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Council Information Memorandum 02-24-2006
CITY OF PLYMC Dummy rp) COUNCIL INFO 1 February 24, 2006 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Youth Advisory Council February 27 meeting agenda......................................................... Page 3 Planning Commission March 1 meeting agenda.................................................................. Page 4 Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority Agenda .................................................. Page 5 Amendment to Special City Council Meeting Agenda, February 28 ..................................... Page 6 February, March, and April 2006 Official City Meeting Calendars ..................................... Page 7 Tentative list of agenda items for future City Council meetings ........................................ Page 13 INFORMATION... News Articles, Releases, Publications, etc ... Mayor named to state board, AIN SUN................................................................................ Page 16 Speedskating returns to Plymouth, Star Tribune.................................................................. Page 17 Cities could trade safety upgrades for quieter trains, Star Tribune ....................................... Page 19 Law opens salaries of top officials, Star Tribune................................................................. Page 21 Robbinsdale Area Schools Community Forum.................................................................... Page 24 Tom Grundhoefer, League of MN Cities..............................................................................Page 26 Staff Reports Executive Summary of Diversity Initiative ................. Report on Bicyclists Round Table discussion ............. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Officers .................................................. Page 29 Tax Increment Financing Application................................................................. .......... Page 37 . Page 38 .Page 39 Correspondence Letter from Friends of Elm Creek, RE Elm Creek Corridor development .......................... Page 42 Letter to residents regarding application from Lifestyle Properties requesting approval of a rezoning(2006006).............................................................................................................. Page 44 a YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 27, 2006 7:00 PM City Hall Meeting Room A 1. Call to Order 2. Presentations: a) 3. Approvals: a) Agenda b) February 13 meeting minutes 4. City Council Update 5. Special Items: a) Youth Leadership program plans b) Youth Service Awards program plans c) Intergenerational activities 6. Update on Items for Future Discussion: a) 7. Adjournment 8. Additional Materials: a) March—May 2006 Official City Meeting Calendars Next Meeting: March 13, 7:00 PM Time Allotment 7:00 PM 7:00-7:05 PM 7:05-7:10 PM 7:10-7:25 PM 7:25-7:35 PM 7:35-7:40 PM 7:40 PM PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 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 February 1, 2006 and February 15, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. B. Markus and Sabina Gapany. Approve a variance for impervious surface coverage to allow construction of a new home for property located at 1441 West Medicine Lake Drive. (2006001) C. Independent School District #281. Approve site plan amendment and variance for building additions and modifications at Plymouth Middle School located at 10011 36th Avenue North. (2006003) D. WCL Associates. Approve site plan amendment to allow a 20,250 square foot warehouse addition and variances for 1) the amount of structural coverage permitted in the I-1 Zoning District and 2) the required 10 -foot drive aisle setback for Amerilab Technologies located at 2765 Niagara Lane North (2006004) 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Hempel Properties, LLC. Site plan amendment to allow a free-standing retail building and modifications to the existing Cub Foods building. The request also includes conditional use permits for more than one building on a lot and a drive- through for a coffee shop for property located at 4445 Nathan Lane North. (2005148) 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT AGENDA SPECIAL MEETING PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2006 6:30 p.m. WHERE: City Hall Medicine Lake Room 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority 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 — 6:30 P.M. 2. CONSENT AGENDA* 3. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of HRA South Shore Drive Property. 4. ADJOURNMENT 5 February 22, 2006 I hereby amend the call and agenda for the Special City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m., to include the following topic: FHIIJiEL` (1!J HG�YCLEI! I+AVEif Update on HRA action regarding South Shore Drive property. "Ilvtc"T� J dy . J , Mayor to PLYMOUTH Addirslq Quality to L fc 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD e PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000 www.b.plymouth.mmus OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS February 2006 Sunday Monday I Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Jan 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 31 % y 6:30 PM SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING, Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 2 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medidne Lake 3 4 2:00 PM -7:00 PM FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL, Parkers Lake CANCELED Mar 2006 S M T W T F $ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 it 12 13 14 15 16 17 18Room 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6.100 PM SPECIAL CRY COUNCIL MEETING: .acus. HOUR RESTRICTIONS ON WEEKEND CONSTRUCTION: Mali*. L.In R.om 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL DUALITY COMMITTEE (EDc),CouncA chambers 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (PRAC), Council Chambers CMPM REGULAR NCIL MEETNJG, Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Council Chambers 7:00 PM PLANNING Coundl Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT nkeCOMMISSION, ae tRoom 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 PRESIDENTS7:oo DAY - City Offices Closed PM PLvkeouTH coMDanrrrEE oN SIT (PACT). Medicine Lake Room 26 27 28 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCR, Meeting Room A 7:30 AM MLC REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE MTG•!Mym R`dIv w 3131 C.mpu. On. 6:30 pm Special Plymouth HRA Meeting Medicine Lake ROOM e:W PM SPECIAL UNCIL MEETING: BEST PRACTICES POM, Mfg R. ICO Are 7:01 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Court Clumbm n modified on 2/24/2006 7 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS MaNrh 2006 Sunday Monday I Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday % 2 3 4 Feb 2006 Apr 2006 7:00 PM S M T W T F S S M T W T F S PLANNING 1 2 3 4 1 COMMISSION, 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Council Chambers 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ASH WEDNESDAY 30 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 6:00 PM YOUTH LEADERSHIP 7:00 PM Caucus Ni ht 9 7:00 PM QUALITY COMMITTEE &W PMaw PMENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTALOUAUW FMR,Pymamhc..k Ekwy Scho CONFERENCE, (EQC), Council Plymouth Creek Chambers e:3e PMPARR3 RECREATION AWISORT Center COMa84 WRAQ llaaNl,r lin Roam INT NIRG ETING: N FOR MOUTN, Ca WN -T -..T -- 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL Room ]Meeting 5:30 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MTG:PRESENTATION 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA). & TRAINING ON COMMISSION, Medicine Lake Room EMERGENCY MGMT Council Chambers PLAN, Meeft Room AIS 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH ADVISORY 8:00 PM BOARD & COMMISSION LAND USE PLAN FOR COMMITTEE ON RECOGNITION EVENT NORTHWEST TRANSIT (PACT) - Plymouth Creek . PLYMOUTH, Council , Medicine Lake Room Center Chambers 26 27 28 29 30 31 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORYCOUNCB-, 11:41 AM PLYMOUTH SUSMIESS COUNCL, PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE Meeting Room A 12201 Ridgedale Orke, ARTS COUNCIL Minnetonka SHOW Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers modified on 2/24/2006 OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS Anril 2006 Sunday MondayTuesdayWednesday ThursdayFrida Saturday Mar 2006 May 2006 1 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 PRIMAVERA FLYMoNH SHO Ts Plymouth Creek