HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-29-1996MARCH 29,1996
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE:
APRIL 3 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level
APRIL 17 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level
2. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 7:00 P.M.,
Hadley Lake Meeting Room, lower level.
3, PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 7:30 P.M., City Center Lunchroom,
lower level
4. PRAC, THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 7:00, Mooney Lake Meeting Room, upper level.
5. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 7:00 P.M., Medicine Lake
Meeting Room, upper level.
6. TRANSIT VEHICLE DEDICATION, MONDAY, APRIL 15, 7:00 P.M. 13 new vehicles
for the Plymouth Metrolink and Dial -A -Ride system will be dedicated and installed at a
location to be announced. Transit Administrator John Sweeney will notify us as soon as we
have a site for the event.
7. MEETING CALENDARS - The April, May,and June meeting calendars are attached.
(M-7)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
March 29, 1996
Page 2
1. FIRST QUARTER COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE
Attached is the record of attendence for first quarter 1996 for Councilmembers. (I-1)
2. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a. Announcement of a seminar on `Linking Local and Regional Objectives through the Livable
Communities Demonstration Program'; Tuesday April 9, 8:30 A.M. - Noon, at the Humphrey
Institute Auditorium, University of Minnesota West Bank Campus. There is no charge for the
event, but reservations are recommended. (I -2a)
b. League of Minnesota Cities update on the status of property tax freeze and the omnibus tax
bill. (I -2b)
3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY - CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Audrey J. Johnson, expressing concerns about the proposed East Medicine Lake
Trail. The letter has been forwarded to Park Director Eric Blank for response. (-3a)
b. Letter to Dr. Don Jardine from Building Official Joe Ryan addressing concerns from Dr.
Jardine about the quality of building work in Hickory Hills units. Dr. Jardine's original letter
is attached. (I -3b)
A status report on correspondence is attached. (I-3)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Ronald `Rick" Barkley to the Council expressing support for the proposed East
Medicine Lake trail. (I -4a)
b. Letter to Mr. R.H. Bissonett from City Manager Dwight Johnson explaining why repayment
cannot be waived in the City's rehabilitation loan/grant with Madelen Cox. (I -4b)
c. Letter from William G. Clelland to the City Council supporting the proposed East Medicine
Lake Trail. (I -4c)
d. Letter from Lori and Greg Anderson to the City Council supporting the proposed East
Medicine Lake Trail. (I -4d)
e. Letter from Steven G. Loe to the City Council supporting the proposed East Medicine Lake
Trail. (I -4e)
f. Letter from David B. Buzzelle to the City Council supporting the proposed East Medicine
Lake Trail. (I -4f)
Dwight Johnson
City Manager
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDENCE -1996
The following is the attendance Record for the City Council for 1 st Quarter 1996:
X - Absent
DATE MEETING TYPE
Anderson Wold
Lymangood Preus Granath Black Tierney
1/3/96 Special
X X
1/9/96 Regular
1/22/96 Special
x
1/23/96 Regular
1/30/96 Special
X
2/7/96 Special
2/7/96 Regular
2/12/96 Special
2/21/96 Special
X
X X
2/21/96 Regular
X X
3/6/96 Special
X
X
3/6/96 Regular
X
3/13/96 Special
X
X
3/20/96 Regular
X
Metropolitan Council
working for the Region.
the Future
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Linking Local and Regional Objectives through .the
Livable Communities Demonstration Program
Tuesday, April 9
8:30 A.M. - 12:00 Noon
Humphrey Institute Auditorium
30119th Avenue SE, University of Minnesota, West Bank
parking available in ramp across street, on corner of 19th Avenue and 3rd St.
The Livable Communities Demonstration Account was established by the Minnesota
Legislature in 1995, as part of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. The Account is
designed to provide loans and grants to innovative land use projects that integrate housing,
transit, employment, commercial and other land uses such as community institutions.
The Council has selected four pilot projects that are solid examples of the kind of
development the Livable Communities legislation endorses and will serve as excellent
models to other communities. These projects will receive $2.3 million of available
1996 funding.
The Council will announce availability of the remaining $2.3 million (for 1996) at this
meeting, and will issue a request for proposals for awards to be announced in late 1996.
AGENDA
8:30 Registration
View pilot project table displays, discuss the
projects with their proposers.
