HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 08-30-1996A
AUGUST 30, 1996
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE.
SEPTEMBER 4 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 10 8:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Public Safety Training Room
Topic: Charter Commission
recommendation on proposed Charter
Amendment regarding super -majority vote
requirement for tax levy increase
2. LABOR DAYHOLIDAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 —City offices closed.
3. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER S, 7.30 P.M. Medicine
Lake Room.
4. CHARTER COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 7.00
P.M., Council Chambers.
5. STATE PRIMARY ELECTION, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. Polls are open from 7:00
A.M. until 8:00 P.M.
6. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7.00
P.M., Hadley Lake Room.
7. PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 8:00 P.M., Council
Chambers.
S. PRAC, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7.30 P.M., Council Chambers.
MY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
August 30, 1996
Page 2
9. MEETING CALENDARS — The August and September meeting calendars are attached.
(M-9)
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1. CANDIDATE FILINGS — The following individuals have filed for office as of Friday,
August 30. The filings remain open through Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 5:00 p.m. (I-1)
-Mayor
Joy Tie rne , 17915 20th Ave. N.
Ward 1 Councilmember
Tim Bildsoe, 18840 32nd Ave. N.
Ward 3 Councilmember
Saundra Spigner, 9615 29th Ave. N.
At -Large Councilmember
Judy Johnson, 12950 30th Ave. N.
Jon Meyer, 4525 Nathan Lane #102
2. STAFF REPORTS
a Report from Assistant Manager Kathy Lueckert on the Northwest Suburbs Cable
Commission denial of transfer of ownership request of Continental Cable to U -S
West. (I -2a)
3. MEETING MINUTES
a. Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit July 24, 1996 meeting. (I -3a)
b. Plymouth Charter Commission August 20, 1996 meeting. (I -3b)
4. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC
a Metropolitan Council August, 1996 Update. (14a)
b. 4 League of Minnesota Cities 1996 Regional Meetings, fall 1996 program schedule. a-
5. CITIZEN COIKMUNIC47IONS POLICY- CORRESPONDENCE
a Letter from Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt to Dan Butler
responding to concerns about the Sugar Hills townhome development. Attached is
Butler's original correspondence. In addition, Public Works Director Fred Moore
will respond to Butler's letter which asks about drainage ponds at the development.
(I -5a)
b. Letter to Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank from Mrs. Marian Larson
expressing concerns about the new walking trail along East Medicine Lake Blvd.
Park and Recreation Director Blank will respond. (I -5b)
c. Letter to Park and Recreation Director Eric Blank from Don & Shirley Maxwell
giving comments about the East Medicine Lake walking trail. (I -5c)
A status report on the most recent correspondence is attached. (I-5)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
August 30, 1996
Page 3
6. CORRESPONDENCE
a Letter to City Manager Dwight Johnson responding to the City of Plymouth's letter
concerning speed limits on Pike Lake. (I -4a)
b. Letter to Thomas Laitala from Public Works Director Fred Moore responding to
queries about getting the Laitala property hooked up to City water as soon as
possible. Mr. Laitala appeared before the August 21, 1996 City Council meeting
making the request. (I -6b)
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I got a
DATE: August 30, 1996
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City ManagerA44/
SUBJECT: Northwest Suburbs Cable Commission—Denial of Transfer of
Ownership Request
Since April of this year the Northwest Suburbs Cable Commission (on which Mayor
Tierney and I serve) has considered whether or not to approve the transfer of ownership
of Continental Cable to US West. Continental Cable is the parent company of King
Videocable. On August 15, the Commission voted unanimously to deny approval of the
transfer of ownership request. I am a member of the Commission's negotiating
committee, and I thought you might be interested in some of the background on this
decision.
The 1996 Telecommunications Act gave the Cable Commission some direction in
considering the ownership transfer. The Act states that the franchising authority (the
Cable Commission) must review the legal, technical, and financial qualifications of the firm
making the request for transfer of ownership. The Cable Commission determined that
while US West does qualify financially and technically, it does not meet the legal
requirement pertaining to ownership of a cable operator in its service area. The 1996
Telecommunications Act prohibits a local telephone company like US West from
acquiring more than 10% of a cable operator in its service area. This is referred to as
"cross ownership rules."
To meet the legal requirement, US West must petition the Federal Communications
Commission and ask for a waiver of the cross ownership requirement. However, US West
had not received the waiver when the request for ownership transfer approval was made
to the Commission. In fact, this petition was just recently filed with the FCC. Thus the
Commission was placed in the position of possibly approving an ownership transfer which
might prove to be illegal. US West still has not received the FCC waiver.
T-.z.a
US West made it clear from the beginning of the process that their ownership of
Continental Cable likely would last only eighteen months. US West would then sell the
company. The Cable Commission was deeply concerned that the short-term ownership
would allow US West to select a new owner who would not be a strong competitor with
US West in the provision of enhanced communications services. This seems to go against
the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which seeks to improve competition.
Another concern of the Commission is the upgrade of the current cable system so that it
can support a wider array of services. The Commission wondered whether US West
would make progress on upgrading the system during its eighteen month tenure. The
Commission also feared that in the next transfer of ownership the upgrade would be lost.
In sum, the Commission did not see that the transfer of ownership of Continental Cable to
US West benefited the residents of the northwest suburbs in any way.
For these reasons the Cable Commission voted to deny the transfer of ownership. The
Commission has filed a brief with the FCC stating the reasons for the denial and requests
that the FCC likewise deny the waiver petition of US West. The Commission also has
filed a brief with the Justice Department, citing concerns about the application of the 1996
Telecommunications Act in this situation.
