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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 06-13-1997NNE 13,1997 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. NOTE: Ward 1 Councilmember Tim Bildsoe meets with residents and receives their comments in the Administration Library, beginning at 6: 00 p.m. before each Council meeting. JUNE 16 6:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MEET WITH WAYZATA SCHOOL BOARD Public Safety Training Room JUNE 18 5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MEET WITH ROBBINSDALE SCHOOL BOARD Public Safety Training Room JUNE 18 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers JULY 1 7:00 P.M. SPECL4L COUNCIL MEETING N. W. PLYMOUTH SURVEY Public Safety Training Room JULY 9 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 2. BOARD AND COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, MONDAY, JUNE 16, 7:30 P.M., Medicine Lake Room. 3. HRA, THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 7:00 P.M., Medicine Lake Room. (M-3) 4. BUSINESS RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE, MONDAY, JUNE 23, 7:00 P. M., Medicine Lake Room. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO Page 2 June 13, 1997 5. PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 7: 00 P.M., Council Chambers. 6. SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY POLICING, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 6:00 P.M., Medicine Lake Room. 7. PACT, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Room. 8. MEETING CALENDARS — June and July meeting calendars are attached. (M-8) 1. MINUTES a. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 15, 1997 meeting. (I -la) 2. NEWSARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a. Northwest Community Television news release about the national Alliance for Community Media award to Cable 12 News 1996 election night coverage as one of the best cable news programs in the nation. (I -2a) b. City news release asking for cooperation in the odd -even water restrictions program in Plymouth. (I -2b) c. Star Tribune Online news story about dry conditions in the region, with a quote from Public Works Director Moore regarding Plymouth's odd -even water restrictions. (I -2c) 3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY- CORRESPONDENCE A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (1-3) 4. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter to the Mayor and Council from David and Mary Anderson commenting on the future development of the property located in the southeast corner of 22"d Avenue and Vicksburg Lane. (I -4a) b. Letter from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities thanking the Mayor and City Council for soliciting participation in the comprehensive planning process in Plymouth. (I -4b) c. Letter to New Hope Lions Club president Stan Feldman from the Mayor thanking the organization for its part in sponsoring the District 281 School food drive and poster contest. (I -4c) d. Letter from Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens to Park Director Eric Blank thanking him for help in the annual Medicine Lake Clean-up event. (1--4d) R CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO June 13, 1997 Page 3 e. Letter to Manager Dwight Johnson from the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission praising Plymouth Public Works Director Fred Moore for his efforts in the Performance Partnerships program. (I -4e) f. Memo to Mayor and City Council from Park Director Blank regarding West Medicine Lake Park newsletter. (I -4f) 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of May 15, 1997 Minutes 3. Approval of T.R.A.I.L.S. 1997-98 Budget, Extension of Program Agreement, and Use of Section 8 Reserves 4. a. Plymouth Towne Square Monthly Housing Reports b. Authorization to Amend Management Agreement with Walker Management, Inc. 5. Status of Shenandoah Townhomes Housing Improvement Area Proposal ** 6. Other Business 7. Adjournment ** The City Council will be holding a public hearing and considering the Shenandoah Housing Improvement Area at its June 18' meeting at 7:OOpm. fq— A n 00 I� I� N NPN N N T3 PVN M N - N N ��rOi r^i o ti ON �� N U 2¢O1 0.�uI l I IIS I� 00 ti I� N T I yr�o=reiM E4 do e U �oa Imo U �E;, x ^A w - �IwUm OF_O�IIQ y n dc p Fm. imx�_ lad 6 a" SO��I O ..l hi e_x N ILEI. I I 114- I� uwz =WE u� Gzcl� �Z9 O z U UA � voi V1 (Yi a cn z o,vM 2 F $ivViA oil Q N $ U •c DO h N ON 'r N N its N1 A M :L I c�d IIS �3 =rte 00 M U V U_ &0 aO C ICd E��i la N ] ¢ EI oo g - �..._ OZ Puj �o0 c.ap I�UU� IOC%, C3Qt-v: oUU gc> IClz u I n ^ ti o0 II !0 yr <Nm g3�.-�� Vi Y'OO�NN III ^ :L MINUTES PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY May 15,1997 A meeting of the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order by Chair David Crain on May 15, 1997, at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Chair David Crain, Commissioners Pat Pelstring, Brad Brown, Brian Helmken, and John Edson ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: HRA Supervisor Ed Goldsmith, Senior Clerk/Typist Barb Peterson OTHERS PRESENT: Council Member Virginia Black, Melody Burnham of Walker Management, Jon Thompson of Hammer Residences and former HRA Commissioner Marjie McFarland RECEPTION HONORING MARJI9 MCFARLAND Chair Crain honored Mar ie McFarland with a presentation of a plaque in recognition of her service to the HRA and the City of Plymouth. After the presentation a reception was held in her honor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Commissioner Pelstring to recommend approval of the March 20, 1997 minutes. