Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 10-11-1996OCTOBER 11, 19 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: OCTOBER 16 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL, MEETING Council Chambers OCTOBER 17 5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Public Safety Training Room Topic: 1997 Proposed Budget & Proposed 1997- 2001 CIP NOVEMBER 6 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers 2. ZONING ORDINANCE PUBLIC MEETINGS — A number of public meetings are scheduled. for the last three weeks of October. Attached is an informational flyer with the schedule and locations of the meetings. (M-2) 3. ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 7:00 P.M., Carlson Companies Twin Towers rotunda, 701 Lakeshore Parkway. 4. SUB -COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY POLICING, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 5:30 P.M., Medicine Lake Room. Agenda is attached. (M-4) 5. HRA, THURSDAY, OCTi7BER 17, 7:00 P.M., Council Chambers. 6 PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 7. 00 P.M., Council Chambers. 7. PACT, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Room. S. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATES FORUM — THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7P.M., Council Chambers. The forum will include our local Council candidates and CTIT COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO October 11, 1996 Page 2 will be shown live on Channel 37. Northwest Community Television will be scheduling replays of the forum on Channel 37 as well. 9. CITY OPEN HOUSE/ FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 10 A.M. - NOON, City Hall. The Fire Department Open House runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Fire Station #3, 3300 Dunkirk Lane. Publicity flier is attached. (M-9) b. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting of September 12, 1996. (I -2b) 3. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC - a City news release soliciting applications for Board and Commission seats. (I 3a) b. Schedule of Northwest Suburban Candidate Forums to be cablecast on NWCT Channel 12. (I -3b) c. Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) Fax providing information on the Metropolitan Council growth option plan. (I -3c) d September 10, 1996 Star Tribune news article about the growth and corporate independence of the Plymouth -based company ValueRx. (I -3d) 4. CITIZEN COMMUNIC-47I0NS POLICY- CORRESPONDENCE a Letter to the Mayor from David Cheri Templeman commenting on the proposed design of West Medicine Lake Park. The letter has been forwarded to Park Director Eric Blank for a response. (I -4a) A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (I-4) 5. CORRESPONDENCE a Letter to the Mayor and Council from Harrison Hills Homeowners Association Board of Directors, extending thanks for voting to place a stop. sign at 55* and Ximines. (I -5a) b. Letter to Public Safety Chief Craig Gerdes from Grace and Leo Arbogast praising efforts of Police Officer David Carlson, who helped them when their car broke down on Highway 169. (I -Sb) CPIY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO October 11, 1996 Page 3 c. Letter to the Mayor from "A Concerned Imperial Hills Homeowner" applauding the installation of speed humps in Imperial Hills. a -Sc) d Letter to Attorney Roger Knutson from Medicine Lake City Attorney Jerre Miller, commenting on the installation of speed bumps on South Shore Drive. Also attached is a letter to City of Medicine Lake Mayor Tom Schrader from Jeffrey Roos, of the engineering firm of McCombs Frank Roos Associates, Inc., offering opinions opposing the placement of the speed bumps. a -5d) AGENDA M.0 City Council Subcommittee on Community Policing Wednesday, October 16, 1996 5:30 p.m. Call to Order Report on Squad Color Opinion Poll City Council Referral Items a. 25 mph residential speed limit issue. b. Fire Department staffing IV. Future Committee issues. Do we need more citizen involvement on the Committee? Saturday, October 26 10 a.m. - Noon City Hall and Public Safety Building 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Maintenance Facility 14900 - 23rd Ave. N. • Miranda the Gypsy will perform magic tricks and balloon sculptures. • Have your picture taken behind the wheel of a snow plow or police car. • Learn more about the Plymouth Ice Arena. • See newly renovated city offices. • Meet the Police K9 unit. • See the Police Emergency Response Team's truck and equipment. • See how maps are made on a computer. • Take a look at the more than 60 entries in the Picture Plymouth Photo Contest. • Tour the Police Department. • FREE — Parents will leave the event with a fingerprint and videotape record of their kids, courtesy of the Plymouth Police Department and Northwest Community Television. Noon - 4 p.m. Fire Station III 3300 Dunkirk Ln. • See Big Buddy Water and Ice Rescue Craft. • Learn about firefighting equipment and rescue tools. • 1996 Fire FAST car. • Get a up -close look at the North Memorial Helicopter and ambulance. • See how people are rescued from car accidents. • Visit the Safe Escape House. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. • See how fire fighters put out vehicle fires • Meet Sparky and McGruff. • See displays by HCMC burn center. • Learn about powerline safety, and carbon monoxide testing. • Have your picture taken with a firefighter, police officer or EMT. • Find out what it feels like to hold a fire hose. • FREE PUMPKINS to kids who bring a homemade or colored fire prevention Poster. (P=P1dw available, harvest pernut ft w a first wme, first serve basis.). Don't Miss this Day of Free, Family Fun! Refreshments, games, tours and more! h N 0, N x y "BAR �F 'Ann a ".^.AA Go N zF ^Mtn 7E ---so IA �a�a P-1 I°° a N I� I1*4 N IN I°° 1114IN 1N 1 - October 9, 1996 To: Mayor of Plymouth Plymouth City Council Plymouth Human Rights Commission cc: Kathy Lueckert Assistant City Manager From: Gary Anderson—Chair, Plymouth Human Rights Commission It is with deep regret that I must submit my resignation from the Human Rights Commission. I have accepted a position with a company in Boston and will be relocating there in early November. I have enjoyed my brief tenure on the Commission and feel we have accomplished a lot during 1996. I am confident that the remaining members will continue the work that was started during this year. We have begun the process of creating awareness of the Human Rights Commission within the community, developed a Community Support Network to help residents who may have suffered an incident of bias, we have responded quickly to problems of conflict and bias affecting our citizens which may otherwise have fallen upon the City Council or City staff, and we have embarked upon education programs to make our city a better place to live, learn, play, worship and work. Plymouth Subcommittee on Community Policing Minutes of Meeting September 18, 1996 5:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Christian Preus and Tim Wold, City Manager Dwight Johnson, Citizens Kim Koehnen and Mary Ann Biermeier, Chief Craig Gerdes, Sgt. Mike Goldstein, and Public Safety Tech Svcs Supervisor Barb Cox. Also attending the meeting were Fire Chief Richard Kline and Firefighter Gretchen Hurr. First as we were waiting for people to arrive, the Chief showed four Public Service Announcements the department had made with Cable TV. The subjects of the four pieces were traffictspeed, curfew, house numbers, and the DARE program. The Chief then welcomed the group back from its two month break. First, for information, he informed the committee that there had been a request from within the department to change the marked squad cars from their current white and blue color to a more traditional black and white vehicle. Some drawings and photos were passed around for the committee's review. The Chief stated that in discussion at an internal staff meeting, the issue of the community's opinion was brought up. If this committee believes it is a good idea, he proposes to have an article put in the Sun Sailor requesting community feedback to the issue through a call-in line and possibly even a community meeting on the issue before a final decision is made. The committee thought this public solicitation on the issue was a good idea. The Chief then stated that during the committee's break since its June meeting, two issues were referred to the committee by the City Council. At the August 21 City Council meeting the issue of 25 mph speed limits in residential areas was referred for review. Three articles were given to the committee prior to the meeting for review on this issue. The first is from the October 1994 Plymouth News and is an article on residential speeding by Plymouth Police Officer Mike Buske. The second article is from the July 1996 Police Chief magazine and was written by a retired Chief from New Hampshire. The final item for review was the AMM (Association of Minnesota Municipalities) position statement on this issue. Councilmember Wold stated that he introduced this issue to the Council and spoke in favor of it and its review by this committee. Councilmember Preus stated he has some questions on how the present law works. He stated his understanding is that there is a Z 2a statewide general 30 mph speed limit and that local municipalities have little control over it. The Chief stated this is true and that speed limits in general are set by the Department of Transportation (DOT). He stated there are very limited exceptions that cities can lower speed limits and they are school zones and on -road bicycle trails. He stated there is also a possibility when the state designates a road at 40 mph cities can sometimes get the limit lowered to 30 mph by showing the roadway meets other criteria to designate it as a residential street. Sgt. Goldstein inquired how the City was able to get Ridgemount designated at 25 mph? City Manager Johnson stated that it is his understanding there were a few areas the pre -date the current State Law of 30 mph and Ridgemount is one of those. Johnson inquired as to why the State set the default speed at 30 mph when other states already have the 25 mph? The Chief stated he is unsure of definitively why the 30 mph selection was made; however, the DOT generally sets the speed limits on roadways by doing surveys and using the 85th percentile. He stated this is more Public Works Director Fred Moore's area of expertise, but the 8e percentile is the speed at which 85% of the vehicles travel on the roadway. He stated if a City believes a speed limit should be lower, they can make a request of the DOT, but when they do their surveys, there is a possibility it could backfire and they could actually raise the speed limit instead of lower it. Councilmember Wold stated this did happen to the City on 101 south of 6. The roadway had a 40 mph speed limit and the City thought for safety it should be 35 mph and requested the DOT make a change. After the DOT surveys, they raised the limit to 45 mph. Councilmember Preus stated he knows of a lot of states where the limit is set at 25 mph in general; but he heard somewhere there are engineering studies that show traffic movement is better at 30 mph and that may be how Minnesota made that decision. He inquired if there is any possibility of getting a change which would give cities more leeway for making exceptions. Chief Gerdes stated we can attempt to research the history. He stated that as far as exceptions, we would prefer the limit to be statewide and we would not want to be the exception as this could cause a -lot of problems. Sgt. Goldstein stated is a lot simpler with a statewide limit as everyone knows what it is and you don't get people saying, "I can do this in Minnetonka, why not here?" Ms. Koehnen stated she is confused after reading the articles as to what the issue is as it appears the cities do not have any authority over speed limits and the issue of photoelectric speed control. The Chief stated the issue is whether we want to make a recommendation to support lowering the residential street speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph statewide. He added the issue of photoelectric enforcement is an entirely separate issue. 