HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 11-15-19961.
NOVEMBER 15,1996
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
NOVEMBER 20 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
DECEMBER 4 6:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Medicine Lake Room
Consider City Manager Salary
DECEMBER 4 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
2. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 7.00 P.M., Council
Chambers. Agenda is attached. (M-2)
3. SUB -COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY POLICING, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 5:30
P.M., Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-3)
4. HRA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 7:00 P.M., Council Chambers.
5. PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 7:00 P.M., Council Chambers.
6. PACT, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Room.
7. THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28-29. City Offices
will be closed.
8. MEETING CALENDARS — The November and December meeting calendars are attached.
(M-8)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
November 15, 1996
Page 2
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1. PLYMOUTH VOTER TURNOUT — Attached is a table summarizing voter turnout in
Plymouth since 1981.
2. MEETING MINUTES
a. Subcommittee on Community Policing minutes from the meeting of October 16, 1996.
(I -2a)
3. STAFF REPORTS
a. Report from Finance Director Dale Hahn outlining Budget and Actual figures for council
benefits. (I -3a)
4. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC
a. City news release on the reopening of County Road 9 delayed until November 22.
Attached is a letter to area residents concerning the project. a 4a)
b. Metropolitan Council list of Metro Meetings. (I -4b)
c. Star Tribune news article about a U -S West job cut of 350 employees at the Plymouth
facility. (I -4c)
5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY- CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letters to Joyce DeMatthew from Assistant Manager Kathy Lueckert and Community
Development Director Anne Hurlburt responding to questions about the City.
DeMatthew's original correspondence is attached. (I -5a)
b. Letter to Audrey Reid from Assistant to Public Works Director John Sweeney
responding to questions about the City's transit system. Reid's original letter is attached.
(I -Sb)
A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (I-5)
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PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 1996
WHERE: Plymouth City Center
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed with an asterisk (*) 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. PUBLIC FORUM
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5. *CONSENT AGENDA
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. City of Plymouth. Adoption of Chapter 21 of the Plymouth City Code to establish a new
Zoning Ordinance for the City of Plymouth, including adoption of a new map of zoning
districts, repealing in its entirety Ordinance No. 80-9 and all amendments thereto: (95100)
(Continued from November 12, 1996) _
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
9. ADJOURNMENT
M-3
AGENDA
City Council Subcommittee on
Community Policing
Wednesday, November 20, 1996
5:30 p.m.
I. Call to Order
II. City Council Referral Items - continued
a. 25 mph residential speed limit issue.
b. Fire Department staffing
III. Future Committee issues.
Do we need more citizen involvement on the Committee?
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CITY OF PLYMOUTH
VOTER TURNOUT
Election
Date
Registered
Voters
Votes Cast
Percentage
Voting
City General
Nov. 1981
19,233
1,659
9%
State General (Gov.)
Nov. 1982
20,125
15,530
77%
City General
Nov. 1983
21,064
4,001
19%
State General (Pres.)
Nov. 1984
24,012
20,385
85%
City General
Nov. 1985
24,137
1,203
5%
State General (Gov.)
Nov. 1986
26,810
12,915
48%
S eCial Ci (Fire bonds)
Apr. 1987
24,999
1,554
6%
City General
Nov. 1987
25,752
2,211
Of -
9 IV
State Primary
Sep. 1988
28,553
2,722
9%
State General (Pres.)
Nov, 1988
33,950
25,493
75%
Special Prim (Sen. 48)
Dec. 1988
15,438
289
2%
Special General (Sen. 48)
Dec. 1988
15,411
1,163
8%
City General
Nov. 1989
30,880
7,254
23%
State Primary
Sep. 1990
32,515
6,906
21%
State General (Gov.)
Nov. 1990
35,283
24,005
68%
Special Ci (chg. elec. yr)*
Sep. 1991
34,158
13,982
41%
City General
Nov. 1991
34,827
8,057
23%
Presidential Prim
Apr. 1992
35,288
4,236
12%
State Primary
Sep. 1992
33,439
7,899
24%
State General (Pres.)
Nov. 1992
39,132
32,053
82%
City General
Nov. 1993
35,522
7,631
21%
State Primary
Sep. 1994
36,741
12,391
34%
State General (Gov.)