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. ASSISTANCE TO HAMMER RESIDENCES, INC. FOR THE BLACK OAKS HOME HRA Supervisor Goldsmith explained that Hammer Residences operates the home at 2611 Black Oaks Lane North for four developmentally disabled adults. The home is now in need of renovations. They need an additional $6,000 which they have requested from the HRA. The staff recommended approval of a loan from the HRA's Fox Forest Affordable Housing account. Commissioner Brown asked if it was an overrun of the project. Executive Director of Hammer Residences, Jon Thompson, replied that the bathroom needs to be enlarged and the fire sprinkler system has caused a problem. The water pressure is not great enough from street to building. This was an unexpected problem. Commissioner Hehnken asked what is the current fund balance. Supervisor Goldsmith responded that $34,000 remains for this year. Commissioner Brown wanted to know if anything else was waiting to compete with this. Supervisor Goldsmith replied there is nothing at this time. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 15, 1997 Page 11 Motion by Commissioner Helmken, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve the use of $6,000 from the Fox Forest Affordable Housing account in the HRA General Fund for a loan to Hammer Residences, Inc. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. SHENANDOAH TOWNHOMES HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS FINANCING ASSISTANCE Supervisor Goldsmith presented the report. Property owners from the Shenandoah Townhomes have petitioned the City to create a Housing Improvement Area under Minnesota Statutes 428A to finance re -siding and related improvements for their development. The cost can be levied against the individual property owners and collected along with property taxes. A number of options were presented and discussed by the Commissioners: 1. Establish the Housing Improvement Area and finance the improvements with either City funds or by selling bonds. This would add to the City's debt, but this is so low that it would not affect the City's AAA credit rating.. Establishing a precedent was of some concern. 2. The City could provide a direct loan which would require the City to come up with the full amount for the improvements, which are estimated to be approximately $1.2 to $1.4 million. has 3. The City could provide a loan guarantee debtservice reserve association cou d e. no make the loan t with a bank and they were very interested. If the homeowners payments, the debt service reserve would begin to make payments. Commissioner Brown wanted to know what recourse the City would have if the association were to fail. Supervisor Goldsmith replied tht City couldotakp over p rtithe es under the management homeowners association or levy feesagainst Improvement Area statute to recoup the City's costs. Commissioner Brown wanted to know if the bank was one which the City does business with. It is not. Commissioner Brown asked what is the average home value in the area. It ranges between approximately $60,000 to $98,000 with an average of approximately $75,000. Commissioner Pelstring wanted to know how bad the siding really is. Chair Crain replied that it is in very bad shape. Commissioner Edson stated that the City would do better to assess the owners for the improvements, similar to street improvements. That opened some discussion regarding issues that the City has had with the private streets in this development. Commissioner Edson stated that he is not against providing financing to make housing improvements, but prefers to do it Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 15, 1997 Page 12 under a direct loan from the City to maintain control of the whole process. He commented that the lien foreclosure process would be very expensive and very drawn. Commissioner Pelstring asked if anyone had looked at the delinquent tax situation. This had not yet been done. [6 of the 219 properties (2.7%) were delinquent in payment of the first half 1997 property tax. Also, approximately 75% of the properties have their taxes escrowed by a mortgage company.] Commissioner Edson stated that this area is important as Plymouth does not have much housing in this price range and we need to take care of it and not let it get run down. The first buildings were built in 1971 and the last building in 1981. They did not hire their first management company until 1995. A new management company was hired in December, 1996. Previously they had been self -managed. They have not had adequate homeowner assessments to pay for these improvements. Their collection history had also been poor. Commissioner Pelstring said that bringing a bank into this would be unnecessary. The City would be responsible in the long run a7way. He thought a fair interest rate would be 8% and that it would be a good deal for the homeowners. This could be reduced on a case by case basis depending on income. He said to keep it simple if it can be done and do it as a straight assessment. Commissioner Edson said to look down the road and make sure the City has a way to secure it's money with as little publicity as possible. No City action is required if the loan payments come through the property tax process. Motion by Commissioner Pelstring, seconded by Commissioner Brown that: 1. The HRA recommend to the City Council that the City finance this project through the Housing Improvement Area statute. 