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Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Information Memorandum 07-12-1996JULY 12, 1996 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE. JULY 24 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers AUGUST 5 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers 2. SUBURBAN ALLIANCE MEETING, Tuesday, July 16, 1996, 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers. Attached is a notice of the meeting and a copy of the Suburban Alliance mission statement. (M-2) 3. PLANNING COMMISSION, Tuesday, July 23, 7: 00 p.m., Council Chambers. 4. PACT, Wednesday, July 24, 7.00 p.m., Hadley Lake Room. 5. SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, Tuesday, July 30, 7.00 p.m., Council Chambers. 6. CHARTER COMMISSION, Tuesday, July 30, 7: 00 p.m., Public Safety Training Room. 7. MEETING ON NORTHWEST PLYMOUTH, Wednesday, July 31, 7. 00 p.m., Council Chambers. 8. MEETING CALENDARS - The July and August meeting calendars are attached. (M-8) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO July 12, 1996 Page 2 .-,..;.::.a....v as k 2 +c. �..s3:..-,n.:_s... .v:..;;....:.:�.l��it //,1::::aa'. tt" fc}:.'-i.'?s`::•i:.xt ?,6!.. kk::.tir.653G�i ..:. u•:.:�R`- w I. SECOND QUARTER COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE Attached is the record of attendance for first quarter 1996 for Councilmembers, as requested earlier this year by the Council. (I-1) 2. CHARTER COMMISSION Notification from Charter Commission Chair Virgil Schneider that the Plymouth Charter Commission will extend by 90 days its reviews of a possible charter amendment on requiring a super -majority vote for a tax rate increase. (I-2) 3. MEETING MINUTES a. Plymouth Charter Commission Meeting of July 9, 1996 (unapproved). (I -3a) 4. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC a. West Suburban Mediation Center Annual Report. (I4a) b. West Suburban Mediation Center Second Quarter 1996 report on closed cases for Plymouth. (I -4b) c. Notice of Foundation HealthSystem Minnesota of the annual gala, The Celebration for Life, set for October 12, 1996 at the Minneapolis Hilton. (I -4c) 5. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY- CORRESPONDENCE A status report on correspondence is attached. (I-5) 6. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter to Mayor Tierney from Honeywell Community Relations Specialist Robin Maynard outlining proposed ways Honeywell might participate in community activities. (I -6a) b. Letter from Mayor Tierney to Mike Anderson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing. The mayor presents data concerning housing in the City of Plymouth. (I -6b) c. Letter from Mayor Tierney to Plymouth Civic League President Barbara Willis, expressing appreciation for the group's efforts in the "Music in Plymouth" celebration. (I -6c) d. Letter from Mayor Tierney to Carol Creelman, expressing thanks for the contribution of replicating a log cabin near Parkers Lake. (I -6d) 001000111 r fit, �� -SU Lurban011iance July 3, 1996 Suburban Alliance has for the past 23 years served well the needs of citizens in western Hennepin County. As you may have heard Suburban Alliance (West Hennepin Human Services) has recently experienced some financial difficulty which may force the organization into a rather difficult decisionof survival (see press release dated June 24, 1996). Since that time the Hennepin County staff have reversed their opinion and are recommending to the commissioners termination of the emergency services and planning and coordination contracts with Suburban Alliance. These contracts constitute the major portion of funding for our organization. While county staff have assured us there would be no interruption of emergency services to people and families in need, we are concerned for the loss of planning and coordination services and the unique citizen input that has been the trademark of Suburban Alliance. Since Suburban Alliance was formed under a joint powers agreement among west Hennepin County's municipalities, the executive board thinks it is imperative that your municipality participate in a discussion of our current situation and the decision of the future existence of Suburban Alliance. A joint meeting of municipal representatives, the Board of Directors of Suburban Alliance and county staff is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday July 16, 1996, at the Plymouth Safety Building, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, Plymouth, MN. 55447. If you are unable to attend, would you appoint a staff member to represent your municipality. Please RSVP to Perry Madsen, office manger, at 930-3356 by Friday July 12, 1996. Sincerely, Steve Mumma, Chair Board of Directors SM:pm Enclosure: S � - 3 West Hennepin Human Services Planning Board 9 Seventh Avenue South • Hopkins, MN 55343 • (612) 930.3356 • Fox (612) 930-3540 ftiftb 2 BUSURAAW ALLIANCE FOBITION BTATZMENT West Hennepin Human Services Planning Board (now doing business as "Suburban Alliance") has been in existence for over 23 years. During that time the agency has advocated, planned, coordinated and delivered direct services in the human services arena. It has had a positive impact on every one of the twenty-one member municipalities from western Hennepin County that subscribe to the joint powers agreement from which it was created. It has also benefitted non-member municipalities and assisted thousands of individuals. These have included diverse members of the community such as senior citizens needing transportation to low income members needing assistance and direction in such areas as finding job, obtaining emergency assistance and peer counselling. A service directory published by the agency reached 40,000 people and became a staple reference for