Nov. 1994
38,938
25,524
66%
Special Prim (Sen. 33)
Jan. 1995
7,741
393
5 %
Special General (Sen. 33)
Feb. 1995
7,721
988
13%
Special Prim (step. 33B)
Feb. 1995
7,575
531
7%
Special General (step. 33B)
Mar. 1995
7,566
835
11%
Special Ci (open space)
May 1995
36,719
4,305
12%
City General
Nov. 1995
35,555
4,844
14%
Special Ci (ice/pools)
Feb. 1996
35,716
4,233
12%
State Primary
Sep. 1996
36,920
3,836
10%
State General (Pres.)
I Nov. 1996
42,344
29,983
71%
* Mail Ballot
(election/summary/turnout)
Plymouth Subcommittee on
Community Policing
Minutes of Meeting
October 16, 1996
5:30 p.m.
2.a
Present at the meeting were City Manager Dwight Johnson (arrived at 6:00 p.m.),
Citizens Kim Koehnen (arrived at 5:40 p.m.) and Mary Ann Biermeier, Chief Craig
Gerdes (arrived at 6:30 p.m.), Sgt. Mike Goldstein, and Public Safety Tech Svcs
Supervisor Barb Cox.
Also attending the meeting were Fire Chief Richard Kline, Firefighter Gretchen Hurr,
and Public Safety Education Specialist Sara Cwayna and visitor Tim Bildsoe.
Unable to attend the meeting were Councilmembers Christian Preus and Tim Wold.
Fire Chief Rick Kline indicated that Chief Gerdes asked him to start the meeting with
his presentation as Chief Gerdes had another commitment and would be arriving late.
Barb Cox gave a brief update on the squad color opinion poll. She stated to date the
calls have been approximately 4 to 1 against the change in color. However, staff noted
that many of the colors against the change made reference to the amount of money it
will take to change existing squads. As we never had any intention of changing
existing, but only purchasing new vehicles in the new colors, we were going to put out a
clarification of this issue and extend the comment period a little. Kline then indicated
the other item on the agenda for tonight, the 25 mph speed limit issue would need to
wait until Chief Gerdes was present.
The Fire Chief then handed out an agenda and some handouts related to their
presentation this evening. He stated they will be continuing their presentation of the
Fire Department profile report. Kline then reviewed one handout which showed
information on the times involved in fire growth and response for the group's
information. He noted that the Department's policy is to have a minimum of three
firefighters on a truck responding to a fire, but 4 is the recommended level.
Chief Kline then stated after showing the barriers facing the department last month, this.
evening they will be reviewing the possible available solutions identified by the group.
He asked that the group look at their profile books in the introduction section, page iii.
He stated there is a listing of the five options available to the department. These
options are:
1. The utilization of City workers to supplement fire personnel.
2. The option of "duty crew" assignments.
T -2a
3. Increasing the number of volunteer fire personnel.
4. Increasing the number of paid staff members.
5. The use of technology enhancements.
The first option listed was the use of city workers from other departments, specifically
for daytime response. Kline reported they had met with the City's Human Resources
Manager regarding this option. He stated at this meeting, they identified a number of
problems which make this option very difficult. He stated the City would have to pay
overtime to these individuals and the training costs would be prohibitive. Also, they felt
there could be a problem depending on what the City worker is doing at the time of the
fire call they might not be able to respond. An example of this would be if a person
were paving a street. He stated further the Human Resources Manager felt the interest
level among City employees would be low. He stated there is a possibility this group
could be available for second alarm responses only. We still have the issues with
FLSA and union issues and the Human Resources Manager stated she would do a
report outlining these problems. `
Kline stated option number 3 on the list is to continue the same operation as presently
being done only with more people. He stated the problem with this option is the
recruitment problems we are currently having as we outlined last month. Mary
Biermeier asked why do people volunteer for service with the department. She stated it
was obviously not for the money. Gretchen Hurr stated they had done a survey of
firefighters in the past and most stated it was the challenge of the job or service to the
community. She stated further as presented last month the most calls for service are
during days and that is where they have the most problem recruiting.
