HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-22-1996MARCH 22, 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. PLANNING COMMISSION. TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 7:00 P.M., lower level lunchroom.
Agenda is attached. (M-2)
3. PACT, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Meeting Room, lower level.
Agenda is attached. (M-3)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
March 22, 1996
Page 2
2. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a. Star Tribune editorial, March 18, 1996, calling for further revision of tax increment financing
guidelines. (I -2a)
b. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency notice of petroleum storage tank release at the Four
Season Apartments, 9700 37th Place N, and request for corrective action. (I -2b)
c. Municipal Legislative Commission Update notes about legislative activity on property tax and
transit legislation. (I -2-c)
d. League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax, March 22, 1996, with an update on property tax
legislation and mail balloting legislation. (I -2d)
3. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY - CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Dr. Don Jardine expressing concerns about the quality of building work in
Hickory Hills units. The letter has been forwarded to Community Development Director
Anne Hurlburt for a response by April 3. (I-3 a)
b. Letter to Public Works Director Fred Moore from Althea Blommel requesting action on the
French drain located in the 44th Avenue neighborhood. Public Works Director Moore has
been asked to respond by April 4. (I -3b)
A status report on correspondence is attached. (I-3)
4. CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter from Tarand Mondale-Leonard expressing concerns about plans to develop Maple Dell
park. A response from Park Director Eric Blank is attached. (I -4a)
b. Letter to the Mayor from William Tourek expressing opposition to the I-394 expansion of the
highway system around Ferndale Road. (I -4b)
c. Letter to the Mayor and Council from Kathy Smith, representing the Wayzata Community
Church, stating the Church Council's opposition to the development of I-394 entrance and
exit ramps near Ferndale Road. (I -4c)
d. Letter from Michael Busyn to the Mayor and Council stating expressing opposition to the
proposed interchange at Ferndale Road and I-394. (I -4d)
Dwight Johnson
City Manager
rg)
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA low
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1996
WHERE: Plymouth City Center
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
CITY CENTER LUNCHROOM (Lower Level)
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed with an asterisk M 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.
h�k1J 1.3PCOB oil) :i11aI
• ' ' ; • • u 11►111 M
[�;Zi t gOff aral1--9laml
A. Valvoline Rapid Oil Change. Site Plan, Variances, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat and Conditional Use
Permit for a Rapid Oil Change for property located on the south side of 34th Avenue South, west of
Plymouth Boulevard. (95140)
B. Carlson Real Estate Co., Inc. Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plan/Plat, Final Plat/Plat and
Conditional Use Permit for the creation of two lots for two multi -story office buildings totaling 160,000
square feet located at the southwest corner of I-494 and Carlson Parkway. (96004)
C. Fuller, Seaver & Ramette, P.A. Lot Division/Consolidation and Variance for property located at
10820 Highway 55 and 10700 Highway 55. (96015)
D. Ascension Lutheran Church. Site Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit Amendment to allow
construction of a 3,570 square foot addition onto the north and west sides of the existing church located
at 15870 -46th Avenue North. (96018)
E. James R. Hill/Laukka Williams. Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Amendment for Suncourt
II Townhomes to change 41 detached single family units to a total of 59 detached single family units
and attached townhouse units. (96020)
• ►1 � i 1►I .
Discussion of Zoning Ordinance. Background on philosophy, administrative sections, commercial/industrial
districts and mapping.
1 : 1 • l i ►1 1 ►Y I
m-3
DATE: March 21, 1996
TO: Members of the Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit
FROM: John Sweeney, Transit Administrator�`w-'
SUBJECT: MARCH 27 MEETING
The Plymouth Advisory Committee on Transit is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting on
Wednesday, March 27 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 January 24, and February 21, 1996 (will be
distributed at the meeting).
11. Discussion re: Status of new mini -coaches for Metrolink and expected delivery date.
III. Introduction of Kathy Tingelstad, KMT Communication:
• Presentation and discussion regarding dedication ceremony for 13 new
vehicles to be incorporated into the Plymouth Metrolink/Dial-A-Ride fleet.
The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for April 15, 1996 at 7:00 p.m.