local police departments to advise people in need of social service assistance as to where to go. Because of its unique position within the human services community Suburban Alliance has also been asked to: nurture fledgling non-profit organizations; directly administer Energy Assistance dollars on behalf of the state and federal governmentsf and act as the fiscal agent for various other human service organizations that did not have the resources to hire and maintain sufficient staff of their own. Over the last two years Suburban Alliance has endured a continuous onslaught of changes and setbacks in its financial picture. First, it lost its free office space in St. Louis Park. In August of 1994 it moved to its present location in Hopkins at a rent currently accruing at $3,000 per month. m - Z Second, Suburban Alliance learned in late 1994 that its long standing executive director intended to resign. The agency is governed by an all volunteer board consisting of appointees from its various signatory cities, associated humans service agencies/ organizations and members at large. A new director was hired in early 1995. There were contemporaneous indications from Washington that there would be unspecified cutbacks in Energy Assistance funding. For the fiscal year 1993-94 the Energy Assistance contract involved the administration of 2.5 million dollars. For 1995 it was slightly over one million dollars and it may go below six figures for 1996- 97. These funding cutbacks have adversely affected the agency's internal budget dollars because it caused shrinkage in administrative overhead funds. In 1995 Suburban Alliance also lost two agencies for which it had been fiscal agent. This meant that funds Suburban Alliance had held for their benefit had to be repaid causing even more pressure on its cash flow and financial reserves. It also meant loss of additional income associated with the administration of their contracts. As these events unfolded the board was not able to react quickly enough. Much of this was due to the lack of critical financial data. The complexity of the agency's functions and accounting methods also tended to mask financial problems. Past audits, including the 1994 audit, had not revealed any serious problems. Consequently, business tended to continua as usual. 2 M.0 I By late 1995 financial demands began to emerge which made it apparent that the agency would have to substantially reduce its administrative costs. This step was taken in the form of lay-offs, salary reductions and other cost reducing actions. The board's reaction was insufficient to meet the financial problems that were converging and compounding themselves. In early 1996 additional staff was laid off. in May of 1996 the executive director resigned. The agency has operated since early May, 1996, with a skeleton staff. Its board chair, Steve Mumma, has assumed, for all intents and purposes, the role of volunteer executive director assisted by other board members in various roles. There have been numerous financial reforms instituted. Checks and balances have been installed to help ensure that the agency will react more quickly to financial pressures. A search for a replacement executive director has'begun. The agency is being assisted in this process by a top General Mills executive offered to .it through MAPP. The 1995 audit confirms that the agency over spent its revenue by approximately $78,000. Hennepin County is fully aware of the problem and has been provided with a copy of the agency's 1995 audit. The audit shows no illegality or wrongdoing, but does explain the nature and scope of the shortfall. A plan of repayment is being developed. Throughout these difficulties the board of Suburban Alliance has remained strong and committed. Support for the agency has been expressed by its sister agencies such as the Northwest Human 3 Services Council and Community Action for Suburban Hennepin. Assuming that acceptable assurances and reforms are in place, the county has expressed its interest in continuing its planning and coordination contract and the Emergency Services contract with Suburban Alliance. The Department of Economic Security, as the responsible state agency for the Energy Assistance program, has remained supportive. Suburban Alliance is and will continue to be a vital and viable asset to the citizens of Hennepin County. Its role may be redefined in some ways, but its vision will always be the same - empowerment of those who are economically or socially challenged through planning, coordination and advocacy of appropriate social service programs. 4 ed Ri w ^:SAR ti •o,a �. ti N cd C fs. "F •ana 00 CIS, Pp$G 'u Ori l� r M O N az ,� n N M u C� �� ., ri ~ oo N N eel b O '�+ N N ON 4-0 M M- S �o 0 izz M O N !} �q CIS, c� N • q b "� M N O M cd b Ls. ~ 00 tn N N 8 .d IA a X81 s l� Nt N QO N "ell 0 W � AYG F A=x b M o n Cd C SA;3 Ca^. A A Z� y cd Q w aaM O cti ^S a - :X« F 32 it ^� "AAA yr ^SAA d' Cep N co b �o 0 izz I CITY COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE -1996 The following is the attendance Record for the City Council for 1996: X - Absent DATE MEETING TYPE Anderson Wold Lymangood Preus Granath Black Tiemey 1/3/96 Special X X 1/9/96 Regular 1/22/96 S ecial X 1/23/96 Regular 1/30/96 Special X 2/7/96 Special 2/7/96 Regular 2/12/96 S ecial 2/21/96 S ecial X X X 2/21/96 Regular X X 3/6/96 Special X X 3/6/96 Regular X 3/13/96 Special X X 3/20/96 Re ular X 4/3/96 lRegular X 4/17/96 Regular X 4/29/96 Board of Review X X X 5/1/96 Regular 5/15/96 Regular X 5/20/96 S ecial X X 5/20/96 1 Board of Review X 6/5/96 Regular 6/19/96 Regular lRegular X 6/26/96 i I X JU15 Laurie Ahrens City Clerk City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Ms. Ahrens, The Plymouth Charter Commission voted at its meeting last evening to review for an additional