Chief Kline stated the committee believes the best option may be a combination of
numbers 2 and 4. They distributed a handout outlining the "Duty Crew" program. Mary
Biermeier noted that the handout stated that a duty crew would be assigned to only one
of the three stations and asked why. Chief Kline stated that the crew being on site
would be able to get to any part of the City within 4 to 5 minutes. Biermeier asked why
we need all these stations if that is the case. Kline stated we need the stations
distributed in the City for when the volunteers respond on call to the station in order to
speed response time. Biermeier asked if Station 1 is in a bad location based on the
presentation information from last month. Kline stated it is in a good location for access
to major roadways and fires in the commercial area. The problem with the station is
that residential structures for recruiting and response purposes are 3 to 4 minutes
away.
Kim Koehnen asked if there were any extra costs that were not on this handout such as
mileage, insurance, liability, et cetera. Kline stated this change would not affect any of
those types of costs and there should be none. Biermeier asked why it is a problem to
hire a full-time fire department. She stated it appears we can build buildings but cannot
staff them. Kline stated that buildings are basically a one-time large expense while
personnel are ongoing. He stated based on his committee's review of the options, they
N
feel the "duty crew" option would actually be a savings, but a full-time person to
administer the program is necessary.
Sgt. Goldstein stated he did not see the problem as this was a great option and they
have justified it. Sara Cwayna stated that as the committee worked on the numbers, it
became apparent this was a very workable option. Goldstein stated he understood it
was a budget issue, but stated the idea is a "no-brainer" and feels we need to proceed.
Biermeier stated she believed this item was a basic administration issue and did not
understand why it needed to go to a committee. Gretchen Hurr stated that the need for
an additional staff person has been identified previously. Cwayna added that it was
only when combining the two, the duty crew and the full-time, that this became a viable
option. Biermeier stated this all seems to make good sense and didn't understand why
the City couldn't just go ahead with it. City Manager Dwight Johnson stated that the
maximum tax levy for 1997 has already been set by the Council and we cannot add
additional expenses to that now. Further, he stated we would need to bring this before
the Council to inform them of what is proposed and what funds would be moved from
where. Also, even if no additional funds were required, the Council must approve the
addition of any full-time personnel. He stated the change to a duty crew could be done
without Council approval, but he would not do it without informing the Council.
Chief Kline then stated the Department had another item for consideration in the area
of equipment, which is option #5. He distributed a handout with information on a traffic
control system. He added that in communities where the system is being used they
had documented reductions in the number of accidents involving emergency vehicles.
He stated the system also helps decrease the response time as it changes traffic
signals to green for the emergency vehicle and they do not have to use as much
caution going through intersections. He stated it also helps clear the traffic from in
front of the emergency vehicle. He stated this system could be used by all emergency
vehicles, including ambulances and police.
As an option, Kline stated Public Safety personnel could work to identify key
intersections and only pre -wire those intersections. Chief Gerdes added some
background information for the group. He stated the City had been looking at a joint
agreement with North Memorial for this system in 1993/94. He stated that all traffic
signals installed during the last five years are all pre -wired for the system. He stated
they have also learned today that all intersections on Highway 55 are installed and set
to go. In order to use these intersections would only take the costs of the emitters for
the vehicles.
Biermeier asked what are the odds of getting something like this approved. Johnson
stated that if there are MSA funds available to assist with the costs, that would increase
the chances. Gerdes stated he believes these funds are available, but are only for the
costs of wiring and installing the intersections and not for the emitters.
3
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Kline asked if there were any further questions from the group. Biermeier asked if
there are other things in the technology or equipment area which would be of value to
the department. Kline stated there are constantly new things being developed and the
department continues to review and evaluate and request through the regular budget
process.
Koehnen stated in recap, as she understands it now, out of the five options, only option
#1 is definitely out and the rest are being considered further. Both Kline and Johnson
stated that option #1 is not out of contention. Johnson stated he would like further
study done on this issue.
Biermeier stated she had two questions. First, she asked how Mutual Aid response
works and when other departments respond. Kline stated it would depend on the
situation. In some cases we have agreements in place where several departments are
dispatched at the same time. An example of this would be the south west corner of
Plymouth. We have an agreement with Wayzata and if we have any working fire
events in this area, Wayzata Fire is dispatched at the same time as Plymouth. In other
cases, we request Mutual Aid response based on the situation being encountered by
our firefighters.
Biermeier stated her other question was that in last month's presentation she noted that
it was stated they have two recruitment drives a year. She asked why we don't have
them more often. Kline stated we do recruitment and accept applications all year long.