It is possible that US West will obtain the necessary waiver from the FCC, and thus obtain
the legal qualification necessary for the ownership transfer. The Cable Commission would
then repeat the process just completed. It is too early to predict what outcome the second
process might have.
T..38
PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
July 24, 1996
PRESENT Herb Miller, Barb Roberts and Pat Huckleberry
Representing MCTO - Bruce Bakke
Representing National School Bus Company - Paul Buharin
Representing the City of Plymouth - John Sweeney
Consultant for Plymouth Metrolink - George Bentley
Committee Secretary - Patty Hillstrom
L MEETING MINUTES
The minutes for the June 24 meeting were approved as amended.
H. RIDERSHIP INFORMATION 1992 - 1996 AND REVIEW OF RIDERSHIP
STATISTICS FOR JUNE 1996
Passengers Per Day Chart - These statistics are for 1995 and 1996 and primarily show
that the passengers per day figures are pretty consistent for the system. Dial -A -Ride
has been a little below last year to date but may improve in July and August because of
the summer promotion. Metrolink has been very consistent with last year. Route 91
statistics are very consistent. Route 92 was down during the time of the strike in
November but is recovering now. Route 93 has shown a consistent increase.
Overall ridership is showing its traditional slow down for the summer months. Service
days went from 22 days in May down to 20 days in June which accounts for some of
the drop in ridership. There were some additional administrative costs this month for
the facility study done by ISA Design and also the work done on the service
monitoring program.
III. STATUS OF CONSOLIDATION AND RENUMBERING ON ROUTE 92D
AND ROUTE 93 FOR STATISTICAL REPORTING PURPOSES
George Bentley's Comments
• The passengers per day charts are broken out according to pure 91, pure 92 and
pure 93's data. On the other charts the statistical data for Route 92D has been
transferred over to Route 93, retroactive to January 1, 1996. The reason for this is
MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
July 24, 1996
Page 2
that Route 92D was created because it helped make the Route 93 more efficient.
Route 92D runs to Prudential and turns right around and becomes a Route 93 and
goes back the other way cutting back a lot on deadhead time.
IV. IDENTIFICATION OF AREAS OF CONCERN AND/OR
RECOMMENDATIONS
Barb Robert's Comments
• Roberts asked about the status of the new owner at Four Seasons Mall. Sweeney
and Jim Lasher talked to the new owner and the owner was going to submit a
revised site plan to them. They are now waiting for it.
• Roberts also commented for Joe that the Route 93A which is supposed to leave
Marquette and Washington at 5:10 p.m. had apparently left at 5:08 p.m. because he
missed it.
John Sweeney's Comments
• Sweeney said he thought the problems have been corrected with Thomasine
Shannon's concerns about an early Route 93 trip. She catches an early bus that
seems to have had a lot of problems.
• Another complaint was received from a man who was trying the system for the first
time. The bus was off schedule and he had to wait for another bus, making him
late for an early morning meeting.
Herb Miller's Comments
• Miller has heard complaints that the card readers are slow. Bruce Bakke explained
that they are going to be installing some new chips that should speed the process
up.
• Miller also suggested that the new buses could use a good washing inside and out
more often.
There was some discussion about whether or not cellular phones or pagers would be
helpful on the routes. The drivers would have direct communication with each other
although it could be costly.
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M]DR= - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT ot,3
;8
July 24, 1996
Page 3
V. CUSTOMER SURVEYS FOR PLYMOUTH METROLINK AND DIAL-A-
RIDE
Sweeney said he had received some of the survey results included in the packet, and
stated that more results were yet to come. By the next meeting all of the results will be
in and we will also have a report on the service monitoring.
VL COURTESY BUS BENCHES
Sweeney said there were nineteen new permits issued in early spring for bus benches.
City ordinance allows 50 benches within the City and we now have 48 in place. The
Council has actually put a freeze on additional benches allowing those that are already
there to remain. Several of the benches are placed in locations not used by riders.
Bruce Bakke stated that he did a bus bench study several years ago recommending good
locations for benches and thought that with some updating it would be helpful.
Sweeney said the issue really came to the forefront when a competitor wrote to the
Council and questioned why one company has all the benches.
VII. DIAL -A -RIDE SUMMER MARKETING PROGRAM
Sweeney said it was too soon to tell how the summer marketing program was going.
There was no marketing program in place last year, and some ridership increase has
been seen for the month of June.
VIII. PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A FU ED ROUTE
CIRCULATOR TO BEGIN SERVICE BY OCTOBER 1, 1996
John Sweeney's Comments
• We are in the preliminary planning stages and we have somebody here in the City
that will be putting all of our routes on the GIS system. Our goal is to have
something in place by October 1, 1996.
George Bentley's Comments
• The plan at this point is to have buses running in opposite directions on a circulator
route. It will help the Dial -A -Ride system because riders could transfer onto the
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MINUTES - PLYMOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSIT
July 24, 1996 �� a
Page 4
circulator for long trips. The circulator would run five days a week and possibly
Saturdays.
Miller asked if buses would be used from the existing Metrolink fleet or if more buses
be added? Initially, Paul Buharin said that he was going to hold onto a couple of buses
because it takes awhile to get the new ones. There are still some old Metrolink buses
around.
Bentley said the new bus from the grant will be used primarily to help the circulator.
This bus is for the elderly and disabled with no fares being allowed. The service for
the elderly and disabled is very inadequate right now and the social service providers
cannot keep up with the demand based upon their capabilities. A transit summit will be
held around the middle of August with all transportation providers in Plymouth and
these concerns will be discussed.