2. That the City add administrative costs up front. 3. That the interest rate be set at 8% and any return in excess of the city's investment rate be returned as a fund for HRA affordable housing. 4. The City should seek to establish a reduction of interest rates based upon need on a case to case basis. Commissioner Edson offered an amendment that the City develop criteria for establishing future housing improvement areas The amendment was accepted by the maker and the seconder of the original motion. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 15,1997 Page 13 j:, 1& APPLICATION FOR 1997 COMMUNITY ACITIVITY SET-ASIDE PROGRAM (CASA) Motion by Commissioner Edson, seconded by Chairman Crain that the Board approve the staff's action in submitting an application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the Community Activity Set -Aside Program for the City of Plymouth for $400,000 in loan authority for first time homebuyer mortgages. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. PLYMOUTH TOWNE SQUARE MONTHLY HOUSING REPORTS Melody Burnham gave her report of Plymouth Towne Square. Inspec, Inc. has not yet issued its report on the water infiltration problems. A Minnegasco energy audit done as part of Inspec's investigation was very favorable. Plymouth Towne Square is at 100% occupancy. MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL AND AGREEMENT FOR PLYMOUTH TOWNE t SQUARE Supervisor Goldsmith explained that the proposal received from North Ridge was unsolicited. They understand that this is simply a preliminary proposal. The Management agreement with Walker will renew automatically at the end of this year unless either party notifies the other by July 3 to allow the Agreement to terminate. Commissioner Brown wanted to know if we are thinking of looking at other proposals. At this time we are not unless Walker does not satisfactorily resolve the issue of the roof, attic and other water infiltration problems. Discussion followed regarding the July 3, 1997 renewal date. We need more time beyond July 3rd to give notice of termination. It was suggested that we extend this time until September 3rd because of the unresolved roof issues. Motion by Commissioner Pelstring, seconded by Commissioner Edson that the HRA request that Walker agree to an amendment to extend our notice of termination option until September 3rd. They will have until June 15 to reply to this amendment. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously. STATUS REPORT ON THE COMMUNITY HOME PROGRAM The Program has repaid the $23,997.05 loan from the HRA plus $4,336.25 in interest. They have closed on their financing and had a groundbreaking on their first home in April. The Plymouth home is expected to begin construction in the Spring of 1998. Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority May 15, 1997 _ Page 14 TRAILS FUND RAISING REPORT Staff has begun private fund raising for the program. Donations have been received from Marquette Bank ($500) and Turck, Inc. ($500). Some potential contributors indicated that they give towards the end of the year. Staff will follow-up with them at the appropriate time. Staff is also preparing a request to Honeywll, Inc. Commissioner Brown asked if we had looked at the McKnight Foundation. Carol Bede would be the contact person. [The McKnight Foundation's Welfare to Work project is to fund new initiatives. As an existing initiative, T.R.A.I.L.S. does not qualify. Staff is attending planning meetings with other west Hennepin agencies and McKnight regarding this project.] General Mills was also mentioned as well as the new Riverside Bank. CORRESPONDENCE TO STATE LEGISLATORS These memos were included as general information. M OTHER BUSINESS: SHENANDOAH WOODS APARTMENTS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Concern was mentioned regarding the lower number of rental apartments that would be developed on a site that had been designated and provided with public facilities to support higher densities. A motion was made to recommend to the City Council and the Planning Commission that the density be between 84 and 105 units for the site. Vote 4 ayes. (Commissioner Helmken abstained) Meeting Adjourned 9:55 P.M. NORTHWEST COMMUNITY TELEVISION,, 6900 Winnetko Avenue Brooklyn Park, MN 55 (6 12) 533-8196 For immediate release 6/5/97 Contact: Dan Schillinger, News Director 533-8196 Alliance for Community Media (202) 393-2650 CABLE 12 NEWS WINS NATIONAL HONOR WASHINGTON, D.C.