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Council Information Memorandum 05-17-1996
MAY 179 1996 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: MAY 20 6:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MAY 20 7:00 P.M. BOARD OF REVIEW RECONVENED City Council Chambers MAY 30 4:00 P.M. PRAC ANNUAL PARK TOUR Departing from City Center JUNE 5 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City Council Chambers 2. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 21, 7:00 P.M., City Center Lower Level Lunchroom. Agenda is attached. (M-2) 3. CHARTER COMMISSION, THURSDAY, MAY 23,'7:00 P.M., Medicine Lake Room. 4. MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE, MONDAY, MAY 27. City offices will be closed. 5. PACT, TUESDAY, MAY 22, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Room. (M-5) 6. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 28, 7:00 P.M., City Center Lower Level Lunchroom. 7. MEETING CALENDARS - The May, June, and July meeting calendars are attached. (M-7) �....;........................:::..::::::.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::.:::.::::::::::::::::::::.:::::::............::.................. 1. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC. a. Registration form for LMC Leadership Institute seminar on `Authentic Leadership: The Key to Making Policy Decisions as an Elected Official," July 25-26, at Rutger's Sugar Lake Lodge, Grand Rapids. The deadline for registration is June 5. (I -1a) CITY COUNCEL INFORMATION MEMO May 17, 1996 Page 2 b. Metropolitan Council Regional Blueprint Update, with information about the estimated regional and local costs of three growth and development options. The Met Council will hold an Open House at _Plymouth City Hall on May 22, 1996 at 7 PM. (I -lb) c. Notice from HUD of the award of $323,000 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). (I -lc) d. The Scanner, a community policing newsletter, May 1996 edition. (I-ld) e. Notice of special election process programming on Northwest Community Television, with a focus on what seats will be open this fall, and. how residents can file for candidacy. (I-1 e) f. AMM May 1996 update on legislative issues. (I-10 g. Star Tribune May 14, 1996 news story about a drug management service to be based in Plymouth, formed by Value Health Inc. and Baxter International Inc. (I -1g) h. Item from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) newsletter about the Plymouth Fire Survivor's Handbook. (I-lh) i. Notice from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to Superior Ford of a petroleum storage tank leak and request for corrective action. (I -Ii) 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY - CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from Jim and Mary Tegan to the Mayor, with comments about the proposed Ferndale Road/Highway 12 interchange. Also attached is a letter from the Tegans to City Engineer Dan Faulkner, and correspondence to the Tegans from MNDOT Division Engineer Charles Siggerud. The correspondence has been forwarded to Public Works Director Fred Moore for a response. (I -2a) b. Letter from Jeff and Lisa Schuler with comments about the crosswalk on Northwest Boulevard near the Bass Lake playfield. The letter has been forwarded to Public Works Director Fred Moore for a response. (I -2b) c. Correspondence between Hank Moss of the Courtesy Bench Company and City Clerk Laurie Ahrens, regarding his concerns with the City's courtesy bench ordinance. (I -2c) d. Letter from Vince and Kristen Palyan with comments about the crosswalk on Northwest Boulevard near the Bass Lake playfield. The letter has been forwarded to Public Works Director Fred Moore for a response. (I -2d) A status report on correspondence is attached. (I-2) 3. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter to the Mayor from Susan Olson covering correspondence to David Rotter of the Rottlund Company, Inc. The correspondence outlines dissatisfaction Olson haswith the building standards of Rottlund Homes, Inc. (I -3a) b. Letter to Lisa Schuler thanking her for speaking at the Forum regarding the signal at Bass Lake Playfield. (I -3b) Dwight Johnson, City Manager u - rPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MAY 21,19% WHERE: Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 CITY CENTER LUNCHROOM (Lower Level) CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. 2. PUBLIC FORUM 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5. *CONSENT AGENDA 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. The Rice Company. Rezoning from FRD (Future Restricted Development District) to B-3 (Service Business District) for property located at the northwest corner of Highway 55 and Peony Lane. The property is guided CS (Service Business) by the Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan. (96037) B. United Properties. Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plan/Plat, and Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of a 112,000 square foot office/warehouse industrial distribution center located at the northwest quadrant of 25th Avenue and Polaris Lane North. (96045) C. Scott Rudin. Conditional Use Permit to allow operation of a Canoe Outfitters Home Occupation out of his home at 17525 -26th Avenue North. (96047) D. Thomas A. Barbeau. Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Amendment to allow expansion of the service write-up area of the existing Walser Chevrolet building located at 9825 -56th Avenue North. (96052) E. Olympic Steel. Site Plan Amendment for a 4,800 square -foot building addition and Variances for a reduced drive aisle setback to the building and increased lot coverage at 625 Xenium Lane. (96058) 7. OLD BUSINESS - (Items continued from May 14, 1996 Planning Commission Meeting) A. Laurent Development Company, Inc. Comprehensive Plan Amendment including a Land Use Guide Plan Amendment to reguide approximately 61 acres of land from LAR (Rural Agricultural) to LA -1 (Low Density Single Family Residential) and to add the area to the urban service area for property located north of Schmidt Lake Road, between Vicksburg Lane North and Fembrook Lane North. (96017) Staff recommendation for continuation to May 28, 19% to complete assembly of additional information. B. Jerry Sisk. Site Plan Amendment, Conditional Use Permit Amendment, and Variance to enlarge the storage area at the rear of the Burger King building located at 14430 28th Place North. A Variance is requested for an additional freestanding sign. (96055) 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Zoning Ordinance Update. Sexually Oriented Businesses 9. ADJOURNMENT DATE: May 16, 1996 TO: Members of the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit FROM: John Sweeney, Transit Administrator SUBJECT: May 22 MEETING The Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 ' p.m. in the Engineering Conference Room (Hadley Lake Room) on the lower level of Plymouth City Hall. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: Please note all materials will be distributed at the meeting. I. Approval of minutes of the meetings on April 19, 1996 (will be distributed at the meeting). H. Ridership Information 1992 - 1996 and Review of Ridership Statistics for April 1996 (information from George Bentley, will be distributed at the meeting, if available). • Dial -A -Ride • Plymouth Metrolink - Route 91 • Plymouth Metrolink - Route 92 • Plymouth Metrolink - Route 93 • System Cost Summary Reports -April 1996 III. Discussion Re: status of consolidation and renumbering on Route 92D and Route 93 for statistical and reporting purposes. -- J SUBJECT: May 22 MEETING Page Two IV. Identification of areas of concern and/or recommendations. V. Discussion Re: Status of integrating new mini -coaches for Metrolink and Dial -A -Ride into the system. VI. Discussion Re: Proposed construction plans for County Road 9 from I-494 to Vicksburg Lane (timetable and impact on routes). Also discuss interim bus schedule for the affected area. VII. Discuss customer surveys for Plymouth Metrolink and Dial -A -Ride. VIII. Discuss Dial -A -Ride summer marketing program. IX. Other Comments cc: Paul Colton, Metropolitan Council John Mathews, National School Bus Company Steve Mahowald/Steve Jaeger, MCTO George Bentley, Consultant S.F. 5/22/96 OFFICIAL CIT rib__ MEETINGS I May 1996 Sunday 14 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday COMMUMTY POLICWO, r Meeaw. Ldu 8.- 1 2 3 4 April June 6:30 PM SUBCOM- 4:00 PM RECREATIONAL S M T W T F S S M T W T F S MI= ON FACIL177 GROUND- S 2 7 8 9 3 4 10 11 5 6 12 13 2 3 1 4 5 67 8 BOARDS & COM- BREAKING CERE- MONIES, 37th do Pbuou- 14 IS 16 17 I8 18 19 20 9 10 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 MISSIONS, Bass Lake Room 6:00 PM CR'Y CENTER 21 22 23 24 26 27 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 TASK FORCE, Council 28 29 30 30 ��hm Tae Peat HUMAN scam COMMosron-M.Ad•.Gk. MI& 5 6 i 8 9 10 11 6:00 PM SPECIAL 7:00 PM PRAC - PLANNING COM- Mooney Lake Cont MISSION, Review of Rm. Zoning Ordinance, Bass Lake Room Ill 113 14 15 Tae PM @N. QUALM COMM. - f90 PM SU&PE Cousar ON MY Lk.Mq n- COMMUMTY POLICWO, r Meeaw. Ldu 8.- 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 2® 21 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 26 28 Memorial Day (Observed) 790 PM PACT - Seery IA. C -f. city Offices Closed P-, L_ Lrd 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 22 00 PM METROPOLI TAN COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE, Lower Level Lunchroom 16 00 PM HRA - Bass Lake Meeting Rin, lower level 23 WPM CHARTER COW G& SION-MedidseL cRo 29 3® 4:00 PM PARK TOUR - Leave City Center 4 revised on 5/16/96 17 18 9:00 AM PLYMOUTH SPRING CLEAN-UP 8r. PHOSPHORUS -FREE FERTILIZER SALE, Public Works Mtce 311 25 '7 (DYFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS 1 June 1996 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday F- 0 N 3 4 5 6 .. ,.mom CO�UOSSION 7:De PA, HII 1uc;HB -e4e41t�r N 23 5 25 26 27 28 9 10 Illi 12 13 14 15 7M Pie erv. QUALM coeur. - a.aq ed...re 7:00 PM PRAC - Mooney Lake Conf. 7:00 PM PLANNING 7:00 PM PLANNING Rm COMMISSION - Lower Level COMMISSION - Lunchroom Lower Level 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 3® son PM sue cosoarrPE on cosoroenTr eoucwo. Ban May July .a�. e.e. e... 17:OOPMEaU- Lake Meeting Rm, lower level I S M T W T F S S M M IN NMI 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 7M PM PACT -HNey Ii. CML Ra. L—L ,d 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 3® May July S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 12 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 I7 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31 r4:viaed an 5/13/96 -44 7 'C)"IFFICIAL CIT"Y! mmik, q 104- MEETINGS July 1996 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ee i -J an 5/13/96 Il 2 3 "ZZ 5 6 Music in Plymouth hulependence Day - City Offices Closed 9 10 1 12 13 7 x� � QUALM coni tt.p...kg F Iles 7:00 PM PRAC - Mooney Lake Coot 7:00 PM PLANNING Rnu COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 COMMgoo en suacoMMmn ox rouca+Q 7:00 PM HRA - Bass M.&— L I . ru aw. Lake Meeting Rm, lower level 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 790 PM PACT. HAY Iwlu Cwt a6. Uw Ltd x 7:00 PM PLANNING COMMISSION - Lower Level Lunchroom 28 29 30 all June August S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Il 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 ee i -J an 5/13/96 z U .v >4 A a 00 � a O • O O O � C P V � � a San mosauuiW }o an eaZ atp oi woo} uonens.2 ain pEw pue in:) aseald r---------- I I C I I I = � Iw o N IZ I Cr W I v C I f• I I V �n� a•.3 H O a o .. v :b 0 I O •� a a .; z U .v >4 A a 00 � a O • O O O � C P V � � a San mosauuiW }o an eaZ atp oi woo} uonens.2 ain pEw pue in:) aseald E V ^ . L V zo r.cEs3� � O N Olu 0 0 > •v M i. O y �;� � w E.° 3� c0. vii a. tC a c os �o�E� �',o o a Q Q, Poi z �"❑0 O a0F'❑ d c o `SCJ I 'tl Itv v Ol = N .. v :b a .; 00 W, � 0o s I .b • • C o O� C C O k RS ... . ..� .. t . O •c3 ,; g�� y • • O M b .«v bO �i •a n J 0 4 q I •G U IS d .1I L • o c a. o -- as cn ,� C L b ,� �+ o I 41 �. v �= OU ,o$ �oa oy I E i o b a Z V "" O p .� 3 O d E V ^ . L V zo r.cEs3� � O N Olu 0 0 > •v M i. O y �;� � w E.° 3� c0. vii a. tC a c os �o�E� �',o o a Q Q, Poi z �"❑0 O a0F'❑ d c o `SCJ I OZ O [D n v. O p1 Q. o 0o n o xcrq o M �• Cr o. Crq �• yy O .d `• x ° Cn A to O . O o Zr Qyy�y� :c�' ��'�y�`!. va�q ���ON o .a�.0o►q aC�r`93 � M . O 0. y O. � a de E; p x° 0 O coo•ov'bL asa • CO3 -0 co 10 0 �kp rb b � rob 0 0 No 0 0 �� Wo -o O o• o w a y L 0 p p orq ►s aq Olt O wp Q. a n w cn O � o� �,eD !