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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 09-29-2006CITY OF PLYMOUTH rib COUNCIL INFO MEMO September 29, 2006 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Planning Commission October 4 meeting agenda................................................................ Page 3 October, November, and December 2006 Official City Meeting Calendars ......................... Page 5 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ......................................... Page 11 INFORMATION News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc ... City news releases: Notice of Transit Station 73 opening...................................................................... Page 13 Notice of Fire Department annual Open House ..................................................... Page 15 City informational flyer on the City budget and the Truth in Taxation hearing ................. Page 17 Plymouth Community Library Update............................................................................... Page 18 Humphrey Institute update on the I-394 MnPASS Express Lane project (submitted by Councilmember Hewitt)............................................................................... Page 20 Youth Community Connections invitation to an event discussing out—of—school timeprograms..................................................................................................................... Page 26 Robbinsdale Area Schools invitation to an open house for Noble Elementary School ...... Page 27 STAFF REPORTS Update on solid waste programs evaluation process.......................................................... Page 28 Active and pending public improvements projects............................................................ Page 29 ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES Park and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC)......................................................... Page 32 CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Osseo Area Schools Superintendent Susan Hintz with information about community-based school programs.......................................................................... Page 36 Letter to residents regarding a request for a minor subdivision for Astleford Family Limited Partnership (2006094).............................................................................. Page 37 The City has received a letter from Kathy and Richard Jordan, 16925 28th Avenue North, requesting exemption from the City's Diseased Tree Ordinance. Exemptions are not currently allowed under the ordinance. Although the Jordan letter cites information about the cities to our west, the cities to our south, east, and north do have active programs similar to Plymouth's which meet the state law requirements related to removal of diseased trees. If any councilmember is interested in considering amendment of the diseased tree ordinance CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO September 29, 2006 Page 2 to allow for exemptions or to modify the ordinance in any other way, please let City Manager Ahrens know by Thursday, October 12. If we do not receive interest in revising the ordinance by that time, we will notify the residents that no change in the ordinance is anticipated at this time and provide them two additional weeks to remove the diseased trees. They are currently more than one month beyond their removal date............................................................... Page 38 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2006 WHERE: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Plymouth City Hall 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. CONSENT AGENDA* A. Approve the September 20, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. U.S. Home Corporation. "Taryn Hills 4th Addition"- Replat of Blocks 8, 9, and 11, and Outlot K of Taryn Hills, for property located southeast of County Road 47 and Vicksburg Lane. (2006076) B. Four Season's Automotive. Zoning ordinance text amendment, site plan amendment and conditional use permits to allow a car wash and 24-hour fuel sales for property located at 9950 Rockford Road. (2006080) C. Hans Hagen Homes, Inc. 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. (2006091) 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Madalyn Alberts. Interim home occupation license to operate a one -chair hair salon for property located at 2675 Larch Lane North. (2006083) 8. ADJOURNMENT ?I OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS October 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 S 6 7 YOM KIPPUR BEGINS AT SUNSET 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION. Counra Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room 12:00 PM -4:00 PM FIRE STATION #3 OPEN HOUSE, 3300 Dunkirk Lane 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 COLUMBUS DAY (OBSERVED), Public Works Division closed 7 D PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, coon., Chambers 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 6:30 PM VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Metlicine Lake Room A , 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 11.45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka 7-.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACTI, Parkers Lake Room (Nis meeting only) 29 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS - set clocks back 1 hour 30 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room ✓ 1 Nov 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Sep 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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 9/29/2006 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS November 2006 Sunday Monday I Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 2 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -Parkers Lake Room ? J 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 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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. - 5:00 P.M. 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM PARK & RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC) Plymouth Ice Center VETERANS DAY (OBSERVED), Ci b Offices Closed 12 13 14 I5 16 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Couu.a cnamners 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 19 20 2.1 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY City Offices Closed THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 26 27 28 29 30 7:00 PM YOUTH11:45 ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL. 12201 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, cou�ca cromeer: modified on 9/29/2006 I OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS December 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday I Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 2007 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 Nov 2006 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 3 2:00 PM OLD - Plymouth Historical Society Building 4 5 6 7:00 PM PLANNING CouncilFASHIONED ChambersCHRISTMAS 7 LPMANCOMMISSION, Noom 8 9 10 .11 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Parkers Lake Room 12 7.00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING. Council Chambers 13 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EQC), Council Chambers 14 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers 15 CHANNUKAH BEGINS AT - SUNSET 16 17 18 19 20 