IV. Review 1996 Ridership Statistics - February (will be distributed at the meeting).
A. Dial -A -Ride
B. Plymouth Metrolink - Route 91
C. Plymouth Metrolink - Route 92
D. Plymouth Metrolink - Route 93
m-3
SUBJECT: MARCH 27 MEETING
Page Two
V. Information from George Bentley (will be distributed at the meeting).
• Ridership Information 1992 - 1996
• System Cost Summary Reports - February (if available).
VI. Identification of new areas of concern; or recommendation.
VII. Discussion Re: Transit redesign and fare increases.
VIII. Other Comments
cc: Paul Colton, Metropolitan Council
John Mathews, National School Bus Company
Steve Mahowald/Steve Jaeger, MCTO
George Bentley, Consultant
S.F. 3/27/96
c—
n 4)
A
o YlLn
w
0
td
oo
O
�o
Op
J
�o
►N�,
J
r"o
�
J
n oro
V
x
��
w
30
n y
E�
tea`>H
O
VJ
ON
c—
v
0
\C)
ti
.d
o
rc�g
w
�
rng
Mx=
;y
ti
�
ti
gb
o
w
oy
E �
e'ar
�'s •�"
U OOrs •�
•,f
441
�
�
N
oo�a� H
wa�o w�H
•V
t
_aJ cn
O W P b N H
P J O w
MOM
A9
'�
Jow
Nw�a H
ar0Aa c�
J
�
rb
r�r
to
Jowa H
,o
��>J
ti
r
x
IFS oo
h
VAno
Rl
N
�A
Ul
c
Ida
Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
March 14, 1996
Page 12
Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Thompson, Wahl
and Willegalle; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson; Councilmember Wold
Absent: Commissioner Priebe
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Anderson called the March meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Mooney
Lake Room.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Commissioner Wahl and seconded by Commissioner
Thompson to approve the minutes of the February meeting as presented.
Councilmember Wold indicated that in the minutes, members of the Council
should be referred to as councilmember rather than councilman. The motion
carried with all ayes.
3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
a. Athletic Associations. None were present.
b. Staff. Mary Bisek announced that this year's Shape Up Challenge held its
kick-off meeting on March 14. This program is a fitness Contest"between
companies located in Plymouth. Employees 'bhallenge" each other by
exercising and earning points for each minute of exercise.
She stated that the summer recreation brochure has been sent to the
printer and should be delivered to residents on April 1.
Planning for the northeast neighborhood park is underway. A letter is being
sent to area residents inviting them to the first meeting with the architect,
scheduled for April 2.
Adult softball registration is still being accepted in leagues where there is
space available.
Applications are being accepted in the park and recreation department for
summer seasonal help in several areas; t -ball, softball and baseball
PRAC Minutes/March 1996
Page 13
instructors; lifeguards and swimming instructors; golf and tennis instructors;
playground and daycamp leaders; and office clerical help.
The recreation department is researching new computer software for
registration. One of the things being considered is phone -interactive
registration.
A new program being offered this summer is the Plymouth Pageant, for
ages 10-14. The end product will be a play presented at the History Fest
on August 10, about the history of Plymouth. Councilmember Wold
mentioned to Mary that there was a Plymouth militia in 1868 that she might
want to research for possible inclusion in the play if it's deemed
appropriate.
c. Others. None were present.
4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION
a. Approved annual report and 1996 work plan. Chair Anderson said that the
Council approved the 1995 Park Commission annual report and praised it
as one of the best they receive each year. They also approved the facility
rental fees and policies as recommended by PRAC.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Ice arena/pool complex update. The Planning Commission approved the
site plan at their last meeting, along with a conditional use permit, and
reguiding and rezoning. There is a small wetland on the site, which has
been approved for filling, but the City must now wait a period of 30 days for
the public to make comments on that before any work could begin. Bids for
site grading will be opened in April. The architect is working with the
electrical and mechanical contractors. At the present time, the project is
slightly over -budget, so it needs to be trimmed back a little. The contract
with Life Time is moving along and is on the March 20 Council agenda.
The target date for opening the ice arena is December 9, but Director Blank
believes that early January is more realistic.