IX. OTHER CON MYNTS
John Sweeney's Comments
• Sweeney stated in response to Miller's inquiry that transit information will soon be
on the City web page.
• Approval was given for a couple of applications submitted for capital funds.
Plymouth was awarded $311,458 to do extensive work at the County Road 73 and
Highway 55 park and ride site, and $53,334, was awarded for work at the Four
Seasons Park and Ride Lot.
• An article on the new circulator service provided by Plymouth Metrolink appeared
in Minnesota Rideshare. This is a publication that comes out three times a year.
Next meeting will be held August 28, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the Engineering Conference
Room (Hadley Lake Room) on the lower level of Plymouth City Hall.
Respectfully,
Patty Hillstrom
Committee Secretary
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UNAPPROVED
Plymouth Charter Commission
August 20, 1996
Minutes
Present: Virgil Schneider, Bill Pribble, Jon Speck, Joy Tierney, Bob Sipkins
Tim Peterson, Ellie Singer, Ty Bujold, Pauline Milner, Dave Pauba,
Sandy Patterson, Kapila Bobra, Assistant City Manager Kathy Lueckert
Guests: Lynn Reed (Minnesota Taxpayer's Association), Kent Sulem (League of
Minnesota Cities), Jim Willis (Inver Grove Heights City Manager)
Excused: John Duntley
Absent: Dave Crain
Call to Order
Virgil Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 30, 1996 meeting were approved as presented.
_Discussion of Supermaiority Vote Requirement
Virgil Schneider noted that this evening's meeting included speakers from the
League of Minnesota Cities, the Minnesota Taxpayer's Association, and the Inver Grove
Heights City Manager. He introduced Kent Sulem, an attorney with the League of
Minnesota Cities (LMC).
Kent Sulem, League of Minnesota Cities Mr. Sulem stated that the city requested that
he and the League examine the issue of supermajority vote requirements for a tax increase.
He said the Plymouth would be the first charter city to have such a restrictive amendment.
Eight other charter cities have a supermajority vote requirement to make budget
adjustments, once the budget has been adopted. Duluth has an informal policy to not
increase the tax rate because of increases in the tax base.
Mr. Sulem noted that in 1994 four states proposed amendments for supermajority
requirements for tax increases at the state level. Three of the four were defeated. The
experience shows that voters are not as supportive of the idea once they are given
information and understand all the implications.
Mr. Sulem stated that a supermajority requirement could tie the hands of cities.
State and federal funding is uncertain, and there is a strong possibility that local aid to
cities will be reduced or eliminated in Minnesota during upcoming legislative sessions. A
supermajority requirement might restrict the city's ability to respond thoughtfully and
promptly to revenue shortfalls. Mr. Sulem noted that while Plymouth is still growing, the
expansion of tax capacity may not be enough to offset the need to reduce services to meet
a shortfall.
1.0 3 J00
Mr. Sulem stated that the League's view on this issue is not to restrict the city's
flexibility to deal with fiscal uncertainties, and that the League would not recommend this
amendment.
Jon Speck asked if Plymouth were not a charter city, would the supermajority vote
even be an option, i.e. if Plymouth were a statutory city, would the supermajority vote
requirement be possible?
Mr. Sulem stated that the only means of establishing such a requirement for a
statutory city would be by ordinance, which could be changed at any time. Mr. Sulem
stated that it is his understanding that Plymouth's charter does not permit the City Council
to pass such an ordinance, which is why the amendment is suggested for voter approval in
the first place.
Ty Bujold stated that many levels of government are considering measures to make
it more difficult to raise taxes. He sees a trickle down effect in the future, and local
governments might be saddled with services for which there is no money to fund. He
asked Mr. Sulem what services might be impacted in such a situation.
W. Sulem said that decisions on services are made on a city by city basis, and that
staffing levels must be considered.
Tim Peterson stated that it is important to preserve flexibility to deal with different
fiscal scenarios, and that certain fiscal events might trigger different tax rate approval
requirements. Kathy Lueckert stated that this was one of the options for a charter
ordinance given to the City Council for consideration.
Mr. Sulem stated that it would be possible to determine tax rate approval
guidelines based on different fiscal conditions, and that the Commission should consider
this. He noted that Plymouth has done an exceptional job of keeping the tax rate low over
the years.
Ty Bujold stated that he was unclear why the City Council needed extra guidelines
for taxation issues. It is his view that the involvement and voice of the constituency
should be enough of a controlling factor without a supermajority vote requirement.
W. Sulem noted that the proposed amendment sounds good to voters, and that it
"sells well." If a city council is doing its job well, the electorate should trust the council to
make the right decisions without a supermajority vote requirement.
Jon Speck said that some of the information retrieved from the Internet indicated
that the Mnnesota legislature was considering two/thirds vote requirements on certain
taxation issues. He asked if Mr. Sulem knew the status.
Mr. Sulem stated that that particular bill did not see any action in 1996, but he did
not know what might be introduced in 1997.
Lynn Reed, Minnesota Taxpayer's Association. Virgil Schneider introduced Lynn Reed,
Research Director for the Minnesota Taxpayer's Association (MTA). Mr. Reed said the
MTA has existed since 1926, and focuses on education and advocacy. Mr. Reed
distributed an article on Tax and Expenditure Limits on Local Governments from the
Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR), and the MTA newsletter.
Mr. Reed said he would discuss three issues: why are tax and expenditure
limitations (TELs) popular, what are the merits of Plymouth's proposed amendment, and
are there better ways to accomplish the same goal?