/� v cr y n R 00 0 00 a. � o 0 0 0 0 -• o �. �• n O60 sr IV cr 00 oCD qo y H 4� Metropolitan Council 'L -- Wwk ngfw the R vj wr. P1rirnr4 yfor the FW We n n REGIONAL BLUEPRINT Z /b Mears Park Centre I I 230.8aet Fifth Street U.S POSTAGE St..PattV Minnesota 55101-1634 PAID sewers and water. St. Paul, MN Local facilities are paid by Permit No. 7029 DWIGHT JOHNSON X 23464 CITY MANAGER ME15596 CITY Of PLYMOUTH Citians. Highways are paid by 3400 PLYMOUTH BLVD residents of the county, and PLYMOUTH MN 55447-1482 oftentimes by all state ,VS Recycled paper: Contains at least 20% post -consumer waste: soy -based ink. May 1996 and job locations in a pattern facilities portion of costs do designed to be friendly to not vary dramatically among O ABOUT THIS ISSUE transit and pedestrians. the opdon. This issue of Update has information on the estimated regional and local costs of three growth and development options the Metropolitan Council is considering. Costs include regional and local costs of highways, transit, sewers, water and stormwater facilities to the year 2020. In addition, this issue describes ways organizations 4 and the public can tell the Council what they like --or dBlikealabojWhe options, or suggest characterilttcs & would like to see in a by ride option O THE THREE OPTIONS Current Trend --Growth would be accommodated through continued expansion of the urban area in all directions. This development pattern is market-driven, responding primarily to housing location market forces. Concentrated Development— New growth would be located largely in the existing urban area Growth would fill in vacant land and land available through redevelopment, such as cleanup of polluted sites. Housing density would increase and some redevelopment would mix housing and retail in shared locations. Central sewer and water would not expand much beyond what we have today. Growth Centers --"Mixed use centers would commingle housing with retail business Some centers would spring up on vacant land, while others would be located on redeveloped sites in the older part of the region The development pattern would respond primarily to job locations. A Hybrid Option?—A mixture of growth characteristics from each growth option, or a hybrid, is likely to emerge. o COST ESTIMATES The cost chart (see other side) shows public sector costs for the three options, ranging from an estimated '411 billion to $13.3 billion TotQs include regional and locca�ppital costs for transporMtion, sewers, water and storm Awm between now and the ye%t 2020. 'Me -larger the atet'Nof development, thethe public cost for high sewers and water. Local facilities are paid by residents of the local area, while regional costs are generally paid by all Twin Citians. Highways are paid by residents of the county, and oftentimes by all state residents. Simple arithmetic shows a difference of $2.3 billion between the high -and low- cost option The huge difference suggests cost will be important in selecting a growth option for the region o Regional Costs Are Dose , Surprisingly, the regional , I The regional sewer tab doesn't vary greatly among the options because most pipes are already in place. Also, the focus of the prollosedra�it on unn S expan TTre broad g C a The Co to regional wastewater system. Mi " Mi bf treatmeri�plan � :ty eintercepioro,pjpes'` that convey sewage from local '� rkr community ecollaxore . sewers to the treatment plants._ Similarly, regional highway costs don't vary greatly among the options. Again, most of the system is already in place or planned to serve growth in the developing suburbs. These suburbs would continue to grow rapidly under all three options. The lion's share of capital expenditures is earmarked to repair and upgrade existing facilities. Nevertheless, there is a difference of $246 million between the highest and lowest estimated cost for regional transportation and interceptor sewers among the three options. o Transportation Impacts The options also differ in the likely patterns of travel (see other side). While numbers represent small percentages, the direction of the trend is important. The numbers will become more significant as the development option takes hold beyond 2020. Depending on the option selected, the length of automobile trips will shorten. In addition, the region could reduce its dependence on the car by making pedestrian and transit trips more appealing. p OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDER WAY The Council is reviewing its current rural area policy and investigating the overall fiscal implications of development in the region. The activities are important pieces of the larger picture. a WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Come to an open house. The Council invites you to attend any of four informational open houses andcommunity meetings in May: During the open house, you can brush up on growth issues, review design sketches of the options and talk informally with Council members and staff. m. Immediately after each open house, the Council will meet with the public and local officials from the area to discuss the options. The meeting dates and locations: (Each meeting is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Tuesday, May 21, Metropolitan Council Chambers, Mears Park Centre, 230 E. Fltlth St., in downtown St. Paul. Wednesday, May 22, Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth Wednesday, May 299 Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaide Av., Apple Valley Thursday, May 30, Shoreview Community Center, 4600 N. Victoria St., Shoreview GROWTH OPTION COSTS VARY BY S2.3 le information on growth Isst�. Call the Regional Data Center at 291-8140 and ask for free copy of Growth Options f1� the Twin Cities Metropohttur Area, containing backgroundl,rformation on growth trends. Call or e-mail u .You can call the CoundWublic Comment Line291-6356 with your commits. Our TTY number is 291-0904. Or e-mail us at datacenter@mete. cb[nte.mn.us Please get your comments to us by June 21. ' Schedule a speak r. Call Donna Mattson the Council staff at 191-6493 to make arrangemefits for a presentation otn_ggrrowth issues to your organizfition, or for more informa*on on the open houses. s WATER/SEWERS/STORMWATER II T"NSPORTATION I TOTAL - Regional I Local II 0 Regional I Local Interceptors Maintenance Watergs>8 Highways Transit" Roads Replacement $ewer Quality Stormsev Current 15162 million I S 2 billion I S 3.1 billion I I S6.4 billion Trend Concentrated I S 116 million I S 2 billion GrowthI $133 million I S2 billion Centers "Numbers are rounded and may be refined. "Assumes current service levels $ 1.3 billion 11 $6.3 billion S2 billion I I S6.2 billion $626 million $l bt $626 million $691 ru:-= $626 million 5800 TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS Upon request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with disabilities. 612 291-6359 TTY 291-0904 Daily Miles Daily Miles of Traveled Transit Trips Congested Roads Current Trend 74.2 trillion 257,000 623 Concentrated Development 73.6 million 263,000 587 Growth Centers 72.6 million 310,000 566 Upon request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with disabilities. 612 291-6359 TTY 291-0904 gyp."6Fr00%, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WASHINGTON. D.C. 20410-7000 � t t� e s� 04" 06vt OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Honorable Joy Tierney Mayor of Plymouth Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Tierney: May 6, 1996 I am pleased to inform you that with the recent agreement on the Federal budget, we are now able to make available to your City $323,000 for affordable housing, homelessness, and community and economic development activities. These Fiscal Year 1996 funds, which you can receive through our new Consolidated Planning process, include resources under the following programs: • Community Development Block Grants: $323,000 As you may recall, I notified you in February about your interim allocation pending final resolution of the budget. I am pleased that we are now able to inform you of the total amounts, which include the interim amounts listed in my February letter. Please remember, you can submit your Consolidated Planning application electronically, avoiding thousands of pages of paper- work. Also, you can access illustrative summaries of a wide range of Consolidated Plans through the Internet. They can provide creative ideas and innovative activities implemented in communities all across the nation. Our Internet home page can be accessed at http://www.hud.gov. Zi4L 2 We are committed to working closely with you to ensure speedy approval of your Consolidated Plan, and we stand ready to assist you to address your housing and community development needs. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very ncerely yo , Andrew Cuomo Assistant Secretary 65/11/96 88:36:18 Via Fax —> The 62+509+5068 Joy Tierney Volume 1 Community Policing Newsletter May, 7996 NEWS FROM NLC Recently the Notional Institute of Justice (NIJ), within the U.S. Department of Justice, was looking for techniques to scan for innovations in community policing. The National League of Cities (NLC) responded to this request by proposing a new program - - 'Scanning for Innovation: The National League of Cities Search for Excellence in Community Policing Programs.' NLC was selected as a grantee for this project on public safety, funded through NIJ. The purpose of this new program is twofold: 1) to keep moyors, city managers, city council members and local low enforcement officials informed and up-to-date regarding the latest improvements and initiatives in community polic- ing and problem -solving approaches so they can support or implement similar activities in their cities; and 2) to provide NIJ and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services with information about promising new practices and programs that may be considered for further and inten- sified evaluation. In order for NLC to accomplish this task they will: 1) identify innovative and exemplary programs, practices and procedures by means of a nationwide competitive Award for Excellence in Community Policing program, which will be modeled after NLC's successful Innovation Award program; 2) assess the information forthcoming from the applica- tions for awards focusing their basic value and limito. tions in order to identify those that ore most promising and those that may be considered by NIJ for more rigorous evaluation; 3) give national recognition for programs judged excel- lent at the NLC Congress of Cities in San Antonio, Texas on December 7-10, 1996; 4) document and disseminate information regarding innovative efforts and best practices for public access; and 5) keep the searching, award and dissemination process up-to-date, timely and focused on the relevant issues that concern cities and low enforcement agencies. The award program categories and criteria are current- ly being formulated. Application packets will be available soon. The application deadline is June 28, 1996. To help in this effort, NLC has employed Mr. William B. Whiteside, a nationally recognized police administrator and leader in community policing, to manage the new project. For more information about this ornaram_ nipneo rf%n* ,t Page 08Z SEATTLE PD AWARDED COMMUNITY POLICING RESEARCH GRANT The Seattle, WA Police Department (SPD) has been awarded a research grant by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The grant is for a study on the stages that new community oriented policing programs go through in the implementation of the process. Seattle and several other police agencies are being studied to ascertain what these stages are. Dan Fleissner, of the SPD Research and Grants Management Section, is the Project Director. Mr. Fleissner advises that Seattle has gone through four stages while implementing their community policing program. They ore the awareness, experimental, commitment, and institutional- ization stages. This research is needed so that departments wishing to utilize community oriented policing can see how much time and effort really goes into the process. The expected out- come of this project will be to provide agencies with assess- ment tools for implementing community policing. 