ninety days the issue of a possible charter amendment on requiring a supermajority vote for a tax rate increase. This letter serves as the filing document required by Minnesota Statutes 410.12, Subdivision 5. The ninety days will expire on October 15, 1996. The Commission's resolution is attached. Sincerely, Virgil Schneider, Chairman Plymouth Charter Commission cc: Plymouth City Council Plymouth Charter Commission PLYMOUTH q Beau tifufPlace To Live 3400 Pi_` 1,1OUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1,482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 I-2 Plymouth Charter Commission July 9, 1996 BE IT RESOLVED by the Charter Commission of the City of Plymouth, Minnesota, that in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 410.12, Subdivision 5, the Plymouth Charter Commission determines that a ninety day extension is necessary to fully consider all aspects of the proposed amendment on a supermajority vote requirement for a tax rate increase, and that a resolution be filed to that effect with the City Clerk. MOTION: Bujold SECOND: Pauba VOTE: 8 ayes, 2 nayes Plymouth Charter Commission July 9, 1996 Minutes unapp rovcd T -.Ta Present: Virgil Schneider, Dave Pauba, Ty Bujold, John Duntley, Dave Crain, Bob Sipkins, Tim Peterson, Jon Speck, Joy Tierney, Kapila Bobra, Ellie Singer, Councilmember Christian Preus, Assistant City Manager Kathy Lueckert Excused: Bill Pribble, Pauline Milner, Sandy Patterson Call to Order Virgil Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. Virgil Schneider introduced Councilmember Christian Preus, and the Charter Commission introduced themselves. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the May 23, 1996 Charter Commission meeting were approved as presented. Old Business Supermajority Vote for Tax Rate Increase Virgil Schneider asked if any commission member needed a report from staff, none indicated that they did. Virgil Schneider asked that commission members ask questions of Councilmember Preus. Dave Pauba asked Councilmember Preus why he thought requiring a supermajority vote was a good idea. Councilmember Preus stated that he is looking toward the future, and that is why he is proposing the supermajority vote. He said that right now the city has no fiscal problems, that it has good budgets and the tax rate has declined in recent years. However, he is wary of what actions the federal and state governments may take which may force local governments to provide services that have not previously been their purview. Councilmember Preus stated that he fears that these services could be a tremendous burden, and that the city should consider carefully whether or not it wants to increase taxes to provide them. He stated that City Manager Dwight Johnson had several good ideas on how to approach the supermajority vote, such as the Charter enabling the City Council to adopt an ordinance dealing with a supermajority vote on a tax rate increase. Councilmember Preus stated that he felt this might lead to tinkering with the ordinance from one year to the next, and that the Charter requirement should be for a supermajority vote or none at all. He said that he is not afraid of a "tyranny of a minority." He has not seen that come to be during his tenure on the Planning Commission or the City Council. Virgil Schneider stated that the current requirements for a supermajority vote are for rezonings and reguidings. 1-3a Kapila Bobra asked Councilmember Preus why he thought Plymouth needed a supermajority vote for a tax rate increase when other cities and counties do this by a simple majority vote. Christian Preus stated that he is looking to the future, and that other local governments may not be wary of what the federal and state levels might do. He says it is simply a different approach. Joy Tierney stated that the Charter Commission also is concerned about taxes, but the city's record on holding the line on taxes has been good. She said that the supermajority vote is an issue of giving or not giving control to a minority. She asked why should action be taken when there does not seem to be a problem in Plymouth. Councilmember Preus stated that he feels that in the future, an extra vote will ensure caution when spending money. The fiscal decisions will be harder in the future. Virgil Schneider said that supermajority votes are required for rezonings and reguidings because these changes tend to be permanent. He said that the tax rate can change from year to year and thus is not a permanent change. He stated that elections also provide an opportunity for a leadership change if voters are not happy with taxes. In his opinion, raising taxes and rezonings/reguidings are not in the same category. Councilmember Preus stated that technically Virgil Schneider was right. However, he stated that experience shows that holding the line on taxes is very difficult at the state and federal level, and that Plymouth may have the same difficulties in the future. Dave Crain stated that Virgil Schneider's point was an important distinction. He stated that Plymouth has enjoyed strong growth revenues and has been "lean and mean" in providing services. Dave Crain said that this may not be possible in the future. His main concern is that of minority control. He is concerned about the possibility of never passing a budget. He is also concerned about the inflexibility of the amendment as currently drafted, in that five absolute votes are needed. What happens if there is a vacancy on the council at the time the tax rate must be approved? Virgil Schneider .concurred with Dave Crain's concerns about flexibility and dealing with council vacancies. Christian Preus said there have not been problems in the past with taxes, and that he feels the voters would intervene if there were a problem. He stated that