17% day, every day, twice per ONCE A WEEK ........... 11% week, once a week, every EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 4% other week, monthly, or less MONTHLY................20 frequently? LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 26. Do you think "12 News" is YES...................47% fair, balanced and accurate? NO.....................1% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% IF ANSWER IS "NO," ASK: a 27. Could you tell me why you feel that way? ONE RESPONSE EACH: REPETITIVE NEWS STORIES AND NOT IN-DEPTH ENOUGH STORIES 28. Do you tend to watch "Channel WEEKDAYS..............18 12" on weekdays, weekends or WEEKENDS...............3% both? BOTH..................276 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% Again, during the past month have you or a member of your house- hold watched on Channel 12..... 29. "Northwest Cities" with Ann YES...................35% Gallagher -- an information show NO....................27% about area cities? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% IF "YES", ASK: 3Co 30. How often have you or a mem- ONCE A WEEK ........... 14% ber of your household watched EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 8% "Northwest Cities" -- once a MONTHLY................7% week, every other week, LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 6% monthly, or less frequently? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% During the past month, have you or a member of your household watched on Channel 12..... 31. "Sports Jam" with John Jacobson YES...................23% and Jay Wilcox -- a program about NO....................40% local high school athletics? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% IF "YES", ASK: 32. How often have you or a mem- WEEKLY................13% ber of your household watched EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 3% "Sports Jam" -- weekly, every MONTHLY................4% other week, monthly or less LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 3% frequently? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 33. And, during the past month have you or a member of your household watched "Community Journal" with Dave Kiser -- a pro- gram featuring the people, busi- nesses, and organizations of the Northwest Area? IF "YES", ASK: YES...................36% NO....................26% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 34. How often have you or I mem- WEEKLY................18% ber of your household watched EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 9% "Community Journal " -- MONTHLY................6% weekly, every other week, LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 4% monthly, or less frequently? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.__..0% One more program... 35. During the past month, have you YES...................34% or a member of your household NO....................29% watched "Accu/Weather" on Channel DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 12? IF "YES", ASK: 36. During the past month, how EVERY DAY..............7% often have you or a member of TWICE PER WEEK........ 13% your household watched "Accu/ ONCE h WEEK ............ 8% Weather on "Channel 12" -- EVERY OTHER WEEK ....... 2% every day, twice per week, MONTHLY................1% once a week, every other LESS FREQUENTLY ........ 3% week, monthly, or less fre- DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% quently? 7 37. During the summer, have you or any YES...................37% household members watched Channel NO....................25% 12's coverage of local parades or DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% highlights from local community events? Moving on.... Finally, during the past month, have you or a member of your household watched the following public access programs on Chan- nels 19 and 20..... 44. How often do you shop at local businesses that advertise on Channel 12 -- two or more times a week, weekly, twice a month, monthly, less frequently or never? TWO OR MORE TIMES WEEKS% WEEKLY................13% TWICE A MONTH .......... 7% MONTHLY................9% LESS FREQUENTLY ....... 