Center 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS COMMENCES - set clocks ahead t PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH FINE ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center PRIMAVERA PLYMOUTH ARTS COUNCIL SHOW, Plymouth Creek Center 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - Medicine Lake hour Room 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 PALM SUNDAY 7:00 PM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE (EDC), Council Chambers 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Meeting Room A 5:30 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, Council Chambers PASSOVER BEGINS AT SUNSET 7:00 PM PARK & REC ADVISORY COMMISSION (FRAC), Council Chambers GOOD FRIDAY 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 EASTER SUNDAY 7:00 PM YOUTH SERVICEAWARDS, Cwncl Chambers 6:00 PM SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: POLICE STAFFING STUDY; FIRE STAFFING STUDY, Meeting Room AS 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION, Council Chambers 7:00 PM HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (HRA) Medicine Lake Room g:DO AM -300 PM YARD &GARDEN EXPO, Plymouth Creek Center and Fieldhouse 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 7:00 PM YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, Meeting • 11:45 AM PLYMOUTH BUSINESS COUNCIL, 12201RMgaarrN Drtn, MNnsbnka 5:30 PM BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (RECONVENED), Council CMmb.. 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH CoOMMRTEE ON TRANSR (PACT) , Medicine Lake Room 7:00 PM REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, CourmA Chamban 30 modified on 2/24/2006 Tentative Schedule for City Council Agenda Items February 28, Special, 6:00 p.m., Meeting Room A & B • Discuss Best Practices Program February 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Update on I-394 MnPass Project (Nick Thompson, from the Minnesota Department of Transportation) • Approve Park and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) 2005 Annual Report and 2006 Work Plan • Assessment hearing for 2005 Weed Eradication and Destruction, Roll 1 • Assessment hearing for 2005 removal and destruction of Diseased Trees, Roll 1 • Approve change order No. 2 Plymouth Metrolink Station 73 Transit Facility (3125) • Approve the 2006 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocation and application • Approve site plan amendment for the addition of an outdoor seating area, interim use permit for reduced parking and conditional use permit for special lighting for Woody's Grille located at 220 Carlson Parkway. Archer Design and Build. (2005114) • Approve conditional use permit, site plan amendment, and variance to allow a building expansion at Plymouth Presbyterian Church at 3755 Dunkirk Lane North. Rice-Stromgren Architects. (2005149) • Approve revising and replacing Resolution 2004-315 to correct a survey error for Willow Woods Estates. Dominium Development and Acquisition, LLC. (2004068) • Approve Final Plat and Development Contract for Churchill Ridge for 11 single-family lots; one lot for the existing home that would remain on the site and ten lots for new homes. Mary Weinzierl. (2004107F) • Establish 2006 pay schedule for members of the Fire Department • Waive Subdivision Ordinance requirement (sec 524.07) for sidewalks of one side of a local street (2005003) • Approve change to hours of construction for weekend and holiday hours in Section 2025 of the City Code - Noise. City of Plymouth. (2006009) • Approve Service Agreements with Social Services Agencies for 2006 • Approve abatement of a hazardous building located at 9930 26th Avenue North • Approve agreement with Minnesota Department of Transportation for preliminary engineering for Highway 55 and Fernbrook Lane project (10 13) • Receive engineering proposal and designate engineer for Highway 55 and Fernbrook Lane project (1013) • Approve plans and specifications and order advertisement of bids for Circle Park Pond Excavation project (5115E) • Approve plans and specifications and order advertisement of bids for County Road 6 water tower rehabilitation project (5124) • Approve plans and specifications for Emergency Vehicle Pre-Emption Project (5126) • Award contract for maintenance of Well No's. 7 and 12 (5133) • Approve prohibition of parking on the north side of 15th Avenue from Xenium Lane to 900 feet easterly (railroad spur) k3 Note: Special Meeting topics have been set by Council; all other topics are tentative. • Approve Metropolitan Environmental Partnership Grant Agreement • Approve procedure for updating the Water Resources Management Plan and Surface Water Section of the Comprehensive Plan • Receive final report regarding Greenhouse Gases (as recommended by the Environmental Quality Committee) • Accept utilities for continual maintenance for Fields of Nanterre 2nd Addition (2004043) March 9, Joint Meeting with Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m., Plymouth Creek Center • Land Use Plan for Northwest Plymouth March 14, Special, 5:30 p.m., Meeting Room A & B • Presentation and Training on Emergency Management Plan March 14, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Project hearing for 2006 Street Reconstruction Project, Hemlock Lane, South Bass Lake, and Lost Lake (6101) • Project hearing for 2006 Mill and Overlay Project, Pineview Lane/Schmidt Lake Road (6106) • Receive Financial Trend Report • Receive Unaudited December 31, 2005 Financial Report March 21, Special, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers • Land Use Plan for Northwest Plymouth March 28, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers April 11, Board of Equalization, 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers April 11, Regular, 7:00 p.m. (or immediately following Board of Equalization, whichever is later), Council Chambers April 18, Special, 6:00 p.m. Meeting Room A & B • Police Staffing Study • Fire Staffing Study April 25, Board of Equalization Reconvened, 5:30 p.m. Council Chambers April 25, Regular, 7:00 p.m. (or immediately following Board of Equalization, whichever is later) Council Chambers 14 May 9, Special, 5:30 p.m. Meeting Room A & B • Discuss compensation and benefit practices May 9, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers May 23, Regular, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers is U LLLl 11VYYJi f4p%'1J - 1Y11VUV1\.LJVlll - 11�'111V ULll 1Ylu�'Vl 11u111VU LV JLU Ltr VVCLIU 1 Q.�V 1 Vl 1 MN _ _ SUN PnptPage;` 44 community ftewspopers Plymouth Mayor named to state board by SALLY THOMPSON - SUN NEWSPAPERS (Created: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 9:19 PM CST) Now that her year of duty as president of the League of Minnesota Cities is over, Plymouth Mayor Judy Johnson is taking on a new challenge. Johnson was appointed to the Minnesota Transportation Alliance's Board of Directors for a four-year term. She will represent city government on the state board. "Transportation and transit are important issues in Plymouth, and one of our City Council's legislative priorities," Johnson said. "The entire economy benefits from a sound and adequately -funded transportation system. These are big picture issues that need big picture solutions. "Serving on the board will allow me to bring the local government perspective to the broader discussions." One of the duties of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance is to secure funding, and another is to address transportation and transit issues all over the state, according to a news release from the city of Plymouth. "We do not lobby for one project over another," said Rick Krueger, executive director of the Transportation Alliance. "We're interested in growing the transportation pie so that goods, services and people can move around the state rather than sit in traffic." Johnson will be "a good fit" for the board because, as a locally -elected official, she represents a rapidly growing area, Krueger said. "She [also) has the huge advantage of having been president of the League of Minnesota Cities and is active in the mayors' association," he said. "She has an understanding of local issues, and she brings a state-wide knowledge base that we like." With 300 member groups, the Transportation Alliance is the largest body of associations and organizations working on transportation Issues in the state. It is made up of about equal numbers of public and private sector members, the news release said. This site and its contents Copyright © 2005. Sun Newspapers Ilam - Main Office: 952-392-6800 webinfo@mnsun.com - MMSPAWWW 1 to http://vvww.mnsun.com/articles/2006/02/23/news/pl23judy.prt 2/23/2006 UpL.LrUJ1\aL1116 1L.LU111J LV 1 1.'111VUL11 a1L1.1 lvlls 111LLLUJ Last update: February 21, 2006 —11:53 AM Speedskating returns to Plymouth after long hiatus The lead coach has restarted a west -metro speedskating program after a decade-long break. Regular practice times and low dues are helping the club find a following again. Brian Stensaas, Star Tribune Among the countless pamphlets and posters on the walls of Plymouth Ice Center is one decked in red, white and blue reading: "TRY SPEEDSKATING" Clearly, many have. And they continue to do so. Each Sunday night, the Plymouth Wayzata Speedskating Club meets for 90 minutes. Members ranging in age from 4 to 70 work on techniques first on dry land then take to the ice. 1 ur,. 