most council vacancies are temporary. Councilmember Preus stated that if the City Council took the ordinance approach to a supermajority that there would be too much room for case-by- case maneuvering and dealmaking. Virgil Schneider stated that a supermajority vote might result in more dealmaking than simple majority votes, and that it might not be limited to budget discussions. Ellie Singer said that the ward system may lend itself to deals. Jon Speck said that one ward, plus an at -large councilmember and the mayor could control the budget, and lead to one ward being more powerful than another. Virgil Schneider stated that minority control may force deals. Councilmember Preus stated that he does not see that happening in Plymouth. He wondered if deals might be made more in rezoning situations than in setting the tax rate. Ty Bujold thanked Councilmember Preus for coming to the meeting, and said that he was glad to hear his comments. Ty Bujold stated that the Charter Commission's role is not to dictate to the City Council, but to offer other suggestions. He said that the issue at hand is to place a requirement in the Charter which would tightly control the ability of a T- 3a future city council to raise taxes. Does the Charter Commission want to endorse this, or should it be a legislative decision dependent on the circumstances at the time? Ty Bujold said that all three possible ordinances considered by the Council dealt with controlling taxes, and that he can't think of an alternative that the Charter Commission could propose that the Council would accept. Tim Peterson expressed an interest in finding some sort of compromise, perhaps setting benchmarks of changes in the city's fiscal picture which would or would not activate the supermajority vote requirement. Councilmember Preus said that future circumstances cannot be predicted. Dave Crain asked what would happen with the supermajority vote requirement if the Legislature changes the entire tax system, as happened during the change from mill rates to tax capacity. He is concerned about the inflexibility of the proposed amendment. Virgil Schneider asked Councilmember Preus just what the problem is, and what the issue is that necessitates the supermajority vote proposal. Councilmember Preus said that it is best to take action prior to actual problems. He feels that pressure to raise the tax rate will be a future problem, and that it is best to consider the supermajority issue when there is no immediate pressure and problems. John Duntley said that the electorate is very sensitive to taxes, and that the City Council will hear about it. He observed that when it is necessary to raise taxes, councils tend to vote as a group so all take the pressure. Jon Speck stated that if the issue is one of control over taxes, then perhaps other alternatives should be looked at, such as requiring a supermajority vote to adopt the annual budget. He stated that he doesn't understand why there is such a sense of urgency to this, and that more study and research is needed. Tim Peterson said that most voters will think the supermajority requirement is good, and will vote for it without full knowledge of the pros and cons. Bob Sipkins stated that Christian Preus and the City Council are to be commended for a future orientation. He stated, however, that the supermajority requirement is an easy idea for populists to embrace, but that there may be other solutions and contingencies to achieve the same goal. He stated that the issue is whether or not the control should be in the Charter. Virgil Schneider stated that the Charter Commission can ask for an extension of 90 days, can propose modified language, or can decline to place the amendment on the ballot. The Council could then place their own version on the ballot. Kapila Bobra stated that she feels an extension is needed, so that the Charter Commission can discuss ideas among themselves. She said that the public will think the supermajority requirement is a good idea, but may not be aware of its practical applications. Ellie Singer asked Councilmember Preus if he saw no reasons to delay the question. Councilmember Preus stated that the ballot deadline is a concern. He said that an additional 90 days might postpone getting it on the ballot. Ellie Singer stated that she wants the minutes to reflect that she takes exception to Councilmember Wold's comments in the city council minutes of June 19. She stated that !,3a the Charter Commission's role is indeed to oversee the charter, and that it is important to carefully consider changes to the Charter. Christian Preus stated that he understands that the Charter Commission does not have much time to consider the language. However, he stated that the Charter Commission may be making the issue more complicated than it is, and that it is a questions of being for or against the proposed amendment. Virgil Schneider stated that a presidential election year might not be the best time to place charter amendments on the ballot, because of the length of the ballot. He suggested a gubernatorial year instead. Ty Bujold stated that he doesn't want an unnecessary delay in getting this issue to the voter, but that he also feels that the electorate should be informed. Ty Bujold moved that in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 410.12, Subdivision 5, the Charter Commission resolves that a 90 day extension is necessary to fully consider all aspects of the proposed amendment on a supermajority vote requirement for a tax rate increase, and that a resolution be filed to that effect with the City Clerk. Dave Pauba seconded the motion. Virgil Schneider called for discussion on the motion. Tim Peterson asked what actions the Charter Commission would take during the next 90 days. Jon Speck asked for more research on the