--The Alliance for Community Media has named Cable 12 News' 1996 election night coverage one of the best local cable news programs in the nation. Cable 12's live electionfnight coverage was anchored by John Jacobson and produced by Lori Ziebarth. It featured live updates from reporters Ann Koland, Fritzie Borgwardt and Nichole Day reporting from several northwest suburbs. Cable 12 was singled out for the award from more than 1400 entries submitted by cable access producers from across the country. The award will be presented to the station July 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Alliance's annual "Hometown Video Festival" and conference. The Alliance for Community Media is a national nonprofit organization that works to improve and expand public, educational, and government access programming on cable television. - 30 - Northwest Community Television's Cable 12 is part of King Videocable's channel line-up in 60,000 northwest suburban homes and covers local news and events happening in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hanover, Hassan, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and Rogers. Brooklyn Center • Brooklyn Park • Corcoran • Crystal • Golden Valley • Hanover • Maple Grove • Medicine Lake • New Hope • Osseo • Plymouth • Robbinsdale • Rogers For Immediate Release June 9, 1997 61 YV` -- Loc1l 0%` j x� For More Information: Fred Moore, 509-5501 PLYMOUTH ASKS FOR COOPERATION WITH ODD -EVEN WATER RESTRICTIONS The dry, warm weather of the past two weeks is already taking a toll on the local water supply. Plymouth set an all time record for water use on June 8 when residents used 23 million gallons of water. On an average summer day, Plymouth water customers go through 10 - 11 million gallons a day. To ensure that water is available to handle fire emergencies, odd -even water restrictions on all outdoor water use are in effect through Sept. 30 for all City of Plymouth water customers. Since June 1, Plymouth water customers have been using an average of 19.3 million gallons a day. Using that much water means that all wells are running at capacity all day. "Lowering the water table is the real concern here. The more water people use, the longer the wells must run and the lower the water table drops. If the water table gets drawn down too low, the City will have to begin shutting off pumps," said Public Works Director Fred Moore. City well pumps depend on the ground water to keep them cool. If the water is too low to cover the pumps, the pump engines burn out in a matter of minutes. "Our first concern is having sufficient water available for fire emergencies and for daily domestic use," Moore said. "We need people to use water with an eye toward conservation. It's imperative that they adhere to the odd -even restrictions. In addition, we need them to use water sparingly during their daily activities until we receive some rain," Moore said. Water Restrictions Businesses and residents with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd - numbered days. Those with even numbered addresses may water on even -numbered calendar days. City water customers may wash vehicles and do hand-held hose watering of shrubs, flowers and trees on any day provided the hose is equipped with a nozzle with automatic shutoff. The restrictions apply to unattended outdoor watering, including new sod, landscaping and timed sprinklers. The PLYMOUTH A Beau tifu[Place To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONF (F1?) hn4-�nnn =Z6 i penalty for violating restrictions is $100 for each day of violation. Violators receive one written warning before they are penalized. If conditions require the City to modify the restrictions, changes will announced on: • WCCO-AM 830 Radio; • Cable 12 News • Cable Television Channel 37; and • City Web site. The address is wwwA.plymouth.mmus. • The Water Restriction Hot line, 509-5512. The Hot line is a 24-hour recorded message of up-to- date water restriction information. s -30- For Immediate Release June 13, 1997 l-Zb --TV For More Information: Fred Moore, 509-5501 PLYMOUTH ASKS FOR COOPERATION WITH ODD -EVEN WATER RESTRICTIONS TO AVOID HAVING TO TIGHTEN RESTRICTIONS' New records for water use are short lived these days in Plymouth. The dry, warm weather of the past two weeks is taking a toll on the water supply. Plymouth set an all time record for water use on June 8 when its 60,000 residents used 23 million gallons of water. The record only stood for one day. By June 9, water use had climbed to 25 million gallons. On an average summer day, Plymouth water customers go through 10 - 11 milliotn gallons a day. With no significant rain in sight, the City is at the point of considering whether its current odd - even restrictions will have to be tightened. To avoid having to mandate more stringent restrictions, the City is asking residents to voluntarily cutback on non-essential outdoor water use. To ensure that water is available for public safety purposes, odd -even restrictions on all outdoor water use go into effect annually May 1 - Sept. 30 for all City of Plymouth water customers. Public Works Director Fred Moore is evaluating whether the restrictions will have to be tightened. "We're at the point where we have to make a decision on a daily basis as to whether the odd -even restrictions are enough. If we can get more voluntary cutbacks from people, odd -even may get us through until we get some rain. If people insist on doing non-essential outdoor watering, they likely won't be enough," said Moore. The City's top priority must be to have enough water to handle fire emergencies and daily household needs, according to Moore. Plymouth's 13 wells have been operating at capacity since June 1 to meet the demand for water. "Thirteen days running at capacity is tough. Usually during a summer we might have a period where we run wells at capacity for seven or eight days. The law of averages is that something is going to break down if we can't give the equipment a rest," said Moore. More PLYMOUTH A Beau t (PfaceTo Live gdnn PI vMnt ITH Rnlll_FVARn • PI_YMnUTH MINNFROTA 55447-1482 9 TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 Plymouth Water Restrictions Page 2 of 2 Since June 1, Plymouth water customers have been using an average of 19.3 million gallons a day. "Lowering the water table is the real concern here. The more water people use, the longer the wells must run and the lower the water table drops. As the water level gets lower, the wells become less efficient and cannot pump as much water. If the water table gets drawn down too low, the City will have to begin shutting off pumps," said Public Works Director Fred Moore. City well pumps depend on the ground water to keep them cool. If the water is too low to cover the pumps, the pumps burn out in a matter of minutes. "Some people put a lot of work into their lawns, but it's important to keep things in perspective. Our first concern is having sufficient water available for fire emergencies and for daily domestic use," Moore said. "We need people to use water with an eye toward conservation. It's imperative that they adhere to the odd -even restrictions. In addition, we need them to use water t sparingly during their daily activities until we receive some rain," Moore said. Plymouth Water Restrictions Businesses and residents with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd - numbered days. Those with even numbered addresses may water on even -numbered calendar days. City water customers may wash vehicles and do hand-held hose watering of shrubs, flowers and trees on any day provided the hose is equipped with a nozzle with automatic shutoff. The restrictions apply to unattended outdoor watering, including new sod, landscaping and timed sprinklers. The penalty for violating restrictions is $100 for each day of violation. Violators receive one written warning before they are penalized. If conditions require the City to modify the restrictions, changes will be announced on: • Cable 12 News • Cable Television Channel 37 • City Web site. The address is www.ci.plymouth.mn.us. • The Water Restriction Line, 509-5512, a 24-hour recorded message of up-to-date water restriction information. Information on changes will also be provided to metropolitan media outlets. -30- -�- 2(-q- ■r� � �� Published Tuesday, ,;u�ie 10, 199 Cool, dry spring has taken toll on plants in metro area Ingrid Sundstrom / Star Tribune Cooler and drier weather this spring has had a profound effect on the plant world Star Tribune Online in the Twin Cities area. There has been a devastating early May freeze and late Viety May frosts, and less than normal rainfall. With only 6 1/2 inches so far this year, IV we're about 4 inches short of normal rainfall, the National Weather Service reports. HelAd Items But not all the news is bad. REGardening woes?Ask a Master Gardener The service's long-term forecast for this summer calls for below -normal Zone 4 temperatures and near-normal precipitation. However, consulting meteorologist Bruce Watson, who specializes in long-range forecasts, has a less -rosy prediction: "Despair for June, hope for July and optimism for August." He expects below -normal precipitation through at least early July. Higher temperatures and increased watering of lawns, trees and gardens in the past week have pushed full leafing of the trees and growth spurts of grass, plants and tomatoes. Most forecasters and horticulturists are not willing to talk drought yet. "The topsoil may be dry," said Greg Spoden, a climatologist with the Department of Natural Resources, "but the middle and lower layers of the soil -moisture profile are fine. In the short term, we won't see stress in plants with deep root systems unless tl}is persists." That's because last summer's dry spell was followed by an "extraordinarily wet October and November that ended that downward spiral" by replenishing the moisture in the soil, he said. However, consulting meteorologist Bruce Watson already is using the d -word. "We're in the early stages of a drought," he said. "The grass is in horrible shape. It's already taken a beating from the dry conditions and shallow -rooted stuff is already suffering." Harold Pellett, a University of Minnesota horticulture professor, said there is concern about lawns going into dormancy so early in the season. Grasses and trees, especially stressed ones, can only benefit from good waterings -- but no more than an inch a week. Trees and shrubs should have been fertilized before new growth started, but you can lightly fertilize stressed -looking plants if you water them well, he said. Meanwhile, many Minnesotans are noting lawns that are dead in toto or in patches; some stressed trees and shrubs have died or leafed out late and in unusual pattens, and some gardeners lost normally hardy perennials while noting that some annual plants have re sprouted. On the other hand, lilac blooms have stretched out longer than usual in the cooler weather, and pansies still are showing bright colors and cheerful faces in great profusion. The season for kohl crops such as broccoli and cauliflower and for peas and lettuces are lasting much longer than normal. "It's been weird weather," said horticulturist Shirley Mah Kooyman of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. "But some plants that normally have a short period of enjoyment before the heat and rains set in may get a chance to really put on a show this year." Grass seed and sod sales have