We just have two major drives with advertising and signs up twice a year. He stated we
also try to publicize recruitment all year round and talk about it at events, such as their
annual open house.
Johnson stated in answer to the earlier questions, he believes there were a lot of good
ideas presented today. He stated we need to study the issue to ensure we get the best
combination to serve the City; but at this point he would not rule any option out.
Koehnen stated she had a chance since last month to review the profile distributed by
the Fire Department. She just wanted to state that she believed they did a good job
and that this was an impressive document.
Gerdes stated that the meeting needed to adjourn for the regular Council meeting, but
he did want to distribute some information regarding the speed limit issue that we had
obtained since the last meeting. Handouts were distributed for review.
The meeting was adjourned.
4
'1�3a
DATE: November 14, 1996
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Dale Hahn, Finance Directow
SUBJECT: City Council Benefits -Budget Vs. Actual, 1993-1996
At the November 6`h City Council meeting, the Council directed that a listing be prepared
showing the Budget and Actual figures for Council benefit from 1993 through 1996. The
listing is shown below. I have estimated the final numbers for 1996 based upon current
enrollment.
Medicare
Life Ins
Medical/Dental Ins.
PERA
FICA
1993
Budget Actual
100
0
12,200
0
18,700
5,569
1,800
1,752
2,800
2,635
Budget
Actual
700
48
0
0
28,200
8,960
2,000
1,600
3,600
3,194
1995
Budge Actual
670 677
0 0
9,035 9,036
2,320 2,039
2,880 2,841
1996
Budget
Estimate
673
658
0
0
10,368
12,960
2,320
2,267
2.876
2,811
Total 9 34,500 1 14.593 8 696
FOR IlVIMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dan Faulkner, 509-5520
November 13, 1996
County Road 9 to Reopening Delayed due to Weather
The colder than normal weather of the past week has delayed the expected opening date
of Co. Rd. 9. The segment of Co. Rd. 9 from Fernbrook Ln. to Polaris Ln is now expected to
reopen Nov. 22. Cold temperatures prevented road construction workers from doing the concrete
work needed to construct the final segments of curb and gutter.
Co. Rd. 9 has been closed since May from Fernbrook Ln. to Polaris Ln. as part of a
Hennepin County project to upgrade the roadway. Co. Rd. 9 is being expanded from two lanes to
four lanes from I-494 to Polaris Ln. While the bulk of construction is slated to be completed in
November, the final layer of the pavement will not be put down until the spring of 1997.
Depending on weather, the pedestrian/bike trails planned for each side of the road also may not be
constructed until next spring. Landscaping will be done in the spring of 1997 under a separate
contract. The final construction in 1997 will be done under traffic and the road will not be closed.
For more information on this project or information relating to any weather-related delays
of the above schedule, call the Co. Rd. 9 Hotline at 509-5514.
-30-
PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place?o Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 9 TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
«PIN»
«NAME»
«ADDRESSI»
<<CITY>>, «ST» KZIP*
SUBJECT: COUNTY ROAD 9 CONSTRUCTION
CITY PROJECT NO. 402
Dear County Road 9 Area Resident:
The opening of County Road 9 from I-494 to Polaris Lane is now scheduled for Friday,
November 22. Since the County Road 9 project began in the spring, it has been expected that
the roadway would be open to traffic from I-494 to Polaris Lane by Friday, November 15. All
summer long it appeared to all parties involved that this was indeed a realistic date for
completion. As of today, the contractor still needs to place bituminous paving on Fernbrook
Lane and a portion of County Road 9 west of Fernbrook Lane along with concrete curb and
gutter on Annapolis Lane, Fernbrook Lane, Minnesota Lane, Juneau Lane, and a portion of
County Road 9 west of Fernbrook Lane. Paving on Fernbrook Lane is expected to take place
on Thursday, November 14 with curbing to be placed on the remainder of the project starting
Friday and continuing on into the week of November 18. The traffic signal system on
Annapolis Lane is expected to be put into operation on Friday, November 15. Bituminous
trails on both sides of County Road 9 will not be placed until Spring of 1997 along with the
final layer of bituminous on County Road 9. Electronic information signs will be placed on
County Road 9 informing the public of the expected opening of the roadway to through traffic.
If you wish to keep updated on the progress of County Road 9, please call the County Road 9
Hotline at 509-5514.
The City of Plymouth wishes to thank you for your patience during the construction of County
Road 9.