15% NEVER.................10% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 5% 45. Do you have a much more favorable MUCH MORE FAVORABLE.... 4% opinion of local businesses that SOMEWHAT MORE FAVOR ... 15% advertise on Channel 12, a some- NO DIFFERENCE ......... 41% what more favorable opinion, or DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ..... 3% does it not make a difference to you? ASK EVERYONE: Cable television also provides free training classes to the general public in the use of television equipment, free use of television equipment, and free telecast time on Community Tele- vision Channels 19 and 20. These services are provided so that the public can produce and telecast their own programs. This service is called public access. 46. Were you aware of this public access service? 47. Were you aware that Northwest Community Television pro7ides this public access service? 35 YES...................49% NO ................... 51% DON'T KNOW%REFUSED ..... 0% YES .....40 NO....................60% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% YES NO D. K. 38. "Black Sky Cinema?" 4% 58% 1% 39. "Polka Spotlight?" 10% 53% 0% 40. "NW City Politics?" 11% 52% 0% 41. "Best of the Cities Today?" 15% 48% 0% 42. "Scotty J.'s Trailer Trash?" 5% 57% 1% 43. Do you watch the City bulletin YES...................21% board information on Channel 16? NO....................42% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED....-I% 44. How often do you shop at local businesses that advertise on Channel 12 -- two or more times a week, weekly, twice a month, monthly, less frequently or never? TWO OR MORE TIMES WEEKS% WEEKLY................13% TWICE A MONTH .......... 7% MONTHLY................9% LESS FREQUENTLY ....... 15% NEVER.................10% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 5% 45. Do you have a much more favorable MUCH MORE FAVORABLE.... 4% opinion of local businesses that SOMEWHAT MORE FAVOR ... 15% advertise on Channel 12, a some- NO DIFFERENCE ......... 41% what more favorable opinion, or DON'T KNOW/REFUSED ..... 3% does it not make a difference to you? ASK EVERYONE: Cable television also provides free training classes to the general public in the use of television equipment, free use of television equipment, and free telecast time on Community Tele- vision Channels 19 and 20. These services are provided so that the public can produce and telecast their own programs. This service is called public access. 46. Were you aware of this public access service? 47. Were you aware that Northwest Community Television pro7ides this public access service? 35 YES...................49% NO ................... 51% DON'T KNOW%REFUSED ..... 0% YES .....40 NO....................60% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% 48. How often have you or members of FREQUENTLY.............3% your household watched your commu- OCCASIONALLY .......... 14% nity's City Council Meetings dur- RARELY................24% YES ing the past month -- frequently, NOT AT ALL ............ 60% occasionally, rarely, or not at DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.....0% 31% all? 51. The Discovery Channel? 49. How often have you or members of FREQUENTLY.............1% your household watched your School OCCASIONALLY ........... 5% Board Meetings during the past RARELY................15% YES month -- frequently, occasionally, NOT AT ALL ............ 79% rarely, or not at all? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.._..0% 37% Changing topics.... For each of the following cable stations, please tell me if you watched it for a half an hour or more during the past week? (IF "YES," ASK:) Did you watch it for a half an hour or more yester- day? 59. Do you currently use the Internet at home? (IF "YES," ASK:) How do you connect to the internet -- on a dial-up modem at 28K, on a dial- up modem at 56K, DSL, T-1 line, Comcast High Speed Internet, or some other way? (IF "OTHER," ASK:) How? IF' RESPONSES #2-#7 ARE CHOSEN, ASK: .37 NO .................... 28% YES/DIAL-UP AT 28Y.....3% YES/DIAL-UP AT 56Y.....8% YES/DSL................5% YES/T-1................0% YES/COMCAST HI SPEED..54% YES/OTHER..............2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% DID YES YES DK/ NOT YES /NO REF 50. CNN? 32% 37% 31% 0% 51. The Discovery Channel? 