1 vi t. Lead coach Greg Oly, a seven -time national long -track champion, restarted the program last year after a decade-long hiatus. "We wanted to bring it back locally," Oly said. "Most of our members [from the 1990s] went over to St. Paul," and joined speedskating clubs there. "We're trying to gain support here again." Oly said in total the Plymouth club has about 50 members, though some are seasonal and do not skate year-round. At practice last week, participants were mainly grade -school -aged, which Oly said was a good thing. "Especially if.the kids are started young, this is something the whole family can participate in at one place," he said. "There aren't any long drives to different practices or games." The biggest positive development since restarting the program has been the luxury of having regular ice time. Last year, practices were at different times from week to week. That hurt membership commitments, Oly said. This year they've locked up the Sunday night practice time. The club stays afloat thanks to membership dues. A yearly fee of $25 gets you into the program, then it's $130 per person per season for ice rental -- or a family cap of $300. "We really try to keep the cost down," Oly said. "We want as many members as k7 http://www.startribune.com/1 06/v-print/story/259032.html 2/23/2006 0PUr,Ub&dU11g 1cLUi-116 LU r1y111UUL11 a1LG1 Wllg 111aLUJ rags ul possible." Thanks to a $4,500 interest-free loan from a private company, the club was able to purchase new padding for the Plymouth Ice Center's boards. Oly said the club plans to ask more organizations for donations so it can grow. Already there are signs of maturing. The club is set to host its first short -track meet March 11. "For a lot of kids, it will be their first race, so that will be exciting," Oly said. "And I'm a meet manager for the first time -- so I'll be a little nervous, too." As usual, being an Olympic year, interest in speedskating is high. And the Plymouth Wayzata Speedskating Club has a little promotion on its hands as well. Joey Cheek, gold medalist in the 500 meters and silver medalist in the 1,000 at this year's Olympics in Turin, Italy, got his start in speedskating -- albeit brief -- with the Plymouth speed -skating club in 1995. Cheek, who is from North Carolina, was visiting family here for a week around Thanksgiving. He had been an in-line skater up to that time, but when he got a taste of speedskating in Plymouth, he wanted more. He went on to train in Milwaukee and by 2002, he was good enough to win the bronze medal in the 1,000 meters at Salt Lake City. "He loved it right away," Oly said. "You could tell he was very motivated and very serious." Brian Stensaas - 612-673-4127 02006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. �12 http://www.startribune.com/106/v-print/story/259032.html 2/23/2006 %-1L1NJ VVLl1U LILLLALi JUlVLy 1V1 %JUXL LVl UfA1110 1 Ubv 1 — L - Last update: February 21, 2006 —11:54 AM Cities could trade safety upgrades for quieter trains People who live near west -suburban railroad crossings might be able to sleep a little easier under new regulations. Ben Steverman, Star Tribune Trains whistling through the west suburbs would soon go quiet if cities get their way. New federal regulations allow cities to create "quiet zones" where trains don't blare their horns to warn motorists at railroad crossings. But before the trains stop whistling at all hours of the day and night, the Federal Railroad Administration must determine that it's safe. And in some cases, the cities will have to make improvements at crossings to meet that requirement. Minnetonka, for example, plans to make about $160,600 in safety upgrades this summer to railroad crossings. If it gets the federal government's OK, a quiet zone will be in place by early next year. Minnetonka would build medians north and south of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway line at Crosby and Oakland roads. The medians would prevent drivers from steering around closed safety gates. Next month, the St. Louis Park City Council is expected to discuss creating railroad quiet zones; according to City Manager Tom Harmening. Medina is trying to create a quiet zone at Sioux Drive, and the city is considering the creation of other quiet zones elsewhere, City Administrator Chad Adams said. Plymouth, too, plans some safety improvements, but it's in less of a hurry. It already has a ban on whistles from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The new federal regulations allow local regulations such as Plymouth's to stay in effect for up to eight years if certain conditions are met, Police Capt. Joel Franz said. Upgrades planned in the next five years will help the city maintain the ban on the Canadian Pacific Railway -- at Pineview Crossing, Zachary Lane, Vicksburg Lane and Larch Lane -- through the northern part of Plymouth. The new regulations are complicated, requiring cities to conduct a detailed analysis of the traffic and safety at each railroad crossing before getting approval for a quiet zone. kq http://vvww.startribune.com/1 06rv-print/story/257329.htm1 2/23/2006 Ulises couia trade Safety upgraues lul gUIGLGl uallls rage G ul /- One One Minnetonka crossing, at Dominick Drive, could become a quiet zone without any improvements because of low levels of train and car traffic, according to a consultant hired to study the issue. Nearby resident Shea Johnson welcomes the change. "They're bad," Johnson said of the trains that come through her neighborhood. "You'll hear them all hours of the night." But a whistle ban would only solve part of the problem for her neighborhood. A railroad company also uses an extra track in Minnetonka, Hopkins and St. Louis Park to switch freight cars, creating loud bangs and screeches night and day. A $2.9 million plan to relocate the switching to rural Glencoe, Minn., still needs state and federal funding. Ben Steverman • 612-673-7168 ©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. 1:)o http://www.startribune.com/1 06/v-print/story/257329.html 2/23/2006 Law Opens salaries oz Lop oniciais SU> .. _QM i Illi , '. .�;1 , I � i Last update: February 21, 2006 —11:53 AM Law opens salaries of top officials Wonder what they earn? A new law lets you find out, but whether cities and counties are complying is another question. Ben Steverman, Star Tribune rage i or -i An obscure new state law requires cities and counties to publicize the salaries of their highest-paid employees, but the legislator who wrote the provision is unhappy with how some local governments are displaying the salary information -- often in small type at the bottom of their websites. "There is no question that there are some local jurisdictions out there that are embarrassed by the salaries that they are paying to their local officials," said state Rep. Chris DeLaForest, a Republican from north suburban Andover. Government officials say they have nothing to be embarrassed about. They argue that their top salaries, many in excess of $100,000, are necessary to attract highly qualified professionals to run multimillion -dollar government operations. The new state rule was part of a large bill approved by the Legislature last year. It requires cities and counties with more than 15,000 residents to notify residents of the base salaries of their three highest-paid employees. They must make that information public every year, either by mail -- in a newsletter or property tax notice -- or by posting it on the local government's primary website for at least 90 days. In west -metro cities and counties, the top salaries range from $97,635 for Hopkins' new city manager, Rick Getschow, to $201,300 for Hennepin County's chief medical examiner. Under state law, local governments cannot pay an employee more than $138,023 in 2006 without getting a waiver from the