Sincerely,
Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E.
City Engineer
PLYMOUTH A BeautifuCPluce To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
TRO MEETINGS
X
A weekly calendar of meetings and agenda items for the Metropolitan Council, its advisory and standing committees, and
three regional commissions: Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission, and
Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. Meeting times and agendas are occasionally changed. Questions about meetings
should be directed to the appropriate organization. Meeting information is also available on the Metro Information Line at
229-3780 and by computer modem, through the Twin Cities Computer Network at 337-5400. Comments on Council issues
can be made by electronic mail at data.center@metc.state.mn.us or by calling the Public Comment Line at 291-6536. The
Council's new web page is at: www.metrocouncil.org
DATE: November 8, 1996
WEEK OF: November 11- November 15
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
VETERANS DAY/HOLIDAY Monday, Nov. 11. Council offices are closed
Southeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Group - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 3 p.m., location to
be determined.
Environment Committee- Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4 p.m., Chambers. The committee will consider: approval
to extend 1996 emergency contractor list; approval of facility plan for Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant
expansion; approval to negotiate and award a professional services agreement for Empire Wastewater
Treatment Plant expansion --12 MGD, Phase 2 and Phase 3, Step II design services and Step III construction
support; WEF awards; MCES quarterly report; and other business.
Growth Options/Policy Documents Open House - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Northeast Training
and Community Center, 1025 NE Broadway, Minneapolis.
Public Information Neighborhood Meeting (Bluff by Bailey's Nursery) for the Proposed Southeast
Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7-9 p.m., St. Paul Park City Hall, 900
'third St., St. Paul Park.
Core Citia Issues Work Group- Wednesday, Nov. 13, 12 (noon), Yatvsso Brothers Restaurant, 637
Payne Ave., St. Paul. The group will consider: Redevelopment fund; comparative study of regional plans
across the country; other tools for implementing growth management inside the MUSA line; and other
business.
Special Meeting of Transportation Committee - Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4 p.m., Chambers. The committee
will consider: procurement of small buses for Metro Mobility and Transit Redesign; revisions right-of-way
acquisition loan fund guidelines; set public hearing date for Anoka County service restructuring; revisions
to MCTO business plan; and other business.
Public Information Neighborhood Meeting (Cottage Grove South and Cottage Grove near the Golf
Course by 3M) for the Proposed Southeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Siting -
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7-9 p.m., South Washington County Schools, Dist. #833 Board Room, 7362 E. Point
Douglas Rd. S., Cottage Grove.
Executive Committee - Thursday, Nov. 14, 8 a.m., Nicollet Island Inn, 95 Merriam St., Minneapolis.
Providers Advisory Committee - Thursday, Nov. 14,10:30 a.m., Room 1A. The committee will consider:
Transportation Development Guide and System Plan; timed transfer recommendations for implementation;
Metropolitan Council owned transit vehicle graphics; 1996-97 regional transit winter weather emergency
plan; and other business.
Transportation Advisory Board Policy Committee - Thursday, Nov. 14, 12:30 p.m., Room 1E. The
committee will prepare comments on the Regional Transportation Plan.
Task Force on Local Government Efficiency - Thursday, Nov. 14, 2:30 p.m., Room IA.
Metropolitan Council - Thursday, Nov. 14, 4 p.m., Chambers. The Council will consider: authorization to
grant bikeway/walkway easement on Metropolitan Council property to City of Fridley; acceptance of
Metropolitan Council Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; acceptance of management letter of the
state auditor; Mississippi National River Recreation Area planning grants; approval of draft public hearing
1997-2001 Capital Improvement Program and 1997 Capital Budget; approval of the public hearing draft of
the proposed 1997 Unified Budget; approval of request for bids/proposals for Blue Lake solids handling;
approval of facility plan for Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion; authorization to negotiate and
award a professional services agreement for the Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion -- 12 MGD,
Phase 2 and Phase 3, Step II design services and Step III construction support; 1996 Regional Transit
Capital budget amendment; procurement of small buses for Metro Mobility/Transit Redesign; set public
hearing date for public comments on Transit Redesign Service Plan for lower Anoka County; revision to the
1996 work program and budget; revisions to the public purpose document; Livable Communities Act
housing affordability standards; St. Bonifacius comprehensive plan update; funding recommendations for
the Local Housing Incentive Account Program; Housing Replacement Report to the Legislature;
appointment to the Industrial Rate System Task Force; amendment to Metropolitan Council Bylaws - first
reading; citizen appointments to the Transportation Advisory Board; and other business.