30% 34% 36% 0% 52 . Channel 12? 51% 24% 26% 0% 53. PBS -- Channel 2? 42% 27% 31% 0% 54. Comedy Channel? 68% 13% 19% 0% 55. Business CNBC? 77% 13% 1 0% 0% 56. The Learning Channel? 60% 24% 16% 0% 57. The Travel Channel? 49% 23% 29% 0% 58. Which of the following categories LESS THAN $20..........5% includes your monthly cable tele- $20.00-$25.00 .......... 1% vision charge? (READ RANGES) $25.00-$30.00 .......... 2% $30.00-$40.00 .......... 6% $40.00-$50.00 ......... 31% OVER FIFTY DOLLARS .... 51% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 4% 59. Do you currently use the Internet at home? (IF "YES," ASK:) How do you connect to the internet -- on a dial-up modem at 28K, on a dial- up modem at 56K, DSL, T-1 line, Comcast High Speed Internet, or some other way? (IF "OTHER," ASK:) How? IF' RESPONSES #2-#7 ARE CHOSEN, ASK: .37 NO .................... 28% YES/DIAL-UP AT 28Y.....3% YES/DIAL-UP AT 56Y.....8% YES/DSL................5% YES/T-1................0% YES/COMCAST HI SPEED..54% YES/OTHER..............2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% 60. How satisfied are you with VERY SATISFIED ........ 38% your current Internet ser- SOMEWHAT SATISFIED.... 30% vice -- very satisfied, some- NOT TOO SATISFIED ...... 2% what satisfied, not too sat- NOT AT ALL SATISFIED ... 1% isfied, or not at all satis- DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% fied? IF "NOT TOO SATISFIED" OR "NOT AT ALL SATISFIED," ASK: 61. Why do you feel that way? TOO SLOW, 2%; TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, 1%. 62. Which of the following cate- gories includes your monthly Internet service charge? (READ CATEGORIES) 63 mmo 65. When you consider the monthly charge you pay and the qual- ity of Internet service you receive, would you rate the general value of the service as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Since getting internet ser- vice, is your household television viewing muco more than it was, somewhat more, about the same, somewhat less, or much less than it was before getting internet service? Do you know if the city in which you reside has a web site or home page on the In- ternet? (IF "YES," ASK:) Have you or a member of your household viewed your local city's website or home page on the Internet? 66. Were you aware of Channel 12's website, WWW.TWELVE.TV' (IF "YES," ASI':) Have you accessed the website? IF "YES/YES," ASK: 40 LESS THAN $20..........5% $20.00-$25.00 .......... 7% $25.00-$30.00 .......... 5% $30.00-$40.00.. ........ 9% $40.00-$50.00 ......... 24% OVER FIFTY DOLLARS .... 17% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 6% EXCELLENT..............9% GOOD..................45% ONLY FAIR.............13% POOR...................2% 0 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% MUCH MORE..............0% SOMEWHAT MORE.......... 2% ABOUT THE SAME........ 57% SOMEWHAT LESS......... 10% MUCH LESS..............2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 1% YES/YES...............29% YES/NO................22% YES/UNSURE.............1% NO....................18% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 2% YES/YES................5% YE,S / INTO ................ 15% NO....................51% DON'T KNOW/REFUSEU..... 0% 67. What were you looking for when you visited the website? PROGRAM SCHEDULE, 2%; JUST BROWSING, 1%; INFOR- MATION ON LOCAL BUSINESSES, 1%; SCATTERED, 1%. 68. Were you aware of Northwest YES/YES................2% Community Television's web- YES/NO................15% site, WWW.NWCT.ORG? (IF NO....................55% "YES," ASK:) Have you DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% accessed the website? IF "YES/YES," ASK: 69. What were you looking for when you visited the website? JUST BROWSING, 1%: INFORMATION ON USING COMMUNITY TELEVISION, 1%. As you may know, some cities are starting to offer high-speed wireless Internet, also known as WI -FI, to their residents. The high-speed wireless Internet service is somewhat faster than dial-up, but somewhat slower than cable or DSL. It is cheaper than cable or DSL, but more expensive than dial-up. 70. Would you support or oppose your STRONGLY SUPPORT...... 12% city offering high-speed internet SUPPORT...............50% access? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do OPPOSE................10% you feel strongly that way? STRONGLY OPPOSE........ 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED.... 25% Now, just a few more background questions.... Could you please tell me how many people in each of the following age groups live in your household. Be sure to include yourself. Let's start oldest to youngest.... 71. First, persons 65 years old or over? 72. Adults, 18-65 years old? 73. School -aged children? (Grades K-12) Kt NONE..................77% ONE...................12% TWO OR MORE ........... 11% REFUSED................0% NONE..................17% ONE...................13% TWO...................57% THREE OR MORE......... 13% REFUSED................0% NONE..................68% ONE...................17% TWO..................."10% THREE OR MORE.......... 4% REFUSED................1% IF SCHOOL -AGED CHILD IS PRESENT, ASK: 74. Do any of your children par- YES....................7% ticipate in high school NO....................24% sports? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 75. Pre-schoolers? 76. Do you own or rent your present residence? NONE..................85% ONE...................11% TWO OR MORE ............ 3% REFUSED................1% OWN...................81% RENT..................19% REFUSED................0% 77. Do you own a business? YES...................12% NO....................87% REFUSED................1% IF "NO," ASK: 78. Do you purchase goods or ser- YES....................5% vices for the business you NO....................82% work for? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED..... 0% 79. What is your age, please? A 80. What is the last grade of school you completed? 18-24 ..................3% 25-34 .................170 35-44 .................240 45-54 .................230 55-64 .................130 65 AND OVER ........... 21% REFUSED................1% LESS THAN HIGH SCHOOL..1% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE..21% VO -TECH SCHOOL ......... 8% SOME COLLEGE .......... 21 COLLEGE GRADUATE...... 39% POST -GRADUATE......... 10% REFUSED................2% 81. Which of the following categories WHITE.................92% represents your ethnicity -- AFRICAN -AMERICAN....... 5% White, African-American, Hispanic- HISPANIC -LATINO........ 1% Latino, Asian -Pacific Islander, ASIAN -PACIFIC ISLANDER.2% Native American, or something NATIVE AMERICAN ........ 1% else? (IF "SOMETHING ELSE," ASK:) MIXED/BI-RACIAL........ 10 What would that be? SOMETHING ELSE......... 0% REFUSED................0% L11 82. Is your pre-tax yearly household income above or below $50,000? (IF "BELOW," ASK:) Is it below $35,000? (IF "ABOVE," ASK:) Is it above $75,000? (IF "ABOVE," ASK:) Is it above $100,000? 83. Gender 84. City d L!3 UNDER $35,000..........90 $35,000-$50,000.......19% $50,001-$75,000.......290 75,0001-$100,000 ...... 21% OVER $100,000.........140 DON'T KNOW.............0% REFUSED................9% MALE..................48% FEMALE................52% BROOKLYN CENTER........ 8% BROOKLYN PARK......... 210 CRYSTAL................7% GOLDEN VALLEY .......... 8% MAPLE GROVE/OSSEO..... 21% NEW HOPE...............6% PLYMOUTH..............26% ROBBINSDALE............ 5% NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TELEVISION 2006 Subscriber Study 70 w 50 40 30 20 10 0 Very R�wowElr 9wMwh�t UmnwuEM Uwun Sww Jet Mwaubb Vary Ure--W Decision Resources. Ltd. Decision Resources, Ltd. Service Charges 2006 NWCT SUbsenber Stu(1N 1I®Eleclric lTelephose ®Cable n! OCas Basic Cable Television Service 2006 NWC'T Subscriber Studv Reasonable 38% Unreasonable 59% Decision Resources_ Ltd. Unsure 3% Cable Company Contact 2000 NNVC"I Subscriber Studv 74% NO Yes 53% 47% eetler 17% -- -- -- -- — Wme Talk I.., Write Cable Company during Past '-— Pear Comparative Customer Service Rating Decision Resources, Ltd. Awareness of NWCT & Channel 12 2006 NWVT Subscriber Studv loo 80 82 82 87 90 86 84 76 60 65 54 57 53 52 40 47 43 36 20 28 26 0 .... _... _ ..._.. 