soared this spring as homeowners struggle to replace lawns lost or damaged in the unusual conditions that wiped out hundreds of acres of fields of new -planted sod in the northern metro area. The losses are attributed to a combination of factors, beginning last fall, when there were heavy rains just before the arrival of below -freezing temperatures and y z� snow, smothering and killing young grass plants, said Jim Keiken of Norlex Turf in Blaine, which lost about 60 acres of sod fields in Andover. Then came spring losses. "We re -seeded early this spring, but it hasn't sprouted due to lack of water and cool ground temperatures. Nothing germinated at all. I put seed down, and nothing's coming up," he said. Seeding those fields now won't happen until the normal planting season in August, he said. Sod supplies for this year shouldn't be affected, but next year's crop is in jeopardy, said Keiken and John Hogdal, of Hogdal Turf in Ham Lake. As a result, there was a huge bulge in sales of grass seed and sod rolls. "We've sold more grass seed this spring season than we normally sell all year long," said Mike Hibbard, Bachman's horticultural adviser. Bachman's store on Lyndale Av. S. in Minneapolis refers sod customers to Klier's Nursery and Garden Center, where sales have been brisk and supplies steady, said Howard Klier. "Grass seed sales been up, no question about it," he said. "It's almost as high as when we came out of drought several years ago." Sod prices have increased three or four times this spring, partly because Klier's suppliers have had to truck in sod from farther away. i With all that grass seed sitting on lawns waiting for warm weather and rains to germinate and grow, the wait has been a long one. And the demand on municipal waterworks has been heavy, so much so that several metro communities have instituted watering restrictions. We always have odd -even watering restrictions, going back to 1980," said Fred Moore, Plymouth's director of public works. "But the demand is really high this year.... Since June 1, we've been averaging 19.3 million gallons of water a day, and we set the all-time usage record yesterday Sunday, the 8th, with 23 million gallons." But if the Weather Service's long-range forecast is right -- near-normal rainfall and 11 ! slightly cooler weather -- that could be very good for gardens, said Deborah Brown, University of Minnesota Extension Service horticulturist. Gardening woes?Ask a Master Gardener Zone a "That's great for flower gardening," she said. "Flowers last longer, their colors don't fade and the plants are more compact. Gardens could look great this summer." f� Tre.tkbe -- Staff writer Connie Nelson contributed to this report. Ask 19Wvariety ® Copyright 1997 Star Tribune. Al rights reserved. 00 i 4 N� d ,A �i 1 v�1 tn ki 1 ,n r ON C*l ON� N N N N N 6 6 ck O O 4 N V7 vA v1 Vn to �° �O �D �O �G �O � �o �O �O 00 00 4 � � ON ON N N' r- O ,.y W) �A A �A O ON ON 9 1� 9 9 9 v 00 � � .�-� ON ON • -+ N W) N r - N -A A to v1 A wn w) A A n �A 0 o xi=4 x 3 o a� d o 4-4 o .. a o o N N 00 a M �$ oa to=° o a>i 0 ccii ��� 3 O''S.-W� �o 3 A 0' � o b N'- a G cqs cd O CA O 3 W M030 -4- .^U. s o 1 ° a� ou o a o o o 'o b aa3x��Hc�wUE��a vsAdNNdU �n C o prn Cl t, E - U 5 o � -o ~'e) U 0cis A uN o° o @ o r z �a 6.4 aa�C3 a 0as U cq3 C73ti � °'titw uCIO A W x o 6.4 2A xM I=xc7 x x xc7w c7 �O M l� M 06 M ON M O d• M 00 June 4, 1997 Mayor Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Re: Property Located at the Southeast Corner of 22nd Avenue and Vicksburg Lane Dear Mayor Tierney: We are writing to you regarding the future development of the above-mentioned property in Plymouth. We do plan to attend the public hearing this month which will be held by the Plymouth Planning Commission. Our family has lived close to this site for over 10 years and we would strongly consider moving out of the area if this site were to be developed commercially. Commercial development would impact the area in many negative ways. Consider the following: * It would pose a major traffic concern, putting the many families that populate the area at risk. There is already too much traffic and cars often exceed the 50 mph speed limit. We have stopped walking on the sidewalk along Vicksburg because we feel it is unsafe. * It has the potential to become a loitering area much like the commercial development on the southeast corner of County Rd. 6 and 101. * It would not fit into the surrounding residential neighborhoods and nearby Parker's Lake. * It would cause real estate property values to decrease. Many homeowners have spent $200,000 - $300,000 for their homes (Steeplechase and Fox Run neighborhoods) and would not like to see their investment impacted in a negative way by commercial development. We have gas stations, fast-food restaurants, liquor stores, convenience stores and day care centers all less than a five minute drive from the area. For the above reasons, we are opposed to the proposed commercial development of this property. Wouldn't it make more sense if this site could be rezoned to a low density residential area? It would preserve the quality of living in the neighborhood and keep it family friendly. Thank you for your time and consideration to this matter. Sincerely, r! LU -- David and Mary Andersen cc: Plymouth Planning Commissioners Plymouth Council Members Plymouth Staff Members Avok BUILDERS ASSOCIATION of THE TWIN CITIES June 9, 