9:00 Welcome and Opening Comments
- Curt Johnson, Metropolitan Council Chair
- Senator Ted Mondale
9:30 Overview of Pilot Projects; Challenges and
Possibilities of the Demonstration Program
- William R. Morrish, Director, Design Center for
American Urban Landscape, University of Minnesota
10:00 Development Challenges
- Randy McKay, President, Frownshuh Companies
10:15 Break
There is no charge for this event,
but we encourge you to make a reservation.
Space may be limited. If you plan to attend, please
call Nancy Kruger by April 5, 1996 at 291-6633
or leave a.voicemail message.
10:30 Highlights and Lessons Learned
from the Pilot Projects
- Boulevard Gardens, Minnetonka: Ron Rankin,
Community Development Director, Minnetonka
- Phalen Village, St. Paul• Allan Torstenson, Department
of Planning and Economic Development, St. Paul
- Fourth Avenue and Lake Street, Minneapolis:
Caren Dewar, The Ackerberg Group
- St. Louis Park City Center. Thomas Harmening,
Community Development Director, St. Louis Park
11:05 How to Participate in the
Livable Communities Demonstration Program
-Tom McElveen, Deputy Director,
Housing Development and Implementation,
Community Development Division, Metropolitan
Council, Livable Communities Manager
- Joanne Barron, Demonstration Account Manager
11:15 Q &A, Discussion
11:30 View table displays, discuss pilot projects
with their proposers.
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Who Should Attend:
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Elected officials, planners, developers, architects, and others
interested in applying for demonstration account funds, or interested
in the potential of the program to provide livable, compact development.
Learn:
• The potential for demonstration projects in your city.
• About four pilot projects selected to receive grants from the
demonstration account, and the development models they represent.
• How the spirit of the Livable Communities Act is represented
by the pilot projects.
• About lessons learned in developing the pilot projects.
• About the challenges and possibilities of the demonstration program.
Metropolitan Council
for the Region. Planning for the Future
- MAR 28 '96 01:17AM
LMC
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145 University Aveno West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044
Phone: (612) 281-1200 a (800) 925-1122
Fax: (612) 281-1299 • TDD (612) 281-1290
To: _May , Managers, Councilmernbers and Clerks
From: Gary Carlson
Date: March 27, 1996
Ike: Status of Property Tact Freeze and the omnibus tax bill
The conference committee on the omnibus tax bill has still not officially met since last Tuesday. The
major sticking point continues to be the Senate's property tax freeze. House conferees continue to
oppose the freeze while Senate conferees insist that they will not pass a tax bill without a property tax
freeze.
This morning, Senators Roger Moe, Doug Johnson, Dean Johnson and Bill Belanger held a press
conference to build support for the property tax freeze. They released a survey of 401 randomly selected
Minnesotans who were asked questions on the freeze proposal. The Senators claim that the survey
results clearly demonstrate public support for the freeze. I have attached a copy of the survey so that
you can understand the ridiculous and simplistic questions that were asked. According to Senator Dean
Johnson, the survey was funded by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the Minnesota Business
partnership and the Minnesota Realtors Association.
The press conference could be the last strong Senate push for the freeze. The 1996 legislative session is
nearing completion and there are indications that the legislature is trying to complete its work in the next
several days. "17ie omnibus tax bill is one of the last major pieces of legislation that has yet to be
completed. Fortunately, there are few, if any, provisions in either the House or Senate version that must
be enacted this year. In other words, our best alternative to a bill with a freeze may be to not pass any
tax bill.
The reaction of the media to the survey and the subsequent reaction of the House members will likely
decide the fate of the property tax freeze. House members from both parties continue to privately oppose
the freeze. Unfortunately, their opposition is not unanimously rooted in their support for local
governments. We have heard comments that at least some House members are worried about the
election in 1998 when. the bill for the freeze comes due. Even though many House members oppose the
freeze, there would undoubtedly be intense political pressure to vote for a freeze if a bill or an
amendment is offered on the floor. Our top priority may be to prevent a straight vote on the freeze on the
House floor.
If the tax conference committee reconvenes, we could likely see a bill emerge that includes a freeze.