'It has been our experience that many departments say they hove instituted community oriented policing but in reality they have done nothing more than change an officers job title," stated Mr. Fleissner. If you have information that may be useful to this research project, please contact: Dan Fleissner at (206)527-0998 or (206)684-8672; fox number (206)386-0053. --*- VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE Agood example of how volunteers improve a community policing program con be seen in Delray Beach, FL. The police department established a presence in various minori- ty and transitional neighborhoods in order to establish for- mal alliances with the citizenry who had been openly critical of the Department in the post. Neighborhood public meetings were held for citizens to vent their frustrations and citizen -police alliances were formed from these meetings. The obvious outgrowth of these meetings was the marked increase in volunteerism to the Department. Volunteer citizen involvement includes the Citizen Observer Patrol, which has over 900 members covering 24 communities, and Parking Enforcement Specialists who are trained 85/11/96 08:37:49 Via Fax —> Volume 1 - MAY, 199 greeters of citizens who enter the Police Department for var- ious reasons, crime onalysts, victim assistants who provide additional information to victims of crime, and o Volunteer Coordinator who tracks and places volunteers where they are most needed and most helpful. The newest volunteer program is the Citizen Roving Patrol, made up of 40 volun- teers who patrol areas not covered by the Citizen Observer Patrol. Mr. Michael T. Wright, Director of Support Services, advises that if the volunteers were withdrawn now "it would have a real negative impact" on department operations. For further information about this program contact Mr. Michael T. Wright, of the Delray Beach Police Department, at (407)234-7851. •:- PUBLIC.HOUSING AUTHORITY FIGHTS BACK 46 The Fort Worth, TX Housing Authority (FWHA) has launched an aggressive campaign to improve the quality of life of their residents using community polic- ing concepts. The FWHA in conjunction with the Fort Worth Police Department began this campaign in late 1995. According to Mr. James Romero, Director of Security for FWHA, crime has been reduced by 50 percent in the pro. jects. "All of us, the residents, FWHA, and the police have joined forces to really improve things for everyone," said Mr. Romero. The FWHA began foot and bicycle patrols and estob- lished police substations in all of their communities. The housing officials hold monthly meetings with residents and police officers to exchange information and develop anti-crime strategies. They established neighborhood watch programs in all of the public housing complexes as well. Some of the other programs that are underway are: "Kids, Officers, and Parents = Strong Communities"; "Keep Cavile Clean "Friendly Neighbor"; "Adopt -A -Grandparent"; and "Little Helpers" program, designed for children ages 2 to 18. All of these programs are designed to build self-esteem and community spirit, and teach responsibility. In the Adopt -A -Grandparent program, children and their adopted grandparents meet daily to do chores, interact, and establish a caring role model, all in a safe environ- ment. For further information on these programs contact Mr. James Romero, Director of Security at FWHA, at (817)534-9175 or FAX at (817)332-4830. ❖ The Scanner is produced by the National League of Cities. Comments or questions should be forwarded to: National League of Cities, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20004 Phone: (202) 626-3136 Fax: (202) 626-3043 612+509+5860 Jay Tierney Page 003 NEW CHIEF TAKES BOLD STEPS WITH COMMUNITY POLICING Colonel Jerry Oliver, Chief of Police of the Richmond, VA Police Department (RPD) has taken bold steps with his new department. Having assumed command last year he has already moved community policing forward in Richmond. He has reorganized the department to comple- ment the new community policing effort. The RPD has a citizens police academy and has just started an employee police academy for city workers. Sergeant Daniel Goodall says, "It makes sense to train city workers who volunteer for training. They are out in the pub- lic working so they see and hear more than we can alone." RPD is demonstrating that community policing is truly a city- wide effort. For more information concerning this program contact Col. Jerry Oliver, Chief of Police at (804)780-6700. ❖ ROCKVILLE POLICE TARGET CRIME The City of Rockville, MD has increased the autonomy and creativity of its officers. Responding to officer's sug- gestions, the city has implemented several programs that have been very successful over the lost few years. To deter speeding, an "Officer Tuttle" mannequin is posed in a patrol car on streets that tend to have speeders. To keep drivers honest, a real, ticket writing officer is occo- sionolly substituted. A bicycle patrol has been found to increase the speed and mobility of officers, since bicycles outrace vehicles in the congested city streets and roadless parks during the summer months. For an added benefit, bike officers are said to be more approachable by the public. The citizen police academy has been a major success for the citizens of Rockville. Over 300 graduates have gone through the training. The citizen police academy educates citizens in the criminal justice system through a seven week, fifteen hour course that bridges the mistrust between the department and the public. The academy explains police procedure, criminal low, and officer training to the civilian members. The academy has held classes for senior and Hispanic citizens. For additional information on these programs contact Corporal Bob Rappoport, Community Services at (301) 309- 3100. 10 - This This project is supported by Grant No. 95 -IJ -CX -0064 awarded by the National Institute of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not neces- sarily represent the officiol position of the policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. NORTHWEST(e-North COMMUNITY 6900WinnetkoAven TELEVISION BrooklynPark,MN (612) 533-8196 - N E W S R E L E A S E For immediate release 5/13/96 For more information contact Tom Hayes at 533-8196 ext. 236 "NORTHWEST CITIES" TV SPECIAL FOCUSES ON ELECTION PROCESS The campaign season is months away, but it isn't too soon to start thinking about elections and how you can get involved in our northwest cities. During the -week of May 20, "Northwest Cities" will let you know what ,seats are up for election this fall, how to file to be a candidate and how to stay informed on candidates and the issues this election year. Host Tom Hayes will also show you how a campaign is created and how you can get involved in the process. This special joint topics edition of "Northwest Cities" airs on Cable 12 -starting Monday, May 20, at 4:19p.m. immediately following Cable 12 News. Tune in :19 and :49 minutes past the hour for replays --check Channel 34 for specific times. Turn to Cable 12 --we'll keep you informed on northwest area elections from filing for office to final vote count! - 30 - Northwest Community Television's Cable 12 is part of King Videocable's channel line-up in 58,000 northwest suburban homes and covers local news and events happening in Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Crystal, Golden Valley, Hanover, Hassan, Maple Grove,'Medicine Lake, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and Rogers. Brooklyn Center - Brooklyn Park - Corcoran - Crystal - Golden Valley - Hanover - Maple Grove - Medicine Lake - New Hope - Osseo - Plymouth - Robbinsdale - Rogers = - / -'47 Revenue, Transportation committees to meet over summer to develop proactive policies The 1995 and 1996 Legislature discussed property tax reform in some detail. Twelve property tax reform bills had hearings and at least two received serious consideration for inclusion in the final Senate Omnibus Tax bill. In addition, House Tax Committee Chair Ann Rest made a draft proposal during conference committee meetings that she indicated could be a starting point for serious consider- ation in 1997. There seems to be a strong consensus on the part of legislators that prop- erty tax reform is necessary. There will be discussion in the interim and possible action in 1997. 1b, AMM has some very general positions on reform, opposes HACA elimination, has no opinion on new — taxes and generally supports the status quo. The Board and staff feel that if AMM is to have an impact on what seems to be inevitable (i.e. change/reform) then we June 30 is the deadline for LGA compliance forms II cities should receive local performance aid (LGA) in 1997. If a city does not currently use perfor- mance measurement or track workload statistics, the coun- cil must discuss and at a minimum determine when to begin development of a workload tracking system for various services in the com- ing year by the end of June. The certification form must be returned to the Revenue Department by June 30, 1996 need to develop stronger or more proactive positions or substantive reform criteria. This would be nearly impos- sible to do during our com- pressed fall policy develop- ment process. The Board has asked the Revenue Committee to meet two or three times this spring to begin development of an AMM position on property tax reform issues. Suggestions for criteria or positions can then be provided to the Committees - page 5 lease remember to contact us with changes of elected offi- cials, clerks, managers or department heads. Also, please let us know of any address, telephone or fax changes. This will help us keep our records accurate. Thank you! p [ May 1996 Vol. 1111, No. 2 1996 Regional Growth Management Do Issues Ever Get Resolved? By: Vern Peterson he Metropolitan Coun- cil adopted an initial growth management plan in 1974 and called it the Met- ropolitan Development Framework (MDF). Around 1980 it was revised and assigned a new name - the Metropolitan Development Investment Framework (MDIF). It was the first major attempt of the Met Council still in its infancy to manage growth on a region -wide basis to control urban - local units of government with the tools necessary to imple- ment the new growth manage- ment strategy. The foundation of this new strategy was that land would be added to the MUSA as needed to accommodate staged growth from the center out. This strategy worked reason- ably well for nearly 20,years and according to several studies con- ducted by the Council and other propo- nents of the sprawl, maintain the urban managed core and preserve prime growth strategy, agricultural land. the region was The thrust of this "frame- saved billions of work" was dividing the region into an urban service area (MUSA) and a rural service area and providing regional services such as central sewers, airports, transit and highways needed to support urban development only in the MUSA. The legislature, at the request of the Met Council, passed the Metropolitan Land Planning Act in 1976 to provide the Council and dollars by preventing "super sprawl" by driving development beyond the seven counties boundary into adjacent counties where there were fewer restrictions and land use controls and land costs were much lower as a consequence. On the other side of the spectrum, arguments were made that the Coun- cil was too lenient in premature extension and expansion of public infrastruc- ture such as sewers and roadways. In recent years, critics have asserted that the cost of hous- ing and other types of develop- ment has increased substan- tially by restricting the amount of land available for develop- ment. Many also suggest that the MUSA concept was creating approving MUSA expansions and this was escalat- ing middle class urban flight from the core area to the fringes, as well as hastening disinvestment in the central cities and inner -ring suburbs. The Council in 1992, partially in response to the above arguments, under- took a major study and examination of the MDIF and in September of 1994 adopted a completely revised development framework and renamed it the Regional Blueprint. Growth • page 3 Page 2 May 1996 Growth/Three growth options represent where growth should locate From page 2 This new "framework" is far more encompassing than the old MDIF but its central thrust is still to provide for the or- derly and economic develop- ment of the seven county metro area. The Blueprint as adopted, however, provided few de- tailed guidelines for how growth was to be actually managed or guided. The Blueprint states that "The Council will retain the current MUSA boundary for the year 2,000, making ap- propriate changes after verifying land demand and supply with local govern- ments along the boundary line." The Council is