2 T 2a Councilmember Wold stated he objected to the Chiefs statements and did not want the issue framed in. He stated it could lead to problems like with the sump pump issue where people did not understand at first. He stated the only people who get upset with this issue is people who want to speed. He stated he believed this entire issue is very do -able and he would be happy to take calls from angry individuals who are concerned about the issue. Councilmember Preus and Ms. Koehnen stated they were confused as to which issue Councilmember Wold was talking about. Wold replied that he was referring to both issues in his comments. Chief Gerdes stated that what he was saying was that these issues are totally separate as there are First Amendment issues with the photoelectric enforcement that need to be dealt with and it is not a question of opinion or concern. There was also a discussion on whether there were other things a City could do to slow traffic down, such as post non -enforceable lower speed limit signs or install speed bumps. The Chief stated that he would have problems with posting lower speed limits which we could not legally enforce. Sgt. Goldstein stated that the speed bumps have caused a lot of concern with people. They are questioning why they can't drive 30 mph over the humps as this is a 30 mph zone, but they have to slow down to 20 mph. Councilmember Preus stated there is a case for punishing everyone for the actions of a few. Councilmember Wold stated the situation was so drastic we had to overcorrect. Ms. Biermeier inquired why wouldn't the legislature let communities set lower limits themselves. Councilmember Wold stated the issue was to protect Councils from themselves. Councilmember Preus added that the Council would receive requests from every neighborhood and some Councils would have difficulty turning anyone down. He stated there is also the issue of separating those who set the limits from those who enforce them that the Chief mentioned earlier. Councilmember Wold then asked if the Committee is then in agreement on the issue. Ms. Koehnen asked exactly what issue. Chief Gerdes stated that the issue we need to deal with now is the support of the 25 mph residential speed limit. He added the Police Department is also strongly in support of this recommendation. Councilmember Preus stated he generally agrees, but would like more leeway to determine a case by case instead of a uniform law across the state. The Chief stated that the uniform law would only affect the streets that are defined as "residential." He stated these are general areas which are not required to be posted. He stated that we will have research before the next meeting on pursuing the recommendation to adjust to 25 mph or other assistance to cities for residential speeding. He stated the committee can then finalize the discussion at the next meeting before making their recommendation as this will still be before the legislative meeting. Councilmember Preus asked how much impact can a City have with the legislature on an issue like this. The Chief stated that a good example is the tobacco issue where the 3 low 2 a legislature was considering pre-emption. He stated he testified on the City's behalf in that instance and it had much impact on the legislature and we could get that involved on this issue also. The next issue for Committee consideration is the issue of Fire Department staffing which was referred by the City Council at its July 24 meeting. Chief Gerdes introduced Fire Chief Richard Kline and Firefighter Gretchen Hurr who were present to give an information presentation on the Fire Department similar to what we originally gave the committee on the Police Department's various programs. For Committee members, he gave a brief update of the issue of a residential house fire that occurred on July 1r which caused several calls to Councilmembers with concern about slow Fire Department response to fires. Chief Kline stated that they would be providing Committee members with copies of Part 1 of a Plymouth Fire Department Profile. He stated from the time he and Chief Gerdes came on board they had decided that it was important the Fire Department not stay status quo, but prepare for the future. He stated the profile document has been a three year internal project for the department in which they have been working to identify service delivery barriers and challenges and options for the future. Chief Kline then showed a brief video of the house fire of July 1 r which brought this issue before the Council. Chiefs Kline and Gerdes stated in this instance there were comments of an over 20 minute response time. Basically through research with County Dispatch, we know our first working track was on the scene at the 12 minute mark. They stated that there is always a perception problem that time seems to go slower to people at the scene of major incidents like this. Chief Gerdes added that we had a police officer on the scene within one minute of the time the Fire Department was dispatched and he reported the house was totally engulfed at that time. Councilmember Wold added that we had no loss of life in the incident. Chief Gerdes stated this is correct; we had one pet lost, but all people evacuated safely. He added that we since determined the fire had smoldered under the deck from about 1 a.m. until the actual call which came at midday at about the time the propane tank for the grill exploded. Councilmember Preus inquired as to how long between when the department arrives at a scene and when they typically have a fire under control. Chief Kline stated this fire was under control 25 minutes after the department's arrival. He also added that they found that a number of the residents in the area who were concerned about response time were unable the Fire Department was a volunteer department and thought they were full-time paid. He stated that brought us back to the issue of looking to the staffing issue. Chief Kline stated that in looking at the profile, they found there are several common problems across the country being faced by departments with various types of 4 volunteer fire departments. These problems include the retention and recruitment of volunteers becoming more difficult and the apparatus and equipment necessary to fight fires and respond to other emergency situations. He stated that our response time averages between 9 to 11 minutes. He stated in checking with other departments, they also found that each City has a different definition of how they compute response time. Plymouth uses from the time of dispatch until the 1'd apparatus arrives at the scene. He stated that generally fire experts (NFPA) recommend a 6 minute response. Chief Kline then introduced Firefighter Gretchen Hurr who would give a presentation on the barriers facing the department in their delivery of service. Hurr stated again that the group would be given Part 1 of this project tonight. She stated that Part 2 will include more information on fres and technical firefighting techniques. Hurr showed several maps and charts to illustrate the barriers. First was the growing population, which showed 58,960 population for 1995. She then showed a calls for service chart for the fire department, which was divided into day and night calls. She showed that the calls for service have grown to over 1,000 calls for 1995 (1,083) with over 600 of them being daytime responses. She added that since 1982, calls have tripled. Councilmember Preus asked why 3 years go down on the chart and then there is the upward trend. Chief Kline stated they do not totally know the answer to this, but believe contributing factors are the increase in alarm systems, including carbon monoxide alarms; also confirmed fire calls have risen, along with the growing population. Hurr also noted that firefighters are also required to spend numerous hours each year of prevention programs and training besides fire response. Chief Gerdes also noted that major fires, such as the one from July 17"' in the video, comprise less than 5% of the fire calls the department deals with. Hurr noted another recruitment barrier is the requirement that individuals live or work within five minutes response time to one of the stations. Sometimes station location presents a challenge as with Station 1. Normally, the department attempts to recruit from residences in the area, but Station 1 is location within an industrial area. Also, employers used to sometimes allow employees to be firefighters, but employers are less likely to do this because it is disruptive to their business to have their employees leave to go to a fire and that is understandable. Hurr added that firefighters much select a 12 hour period during which they will be responsible for calls within the City and they must make 50% of calls during that time period out of their station in order to stay active members. She stated this is very difficult on individuals because of the unpredictability of the time commitment, along with that of a separate full-time job. It is very difficult to have regular family commitments. She added the average firefighter puts in 446 hours each year which includes calls, training, prevention/education programs, maintenance duty, and administration duties. She noted people with specialties, such as hazardous materials (Haz Mat) spend more time than that. Chief Kline stated that this Phase 1 report is the foundation and background. The department is then attempting to identify and evaluate ways to reduce in-service times. Various ways to do this include increasing paid staff, increasing volunteers, instigating duty crews, using City personnel or various combinations. He added there are a lot of ideas to consider and hopes the Committee will have some recommendations. Councilmember Wold thanked the Fire Department for the information. He stated he is uncomfortable with waiting for major incidents to deal with issues such as Fire response and would like to study whether we need to have a full-time fire department before it becomes a major issue. He stated he realizes the other side to the issue is the cost and believes this is a tough decision. Chief One stated the Fire Department outlines various programs in the handout, but they are not advocating any certain recommendation. Ms. Biermeier asked what the cost of a full-time department would be. Chief Gerdes responded there would be about a $2 million start-up cost for wages and benefits for a full-time department. He added that the cost for one full-time firefighter for salary and benefits would be about the same as a police officer which runs between $45,000 to $50,000. Councilmember Wold asked what the firefighters themselves are saying. Where is the full-time department question coming from? Chief Kline stated he does not believe the issue of a full-time department is coming from the firefighters. The department is looking at the issue because we are stressing these people to the maximum with their commitment to the Fire Department along with their regular jobs and families. Chief Gerdes stated that since he and Chief Kline came to Plymouth in late 1992, there have only been two major fire incidents. The one previously shown which occurred on July 17'hof this year and one previous incident. The previous incident was determined to be an arson. That incident occurred the day before a League of Women Voters meeting during an election year and the same type of perception of response time occurred there and the question was brought up at that meeting. Councilmember Wold stated he believed it was important to note that in both of these major incidents we have no loss of life. He added that he would give our current department an A+. He stated he could see no problem with the department except for the noted stress on members. Sgt. Goldstein stated that he disagrees. He stated that speaking as a Plymouth resident, he does believe there is a problem. He stated that in the past in his observations the Fire Department was very disappointing and was almost a joke. He stated in the last four years with Chiefs Gerdes and Kline, the department has made a 1800 turnaround. However, he stated the police department still has problems with waiting at accident scenes for extrication crew from the Fire Department. He stated 6 -Za that sometimes New Hope can get to our scenes first with their duty crews. He stated he believes there has to be a better system for the community. He does not believe we need to go as far as Burnsville and have a totally full-time department, but the Fire Department needs to respond to these scenes quicker and possibly be available for medicals. Chief Gerdes commented as far as Sgt. Goldstein's comments on the previous problems with the Fire Department, we have been able to resolve all the internal issues that made us less than a professional department and now as Chief Kline stated, we need to look to what we need for the future. Chief Gerdes stated at this point he knew the Councilmembers and City Manager needed to adjourn for the regular Council meeting. He stated that Chief Kline and he would stay awhile and answer any questions Ms. Koehnen or Ms. Biermeier may have. He stated that he would like to keep these two issues as the only items on the next agenda. Councilmembers Preus and Wold stated it was a good meeting and thanked the Fire Department for their presentation. Ms. Biermeier asked if the Committee could receive copies of the City Council minutes so they could review exactly what the Council wanted the committee to do. The Chief stated we would provide these before the next meeting. Meeting adjourned. 7 %Zb Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting September 12, 1996 Page 36 Present: Commissioners Johnson, Fiemann, Priebe, Wahl and Willegalle; (Chair Anderson arrived later); staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson; Councilmember Wold Absent: Commissioner Thompson 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Wahl called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Priebe and seconded by Commissioner Willegalle to approve the minutes of the July meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary Bisek began her presentation by announcing that we had a safe beach season, with no major accidents or injuries. The fall soccer program is underway, with 1,200 kids playing. The History Fest was successful. Henry Willegalle was on the committee. A planning meeting for next year has been held already. Our annual Art Fair is Saturday, 'September 14, from 10-5, at Parkers Lake Park. Approximately 40 artists will display and sell their work. There will also be musical entertainment and food vendors. Mary stated that she and Mark have been working on the northeast neighborhood park project. Several inmates from Lino Lakes are also working on this park project as part of a work release program. They are starting to construct trails and are clearing the site for the playground. Public Works is also helping with trails. Staff is in the process of planning winter programs. We are once again facing a shortage of after school space in both school districts. There has been a big expansion in the child care program, and they are monopolizing gym time, cafeteria and multi-purpose space. Commissioner Willegalle asked if the East Parkers Lake Improvement Association could have a table in the pavilion during the Art Fair. Mary suggested that he check with Karol Greupner to see if there would be room, because both the Seniors and the Human Rights Commission are in the Pavilion this year. Director Blank introduced Bill Abel, the ice arena manager. Bill stated that he was from Willmar, and ran the ice arena there for 16 years. He is in the process now of selecting ice resurfacers and is working with corporations on installation of scoreboards. He stated that he is very excited to be here and said PRAC should be proud of the work they did. Bill is working on building policies, such as proper conduct when in the building. Commissioner Willegalle asked when reservations for outside groups would be taken? Bill responded that we have started tentative PRAC Minutes/September 1996 Page 37 1--Zb reservations already. We'll miss out this winter on major youth hockey reservations, but we will be booking things like figure skating, hockey camps and other leagues. c. Others. See item 6a. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION a. Council continues to award many contracts for the ice arena; walls, mechanical, etc. b. Greenwood playground dedication ceremony is Friday, September 13. c. Log cabin is under construction in Ely and will be shipped to us between October 1 and October 15. Footings are going in next week. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Ice arena complex. This project is continuing to move forward. The construction manager reminded Director Blank that $3,000,000 worth of work is underground in the form of utilities, footings, etc. This is in response to comments from the public complaining it doesn't appear that much is happening at the site. Steel is scheduled to arrive October 7. Large cranes will be visible then. The outdoor pool is 90% complete. Director Blank talked about the identification sign that will be near the street. He explained that our contract says the word Life Time must be in the title. Life Time Fitness will be on the door over the Life Time entrance. We need a name over the entrance door for the ice arena. PRAC can make a recommendation for the overall name, too. Director Blank said that 90% of ice arenas are named "ice arena", and he is not particularly fond of that. This facility is special. A list of names was distributed to PRAC members for , their consideration. Commissioner Wahl commented that the initials from Plymouth Ice Garden spell PIG. Bill Abel was asked his opinion. He said that he likes Plymouth Arena and Recreational Complex, which spells PARC. Director Blank likes Plymouth Ice Park. Commissioner Priebe likes Plymouth- Ice Center. A suggestion for the overall name was Plymouth Life Time Recreation Complex. COMMISSIONER FIEMANN MOVED TO CALL THE ICE ARENA PLYMOUTH ICE PARK. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. The Commission wants to think about it some more and discuss it again in October. b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Engineering met with the contractor on Monday. A crane will be showing up September 13. Concrete abutments for the bridge will be there Monday, September 16. The contractor says the road will be done by Oct. 26, but we're telling the public November 15. The City has a permit to dredge the beach now, remove culverts, and put in a walkway from the parking lot to the beach area. c. Open space. Survey is done on Johnson Bros. parcel, which splits the parcel. Mr. Stewart now wants to sell his parcel to the City for a reasonable price. The City declined. PRAC Minutes/September 1996 Page 38 '!'Z6 d. Elm Creek Playfield update. The irrigation system is in and includes 300 sprinkler heads. Fine grading and seeding of the softball complex has been done. These fields desperately need rain now, because there is no water to the irrigation system yet. Going out for re -bids on building portion and fence work. e. Senior citizen needs analysis update. The senior task force will be meeting in the next 20 days to review the report. f. Continue golf course discussion. Letters were sent to the individual golf course owners thanking them for making presentations to PRAC and inviting them to meet with staff regarding ways of cooperating in preserving golf in Plymouth. So far, there has been no response to the invitation. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Maple Creek Park - location of hardcourt - Mark Peterson. Mark distributed copies of park area layout to commissioners. He also had letters from residents indicating where they wanted court or did not want court. Mark explained that letters were sent to homeowners telling them about renovation of park and asking for their input. The play area had to be enlarged due to safety standards, resulting in encroaching on existing basketball court and picnic shelter. The residents wanted the playground to be where it always was, leaving two options for the hardcourt; in the open grassy area or across from the playground area. Commissioner Wahl asked Mark the size of the hardcourt? Mark said 40 x 60. He added that the grassy area is quite large. Rhonda Turgeon, 16205 25th Avenue N, is opposed to any basketball court in this neighborhood park. Objects because it's a neighborhood park. She said friends in Shoreview had trouble in their park when basketball courts were put in. Police had to be called to ask people to leave after hours. She wondered how the police would access this park and if they would keep coming back if necessary. Who's going to pick up the garbage? Her husband has coached soccer for four years and says there isn't enough space for holding soccer practices. She asked if this space could be used for that instead? People have basketball hoops in their driveways, so she feels they are not needed in the park. Just because there won't be lights, doesn't mean people won't be there after the park is closed. She thinks vandalism will increase. Subra, 2545 Weston Lane. His property borders the area in back of park. Doesn't want basketball. His sons play, but they don't want it there. They have a hoop in their driveway. Jim Sanders, 2320 Yuma Lane. Their house is three blocks from Maple Creek. He doesn't share the same concerns. The hardcourt is a common topic of conversation. Not one person is in favor that he has talked to. Neighborhood does not want it. He suggested that City staff listen to what the people are saying. Commissioner Wahl asked if Mr. Sanders objects in general to a basketball court, or just in grassy area? He said he objected to it entirely. Commissioner Priebe asked if basketball was FRAC M"mutes/September 1996 Page 39 i-Zti there prior to the park playground being replaced? And did it present a problem before? Mr. Sanders responded that it