state. School employees are exempt. St. Louis Park City Manager Tom Harmening, earning $134,783 per year, is the west suburban city official closest to that cap. Last year, the Legislature increased that salary cap from $114,288, an amount equal to 95 percent of the governor's salary. The League of Minnesota Cities lobbied for the salary cap change, arguing that Minnesota was the only state that capped officials' salaries. "To have that artificial limit on salary made it difficult to attract qualified candidates to apply for these jobs," said Laura Harris, a lobbyist for the league. The League of Minnesota Cities also lobbied unsuccessfully against ,-A i http://www.startribune.com/1 06/v-print/story/257402.htm1 2/23/2006 L-aw vNcub bajaJIGJ vl wy v111%,lata r arc a vl ., DeLaForest's proposal. Salary information is already public information, so the provision is unnecessary, Harris said. But DeLaForest argued it should be easier for voters to find out officials' salaries. Most city officials surveyed about the new provision said they had no problem with constituents knowing how much they earn. "When I became a public employee, I understood that my compensation would be a matter of public knowledge," said Scott Neal, Eden Prairie's city manager. But many officials did object to the new rule. Carver County Administrator Dave Hemze said simply posting salary information without proper explanation "exposes this issue to unfair criticism and misunderstanding unless additional questions are addressed." And Plymouth City Manager Laurie Ahrens objected to the fact that it is yet another mandate from the state government. This one rule doesn't cost much, she said, but "the cost to local taxpayers for city compliance with hundreds of mandates is very significant." Paid too much? DeLaForest said "there's a great deal of concern amongst taxpayers" about how much city officials earn. But he wouldn't say if he thought local officials earned too much money. The whole point of the disclosure is to let voters decide whether councils or county boards are being too generous with top officials, he said. Maple Grove City Administrator Al Madsen pointed out that the people in his cities' top three positions -- administrator, police chief and public works director - - are on call 24 hours a day. Minnetonka City Manager John Gunyou said he wondered why the Legislature focused so much on the pay of public officials, when the pay of corporate chief executive officers has skyrocketed in recent decades. "You really have to ask yourself where we should be focusing our attention," Gunyou wrote in an e-mail. Some cities and counties are engaged in a "type of evasion," DeLaForest said, by placing salary information in tiny type at spots on websites where they're least likely to be seen. "The clear intent of the laws is to provide information to voters," DeLaForest said, so some cities and counties are clearly violating the spirit of the provision. Eden Prairie places salary information in small type at the bottom of www_ede_nprar.ie.org; the type's height is one less than the copyright notice above it. 'aa http://www.startribune.com/106/v-print/story/257402.htm1 2/23/2006 I_UVY U1JG11J bL7tJ .11GJ Vl LUP VJJJ�,1G11J 1 ar,%., J Vl J "We're not embarrassed at all," said Eden Prairie city spokesman Pat Brink. The notice is long and could take up a lot of room in normal type size, Brink said. "We didn't believe that was the reason people were coming to our website." In fact, the city went beyond the requirements of the law by deciding to post the information year-round, rather than just 90 days per year, and by including the names, and not just the titles, of top officials. Still, DeLaForest said he may ask the Legislature to tighten disclosure rules during this year's legislative session, which starts March 1. That could include requiring a certain type size on websites, or requiring the information be mailed to all residents rather than placed on the Web. Ben Steverman - 612-673-7168 ©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved. �3 http://www.startribune.com/106/v-print/story/257402.htm1 2/23/2006 F -i 0 E c p a) O ca _� c .O c U c N y E a 'C U (A L L N a) yj cu U U C O U lo V O c QO O Z 0`p m U 0 O NO'Ocn-0 E(N .0 i 4 U CU > a) cnc prO 0)> (D (D — i aLUp M -a Z: a0)C:N L N O U N F,? ' O E:O O t0 2 O N 0� E_� 153 U Up a) _0 a) >,c LA I., f:, F- & E F. F F-. L C tr. k: r; g U E. F. & V €- F S, F;!r- V t t.. t- V C.- dL` @ f> i c v E. K v R'-' € k S.. F t €_ r E. 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CO a, ° Co C C � o_ Y cn cn -C 'U j L N a) 0)c m a) C) a) N _p a) a3 E ° ° `. N ■C Y Y 0 °,a) at))? 3�o•c� cnC `m`N m a)c°� °3'o c a) a) —o a)� ��.,c�° 000a)o �o°cc"n•� Em E�°yco Ern Earn E3 n°oaN oc a� °) U))a MCc°ncnEw0 >°ocv o� o c o :3 CU a) °Eoorn0000 — 0> cn w c v N C: oo m vs c N co Qc4WmUQaUdfn co NCD cu c� CD . a) a) aa) Z L cn ac`s A A A A c A A A A m o L E E 0 3 C E v— w c) E cn a) a) E ,. L U o a) O �° a) c 4- N cn a) O m x c L V 'W ° '- �o �cmv ��n �°� .rQo �maoa) w F Co°° Responsible Eminent Domain: A Balanced Alternative to the Institute for Justice /Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association Bill A coalition of local government organizations has drafted legislation that wouldpreserve the. responsible use of eminent domain and the ability of local governments to balance the rights of individual property owners with the needs of the community. The proposal includes substantive and procedural changes that would address the issues raised in the Kelo v.. New London case and would improve Minnesota's eminent domain law for all involved. It is not only a reaction to concerns raised as a result of the Kelo decision, but also would implement improvements to eminent domain law that local officials with real-world experience using eminent domain have suggested. It is a responsible alternative to the proposal developed by the Institute for Justice (IJ) and the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA), and sponsored by Rep. Jeff Johnson and Sen. Tom Bakk. Scope and Impact of the IJ/MADA Bill • The IJ/MADA bill would affect acquisitions for traditional public purposes, such as roads, sewers and parks. By requiring a de novo review at the appellate level, payment of property owners' attorney fees, and automatic compensation for the loss of going concern, the IJ/NL DA bill would significantly increase the cost of many public projects. • The IJ/MADA bill bans the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes, and effectively prohibits the use of this tool for redevelopment. The proponents of the bill purport that most of the projects residents support that involve redevelopment of blighted and contaminated areas would still be able to occur under their legislation. The reality is that many of the redevelopment projects undertaken through public-private partnerships during the past decade would simply not have been possible if the IJ/MADA bill had been law. • The IJ/MADA bill creates virtually unattainable standards for determining what constitutes a "blighted area" and an "environmentally contaminated area," severely compromising the ability to assemble parcels for redevelopment. For example, a severely run-down building could not be considered "blighted" unless it had significant structural building code violations and was nearly unfit for human habitation. "Blight" of this nature is extremely rare in Minnesota. Similarly, the definition of "environmentally contaminated area" contains lot coverage and remediation cost requirements that would make many clearly contaminated properties ineligible for public clean-up efforts. On the whole, the U/MADA bill jeopardizes the viability of critical development projects that businesses and residents have made a priority in their communities. A Balanced, Alternative Proposal The proposal brought forward by the League of Minnesota Cities and other local government groups focuses on changes to current law that would address the concerns property owners have raised in response to the Kelo v. New London decision, and would strengthen accountability by creating a more transparent and predictable eminent domain process. Responsibly addresses concerns raised by the Kelo decision The local government proposal would amend redevelopment and economic development law (Minn. Stat. Chap. 469) to clarify the statutory purposes for which eminent domain may be used. Specifically, the bill: a4 Prohibits use of eminent domain for economic development, except when the project is funded by the State. The proposed bill would prohibit the use of eminent domain solely for