1997 Mayor Joy Tierney J1lfa , Members of the City Council ''- % D �3 City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 Dear Mayor Tierney and Members of the r Thank you for inviting representatives from the Builders Association of the Twin Cities to participate in the community kick-off initiating the comprehensive planning process in Plymouth. The efforts to solicit broad public input are truly commendable and the innovative high-tech tools helped create a forum for an interesting exchange of ideas and concerns. However, a major concern we must raise is: While many area residents may wish to be surrounded by wide open spaces, the economic, social and cultural realities demand a thorough and challenging review of the facts. Residents in or near the northwest quadrant of the city are fearful about future development. To help address these concerns, an educational process may need to be initiated that results in a better understanding of the community development process. With good land use planning and proper zoning tools, Plymouth will provide the long-term amenities a prosperous community will need to maintain and provide housing for future generations. For example, additional townhouse units will provide the current 35-50 year old residents with affordable styles and location choices in ten or fifteen years when those residents will very likely want to make different housing choices. Those same residents' children may also choose to stay near where they were born and raised, close to families and churches, schools and shopping, and job locations familiar to them. They will be looking for, perhaps, single-family detached housing in the $100,000 to $150,000 price range. Growth in Plymouth is projected to increase by adding 10,000 new housing units by the year 2010. As Plymouth continues to grow and prosper, Plymouth will be a choice community for citizens throughout the region, and will continue to be the choice for existing Plymouth residents. In fact, the experience of a major builder in Plymouth shows that over 809o' of their new home buyers in Plymouth are from 1325 East 79th Street, Suite 6, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425-1196 Phone (612) 851-9242 - Main Fax (612) 851-9560 - Parade Fax (612) 851-9570 within the city. Therefore it is important for you to consider where you will want your family members to live in the future. They too will want to have housing choices like family members had before them. We also note that Plymouth's Livable Communities Act agreement with the Metropolitan Council suggests that to increase the availability of affordable rental and owner occupied housing, Plymouth must pay close attention to land prices. The economic reality is of course, land prices increase as land becomes more scarce. Schools are also a major consideration for a growing community like Plymouth. We encourage the city to ask area school districts to supply the city with the districts' analysis of the assumptions used to calculate repayment of bond debt. It is likely this fiscal analysis included growth projections for the city of Plymouth. No doubt many of us also need to gain a more clear understanding that increased population results in more housing units but it also means an increase in employment opportunities, not to mention the significant economic spin-off effect of the development and building process itself and the long-term impact of development once it is completed and becomes part of the community. Further, we need to dispel the comfortable myth that suggests if there is no change, there will be no increase in costs or services. History provides for us a very different economic experience. To help address the fears and concerns we hear throughout the metro region, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities plans to initiate a comprehensive cost assessment analysis this summer to help consumers, public policy makers, and our own industry assess the cost of housing our region's residents and future residents will incur. As this work progresses, we will be happy to share our information with the city. We look forward to seeing the results of your survey and we look forward to working with Plymouth on the comprehensive planning process. We would also be happy to provide data and information that may be useful to Plymouth and the planning process. Thank you for your consideration of our comments. Sincerely, ib Gary L urent, Chairperson Public Policy Committee Ka en Christofferson Director of Public Policy cc: Anne Hurlburt, City of Plymouth BATC Board of Directors and Public Policy Committee June 13, 1997 Mr. Stan Feldman New Hope Lions Club 8900 29`h Avenue North New Hope, Minnesota 55427 Dear Mr. Feldman, The Plymouth City Council joins me in thanking you and the New Hope Lions Club for sponsoring the food drive and poster contest in District 281 schools. I understand that Plymouth students at Zachary and Pilgrim Lane schools were very active participants in the project, and that students will be recognized at a special program the evening of June 18. We applaud your project, which certainly builds bridges across communities and makes kids more aware of the world beyond themselves. Our thanks to the New Hope Lions and to the many students who participated. Job well done! Sincerely, Joycelyn H. Tierney Mayor of Plymouth PLYMOUTH :I Bcautiiful Pface'Io Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 Dear Eric, Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens May 31,1997 This letter is written in thanks for your assistance with the annual Medicine Lake Clean Up held this May. As always, your efforts are appreciated and the event was successful. We look forward to working with you in other issues. 