was set up before, so that older kids would not be interested in using it. Patty Anderson, 16015 26th Avenue. Her house is 100 yards from basketball court. She has lived there three years and has been a professional educator for many years. She stated that cult signs have been painted on the old basketball backboard in the past. She picks up beer bottles whenever she walks her dog early in the morning as well as broken glass. She hears kids in the park at night after closing hours and fears that this will become a teen hangout. It's a very secluded area and no adults can see this part of the park. Wildlife frequent this area now and she believes that the noise will scare them away. She believes that the anarchy signs will continue if hardcourt goes in. Councilmember Tim Wold serves on community policing committee and encouraged her to call 911 if she hears anything out of the ordinary, explaining that it's not just for emergencies. Patty is not concerned about soccer being played there, or any other use of open grassy area. She is more concerned about who will hang out there. Bob Cobb, 2760 Zanzibar Lane. He lives in the second house from the west entrance to the park and feels that this park is designed as a small neighborhood park and is not suitable for hardcourt. He doesn't want midnight basketball there. He explained that you can't put court near playground, either, because it's too close to people's backyards. Bill Legg, 2665 Weston Lane. He has lived by playground ever since it was first put in and is now 30 feet from new playground. The old basketball court got used 'a lot. He doesn't see how a car could get into area to shine its headlights on court, unless driven through chains or on the trail, and you can't play in the dark. It doesn't matter to him where the court is. He thinks a court should be there and that everyone should be able to use it. Will not create any more problems if it's there. Eileen Bohn, 16315 27th Place. Lived there eight years. City parks are not just for select few. Old basketball court was not in good shape. She feels that when the City plans its parks and programs, it ignores teens. She believes that the residents are overly concerned with the small minority who drink and thinks that the kids in the neighborhood are basically good and well behaved. We need someplace for them to go and should not exclude them. With or without basketball, you could have problems. In favor of court. Good opportunity for teens. Can get their dads out there to play. Girls like to play basketball too, so put court in. She agrees, however, that grassy area is secluded Tom Forester, 2430 Yuma Lane. He shared pictures of Oakwood Elementary School hardcourt with commissioners and commented that there is another court at Parkers, so there are other places nearby to play basketball. He had a list of police calls concerning Oakwood Elem. school, specific to hardcourt, from January 1 to September 3. These calls were mostly property damage, alcohol offenses, smoking, PRAC Minutes/September 1996 Page 40 1--Z b starting fires, vehicle damage, etc. He requested that the City not create an environment where crime takes place. Commissioner Johnson commented that teens were not represented in the audience this evening. His teenage son says there is no place for him to go. Mr. Forester said he has no problem with good kids, but these parks don't always attract good kids. The neighborhood is largely made up of younger kids who will not use the basketball court. Dave Howard, 2645 Weston Lane. Mr. Howard is opposed to grassy area court, because it's a pristine, quiet spot. Historically, there has always been a hardcourt in the park. He uses park five times a week. He said based on people's comments at the meeting, he feels the neighborhood doesn't have a lot of faith in its teenagers. He wants the court installed in a visible area and wants to use it himself. Milton Bohn, 16315 27th Place, lives across from park. Mr. Bohn thinks basketball court should be near playground. He feels that kids will congregate near the grassy area regardless of whether or not there is a hardcourt there, because of seclusion. Concerned about his neighbors more than for himself. Gwenn Goblirsch, 2705 Weston Lane. She doesn't want hardcourt in her backyard. Likes park the way it is now. Chris Chiles, 16120 21st Ave. Lives on southern end of Steeplechase. Her family uses this park a lot. Kids are elementary age. She opposes basketball court in park. Her boys are into.biology and science and enjoy the wildlife they find -in the park. Thinks park is a real asset and would like it to remain natural. Tim Stibblin, 2725 Weston Lane. Doesn't oppose a basketball court, but has a concern about the possible sites, though. Is hesitant to keep putting up more tar and less grass. Basketball is a loud game. Bouncing balls make a lot of noise. Kids at playground don't make nearly the amount of noise that basketball makes. Rich Heinrich, 2505 Yuma Lane. Mr. Heinrich says he knows his neighbors, and they don't play basketball. He claimed that there are more adults than kids living in this neighborhood He wondered if there was a City policy stating that neighborhood parks had to have a hardcourt? Commissioner Wahl responded that he doesn't think the hardcourt belongs in the grassy area. Other PRAC members agreed COMMISSIONER WILLEGALLE MOVED TO DISCARD THE OPTION OF PLACING THE HARDCOURT IN THE GRASSY AREA. COMMISSIONER PRIEBE SECONDED THE MOTION. AYES ALL. Mike Leonard, 2510 Yuma Lane. Read a letter from his neighbor, Russell Gallagher, who could not attend. Doesn't want the hardcourt anywhere in the park. PRAC Minutes/September 1996 Page 41 T - 2 b Chris Chiles spoke again. She thinks that staff needs to do an assessment of other options for where area teens can go to play sports. Andy Polzin, 15925 27th Place, said there is a problem with this area being under water sometimes. He thinks it will be a maintenance nightmare. Cheryl Polzin thanked the Commission for their recommendation to drop basketball from the grassy area. She feels that the other proposed area is not a good option either, because it's too close to houses. Commissioner Wahl agreed that putting the basketball court near the playground was not a viable option. COMMISSIONER PRIEBE MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE THE HARDCOURT FROM THE PARK COMPLETELY. COMMISSIONER FIEMANN SECONDED. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. The Commission continued to discuss the issue, stating that basketball is a questionable use of a small park. They feel that small parks are better suited for use by young children. Commissioner Johnson stated that he wasn't hearing a lot of voices in favor of the hardcourt. Commissioner Wahl agreed and said that this park didn't lend itself to putting one in. Commissioner Fiemann agreed but said he feels there is a need for activities for teens in the area, but this was not the place. Councilmember Wold asked Director Blank to explain to residents the process that.. follows this recommendation by PRAC. Director Blank said PRAC is an advisory board and makes recommendations to the Council. He stated that this item will be placed on the consent agenda for the Council with a denial recommendation. Council will likely agree with PRAC. A final comment made by a resident was for more trees to be planted with money saved by not putting in the hardcourt. b. 1997-2001 CIP. Director Blank explained the `96 projects that are underway or have been completed. In 1997, $225,000 has been allocated for Elm Creek Playfield. There currently are no lights on baseball or soccer fields and there is no playground. Neighborhood school/parks requesting financial assistance include Birchview, Sunset and Pilgrim Lane. Director Blank explained that the City policy on contributions to school playgrounds needs to be updated. Two neighborhood park playgrounds will need $80,000 each for replacement. The amphitheater needs to be lighted for safety reasons, which is estimated at $25,000. $2.2 million is earmarked for the senior/activity center addition to Life Time Fitness, and additional trails are proposed. PRAC Minutes/September 1996 Page 42 1 -Lb In 1998, trails, development of one neighborhood park, and a field house at Elm Creek Playfield are proposed, Zachary Playfield needs to be upgraded for youth baseball, and land needs to be acquired for the 10th playfield in northwest Plymouth, if population growth warrants it. In 1999, trails are proposed, as well as continuing payments for the 10th playfield. In 2000 and 2001, neighborhood park development is proposed, along with more trails. Director Blank then discussed some of the things that are not included in the CIP, such as money for the Ess property development, a building in West Medicine Lake park, a walkway of some kind over 494 and County Road 9, and some additional amenities in the parks like sculptures, or fine art type items, etc. Commissioner Fiemann asked about the house and land by Greenwood to be used for soccer. Director Blank said he spoke to the Superintendent and told him to explore purchasing this property and that we would consider a joint venture with the School District. Commissioners then asked what kind of money was needed to add amenities to the open space we purchased? Director Blank said we need a management plan for the open space sites first, and that a year from now will perhaps have that in place. Director Blank encouraged PRAC to think about items that were not included in the CIP and let staff know what they are. The CIP will need PRAC approval in October. Mary Bisek mentioned that golf was not included, either. Commissioner Priebe asked staff to give PRAC a list of what's not included in the CIP. Director Blank stated that he has funds in the parks operating budget to study the golf course issue in 1997. c. East Medicine Lake Regional trail update. Director Blank reported that 90-95% of residents favor trail. Hoping to present a draft report to Council at first meeting in October, which will go to park district board in late October. If all goes well, could start construction next year. Part of the road has already been changed to a one way. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION Think of names for the ice arena for next month, and approve CIP. The seniors' request for use of tennis courts at Parkers Lake will be discussed in January. 9. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. For Immediate Release October 8, 1996 2-3a Giv OF PLYMOUTFF For More Information Laurie Ahrens, 509-5080 City of Plymouth Seeks Board and Commission Applicants The City of Plymouth is seeking citizens to serve on city boards and commissions. Applications will be accepted at the Plymouth City Center, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., until 4:30 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22. Citizens interested in serving should call City Clerk Laurie Ahrens at 509-5080 for an application. Several boards and commissions that advise the Plymouth City Council and local human service agencies will have seats available in 1997. The City Council will appoint citizens to fill those seats. Most terms will begin in February. Boards that may have vacancies are: Housing and Redevelopment Authority; Human Rights Commission; Planning Commission; Park and Recreation Advisory Commission; Environmental Quality Committee; and various human service agencies. -30- PLYMOUTH ABeautifulBlace?