economic - development purposes, such as increasing tax base or employment, unless State financial assistance is involved. Specifies the purposes for which a city or other acquiring authority may exercise eminent domain under State redevelopment and economic development laws. The proposal lists several purposes that would justify the use of eminent domain, including: public ownership or use; removing a public- nuisance; ublicnuisance; remedying or improving an environmentally contaminated area; remedying or improving a blighted area; or building affordable housing. Provides clearer, more objective, and reasonable criteria for determining "blight." This proposal would improve on current law by providing a more rigorous test for determining the existence of a "blighted area" for the purposes of eminent domain. If the legislature adopted this more objective standard, there would be no rationale for the heightened standard of court review in redevelopment cases included in the IJ/MADA bill. Strengthens accountability by improving the land acquisition process The local government proposal also makes changes to general eminent domain law (Chapter 117) to provide a more transparent and predictable process for property owners. Specifically, the bill: • Requires uniform appraisal and negotiation requirements for all acquisitions. Under current law, the appraisal and negotiation requirements in 117.036 apply only to acquisitions for transportation purposes. This proposal would extend these requirements to all acquisitions. For example, the bill would require that the acquiring authority obtain an appraisal of the property; allow property owners to obtain an independent appraisal and be reimbursed by the acquiring authority; and require the acquiring authority to share its appraisal with the property owner before initiating condemnation proceedings. • Establishes a definitive timeframe for individuals to appeal the public purpose of any eminent domain acquisition, and allows a court to award attorney fees to a property owner if the court finds that the acquisition is not for a public purpose. The proposal provides that a court order approving the public purpose, necessity, and authority for an eminent domain acquisition is final unless an appeal is brought within 60 days. Establishing a definitive timeframe for appeal of an order creates a more predictable process for all concerned parties. If the court finds that the acquisition is not for a public purpose, then the court may award attorney fees to the property owner. • Requires an acquiring' authority,to offer to sell the property to the previous owner, if a determination is made that property acquired by eminent domain has not been used and is no longer needed for a public purpose. In rare cases where the acquiring authority determines that publicly owned property acquired by eminent domain is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was originally acquired, the acquiring authority must offer to sell the property to the prior owner. This requirement would not apply if the acquiring authority has an alternative use for the propertyand it would remain in public ownership. • Enhances public notice and hearing requirements. for acquisitions for redevelopment and economic development purposes. The bill would provide greater opportunities for public input on a proposed acquisition through a uniform public notice and hearing process. It would also require adoption of a resolution that responds to comments made at the public hearing and articulates how the acquisition serves one or more identified public purposes. • Better recognizes property owners' costs. The bill would provide additional reimbursement for certain appraisals. It would also require reimbursement for up to $50,000 in re-establishment expenses for displaced business owners who qualify under the Federal Uniform Relocation Act. This additional reimbursement would provide further help to business owners to successfully re-establish their businesses. a. The Truth About the Institute for Justice / Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association Eminent Domain Bill What IJ & MADA say What their bill about their bill actually says Cities can still use eminent domain to eliminate most types of "blight." Cities can still use eminent domain to clean up most "environmentally contaminated" properties. Cities can use eminent domain to acquire "non -dilapidated" buildings or . . "uncontaminated property" if at least 50% of the other properties in the area are "_`dilapidated" or "environmentally contaminated." Q Cities can only use eminent domain to address a "dilapidated building" that is "unfit for human use, because it is unsafe, structurally unsound, or lacking in basic equipment" — essentially only structures that are unfit for human habitation. Cities can only use eminent domain to clean up environmentally contaminated property when the contamination is "'on or below more than 50% of the surface area," and where the costs of clean-up "exceed 100 percent of the assessor's market value" — ignoring the impact. that contamination often has on adjoining properties and. the impossibility of measuring the extent of contamination at early stages in the process. Cities can only use eminent domain to acquire "non -dilapidated" or "uncontaminated" property if the acquisition of those properties is "absolutely necessary" in order to remove or remediate the "dilapidated" or "contaminated" building or property - essentially limiting takings to those situations of a common wall or adjacent property. DATE: February 21, 2006 TO: Laurie Ahrens, City Manager THROUGH: Richard C. Kline, Fire Chywi Michael S. Goldstein, Police Chie FROM: Sara Lynn Cwayna, PSE9l SUBJECT: Excutive Summary of Diversity Initiative In 2005, Fire Chief Kline identified the importance of being able to provide fire and life safety education to Plymouth's non-English speaking residents. Immigrants are at high risk for fire, preventable injuries, or to be victims of crime. In many instances, they are not familiar with 9-1-1, smoke detectors, home fire escape plans, child passenger safety, or crime and fire prevention strategies to help keep themselves safe. Plymouth Fire and Police Departments have few means to communicate with the City's non-English speaking residents. Both Departments want to educate non-English speaking residents about the most prevalent safety risks in Plymouth, how to prevent them, and connect them with valuable free or low-cost injury prevention programming. The Fire Department brought together staff from the Police, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development Departments to identify strategies to address this issue. As a committee, staff identified Somali, Russian, and Spanish speaking communities as the target audiences and sought to provide print literature to these non-English speaking residents in their native tongues. The committee conducted a national literature search to identify educational print materials available. Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Anderson found a Russian and Spanish resident that translated program flyers. The Fire Department collected these resources and assembled safety folders in each language. Fire and Police staff networked with apartment communities, Connect Collaborative, and local businesses to place educational folders directly in the hands of non-English speaking residents. More than 200 folders were distributed. The literature gathered varied greatly by language, as did the content of the folders. Because of this, the committee began to develop a comprehensive pamphlet on safety that provided a uniform message in all three languages. The Police Department joined this effort by writing and subsequently receiving a $1,500 Me grant from Super Target to support this initiative. Applebee's also came forward to donate $1,000 to the Fire Department for this project. The pamphlet is now in its final stages of development and the next step is to have it professionally translated and printed. The Fire and Police Departments seek to raise an additional $1,500 to translate and produce 150 pamphlets in each language. Staff will be working with the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund towards this end. The Fire Department is also waiting for a spring or summer response on a FEMA grant proposal the Department submitted in 2005. If funded, this grant will provide for the printing/reprinting of the pamphlets. The Diversity Initiative has demonstrated the power of collaboration and the commitment from Fire and Police to serve and protect all Plymouth's