track record of the City of Fridley, which requires a supermajority vote to adopt the budget. He also wants more explanation of the proposed language. Jon Speck also stated that he would like a public meeting on the proposed amendment. Dave Crain said that perhaps the Charter Commission should consider a supermajority vote not only on the tax rate but also on the budget adoption. Bob Sipkins said that the strongest action would be to go on record as rejecting the language proposed by the Council. Kathy Lueckert stated that the ballot language must be finalized by early September, following the primary election. If the Charter Commission wished to meet that deadline, a report to the City Council would be due by the September 4 meeting. Bob Sipkins said that the City Council seems anxious to get this before the electorate, and that they will see the 90 day extension as an attempt to thwart their efforts. Thus the strongest action by the Charter Commission may be to reject the proposed language. He said that he was uncertain what an additional 90 days would do. John Duntley said that he simply wants more information, and that this may provide him with a reason to support or to deny the proposal. He said that the issue is a "no brainer" for voters. However, the Charter Commission did consider the supermajority requirement while drafting the charter, and that there is more below the surface of the issue. Ty Bujold said that the proposed amendment does not demand immediate action, and that it doesn't need to be in place immediately. Joy Tierney said that the issue can use more study, and that an attorney should be brought in for more suggestions. She stated that she was disappointed that the City Council did not discuss the issue more, and that the Council did not accept the City Manager's recommendation. Ellie Singer observed that six councilmembers are for the amendment. She said that the Charter Commission serves as an overseer of the charter, and that while it doesn't make decisions quickly, it does that for a purpose. The Charter Commission is a separate body, and should not rubber stamp every suggestion by the City Council but consider each on its merits. Dave Crain said that the city could be faced with a conundrum. He wondered what might happen if levy limits were imposed again, and that it would be hard to not stay at the current tax rate to avoid fiscal difficulties. Christian Preus observed that the Charter Commission had raised good points. He stated that if he hadn't come, he would think that the proposed resolution asking for an extension was a "slap in the face" to the council. He said that there may be the perception that the 90 day extension was requested just to kill the issue. He asked that the Charter Commission make a good faith effort to reach a decision in time for the ballot deadline. Ty Bujold stated that he is not concerned about what the Council thinks of him or the Charter Commission. He feels that the Charter Commission's responsibility is to take care of the charter. He stated that more information is needed, and that he cannot understand the urgency. Councilmember Preus stated that the lack of verbiage in the minutes does not mean that the Council did not think carefully about the proposed amendment. He stated that the Charter Commission has taken an honorable position, and that the Commission is not responsible to the Council. Virgil Schneider said that the Charter Commission has already spent nearly three hours discussing the supermajority vote issue, and that appears to be more time than the City Council has spent in public discussion of the issue. He stated that the Charter is the city's constitution, and that it exists in perpetuity and that changes should be carefully considered. Councilmember Preus stated that he thinks the Council has considered the issue. Tim Peterson stated that he agrees with Ty Bujold. He wants a working relationship with the City Council, but that the council minutes were very strong, and did not have a conciliatory or diplomatic tone. He said that the tone of the minutes was very much "we/them." He wants a better relationship with the council, but no councilmembers had called him or any other commission member. However, he thinks that Ty Bujold's motion would perpetuate this problem. Ty Bujold called for the question. Motion passed, 8 ayes, 2 nays. Recall of Elected Officials Kathy Lueckert reported that she had researched the Charter Commission minutes, and had found the discussion about recall of elected officials. Because of the decision in a court case (Jacobsen v. Nagel), recall of elected officials is available only in case of malfeasance or misfeasance in office. z•3a It was moved and seconded stated that unless another opinion could be found, the Charter Commission would not further discuss the issue of recall of elected officials. The motion passed. Campaign Reporting Kathy Lueckert presented the proposed charter amendment language which would require campaign finance reporting for groups as well as individuals. Virgil Schneider asked about the $1000 limit, and was this state law. He said there is a $300 limit for individuals, and asked that the City Attorney verify the limits. Jon Speck said he thinks this is a good idea, but should go to the voters along with other proposed charter amendments. It was moved and seconded to table this issue until the next meeting. Motion passed. Joy Tierney asked that Roger Knutson offer suggestions on how language in the charter might be changed to deal with temporary vacancies. Kathy Lueckert stated that the Charter Commission still had a vacancy, and that no applications had been received. She suggested that the Commission wait until the fall to readvertise the vacancy. Ty Bujold asked that the minutes express appreciation to Kathy