preced- ing with this verification. The legislature in 1995 also weighed in on this issue as part of the Livable Communi- ties Act and directed the Council to project the likely growth pattern of the region in the future. The Council in response to its Regional Blueprint and the legislative mandate began this study in mid-1995 and issued a preliminary report to the Legislature entitled "Growth Options for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area" in January of 1996. While this study has gone through several name changes from Development Scenarios to Growth Options to Preferred Urban Form, the central question is how the region can accommodate new growth based on fore- casts that the metro area will grow by 650,000 people, 330,000 households and 380,000 jobs by 2020. The population increase, if it occurs, will exceed the growth of the past 25 years by 75,000 people. The three growth options being analyzed represent different answers to the basic question, where should the growth locate in the region? Each option calls for govern- ment intervention and man- agement of development in varying degrees: - Under the "current trend" option, public investments will be made to respond to development. - The "Concentrated development" option would increase the diversity of jobs and housing in the core area. - The growth center option would encourage the development of jobs and housing in "mixed-use" centers designed to be pedestrian and transit friendly. Copies of the "Growth Options" report which describes the options in greater detail can be obtained by calling the Met Council Data Center at 291-8140 and asking for publication number 78-96-003. The Met Council is on a fast and comprehensive track to obtain public input and public "buy -in" to this study. The current schedule calls for selection of a "preferred option" by the end of July 1996 and a public hearing sometime in late 1996 to incorporate the "preferred option" (urban form) into the Regional Blueprint. The Council plans on using various techniques to obtain input including but not limited to stakeholder meetings, telephone surveys and focus group meetings. The AMM's Metropolitan Agencies Committee has already had two meetings on this subject and more will be held. Developing a consensus on this issue will not be easy for the Council, the AMM or public at large. However, since the AMM is the only metro -wide city organization and because the stakes are so high we must make this a high priority effort for the next several months. To some of the "old timers," this feels like "deja vue all over again" (as former New York Yankee catcher Yogi Growth - page 4 May 1996 Page 3 =— q Negotiation training seminars available The Minnesota Office of Dispute Resolution has established the dates for the 1996 Conflict Man- agement seminars. They are open to all public em- ployees, elected officials and school personnel statewide. Effective Negotiation This seminar is open to all public employees, elected officials and school personnel wishing to im- prove their skill in negotiating with fellow employees, em- ployers and the general public. Two trainers combine lectures and demonstrations to illustrate proper negotiation techniques. Participants engage in role-play exercises to practice each technique. The limited class size of 24 ensures individual attention. ($270 - Sept. 4, 5) Advanced Negotiation Graduates of the Effective Negotiation seminar are eligible to attend this one - day advanced seminar. The limited class size of 16 ensures a high degree of interaction between partici- pants and four trainers and coaches. Limited lectures highlight advanced nego- tiation techniques. Partici- pants will engage in nu- merous role-play exercises Seminars - page 5 Growth/Regional consensus needed to determine future of metro area From page 3 Berra is alleged to have said). Many of the issues/concerns relating to growth management which led to the original MDIF in 1974 seem to be still with us in 1996. To name a few: - Can growth and development be managed effectively in the seven county area without more effective development controls in adjacent counties including Wisconsin? - Does the Met Council need more authority and/or tools with respect to land use regulation and control to manage growth effectively on a regional basis? - Should cities which desire to maintain lower density development be forced to allow increased densities? - Should urban land supply be established as the fifth metropolitan system? (This is being recommended by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities). - How do already scarce resources for regional infrastructure get distributed equitably between maintaining and rebuilding existing infrastructure as opposed to building new infrastructure to accommodate growth on the developing fringe? - What cost impact will efforts to promote infill and increased densities have on affordable housing? - Will "freezing" the current MUSA line (or making it more difficult to expand) sans other initiatives to deal with urban decay; foster reinvestment and infill or merely accelerate the development even further from the core area? There are no easy answers to these questions but trying to find answers and develop a regional consensus as to what this region "should look like" in the 21st century will be interesting and challenging. We would appreciate hearing from you as you think about these issues as they relate to your city. We will do our best to keep you informed about AMM activities relative to this effort in the coming months. Seminars/ From page 4 with feedback from faculty. ($225 - Nov. 5) Group Consensus Building This seminar will benefit those involved in group deci- sion-making and public policy development activities as a facilitator or group member. Learned skills will help to transform diverse points of view into consensus, improve the quality of outcomes and help to build positive relation- ships among group members. ($315 - Sept. 24, 25, 26) All seminars will be held at the New Brighton Family Service Center, at the inter- section of 1-35W and 1-694. Registration fees include refreshment breaks, lunches and instructional materials. An informational brochure is available by calling the Min- nesota Office of Dispute Resolution at 296-2633. . T_ /P Address 145 University Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Telephone AMM (general): 215-4000 LMC (general): 281-1200 Fax AMM/LMC: 281-1299 CommltteeS/Transportation funding, property tax reform key issues From page 1 membership for discussion and additional input can be obtained at the July Outreach Breakfasts. With this type of preparation, the committee will be able to finalize a posi- tion for policy adop- tion during the fall meetings. The legislature in the past several years has also wrestled with the problem of an appropriate transportation funding pack- age. Several bills have origi- nated in both the House and Senate providing both high- way and transit funding. Unfortunately, there are many areas of disagreement among lawmakers. Rural legislators are unified in favor of a gas tax for high- ways and not changing the current constitutional dedica- tion of a gas tax for highways. Metro legislators want to find a way to fund more transit either through a hard -to -change statutory designation or a constitutional amendment that 1) splits gas tax use, 2) transfers a comes up with as a combina- tion highway/transit package. For major impact on a trans- portation funding solution we may need to develop stronger more substantive positions in this area. As with Revenue, the Transportation Committee will develop suggestions for funding solutions to be pre- sented for input at the July Outreach Breakfasts. Notices portion of of these regional breakfast MVET, or 3) meetings will be mailed in dedicates other funds such as June. license tab receipts. Besides the rural/urban split there is a clear House/Senate/Adminis= tration difference and to some extent a split among metro legislators. The AMM has a rather gen- eral approach that supports nearly anything that anyone If you or your council have ideas for either property tax reform or transportation funding and do not have a member on the committees or do not plan to attend an Outreach Breakfast, please contact Roger Peterson at 215-4000. O No Attention Managers/Administrators: If you haven't al- ready, please return your completed AMM CITY TRAIN- ING SURVEY by Wednesday, May 14. The results of the survey will be a topic for discussion at the Annual Meeting on May 23. Sign-up sheets for the four 1996 POLICY COMMITTEES will be mailed to all members at the end of May. All members are encouraged to consider participating on a policy committee, as your input is integral for the crafting of good solid policies which form the basis of a successful lobbying effort. The committees are: Transportation, Rev- enue, Housing & Economic Development and Metropoli- tan Agencies. noPlease reserve Thursday, May 23 for the AMM ANNUAL MEETING. It will be held at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington. Please R.S.V.P. by calling 215-4000. News In Between is published every four to six weeks during the legislative session and as neededduring the interim to keep officials abreast of issues that may affect metro cities. © Copyright 1996 AMM 145 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Telephone: (612) 215-4000 Fax: (612) 281-1299 The Board meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. President. Joan Campbell Vice President: Tom Egan Past President. Dave Childs Executive Director. Vern Peterson Legislative Director. Roger Peterson Communications Director. Cheryl Budewitz Administrative Assistant: Laurie Audette Jennings News � i Association of Metropolitan Municipalities 145 University Avenue West Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044 Dwight Johnson Manager 3400 Plymouth Blvd Plymouth, MN 55447-1482 ��- Printed on Recycled Paper Business Section, D-1 Star Tribune, Tuesday, May 14, 1996 Baxter, Value Health to form .venture offering drug -management services By Glenn Howatt Star Tribune Staff Writer Baxter International Inc. and Value Health Inc. said Tuesday that they will form a joint ven- ture, to be based in Plymouth, to provide drug -management ser- vices to hospitals. ValueRx, Value Health's pre- scription drug management sub- sidiary, will provide many of the employees and some of the in- formation services that the ven- ture will use to help hospitals prevent medication errors and control drug costs. ValueRx recently moved its corporate operations to Plym- outh after it bought Medintell, a Minneapolis-based health infor- mation services business. It also lS named Kevin Roberg, Medin- tell's chief executive, to the top job at ValueRx. Although a final agreement between Chicago -based Baxter. and Connecticut-based Value' Health has not been reached, a company spokeswoman said the new company could employ 900 workers, with many based in Plymouth. Most will be trans- ferred frons ValueRx. Terms of the transaction were not. dis- closed. Both companies will have equal equity in the new firm, and Roberg will head the management committee. The company will sell its ser- vices to hospitals, nursing homes. and other institutions that provide medications 1`6 pa- tients,, an estimated $50 billion . f r a market. The new joint venture will in- clude ValueRx's HPI Health Care Services business, which pro- vides contract -management ser- vices for 135 institutional phar- macies. ValueRx also will license its PreciseCare medication -man- agement information system to the venture. Baxter will contribute cash, key personnel, sales and market- ing expertise, and its medica- tion -process management ser- vice. Baxter plans later this year to spin off its cost -management business, which is expected to own Baxter's interest in the venture. The companies said they ex- pect to complete definitive joint - venture agreements by. Tune 30. X Fire Survivor's Handbook The Plymouth, Minn. (pop. 51,000; Dwight Johnson, city manager), fire department developed a handbook to help survivors of major house fires rebuild their lives. The handbook includes information on what to do with property that has been damaged in a fire, what to expect from the fire department, how to begin restoring property, and how to understand insurance policies. The Fire Survivor's Handbook was created with the help of the fire department, local busi- nesses, and community volunteers. Contact: Rick Kline, Fire Chief, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., Plymouth, Minn. 55447, 612/509-5121. Saving Open Spaces Neighboring cities Dixon (pop. 13,000; David Harris; city manager) and Vacaville, Calif. (pop. 85,000; John Thompson, city manager), re- cently bought and sold 1,003 acres of farmland along a 2.5 -mile stretch of Interstate 80 between the two juris- dictions. After the purchase, the cities placed a "conservation easement" on the land when the deed was recorded. The conservation easement ensures that the land will be used for open space in perpetuity. Within six months of buying the land, the cities sold all of the acreage (at the same price the city paid for it) to two buy- ers. The new owners will grow walnut orchards and other crops on the land. Contact: David Harris, City Man- ager, 600 East A St., Dixon, Calif. 