residents. We now receive weekly inquiries from other agencies and cities asking for the template of the pamphlet once it is complete. Plymouth Fire and Police Department's Public Education Diversity Initiative Project Report February 21, 2006 Background: Minnesota ranks first nationally in the number of foreign refugees arriving to the state on a population -adjusted basis and third in the total number of refugees arriving. In 2004, more than 7,300 refugees granted political asylum settled in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These numbers are in addition to the number of immigrants moving to Minnesota each year from another state. Now, a decade after their arrival, many immigrant and refugee families are leaving the inner city and relocating to suburban cities. Plymouth is the seventh largest city in Minnesota and one of the fastest growing communities in the St. Paul/Minneapolis region. As the City has grown, so has its diversity. From 1990 to 2000 the City's Hispanic/Latino population grew 108% and its African American population grew 158%. Russian, Spanish, and Somali nationals make up the greatest increase in foreign -born residents living in Plymouth. Community Risk: Immigrants are at high risk for fire and preventable injuries. Cultural practices, the ceremonial use of candles, open flame cooking, children providing childcare, and multiple generations living in one dwelling (often in high density, low-income rental properties), all contribute to their fire and injury risk. In many instances, immigrants are not familiar with 9-1-1, smoke detectors, home fire escape plans, child passenger safety, or preventable childhood injuries. Prior to late 2005, the Plymouth Fire and Police Departments had no means to communicate with the City's non-English speaking residents to connect them with valuable free or low-cost injury prevention programming. The Departments seek to develop a pamphlet that teaches non-English speaking residents about the most prevalent fire and life safety risks in Minnesota and how to prevent them. Integrated into this pamphlet will be a highlight of the educational programs and services available through the Plymouth Fire Department. Project Report and Timeline October 2004 through March 2005 The Fire Department initiated discussion with other City Departments to address reaching out to Plymouth's non-English speaking communities. Sara Cwayna took the lead in this project and Police Sergeant Curtis Smith and Crime Prevention Officer Angela Haseman joined her to take the project forward. The Committee spoke with staff from Parks and Recreation, Community Development, and Finance, and identified that Somali, Russian, and Spanish-speaking communities are the City's highest priority. The Committee began efforts to connect these communities with fire, crime, and injury prevention education and help them access valuable prevention resources in the City. The Committee discussed that most non-English speaking residents did not settle first in Plymouth after coming to the U.S. Rather, they have lived first in another community or state. Most started 11 out in a major city like St. Paul, Minneapolis, or Rochester or at the location of sponsoring agency or host. Once acclimated, these immigrants are increasingly relocating to suburban communities and greater Minnesota. While many adult and senior immigrants may not speak English, someone within their family, friends, or religious community does. The Committee felt that it is the City's responsibility to provide the same opportunities and information to non-English speaking residents that it provides to English speaking residents. Providing equal access to low cost resources and educational programming, especially for low-income or income restricted residents, is important. The decision of what opportunities are valuable to immigrants and what opportunities are not, should be left to their discretion, not the Committee's. To bridge the gap between language, education, and prevention, the Committee sought to address the following topics. ■ 9-1-1 ■ City Noise, Curfew, and Parking Ordinances ■ Apartment and Home Safety ■ Personal and Child Safety ■ Smoke Detector Safety and Awareness ■ Carbon Monoxide ■ Home Fire Escape Plans ■ Child Passenger Safety ■ Risk Watch ■ Warning Sirens/Emergency Preparedness ■ Police and Fire Departments' Programs The Committee began a national literature search to gather translated print resources. Materials were gathered from Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA); the National Fire Protection Association; the National Crime Prevention Association; the Minnesota Department of Public Safety; the National SAFE KIDS Coalition; the Buckle Up Kids Program; Minneapolis Police Crime Prevention/SAFE Division; and the American Red Cross. In compiling these resources, the Committee recognized a future difficulty. Most agencies have a 50 -copy limit per year, which will limit the number of folders that can be prepared annually. The Committee also launched efforts to translate local fire and police information on the following programs: File of Life, Low Cost Bike Helmets, Low Cost Car and Booster Seat, Auto Theft Prevention Device, Neighborhood Watch, Summer Safety Open House, the Birthday Club, and Smokebusters. The Committee met with Nancy Anderson to enlist her help in finding volunteers to help translate print literature. One Spanish and one Russian-speaking volunteer came forward and translated these materials without difficulty. The Committee was not able to find a Somali volunteer to provide print translation. Translators completed print materials in one month. The Committee then asked Joe Ryan to preview print materials provided by the Minneapolis Police Department. Ryan looked for code compliance and made a small number of revisions. The Senior Corps and a Police Explorer helped the Committee convert the Minneapolis materials into Plymouth materials. Pa Integrating safety and program information, the Committee assembled approximately 200 literature folders: 35 in Somali, 65 in Russian, and 100 in Spanish. Spanish and Russian folders were complete in translated materials. Because very little print literature is available in Somali, these folders included information in both Somali and English. All folders included: ■ 9-1-1 ■ Child Safety ■ Fire Safety, Smoke Detectors, and Home Escape Plans ■ Personal and Apartment Home Security ■ Child Passenger Safety & Low Cost Car Seats ■ The Hennepin County Curfew ■ Bike Helmets ■ The File -of -Life Program ■ The Smokebusters Program ■ The Anti -vehicle Theft Devise ■ Coloring Book/Activity Book for Kids ■ Stickers and Temporary Tattoos For Kids To date, the Committee has not found a volunteer to translate materials into Somali. A Somali translator that has worked for the Minneapolis Police Department is available. However, this contact charges for his services. The Committee has identified several businesses on the web that provide translation services on a cents per word basis. These organizations take legal responsibility for the accuracy of their translation. The Committee found ideal print materials printed in Somali and Spanish that are published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, UK. Because the pamphlets are foreign produced, codes that are referenced are different than in the States and the language and phrasing used is also different than in the States. While the materials will not work in Plymouth, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is to be commended for a job well done. The Committee assembled a plastic tote that contains translated materials in each language. Firefighters and police officers visiting apartment communities with non-English speaking residents can bring this resource bin with them. Information is classified by language and by topic. The Russian and Spanish-speaking volunteers that translated our print materials have also volunteered to provide verbal translation at community meetings. One Somali translator has come forward to provide translation at public meetings. February 2005 A compliment of police officers and firefighters attended a diversity training sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The training was excellent and provided specific information on working with Somali, Spanish, and Hmong communities. The Diversity Committee affirmed that it was on the right track compiling educational material, but learned that working with adults and seniors from these communities would be best received if we networked informally with them to first gain their trust. 