Although the governor is apparently lukewarm to a freeze, we cannot count on him to veto the bill. If a
bill with a freeze makes it to the House and Senate floor, we may have to insist that House and Senate
members vote against the bill. Be prepared to contact your legislators. Phone calls, letters and faxes
from city officials have been successful in stalling the freeze up to this point. We may still be able to kill
the freeze entirely. Watch your fax machine for further details_
MAR 26 '96 01:18AM
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LuNTZ RESEARC' COMPANIIES
Lung Rcsoarch do S«sugic Saivicts ■ The Public Opinion CompanY ■ Unts Coryoratc 0 Luntz Worldwide
Maroh 26, 1596
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
Property Tax Reform Coalition
Steven Wage
Vin President
SUBJECT: Survey Results
On March 25. 1995, the Luntz Research Company conducted a telephone sw-vey with 401
registered voters in A innesota, selected by means of a random digit dialing technique. The
margin of sampling error jor a survey gf1hi$ size is 14.9%. Here are the key findings:
The Minnesota legislature will goon 84iourn the 1996 sessiou, but first they must
complete work on tax legislation, especially property tax issues, A proposal under
consideration by legislators would impose a ono -year property tax freeze for all classes of
property in Minnesota, which means your 1997 property taxes would be no higher than
What you paid in 1996. Would you strongly support, somewhat support: somewhat
oppose or strongly oppose a one year freeze on property taxes in Minnesota?
49%
STRONGLY SUPPORT
30%;
SOMEWHAT SUPPORT
4%
SOMEWHAT OPPOSB
8%
STRONGLY OPPOSE
9%
DON'T KNOW / REFUSED
2. Opponents of piaperty tax fr=ze have been cities, school boards and counties who argue
they need property tax increases to fund loW services. Suppolurs of the property tax
freers say that there is enough money in the system and local govcmments must become
more efficient. Do. you tliuik local Zgvernments need propa:rty tvx inereascs to fund local
services, or do you think they could manage for a year without property tax increases?
17% NBED PROPERTY TAXES
770K COULD MANAGE WITHOUT
b% DON'T KNOW / REFUSED
3. In recent years, do you think local governments is your arca have become more efficient,
delivering more valuz for your propC>•tr tax dollar?
410/6 MORE EFFICII:NT/I)ELiVEFING MORE
51 % NO, NEITHER
7% NO RESPONSE
1000 Wilson Boulevard ■ Suite 950 R Arlington. Virginia 22209 ■Phony (703) 358-0080 ■ Fax 003) 358-0059
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A. J. Agency, Inc. L 1b
623 N. Lilac Dr., Suite A
y
Golden Valley, MN 55422
541-1763
Fax 544-2464 ,
March 26, 1996
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
To: Council and Superintendant of Hennepin Parks,
I was unable to attend the meeting at Armstrong High due to illness.
I live at 2950 East Medicine Lake right on the corner of 30th. I agree we have
a major problem on our street, but instead of a one way road, I say we need a
light. The man who suggested a one way street on our corner is moving out so
he would not have to make all the long trips around if it became a one way. Also
a jogging path may be fine, but if they keep it down by the lake. I think the joggers
already act like they own the road and when we come out of our street on 30th the
way I usually start my day is by somebody giving the finger sign. Everytime we drive
out from 30th, the traffic is so heavy already and the view is obstructed so you have
to pull out to see. I think a light or stop sign is the way to go. A one way will only
bring more traffic. There is a stop sign on about 29th and those people have nothing
blocking the view. Until someone or myself get killed will people even put a stop
light at our corner.
Another thing is, if a trail is made around the top of the lake, who is to keep all the rubbish
out of our yards or maintain the trail?
I do believe we need to widen the road, but I also believe we should put a stoplight or
stop sign to try to keep our traffic down.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
/�
C Audrey Janet Johnso
2950 East Medicine Lake
Plymouth, MN
AJJ/1mr
March 27, 1996
Dr. Don Jardine
5554-1 Nathan Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55422-3264
Dear Dr. Jardine:
f
�'(CITY OF
PLYMOUTH+
Community Development Director Anne Hurlburt requested that I respond to your letter of March 19,
1996 regarding the problem you experienced with the accumulation of snow and ice on the concrete stoop
of your front entryway.