Lueckert for the excellent information provided prior to meetings. Ty Bujold also expressed his thanks and appreciation to Councilmember Christian Preus for attending the meeting. Virgil Schneider set the next meeting of the Charter Commission for Tuesday, July 30, 1996 at 7 PM in the Public Safety Training Room. The topic of discussion will be the supermajority vote requirement. Kathy Lueckert was directed to invite City Attorney Roger Knutson to that meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager p C.'HANI:E — GROWTH — T RENDS — NEW DIRECT 0NS T— 4 a The field of mediation is undergoing rapid development in dealing with new areas of conflict, as well as being accepted as useful by professionals such as judges, attorneys, and mental health specialists. With growth comes change affecting community mediation programs such as West Suburban Mediation Center. Changes include types of cases handled, requests for conflict resolution training for groups ( not only for mediators) and the desire to explore collaboration to address social and community needs. Nationally, the mediation process has been innovatively applied in, for example, gang disputes, the delivery of health services, telephone mediation programs to help prevent and resolve parental abductions, and dealing with guardianship and conservatorship issues. In addition, new terminology is emerging, such as: "family group conferencing "restorative justice", "group facilitation", "Rule 114" and "Rule 113." These terms need interpretation. understanding and perhaps special training for community mediators. Rule 114 encourages use of mediation in civil cases, and refers to mediators listed on a state roster who have taken certified training (WSMC is on the roster). Rule 313 is not yet finalized but will determine the qualifications need to do family mediations. In the past, our mediations generally did not include attorneys as part of the process. With the above-mentioned Rules, as well as the pilot project administered by the State Office of Dispute Resolution to resolve Human Rights cases, the mediations may well involve the active presence and use of attorneys.. Earlier in our development, a juvenile case was directly referred by the police officer (and many still are). Now, however, a large number are instead being referred by the police to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, who then decides between court action or diversion. If diverted, the case is sent to Operation de Novo (OdN), who decides which diversion program is appropriate for the youth. West Suburban Mediation Center has received and mediated many cases from OdN that involve determining appropriate restitution to the victim, and has set up a special bank account to receive funds paid by the offenders to be reimbursed to the victims. If a case does not reach a mediated agreement. or the juvenile does not comply with the terms of an agreement. they are then referred back to OdN and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for possible court action. About three years ago, the statute governing community mediation programs was changed to permit mediation of visitation and property matters (co -parenting mediations). Following the change, a McKnight Foundation grant assisted the Hennepin County community mediation programs to fund the needed additional training for mediators and staff to handle these types of disputes. Funding has continued for family mediations since then through 1997. Historically, cases were mediated prior to any court action. For the past four years, a major source of cases has been Housing Court. The mediators are scheduled for two mornings a week to mediate unlawful detainers. These mediations are presently being done in the hallways of the Government Center and usually take a much shorter time than the usual mediation. Conciliation Court now sends out our flyers when a person files a case. Often, then, the signed agreements state the parties will not continue with the court date. There are clearly new challenges on the horizon for the role of community based mediation programs. West Suburban Mediation Center's priority is still to offer neutral, impartial mediation services that focus on serving parties in a dispute. not the institution using its services. As mediation is becoming so "popular" -- schools. businesses, insurance companies, courts, correctional facilities, cities, (to name a few examples). are using "in- house" mediators. However, this development raises crucial questions about what happens to the mediation process when it becomes "institutionalized Will there be more of an expectation to `'crank out" agreements'? Would disputants feel enough trust and confidence to freely express their issues'? Would mediation be seen as an unbiased and fair process by participating parties'? What if the "'In-house"' program is not understood by top administrators'? These questions of bias must be addressed by those in the field. As John Conbere said in the March. 