3 33 Due to lack of trust in police and government, most immigrants will not choose to attend a meeting sponsored by police or fire. The Departments must first meet and develop trust with community leaders. Once a relationship has been established, Fire and Police can ask to participate in one of .their meetings or gatherings. The Committee decided to complete the literature preparation first. When this is done, the Committee will begin networking efforts in the community. Sgt. Curtis Smith and Sara Cwayna met with Kris Korsmo and Sara Glover of Conect Collaborative to discuss the Departments' initiative and asked for their support in bringing our information to their non-English speaking residents. Conect said that they look forward to being a part of this project and provided an April and May community calendar. March 2005. Sara Cwayna wrote a grant to FEMA/The National Fire Administration asking for funds to expand the Fire and Police Department's diversity efforts. The objective of the grant was to: ■ Hire a part time coordinator to lead diversity efforts. ■ Develop an educational pamphlet that is printed in the languages of Somali, Russian, and Spanish. ■ Teach non-English speaking residents about the most prevalent fire and life safety risks in Minnesota and how to prevent them. ■ Highlight of the educational programs and services available through the Plymouth Fire Department. ■ Distribute educational pamphlets printed in Russian, Spanish, and Somali in the community over a twelve-month period. Pamphlets will teach non-English speaking residents about the most prevalent fire and injury risks and help them access the Fire Department's prevention programming. Pamphlets will also be featured on the City's website. ■ Provide templates of translated pamphlets to the Minnesota Fire Chiefs' Public Education Committee, the League of MN Cities, and any municipality in the state free of charge. Templates will be able to be personalized to represent each participating agency. ■ Bring four Car Seat Check Up/Low Cost Car Seat Programs and four Bike Helmet Programs directly to Somali, Russian, and Spanish-speaking residents living at four low-income, multi - housing rental properties. The Department will work with individually with a minimum of 24 families. Forty bike helmets and 46 car seats will be available to these low-income non-English speaking families. FEMA Grant Awards will be announced spring of 2006. April 2005 Super Target approached Lt. Plekkenpol with the opportunity for the Police Department to apply for a $1,500 community grant through Target Stores. The Police Department solicited ideas from all divisions on possible projects. After reviewing these ideas, the Department decided to enhance the Diversity Project. Sara Cwayna wrote this grant and in August the Department was notified it was a grant recipient. In April and May, firefighters attended five "Club Kids' programs to speak to the kids about summer safety and share our program opportunities with them. The groups were multi -racial and all of the kids spoke English. Sarah Glover, Conect's Project Coordinator, was very pleased with the Fire Department's outreach and encouraged the Committee to continue working with their 4 communities. In June, Fire and Police participated in Conect's Summer Kid's Camp. The Committee continues to look for meetings and events where non-English speaking adults gather. May through December 2005 Fire Chief Kline wrote a letter to the managers and owners at Lakeview Commons, At the Lake Apartments, Four Season's Villa, Lake Mission Oaks, Creek Place, Plymouth Colony, Plymouth Oaks, Regency Point, and Shenandoah Woods. These properties were identified by the Housing Department as highest priority. The letter asked if these properties would be willing to provide diversity folders to their non-English speaking families. Seven communities welcomed the opportunity and the Duty Crew dropped off 115 folders for families. Two properties did not have residents that could not speak English. Managers told the Committee that in these communities, there are usually one or two family members who speak English and communicate for the family. Program information will be valuable to them in English or in their native language. Mission Oaks asked for 20 additional packets in English. Officer Angela Haseman provided Russian folders to Arcady's Market and to the Shenandoah Townhome Association. Firefighters returned to five of these properties to provide a total of thirty- five child passenger safety and fire prevention posters (in Spanish). Fifty-five folders were also provided to Paula Dorn, Jim Barnes, and Renate Melillo of the Housing Department. They will provide these to new and current residents receiving housing assistance. Captain Dave Dreelan brought program materials to Four Seasons Mall and to the editor of a Russian newspaper that has more than 10,000 subscribers. November 2005 Applebee's contacted the Plymouth Fire Department and contributed $1,000 toward the Diversity Project. The Applebee's Corporation held "fire prevention" fundraisers in October. Proceeds then went to local fire education initiatives. December 2005 The Diversity Committee began to outline the diversity pamphlet and solicited input from each Division of the Police Department. With this information, the Committee authored its first draft. Because the pamphlet now includes language on City Ordinances and State Law, the Committee recommends that the project be professionally translated. This will place accountability on the bonded company and take the responsibility off of the shoulders of the volunteers. January 2005 Chiefs Kline and Goldstein reviewed the first draft of the pamphlet. They requested that the pamphlet be condensed and concentrated on crime, fire, and injury prevention education. A second stage of project could be to add program information. At present Russian and Spanish translators are working to translate two brochures that provide a snapshot of police and fire programming. Each brochure is frequently provided to English speaking residents and may be included as an addendum to the diversity pamphlet. 5 z S The Diversity Initiative has demonstrated the power of collaboration and the commitment from Fire and Police to serve and protect all Plymouth's residents. We now receive weekly inquiries from other agencies and cities asking for the template of the pamphlet once it is complete. Committee Participants: Sara Lynn Cwayna, PS Education Specialist Sgt. Curtis Smith Officer Angela Haseman 6 Glacier Page 1 of 1 Diane Tiegs From: Laurie Ahrens Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:01 PM To: Diane Tiegs Subject: FW: Bicyclists Round Table information Please put this in the CIM. Thanks. -----Original Message ----- From: Diane Evans Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:53 PM To: Laurie Ahrens Subject: Bicyclists Round Table information for the CIM Laurie, On Wednesday night the Comprehensive Planning teams for Transportation and Parks & Recreation hosted a round table discussion for bicyclists. The event was a great success! The Black Box Theater was filled with 65 enthusiastic bicyclists who were more than willing to provide insights and suggestions for making Plymouth a more bike friendly community. Also in attendance were representatives from the 494 Commission, Hennepin County Biking Advisory Committee, Hennepin County Human Services and MNDOT. As well, Council member Black and Hewitt and Commissioner Krahulec were present. The meeting started at 6:30 p.m. and wrapped up around 9:00 p.m. The agenda included a presentation from Kate Diercks who talked about the "Commuter Challenge", information about our current Comprehensive Plan, a presentation from Greg Anderson who talked about the Hennepin County Trail and Bike plan and finally a mapping exercise for participants to identify bike routes currently used and future desires. The main portion of the meeting provided community members an opportunity to ask questions, provide information and make suggestions. In addition to the map, participants completed a survey that gathered contact information, type of bicycling they do, frequency, distance and space for general comments. Over the next few weeks we will be compiling the data. Included in this data will be the information obtained from the 21 email comments that we received over the last few weeks. Diane Evans Superintendent of Recreation Plymouth Parks and Recreation 763-509-5220 d_evans@ci....ply_mo_uth...m,n_._us 2/24/2006 '3 DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT February 13, 2006 Judy Johnson, Mayor Laurie Ahrens, City Manager