95620, 916/678-7000. 1W_u Clean Up Day Peoria County, Ill. (pop. 183,000; Jack Manahan, county administra- tor), recently held a courthouse clean- up day. Employees were allowed to dress casually and the county made available extra containers for trash and recyclables. Awards were given (judging was done by a clean sweep committee) for the oldest and most unusual items discovered and for the most improved storage and office space. The county's private computer services vendor donated lunch for county employees. Over two tons of recyclable materials and a half -ton of trash were removed from the build- ing, as well as several truckloads of materials for the county's annual surplus auction. Contact: Jack Manahan, County Administrator, Peoria County, 324 Main St., #401, Peoria, Ill. 61602, 309/672-6056. Speech on the Internet The city of San Carlos, Calif. (pop. 26,000; Michael Garvey, city man- ager), has added "true speech" sound - enhanced pages to the city's Web site. The true speech sound compression technology allows creators of Web pages to add sound to information posted on the Internet. The annual state of city speech is a popular event in San Carlos, but only 90 to 100 people can fit in the restaurant where the event is held. Being able to pro- vide the presentation on the Internet is one way to broaden the number of people who learn of its contents. The city's Web site was established in May 1994 and is updated on a weekly basis. Today, there are more than 125 pages of information available about San Carlos. Contact: Brian Moura, Assistant City Manager/Webmaster, 666 Elm St., San Carlos, Calif. 94070-3085, 415/802-4210. Melbourne Gets Tough on Public Bad Manners Melbourne, Australia, recently began imposing on -the -spot fines of up to A$200 for citizens who drink alco- holic beverages on public transport and A$100 fines for citizens who put their feet up on train and tram seats. The fines are intended to curb "drunken and loutish behavior" on Melbourne streets and public trans- port. With the approval of the city council,=the stiffer fines are intended to send a clear message to trouble- makers—stay away from public trans- port and the city center. The new fine for public drunkenness has qua- drupled, from A$50 to A$200. A permanent ban on public drinking in the Melbourne central business dis- trict also has been imposed by the city council. Contact: George Wynne, Editor, Public Innovation Abroad, Academy for State and Local Govern- ment, 444 North Capitol St., N.W., Suite 345, Washington, D.C. 20001, 202/434-4850. Ideas in Action Do you like Nuts &Bolts? Ideas in Action: A Guide to Local Government Innovation, one of ICMA's most popular publications, will bring you 200 useful, innovative ideas in quar- terly installments. Call 202/962-3675 to order a subscription. Superior Ford Inc. 9700 56th Avenue North Plymouth, Minnesota 55442 a Pollution Control Agency RE: Petroleum Storage Tank Release Investigation and Corrective Action Site: Superior Ford Inc., 9700 56th Avenue North, Plymouth Site ID#: LEAK00009230 Dear Mr. Stroh: Notice of Release - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been informed that a release of petroleum has occurred from storage tank facilities which you own and/or operate. We appreciate your timely notification so this site can be handled in an efficient manner. Legal Obligations Federal and state laws require that persons legally responsible for storage tank releases notify the MPCA of the release, investigate the release and, if necessary, clean up the release. A person is considered legally responsible for a tank release if the person owned or operated the tank either during or after the release, unless specifically exempted under the law. If you believe that you are not legally responsible for this storage tank release, please contact the project manager listed below. 520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (612) 296-6300 (voice); (612) 282-5332 (TTY) Regional Offices: Duluth • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Marshall • Rochester Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 10% fibers from paper recycled by consumers. =- /'1. Mr. Ben Stroh Page 3 May 14, 1996 Required Response MPCA staff requests a response to this letter within 30 days. Please tell us whether you intend to proceed with the requested work. If you do not respond within this time frame, the MPCA staff will assume that you do not intend to comply, in which case the MPCA Commissioner may order you to take corrective action. Failure to cooperate with the MPCA in a timely manner may result in reduced reimbursement from the Petro Board. See Minn. R. 2890.0065, subp. 1, item C. The enclosed fact sheets will provide you with the information necessary to complete a successful investigation and cleanup. If you have any questions concerning this letter or need additional information, please contact me at 612/297-8589. Please reference the above LEAK # in all correspondence. If you are calling long distance, you may reach the MPCA St. Paul office by calling 1/800-657-3864. Sincerely, ,, `� Z ZC� elil A Zel la Project Manager Cleanup Unit III Tanks and Emergency Response Section AA:tf Enclosures cc:-�aurie Ahrens, City Clerk, Plymouth Richard Kline, Fire Chief, Plymouth Greg Lie, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer May 8, 1996 Ms Joy Tierney, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Ferndale Road North Dear Ms Tierney: Thank you for your recent phone call concerning the addition of an interchange to Hwy 12 to and from Ferndale Road North. Since our letter and your phone call, we have learned several very troubling things that should also be of concern to you as we know that you have a interest in this possible major change to traffic flow to our neighborhood and city.: 1) Tom O'Keefe, Preliminary Design Engineer for MNDOT on this project, told a number of us at a May 7 meeting that the Cities of Plymouth, Orono and Wayzata had provided defacto approval of the Ferndale Road North interchange. When asked how this was possible when the cities had told everyone that they were against this, he told us that the cities were "two faced." He expanded upon this by saying that yes the cities had passed resolutions against the interchange, but they negated this in his group's mind by petitioning the state for a change of designation of Ferndale Road to a "state aid roadway." He said that such a road must connect two numbered highways. County Road 6 is at one end and the only way it could be approved is with a direct connection to Hwy 12. Without this connection, it will not meet the state's criteria, thus no state money for the improvement of Ferndale Road North. Mr. O'Keefe stated that this was approved and that the cities accepted the agreement, thus they approve of the interchange. 1 would like your clarification of this as it goes against what all of the Ferndale North members think that the City of Plymouth believes and is standing for. We need not expand our feelings about such an interchange and the negative impact it would have on our neighborhood. yv'e also question the need for four eastbound entrances in 2 miles (Wayzata Blvd., Hwy 15, Ferndale Road and Hwy 101.). 2) Mr. Charles Siggerud, Division Engineer for MNDOT wrote me the attached letter. You can see several points of interest. He speaks specifically about the redesigation of Ferndale Road North and the redesign -of same. The most disconcerting point is that it is being redesigned as a 9 ton road "with a 30-35 mph design speed." This is currently a 40 mph road and realistic speed is often in excess of 50 mph. A new roadway with truck traffic is realistically going to be a 50 plus mph road. That is just not fitting to this area and all of the entrances to the road. Since this is being redesigned by your City Engineer, I have sent the attached letter to Mr. Dan Faulkner. I hope that he replies to our requests. Page 2 -2--2o-- 3) The redesign is said to include a trail on the east side - our side - of Ferndale Road North. We are very biased, but with the close proximity of many homes north Brockton Ave. to Ferndale Road North, we recommend that the trail start at Brockton Lane North. This would funnel the large number of families in Ferndale North to the Luce Line Trail and help alleviate the impact to the many homes on the Plymouth side of the road. We hope that the "new information" about the feelings of MNDOT on our city approving the interchange because of the acceptance of state aid funds to improve Ferndale Road North is of interest. It sure was to all of us in this area. We would like your input as to your and the city's real position on this and the other points we bring up. Thank you in advance for your continuing consideration. Sincerely, im and M' Te an 410 Ferndale d North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 475-1340 Fax: 475-3589 May 5, 1996 Mr. Dan Faulkner City engineer City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Re: Ferndale Road North Dear Mr. Faulkner: We were referred to you by Mr. Charles A. Siggerud of MNDOT. We wrote him in concern about the possible addition of an interchange with Highway 12 and Ferndale Road North. In our letter and in his reply we mutually discussed additional concerns which he said you are responsible for. Being long-time residents of Plymouth - since 1976 - we have enjoyed the city and have paid our fair share of taxes. Now we would like a little in return in the way of your time and consideration. As you can tell from our address, we are one of the few Plymouth residences facing Ferndale Road North. Needless to say, we are strongly against the addition of an interchange to bring traffic from Highway 12 past our home and to Cty. Rd. 6. But that is pretty much out of your hands I believe. If not, please let us know. What does affect you Mr. Siggerud says is the design of the upgrade of Ferndale Road North. Of special concern are: 1) The safe entrance to the road from our home. This is especially so since we are at the bottom of a long hill and some motorists often now exceed 60 MPH in this stretch. Most exceed 45 MPH. With an improved road, we feel that most would approach 50 to 60 MPH going down the hill. Yet Mr. Siggerud says that your design speed is for 30-35 MPH. How do you plan on reducing the speed from its' current posted 40 MPH and in reality much more than that to 30-35 MPH? 2) What will happen to our front yard, trees and scrubs? Ours is one of the highest priced homes in the area and the removal of the buffer we planted when we moved to this location would be very detrimental to the appearance and sound coming from the road. Page 2 3) Is a "trail" planned on our side which would bring much foot and bicycle traffic past our home? How will this intrude upon our property and the buffer we now have? 4) Are there multiple options for design? If so, would you please review all options under review or in planning with us. 5) If the above mentioned trees and scrubs are removed for this expansion, what does the city/county/state do to compensate us or replace the removed items? 6) What levels of traffic to you anticipate with and without an interchange at Hwy 12 and Ferndale Road North? What are the current levels of traffic? 7) What is the timetable for the improvements to Ferndale Road North? Your speedy reply would be appreciated. If you would like us to come to your office, we will gladly do so. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Jim and Mary Tegan 410 Ferndale Road North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 475-1340 Fax: 475-3589 o�,�NH�OT,q 16 a Fy OF May 3, 1996 Minnesota Department of Transportation Jim and Mary Tegan 410 Ferndale Road North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Dear Mr. & Mrs. Tegan: Metropolitan Division Waters Edge Building 1500 West County Road B2 Roseville, Minnesota 55113 :T — Z a� Commissioner Denn has asked me to respond to your letter dated April 8, 1996, which raises concerns about the design of the Ferndale Road upgrade and the interchange at Trunk Highway (T.H.) 12 and Ferndale Road proposed in the Transportation System Management (TSM) Alternative. I will address each `of these issues independently. There seems to be a misunderstanding about who is designing the upgrade of Ferndale Road. The cities of Plymouth and Orono are jointly participating in the Ferndale improvements and are responsible for the design and upgrade. Because the cities successfully petitioned for Ferndale Road to be designated a state aid roadway, they will be required to follow state aid design standards if they want to use state aid funds to pay for improvements. The city is responsible to develop and design the final roadway plans for the improvements and acquire approval from Mn/DOT's state aid office. Dan Faulkner, Plymouth City Engineer, has informed us that the concept the city is considering at this time is a two-lane 9 ton roadway design approximately 33 to 36 feet wide with curb and gutter. The 36 feet would be needed to allow for turning sections such as left turn lanes. The sight distance you are concerned about would be addressed in the design process once the city has sufficient survey information. The safe sight distance for the hill and the access is anticipated to follow design criteria for a roadway with a 30-35 mplt design speed. Without sufficient survey and design information, it's difficult to predict what impacts the upgrade would have to the residents along Ferndale. The right-of-way on Ferndale Road is 40 feet on the east side and 33 feet on the west side. Some easements may be required. The city also anticipates including a trail on the east side to allow for access to the Luce Line Trail. The improvements would not necessarily be a negative impact to the value of homes along Ferndale. Having a safer roadway with a separate trail for pedestrian safety could be seen as a benefit. Questions and concerns regarding the design of Ferndale Road can be directed to Mr. Faulkner at (612) 509-5520. An Equal Opportunity Employer .Z"- 2 Jim and Mary Tegan May 3, 1996 Page Two The second issue is the proposed interchange at Ferndale Road and T.H. 12. The interchange is currently an element of Alternative 5, commonly known as the TSM Alternative. The alternative is still in the planning stage and no element of the concept has been finalized. The Ferndale Road interchange was included as a logical access point to T.H. 12. A fundamental idea of TSM is to limit access to T.H. 12 following the design criteria of a principal arterial. Access that is provided should allow the local transportation system users safe access to the local roadway system. The utilization of the parallel routes of Watertown Road and County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 6 is important in the the TSM Alternative because of the large number of access points to existing T.H. 12 which are eliminated. The local collector road system enables local residents to travel around the municipalities without having to use T. H. 12. We will be investigating and studying options to the interchange, as your letter suggested. Although many perceive T.H. 101 as able to handle considerably more traffic, we know that the present roadway is already nearing capacity during the peak periods. We will, however, study the traffic in much more detail as the project progresses into the design stage. Safety is one our highest priorities and no element in the TSM concept should compromise that. Likewise, Mn/DOT tries to minimize adverse impacts to communities and would not construct an interchange, if the benefit does not justify the cost. The TSM Alternative with the interchange at Ferndale Road is only a planning concept at this time. The City of Long Lake has formally requested Mn/DOT to also study a southern by-pass as a TSM Alternative and another version called a three -component TSM. During the 30 -day comment period, Mn/DOT will be considering these and other requests submitted as we continue to develop the project and move forward into the preliminary design stage. Mn/DOT will be holding six public information open houses along the T.H. 12 corridor study area in the 30 -day comment period beginning April 22, 1996. The specific dates and times will be publicized in the local newspapers and Star Tribune. I encourage your active participation in the development of this highway project. We will continue to work with the local units of government to develop a solution that provides a safe and efficient roadway and deals effectively with the needs of the local communities. Sincerely,✓ Charles A. Siggerud, P. E. Division Engineer =-z b Y Y• We are homeowners residing in the northwest corner of Plymouth.. Out reason for writing pertains to the traffic light/crosswalk structure that has been installed onNW Boulevard. As you are aware, there has been, predictably, an increase in traffic on NW Blvd since the overpass was completed north of Schmidt Lake Road. There were obvious concerns about traffic speeds and flow, and the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods signed a petition asking the city to address the need for a safe crossing to Bass LZke Playfield. S We supported this effort to "install traffic control along Northwest Boulevard, in the vicinity of Bass Lake Playfield." We anticipated a standard crosswalk with a flashing yellow light, pedestrian crossing sign and white stripes painted on the road. Based on that, you can imagine our surprise and dismay when we arrived home last week to find the current beacon light structure hovering over our back yard! A structure of this size should be placed at a busy, four-way intersectio 'YV here motorists would expect to encounter a crosswalk or traffic signal— not in the middle of a boulevard, If the Council felt so'strongly about installing a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing, they should have followed recommendations to construct it at a four-way intersection, such as at 55th Avenue and NW Blvd. Besides our obvious concerns about the structure being an eyesore in our backyard, and the effect this will have on our home value and curb appeal, we are most concerned with the process in which a decision was reached for this project. After reviewing the City Council reports that led to this decision, we were astounded that the current structure was approved by the Council. Of most concern is the blatant disregard for the recommendations made by professionals in the area of traffic control. For example, a Nov. 3, 1994, memo from Dan Faulkner, city engineer, states, "In reviewing various alternatives, it appears that the flashing beacon alternative would provide the most cost effective means of increasing the motorists awareness of pedestrians desiring to cross Northwest Boulevard—The pedestrian signal is a control device which would need strong justification if pedestrian crossing warrants were not met. We would not expect pedestrian warrants to ever be met at this location." Faulkner offered the following conclusion, "It is recommended that the City Council receive the Pedestrian Access Study and support flashing beacon access alternative with trail construction—as their first priority in providing pedestrian access..." May 9, 1996 y o Mayor Joy Tierney , City of Plymouth ,n 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 �, - Dear Ma or Tierne V - -- Y Y• We are homeowners residing in the northwest corner of Plymouth.. Out reason for writing pertains to the traffic light/crosswalk structure that has been installed onNW Boulevard. As you are aware, there has been, predictably, an increase in traffic on NW Blvd since the overpass was completed north of Schmidt Lake Road. There were obvious concerns about traffic speeds and flow, and the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods signed a petition asking the city to address the need for a safe crossing to Bass LZke Playfield. S We supported this effort to "install traffic control along Northwest Boulevard, in the vicinity of Bass Lake Playfield." We anticipated a standard crosswalk with a flashing yellow light, pedestrian crossing sign and white stripes painted on the road. Based on that, you can imagine our surprise and dismay when we arrived home last week to find the current beacon light structure hovering over our back yard! A structure of this size should be placed at a busy, four-way intersectio 'YV here motorists would expect to encounter a crosswalk or traffic signal— not in the middle of a boulevard, If the Council felt so'strongly about installing a traffic signal and pedestrian crossing, they should have followed recommendations to construct it at a four-way intersection, such as at 55th Avenue and NW Blvd. Besides our obvious concerns about the structure being an eyesore in our backyard, and the effect this will have on our home value and curb appeal, we are most concerned with the process in which a decision was reached for this project. After reviewing the City Council reports that led to this decision, we were astounded that the current structure was approved by the Council. Of most concern is the blatant disregard for the recommendations made by professionals in the area of traffic control. For example, a Nov. 3, 1994, memo from Dan Faulkner, city engineer, states, "In reviewing various alternatives, it appears that the flashing beacon alternative would provide the most cost effective means of increasing the motorists awareness of pedestrians desiring to cross Northwest Boulevard—The pedestrian signal is a control device which would need strong justification if pedestrian crossing warrants were not met. We would not expect pedestrian warrants to ever be met at this location." Faulkner offered the following conclusion, "It is recommended that the City Council receive the Pedestrian Access Study and support flashing beacon access alternative with trail construction—as their first priority in providing pedestrian access..." Crosswalk.../2 May 9, 1996 Additionally, Thomas Johnson, transportation planning engineer for Hennepin County, sent a letter to Fred Moore, City of Plymouth, on Jan. 4, 1995, citing, "...the warrants for a pedestrian actuated traffic signal are not met and likely would never be met. Therefore we cannot justify a signal light. In fact an unsafe condition could be created where an unwarranted signal is installed. An unjustified signal invites people to disregard stop indicators and thwarts voluntary compliance essential to the normal functioning of a roadway. Further the number of rear end accidents can increase at a signal —especially at an unwarranted one.". He later states, "We would like the City to consider a marked crossing near the driveway to the playfield which would include pavement markings and yellow flashing lights... Further, by having a marked crossing with warning flashers the City has the opportunity to enforce the law providing protection to pedestrians in marked crosswalks." What became of these pedestrian crossing warrants? What justification was offered to convince the Council to override these recommendations and go ahead with the pedestrian signal? All of the expert recommendations support the installation of a flashing beacon, signs and a painted crosswalk. Why did the Council make the decision to spend an excessive amount of money on a structure that is not warranted for the area's traffic needs? At the very least, we would have expected a more conservative approach, in terms of dollars spent, to initially address the issues of traffic control in this area. Why not install the flashing .light and painted crosswalk, and then analyze this method over a period of time? Why would the Council disregard recommendations by professionals who made decisions based on extensive research that the City paid to have conducted? After reviewing the details, the only conclusion we can come to is that, in making their decision, the Council acted on emotion versus factual information provided by Hennepin County and City of Plymouth experts. We request a response to our questions and concerns regarding the installation of this actuated traffic signal/pedestrian crossing. Our recommendation to the Council is that this expensive, excessive structure be taken down and used in a location that warrants this amount of regulation. Replace it with flashing