The Metropolitan Council is located at Mears Park Centre, 230 E. Fifth St., St. Paul. Meeting times and
agenda are subject to change. For more information or confirmation of meetings, call 291-6447, (TDD 291-
0904). Call the Metro Information Line at 229-3780 for news of Council actions and coming meetings.
TENTATIVE MEETINGS THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18 THROUGH NOVEMBER 22, 1996
Community Development Committee- Monday, Nov. 18, 12 (noon), Room IA.
Managed Competition Review Committee - Monday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m., location to be determined.
Southeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Work Group - Monday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m., location to
be determined.
Finance Committee - Monday, Nov. 18, 4 p.m., Room 2A.
Land Use Advisory Committee - Tuesday, Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m., Room IA.
Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission - Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m., Room 1A.
Public Hearing for Growth Options/Policy Documents - Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2 - 5 p.m. and continued at
6:30 p.m., Chambers.
Transportation Advisory Board - Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., Chambers.
L-¢6
Public Hearing for Growth Options/Policy Documents - Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Burnsville City
Hall, Council Chambers, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville.
Public Hearing for Growth Options/Policy Documents - Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., Oakdale City
Hall, Council Chambers, 1584 Hadley Ave., Oakdale.
Public Hearing for Growth Options/Policy Documents - Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., New Hope City
Hall, Council Chambers, 4401 Xylon Ave. N., New Hope.
Committee of the Whole - Thursday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m., Room 1A.
METROPOLITAN SPORTS FACILITIES COMMISSION
Finance Committee - Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m., HHH Metrodome, Commission Conference Room, 900
South 5th St., Minneapolis. The committee will consider: final approval of 1997 budget; Bloomington land
sale; insurance review; and other business.
Capital Improvements Committee - Thursday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m., HHH Metrodome, Commission
Conference Room, 900 South 5th St., Minneapolis. The committee will consider: approve bids and award
contract for 1997 concessions renovation project and 1996 air quality improvement project; and other
business.
Concessions/Marketing Committee - Friday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m., HHH Metrodome, Commission
Conference Room, 900 South 5th St., Minneapolis. The committee will consider the Plaza, concession
operation and other business.
The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission office is located at 900 South 5th St., Minneapolis, MN
55415. All meetings are held in the Commission office conference room, unless noted otherwise. Meeting
times and agendas occasionally may be changed. To verify meeting information, please call Nancy
Matowitz, 335-3310.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15.1996
TODA rs RT TcrnTE
U S West to cut jobs in Plymouth, Colorado
U S West said Thursday that it
will cut about 20 percent of the
total of about 1,000 technician
jobs at two telephone network
monitoring centers — in Plym-
outh and in Littleton, Colo.
About 350 people work at the
Plymouth "service assurance
center," which uses computers to
remotely monitor the telephone
network in Minnesota and other
states where U S West provides
phone service, said Mary Hisley, a
U S West spokeswoman. U S West
is a regional telephone company
serving Minnesota and 13 other
states.
Hisley said the 20 percent cut
applies to 1,000 employees. She
could not say whether the cuts
would amount to 20 percent of
the 350 Plymouth employees.
U S West doesn't need as
many network monitoring tech-
nicians because it has become
more efficient in the past two
years, Hisley said. "We do not
expect this to have any impact on
service quality," she said.
Hisley said that U S West may
offer some technicians different
technical jobs that involve work-
ing outside or in a telephone call
switching center, but those jobs
might require the technicians to
relocate.
U S West also will offer a sev-
erance package to those laid off
and those who leave voluntarily,
she said.
— Steve Alexander
I JL
r
November 12, 1996
Joyce DeMatthew
11440 41" Ave. No.
Plymouth, `MN 55441
Dear Ms. DeMatthew:
CITY OF
PLYmOUTR
Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager has forwarded your questions regarding the development of
affordable housing in Plymouth to me for response. This past June, the City Council adopted a new
Housing Plan for the City that encourages "the development of an adequate supply of quality
affordable housing for residents at all income levels". The Plan also incorporate4 the City's housing
goals that 35% of new rental housing should be affordable to families earning no more than 50% of
the regional median income for a family of four ($27,300 annually), and That 21 % of new
homeownership units be affordable to persons at 80% of the regional median income for a family of
four ($43,680 annually).