Based on the photographs provided, it appears that this accumulation is largely due to run off from the
roof of your home. The City of Plymouth and other metropolitan municipalities are required by state law
to enforce the Minnesota State Building Code. The State Building Code adopts by reference a model
National Code known as the Uniform Building Code which provides minimum standards which regulate
and control building construction.
Although the roof overhang over your front entry door does not cover the entire front stoop area, there
are no requirements contained in the State Building Code which mandate overhang projections over doors;
therefore, a building code violation does not exist.
Since your home has been provided with gutters and down spouts, you may wish to consider installing
heat tape along that portion of your roof and in the gutter and down spout system adjacent to your front
entryway. The installation of heat tape should help prevent water freezing and the accumulation of snow,
which in turn should reduce the amount of snow/ice buildup on your front stoop during the winter season.
As discussed, there are other state laws which were designed to provide additional forms of consumer
protection to occupants and citizens above and beyond the scope of the provisions contained within the
State Building Code. If you continue to be dissatisfied with the problems you experienced with your
home, you may wish to pursue other remedies that may be available to you through other state laws and
agencies, such as the one found in Chapter 327A which deals with housing and statutory warranties, the
Better Business Bureau, the Minnesota State Attorney General's Office and the State Department of
Commerce, whose office licenses all residential builders.
If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance to you, please contact me at 509-5431.
Sincerely,
Joe Ryan
Building Official
cc: Joy Tierney, Mayor
Anne Hurlburt, Community Development Director
File
PLYMOUTH A Beautiful Place To Live
3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD • PLYMOUTH. MINNESOTA 55447-1482 • TFI_EPHONF (612)50q-.,:;nnn
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March 20, 1996
Plymouth City Council
City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Council Members:
First and foremost I want to congratulate Chuck Lymangood for taking the initiative in
finally getting the ball rolling with regards to the trail along East Medicine Lake road. I
have lived in the area for 20 years and this proposal has been discussed at least that long.
Everyone I have spoken with is in favor of the trail; its amazing just how long the wheels
of progress sometimes takes. The trail is long overdue !
I attended the last community meeting at Armstrong Match 18, 1996. From the show of
attendance it appears I am not the only resident interested in getting the trail built; there must
have been 150 people present. The overwhelming concerns of the residents wasn't if the
trail should be built, rather for the safety of having so many people using the existing road
for recreational uses. It was mentioned something should be done this year to seperate the
pedestrian and automobile traffic. The residents all agree the people have already flocked to
the lake, its only a matter of time that someone will be injured or killed by a passing car.
Separation of automobile and pedestrian traffic should be done immediately. The closer the
automobile traffic to pedestrian traffic the more likely an accident will occur. For that
reason, I recommend running the trail closer to the lake and away from and existing road
traffic. Furthermore it's much more pleasant to walk or jog along the lake away from all
traffic and road noise. With running the trail close to the lake and closing parts of East
Medicine Lake Rd you could end up with one of the most beautiful stretches of trail in the
entire Hennepin Co. Parks trail system. Imagine enjoying our exquisite national resource
right here in the heart of Plymouth.
In closing, I'd like to bring to your attention that Medicine Lake is the second largest lake in
Hennepin County. It would be a shame to build a trail around the lake that wouldn't
capture its beauty. Its great to see the city of Plymouth working with Hennepin Parks to
create a trail system we all can be proud of. Don't let the selfish efforts of a few affect
what could become the jewel of the Hennepin Parks trail system, Medicine Lake.
Sincerely,
Ronald (Rick) Barldey
10420 28th Ave N
Plymouth, MN 55441
March 22, 1996
Mr. R. H. Bissonett
6495 Balsam Lane North
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Re: Madelen M. Cox, Document 5817660
Dear Mr. Bissonett:
Thank you for your letter outlining your concerns relative to the repayment terms in the City's
Rehabilitation Loan/Grant with Ms. Cox. I have reviewed your letter with staff familiar with
this program and we have come to the conclusion that repayment cannot be waived beyond the
terms of the agreement.
In your letter you refer to the taking of this property by the City of Plymouth and the grant"
being approved by the City knowing that the proceeds would have to be paid back because of
the City's taking of the property for the City's benefit. The property is not being acquired by
the City, but by the Hennepin Park District as part of a Metropolitan Regional Park Trail
System. Although the City may have known about this at the time the Loan/Grant was given,
it in no way influenced the action. The sole purpose of the Loan/Grant was to benefit Ms.