0 d Sincerely i Bridget Jodell President of AMLAC BASSETT CREEK WATER MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Curtis A. Pearson, Attorney 470 Pillsbury Center Minneapolis MN 55402 (General Address) Phone: 612/337-9221 Fax: 612/337-9310 May 9, 1997 Mr. Dwight Johnson City Manager City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Road Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mr. Johnson: Leonard Kremer, Engineer Barr Engineering Company 8300 Norman Center Drive Minneapolis MN 55437-1026 Phone: 612/832-2600 Fax: 612/832-2601 Crystal Golden Valley Medicine Lake Minneapolis Minnetonka New Hope Plymouth Robbinsdale St. Louis Park At Governor Carlson's April 1997 Partnership in Minnesota Conference, we heard both federal and state agencies emphasizing the need for more effective public service through "Performance Partnerships" involving the public and private sector focusing on meeting stakeholder needs. I believe that through the efforts of the commissioners from Crystal, Golden Valley, Medicine Lake, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, New Hope, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, and your Alternate Commissioner Fred Moore and your staff, that the Bassett Creek Watershed Partnership has been a model for this concept of "Performance Partnerships." Our most recent partnership project involved the U.S. Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the nine cities of the Commission to construct a multipurpose water management system at Bassett Creek Park. Because the project was multipurpose, the public saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, while the project improves water quality, controls floodwaters, and provides more open space. This partnership effort received a 1997 Governor's Commendation at the conference. I am pleased to present the enclosed Certificate of Commendation signed by Governor Arne Carlson to the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission. Thank you for your participation in the success of this partnership effort. Sincerely, "I 4-�,W44� W. Peter Enck Chairman Bassett Creek Water Management Commission WPE:pls Enclosure c: Mr. Ron Quanbeck Mr. Fred Moore 2327051\49722-1 S^ �r e__� ILO FFICE ARNE H. CARLSON GOVERNOR Certificate of Commendation In recognition of your partnership efforts with the Bassett Creek Water Management Partnership this commendation is presented to: Bassett Creek Water Management Commission with the appreciation and respect of the people of Minnesota. IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 30th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven, and of the State the one hundred and thirty-eighth. u.� GOVERNOR y 4- -� DATE: June 13, 1997 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Eric J. Blank, Director, Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: WEST MEDICINE LAKE PARK NEWSLETTER The attached newsletter has apparently been randomly distributed to homes around the west side of Medicine Lake. There is no name on the newsletter, therefore, we have no idea who is responsible for printing it. The information in the newsletter is not accurate, and I wanted to clarify some points with you in case you do receive some calls. As you will notice, on the June 18 Council agenda, we are recommending that the Council reject bids that were taken for Phase 3 work at West Medicine Lake Park. Because of state bidding laws, we only had the choice of awarding, or not awarding contracts, and cannot negotiate in-between deals. We have many hundreds of thousands of dollars set aside to complete this work, and we intend to have the majority of it done by the end of the year. The resolution you have on Wednesday evening rejecting the bids also authorizes staff to immediately rebid the project, which we will do as soon as possible. Finally, the beach and park were not scheduled to open this year. None of that was budgeted for 1997. It has always been contemplated that the operating funds to open the park will be budgeted in 1998. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 509-5201. EB/np cc: City Manager NEWS NEWS NEWS -NEWS Construction HAULTS at West Medicine Lake Park Upon completion of Phase 2 (the redirection of West Medicine Lake Drive) the City of Plymouth Engineering Department stated " We do not have the funds to complete the park as it was presented to the public, the bids cane in too high". They have no idea how to build the park as it was designed without cutting some of the amenities. This project is already a year late and is on hold. See Plymouth News, July 95, January 95, July 94. Do You want a completed park ? Do You want a beach you can swim at ? t Do you want a completed bike/walking path ? Do You want a completed Park, This Year ? Call and let your opinion be known. Mayor Joy Tierney R. 473-1681 V.M. 509-5006 City Council Ward 3 Saundra Spigner R./Fax 544-3049 V.M. 509-5004 At Large Judy Johnson R./Fax 557-4926 V.M. 509-5007 Christian A. Preus R. 475-0561 V.M. 509-5005 City Engineer in charge of park project, Erik Blank 509-5500