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council ChambersAUTHORITY 21 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT (HRA), Medicine Lake Room A 22 23 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 25 CHRISTMAS DAY City Offices closed 26 11: 45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS 2011 Ridgedale Drrrve, Minnelonka 27 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room A 28 29 30 31 modified on 9/29/2006 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items October 10, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Toastmaster's Proclamation • 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' 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) • Set future Study Sessions (tabled from September 26) • Approve Final Payment for Central and Zachary Water Treatment Plant Upgrades (2032) • Approve Final Payment for Vicksburg Lane Underground Reservoir (3108) • Approve Final Payment for Lift Station Telemetry System Upgrade (3119) • Approve an Encroachment Agreement for a deck and retaining wall at 4405 Weston Lane - Lot 14, Block 3, Fawn Creek • Hearing on Vacation of certain drainage and utility easements within Lot 2, Block 1, Bass Creek Business Park 4th Addition Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. it • Hearing on Vacation of a drainage and utility easement within Lot 2, Block 1, Epiphany Second Addition • Hearing on Wellhead Protection Program • Award Towing Contract • Set public hearing on Hammer Residence refinancing • Approve agreement with Wayzata Baseball Association for Greenwood park building October 24, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Hearing on Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment District for Plymouth Crossroads Station • Assessment hearing for 2006 Street Reconstruction Project (610 1) • Assessment hearing for 2006 Mill and Overlay Project (6106) City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release Contact: September 28, 2006 Pat Qvale 763-509-5052 Plymouth to Celebrate Grand Opening of first transit station on Oct. 6 The City of Plymouth is preparing to mark a milestone in the 22 -year history of the City - operated bus system, Plymouth Metrolink. A new transit hub will have its grand opening on Fri., Oct. 6, 10 a.m. Officials from the City, State of Minnesota and Metropolitan Council will be on hand for the opening. The public is invited to attend. The transit hub, called Plymouth Metrolink Station 73, is located on the southeast corner of Hwy. 55 and Co. Rd. 73 at 10905 Hwy. 55. Metrolink Station 73 includes a three-level parking ramp with 280 parking spaces, an enclosed waiting area and restrooms. In addition to serving as a park and ride, the station will also provide timed transfer service between Plymouth Metrolink shuttles and Metrolink express buses. The station eliminates the need for riders to travel outside of Plymouth to transfer to buses to get to downtown Minneapolis, giving bus riders seamless bus service between Plymouth and downtown Minneapolis. Station 73 replaces the 65 -stall surface park and ride lot that has been in place at the corner for two decades. "For $2.75 each way, bus riders get sheltered indoor parking, a climate -controlled waiting area and a safe, dependable ride, and they don't have to fight traffic or pay for parking," Transit Administrator Pat Qvale said. The $5 million dollar facility was paid for by the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council and City of Plymouth. The state paid $2.8 million of the cost, and the Metropolitan Council covered $1.7 13 million. The City paid the remainder from its transit reserve funds, which under law must be earmarked for transit services. Qvale notes that in 2005 Plymouth taxpayers contributed more than $1.2 million for regional transit capital projects. The new transit station will allow Plymouth taxpayers to benefit directly from their regional funding contributions by enhancing bus service with a transit station as Eden Prairie and Maple Grove have in the past. Plymouth Metrolink serves 1,800 passengers a day with 1,200 of those riders going to and from downtown. According to Metropolitan Council statistics, a highway lane can carry about 2,000 cars an hour before falling into congestion. Buses carrying 2,000 people in an hour is the equivalent of building one highway lane. M in City of Plymouth News Release For Immediate Release September . 2006 Contact: Sara Lynn Cwayna Name, 763-509-5198 Celebrate Fire Prevention Month at the Fire Department Open House on Oct. 7 Mark October as fire prevention month by checking your smoke detector and attending the Plymouth Fire Department's Annual Fall Open House on Sat., Oct. 7, noon -4 p.m., at Fire Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Ln. N. The open house will give families an opportunity to learn about safety, have fun and pick out a free pumpkin. The Fire Department Open House comes at an important time of year. It is timed to raise fire safety awareness just as Minnesotans are heading into the deadliest time of the year for fire loss — the heating season, according to Fire Chief Rick Kline. "Working smoke detectors save lives," said Kline. He encourages residents to test their smoke detectors, replace batteries and vacuum the shells of their detectors. In addition, he offers the following fire safety tips: ❑ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change their batteries once a year. Never disable a detector. ❑ Develop and practice a home fire escape plan that includes knowing two ways out of every room. Make sure all family members know to crawl low in smoke, and that they should stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire. ❑ Pick a meeting place outside of the home where the family will gather in the case of an emergency ❑ Know when and how to dial 9-1-1. ❑ Keep matches and lighters secured and out of the reach children. r �; ❑ Never leave lit candles unattended. Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch. Never place candles near combustibles. ❑ Have your furnace and fireplace cleaned every two years. Install a chimney cap to keep out debris and animals. ❑ Burn only wood or UL -approved log products in a fireplace. Never burn paper because smoldering remains may waft up the chimney and set the roof on fire. Only use wood that has been dried for at least six months and stored properly. Always use a grate or screen when the fireplace is in use. ❑ Discard fireplace ashes in a metal container, dampen them, and cool them outside away from all combustibles before you discard them. ❑ Never leave an automobile idling while it is parked in a garage, even if the garage door is open. ❑ Enforce a "no smoking" rule in your home. Please join the City in celebrating National Fire Prevention Month, on the Saturday October, noon -4 p.m. at Fire Station III, 3300 Dunkirk Lane North. 