1996, Minnesota Mediator. "The more mediation is institutionalized. the more risk there is of institutional biases corrupting the mediation process." In addition, independent community based mediation programs such as WSMC must re-examine their vision and role within the community_ given these developments. This is one of many challenges facing our organization in the coming year. "Thanks a lot - you were a great help, used professional conduct, and are obviously very skilled." Z. .I a 1995 MEDIA TORS Larry Anderson Tim Grathwol Diane Lynch Larry Bakken Wes Hamilton Priscilla McGunnigle Elaine Beyer Cheryl Hanson Gary Moe Shirley Bierma Mark Heley Tim Moran Carrie Bloedel Robin Katz Tracy Nightingale Pauline Bouchard Lori Kelley Ellie Ogden Jim Campbell Jane Kline John O'Loughlin Carol Carmichiel Shelley Kordell John Ott Frank Commers Jay Levenson Ernie Petersen Jan Dietrich Adeline Levin Earl Peterson Cheri Fischer Richard Lidstone Tom Phillips Don Fraley Roger Lindquist Ann Pollack Bernard Gingold Nancy Lindstrom Les Puett THANK YOUALL!! WSMC STAFF 1995 Susan A. Nelson Executive Director Debra M. Nichols Case Developer 1995 BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR Cheri Fischer VICE CHAIR Tim Moran SECRETARY Lee Mosher TREASURER Tom Phillips EDEN PRAIRIE REP Peter Iversen BLOOMINGTON REP Barb Kleist GOLDEN VALLEY REP Arthur Sirkin AT LARGE REPS Bob Carlson Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Jay Levenson Richard Lidstone Nancy Lindstrom Chris Schulte Mark Sarenpa Chris Schulte Rhonda Simpson -Brown Jan Strege Karen Sullivan Herman Swanson Annie Swanstrom Ann Thies Barbara Van Offeren Kathy Williams Judy Woellner Anthony Wright OVER 95% OFPARTICIPANTS ... ... were v� satisfied or satisfied with ... • the overall quality of service they received • how well the mediators explained their role • the fairness and impartiality of the mediators • AND the opportunities they had to express their point of view Did you know ... WSMC served at total of 2,597 individuals in 1995? FINANCIAL REPORT 1995 Income ............ $87,872.00 1995 Expenses .......... $83,170.00 Juvenile Restitution Paid to Victims ...... $ 7,132.50 INCOME SOURCES Minnesota Supreme Court, Hennepin County, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka. Plymouth, Richfield, St. Louis Park, McKnight Foundation, and Contributions. THANK YOU!! TYPES OF CASES REFERRED Adult: Landlord / Tenant Neighborhood Dispute Business / Consumer City / Resident Employer / Employee Post -Divorce Human Rights Other Youth: Operation de Novo Police Department Other Agencv DISPOSITION OF 1995 CASES West RESULT ADULT YOUTH TOTAL Mediated - Agreement 468 118 586 Reached Mediated - No Agreement 40 0 40 Reached Conciliated 27 15 42 One or Both Parties Refused / 73 10 83 Unable to Contact TOTAL 608 143 C1y17t C r ) SZ 75z-- West Suburban Mediation Center 1011 First Street South, Suite 200 Hopkins, MN 55343-9477 Phone (612) 933-0005 Fax (612)933-6046 ..'N 154,411 to 484 42 37 8 5 5 4 119 24 6 8 Non -Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #562 Hopkins, MN 55343 �-4a ,Of ... k b .010 WEST SUBURBAN MEDIATION CENTER 1011 First Street South, Suite 200, Hopkins, MN 55343 July 9, 1996 Mayor and City Council City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor and City Council: ( (612) 933-0.005 +FaiZ`-E12) 933-6046 F ' Second quarter report, 1996, on closed cases for the residents, businesses and city staff of Plymouth: 1. Juvenile assault, Operation de Novo (OdN) referral, mediated with signed agreement 2. Business/consumer, Conciliation Court flyer referral, other party refused 3. Juvenile theft, OdN referral, mediated with signed agreement 4. Other, Conciliation Court flyer referral, mediated with signed agreement 5. Juvenile theft, OdN referral, other party refused 6. Juvenile theft, OdN referral, other party did not show up for the mediation, referred back 7. Juvenile theft, OdN referral, other party never responded, referred back 8. Intra -family, self referral, initiating party never responded 9. Juvenile theft, OdN referral, mediated with signed agreement Thank you for your interest in and support of mediation. Sincerely, V Susan A. Nelson Executive Director Z- 4 e 500 Alvarado Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 June 12, 1996 The Honorable Joy Tierney Mayor of the City of Plymouth 17915 20th Avenue, North Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Joy, In follow-up to the phone message I left on your answering machine today, I am enclosing some information regarding The Foundation HealthSystem Minnesota's annual gala, The Celebration for Life, which will be held October 12, 1996, at the Minneapolis Hilton. We are thrilled that Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners has been selected as the beneficiary of this year's gala, and our goal is to raise over $150,000 at the event. We very much hope that every municipality that benefits from IOCP's services will be represented at the gala. As you know, residents of Plymouth are by far the largest percentage of IOCP's clientele. The enclosed brochure provides information regarding the event, and we would be delighted if the City of Plymouth would consider purchasing a table. Please give me a call if you have any questions or concerns....... or would like more details about the purchase of tickets! We hope you will be able to join us! Sincerely, Carol Bergenstal General Chair The Celebration for Life The Foundation HealthSystem Minnesota P.O. Box 650 Minneapolis, MN 55440-0650 (612)993-5023 Fax: (612) 993-6745 Federal ID #23 7346465/MN tax exemption #F.S30691 THE CELEBRATION FOR LIFE BENEFIT Saturday, October 12, 1996, 6:30 p.m. Minneapolis Hilton Ticket Purchase Form For Office Use Only Date rec Ackn Pledge Y / N Card complete Thank you for your ticket pledge/payment to The Foundation's sixteenth annual Celebration For Life fall benefit. Please complete and return the white copy and payment to The Foundation by Friday, September 20, 1996. A list of guests (see below) is required by Friday, September 27,1996. Tickets will be mailed to the listed contact. A receipt will be sent to the address appearing on the check unless otherwise specified. Direct questions to The Foundation (612) 993-5023. Thank you again and enjoy the event! Purchaser (i.e. company): Contact (if appropriate): Address: Number of Tickets: Total Amount: $ Date: Phone: @ $ 125.00 (tables of ten @ $1,250.00) (65% tax deductible) Sorry, I/we cannot attend. I have enclosed a donation of $ Method of Payment: a Che& Enclosed o Bill Required Please bill my 0 Visa 0 Mastercard Account Number Purchaser's Signature: Foundation Representative: Date: (100% tax deductible) Exp. Essential: Tickets cannot be sent until your complete guest list is submitted. List those names below. 