I AVO 3 b
In addressing the "why" question, Mr. Reed said that interest in controlling taxes is
not a new phenomenon. As early as the nineteenth century Americans were concerned
with perceived high taxes, and the 1970's tax revolt also is indicative of this sentiment.
The concern about taxation reflects a lack of confidence in elected officials. Voters do not
feel that they are getting their money's worth, and that elected officials are not paying
attention. Mr. Reed stated that there is a perception that there are insiders and special
interest groups who have access to government officials, but ordinary citizens do not. He
asked how well attended council meetings are by ordinary citizens. He said the lack of
confidence is worse in Minnesota because of the complex property tax system. The
current system makes it difficult to fix responsibility for spending, and most citizens do not
understand it.
In terms of the Plymouth proposal, Mr. Reed asked what the goal is of this
proposal. Is it to make increasing taxes more difficult? He noted that the tax base has a
tremendous impact, in that actual taxes paid can go up because of value increases, while
the tax rate itself is decreasing. If the goal is to make it more difficult to spend taxpayer
dollars, the current proposal might not meet that goal because Plymouth's growing tax
base.
Mr. Reed said that there might be a better way to limit property taxes. He
suggested changing the current property tax classification system within the city to even
out the burden between homeowners and businesses. While he doesn't know if changing
the classification system is possible, it is an intriguing idea. Mr. Reed also suggested a
focus on the absolute dollars generated, rather than on the tax rate, and place a
supermajority limit on the dollars. Mr. Reed said the bottom line is that voters are
frustrated, and that they want access to government and accountability in government.
Mr. Sulem noted that voters are indeed frustrated with all levels of government,
but he is uncertain whether or not an action at the local level will do much to alleviate it.
He said that it is important to educate voters on the details of city spending. He doubts
that there is little that can be done about the tax classification system structure at this
point.
JoyTierney asked if the city shouldn't preserve its flexibility to deal with changing
fiscal conditions, such as a loss of homestead aid or a drastic change in the tax system.
Mr. Reed said that flexibility can be preserved in how the guidelines are written.
The bottom line is accountability: who controls the taxes and who spends the tax dollars.
Ty Bujold asked why make taxes the only supermajority limit? He said that people
might feel strongly that granting a liquor license is important enough to warrant a
supermajority requirement. He wonders if the supermajority requirement is a "slippery
slope," and if the present proposal is just an attempt to make people feel good.
Mr. Reed said that taxes are important to everyone. However, he stated that the
balance of access seems to have tilted away from citizens, and that the average citizen
needs extra leverage to be heard in government. Mr. Reed said that the supermajority
vote requirement might not be the best option, but that a referendum might be a better
choice. He noted that elected officials at all levels must evaluate the levelness of the
playing field, and must have personal morality beyond the next election.
Kapila Bobra asked if the MTA would lobby for changes in Minnesota's fiscal
System.
Mr. Reed stated that it is important to even out revenue sources, and that there are
advantages and disadvantages to each type of tax. He stated that MTA has not taken a
position on supermajority requirements.
Jon Speck asked Mr. Reed about his letter's reference to the state of Arizona's
supermajority requirement. Mr. Reed had mentioned that this requirement had produced
unintended consequences.
W. Reed responded that in Arizona acquiring the extra votes needed for a
supermajority to pass the state's budget had proven very expensive. The overall spending
increased by nearly 50% in order to achieve the supermajority requirement.
Mr. Bujold asked why MTA had not taken a position on the supermajority vote
requirement.
Mr. Reed stated that MTA was still analyzing the issue, that cities should be free
to do what cities do best, and that sources of funding should not be commingled.
Jim Willis, Inver Grove Heights City Manager. Mr. Willis stated that supermajority
requirements are not the way governments should work. He said that local officials are
elected and appointed to manage the affairs of the city, and must generate the revenues
needed to pay the city's bills. He said that in general, cities see very little "games playing."
Most elected officials are concerned with the tax rate, not the tax dollars generated by that
rate. Mr. Willis recalled that during his tenure as city manager of Plymouth, nearly all the
budgets and tax rates were adopted unanimously. He noted that supermajority
requirements mean that some individual votes become more important than other
individual votes. W. Willis said that Plymouth is very well off in comparison to other
communities, but that this relative prosperity will not last forever. He stated that he does
not see the need for a supermajority vote, and does not feel it is good public process or
policy. It is difficult to predict what the consequences of such a requirement might be for
future city councils.
Ty Bujold asked if Mr. Willis thought that voters would embrace the idea.
Mr. Willis said that most citizens do not take the time to educate themselves about
the real problems, and that amendments such as these do not make the problems
disappear.
Mr. Sulem mentioned a metro -area city in which voters had approved a charter
amendment which placed severe restrictions on the use of special assessments for street
reconstruction. This city is now a "loss leader" for the League's insurance trust because
of all the problems with streets. The city has been unsuccessful in repealing the
amendment.
Discussion of Campaign Reporting Amendment.
Virgil Schneider called the Commission's attention to the language drafted for a
possible campaign reporting amendment. The Commission agreed that the language was
acceptable, but took no formal action on the proposal.
Discussion of September 9, 1996 Public Hearing.
The Charter Commission discussed the general format of the September 9 public
hearing on the supermajority vote requirement. Kathy Lueckert will make a brief
statement of how the amendment was brought to the Charter Commission. Virgil
Schneider will then discuss the Commission's actions and deliberations since May 1996.