1 () rJj City of Plymouth 2007 Budget The City of Plymouth's proposed 2007 budget is aimed at maintaining core municipal services while including increases for street improvements and pro- active policing. The budget proposal represents the City's commit- ment to prudent long-term financial planning. Also, by investing in street maintenance and public safety, the City is seeking to strike a balance in providing basic services in a community that is simultaneously growing and maturing. The City portion of your property taxes pays for police and fire service, street maintenance and recon- struction, snowplowing, park maintenance, recreation, planning and housing programs. The accompanying graphs explain the proposed 8.94% increase in City taxes and what your City tax dollar buys. Please keep in mind that in addition to spending decisions several factors affect the actual taxes property owners will pay. Those factors include property type, market value changes, limited market value phase out and past state legislative actions. Street Maintenance Because Plymouth's infrastructure is aging, streets will remain an important focus in 2007. The proposed budget includes increases for street maintenance and reconstruction, a core City service. To protect Plymouth's infrastructure investments and respond to citizen concerns, the City is proposing an additional $773,000 for street improvements in 2007. Community Se 3% Streets — 24% ,-' Fire 6% What Your City Tax Dollar Buys HRASupport Services/Legal 2% F_ 9% Police 30% (2007 City Property Tax Increase ............................ ........................... 2 Street Improvement 4.64% City Services* Proactive Policing imwm� Initiative -0.54% Mandates -0.51% 8.94% Total "Please note that Plymouth's growth and inflation was 8.38% for 2006. This increase is one step in a long-range plan to bring City streets up to a higher standard. Proactive Policing The 2007 budget emphasizes proactive policing by funding a new Problem -Oriented Policing Unit (POP Squad). The POP Squad, coupled with improved crime analysis, will allow the Police Department to track and address emerging crime trends and pat- terns. This will include giving the department the ability to develop daily maps for strategic deploy- ments of the squad. Statistical -based policing has proven effective in reducing crime nationally. Planning/Inspections 6% Learn More To learn more, join us at our Truth in Taxation Hearing on Mon., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., at Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd. The meeting will be televised live on cable channel 16. Visit www.ci.plymouth.mn.us for more budget information. 0 Prepared by the City of Plymouth.' Park/rrails/ Recreation 20%rib City of Plymouth I q Adding Quality to Life Plymouth Library 15700 36th Avenue North • Plymouth, MN 55446.952-847-5825 August 2006 Update i;w w w. t i .o r g BUILDING LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE County Board In July 2006, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved plans to build a new Approves New Plymouth Library on the current site that will be approximately double the size of the current library. Library for Plymouth Area Residents The rapid growth of the Plymouth area has led to record-breaking customer demand and use at the Plymouth Library — more than 800,000 books, magazines, CDs, and movies were checked out in 2005, up 56 percent since the library opened in 1995. The existing 15,000 square -foot library is one of the six busiest libraries in the County's 26 -suburban -library system and is too small to keep up with double-digit increases in customer usage and demand. A thorough feasibility study determined that new construction rather than adding on will result in about 15% more usable public space, more efficient use of staff, and approximately $66,000 annual savings in operating costs due to more efficient heating and cooling systems. Funding for the project is estimated at $14 million. The project will be financed by General Obligation Bonds issued by Hennepin County, pursuant to Minnesota Statute. Bentz/Thompson/ Rietow will be the architects and engineers. Residents' Ideas Residents have voiced these preferences for improvements in a family -friendly setting: for Enhanced • A greater selection of books, magazines, movies, and music for people of all ages Library Services • Comfortable rooms for small gatherings such as book clubs, tutoring and study groups • A new local history area developed in partnership with the Friends, the local historical society and others featuring photographs, histories and books and other materials that foster community roots and interest • An ample teen -friendly area with magazines, books, computers and comfortable seating • Additional computers with enhanced software for personal, academic and business use • An enhanced collection and programs for seniors • Sensible and roomy layout that eases crowded conditions and enhances ease of use • A larger children's area that is fun, inviting and educational in an inspiring book setting • Drive-through book drop that flows safely and logically for customer convenience �i Next Steps Hennepin County Library and Hennepin County Property Services will work with Bentz/Thompson/ Rietow to prepare the schematic design of the library. Plymouth Library will remain open through 2006 and into 2007. Customers will be informed when the timetable for construction has been established. Approximately one month before the library closes, customers will be asked to select another Hennepin County library as a pick up location for their reserves. For library service during construction, customers may use nearby libraries. For future updates, go to www.hclib.org/Plymouth Ideas are Always Hennepin County Library contacts: Welcome Joann Frankena, Library Manager, Plymouth, jfrankenaCa hclib.org, 952-847-5828 Janet Leick, Division Manager, Operations, jleickCu hclib.org, 952-847-8606 Michael McConnell, Manager, Center for Innovation and Design for Customer Services and Building Planning, mmcconnellOa hclib.org, 952-847-8622 HENNEPIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Gail Dorfman I Randy Johnson I Linda Koblick I Peter McLaughlin I Mike Opat I Penny Steele I Mark Stenglein LIBRARY BOARD John Gibbs I Holly Guncheon I Patricia Izek I Jeffrey Lunde I David Pratt I Cynthia Steinke I Therese VanBlarcom DIRECTOR Amy E. Ryan I A Service of Hennepin County OB/06 UN11 VE R I T Y OF N i '-%(-)7A Twin Cities Campus September 13, 2006 Ms. Sandy Hewitt 2 800 Weston Lane Plymouth, MN 0 Dear Ms. Hewitt: State and Local folic., Program Hubert H. Humphrei Institute of Public Affairs 1-hanphrev Center 301 -19th Avenue South Minneapolis. AIA' 55455-0429 612-626-0347 Fax: 612-626-9833 E-mail:.slppCa',hhh.umu.edu http: //�rw n.lahh. Bunn. ed �t/Cet2teta/SLP/ I am writing to provide an update on the I-394 MnPASS Express Lane project. The Humphrey Institute is working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to evaluate the project and to engage in public education and outreach. I've attached a one-page summary of a preliminary evaluation of the project, as well as recent commentaries on the subject. I hope this information is helpful. If you have concerns, questions, suggestions or comments about the project, please feel free to contact me. I would be pleased to visit in person, on the phone (612-625-7357) or via email (lmunnich@hhh.umn.edu). Sincerely, 1 ;C. Lee W. Munnich, Jr. I d -AD MnPASS Evaluation Summary Spring 2006 MnPASS Is Achieving Its Primary Objective: Getting More Vehicles Through Area Without Clogging the Lane In the reversible section of 1-394, an average of 350 additional vehicles per day are using the MnPASS lane during the morning peak hour, from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. An average of 315 additional vehicles per day are using the MnPASS lane during the evening peak hour, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. However, despite this higher rush hour through -put, pricing has ensured that an average speeds of 50 mph is maintained 95% of the time. Survey results indicate that 85 percent of MnPASS Lane users are satisfied with the speed of the traffic flow in