yellow lights, signs and crossing bands to warn motorists of their lawful duty to stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk. It is not too late to reevaluate this project. The electricity is not hooked up, and when it is, it could be used for the flashing yellow lights. If you are not willing to disassemble the actuated traffic signal, we request that the City monitor the area and in six months conduct a complete a assessment of the crosswalk's use and affects on vehicular traffic. And, if still necessary, reassess in one year to determine whether the crosswalk is being utilized and is located in the most appropriate area for the entire community. -r -2b Crosswalk.../3 May 9, 1996 Additionally, if the stricture remains, we request the City provide mature trees to the residents affected by the signal being installed in our "back yards." The trees will at least help camouflage the unwarranted structure when we want to enjoy our once pleasant view of the park and Bass Lake from our decks. We would also request shields be installed to block the flashing lights and that the lights be turned off daily at 10 p.m:, which is when the park closes. Again, we are in support of the need for a designated crosswalk in this based on recommendations by experts, who cite adverse affects includi fender benders and a false feeling of safety, the installation of this pard actually endanger pedestrians. We ask you to review this decision and the advice of the experts, not just the emotions of residents. We all wai safe, but there are alternatives to providing a safe crossing area that hav effective in other areas and are also less expensive. Why should this bt Regards, Jeff and Lisa Schuler 5440 Teakwood Lane N. Plymouth. MN 55442 cc: Fred Moore, Director of Public Works Don Faulkner, City Engineer Thomas Johnson, Hennepin County City Council Members rea. However, an increase of lar structure could rongly consider the children to be been proven he exception? .Z- 2'e - May e.. May 15, 1996 CITY OF Mr. Hank Moss PLYMOUTH+ Courtesy Bench Company 4215 Winnetka Avenue North New Hope, MN 55428 Dear Mr. Moss: Thank you for submitting a letter outlining your concerns with the City's courtesy bench ordinance. You and I have discussed the ordinance on several occasions and it was helpful to receive your specific concerns in writing. I have distributed copies of your letter to the City Manager, City Council, and City Attorney. The ordinance regulating courtesy benches was adopted in 1989, and no amendments have been made since that time. You raise a valid point that perhaps it is time for the City to review the ordinance to determine if it still meets the intent and need of the City, or whether changes should be considered for legal or other reasons. I have asked our City Attorney Roger Knutson and our Transit Administrator John Sweeney to take a look at the ordinance and provide a recommendation on whether changes to the ordinance should be made. The ordinance is also under review by the Administration Department. We will have the information and recommendations collected and summarized within a few weeks. All information will be provided to the City Council for consideration, and you will receive a copy. Please contact Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager, (509-5052) if you have not received a status report by June 20. Sincerely, e .7 Laurie Ahrens City Clerk cc: CIM Roger Knutson John Sweeney PLYMOUTH ABeautifulPlaceToLive COURTESY BENCH CO 4215 Winnetka Ave. No. New Hope, MN 55428 Ph: (612) 649-4473 FAX: (612) 536-8777 Laurie Ahrens, City Clerk City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Ms. Ahrens, May 4, 1996 As you know, I recently attempted to apply for several Courtesy Bench permits within the City of Plymouth. Please be advised that this letter constitutes a formal complaint in that matter. The Plymouth City Council by statute have allocated only 50 site permits, all of which have been given to U. S. Bench Co. U. S. Bench prior to December 1995 controlled 31 sites. About that time U. S. Bench leamed that my company (Courtesy Bench Co.) was in the process of securing possible sites throughout the metro area. In December 1995 U.S. Bench applied for and received 15 of those 19 sites (4 are pending). My contention is that this appears to be unfair competition and monopolistic. The City Council and other city officials may want to consider maintaining a degree of reasonableness within the community. I also happen to reside in Plymouth, my mother resides at Plymouth Town. Square; we both do business within Plymouth. You may want to do business in the community with more than one bench company. My request is that the City roll back their decision on the last 15 permits. Very Truly Yours, Hank Moss Residence: 12105 - 41st Ave. No. Owner Plymouth, MN 55441 (h) 551-0110 (w) 649-4473 cc: Mayor Joy Tierney; Council Members David A. Anderson; Tim Wold; Nicholas P. Granath; Ginny Black; Chuck Lymangood; Christian A Preus; and Plymouth resident Carroll Vomhof Z - Z ate' :, May 13, 1996 Joy Tierney Mayor 3400 Plymouth Blvd , Plymouth, MN 55447Dear Mayor Tierney, We are homeowners who reside in the northwest corner of Pfymouth, just off of 54th Avenue and Northwest Boulevard. We live in a large new development filled with many young families who utilize the park, Bass Lake Playfields, located directly across the boulevard. We recently had a growing concern over the amount of traffic on Northwest Boulevard and the high speeds motorists tend to travel. In the summer of 1994 our neighborhood signed a petition asking the city to create a safe means of crossing the boulevard to the playfields. The city of Plymouth responded and the project is just nearing completion. Our concern now is how this construction is going to effect the quality and safety of our neighborhood. The city decided to install an actuated pedestrian crossing traffic signal right in the middle of the boulevard leading to the park. The signal will only stop traffic when a pedestrian activates it by pressing the "walk button." The traffic light was one of seven different pedestrian access alternatives for a pedestrian safety study developed by Daniel Faulkner, P.E., Plymouth City Engineer. According to the study, the controlled traffic signal was not a favorable alternative. Instead Mr. Faulkner stated in his report that another alternative, a flashing beacon light with a marked crosswalk, would provide the "most cost effective means of increasing the motorist's awareness of pedestrians desiring to cross Northwest Boulevard." In fact, according to another expert, Thomas D. Johnson, Transportation Planning Engineer for Hennepin County, the actuated traffic signal was not a justifiable means of creating traffic control for pedestrians wishing to cross the boulevard. He stated in a letter addressed to the City of Plymouth, January 4, 1994, that an "unsafe condition could be created where an unwarranted signal is installed. An unjustified signal invites people to disregard stop indicators and thwarts voluntary compliance essential to the normal functioning of a roadway. Further the number of rear end accidents can increase at a signal - especially an unwarranted one." Mr. Johnson went on to say in his letter that "...upon pressing the button of a pedestrian actuated signal light a person could mistakenly step off the curb assuming that traffic would immediately stop, when in fact vehicles may not stop." Instead he believed the most appropriate alternative to a safe crossing along Northwest Boulevard was a marked crossing with warning flashers, hence the beacon lights... the same alternative Mr. Faulkner recommended in his study. How pleased we were to hear that a safe pedestrian crosswalk would be installed. We were led to believe that a crosswalk consisting of yellow beacon lights would be set in motion reminding motorists of their lawful duty to stop for a pedestrian waiting to cross the street in a crosswalk. You can well imagined our dismay when the city of Plymouth began the construction of an actuated traffic signal earlier this month. Not only are we puzzled by the reasoning behind the building of the structure, especially since the experts advised strongly against it, but we are also concerned about the way it will effect the value and the quality of our home. We ask you why a structure of this size is located out our backdoor, in the middle of the boulevard, rather than at an intersection where it would be more appropriate? It is a terrible unwarranted eyesore and a possible noise nuisance that we are not pleased with at all. Yes, we are in favor of a safe crossing. We are a McGruff House who believes in the safety of our children. We also provide child care services in our home, and as a day care provider we use the park on a daily basis three seasons of the year. We are able to monitor the traffic on Northwest Boulevard and can attest to the amount of traffic. There are only 2.5 hours a day in which it is difficult to cross the road to the park. Why then is a structure consisting of six traffic lights and two overhead street lights justifiable? The experts disagreed with installing such a structure, why didn't the city of Plymouth? It is not too late. The electricity has yet to be hooked up to the control signal. We recommend that the structure be removed and reused in a more appropriate location, at an intersection, not in the middle of the street. Once the structure is removed we suggest adding the beacon lights that are time -of -day actuated with a marked crossing in place of the traffic signal - the original recommendation by both the city and county engineers. If the pedestrian controlled stoplight remains, we demand feedback and follow-up reports regarding the effectiveness of the system. Since the road no longer belongs to the city, the county has stated in a letter dated August 14, 1995 that the city of Plymouth is responsible for removing the actuated street light if the "control system does not serve the community in a manner envisioned at this time." We want written proof that the existing actuated stop light is the most effective means of traffic control along Northwest Boulevard leading into the park. We stand by our belief that the structure is not the most effective means of traffic control, and we wish to hear from you. We invite you, as city council members, to visit our new neighborhood crosswalk. And we ask you to answer these questions: Why is a structure this excessive not located at an intersection? Why did the city warrant such a crosswalk against official recommendations? Is this what the neighborhood really wanted? Would I want this in my backyard? Sincerely, f �¢ ince and Kristen Paly 5430 Teakwood Lane Plymouth, MN 55442 ?li-.4 \O�O \0 �o \O �o �o �o �p � N N N N O M vi opo O� opo opo t N t C� O O %n Q C4 \p �p �O �p �p �.O NO \O \O 10 10 O\ Z N N �-- �O N O M �-- N N N d .-- N O cV Cq� N N N N 1" M h .-4 M en M M .a. et of �t �O d O et 0'0 yy M in r1 N Uy N W) M h 00 V f 00 h O h p h O V f O, O\ T ' T 01 O� O� O� O� O� �O O� �O o\ �p %O : r � N �O M N M N hh N .--i t��1 O\O �O N N O+ N N N N O N N O\ N O� N 0000 G 0\0 z O� M M »::aal�ni: -� .•r .-i .-� -- �-r N N N M M M M M d 'et v v v v h h in h h \O \p �o \O — N N M �o N 00 N �p N N v M ^� M N M N M N M •-+ N --� •-� v N o� N � O4 N h h T � V 1 O O •-- M - h •-r v d� in t k f U 1••1 a+ N N � y y �yj 0 •°cd ao d b H 0 o 0 c c c o b �; � oo ' A o U o ,� c °� c c 1 pv, d ' O o 0 p p c U o� � � . .b y� b O� w U o q W .� o ti o x 1� q N �" o U q N O 'O N a O b A ai 3 o .3 o. a a s 3 O ^� N 0= •a l a zo li 7R o o v O o4�2�v,AZAzxUOxwE�poa�atnAtotnwwHwUE- g q q o N 8 0 p w ... a .a N y a° •� ^s a U y b P7 V1 R a o; H �o�x a F x a oxA� >oj ' :titiv,tia$wAti.�Ar�C/5 Q�.-,UZ x1:04 ;x > C7 C7 C7C7xcn x rnI N M h\0 l� 00 ON „�� Ny �N.