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2009 1989 1991 1093 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 [Awareness Decision Resources, Ltd. Viewership of NWCT Channels 2006 N\V("!Subscriber StudN 100 78 79 80 611,111,70 65 66 69 60 60 5 61 40 25 23 25 28 26 23 i- 20 17 0 16 16 17 14 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1990 1997 1008 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 rAll J'leww's _Frequent Viewers Decision Resources. Ltd. 100 80 60 40 20 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2006 W''abk 12 �PublicAccess ®City ®Schoal pmlml] Decision Resources. Ltd. 25 20 15 10 5 0 Channel Viewership I: ALL VIEWERS 2000 NNNT—f' Subscriber Slud) Channel Viewership 11: FREQUENT VIEWERS 7006 NWC I Subscubcr Stud,, 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2006 lCahle12 MPublicAccess MCity®SchoolDisiner Decision Resources- Ltd. High School Sports Viewership 2006 NW( -1 `;ubscribcr Si11d� 50 40 \3-303 3IIIN 11, 11,111 30 1 29 27 27 25 20 23 10 01992 1997 1991 1985 1986 1897 1998 1979 2000 2001 2002 2007 2001 2006 2006 Past TA-mh Decision Resources. Ltd. y CP CABLE 12 News Viewership 2006 NWICT Subscriber StudN 60 50 4 7, 40 45 42 3 30 35 32 20 10 0 ._.. _.. 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 CPoll Moinh Decision Resources, Ltd. "Northwest Cities" Viewership 2006 NWC T SUbscriber Stud 40 35 35 30 30 31 25 26 27 27 20 22 2422 22 15 17 J8 18 10 5 i 01292 1912 1211 1996 tris 1997 1992 1999 2000 2001 2022 202 taw 2x06 mos Pos! Monlh Decision Resources, Ltd. 40 Program Viewership in Past Month 11 2006 NWC'T Subscriber Stuck 30 _ .. . 24 20 --- 10 0 t — _-- 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 --Community Journal -Sports Jam Decision Resources, Ltd. Ll 7 2006 Public Access Viewership in Past Month 2006 NNN Cl- Subscriber Sttj(!N 18 -- -- --- is- 14 ---- -- -- ----- -- ----------- 12 --- - ---- ---- 11------ ----- ------- 10 - ------------ ---- 8 - - --------- 6 ---- --- 4 a- 2 — 0 Bleck Sky C""" NW City Po9tk. SCO" r. T.T T. Polk. Spotlight Brat of M. Ckk. Tedry Decision Resources, Ltd. Public Access Awareness 2006 N"I T Subscriber Said - 70 60 6] 8 56 50 9 52 5 53 49 40 ! 43 47 45 39 30 20 10 0 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1996 197 1988 190 2000 2001 707 2083 204 4005 206 �Alrarnress Decision Resources. Ltd. NWCT Role in Public Access 20011 NWO' S4bsci?ber Sttid� 60 50 52 52 48 48 48 40 40 39 37 37 30 3436 34 33 34 29 20 10 0 190 1989 1990 1991 1997 1993 1994 1996 1996 1997 1989 1999 200 201 202 203 201 2005 200 I Aleareness Decision Resources. Ltd. `—I U City Council Meetings 2606 NWC'T SUbscribcr Study 70 _. w 60 55 50 9 47 41 40 7 40 37 37 37 2 30 20 l0 '8 8 8 7 4 4 g 7 4 4 4 g 3 1992 M3 19% 1996 19% 1987 1888 1988 7000 2111 2007 2117 7006 2006 2006 wAI/Viewers mFregnenlViewers Decision Resources, Ltd. School Board Meetings '1006 NWC'T Subscriber Stud. 35 31 31 30 27 25 25 _,...23_, 22 2222 21 20 18 15 10 5' 4 4 4 2 2 2 ] 1 1 2 2 1 1 0 1992 1987 194 1996 1889 1997 1899 1999 2000 2001 2002 20M 204 2116 2006 AU Viewers FrequemViewers Decision Resources, Ltd. City Offers High -Speed Internet 2000 NWCT Subscriber Stud Support 50% Oppose — 10% Strong Strong Support 12% Unsure 25% Decision Resources. Ltd. Ld q i PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT AUGUST 2006 5-0 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT August 2006 Monthly Synopsis Year-to-date (YTD), the Department answered 918 calls for service. This compares to 881 calls for service in 2005 (YTD). The highest call volume in August occurred between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Thursday was the busiest day of the week. Sixty-nine percent of calls occurring in August were "Duty Crew" calls. Responses were divided between the fire stations as follows: Station I (13205 Co. Rd. 6) 47 Station II (12000 Old Rockford Rd.) 55 Station III (3300 Dunkirk Ln.) 38 August 2006 in-service and on -scene (total response) times for emergency events are as follows. Duty Crew and non -duty crew times, as well as station responses, are noted. Sinificant or Unusual Events In July, the following responses are notable: August 2 Building Fire (2:01 a.m.) August 23 Extrication (9:57 a.m.) August 29 Extrication (5:40 a.m.) During the month of August, ten calls were paged general alarm. The average number of firefighters who arrived on the scene for these calls was ten. Training During the month of August, four topics were offered during six regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included NIMS 200, Rescue Equipment, Aerial Operations, and Rope Rescue. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD Team. 51 1 st Truck 1 st Truck 2nd Truck 2nd Truck Number In -Service On -Scene In -Service On -Scene of Calls Duty Crew 1:04 6:26 4:34 7:31 31 Non -Duty Crew 6:01 10:27 9:12 13:36 7 Station I 3:14 6:12 N/A N/A 1 Station II 6:07 11:27 7:35 12:02 4 Station III 7:12 10:33 10:00 14:22 2 Sinificant or Unusual Events In July, the following responses are notable: August 2 Building Fire (2:01 a.m.) August 23 Extrication (9:57 a.m.) August 29 Extrication (5:40 a.m.) During the month of August, ten calls were paged general alarm. The average number of firefighters who arrived on the scene for these calls was ten. Training During the month of August, four topics were offered during six regularly scheduled in-house training sessions. These topics included NIMS 200, Rescue Equipment, Aerial Operations, and Rope Rescue. Additional training opportunities were offered during Rookie Training and Duty Crew, and for members of the Hazardous Materials Team and RAD Team. 51 Sixty-nine members participated in training activities during the month. The total number of hours spent on in-house and outside training activities was 425 — an average of over six hours per participating member. Recruitment During the month of August, seventy-one paid -on-call firefighters served the City of Plymouth. One member left the department. Duty Crew The Duty Crew Program was in operation on all 23 weekdays during the month. Forty-three members participated in the program. In August, 92% of all shifts were fully staffed with at four firefighters. During our busiest time period (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), 100% of the shifts were fully staffed with four firefighters. A staffing summary for the month, by shift, is included below. Staffing: 0600-0900 0900-1200 1200-1500 1500-1800 1800-2100 5 Firefighters 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 4 Firefighters 91% 100% 100% 100% 69% 3 Firefighters 9% 0% 0% 0% 22% No Staff 0% 0% 0% 0% 9% During the month of August, the Duty Crew continued its weekend pilot program on Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Only 62% of those shifts were fully staffed with four firefighters. ,- Z Plymouth Fire Department Public Education -Programming August 2006 53 Programs Hours Station Tours Birthday Club 1 3 Bookmobile/Literacy Preschool Visits 6 6 K-6 Education Career Talk/Nights Bike Helmet Sales 3 7.5 Car Seat Check-ups 45 34 Assist North Memorial Smokebusters/Seniors 9 9 Smokebusters/Families 3 3 Ski Helmet Sales Ado t a Hydrant Block Parties 2 2 Parades 1 3 NNO 1 20 Oen Houses Fire Ext. Training Business Safety Fairs Business Fire Drills 3 4.5 Pub. Ed Training Pub. Ed Meetings Literature Drops Diversity Outreach Misc. Programming 3 1.5 Special Projects !Totals 771 93.5 53 60 50 40 30 20 100 16:48 14:24 12:00 9:36 7:12 4:48 2:24 0:00 PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Station Comparison 55 47 38 � � '� � ter. €� . 1 • 1 2 3 Response Time for Emergency Calls Duty Crew Not Duty Crew 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Total Calls Year -to -Date 1/1/05-8/31/05 1/1/06-8/31/06 9/19/2006 5q PLYMOUTH FIRE DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Calls by Time of Day O Aug -05 ®Aug -06 Seve False Alarms 38% G 16% Events By Category Other 0% Fires 55- 9/19/2006 JCI V II;C lrcIIID 4% Overpressure/ Explosions 2% �scue/EMS 7% Hazardous Conditions 12% DIRTY CREW STAFFING 10 August 2006 r)o1 CALLS FOR SERVICE August 2006 1 % .......... ........... ... .............. . .............. .............. .......... 69% 5 ® 4 Firefighters ❑ 3 Firefighters El 0 Firefighters 13 Duty Crew == Non -Duty Crew DUTY CREW STAFFING August 2006 Saturday Pilot Program 13% 57 ® 4 Firefighters ❑ 3 Firefighters 62% El Firefighters City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 22, 2006 SUBJECT: PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR U.S. HOME CORPORATION FOR "TARYN HILLS 4" ADDITION (2006076) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by U.S. Home Corporation, under File No. 2006076, for a preliminary plat for Taryn Hills 4th Addition. The preliminary plat would replat Blocks 8, 9, and 11 and Outlot K located southeast of County Road 47 and Vicksburg Lane in the "Taryn Hills" subdivision. The replat would increase the width of lots, reducing the number of single- family lots in this area from 22 to 19. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006076propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763 509-5000 - www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,5g ['.upPl,;mouth NEWANNOWit"I Adding Quality to Life September 22, 2006 SUBJECT: ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT, SITE PLAN AMENDMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR FOUR SEASON'S AUTOMOTIVE (2006080) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Four Season's Automotive, under File No. 2006080, for a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow a car wash with more than one car wash bay for the C-3, Highway Commercial Zoning District. The applicant is also requesting a site plan amendment and conditional use permits to allow a conveyorized car wash and 24-hour fuel sales for property located at 9950 Rockford Road. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 500 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, SOW►Y0� u Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006080propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us 120' Plym;o�th Adding Quality to Life September 22, 2006 SUBJECT: INTERIM HOME OCCUPATION LICENSE FOR MADALYN ALBERTS (2006083) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Madalyn Alberts, under File No. 2006083 for an interim home occupation license to operate a one -chair hair salon for property located at 2675 Larch Lane North. While a formal Public Hearing is not required, it is the City's policy to inform adjacent property owners/occupants of such applications. Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 200 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of and cordially invited to attend a meeting to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2006 in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, *ill &P� ht, �6 Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006083propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us Plymouthr� Adding Quality to Life September 22, 2006 SUBJECT: REGISTERED LAND SURVEY FOR HANS HAGEN HOMES, INC. (2006091) Dear Property Owner: Pursuant to the provisions of the Plymouth Zoning Ordinance, this letter is to inform you of a request by Hans Hagen Homes, Inc., under File No. 2006091, for a registered land survey to subdivide a property in Plymouth Station for a day care for property located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Dunkirk Lane and Medina Road. The subdivision of this property was originally approved in 1998. Due to the irregularities in the legal descriptions of the underlying property, Hennepin County is requiring a different process (a registered land survey) to subdivide the property prior to its sale. The shape and size of the newly created parcel is the same as was originally approved Hennepin County records indicate your property is within 750 feet of the site of this proposal. You are hereby notified of, and cordially invited to attend a Public Hearing to be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, in the Council Chambers at the Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. The public will be invited to offer questions and comments concerning this application at that time, or feel free to call the City Planning Department at (763) 509-5450 for more information. INFORMATION relating to this request may be examined at the Community Development Information Counter, at Plymouth City Hall on Mondays and Wednesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except holidays. If you have any questions about the specifics of this proposal, please contact the Community Development Department at (763) 509-5400. Sincerely, wl?m 415y�I� Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager 2006091 propnotice 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us &V