the MnPASS lane. Overall Approval and Satisfaction Is High and Broad • By a two -to -one margin, respondents approved of the MnPASS concept (59% "good idea" v. 29% "bad idea".) • A majority of respondents in all income groups approved of the concept. High income citizens were most supportive (71%), but low income citizens were also supportive by nearly a 3 -to -1 margin (62/0 "good idea" v. 23% "bad idea"). • A majority of all types of commuters thought the concept was a good idea, but single occupancy vehicle drivers (70% "good idea") and carpoolers (64% "good idea") were much more likely to think so than transit users (45% "good idea" v. 39% "bad idea"). • The number one reason respondents said it was a good idea was "it provides a better use for carpool lanes." The number one reason respondents said it was a bad idea was that it "only benefits the rich." The most likely group to have this opinion were high-income respondents. • MnPASS lane usage was not significantly different by income, with 54% of low income, 62% of middle income citizens, and 66% of high-income citizens reporting that the have used the MnPASS lanes, • Citizens of all income levels were satisfied with their 1-394 travel. Seventy-one percent of low-income citizens said their travel experience was "enjoyable", versus 68% for middle income citizens and 55% for high income citizens. • The percentage who rated travel on 1-394 "enjoyable" after MnPASS (61%) was higher than before MnPASS (50%). Pre -Project Concerns Abated • While consumers had many initial questions about the MnPASS technology, 95% are satisfied with the all -electronic operation, 93% are satisfied with the credit card based system of funding accounts, 92% are satisfied with the ease of installing the transponder, and 76% were satisfied with the variable toll amounts. • The biggest concern seems to be about the level of enforcement on the lane, though those satisfied outnumber those dissatisfied by a 3 -to -1 margin (45% "satisfied" v. 14% "dissatisfied"). • Many were concerned about whether consumers would have a difficult time using the new system of limited merger zones along the non -barrier separated portion of MnPASS. However, almost nine out of ten (87%) consumers report having no problems with merging into the MnPASS lane. • In market research prior to the initiation of MnPASS consumers expressed concerns that tolls would be too high. However, only 5% of MnPASS users found them too high, while 72% said they were "just right." Mid -Stream Corrections Popular • MnPASS's former system of charging tolls 24 hours per day was viewed unfavorably, with 56% viewing it as a bad idea and 26% viewing it as a good idea. This system was eliminated by MnPASS in Spring 2005. • Most respondents thought MnDOT's decision to have no outbound tolls at Highway 100 was a good idea (62% "good idea" v. 9% "bad idea"). Downtown skywayNEWS jCH IRNA t. THE EVOILUTION BEGINS Easing the commute July 24, 2006 Analysis shows MnPASS system curbing congestion on Interstate 394 For the past year, area citizens have been part of a historic variable tolling experiment on I- 394. I have been part of a team evaluating the project, and the preliminary results from the experiment are encouraging. The I-394 MnPASS Express Lane project is an attempt to get more use out of an underused high -occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on I-394, without clogging the lane and thus eliminating the incentive for people to share rides and use transit. The federal government, which financed much of I-394, opposes opening the HOV lane to all traffic, because the lane was designed first and foremost to provide less congested conditions for carpoolers and transit users. MnPASS allows a limited number of solo drivers into the HOV lane for a price, collected in real time via an electronic reader placed in the windshield of the car. The price changes every few minutes to control the number of vehicles that use the lane. When the lane fills, prices are increased until usage decreases to the optimal level. When the lane empties, prices are decreased until usage increases to the desired level. As before, ride sharers and transit users use the lane at no charge. A recent analysis showed that this pricing system has proven effective in getting more use out of the lane during rush hour. During the morning peak hour in the reversible section, an average of 350 additional vehicles use the MnPASS lane daily. During the evening peak, 315 additional vehicles use it. However, despite this higher rush hour through -put, pricing has ensured that service is maintained for carpoolers and transit users. Average speeds of 50 mph are maintained 95 percent of the time, and a survey we conducted showed 85 percent of users are satisfied with the traffic flow in the lane. Service has also been maintained for drivers in the general purpose lanes. The number of miles of congestion on I-394 also decreased, from 10 miles and 8 miles of congestion during the afternoon and morning peak period in 2004 to 5 and 4 miles during the same periods in 2005. As a point of comparison, congestion on I -35W increased during this same period. This is welcome news. After all, I-394 users understandably were wary of this new high tech system when it was first introduced. However, it appears most are adjusting. In a recent survey, 95 percent of the MnPASS users said they are satisfied with the all -electronic operation of the system, 93 percent are satisfied with the credit card based system of funding accounts, 92 percent are satisfied with the ease of installing the transponder, 87 percent reported no problems with merging into the MnPASS lane, and 76 percent were satisfied with the dynamic toll system. Considering that 74 percent of us still have difficulty programming a VCR machine decades after that technology arrived, MnPASS appears to be very consumer friendly! Even enforcement - a hot button issue with any HOV lane - has improved due to technology. Thanks to a first -of -its -kind electronic monitoring system, violation rates dropped at nearly all I-394 locations, and the violation rates for I-394 are significantly lower than those observed on I -35W. So far, the reception to this new approach has been positive, both among people who choose to use MnPASS and those who don't. Citizens of all income levels rated their use of I-394 in the post-MnPASS era as "enjoyable," and said MnPASS is a "good idea." Low income citizens approve of the project by nearly an overwhelming three -to -one margin. Many citizens who can't afford to use the lane every day like the option of using this "gridlock insurance" occasionally, such as when late for day care, work, or an important appointment. This traffic management tool is also unique in that it is economically self-sufficient. More than 9,500 drivers have opened MnPASS accounts so far, and the revenue generated is now covering the operating cost of the project. Self-sufficiency is no small feat in an age of transportation finance scarcity. Certainly, MnPASS had some growing pains in the initial few months. Most survey respondents thought the Minnesota Department of Transportation's decision a month after launch to limit tolls only to peak periods in the diamond lanes west of Highway 100 was a good idea. After a public outcry, Mn/DOT decided in June 2005 that it would not charge tolls 24 hours per day, a popular decision according to the survey. Mn/DOT also opened a shoulder lane to traffic westbound betwecr, Highway 1. 