� N N N N N N N N N N -34 - May 9, 9, 1996 Joy Tierney, Mayor City Of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN. 55447 RE: The Rottlund Company Inc. Dear Mayor Joy Tierney, I have written to you before, the enclosed letter says it all. I am only sending you a copy of the enclosed letter to have on file. Thank You, Susan Olson 2230 Ranchview Lane # 94 Plymouth, MN. 55447 May 9, 1996 David H. Rotter, President The Rottlund Company, Inc. 2681 Long Lake Road Roseville, MN. 55113 Mr. Rotter, Since this will probably be my last correspondence to you because HOW is now responsible for problems with regard to the Rottlund residence I purchased April 28, 1995, I wanted one last time to tell you how dissatisfied I am with your company and the pathetic attempts you've made to correct the serious structural problems in my residence. —Z --3a-, To begin with, the issue of sound insulation has never been resolved. At all hours, day and night, I am subjected to the noise of my downstairs neighbor. No matter where she is in her residence, or where I am in mine, I can hear every sneeze, ringing of the telephone, every beat of the stereo and every bang of the pots and pans in the kitchen. It's unnerving, and unfathomable to me, that with such poor workmanship, you can even consider yourselves quality home builders. I will never recommend your company to anyone who is seeking to build a house or to move into a previously owned home, and I am disgusted to even remain living in a home of such low standards. For one year, I have begged, pleaded, fought, cajoled and demanded that my residence be brought up -to -standards and have only met with resistance and ignorance. It seems that my problems are no longer any of your concern, which I am sure will please you to no end. Thanks for nothing, Susan Olson 2230 Ranchview Lane # 94 Plymouth, MN. 55447 cc Better Business Bureau cc Attorney General/Department of Commerce cc Home Builders Association cc City of Plymouth May 16, 1996 Lisa Schuler 5440 Teakwood Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55442 Dear Ms. Schuler, Thank you for speaking last evening at the Plymouth Forum regarding the pedestrian signal at the Bass Lake Playfields. The City Council appreciated hearing your concerns. City staff was directed to prepare a report detailing the background of this project, and this will be available at the June 5, 1996 council meeting. Should you have any questions, please call Public Works Director Fred Moore, at 509-5501. Thanks again for taking the time to speak at the Plymouth Forum. Sincerely, Kathy Lueckert Assistant City Manager cc: Fred Moore s- 15�6 PLYMOUTH A Beautifu(Plaee To Live 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 May. 15. 1996 3:OOPM GMI LAW DEPARTMENT No. 83'16 P. 2/4 City of Medicine Lake 10609 South Shorc Drive Medicine bake, Minnesota 55441 (612)542-9701 May 15,1996 The Honorable Joy Tierney Mayor, City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, Minnesota 55447 Re: Plymouth City Council Meeting of May 15 Proposed Road Closing of South Shore Drive Dear Mayor Tierney: This letter concerns an agenda item scheduled for the May 15 Plymouth City Council meeting. The agenda indicates that the issue regarding the South Shore Drive/Bassett Creek Bridge closing will be considered. You are aware that the City of Medicine Lake strongly opposes the closing of South Shore Drive. Medicine Lake's concerns have been expressed both informally with various council members from time to time, directly in meetings at Plymouth City Hall, and in various letters. This letter is intended to articulate once again those concerns. We also believe that our residents' concerns are shared by many Plymouth residents living west of the Basset Creek bridge and who will be similarly adversely affected by any such proposed road -closing action. Of course, Medicine Lake is sensitive to the traffic concerns that have been expressed by a few residents living on South Shore Drive. Further, we appreciate that it is appropriate for Plymouth to be mindful of these concerns and to consider appropriate steps to address such concerns. To that end, Medicine Lake has been open and, in our view, cooperative, in discussing proposed remedial actions. For example, Medicine Lake has supported the installation of the speed reductions devices now in use on South Shore Drive. Also, Medicine Lake has further considered installation of a three-way stop sign at South Shore Drive and Peninsula Road. However, our first concern is that any proposed closing, whether seasonal or permanent, of South Shore drive is an unneeded additional response to the speeding concerns expressed by some Plymouth residents living along South Shore Drive. We believe that the results of the road count and speed tests recently conducted will demonstrate conclusively that the average traffic speed has been substantially reduced by the speed reduction road devices. The speed reduction will be to speeds that are reasonable for the road and the residential nature of the neighborhood. Second, we further believe that any proposed road closing will constitute an excessive response in that the number of people seriously adversely affected will be hundreds more than those few favorably affected. May. 15. 1996 3:OOPM GMI LAW DEPARTMENT No. 8316 P. 3/4 Page 2 of 3 Plymouth City Council Meeting of May 15 Proposed Road Closing of South Shore Drive A third concern is that closing the road at the bridge would unreasonably restrict vital access to Medicine Lake by emergency service providers such as police, fire, ambulance, etc. Our Fire Chief has expressed his concern and disapproval for the proposed road closure in strong and unambiguous terms. While access can be obtained from the south end of South Shore Drive, such access would necessarily be delayed in those situations in which immediate response is vital. 1 understand that some variations of closing of the bridge contemplate an operable gate for emergency service vehicles or public service vehicles. We believe that this alternative is undesirable if not impractical since such a large number of service providers must be accommodated (school buses, garbage trucks, recycling trucks, ambulances, sheriff and police vehicles, fire vehicles, etc.. Medicine Lake's access concerns have been heightened by the several recent train incidents that have resulted in the closure of South Shore Drive for extended times. A fourth concern relates to the prospective restricted egress from our city. In addition to the persistent inconvenience to our residents (as well as similarly affected Plymouth residents), Medicine Lake provides fire and water rescue emergency response to the area east of the bridge. Providing such services would be unreasonably and unnecessarily hurt by any such proposed closure. A fifth concern regards the adverse impact by redirecting the traffic south towards Highway 55. Of course, there is the safety concern that we have towards the children that use South Shore Park. As you know, many children, often without adult supervision, cross from the Willow Woods apartment over South Shore Drive to use the park. Doubling the traffic count towards this location would unfortunately aggravate an ah-eady troubling situation. Still another concern regards the traffic at the intersection of Highway 55 and South Shore Drive. This intersection is already highly congested and appears to be at the upper use limits of the interchange. While we applaud the recent improvements made to that intersection to alleviate these problems, we fear that closing the road would only undue the hard fought progress obtained to date. A sixth concern regards the adverse impact on the financial viability of the Country House and the Flying Tiger restaurants. Of course, our city is concerned with maintaining the prospects for success of any commercial establishment. In our city, this general concern is enhanced by the realization that we have a very low commercial tax base. The Country House has already expressed concerns for its economic viability by virtue of the difficulty of gaining new patrons in view of its location being hard to find or access. Closing the road would further aggravate these problems. Closing the road might well be the final breaking straw for either of these businesses. We do not know whether Plymouth would incur any legal liability to these establishments for any city action such as a road closure or the amount thereof when that action is so clearly unneeded, unreasonable and helps but a handful to the detriment of hundreds. To the extent that the Country House is seen by some as a source of the problem, we respond first that the new management of the Country House has already taken steps to ameliorate the problem. Second, we would point out that the Country House has been in business since 1934 and any affected residents have clearly "moved to the problem". May. 15. 1996 3:01PM GMI LAW DEPARTMENT No. 8316 P. 4/4 Page 3 of 3 Plymouth City Council Meeting of May 15 Proposed Road Closing of South Shore Drive In summary, we respectfully assert that closing the South Shore Drive would not be in the best interest of all the citizens in the affected area. We request that the City of Plymouth once and for all table any proposal for closing the road. At the very least we ask that any such public hearing be deferred for a month or two so that all residents' voices can be heard. Finally, we ask that we be allowed a reasonable amount of time to address the City Council meeting on May 15 to present our concerns as well as answer any questions that Plymouth might present. Very truly yours, jj. Q. 0 %Q, John A. O'Toole, Councilmember, City of Medicine Lake W 5402422, H 545-6813 cc: Plymouth City Council David Anderson, Ward 1 Tim Wold, Wald 2 Nicholas Granath, Ward 3 Ginny Black, Ward 4 Christian Preus, At -Large Chuck Lymangood, At -Large Fred Moore, Director of Public Works 05/15/1996 14:48 6125445808 TOM SCHRADER GYcy-lr�" PAGE 02 't ��. City of Medicine Lake 11)F,i��r �.,�•�, Sfure Drive •Medicine Lake, Minnesota 55441 • (612)542-970 1 May 15, 1996 The Honorable Joy Tierney City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Re; Proposed South Shore Drive/Bassett Creek Bridge Closing Dear Mayor Tierney, I understand at the Council Meeting this evening, the issue regarding the South Shore Road/Bassett Creek Bridge closing will be considered. If passed it will be voted on at the .June 3rd Council Meeting after a public hearing that some night. The residents in the City of Medicine Lake have many concerns. Medicine Lake has had 2 train rollovers and 1 train/car accident in the last 2 years. The City was shut down at the railroad intersection and South Shore Drive from 4 to B hours on each occasion. The City was able to go about its business in and out of the City by going over the bridge on South Shore Drive. Closing the bridge would have an impact on both Medicine Lake and Plymouth residents. We have critical care doctors in our City that must have access to both exits. Hennepin County Sheriff and North Memorial Ambulance answer emergency responses when seconds count coming in the City from both directions. Medicine Lake Fire Department has a recent agreement with the Plymouth Fire Department on automatic mutual aid response for water rescue agreed to by both City Councils. The closing could impact Medicine Lake Fire on any confirmed water rescue on the east end of Medicine Lake, A major fire in Medicine Lake could have dramatic impact on accessibility to our Fire Fighters responding to our station. An ambulance coming to Medicine Lake could be stuck in Fire Department traffic. An example of a fire emergency was the Rath property at 10610 South Shore Drive. The fire was across the street from our fire station and Medicine Lake Fire was not called until the first Plymouth Fire Officer was on the scene, several minutes after the original call. Fire trucks were up and down South Shore Drive. Minnetonka, New Hope, Golden Valley and Plymouth Station 2 came in on 13th Ave to South Shore Drive while Plymouth Station 1 came in from highway 55 and South Shore Drive. A 2 year old boy lost his life at this fire call, 05/15/1996 14:48 6125445808 TOM SCHRADER PAGE 03 -s 2 of 2 Proposed South Shore Drive/Bassett Creek Bridge Closing Redirecting all traffic to South Shore Drive and 10th Avenue creates a different set of potential problems, Willow Woods has over 100 children with a playground across South Shore Drive from the complex. All traffic from Medicine lake, the Country House and Flying Tiger in both directions would go by this playground. Highway 55 and South Shore Drive would have increased traffic. This intersection was rated at near capacity last year and with this additional traffic would tax these roadways. There have been 2 fatalities and numerous accidents at this intersection in the past ten years. There are many citizens that will be effected by the decision you make on this issue. Please consider all aspects carefully. Sincerely, Tom Schrader Mayor Plymouth City Council: David Anderson, Ward 1 Tim Wold, Ward 2 Nicholas Granath, Ward 3 Ginny Black, Ward 4 Christian Preus, At -Large Chuck Lymangood, At -Large Director of Public Works. Fred Moore Medicine Lake City Council: John O'Toole Mary Anne Young Bill Leonard Marek Schumacher