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 NORTHWEST MUNfTV 6900 Winnetka Avenu6.North _ IaLE COM ` Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 _ TELL (612) 533-8196 N E W S R E L E A 8 E .I For Immediate Release 10/7/96 For more information contact Lori Ziebarth at 533-8196 ext. 244 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR LOCAL OFFICE APPEAR ON CABLE 12"S "CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT" Elections are fast approaching --do you know the candidates running for local office? Make an informed vote with the Cable 12 News series "Candidate Spotlight". "Candidate Spotlight" appears on Cable 12 News on the half hour 4pm-7pm and 9pm-lipm ending Friday, November 1. Candidate profiles are as follows: Wednesday, October 9 Plymouth Mayor (2 candidates) Thursday, October 10 New Hope City Council (4 candidates) Friday, October it Brooklyn Center City Council (4 candidates) Monday, October 14 Maple Grove City Council (4 candidates) Tuesday, October 15 Maple Grove City Council (4 candidates) Wednesday, October 16 Maple Grove City Council (4 candidates) Thursday, -October 17 Maple Grove City Council (4 candidates) Friday, October 18 Maple Grove City Council (5 candidates) Monday, October 21 Brooklyn Park City Council East District (2 candidates) and Central District (2 candidates) Tuesday, October 22 Brooklyn Park City Council West District (2 candidates) Wednesday, October 23 Robbinsdale City Council Ward 1 (1 candidate) and Ward 2 (1 candidate) Thursday, October 24 Plymouth City Council Ward 1 (1 candidate) and Ward 3 (1 candidate) Friday, October 25 Plymouth City Council At -large (2 candidates) Brooklyn Center - Brooklyn Park - Corcoran - Crystal - Golden Valley - Hanover - Maple Grove - Medicine lake - New Hope - Osseo - Plymouth - Robbinsdale - Rogers Monday, October 28 District 281 School Board 3 year term (3 candidates) Tuesday, October 29'District 281 School Board 5 year term (3 candidates) Wednesday, October 30 District 284 School Board 3 year term (4 candidates) Thursday, October 31 District 284 School Board 5 year term (1 candidate) Friday, November 1 District 286 School Board 3 year term (1 candidate) and 5 year term (1 candidate) Before heading to the voting booth, turn to Cable 12's "Candidate Spotlight" October 9 through November 1 to find out who your local candidates are --we're the one to turn to for elections! =Will= 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, Maple Grove, Medicine Lake,'.New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and Rogers. October 8, 1996 3:50 PM From: AMM Fax #: 281-1299 Page 2 of 2 AMM FAX NEWS October 7-11, 1996 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Met Council's growth options plan to be unveiled The Met Council will ap- prove the growth options documents on Thursday. Oct. 10. The public hearing pro- cess will begin in mid- November. The document will outline the Council's vision and strategy for managing growth within the seven - county region for the next 40 years. The recommended strategy, as predicted, is a hybrid of the three growth options the Council has been evaluating. The Council's goal is to accommodate the 330,000 additional households and 650,000 more people the Council projects for the region in the next 25 years in a way that meets the goals M fu *Wk kra(/~ a ArA'Y d7sa erralak coax McAftw; &mdA1A *a/eto fegro,WaIrm 1ffoi/a1WNd)11 *A= ® (4r)w1rtifo Am it kit Ad;.11,244 Ide/ W 25.44Iv fa' 011N of its Regional Blueprint. DOCUMENT HIGHLIGHTS ♦ Two-thirds of the pro- jected growth would be accommodated within the existing MUSA. Residential densities would have to be more than double the densi- ties typical on the develop- ing fringe. ♦ A new concept called "urban reserve" is added to the Regional Blueprint. This reservoir of land will accom- modate the region's need for urbanization until the year 2040. ♦ The urban reserve would ring today's MUSA in all parts of the region. The outer edge would become the permanent growth bound- ary and the land beyond would be designated either permanent agriculture or permanent rural. ♦ Development beyond the urban reserve area would be sharply restricted except within rural growth centers which have their own sewer systems, such as Watertown, Jordan, St. Francis, etc. ♦ The Council would size regional sewer facilities for the entire growth area and communities at the growing edge would define their 2020 urban area within the urban reserve. ♦ In the urban area, the Council focus would be on jobs and economic devel- opment near the 1-494/694 beltway, with an emphasis on the urban core. The transit system would be used to increase job concentra- tions and residential densi- ties. Unfortunately, the docu- mentation defines few specific implementation tools -- making it difficult to provide meaningful input at the hearings. The AMM's Metropolitan Agencies Committee will review the documentation at its Oct. 24 meeting, HEARING & INPUT SCHEDULE ♦ Oct. 22. 23. 24: Open house held in four cities around the region to pro- vide information about the growth option policy, includ- ing the Transportation and Water Resources Policy System plans. ♦ Nov. 19, 20: Public hear- ings in four cities. ♦ Dec. 6: Hearing record closes. ♦ Dec. 30: Final Council approval. � G. � EOE Hca, iOue�X5113. W o� aE� av 1 511. , r. O E• N �p p Y 9 oar°,aa00e�orESp�=cae r"Lpv8ar� 0� 8 �„0 uoE " iWvi O 7 '3 a��tiO a -C cj al 'S s 40 C, E^e _r �, -0S ;36 1111 lll-bg S as � �Qg 4) b."u°O� $ d o � „� a4u 3�33ei >3uh I 1$ Hit; � ■� xd � e � i3Y �ix u9 Ldd�+ d C� d3e •� w ��y1.9 ""�a0.2a x7MO�udzai u W9Ap�a9�aOC A a d� �ayo.i d.! d dEyo° �9o�a O 9 s > S u a M. awaC Q�"i. y CCOa a E'°O�°a°woe e" gam pa5'° 73C�Eac,aE,3IND "Eace�a—°Doted y u+ p�pp7 Ct �w 7=°.. C� iy aO� a�1fj C9 VN, ° V� N A �i �i E... .. Eat ��u�e xuaE ON a9 y O y O C Q 8gr"'co.vEu" °''3a01!..u9» "3y'tiSC�w li °3e CL >n85u°e>Fv°a,o= September 4, 1996 Dear Mayor Tierney: 1-4.2 This letter is to inform you of an impending problem with the proposed design of West Medicine Lake Park. The new design will eliminate the only shoreline available for a seasonal (open one week in the spring and one week in the summer) deep boat launch on Medicine Lake. Boats with large hulls will not have access to the lake. This includes many sailboats now moored on Medicine Lake. We are lakeshore owners on the west end of Medicine lake. This dilemma has just recently been brought to our attention. Our sailboat is a family boat, the larger hull allows more stability and prevents the boat from tipping over. Like many others, we use our sailboat on a daily basis. These types of boats remain on the lake all summer. They are launched in early spring and removed in late autumn. Eliminating the ability to launch boats would be a great disservice to the sailing community of Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Upon learning of this problem I contacted the operators of the two public boat launches on the lake. They are Mr. Joe Harty of . Harty's bait and boats, and Mr. Bob Wicklund of French Regional Park. Both parties explained that it is not geographically possible to dredge their shoreline for a deep boat launch. This is because the shoreline of the east side of Medicine Lake is to shallow to support a deep launch. I then contacted Mr. Eric Blank at his City of Plymouth office. He was aware of the problem as other concerned residents had contacted him. His response was "it is not the responsibility of the city of Plymouth to provide a boat launch for Medicine Lake". He would not pursue the issue any further. I contacted Mr. Blank a second time to obtain data about the new ice fishing launch area. Apparently this launch is the responsibility of the city of Plymouth. Mr. Blank could not provide any data as to the depth of the water at the new area but did say it was shallow compared with the existing launch. This new area may also be to shallow for a deep launch. Z-gra It is an injustice to make Medicine Lake unavailable for deeper hulled boats. Please do not allow West Medicine Lake Park to be completed without investigating this concern. We ask you to act before it is to late to make any changes. This decision will have long lasting implications to the types of boats having access to the lake. We are willing to help in any way we can. This includes, fact- finding , research, presenting data, and obtaining petitions. PLEASE do not allow the existing seasonal deep launch to be eliminated. Respectfully, G Cheri Templeman, R.N. David Templeman, M.D. 2950 Larch Lane Plymouth, Minnesota 612-559-1559 00 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 00 Vis.::.:" . . . . . . . . . . . . C.) ............ ........... �C� 0 5 8 October 3, 1996 Plymouth City Council Plymouth City Center i. 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55441 BE 4 -Way Stop Sign Dear Council Members: On behalf of Harrison Hills residents, we wish to extend our thanks to the Council for your favorable consideration of stop sign placement at 55' and Ximines. Your decision will help ensure the safety of our children. We deeply appreciate your support with this important neighborhood issue. Thank you again. Sincerely, e Harrison Hills Board of Directors ors cjb T 57b 6288 - Sumter .Avenue North Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428 October 4, 1996 Chief Gerdes Plymouth Department of Public Safety 3400 - Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Chief Gerdes, Sunday, September 29, my husbandandl thought we wouCdgo for a ride. It was a beautifidfaliday. 'We had not even made it as far as Nedkine Lake Roadon 9fiyhway 169 when a tire on our car went fCat.My husband has experienced a great deal of health problems this year and is unable to walk for any dustance or engage in any Cfting. I decidedl wouldwalk to agas station about four blocks aheadof us to find'help (I happen to beone of the few people that does not possess a ceiiphone). I had only gone a short distance when.T Cooked back andsaw that a Plymouth PoCce car was stopped behind our dLsabCed car and PoCce Officer David Carlson (Badge 49) was getting right to the task of changing the tire. Officer Carlson not only changed our tire but answered our questions about the placement of the jack on the undercarriage of the car, the speciaCCug nut, andgave us heCpfuCinformation in the event we are in need of changing a tire again The traffic on 9M'ighway 169 was extremely busy and traveCing very fast! Officer Carlson never Cost sight of the dangerous conXitions and at ad times showed concernfor our safety. He remained behind us in his car until we could safely exit the scene. Our ?HA-WXS to Officer Carlson for helping us in such a kindand conscientious manner. 