00 and Highways 163 in r'r_e fail, c=ur ncr relieving congestion in that segment. And since those adjustments, public approval has been strong. MnPASS is not a silver bullet for the transportation challenges we face. It can't and won't eliminate congestion on its own. But we have learned in the past year that MnPASS appears to be an effective new traffic management tool available to us. And with the transportation challenges we collectively face, that's welcome news. Lee W. Munnich Jr. is a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. More information about MnPASS is available at www.mnpass.org. StarTri bune.com MINNEAPOLIS -ST. PAUL. NIINTNESOTA MnPASS is about more than toll collection February 4, 2006 Lee W. Munnich Jr. A project evaluation has to focus on the project's primary objective. The Star Tribune missed this central point in its Jan. 20 editorial about the Interstate Hwy. 394 MnPASS lane. The Star Tribune criticized MnPASS for not raising revenue as swiftly as project champions and planners had originally hoped. while the assertion is true; it does miss the larger truth about the purpose of MnPASS. History reminds us that the project's primary purpose was not {o raise revenue as fast as possible, but rather to get better use of the 1-394 high -occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes without clogging them. In 2001, a widely publicized study documented that the 1-394 HOV lane had excess capacity. Many solo drivers reacted to the study by demanding access to the HOV lane. Legislators heard this outcry and pushed to open the HOV lane to all vehicles. The Federal Highway Administration rejected this idea, but there were rumblings that Congress might allow underused HOV lanes to be opened to all vehicles. All of this had advocates of carpooling and transit extremely nervous. Traffic experts warned that opening the HOV lane to all vehicles would lead to severe congestion in the lane, thus eliminating the free-flowing conditions that were a powerful incentive for transit use and camooline. In short. the debate about what to do with the 1-394 HOV lanes had reached a point of gndiock. Enter MnPASS. For those,,A,ho wanted to get better use out of underused HOV lanes, MnPASS allowed thousands more solo drivers to travel in the HOV lane. For those who felt it was critical to preserve the HOV lane service advantage for transit and carpooling, the system's dynamic pricing system offered a way to limit the number of solo drivers in the lane during rush hours. 1\4nPASS would allow solo drivers to use the HOV lane. but not to overuse it to the extent of causin! congestion. So that's why MnPASS was born: to get more cars through the 1-394 con-idor without clogging the HOV lane and destroying the advantage for buses and carpools. None of this has anything to do with revenue generation. Since 1\4nPASS began this past April.. the electronically collected d,mamic pricing seems to have worked remarkably well as a traffic management tool. (over) For instance, in the reversible section near]}- l .000 extra vehicles are moving through the corridor during morning rush hour and nearly 600 extra vehicles are passing through during evening rush hour. At the same time, average speeds of at least 50 miles per hour are being maintained in the HON7 lane, so transit users and carpool ers continue to enjoy a service advantage over solo drivers in non-HOV lanes. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has long recognized MnPASS as a traffic management tool first and a revenue generation tool second. For instance, MnDOT's top two objectives for the I-394 project were "improve the efficiency of I-394 by increasing the number of people and vehicles using the HOV lanes" and "maintain free flow speeds for transit and carpools in the Express Lanes." It is true that another project objective further down the list is "use excess revenues, if available, to maize transit and highway improvements in the 1-394 corridor." Even focusing on this secondary objective, the news is hardly bleak. After all, more than 9,200 drivers have opened MnPASS accounts, and revenue is being steadily generated. Moreover. revenue is expected to increase in years to come as overall traffic in this corridor increases. Without a doubt. this public project will be more financially self-sufficient than many public projects the Star Tribune supports, and probably will become fully self-sufficient within a few years. But again, we are missing the central point about MnPASS when we focus solely or predominantly on revenue -generation. if we don't understand MnPASS' most important contribution, traffic management. we run the risk of misusing it. on I-394 and in other areas. Lee Tfi' Munnich Jr. is a senior felloi, at the Universit17 of Minnesota's HunlphreyInstitute of Public Affairs. 02005 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. Youth, Communiry ronnertions I I nvites Vou to Lights On A ft e rs ch? 0 Youth Community Connections invites you to join us as we celebrate and highlight the need for out-of-school time programs! Thursday, October 12, 2006 5:00 —8:00 p.m. Saint Paul College 325 Marshall Avenue St. Paul, MN Please RSVP to 612.624.6600. V b ROBBINSDALE AREA SCHOOLS EXTENDS A SPECIAL INVITATION TO PARENTS, STUDENTS, STAFF AND MEMBERS OF THE NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNITY TOJOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE IN NOBLE'S NEW MULTIPURPOSE ROOM DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 , 20106 TIME: 7:00-8:00 P.M. PLACE: MULTIPURPOSE ROOM NOBLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2601 NOBLE AVE. NORTH GOLDEN VALLEY INFO: 763-504-4000 O DISTRICT 281 O �i W W ROD DIk15NLE area schools DATE: September 20, 2006 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager through Doran Cote, Public Works Director FROM: Kris Hageman, Solid Waste Coordinator SUBJECT: SOLID WASTE PROGRAMS EVALUATION PROCESS At the Environmental Quality Committee meeting on September 13`h it was recommended that I give the City Council an update on the Solid Waste Programs evaluation process. At the meeting, I summarized and highlighted a variety of key elements related to program management. The evaluation process will take place in preparation for RFP development relating to our curbside recycling contract which expires Dec. 31, 2008. It is recommended by staff to have a contract signed for service in the spring of 2008. If a change in service provider is determined, this timeframe should allow a new service provider adequate time to prepare for the start of collecting within the city of Plymouth. Currently, approximately 60% of the waste stream (materials going to our landfills and incinerators) is recyclable or compostable. We have an opportunity to increase abatement levels building on the strong programs that are in place today. Over the next six months, the EQC will be reviewing a variety of program options to increase abatement levels. These options include, but are not limited to: targeting specific materials in the waste/recycling stream; small business recycling opportunities; curbside collection of organics (food waste and non -recyclable paper); multi -family recycling opportunities; collection systems and in-house waste reduction and recycling initiatives. The EQC will then provide the City Council with recommendations for increasing abatement levels offering programs that are cost effective, convenient and beneficial to our environment. Cc: Tom Vetsch, Public Works Superintendent City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects , c% EngmPro,9g(2 Updated 9/28/2006 8:55 AM Page 1 V ~( Hcl_Pntlng_Proj_Rpl_9-29(SHORTFORM) (2)x1s Total Cost Proj. or CIP Type of Staff No. Proj. Proj. Descp. Assn Consult Est. Actual Current Notes Active Public Improvement Projects 1013 S Fernbrook Ln. - 27th to 34th - DC/DMC SRF $3,500,000 SRF Consulting Group, Inc. designated as Design & ROW engineer. Engineering Agreement approved. Begin Preliminary Design. Public Information meeting held 4/27/06. Representatives of four properties in attendance. Staff determined watermain replacement. Approval from Bassett Creek Watershed has been received. Right of way acquisition in progress. 