The Commission will then hear comments from the public on the proposal. Virgil
Schneider said that the Charter Commission will meet following the public hearing to
consider what, if any action will be taken by the Commission.
Virgil Schneider asked that Kathy Lueckert sent thank you notes to this evening's
speakers, and invite them to participate in the public hearing on September 9. Several
Commission members asked that the minutes reflect the appreciation of the Charter
Commission for the presentations made by the three speakers.
The meeting adjourned at 9 PM.
41� Metropolitan_ Council
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REGIONAL BLUEPRINT
August, 1996
• ABOUT THIS
ISSUE
This issue surnmarizes the
results of public input on
the Metropolitan Council's
regional growth planning
options. The Council held
focus groups, conducted a
telephone survey, held
open houses and invited
written and electronic
4 responses during the spring
and summi6of 1996. More
than 2,000 people
participated.
O
• WHAT DO TWIN
CITIANS VALUE
MOST''
People value a healthy
urban core, neighborhoods
with community spirit,
nearby open space and
accessibility.
The opinion comes from:
1) a random sample
telephone survey of Twin
Cities Area households,
conducted by the
University of Minnesota on
contract with the Council;
2) focus groups, which
used electronic voting
technology to record
participants' basic values;
and 3) comments via
telephone, letter, e-mail
and public meetings.
The public input was not a
Mears Park Centre
live, respondents strongly
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230 East Fifth Stmt
redeveloping the region's
U.S. POSTAGE
St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1634
PAID
strategy, focus group
St. Paul. MN
revitalize the core.
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"vote" on a growth option,
but a way to get public
feedback on what is
important to people in
planning how the region
should grow. Knowing
people's underlying values
is essential for the Council
to develop plans to
accommodate future
growth and development.
The Council forecasts large
growth for the seven -
county area: 650,000 more
people and 330,000 more
households by the year
1%e020.
The Ctuncil will select a
growth op jon in October
by considerinkthe public
input and other ttors,
such as costs, sevft and
transportation
requirements, and thet
environmental and socW
aspects of housing an e
expanding population. `
• A HEALTHY It
URBAN CORE I
Regardless of where they
live, respondents strongly
support revitalizing and
redeveloping the region's
i
core. The highest priority
for a regional growth
strategy, focus group
participants say, is to
revitalize the core.
t
Many participants see the
current development
pattern exacerbating
problems in the region's
core.
urban
Some
edge
focus group participants fuvi
a
don't oppose continued xa:5 ' '
population growth, they ?
are concerned about how
much land is being
consumed by development.
The 1,500 phone survey
respondents say a vital
metropolitan core is
important in the region's
future, but rank it below
protecting open space,
good transportation and
affordable housing.
• NEIGHBOR-
HOODS
EIGHBORHOODS WITH
COBDIUNM
SPIRPI'
People put a high priority
on neighborhoods and a
sense of community.
Overall, they like their
neighborhoods, and do not
believe quality of life there
has deteriorated. However,
60 percent of focus group
members say the region's
REGIONAL BLUEPRINT
quality of life is
deteriorating, while nearly
three-fourths believe their
neighborhood has stayed
the same or improved.
Nearly two-thirds of focus
group members either
prefer or don't object to a
mix of housing types in
their neighborhood, if new
housing is to be built.. The
opinion cuts across
participants from the
central cities, older and
newer suburbs and rural
areas. Nearly half the
phone survey participants
said the mix doesn't matter
to them, while about a
third would prefer all
single-family housing.
Most people in focus
groups want to stay in their
neighborhood for the
foreseeable future. Some
68 percent of them see a
time when they will want a
different housing type.
About half said their
neighborhood currently has
housing they will want.
addition`ped"ple d a
neighborhood close to
open space and schools.
Over 40 percent of phone
survey respondents prefer a
small town and rural
atmosphere, far above the
percentage currently living
in these areas.
PROTECTED
OPEN SPACE
NEARBY
Three-fourths of phone
survey participants said
Protecting wetlands,
woodlands and other
natural areas is their
highest-ranking value.
Protecting agricultural
lands also ranked high.
Focus group members say
loss of open space is one of
two major problems facing
the region. Only social
conditions (crime, public
health, breakdown of
families) got a higher
priority. Concern for loss
of open space is greater for
central -city and rural area
residents, but less so for
suburbanites, who are more
likely to identify crime as
the key problem.
AN
ALTERNATIVE
TO THE
AUTOMOBILE
Some 90 percent of focus
group members want
planning to support a
transportation system
alternative to the
automobile. Eighty percent
prefer more public
investment in transit
service, compared with 17
percent favoring more
investment in roads. In
addition, 58 percent
suggest light rail transi^r
expanding bus servibe as a
key transpgrtAg'on strategy.
PhomW�survey participants
'also are concerned about
transportation and
congestion, seeing transit
as the major transportation
need.
• NEXT STEPS
The Council will be using
all this information to
fashion a growth
management strategy for
the region. The agency is
tentatively scheduled to
select a preferred option
(for purposes of holding a
formal public hearing) on
Oct. 10. For information
about meetings between
now and then, call Donna
Mattson at 291-6493.
After selecting a growth
management strategy, the
Council will prepare plans
for regional sewer and
IV •
transpoon services to
carry it The Council
expects t4ormally adopt
the package of plans by the
end ofthe year.