Cox.
The Rehabilitation Loan/Grant Program is operated by the City's Housing and Redevelopment
Authority with federal Community Development Block Grant funds. The terms of all
Rehabilitation Loan/Grants are as prescribed by the program guidelines that have been adopted
in accordance with federal requirements. Repayments of these loans are used to assist other
eligible homeowners in Plymouth with needed repairs and renovations.
We do not agree that the reasons stated in your letter warrant a waiver by the City of
repayment of the Rehabilitation Loan/Grant upon sale of the property to the Hennepin Park
District. If you have any questions regarding this response, please contact Ed Goldsmith,
Plymouth HRA Supervisor at 509-5412.
Sincerely,
Dwight D. Johnson
City Manager
cc: Joy Tierney, Mayor
Milt Dale, Plymouth HRA
Delbert Miller, Hennepin Park District
Madelen M. Cox
PLYMOUTH q Menrrtifii(tP(nw?n (ivo
GAASON AND GLELLAND
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
6300 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY, SUITE 305
JEFFREY A. CARSON MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55430-2190
TELEPHONE
WILLIAM G. CLELLAND
(612) 561-2800
ELLEN M. SCHREDER
FAX
THOMAS R. JOHNSON
(612) 561-1943
26 March 1996
Mayor Joy Tierney and the Members of the City Council
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, Minnesota 55447
RE: Extension of Trail System
Dear Mayor Tierney and Members of the Council:
I recently attended a community meeting which discussed the
feasibility of extending the trail system to the east side of
Medicine Lake. My neighbors and I, who reside on the east side of
the lake, are very much interested in this project and I wanted you
to be aware of our whole -hearted support for this project.
My wife and I have lived at 2835 Revere Circle North for 17
years and we have enjoyed French Park and the trail system since
its construction. I use the trail system as often as possible and
from first-hand knowledge I can tell you that it is heavily used by
members of the community. French Park and the west trail system is
simply a great asset and it provides wonderful and safe
recreational opportunities for users. The City and County are to
be commended for developing such a fine system.
We whole-heartedly support the extension of the trail system
to the east side. We are aware of some of the formidable
difficulties as outlined in the meeting, but I am sure that they
can be overcome with sufficient planning, community support and of
course money.
Since this development will take time, however, in the
meantime, we whole-heartedly support dedicating East Medicine Lake
Boulevard as a one-way street from 26th Avenue North to its
junction with Medicine Ridge Road. I think that more people would
be using this roadway in the afternoon and evening after work so it
is my thought that it would be appropriate to have a one-way lane
southbound. This would prohibit the northbound traffic consisting
of persons returning home from work in the late afternoon and early
evening which is so heavy on this road. I recommend that the
traffic be confined to the left-hand side of the road near the
Mayor Tierney and Members of the City Council
26 March 1996
Page 2
steep bank so that joggers, runners and pedestrians could use that
portion of the roadway closer to the lake. I don't think this
scheme would impair the flow of traffic at all since Medicine Ridge
Road is really the street designated to be the artery for north and
southbound traffic and designating East Medicine Lake Road as a
one-way road would provide wonderful and safe additional
recreational opportunities for citizens. As it is now, I hesitate
to use that segment of the road at certain times for walking dogs,
running or bicycling, because of the very heavy flow of traffic,
particularly in the late afternoon.
I would really like to see the feasibility of designating East
Medicine Lake Road one-way from Hartys South Lake Facility all the
way north. I realize that Medicine Ridge Road terminates at 26th
but traffic can use Killmer Lane as an alternate. Frankly, traffic
should be redirected to Kilmer Lane which only has residences on
the west side and which is a fairly wide road. If all traffic were
one-way southbound on East Medicine Lake Boulevard down to Harty's,
the residences whose driveways come out on the road, would not have
their egress seriously disturbed. Those persons could simply drive
southbound and exit East Medicine Lake Boulevard at either 26th,
Nathan Lane, Lancaster or where the road terminates at Harty's and
joins Kilmer Lane.
We hope that the
east side of the lake
brought to fruition.