To accomplish these objectives, the City through its Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
works with developers in the private sector to construct such housing and works with the Minnesota
Housing Finance Agency to make lower cost mortgages and financial assistance available to low and.
moderate income first time home buyers in Plymouth. The cost and availability of land in Plymouth
makes the construction of new homes in the price range of $70,000 to $130,000 very difficult.
Buildable single family lots in the City generally sell for a minimum of approximately $60,000.
Considerable financial assistance is needed to develop homes in the price range specified. The City
and HRA also assist nonprofit groups such as the Plymouth Housing Alliance, Hammer Residences,
and Community Builders to develop affordable housing in Plymouth.
Through these means the City -is working to encourage the development of quality affordable housing
that serves the needs of Plymouth residents and supports a diverse housing supply throughout the
City. For your information, I am enclosing a brochure that describes the activities of the Plymouth
HRA. If you have other questions or would like additional information regarding the City's housing
programs please call the City's HRA Supervisor, Ed Goldsmith at 509-5412.
Sincerely,
Anne W. Hurlburt
Community Development Director
cc: Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager
Ed Goldsmith, HRA Supervisor
enclosure
PLYMOUTH ;I Beautiful PlaceTlo Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
'T -5a
CITY OF
PLYMOUTF+
November 12, 1996
Joyce DeMatthew
11440 - 41'` Avenue North
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Dear Ms. DeMatthew,
You recently wrote the city and asked some questions about our form of
government.
You asked what the role of the mayor is in the Plymouth city government. The
mayor is elected for a two year term, rather than a four year term as are the other six
councilmembers. Under the city charter, the mayor serves as the presiding officer of the
city council, but the mayor's vote carries no more weight than that of any other
councilmember. The mayor exercises the duties conferred by the charter, by city
ordinances, and by state law. The mayor is the `official head" of the city for ceremonial
purposes, for various civil processes, and for martial law, should that become necessary.
The mayor also must report to the full council any neglect, dereliction of duty, or waste by
an officer or department of the city.
You asked if Plymouth is a council-manager city. Plymouth has had the council-
manager form of government for many years, first under state law and now under the city
charter. The city manager is appointed by the city council and serves "at will." The city
manager is responsible to the city council for the proper administration of city affairs, and
is the city's chief administrative officer. The city manager appoints all city employees.
The council-manager form of government continues at the local level the system of
checks and balances that are evident at the state and federal levels. While the city manager
is the administrative officer of the city government, the city council exercises legislative
power and determines matters of policy. The city manager and city staff implement
PLYMOUTH A Beautiyd Place'ry Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
policies and initiatives at the direction of the city council. The final control in the city rests
with the city council.
Please call should you have other questions. My number is 509-5052.
Sincerely,
)6tal /W�
Kathy Lueckert
Assistant City Manager
T,6a
October 25, 1996
TO: City of Plymouth
From: 15 year resident of Plynibuth,
I have a few questions that I would like to ask the city council, mayor,
city manager, or anyone else who can respond, and would appreciate
responses if they are available.
-What is the role of the mayor in our city government?
-Are we a council-manager form of city run government? Who actually
has the control?
-Why don't we have a fourth fire station?
-How does the City of Plymouth view the fire department?
-And finally, what is Plymouth's position on having new affordable single
family homes in the price range of $70,000 to $130,000? Will the City of
Plymouth take responsibility for building affordable housing or ensuring
that it is at least built?
Thankyou for taking the time to read, answer, and reply to these
questions.
Sincerely,
Joyce DeMatthew
11440 41st Ave.N
Plymouth, MN. 55441
November 11, 1996
Ms. Audrey J. Reid
4385 Trenton Lane #201
Plymouth, MN 55442
.1[
CITY OF
PLYMOUTR
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO LETTER TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL
DATED OCTOBER 23, 1996
Dear Ms. Reid:
Your letter referenced above has been referred to me for response to the portion pertaining to
the questions and/or concerns you raised about the City's Transit system.