Copies of suAnaiy results
from the phor4 survey,
focus groups aa2�d public
comment are afailable by
calling the Reg -nal Data
Center at 291-99140. Ask
for Growth t*onx; A
Srtmmmy of Public
Comments E -Mail request
to dalacenterftesastaw.waus
Copies of thle raw
data also arejivailable for
inspectionalthe Data
Center. Asfor the
Appen_ Vo the summary
report titled Growth
Option�Public Commena
4*
MAres.5
I
Upon request. this publication will be made available
in alternative formats to people with disabilities.
612 291-6359 111' 291-0904
REGIONAL BLUEPRINT
LMC
I,aagw of Mian-soto Cities
Citic- arono m "ovInm
August 26, 1996
iversity Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
Phone: (612) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122
Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290
TO: Mayors, Managers, Administrators, Clerks
Councilmembers c/o City Clerk
FROM: James F. Miller, Executive Director
g,- 114,d&
(,d&
SUBJ: League of Minnesota Cities 1996 Regional Meetings
Again this year the League of Minnesota Cities will hold twelve regional meetings to
bring city officials from throughout Minnesota together. At these meetings current policy
issues will be considered, as well as practical questions concerning the problems you
face. We cordially invite you to attend a regional meeting and to join in our discussions.
This year, the League's regional meetings are scheduled in Dalton, Fosston, Roseau,
Emily, Virginia, Askov, Renville, Upsala, Watertown, Heron Lake, Pine Island, and New
Ulm. You may receive an invitation from more than one host city, depending upon your
location. Please feel free to choose the one which best fits your schedule.'
The afternoon program will begin at 2:00 p.m. and cover important topics such as how
claims against cities are handled, new League services such as our Web Site, the
Ambassador's Program, the 4M fund and the new 4M Plus Fund, and an explanation of
how the sales tax affects cities. Again this year we will have the "around the table"
discussions with cities citing their latest accomplishments.
The social hour is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. The
evening program will include a video presentation dealing with the rights of way issue,
and a multi -media presentation on conflicts of interest.
hope you will be able to join us at one of our regional meetings. If you plan to attend,
please RSVP the city contact person identified on the attached regional meeting
schedule to make your reservations. Come for the afternoon, the evening, or both. I
look forward to meeting you there.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
LMC
145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
Laogwo%M�,wwotoCitw Phone: (612) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122
s Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290
September 24
1996 REGIONAL MEETINGS
CITY LOCATION/CONTACT PERSON
Dalton Community Center
114 West Main Street
Dalton, MN 56324
Dennis Mosher, City Administrator
PHONE: 218/589-8701
September 25 Fosston The Stadium
104 South Amber Avenue
Fosston, MN 56542
Chuck Lucken, Clerk -Treasurer
PHONE: 218/435-1959
September 26 Roseau Golf Course Club House
100 2nd Avenue NE
Roseau, MN 56751
Leland Lunos, Clerk -Treasurer
PHONE: 218/463-1542
October 1 Emily City Hall/Community Center
2nd & Lake Streets
Emily, MN 56447
Julie Frank, City Clerk
PHONE: 218/763-2480
October 2 Virginia Coates Plaza Hotel
502 Chestnut Street
Virginia, MN 55792
Gary Picek, Deputy City Clerk
PHONE: 218/741-3890 OR
Susan Pikula at 218/741-0581
October 3 Askov Askov Community Center
6369 Kobmagergade (Merchants Street)
Askov, MN 55704
Arla Budd, City Clerk
PHONE: 320/838-3616
(OVER)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
S -4b
October 15 Renville Renville Community Center
221 North Main
Renville, MN 56284
Duane Hebert, City Administrator
PHONE: 320/329-8366
October 16 Upsala Upsala Recreation Center
Upsala, MN 56384
Lynn Fabro, Clerk -Treasurer
PHONE: 320/573-2710
October 17 Watertown City Hall/Community Center
309 Lewis Avenue South
Watertown, MN 55388
Mike Ericson, City Administrator
PHONE: 612/955-2681 or METRO 446-1711
October 22 Heron Lake Heron Lake Area Community Center
312 10th Street
Heron Lake, MN 56137
Judy Haberman, Clerk -Treasurer
PHONE: 507/793-2826
October 23 Pine Island American Legion Post #184
1081 st Avenue SE
Pine Island, MN 55963
Elmer Brocker, Clerk -Administrator
PHONE: 507/356-4591
October 24 New Ulm New Ulm Country Club
1 Golf Drive
New Ulm, MN 56073
Diane Hempel
PHONE: 507/359-8233
LMC
145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
L-0--fMinnasotoCitias Phone: (612) 281-1200 • (800) 925-1122
G%« vim- Hro awaa"m Fax: (612) 281-1299 • TDD (612) 281-1290
1996 REGIONAL MEETING PROGRAM
AFTERNOON PROGRAM
2:00-2:30 p.m. "I'M GOING TO SUE YOU " How claims against cities are handled
League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Staff
2:30-3:00 p.m. WHATS NEW. How the League's Home Page, Ambassadors Program, Investment
Programs (the 4M Fund' and the new 4M Plus Fund) and other new League services will
benefit your city.
League of Minnesota Cities Staff
3:00-3:15 p.m. Break
3:15- 4:00 p.m. WHATS DUE. ARE WE PAYING TOO MUCH? An explanation of the sales tax on cities with
an emphasis on what purchases are exempt.
Minnesota State Department of Revenue Staff
4:00-5:00 p.m. AROUND THE TABLE. Each city presents its latest accomplishments
Tom Thelen, Field Representative, League of Minnesota Cities
5:00-6:00 P.M. SOCIAL HOUR & OPPORTUNITY -TO QUESTION THE AFTERNOON PRESENTERS AND
TO INTERACT WITH OFFICIALS FROM OTHER CITIES.