4141 S Petition Project - 47th Ave DC/BB SRF $215,000 City Council awarded contract to R.P. Utilities, Inc. Street & Utilities 8/9/05. Preconstruction meeting was held 8/10/05. Utilities are installed. Street to be built in Spring 2006. Concrete curb and aggregate base installed. Bituminous base installed, bituminous wear and punch list items remain to be completed. 5102 S CR 101, CR 6 to CR 24 DC Henn. $17,000,000 Preliminary layout of CR 101 approved by City Co. Council on 10/11/05. The plan is 30% complete. Met with Hennepin County 4/4/06. City staff will do engineering for watermain replacement. Meeting with Oakwood Elementary school 6/1/06. EAW comments received and approved by County. The plan is 60% complete. 5122 S CR 24, Olive Ln. to 32nd Avenue DC Henn. Co. $2,500,000 Preliminary layout approved by City Council 6/14/05. Construction scheduled for 2008. Design in progress. Received Draft Layout 2/21/06. Met with Hennepin County design staff on 5/2/06. City staff will do design engineering for watermain replacement. Met with utility companies on 5/24/06. Received draft plan on 5/23/06. City watermain replacement plan completed and submitted to the County. 6101 S 2006 Reconstruction Project - JR N/A $4,370,000 Substantial completion all three areas. Work that Bass Lake, Lost Lake, and remains includes raising manholes and gate valves, Hemlock Lane wear course asphalt, and punchlist items. 6108 S Intersection Imp. - CR 47 & RB $1,000,000 Howard R. Green is working on a final design. CR 61 6110 P 10th Avenue Trail Project RB $37,000 Construction is 90% complete, awaiting two concrete pad ramps, signing, and striping. 5111 SS Sewer Capacity Imp. RB/SN HRG $450,000 Staff reviewed televised pipes and significant I & I Downstream from Lancaster issues upstream which could be resolved with pipe Lift Sta. lininq. 6121 SS Line Sanitary Sewer Main - RB/SN $300,000 Lining complete, City is awaiting video from Terra Annual Program En ineerin . 3108 W Vicksburg Reservoir & DC BRA $5,600,000 Reservoir 100% complete. Pumping Station 100% Pumping Station complete. Pumping station and reservoir in operation. Site restoration in progress. 5110 W Water System Pressure RB HRG $100,000 per HRG working on Preliminary Engineering Report. Enhancements year for 5 years 3105 WR Plymouth Creek Channel SM/DT $325,000 Survey and soil testing completed. Water quality model to evaluate options. Barr Engineering finished Feasibility Study, discussed at recent watershed commission meeting. Preliminary Design will be next phase. , c% EngmPro,9g(2 Updated 9/28/2006 8:55 AM Page 1 V ~( Hcl_Pntlng_Proj_Rpl_9-29(SHORTFORM) (2)x1s City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects 6 Engmeenng\Projects\Project Tracking\2005`. Updated 9/28/2006 8:55 AM Page 2 Act_Pndng_Proj_Rpt_9.29(SHORTFORM) (2),xis Total Cost Proj. or CIP Type of Staff No. Proj. Proj. Descp. Assn Consult Est. Actual Current Notes 4135 WR CR 61/CR 9 Erosion Site DC BRA $350,000 Options and estimated costs received 10/27/05. Met with Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County to discuss options 11/21/05. Three options considered. Draft report reviewed and revised. Additional concerns raised by Three Rivers staff. Consultant directed to investigate drainage concerns south of County Road 9. Engineering proposal being reviewed by Three Rivers staff. Three Rivers requesting City to proceed with additional investigations south of County Road 9. Cost sharing and future maintenance agreement being discussed. Meeting held 7/26/06 to discuss downstream drainage issues with Three Rivers Parks staff. Three Rivers preparing draft agreement for review. 6103 WR Repair Erosion - Wood Crk. DT/JR $100,000 Newsletter sent to area residents. Survey has been completed and preliminary design in progress. Selection of Wenck Associates, Inc. a roved by City Council 8/8/06. 6113 WR Repair Erosion - Conor Meadows (Design Only) DT $45,000 Preliminary site inspections conducted. Work to start with improvement north of Schmidt Lake Road. Survey has been completed and preliminary design is in progress. Met with residents 8/1/06 at site for walkinq tour. 6115 WR Drainage Imp. - Between 38th & 39th - W of Harbor Ln. SN $100,000 Work is 66% complete. Limited restoration will take place this year and we will re -budget to finish in the 8019 WR Mooney Lake Pump Project DT/SM 1 $15,742 Emergency um in Ian for 2006 is in place. 6 Engmeenng\Projects\Project Tracking\2005`. Updated 9/28/2006 8:55 AM Page 2 Act_Pndng_Proj_Rpt_9.29(SHORTFORM) (2),xis City of Plymouth Engineering Department Active and Pending Public Improvement Projects Proj. or CIP No. Type of Proj. Proj. Descp. Staff Assn Consult Total Cost Current Notes Est. Actual Pending Public Improvement Projects W-5 W Watermain - CR 47/Cheshire * to Vicksburg Dependent on development. W-6 W Watermain - CR 47/Cheshire Watermain, Vicksburg CR 47 to Schmidt Lk Rd Dependent on development. WR -1 WR Lost Lake Outlet JR N/A $10,000 Included with 2006 Street Reconstruction. B$ Bud Broekema SS Sanitary Sewer CA Chuck Autio P Parks DC Dan Campbell W Water DT Dave Taylor WR Water Resources GC Greg Cook JR Jim'Renneberg RB SM Ross Beckwith Shane Missa h'i SN Scott Newberger Unassi netl Engineering\Projects\Project Tracking\2005, Updated 9/28/2006 8:55 AM Page 3 Act Pndng_Proj_Rpt_9-29(SHORTFORM) (2).x1s MINUTES OF THE PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING September 14, 2006 PRESENT: Commissioners Aamoth, Davis, Fiemann, Griwac, Krahulec, Mohagen, Pederson, Rezabek, Singer; Councilmember Slavik, staff Blank, Evans, and Pederson ABSENT: CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Rezabek moved and Singer seconded a motion to approve the July minutes. Motion carried, all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present at the meeting. b. Staff. Evans discussed Plymouth on Parade and the schedule for the day's events. Over 100 units have entered. Davis asked if there was a rain policy on the day of the parade. Evans said if the weather is threatening, it would be cancelled, but not for light rain. Other upcoming special events are the Little Costume Ball and Halloween at the Creek. Summer programs went well. Over 3,700 people attended the summer concerts held at the Hilde and at Parkers Lake. We brought in a bigger name band this year, the Mary Jane Alm band, and they drew a large crowd, helping to boost this year's concert attendance. This was our second summer of doing a children's theatre production. Over 800 spectators attended the performances. The water ski shows went well, although attendance was down a little. Over 700 attended the Kids Koncerts on Wednesday mornings. Playground program attendance was up 12%. We had 34 teens assist with 23 programs, putting in more than 1,000 hours. Our Little Shooters basketball program was a hit, coached by former Gopher Kevin Lynch. We have 930 kids registered in our fall soccer program. We're gearing up for winter now and making plans for the annual report. Staff is also working on the state conference, coming up in November. Evans displayed the conference brochure on the large TV screens for the commissioners to view. Blank said that Evans is chairing the state conference, and has been doing a tremendous amount of work for that. The dates of the conference are Nov 14-17. Fiemann asked if we ran a little tyke football program over at Plymouth Creek Center last Sunday. Staff confirmed that it was our flag football program. c. Others. There were no other presentations. PRAC Minutes/September 2006 Page 2 4. REPORT ON PAST COUNCIL ACTION There was no report on past council action. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Update on comp plan. Blank said the Council adopted a preliminary land use guide plan. The planning director resigned recently, so this has caused a slight delay in the process, but it is moving forward. b. Review Parks CIP financial plan. The Council adopted the preliminary budgets for 2007. All departments had to develop a CIP in conjunction with that. Blank provided a brief review of the parks department's capital improvement projects. c. Review Zachary Park upgrade. Blank said we ended up needing a watershed district permit, which caused a two week delay in the project. The outfields are graded, the infields are laid out; irrigation and fencing will be the next major components, and sodding is scheduled in early October. The contractor seems to be doing a very nice job, Blank said. Singer commented on several trees that appear to have been cut down as part of this project. Blank said this area will be re -landscaped and filled back in with new trees. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Request from Plymouth -Wayzata Baseball to build building at Greenwood Park/School. Blank explained that when this complex was designed, it was anticipated that there would be a future building for concessions, etc. Plymouth - Wayzata Baseball has now asked the City if they would construct a building to include bathrooms, concession stand, and an observation room. Bids for this came in at $230,000 - $240,000. The baseball association will donate the building to the city, and we will become the owner/operator of it. It will be part of our infrastructure. They're going to contribute $200,000 toward the cost. We've asked for a metal roof on the building and a concrete sidewalk around it, which will increase the cost. The school district must also give us their okay to proceed with this. Blank is recommending we amend our CIP to include a $30,000 contribution from the city. We'll be saving $40,000 on replacing a playground at Bass Lake, by doing that project over the winter. Singer asked why it's proposed as a two level building. It will have an observation area for the scorekeeper and announcer, Blank said. The observation area is not for the public's use. Rezabek asked if lighting came up. Blank said yes, but right now it will not be included. He doesn't see a need for it. Krahulec asked what kind of concessions this will include. Blank said it's all pre-packaged food like candy, pop, chips, etc. Davis asked if other people will be able to use the concession building at Greenwood. Blank said yes, because we will own it. SINGER MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION TO CONSTRUCT A BUILDING AT GREENWOOD PARK/SCHOOL. REZABEK SECONDED. Aamoth asked if the city would be putting money into the building at Zachary for the Plymouth -New Hope Little League. Blank said we probably would help them out in the same way. MOTION PRAC Minutes/September 2006 Page 3 CARRIED, ALL AYES. The concession stand will also serve the soccer fields at this complex as well, Fiemann pointed out. b. _Review parks/open space bond referendum. Blank explained that the Council held two study sessions earlier in the year to review the future acquisition of the Northwest Greenway, a community playfield, parks, and trails in northwest Plymouth. The major components of the. comprehensive plan include six more neighborhood parks, one more athletic complex in northwest Plymouth, and additional open space, Blank said. The Council then asked staff to prepare a citizen survey to determine the community's support for the acquisition and funding of open space and parks. The results of the survey determined that the community was wholeheartedly in favor of purchasing land. It was decided that this would be the best year to go out for a bond referendum to fund the acquisition of property for park purposes. Two school districts may go for bond referendums next year. The city will put out a 4 -page informational pamphlet on this referendum, explaining how much a homeowner's taxes would increase based on their home's value. It will also include the master plan for the Northwest Greenway. We need to work with the community now to share the information. We're going to ask the very largest user groups of the athletic complex to get behind this idea and support it. The first meeting with these groups is next Monday at 4 pm. Councilmember Black has volunteered to help with this group, but is looking for a volunteer to chair it. The Sierra Club is also very interested in this project. They have contacted the McKnight Foundation and it appears they are also in favor of it. We are hopeful that all athletic associations will be supportive of this and pass resolutions to that affect. We also hope to get the Audubon Society involved and other environmental groups. If we get the $9,000,000 through the bond referendum, we'll be that much farther ahead, Blank said. If we don't, projects will still get done using park dedication funds, but they will have to be spread out over a longer time frame. By the time we get the comp plan done, it will be at least 24 months before we see any type of housing growth. Thus, we won't see any increases in park dedication funds for about two years. Rezabek asked if the development on 47th & Vicksburg will help pay for this. Blank said yes. Rezabek then asked if we had heard anything from the Begins. Blank said no. Blank stated that Hollydale has sent a letter to the City Council indicating they'd like to be zoned for residential development. Fiemann thinks all the athletic associations will be in favor of this. Blank explained how the park dedication account is funded and how the fees we've been collecting lately haven't been keeping up with the cost of land. Blank said the property west of Vicksburg wasn't guided until recently. We haven't had many housing starts in the last couple of years. We raised the park dedication fee in July. It will be raised again in January. Blank encouraged commissioners to get in touch with councilmember Black if they'd like to help with the bond referendum process. J1� PRAC Minutes/September 2006 Page 4 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION Fiemann asked about the vandalism at Timber Shores Park and if we've heard anything. Blank said the insurance company will be giving us about $40,000 to $50,000 to rebuild the playground. A large reward has been offered for information about the vandalism, but no one has come forward with anything. Blank said the archery range west of Fernbrook Lane is closed for now and will remain closed. We're working with the DNR on a redesign, and we hope to rebuild in that same location, maybe next year. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Blank stated that the national parks conference occurs during the October meeting, so he would like to reschedule for the 5th of October. Blank distributed adoption papers for the Ducky Derby and encouraged everyone to attend the day's events. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm. � J� District 2'79 SUSAN HINTZ, Ed.S. Superintendent OSSEO AREA SCHOOLS - Phone: (763) 391-7000 FAX: (763) 391-7070 September 2006 RECEIVED SP 2 5 1006 Dear Friend of Osseo Area Schools: Welcome to the 2006-07 school year! It is my privilege to serve as your Superintendent for the Osseo Area Schools, District 279. With this letter, we usually enclose the fall sports schedules for our high school athletics; however, in order to provide the most current, up -to date information, we encourage you to visit the Web site for all district high school activities at http://www.nwsconference.or>;. Just click on the member school link and choose your favorite schedule to view. I hope you are able to enjoy some of the many fine school/community events that are part of our school district's quality educational program. As you know, District 279 is a wonderful place to live, work, and attend school. This new year holds great promise for an even brighter future. We are engaging in a comprehensive strategic planning process to chart our future; we intend to involve our community in many ways to ensure broad-based input and support. Please read about this Commitment to Community initiative on our Web site at www.district279.or on the Superintendent's link. Also, please consider subscribing to the Superintendent's eNewsletter by adding your email address to our list at Listserv(a)Listserv.District279.org. You will automatically be sent information about important District initiatives. I appreciate this opportunity to give you periodic updates on our progress. Another example of our Commitment to Community is our Parade of Schools Tours on October 3 and 5 which are open to the entire community. The event is our way of saying, "thank you" for the many ways that you support our schools and specifically for the passage of the May 2000 bond referendum that provided $139 million to improve our school facilities. Watch for the Parade of Schools magazine in your mail. It will list details about the tour times and our updated facilities. When you come, you'll see our students and staff engaged in meaningful ways. I look forward to the new school year and to meeting many of you. Please consider sharing your interests and concerns as we strive to grow together. The School Board and I value your interest in our schools. Sincerely, Susan K. Hintz Superintendent SKH/pt enclosures INDEPENDENT SCHOOL. DISTRICT 279 Echtcational Scn-icc Ccntcr, 111_00 93rd Arcnuc North Maple Grovc, MN 55369-6605 rup. City of Plymouth Adding Quality to Life September 25, 2006 SUBJECT: MINOR SUBDIVISION FOR ASTLEFORD FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (2006094) Dear Owner/Occupant: This letter is written to inform you that Astleford Family Limited Partnership, under file 2006094, submitted a planning application requesting approval of a minor subdivision to create two parcels from one existing parcel for property located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Bass Lake Road and Nathan Lane North. There are no changes to the site proposed as part of this application. The 9.5 acres south of the creek is zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development) and would be developed as part of the Villas at Bass Lake Creek. The 2.9 acres north of the creek is zoned C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial). There are no pending development applications for the commercial site. The subject property is legally described as follows: Outlot A, Hickory Hills Villas, according to the recorded plat thereof, Hennepin County, Minnesota. 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. 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 2006094.Prop-Notice.Astleford.doc 3400 Plymouth Blvd • Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-1482 • Tel: 763-509-5000 • www.ci.plymouth.mn.us ,1,� RECEIVED September 19, 2006 SFP 2 5 2006 Mayor Judy Johnson, On July 27, four very large elm trees in woods behind our house were marked by the City of Plymouth as having Dutch Elm Disease. The ensuing letter that arrived from the City informed us that we had twenty days to remove the trees or the City would remove them. Oddly, within the week, we received several postcards and flyers from various tree services, wondering if we happened to have a need for any tree trimming or tree removal services. In the process of getting five quotes for the removal of the four trees, we found that the cost was as much as $3000 to remove them from the property. With only twenty days to get this done, there certainly is little chance to bargain with these tree businesses. The lowest bid we had came from a service that advised us that they could not take the trees down until September. The owner of the business also said that there should be no hurry anyway since the beetles would not be active again until next Spring. This is backed up by literature we received from the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Eleven years ago, we went through this same process and had to have nine trees removed at a total cost of approximately $1000. After much research then and now, the following facts are clear: • Dutch Elm Disease will eventually kill every Elm tree in the United States. • Corcoran has no policy on the removal of Dutch Elm trees. • Wayzata no longer has an inspection program. • Our neighboring city of Medina, three short miles away from our property, has no program • As property owners, we did not do anything to start the disease, spread the disease, or allow the disease to infect trees on our property. • Part of the woods behind our house are owned by a neighbor, where trees have died and have been naturally allowed to fall in the woods. • The intent of the law was to spread out the losses of elm trees. This must be weighed against the very real impact on the finances of residents. Forcing us to spend a large amount of money that we do not have in our budget, and in such an unreasonably short time frame, does nothing but put a tremendous hardship on us as it would any other resident. These trees are located in a position in the woods where there is no way to get them out except manually. There is no place for a truck or a Bobcat to get anywhere close to the trees or to the exit of the woods. Aside from a labor-intensive job to remove the trees, the removal process will trample and destroy landscaping in back of our house and along one side of the house. In the end, forcing us to remove these trees will have little effect on the advancement of Dutch Elm Disease in the United States. The removal of these trees in the woods behind our house will no effect on the quality of life in our neighborhood or the City of Plymouth. Given this, what is the intent of the law? Whatever the intent might be. the real result is an unrealistic financial burden on us, the homeowner. We ask that we be exempted from having to remove these trees as is the case in communities bordering our part of Plymouth, or at the very least, postpone the removal until it is financially more feasible to do this. Another option would be for the city to subsidize the removal with an interest-free loan. Please feel free to call us at work at 763- 531-8502 or at home at 763-476-4567. Sincerely Kathy and Richard Jordan 16925 286' Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 cc: Kelli Slavik, Tim Bildsoe, Paul Buck r