The first concern you expressed is "the ongoing problem in Plymouth with accessible
transportation for those of us who are no longer driving or disabled." Please let me assure you
that the City is doing everything within its power to ensure accessible transportation to
everyone in the community, in fact, in April of this year we placed nine new lift -equipped
vehicles in service in our Metrolink system as well as four new lift -equipped vehicles in
service in our Dial -A -Ride system.
Additionally, we have recently implemented a Fixed Route Circulator in the City that began
service October 7, 1996. There are two vehicles utilized in this service and they are also lift -
equipped. Enclosed to aid you in understanding this service is a copy of the schedule for the
new service identified as the Plymouth Rider. The schedule is effective 10-25-96 and as you
can see, the hours of service for this Fixed Route Circulator are 8:50 a.m. to 3:48 p.m.
It is our hope that the Circulator will ease some of the demand pressures on the Dial -A -Ride
system and ultimately people can use one or the other or both to accomplish their particular
transportation needs with a minimum of inconvenience. As time goes on, we hope that we are
able to expand the hours of operation of the Plymouth Rider and perhaps decrease the round
trip times for this service.
You also suggested that we survey all of the residents in the community regarding our
transportation services rather than the regular riders that we have surveyed in the past. I think
that is a very good idea and we will strive to accomplish that sometime during the next year.
We will continue to survey the riders of the respective Metrolink and Dial -A -Ride services and
focus heavily on the new Circulator system in its first six months of operation to ensure that
we are meeting as many needs as possible of those able to use that particular service.
GAENGITRANSMURSMI D. DOC
PLYMOUTH A Beautifu!'Place'To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
Ms. Audrey J. Reid r c b
Page 2 L J
Our Dial -A -Ride service is continuing to grow and again this year it appears that we will break
the ridership record for previous years. It is a very popular service running weekdays from
6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You indicated there is no
service in the evening or Sundays and that is correct. In the past we have tried service on
Sundays and were not able to achieve enough ridership to maintain that service. We have also
had problems with maintaining ridership after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. This, of course, is
something that we will include in a questionnaire to the residents.
You may recall the potential crisis the City had last fall when the Metropolitan Council
indicated they were going to eliminate Metro Mobility service in Plymouth. Fortunately, the
City was able to reach an agreement with the Metropolitan Council whereby service could
continue on a shared cost basis, however, hours of service were reduced system -wide due to
inadequate funding at the State level. The City of Plymouth has no control over that service or
the hours of operation, however, we were pleased that an agreement was reached so that
service could be continued uninterrupted in the City of Plymouth.
You also indicated that generally the Dial -A -Ride service is okay, but a few of the drivers are
rude and inconsiderate. In my mind there is no excuse for behavior such as that and I will
discuss the matter with the managers at National School Bus Service, Inc. In the future
however, it would be most helpful if you would notify me immediately so the particular driver
can be identified and dealt with at that time.
There are a few other things going on in the community relating to overall transportation
service that I think you will be pleased to hear about. The City has applied for and received
verification of an award of a new Section 5310 transit vehicle through MnDOT and we intend
to use this vehicle in providing enhanced senior para transit and general public transportation
in Plymouth. The vehicle will be delivered to the City some time in 1997.
Additionally, to address some of the concerns that you have mentioned in your recent letter as
well as past letters, we have coordinated and hosted a Plymouth Transportation Providers
Summit, including all social service providers, public transit operators, and Metro Mobility.
This program is intended to seek areas of service, coordination and cooperation in Plymouth to
enhance service delivery in an attempt to meet unfulfilled needs This group will continue to
meet on a regular basis and we are coordinating our efforts with the Northwest Hennepin
Human Services Council Consolidation of Services Program.
I hope you can see from the above information that the City of Plymouth is making every
effort to take your comments to heart in striving to provide the best transportation services
possible within the parameters established for us by the Metropolitan Council.
G:%ENG%TRANSMLTRS%REID. DOC
Ms. Audrey J. Reid
Page 3
Thank you for taking the time to communicate your concerns to the Mayor and Council. I
hope that I have addressed those concerns in a satisfactory manner for you and if you have any
additional questions, please contact me at your convenience at 509-5521.
Sincerely,
John R. Sweeney
Transit Administrator
enclosure
cc: Mayor Joy Tierney
Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager (96-54)
P.S. You are to be commended for the work that you are doing for the Women's Memorial
being constructed at Arlington National Cemetery. Best wishes in your efforts.
G:\ENG\TRANSIT\LTRS\REID. DOC
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