6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner
EVENING PROGRAM
7:00-7:15 p.m. INTRODUCTION
Jim Miller, Executive Director, League of Minnesota Cities
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REMARKS
WELCOME
Host City Mayor.
7:15-8:30 p.m. LOCAL CONTROL. View the video on whether cities will retain control over their rights of
way. Will property tax reform diminish the ability of cities to provide services? Tips for
bringing the impact on cities of these and other MINNESOTA ELECTION 96 ISSUES to the
attention of national and state candidates.
Gary Carlson, Director, Intergovernmental Relations
Sharon Klumpp, Associate Executive Director, League of
Minnesota Cities
8:30-9:00 p.m. OFFICIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. What kinds of business transactions between a
councilmember and the city are legal, illegal or unwise.
9:00 p.m. Adjourn
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
August 28, 1996
Donald Butler
3640 Black Oaks Lane N.
Plymouth, Minnesota 55446
Dear Mr. Butler:
'000001�%
Sa.
CITY COF
PLYMOUTI-F
I am writing in response to your July 29 letter to City Manager Dwight Johnson concerning the
Sugar Hills Townhomes. I am sorry we did not respond to your letter earlier, but we have
been working with the developer to resolve your concerns about completion of the landscaping
and I wanted to be able to report to you on how the situation would be resolved.
It is true that there was an error made in not collecting a financial guarantee from the developer
for the landscape plan. That does not, however, relieve the developer of the responsibility for
completing the work according to the plan approved by the City. I have personally spoken
with Mr. Marty Harstad, and he has assured me that he is willing to work with us to make sure
that the landscape plan is complete. He also indicated his willingness to post a financial
guarantee if still needed.
Since then, Berit Strom from my staff has inspected the site and met with the landscape
contractor. It appears that substantial progress has been made since you wrote your letter.
There may need to be some changes to the exact locations and types of plants included in the
landscape plan because of site conditions (utility locations and water table) that were not known
before construction. But they have agreed to make sure that the number of plants is consistent
with the approved plan. Berit will continue working with them to make sure that the work is
completed. Please feel free to call her at 509-5451 if you have any questions.
Please call me at 509-5401 if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Anne W. Hurlburt
Community Development Director
cc: Marty Harstad, Harstad Homes
Councilman David Anderson
City Manager Dwight Johnson
PLYMOUTH :I _ReautyU[Tface To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
July 29, 1996
City Engineer', c j
City of Plymouth .� •`:, d��
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN. 55447-1482.y::,
Attention: MR. D. JOHNSON
SUBJECT: Request for information on maintenance of drainage ponds
Sugar Hills Town House Project Phase I
Dear Sir:
I live at 3640. Black Oaks Lane, N. and my home backs up to the
two drainage ponds of the subject project.
I would like'to obtain information relative to the following:
1. Does the City periodically inspect the ponds?
2. Who is responsible for maintenance, i.e., cleaning
and dredging when filling occurs?
3. Who is liable in the event of injury or death connected
to the ponds? (Note: there are small children living
on the other side of one of the ponds now.)
Please advise,- in writing, so that the Homeowner's Association can
have accurate and complete information.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
DONALD BUTLER
3640 Black Oaks Lane N.
Plymouth, Mn. 55446
DBlhw
- % rdJ
July 29, 1996
City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, -Mn. " 55447-1482
a .._
,fir..\ r
r 1
J
SUBJECT: Failure to obtain project completion bond
SUGAR HILLS TOWN HOME PROJECT PHASE I
Plymouth, Mn.
Dear Sir:
I live at 3640 Black Oaks Lane N., Plymouth, Mn., in a town house
project being built by Harstad Homes, Inc.y 2195 Silver Lake Blvd.,
New Brighton, Mn. 55112.
This project is nearing completion and I, along with other homeowners,
have concerns about completion of the landscaping, proper grading and
drainage problems and other issues that are common throughout the
project.
In evaluating the situation,.I called the City Planning Department and
was advised that through -an error, no bond was obtained from Harstad
Homes for thi's development.
It is apparent that some measures should be taken to assure completion
according to whatever codes -and regulations•that are currently in
effect pertaining to development"of town homes in Plymouth. Under the
circumstances as I understand them, the City" of Plymouth could have
.significant liability should there be damages.to the properties.
It would be appreciated if •you would review the above with the proper
parties and advise of your conclusions.
Yours truly;,
DONALD BUTLER
3640 Black Oaks Lane N.
Plymouth, M. 55446
(612) 557-5876
DB/hw
cc: Councilman, David A. Anderson
I
s
August 26, 1996
Eric Blank
Park and Recreation Director
3400 Plymouth Blvd,
Plymouth, Mn. 55447-1482
Dear Eric,
off
Thank you for meeting with me to show the proposed drawing of our block regarding a
new walking trail. I would like to recap our discussion of August 12th at 4:30 p.m.
Our entire block does not want a two-way roadway and to lose 12 feet of Lakeshore land
for a walking trail. We feel that all East Medicine Lake Blvd. residents should be treated
fairly and equal by making it a one-way street and by using half of the existing street as
a walking trail, the same as the just completed North side of East Medicine Lake Blvd.
There's been an existing gravel trail for years and if it's a part of the one-way street,
there would be no changes regarding anyones lakeshore area, and it's not going to cost
the city any money.
1 oppose your plan to make a 12 foot trail going crosswise from Scribner's to Harty's
Marina and to provide commercial parking on the property that our family has had rights
to since 1958. We have a double lot and have always provided the upkeep and lawn
care to enhance the looks of the neighborhood. The trail should be kept in a straight
line with the roadway as it has been all of these years.