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Plymouth MN 55441 A k, A ft*' 612 954-2288 1993 Dear Joy, Honeywell Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help in so many unique ways! I have been getting to know quite a few people these last few weeks -Barb Willis, Kevin Hanson, Nancy Anderson, Milt Dale, and Eric Blank, just to name a few. I must say, it has been a pleasure working with everyone. I can tell the Honeywell alliance with the City of Plymouth will benefit the community in many ways. I have enclosed a list of proposed activities, many have all ready been approved. I was wondering if you would please look over the list. Feel free to make any suggestions. I not only want to meet your expectations, I would like to exceed your expectations. We want the Plymouth community to be happy that we are here. If you have any feedback or would like to provide more opportunities for us to get involved, please contact me. Together, we will be able to do many great things for Plymouth. Thanks for helping us to help the community! Have a great day!! Robin Mavnard Community Relations Specialist -I -;)-C41 SSEC Customer Satisfaction Hotline: 1-800-238-1502 rn O M 1-1O > O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 �. o 0 �. 0 m civ m 0.h. 0. > O. Q Q a a Q O. C. CL DQ. Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q rn O M 1-1O > O O O O O Q C07 m m civ m > > > >> > > > 3 O C7 C W C 'C W W C 'O W W C C C C W W W W 'a W •O W 'O W O ' O O O O O O O in O O O ca O N O to Ln O Ln 0 c O N v Q � c O 0r_ o T = o T o 0 0 0 o c o o E E a v E E E E E o E LU w> a w w w w w w N N c V U C C ani N v aZi -° 3 c v � o � m a°) v° L 41 a o a o E o W a� V E N o. a V U = E Q E Q O O V) Q _ `•' � 0 N 0 O J d d s U w o a CL o = 3 _ 0 E H o Q rn c c� -0 �� o.o-a c a 3 H o L_ V —>>% m m m o c W Q c� a* waaw _ m N M to to N 00 C7 rn O M 1-1O -6b July 12, 1996 CITY OF Mike Anderson PLYMOUTR Executive Director Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing 122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 320 Minneapolis, MN 55404 Dear Mike, Thank you for arranging the affordable housing meeting of June 24th at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church. It was a good opportuinity for clergy, city officials and people like yourself who are interested in finding solutions to the problem of affordable housing in our area to come together for discussion. Since that meeting I have compiled some numbers that I believe tell the story of the problem we have as a city in providing housing that is affordable to people of more modest income. The paper with the numbers on is enclosed. You can see that from 1993 to 1996 the total number of non -rental housing units in Plymouth has grown 2,027 while the number of homes (units) available under $100,000 has decreased by 11538. This is a result of marketplace activity and is a gloomy picture for those trying to provide more such homes not less. I'm sure you agree that the officials of Plymouth do understand the need for and are trying to provide livecycle and affordable housing for our residents. The market statistics may speak another story but as a city we are giving it our best effort. I wish you well as you carry on in building local support for affordable housing. If I can ever be of assistance please feel free to call me. Sincerely, yve"ll Joy Tierney Mayor of Plymouth 473-1681 We Listen • We Solve • We Care 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 • TELEPHONE (612) 550-5000 Z-6 b HOMES IN PLYMOUTH 35.6% 30% 27% 23% $ Value # of Homes Percent 1993 Under $50,000 614 3.80% $50,000-100,000 5,092 5,706 31.80% Total 16,034 100.00% 1994 Under $50,000 466 2.80% $50,000-100,000 4,538 51004 27.26% Total 16,649 100.00% 1995 Under $50,000 671 3.82% $50,000-100,000 41019 41690 22.88% Total 17,565 100.00% 1996 Under $50,000 645 3.57% $50,000-1000,000 3,523 41168 19.51% Total 18,061 100.00% 35.6% 30% 27% 23% July 11, 1996 Barbara Willis, President Plymouth Civic League 16511 26th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Barbara, z- 6C CITY OF PLYMOUTI+ The Plymouth City Council joins me in expressing our sincere appreciation to you and the Civic League for another successful "Music in Plymouth. " The weather was perfect, .and the evening was simply outstanding in every respect! We know how much time and effort goes into holding an event such as "Music in Plymouth," and somehow the Civic League manages to outdo itself each year. The addition of "Up With People" to this year's program was particularly impressive. "Music in Plymouth" is certainly the highlight of the summer, and Plymouth residents and folks throughout the metro area eagerly await the music and the fireworks. Thank you so very much for all your efforts this year. The Plymouth Civic League did a stellar job! Very truly yo rs, l C. �1 U Joy Tierney Mayor of Plymouth PLYMOUTH ABeau tifulPlace?o Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 July 12, 1996 Carol Creelman 8400 Golden Valley Road #312 Golden Valley, MN 55427 Dear Mrs. Creelman, The Plymouth City Council joins me in thanking you for your contribution to the City of replicating the log cabin near Parkers Lake. Your contribution is very generous, and will help preserve some of Plymouth's history. We are excited about the possibilities for education about an earlier time that the cabin will offer. Again, thank you so much for your contribution. We look forward to working with you on the project. Sincerely, Joy Tierney Mayor of Plymouth PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(PCace To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000