'We are certain that our outing to enjoy the beautif d faliday would not have been nearly as enjoyable if it had not been for his friendly help. The Plymouth Department of Safety can be very, very proud to have him serving an theirpoCice force. Sincerely, 66Re .4KIP1, Leo and Grace .1 ogast Z�L� c: Officer David Carlson iWayor Joy Tierney ``' u October 8, 1996 Mayor Joy Tierney ` City of Plymouth ' 3400 Plymouth Boulevard c• Plymouth, MN 55447 RE: Installation of Speed Humps in Imperial Hills Dear Mayor Tierney: As an Imperial Hills homeowner with young children, I applaud the decision of the City to install two speed humps on the main - thoroughfare in my neighborhood. ' It was only a matter of time before some speeding motorist would seriously, or fatally, injure a pedestrian, cyclist or other motorist. We're grateful the City took action before some irreversible mishap occurred. Some of my neighbors claim the speed humps have caused a reduction in property values, an increase in vehicular noise as well as an "all around inconvenience." But, what evidence exists to support such claims? We tolerated the roar of racing engines and streaking vehicles for years prior to the installation of the speed humps. If just- one personal injury accident is avoided as a result of the speed humps, it's well worth it. Public safety is the "bottom line" issue here. Some action beyond just random periodic speed enforcement by police had to be taken. For many years, we supported efforts to install four-way stop signs at selected intersections on the main thoroughfare. If the speed humps are removed then we demand that four-way stop signs be installed. We can ill -afford to return to the past when vehicles travelling at excessive speeds regularly raced up and down the main thoroughfare. We trust City decisionmakers will concur that prevailing public safety interests require that the speed humps remain. I regret my calendar does not allow me to appear at the related meeting on October 10th. Thank you for disseminating copies of this letter to appropriate council members at or before the meeting. Sincerely,, A Concerned Imperial Hills. Homeowner 1� y VESEGY, MIR LER tic STRNEF, P.A. PROFESSIONAL. ASSOC1Al7014 ATPORNEYS AT LAW JERRE A. MILL IM 400 NORWEST BANK BUILDING JOSEPH C. VESELY (1905.1911)) JUREMY S. STEINER• 1011 FIRST STREET SOU771 WYNN CURIISS HOPKINS, MINNESOTA 55343 Aw "�^" "y Lgr � 612.935-7633 e : October 2, 1996 FAX 612.936.7670 Mr. Roger Knutson Plymouth City Attorney 1380 Corporate Center Curve X317 Eagan, MN 55121 Deer Mr. Knutson: I am the City Attorney for Medicine Lake. The Mayor of the City is Thomas Schrader who recently has brought to my attention the Installation by Plymouth of speed deterrents in the form of enlargements or bumps which were constructed laterally across South Shore Drive at Highway 55 and four consecutive speed bumps east of a small bridge where South Shore Drive accesses Plymouth. These are the only two roadways in or out of Medicine Lake. Since their. installation, there have been several incidents and near accidents 'such as a motorcycle driver 'losing' control, an elderly driver jostled and the bottom of small vehicles coming into contact with the speed bump. From my observation, there appears to be an absence of logical support for their installation particularly four of them in a row on the east side of the City. \ In support of this, I enclose a copy of a report from the McCombs v Frank Roos Associates, Inc. engineering 'firm critical of the location, number and size of these bumps. In addition'to the issue of safety and legality of -the bumps, concerns have been expressed from the following sources: eiNille\nedlvine\knvtson Mr. Roger Knutson October 2, 1996 Page 2 1. The safety of firefighters riding on a truck in response to an alarm are placed in jeopardy when the truck strikes these bumps; 2. Personnel and patients are similarly affected by jostling when an ambulance travels over these bumps; 3. Children in a school bus who are not restrained by seat belts may sustain injury from jostling. Porhaps of lesser concern to some, there is growing acrimony among the Plymouth residents and Medicine Lake residents on South Share Drive who have no choice for access to avoid the bumps. By reason of the above, i would be pleased to receive any engineering study or report upon which Plymouth relied in building these speed deterrents in the number and to the specification used as wall as specific safety concerns if any based on accidents or other evidence relied upon. Si JAM/ j w Enclosures cc: Thomas Schrader c6%fJ16%M941a1ae\knucson Fn/Lak4eceitv' Attorney WT -04-19% 1049 Vesely Miller p.pm/W3 McCombs Frank Room Ammorltttg0 bm �•o•o WM Aveaue "Woo f lOMM. MNttMM iiM7-449 * . STV47WWO 612(4794MNFAX P SeptvMW9 32,1996 Mayor Tan Schttder City of Medicine Lake 10609 South Shoe Drive Minneapolis, Minfiesom 53441 SU13=r-- City of Modioiaac Lala Speed Smaps MFRA 4197: Dear Mayos Schrader: At your request. I drove along South Shore Drive and viewed the speed bumps which have bvoo irlstaJled by the City of PlymOML In nay opinion, dw speed bumps are both inappmpristc and illegal for the followins aadaw.. 1. in the Plymouths Coraptebeasive Plan. South Shorn Drive has been given the functional clwification as a minor Collector. This placing of speed bump& is directly COMM/ to the intended fimedon of dW;vadway. 2. hviinnmsm Statuws Annotated (MSA)16904 door give Doca1 audwrities vutwlly Campine avtbority ora all sheat: awdar InchJWrMctim boweva MSA 169.06 +gates that all traffic CONVol devices shall ootafvnn to the spoccsttions in tin i1 bfi=cOota Manual ou Uuifmm Traffic Cortotrol Dcvk= iM'rCD). 'D?ac MUTCD "MUCates a DUMP A N!sd sig% is A894W Whe a !heat is aM to cresta a basardous condition.1WIVdin detl �� tis:, sv cicntly WWU normal driving spoeds.'iba = a vahicle firom its true Course. at City of Plyawotb has TM VW9isad POW spm Control. instead dt► created seveaW 1102ard0M situWons. 3. MA 169.06 plaees the 1egW lisbiliy !br the eec omwe Otto :pard bun" with tine lova authority. ?be reasons dart speed bump eye net MOOMiNd as tl Me control drviees by MnVOT we safety► Sad loot- Tiny came diseom1bit to pssseupm win sbiftitag of cargo in truaab. floor. etc.; and deflect vddeles frosts theft tree course. Whoa I was vitwins do speed b g OW* the shoulders to avoid or lessen the 9ffaet of the bmmgps. • I noticed cats CCT -04-1996 10249 Vesely Mlller P.003/003 4 May" Tom Scbt4 a Srptvmba 12,19% -00� Pop 2 Ls swOu"wY, tlloy am not sompUbic traffic COMAW *Acts sad is nay of liability fOr any socidcnt o opuft iWf to s ®rest deal r danwV OW they y Plymouth Or tic volumes WD a tlsmay caurt. 1 If � oo>uro>s. The . apmper �y would shhowr warrants ft le Wea of of Mcdicine Laky Aodd MOM a copy orthe traffic counts ad speed twordines th t ware tater. If you h9vc a»y qvx Umw or need ad4itiotlel ioforimation. plow contact us. vwy trwy Yom, MCCOMBS FRANK ROOS ASSOCIATES, INC, • Rona. .$, rJR•pey TOTAL P.003 DATE: September 25, 1996 TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager FROM: Dale Hahn, Finance Director SUBJECT: Councilmember Anderson request for 1994 expenditures for Council Training, Conferences and reimbursements. Expenditure Attendee Conference name or purpose Amount Grannath Newly elected Officials Conference $ 125.00 Tierney Newly elected Officials Conference 125.00 Morrison Newly elected Officials Conference 125.00 Tierney Mayors Association -Annual dues 20.00 Tierney N.W. Human services -Annual Meeting 20.00 Tierney League of Minn. Cities -Annual Conference -St. Paul 205.00 Tierney Sensible Land Coalition -Wetlands workout 25.00 Tierney Leagues of Mn. Cities -Community Policing Conference 15.00 Tierney Minnesota Mayors Conference -Minnetonka 100.00 Tierney Nat'l League of Cities Annual Conference -Minneapolis 305.00 Tierney Hamline University -Crime in the Burbs 20.00 Tierney League of Mn. Cities -Policy Adoption Meeting 25.00 Subtotal 1,110.00 Council dinners meetings with School Districts, Hennepin Co., Boards and Commissions, Budget study, Town Meetings, Municipal Legislative Dinner, Joint Council meetings with Maple Grove, and pop & supplies. 3,157.00 Total for 1994 $ 4 to '1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ExecutiveSummary........................................................................... 3 Introduction..................................................................................... 5 Social and Recreational Programs......................................................... 6 Health Improvement Programs............................................................. 7 Educational Programs........................................................................ 8 VolunteerOpportunities...................................................................... 9 Senior Facility Requests....................................................................10 ProgramStaff Needs.........................................................................11 OperatingBudget.................................................................... Appendix 2 EXECUTIVE SUNEVIARY On October 3, 1995, a group of senior citizens appeared before the Plymouth City Council and requested a study, which would assess the current and future needs of the senior population in Plymouth. The City Council appointed a committee which included representatives of the Plymouth senior population, the Park and Recreation Department, the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, Senior Community Services (the non-profit organization operating the current Plymouth senior programs), and School Districts 281 and 284. The committee was directed to report its findings to the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission. Committee Activities: • Met a total of six times. • Reviewed current programs in Plymouth for older adults and space needs. • Considered current programs and space needs in neighboring communities. • Took a field trip to visit centers in St. Louis Park, Crystal, and Minnetonka and noted their revenue and expenditure operating results. • Projected the growth in the senior population over the next 20 years. • Considered future trends in programming for older adults. • Projected the capital and operating costs for a center in Plymouth based on this information and the experience of Senior Community Services in operating a number of centers. Committee Findings: 1. The elderly population in Plymouth will grow dramatically by 2010. 1996 2010 % change 65 and over 2,543 4,260 +68% 85 and over 115 595 +417% All elderly 5,400 10,056 +86% 2. The overall impact of centralizing facilities serving seniors is to triple the programs offered and double the attendance at them. The Minnetonka Center now serves 4,000 unduplicated, seniors. 3. Specific benefits of centralizing senior programs and services into one facility include: • improve distribution of information to seniors • improve the efficiency of transportation services • allow better nutrition programs • reduce isolation among seniors • create a sense of pride and community • reduce administration and overhead costs for many programs 3 4. Current and projected program needs (number of people participating): ProgramType CurrentPrograms CurrentNeed Future Need Social 514 988 1,838 Health 622 1,244 2,314 Education 11000 1,296 2,408 Totals 22136 32528 62560 Notes: Current need based on trend of other new centers to double most existing programs plus staff estimate of new programs that could be added. Future need allows for 86% increase in number of elderly in Plymouth by the year 2010. 5. A new center serving seniors should have a catering kitchen, a room to seat up to 300 people but dividable into several smaller rooms, and plenty of storage space. 6. Seniors are a major volunteer resource for the community: • Nearly half of the seniors in the current senior clubs volunteer time to the community. • A total of 112 volunteers provided 12,124 volunteer hours last year. • Volunteer hours may also nearly double with a new center. 