WGC:ajp
CC: Dave Anderson
Tim Wold
Nicholas Granith
Ginny Black
Chuck Lymangood
Christian Preus
idea of extending the trail system to the
maintains its momentum and can ultimately be
WncSier y,iam G. Clelland
10615 - 34th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
March 25, 1996
Plymouth City Council
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Council Members,
We are writing to express our support for the development of the Hennepin Parks Regional Trail,
proposed for the east and south sides of Medicine Lake. We have lived near the east shore of
Medicine Lake for the past two years, and have first-hand experience of the safety concerns which
such a trail would alleviate. Furthermore, such a trail would invite other Plymouth residents to
share in the enjoyment of one of Plymouth largest and most beautiful natural assets.
After attending the public meeting on March 18th, we would also like to express our support of
studying and possibly piloting a temporary/permanent program to make East Medicine Lake Road
a one-way street; from the rear school entrance of Armstrong High to Harty's South landing /
17th Avenue. East Medicine Lake Road has gradually turned into an alternative frontage road for
Highway 169 at rush hours, resulting in a very dangerous stretch of road. The deteriorated stage
of the present road, along with poor lines of sight and the lack of adequate shoulder space have
made for many "close calls". A one-way road would help to reduce traffic and speeds, as well as
allow for a pedestrian pathway; all on the current paved surface. This would also help reduce the
resistance to the proposed trail of the lakeshore property owners, and allow current funds for the
trail system to be spent on acquiring other needed properties. We would like to see the city
proceed with the purchase of the cabins on the west side of the road (near 30th Avenue) which
contribute to the congestion, and also look forward to the day when the entire street is resurfaced.
Until then a one-way street, striped to accommodate pedestrian travel along one shoulder, would
be a cost-effective means to immediately address the traffic and safety issues we face today.
Finally, we would like to thank you for the opportunity to attend the informational meeting and
express our opinions on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Lori Anderson
Q -4a --
Greg Anderson
Steven G. Loe
2815 Medicine Ridge Road
Plymouth, MN 55441
March 26, 1996
Mr. Chuck Lymangood and other City Council Members
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Chuck and other Members:
70
ro
-- MAR 2 7 Iv96
I am writing to express my support for the trail along East Medicine Lake Road. We have lived on the
ridge above East Medicine Ridge Road for about eight years and in Plymouth for twenty-five years. For at
least ten years I have heard that the trail improvement is waiting for action by Hennepin County. I
congratulate you on taking the initiative and finally making progress on this project to enhance one of our
most beautiful natural resources and make it safe and available for everyone to use.
While we understand that the trail will take sometime to plan and construct I think that the message was
loud and clear at the meeting on the 18th—people use East Medicine Lake Road right now for recreation
and it is unsafe. Major improvements to the road have not been made in probably forty years! Combine
that with the population growth and you have to be very nervous that a child is going to the victim of an
accident while the wheels of government grind away. Please quickly get the advice of your engineering
firm and make the temporary changes to the road whether it means closing it (which we prefer) or making
it one-way to make it safe until the trail is constructed.
Sincerely,
Steven G. Loe
10222 South Shore Drive
Plymouth, MN 55441
March 27, 1996
Plymouth City Council
It is my strong belief that the proposed trail around Medicine Lake would be a wonderful asset
for the citizens of Plymouth, and the vast majority of people that attended the March 18, 1996
meeting would also support the trail. Safety is the key issue. People responded with concerns of fast,
short-cut traffic, and, on the south corridor, traffic heading to and from liquor establishments. It was
also proposed that the project could be started this summer, since it is only matter of time before
there is a tragedy along one of the narrow roads.
I also listened to people saying how encouraged they were that the City of Plymouth and the
Hennepin County Parks are involved in this plan. It is not often that citizens witness joint efforts like
this that will benefit so many people.
Special thanks to Eric Blank and Chuck Lymangood for their excellent efforts. Nick
Grannath, our Ward 3 representative, is also supportive of the trail and has, over the past year,
proved to be very responsive to citizen concerns.
Please move with all due speed on this plan because the City of Plymouth, Hennepin County
Parks, and the citizens of Plymouth will all reap the positive benefits of this regional trail.
A long standing Plymouth citizen,
David B. Buzzelle
DBB/
cc: Salley Thompson