Diane Evans, Superintendent of Recreation throu Eric Blank, Director of Parks and Recreation Appointment of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chairperson and Vice Chairperson According to Section 305.03, Subdivision 3 of the Plymouth City Code, the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission are appointed by the Commission from among the members of the Commission, subject to approval by the Mayor. At their February 9, 2006 meeting the Commission selected Ron Fiemann as Chairperson and Ellie Singer as Vice Chairperson for the current term ending January 31, 2007. On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, am requesting that you indicate your approval of the appointments. DATE: February 23, 2006 TO: Lauril e ens, City Manager FROM: es, Housing Programs Manager, through Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Tax Increment Financing Application and timeline for CommonBond's Vicksburg Commons rental town home project As you are aware, Lundgren Brothers Development has sold a portion of the Taryn Hills Planned Unit Development to CommonBond Communities to construct a 50 -unit rental town home development. The development will consist of 46 2 & 3 bedroom units and 4 one -bedroom units. The following list indicates the income restrictions that will apply to the units. 1). 31 units restricted at or below 50% of the area median income 2). 15 units restricted at or below 30% of the area median income 3). 4 units restricted at or below 15% of the area median (homeless individuals) As part of this project, CommonBond has requested financial assistance from a variety of sources. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has awarded tax credits, subordinate financing and will provide a first mortgage. Additionally the Metropolitan Council has awarded the project $300,000. In order to complete the financing package, CommonBond has submitted an application to the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority for Tax Increment Financing in the amount of $500,000. Staff is working with our consultants to prepare documents. Attached is the timeline of events for this moving forward. You should keep in mind that if CommonBond submits their planning package later than anticipated the dates on this timeline will shift accordingly. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Plymouth HRA - City of Plymouth, Minnesota Establishment of Tax Increment Financing (Housing) District No. 1-2 within Redevelopment Project Area No.1 (Common Bond Project) Time Schedule - Public Hearing June 13, 2006 Wednesday, March 15 Site Plan submitted to City for Review Tuesday, April 11 City Council calls for public hearing @ 7 pm (resolution provided by Dorsey & Whitney) On/Before April 11 County and School District receive initial request for information letter (sent by SPRINGSTED) Prior to receipt of impact letters & draft TIF plan Thursday, April 20 HRA reviews TIF documents On/Before Friday, April 28 County Commissioner receives notification letter (sent by SPRINGSTED) 30 days prior to publication of notice of public hearing On/Before May 11 County and School District receive impact letters & draft TIF plan (sent by SPRINGSTED) 30 days prior to public hearing Wednesday, May 17 City Planning Commission reviews and approves project site plan 0 7pm City Planning Commission reviews TIF documents (TIF documents provided by SPRINGSTED) (resolution provided by Dorsey & Whitney) Thursday, May 18 HRA approves TIF Plan (TIF documents provided by SPRINGSTED) (resolution provided by Dorsey & Whitney) 2/21/2006 LAO Thursday, June 1 Publication of notice of public hearing In Plymouth Sun Sailor Deadline: Thurs., May 25 (arrangements made by SPRINGSTED) 10.30 days prior to public hearing Tuesday, June 13 City Council reviews and approves project site plan 97pm City Council holds public hearing, and adopts resolution establishing TIF District (resolution provided by Dorsey & Whitney) After June 13 State filing and request for county certification (completed by SPRINGSTED) 2/21/2006 Page 2: I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and your neighbors about your concerns and viewpoints regarding the growth and development of the land along the Elm Creek Corridor. 'Your perspective is important to .us and to our goals of preserving the character and resources along Elm Creek. I hope you and your neighbors will consider our group as. a resource for additional information and contacts with other groups that may be of value to you as a landowner and concerned citizen. These groups include other concerned non -profits that have resources and experience in working with landowners to preserve their land in alternative ways than traditional sales to developers. Please check out website listed below and feel free to contact me. Thank you for speaking up! I g .V Sincerely, . 6 i 315 Kent Kiewatt Director, Friends of Elm Creek. U y .. - - -- - 4 - - - - j - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To: City Council Members of Plymouth C/O Ms. Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: Elm Creek Corridor development in NW Plymouth • I support the creation of the Elm Creek Corridor Trail and Parkway System connecting the cities of Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Medina, along the Elm Creek Corridor in Northwest Plymouth. • I support the goals of protecting a significant amount of upland open spaces along . this corridor. • I support a public access to this corridor via a trail systems and the use of "Parkways" for the primary transportation routes along the Elm Creek Corridor where feasible. Sincerely, n,ddress AJ www.elmcreekfriends.ora Ph 612.280.4806 PO Box 2258 Maple Grove MN 55311 4a- To: City Council Members of Plymouth,' C/O Ms. Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director] 3400 Plymouth Blvd # Plymouth, MN 55447: �B RE: Elm Creek Corridor development in NW Plymouth lY"VrFILjMUUjMWV MW ! • I support the creation of the Elm Creek Corridor Trail and Parkway System connecting the cities of Maple Grove, Plymouth, and Medina, along the Elm Creek Corridor in Northwest Plymouth. • I support the goals of protecting,a significant amount of upland open spaces along this corridor. • I support a public access to this corridor via a trail systems and the use of "Parkways" for the primary transportation routes along the Elm Creek Corridor where feasible. Sincerely, �,vz;� Address www.elmcreekfriendL= Ph 612.280.4806 PO Box 2258 Maple Grove MN 55311 IS February 23, 2006 Dear Resident/Land Owner: CITY OF PLYMOUTFF The City has recently received an application from Lifestyle Properties, under File No. 2006006, requesting approval of a rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development), C-2 (Neighborhood Commercial) and RMF -2 (Multiple Family 2) to PUD (Planned Unit Development), the PUD General Plan and a preliminary plat to construct 36 townhouse dwellings and 25 single-family dwellings on property located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Nathan Lane and Bass Lake Rd. A map indicating the location of the subject property is provided below. This letter is being mailed to all landowners within 750 feet of the site in order to provide notice and information about the application — in advance of the official notice that will be sent out prior to the Planning Commission's public hearing on the matter. The City will send out another letter notifying you of the Planning Commission public hearing date, not less than ten days prior to the hearing date. The purpose of the -public hearing is to allow neighboring property owners to appear in front of the Planning Commission to ask questions and make comments relating to the application. You may also submit comments in writing. All written comments will become part of the public record. If you have any questions or comments concerning this application or the review procedures, please call Marie Darling, Senior Planner, at (763) 509-5457. In addition, you may review information relating to this application at City Hall during regular office hours. The application and plans are available for review at City Hall. Office hours at City Hall are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays, and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, except holidays. Plymouth City Hall is located at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard. I I 111NW I I I I I I I V Sincerely, Barbara G. Senness, AICP Planning Manager notices/2006/2006006-first-notice. do c x m J44 PLYMOUTH A Beaulu[Pface 7o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (763) 509-5000