7. The capital cost of an activity center that could serve seniors is estimated at $2.2 million. Possible sources of funding for the capital cost include: proceeds from the sale of City land at Vicksburg and Highway 55, 1996 year end surplus, the proposed capital improvement levy, and the Community Improvement Fund. The operating cost is estimated at $130,000 per year. The operating revenue from rental of space is estimated at $50,000 per year, leaving a total net cost of about $80,000 per year. Conclusion: After reviewing programs in Plymouth, senior centers in other communities, demographic data, and other information, the committee concluded that an activity center designed to serve the needs of seniors as well as all other age groups in the population, would add much to the quality of life in Plymouth. 4 INTRODUCTION In October 1995, the Mayor and Council directed the Recreational Sports Facilities Task Force to broaden its scope and analyze the future needs of senior citizens. The sports facilities task force established a sub -committee to go into depth in this area of study. The charge to the sub -committee was to analyze the current and projected future growth of the senior population of Plymouth and to make recommendations with regard to programming and facilities for this age group. The sub -committee was made up of the following people and was chaired by Eric Blank: • Ben Withhart, Senior Community Services • Sara Mittelstaedt, Plymouth Seniors Coordinator • Jim Brandl, Wayzata Community Education Director • Henry Willegalle, Park and Recreation Advisory Commission • Bill Gavaras, citizen • Marty Guritz, citizen • Inge Millikin, citizen • Cathy Cheslack, citizen The task force met for the first time on November 16 and had a total of six meetings, including a tour of several facilities. Technical information was provided to the task force by Ben Withhart and Sara Mittelstaedt, from the Senior Community Services agency. Population projections were provided by the City of Plymouth and the office of Planning and Development, Hennepin County. On November 30th, the committee toured senior facilities in Minnetonka, Crystal and St. Louis Park. The Minnetonka and Crystal centers were new facilities designed specifically for senior citizen programs. The Lennox Center in St. Louis Park was a converted elementary school. The committee had a chance to meet with staff and senior citizens at each of these locations and discuss their opinions with regard to what they liked about their facilities and what they hoped to accomplish in the future. On December 20, Melinda Ludwizak from the Robbinsdale School District Senior Citizens Department met with the committee. She gave an overview of the programs and services they provide within the Robbinsdale School District, primarily focused in the Robbinsdale-Crystal- New Hope portion of the district. The City of Golden Valley has their own senior citizen full time staff. The rest of this report lays out the information and findings of the committee. The report outlines the current status of programs within the community and what the projected growth would be if a centralized facility were developed. Next, the report outlines the requested facilities that the seniors would like the City Council to consider. The last portion of the report outlines some programming staff needs, elderly population projections, and the estimated operating expenses of a year-round senior facility. 5 SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS These programs add the much needed socialization of the older adult. The purpose is to get people out of their homes and involved in fun activities. Of course, almost all activities we offer would fill this need. Increased Growth Anticipated in Social and Recreational Programs An activity center would provide a meeting place ... "a place where everyone knows your name". Some of the seniors lament the closing of the coffee shop on Highway 55 where they used to meet and chat. These added programs might add at least 260 more participants. Programs • Bridge • 500 - • Other card & board games • Bingo • Special Community Dinners • Pork Chop dinner • Spaghetti dinner • Pancake breakfast, etc. • A Senior Dining Program • Seasonal social gatherings • Other recreational special interest groups would form: • Ham Radio Club • AA/Al Anon • Book Club • Men's Club • Women's Club 6 Times per year Current Participants Current Need Future Need Social Club meetings (Two sr. clubs meet once per month) 24 170 340 632 Bride Playing Once per week 51 24 48 89 500 Playing Once per week 51 20 40 74 Card Parties Twice per year 2 100 100 186 Pork Chop Dinner (o en to thepublic) 1 200 200 372 New programs 260 485 Total 514 1 988 1838 Increased Growth Anticipated in Social and Recreational Programs An activity center would provide a meeting place ... "a place where everyone knows your name". Some of the seniors lament the closing of the coffee shop on Highway 55 where they used to meet and chat. These added programs might add at least 260 more participants. Programs • Bridge • 500 - • Other card & board games • Bingo • Special Community Dinners • Pork Chop dinner • Spaghetti dinner • Pancake breakfast, etc. • A Senior Dining Program • Seasonal social gatherings • Other recreational special interest groups would form: • Ham Radio Club • AA/Al Anon • Book Club • Men's Club • Women's Club 6 HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (includes Exercise, Nutrition Education, Health Education, Health Screenings) Current Offerings Times per Year Current Participants Current Need Future Need -Walking Club (meets weekly) 50 28 56 104 Aerobic exercise (meets twice -weekly from October -May) 32 40 80 149 Biking Club (Meets weekly May - October) 24 8 16 30 Tennis club ( Meets weekly May- October) 24 12 24 45 Nutrition classes 4 8 16 30 Health education class such as CPR 2 5 10 19 Foot Care Clinic 12 20 40 74 Flu Shot Clinic 1 300 300 558 Care Givers Support Group 12 6 12 22 Insurance Counseling 12 3 6 11 Special speakers on health/nutrition at club meetings 4 120 240 446 Hearing screening 1 12 24 45 Blood Pressure screening 11 60 120 223 New Programs 1 300 558 Total 622 1 1,244 29314 Increased Growth Anticipated in Health Improvement Programs With a new community center people_ would .be, expecting these.. -kinds.. of programs _to _ be offered. They would know where to look for these programs. Many people have said they were surprised that Plymouth had senior programs because there is no central location. It would put the program out there for the public to see. These added programs might add 300 participants. Exercise vroarams added: • T'ai Chi • Yoga • Line Dancing • Intermediate Line Dancing • Advanced Line Dancing • Tap Dancing • Clogging • Chair Exercise • Ballroom Dancing • Water Exercise • Lap Swimming • Volleyball • Senior Dining Program • Wellness Series ( Doc 'N Donuts) meet monthly • Blood Pressure every week • Cholesterol Screening three times per year • Eye Care Screening one time per year • Healthy Eating Series five times per year 7 • Basketball • Shuffleboard • Bean Bag Tournaments Billiards • Ping Pong • Cross Country Ski Club EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS This category includes all classes and programs which give older adults the opportunity to explore and learn about new things or update skills. Included are adult education, creative arts and legal programs. Program Times Per Year Current Participants Current Need Future Need Computer Classes 2 20 40 74 55 Alive Mature Driving 24 720 720 1,339 Senior Council 6 14 14 26 Preventing Hip Fractures 1 25 40 74 Ra for Center 1 25 40 74 Medicare Presentation 1 25 40 74 Immigrant Women 4 30 40 74 Kids and Violence 1 6 12 22 Annuities 2 0 12 22 Minnesota Series (Augsburg) 5 15 30 56 Collector's Club 2 2 16 30 Writing Club 1 3 12 22 Story Time Players 50 20 30 56 I Read, You Read 2 2 0 0 Plymouth Rockers 81 53 60 112 Warm -Up Minnesota 12 12 20 37 Hand crafters 22 28 30 56 Total 1 _nnn 1 1-106 1 1 A Increased Growth Anticipated in Educational Programs A community center would offer a central location for information and referral. There would be an opportunity to have informational programs every day and many more creative arts opportunities. • Painting • Quilting • Watercolor Painting • Tap Dancing • Drawing • Jazz Dancing • Woodcarving • Basketmaking • Bookmaking • Legal Aid • Sculpture • Programs on money matters • Weaving . Living Wills 8 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers play a big role in the Plymouth Senior Program. They take a leadership role in most of our activities such as exercise, cards, club meetings etc. There are 73 volunteers from a membership of 152 in the senior clubs. There are also about 39 volunteers from the city at large. Their hours total 12,124 of volunteer time. Below is a listing of ways our people volunteer: • Transportation for Plymouth seniors • Crafts • Tour escorts • Officers and chairpersons • Friendly visiting • Fund-raisers • Exercise leaders • Choir members • Knitters for needy • Historical Society • Cable TV • Courage Center • Story Time Players readers • Blood pressure checkers • Flu shot aides • Energy Assistance • Care centers • Meals -on -Wheels • Gardening for City Increased Need for Volunteers The role that volunteerism would play in the community center would be two -fold. Normally seniors will take leadership in planning. If they feel like it is their center and they help plan what is offered, they will come. They would be able to serve their fellow seniors by volunteering their time as aides, receptionists and instructors. They would also be able to help with mailings for the city or other businesses. After people retire, they look for meaningful ways to spend their time. We would be a resource for these types of opportunities. • Receptionist in senior center office • Computer aides for classes and program registration • Computer aides for newsletter which we would need to put out • People to help fold newsletters • Volunteer work program to help with city projects and mailings • Volunteers to work in the craft gift shop • Volunteers to teach or help facilitate groups and/or classes • Volunteer resource for the community G� ACTIVITY CENTER SENIOR FACILITY REQUESTS 1. Complete kitchen for catered luncheons, including: • dishwasher • microwave • 100 cup coffee pots • ample storage • self cleaning oven • self defrosting refrigerator 2. Dining room for congregate dining to seat 250-300 • need round tables for 8-10 people (much easier to visit with everyone at table) 3. 3-4 ample meeting rooms for 30-50 persons • for arts, crafts, etc. (need sink in craft room) • aerobics, dancing of all types (need proper floors) • educational programs • Story Time Players • lounge area • card playing • Plymouth Rockers 4. Plenty of storage throughout facility for: • crafts • Story Time Players • Plymouth Rockers equipment • kitchen supplies • cards and bingo 5. Warm, friendly -looking entry with possible gift shop nearby for sales to public. Proceeds used as fund-raisers. 6. Ample parking near senior entry for 75-100 cars. 7. Have it accessible for tour buses. 8. Transportation to and from. 9. Restrooms near dining room and meeting rooms. 10. Have receptionist near entrance. 11. Handicapped accessible doors at entrance. • Handicapped accessible restrooms 12. Facility at ground level only. 13. Proper lighting. 14. Air conditioned. 15. Intercom. 16. Card tables and chairs for 500 and Bridge, etc. (at least 20). 17. Proper sound system. 