Thank you for your consideration and know that you will treat all residential property
owners equal.
Sincerely,
lv, (Zv d;tl 2Q py
Mrs (Marian) Leonard Larson
1940 E. Medicine Lake Blvd.
Plymouth, Mn. 55441
545-9597
cc: City Council
DON & SHIRLEY MAXWELL
263o E MONCINE LAKE BL 9 i MN 55441
too
544-573g
A 20
26 August 96
To the Mayor and City Council
Plymouth, Minnesota
We wish to commend the Council for moving the Medicine Lake Trail project along by
establishing a one-way segment on East Medicine Lake Blvd from 26 Ave N to Medicine
Ridge Road.
You would be gratified to see the usage this short trail segment receives. Yesterday we
stayed at home and saw there were hikers, runners, bladers, dog -walkers, and bikers on the
trail virtually every minute of the day.
We hope you will continue to take steps toward a more complete trail. The bottleneck
section on East Medicine Lake Blvd around 30th Ave N is dangerous. Unfortunately, a
previous Plymouth Council designated the Blvd an arterial without setting a policy of
taking the lake -side lots to provide for an adequate right-of-way in that bottleneck area.
The cost of acquisition now is of course many times what it would have been then, and
continues to escalate.
We also hope you will extend the one-way pattern to the East Beach Park. The little gravel
roadside path gets into disrepair frequently and is hard to use, so people are usually on the
road itself.
Please let us know how we can help get the Hennepin Parks Board to support your trail
efforts.
V 14414c�; er
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- - City of
Mdpj e move
9401 Fernbrook Lane, P.O. Box 1180, Maple Grove, MN 55311-6180 612-494-6000
August 26, 1996
Mr. Dwight Johnson
City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
Dear Dwight:
9po 4
As you requested, I have passed along your letter regarding the speed limits on Pike Lake. In doing
so I believe it is likely there will be a change in the resident's position with the City Council, and they
will want the 15 mile per hour speed limit returned.
With Eagle Lake's proximity, accessibility by boat, and size, it is much more useable for water
skiing. I had hoped those factors would have resolved the issue. Evidently they did not.
I will let you know what interest is generated by your letter.
Sincerely yours,
toElamministrator
JE:cjm
cc: Ken Ashfeld--Engineering
Pam Paulson --Lake Quality Commission
"Serving Tbday, Shaping Tomorrow"
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Robert A. Burlingame David Burtness Irene C. Koski Donald J. Ramstad
Mayor Councilmember Councilmember Councilmember
®Printed on Recycled Paper
containing at least 15%
post -consumer paper fibers
LeAnn Sargent
Councilmember
August 27, 1996
Mr. Thomas Laitala
18315 - 8* Ave. N.
Plymouth, MN 55447
SUBJECT: WATER SERVICE
Dear Tom:
CITY OF
PLYMOUTFF
You have submitted a petition requesting that the City install City water to serve your property
at 18315 - 8' Avenue. In discussing this with the City Council, you have stated that time is of
the essence since your existing private well does not provide safe drinking water. Your property
is at the end of 8' Avenue west of County Road 101 and the City has not previously constructed
public water, sanitary sewer or a permanent street adjacent to your property. Since none of
these improvements have been constructed, your property has not been assessed for their
benefit. You and I have discussed this water service over the past week.
When a public watermain is extended adjacent to your property, it would also be my
recommendation that the sanitary sewer and a permanentpublic street be constructed at the same
time. Although this project by itself would only be about 500 feet in length, it would require
major grading and construction in the street right-of-way to have the street and watermain at the
proper elevations. It would also require substantial tree removal since there is only about a 30
foot wide clearing for a 20 foot wide gravel roadway. Unless there is further development
proposed on your property, the property to the north, or the Rustin property at the end of 81
Avenue, I think it is unlikely that 8' Avenue will be improved with sewer, water and a
permanent street. This would be major construction on the unfinished portion of 8' Avenue. If
the Rustin property is developed, it would require the street extension and that ' would be the
time to also construct this portion of existing 8' Avenue.
The City code. states that unless a property has paid for, or agreed to be assessed for watermain
they should not be permitted to connect to the system. To solve your immediate problem, to get
safe drinking water, I would propose that you be allowed to extend a water service from the
existing watermain to your house. The existing watermain ends approximately 100 feet east of
your east property line. To receive the permit for this water service extension, you would be
required to enter into an agreement with the City to be assessed for the watermain, if and when
it is constructed, as part of an improvement to 8' Avenue. Attached is an agreement prepared
by the City Attorney which provides for the water service extension and the special assessments
if the lateral watermain is constructed at some time in the future.
PLYMOUTH A' Beautiful Place To Live ry-P'Avo'I'ENG\GENERAL\LTRS\FRED\LATALA.DDC
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD - PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 - TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000
Mr. Thomas Laitala
Page Two
You would contract with a plumber or sewer and water contractor for the installation of your
private water service. That contractor would be required to obtain the necessary permit from
the City for a connection to the City water system.
It is my opinion that this is the best solution to get you an immediate connection to the City
water system. After you have reviewed this proposal, please contact me with any questions. If
this proposal and agreement is acceptable, I would then proceed with completing the ownership
and legal description for the agreement and your signature.
Sincerely,
Fred G. Moore, P.E.
Director of Public Works
enclosure
cc: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
%%City_ply%vol l%ENG\GENERAL%LTRS\FRED%LARALA.DGC