18. Handicapped accessible stage. 19. No charge to seniors except membership dues. 20. Plenty of electrical outlets. Items seniors could purchase for facility from gift shop as well as other fund-raisers: • microwave • dishwasher • card tables 10 PROGRAM STAFF NEEDS The recommendations on staffing do not include custodial or maintenance staff. The receptionist position may lend itself to task sharing with other parts of the total facility. Center Director - 1 F.T.E. • Center Coordinator - 1/2 F.T.E. Receptionist - 1 F.T.E. (responsible for total senior program, 1/2 time now) (assistant to Center Director, works on special projects such as meals and special events) (light clerical, telephone answering, I & R, front desk, registrations This level of staffing assumes support in programming from Park and Recreation and Community Education staff. It also assumes a center with a large dining area with several (4-6) class/meeting rooms available. A facility of this size combined with the demand created by the size of the Plymouth elderly population would realistically require these staffing levels. It is possible to start at a lesser level and build. These recommendations are based upon our experience in operating senior center programs in the Minneapolis suburban area. Elderly Population Growth • Plymouth, like suburbs across the nation, is experiencing very rapid growth in its older population at a rate faster than the national average. • The nation is growing much older with the rate of growth expected to become even more rapid after the turn of the century. • The growth trends in Plymouth's older population confirm that it is timely for the City to be planning for this segment of its population. The older population of Plymouth is growing at the -fastest rate of any.age group. • The total population of the City. will grow from an estimated 58,000 to 64,439. Fifty-eight percent of the projected growth in the City's total population will be elderly. The numbers of elderly will grow from an estimated 5,400 to 10,056 by the year 2010. • The current estimate* of Plymouth's 1996 elderly population is at 9.5% of the population. The 60+ population is projected to grow 20% in the next five years; 48% in 10 years, and 86% by 2010. By the year 2010, the elderly population will make up 15.6% of Plymouth's total. *Office of Planning and Development, Hennepin County 12/15/95 The elderly population growth rate stays relatively the same for the 60+ and the 70+ sub groups. Growth Rate 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years 60+ 20% 48% 86% 70+ 22% 47% 77% 80+** 34% 81% 123% ** It should be noted that the 80+ growth is based upon a small sub -segment of the elderly population. In 1996, the 80+ group is 11 % of the senior group. This will increase slightly to 13 % of the senior population in 10 years and remain at that level. 11 Plymouth Activity/Senior Center ESTIMATED OPERATING BUDGET Senior Center Costs Full-time director (1/2 time currently) Additional cost $20,000 1/2 time center coordinator 12,500 Temporary salaries 3,000 Office supplies 1,500 Printing and publishing 500 Postage 1,500 Photocopying 2,500 Rec supplies 3,500 Employee training 400 Mileage 500 Subscriptions/memberships 400 Computers 4,000 Facilities management 20.000 $68,500 Activity Center Costs Full-time clerk receptionist $25,000 Part-time salaries 5,000 Computers 2,000 ` Facilities management 30.000 $62,000 TOTAL - $130,500 Facility Revenue $a= NET $80,500 z CONCLUSION Many current participants in Plymouth senior activities have been long time residents of Plymouth. They have contributed greatly to the social fabric of Plymouth in many ways. From helping build schools, churches, libraries and parks, to volunteering as firefighters and care givers; they have enriched many lives. They believe and hope that a centralized senior facility will enrich their later years in life, and allow them to continue to contribute to the hopes and dreams of Plymouth citizens as we begin the next century. 13 SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES 10709 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 111, Minnetonka, MN 55305 Phone 541-1019 Fax 541-0841 BOARDdOIRECTM M e m o Daralyn Pelfer Bob Zagaros Date: Nov. 2, 1995 IJI Vim President Ryan Schroeder To: Eric Blank, City of Plymouth 2nd VCR President VAIliam K Gray From: Ben Withhart seo�e/ary Kevin Krueger Re: Population trends and use experience of new facilities Treasurer Tom Mcen Past PresW" Marty Gurltz Allan Higuchl Population Trends A&mbwW4.&Ve Mary Anderson - Elderly 65+ Nelson Berg Percent John C. Boeder 19902000 Lucille Crow ChangeCh—na Robert DeGhetto ;. ;:: ..:� • .. - rDwight Johnson 2543 4,260 Tad dude '1;7 67:5% John Keefe John Nelson Senator Gen Olson Use Experience of new facilities Lawrence Schram _ Benjamin F. Withhart Minnetonka Center (new building; open 1987) previously located in old church EW=dlwLli CWa aEa building in Glen Lake. The year the program moved attendance more than doubled and the variety of program activities tripled. The attejr1kince has BMs remained at the higher level slowly growing each year. over 4,000 unduplicated seniors each year. • KO NLE Mufti -purpose Stillwater (new building; open 1991) previously located in storefront downtown.' -v=_, Senior Centers a New facility on top of hill near Highway A. Membership $7.50 annual. Old: - community % ..: : Community croups facility had 200 members at $5 annuaLlNew facility sow membershlp' grow t6llb- . nG a sesr.yy Senior outreach 700 members. If not a member, people paji'$1 per activity. Non -r iembers•pay 10% more for classes and trips. - senior! Sig t rai ti Business yMonticello (open fo6eyears - extensive re=tiuild/remodel 16'1994). Attendance has doubled and is climbing higher since adding a noon meal program this summer. 1993 daily average 25; 1994 average 50; 1995 (after dining) daily average 95. A dW' Office of Planning & Development, Hennepin County SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES 10709 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 111, Minnetonka, MN 55305 Phone 541-1019 Fax 541-0841 80AM of DIRECTORS Daralyn Peifer SENIOR CENTER STUDY President PLYMOUTH Ben Withhart Bob Zagaros Senior Community Services 1stVice PresWent Elderly Population Growth Ryan Schroeder 2nd VimPresdent Plymouth, like suburbs across the nation, is experiencing very rapid growth in its William R. Gray older population at a rate faster than the national average. seaemry Kevin Krueger The nation is growing much older with the rate of growth expected to become even Treasurer more rapid after the tum of the century. Tom Mcen PastPress*nt The growth trends in Plymouth's older population confirm that it is timely for the city Marty Guritz to be planning for this segment of its population. The older population of Plymouth Abmbe`-at-L&V* is growing at the fastest rate of any age group. Alko Higuchl Menae.,at�ar„e The total population of the city will grow from an estimated 56,382 to 64,439. 58% Mary Anderson of the projected growth in the city's total population will be elderly. The numbers of Nelson aero John C. Roeder elderly will grow from an estimated 5,400 to 10,056 by the year 2010. Lucille Crow Robert DeGhetto Dwight Johnson The current estimate * of Plymouth's 1996 elderly population is at 9.5% of the Tad Jude population. The 60+ population is projected to grow 20% in the next five ears; John Keefe 48% in 10 years; and 86% by 2010. By the year 2010, the elderly population will John Nelson make up 15.6% of Plymouth's total. _Senator Gen Olson_ _ - Lawrence Schram The elderly population growth rate stays relatively the same for the 60+ and the Benjamin F Withhart 70+ sub groups: E"cWvvoietor C.E.O. Growth Rate PROGRAMS 5 Years 10 years 15 years • H.O.NLE 60+ 20% 48% 86% • Mufi-purpose Senior Centers & 70+ 22% 47% 77% Community Groups • Senior outreach 80+ ** 34% 81% 123% • Seniors Serving Business Office of Planning and Development, Hennepin County 12115195 Population Projections, City of Plymouth 1996-20 t 0. x It should be noted that the 80+ growth is based upon a small sub -segment of the elderly population. In 1996, the 80+ group is 11 % of the senior group . This will qqw increase slightly to 13% of the senior population in 10 years and remain at that Au,,;level. Agency Trends in Elderly Population, 1990 - 2010 Suburban Hennepin County Suburban elderly population increasing since 1970 Since the 1970 census, Hennepin County suburbs have seen a dramatic increase in the elderly population. Between 1970 and 1990 the suburban population age 65 or over increased 150% from 27,701 to 69,239. This was part of an overall population increase of 26% in suburban Hennepin County between 1970 and 1990 and contrasts with a 15% decline in Minneapolis' population during this same period. Projected increases between 1990 - 2010 According to population projections using birth and death rates, more than 1 in 8 residents of suburban Hennepin County will be 65 or older by the year 2010. It's estimated that by 2010 there will be a total of 95,123 people age 65 or older living in Hennepin County suburbs, an increase of 37% from 1990. The number and proportion of elderly people in the population varies considerably among Hennepin County municipalities. Table 1 lists the Hennepin County suburbs that are expected to experience at least a 60% increase. in their elderly population by the year 2010 representing at least 1000 individuals age 65 or,over. Table l: Projected Changes in Elderly Population, 65+ 1990-2010 City 1990 Populat _. 1 65+_ 82 Park 1A Grove 940 Tonka ith 4761 125-4-3 r.vJUL;Lau Population, 2010 (6S+) 14,562 4427 3518 123 Increasing need for services for the elderly Percent Change in Elderly Population, (65+) 64% 172% 204% 71% 68% Elderly as a percent of total population, 2010 15.2% 6.9% 7.0% 5.9% 14.3% 6.6% The "suburbanization" of the elderly population poses new challenges for the distribution and delivery of long term care services including housing, transportation, health care, and home care. Along with the increase in the elderly population, there have been changes in utilization of the long term care system for elderly populations. Compared to past years, elderly people are much more likely to remain at home rather than enter a nursing home when they experience problems with the tasks of daily living. The number of people needing assistance with daily living will grow, particularly as the "babv boom" population ages. Suburbs experiencing large increases in elderly populations, particularly the 85+ population, will face increasing pressure to provide affordable housing options for frail seniors who want • ' long term care services provided in their own homes. Table 2 lists the Hennepin County suburbs that are expected to experience the greatest increases in the elderly population age 85 or older. These communities are expected to have increases of at least 60% representing at least 400 people age 85 or older. Table 2: Projected Changes in Elderly Population, Age 85+ 1990-2010 Summary The elderly population will increase dramaticallv in the next decades, with some communities facing much greater increases than others. The demographic changes will require planning at the individual, family and community level to help elderly residents remain healthy and independent. Hennepin County Community Health Department, July 1996 Data Source: Hennepin County Office of Planning and Development