The relocation of the amphitheater is also on the Council agenda for March
20. If this is approved, work on the site could begin as early as the next
day. The amphitheater has to be completed by July 2, which is this year's
date for Music in Plymouth.
b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Director Blank announced that he gets a
report once a month informing him that the soils have compressed another
PRAC Minutes/March 1996
Page 14
1 - la
six inches. He also said that the bid package is out for the bridge that will
be constructed over Plymouth Creek.
c. Open spaces update. Director Blank stated that the Seitzer property has
been closed on, and there is an agreement with the Johnson Bros. for their
parcel. This leaves the Stewart parcel, which is still for sale at $1.4 million.
Mr. Stewart has been informed that the City is no longer interested in his
property and that he can sell it to someone else if he chooses. Director
Blank indicated that the open space task force will reconvene soon to start
looking at how to manage the open space properties.
d. Playfield/high school update. Director Blank stated that the committee is
waiting to see some written specifications on the playfields and that they
want the project under construction as soon as it's feasible. The athletic
fields need to be seeded and sodded this summer, so they have about a
year to develop. Adult softball is scheduled to be moved to these fields
next April, so that youth baseball programs can be moved to Zachary.
e. Senior citizen needs analysis. Director Blank had nothing to report on this
item.
f. Continue golf course discussion. Director Blank stated that he hasn't had
much time to think about golf, but that he would like to invite the three
owners to attend the next three PRAC meetings, separately, and get their
opinion on what they feel is the best course of action for them.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request from Armstrong to help fund their baseball stadium. Director
Blank explained that Armstrong is in the process of building a new baseball
facility at the high school, but they are running out of funds and will need
outside assistance if they are to complete this project. They have made a
request from the City for $27,000. Director Blank said that there is money
in the Parks CIP and that this is a project that deserves our help. A
MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILLEGALLE AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON RECOMMENDING THAT
COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE OF $27,000 FOR THE
ARMSTRONG BASEBALL STADIUM. In the discussion that followed,
Councilmember Wold suggested that when Armstrong makes its official
request in writing, that they indicate they intend to build a 'cafe" athletic
facility. PRAC agreed with that suggestion, and the motion carried with all
ayes.
PRAC Minutes/March 1996 s I aPage 15
1:
b. Hennepin County regional trail. Director Blank stated that the City is
working with the Park District on a joint project to get a regional trail all
along the east and south shore of Medicine Lake that will tie into the Luce
Line and eventually into the Theodore Wirth trail. A public meeting is
scheduled for Monday, March 18, at Armstrong High School, to get citizen
feedback on the proposed trail. The City and the County have jointly hired
the consulting firm of Strgar- Roscoe- Fausch to identify problem areas
along the proposed trail route and then later to do a feasibility report and
cost estimate. The City has contributed $100,000 to this project so far, and
Henn. Co. has $1 million available to spend. Director Blank explained that
this trail has been in the works for over 15 years now, and the City is trying
to gently push the County along in getting this done.
7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION
None.
8. STAFF COMMUNICATION
Director Blank announced that a groundbreaking ceremony for the ice arena
will probably be scheduled sometime in April.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 12,1996
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mike Stulberg, Commissioners Allen Ribbe,
John Stoebner, Roger Berkowitz, Jeff Thompson, Tim
Bildsoe, and Saundra Spigner
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Director Anne Hurlburt, Senior Planner John Keho, Planner
Shawn Drill, City Engineer Dan Faulkner, and Clerical
Supervisor Denise Hutt
1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Public Forum: None.
3. Approval of Agenda: Approved.
4. Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Spigner requested that the minutes be amended to reflect that she arrived
before Commissioner Ribbe.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Thompson to approve
the February 27, 1996 Planning Commission Minutes as amended.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
Commissioner Spigner requested that Item 5A (City of Plymouth --Site Plan to relocate
existing amphitheater to a site immediately north of the City offices) be removed from
the Consent Agenda. Chairman Stulberg noted that the item would be heard after Item
6C.
B. Life Time Fitness (96026)
MOTION by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to
recommend approval of the request by Life Time Fitness for a Site Plan for a Temporary
Sales Office facility to be located on the northwest corner of the Cub Foods Store.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
T -I b
400
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #49
6. _ PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CARLSON REAL ESTATE COMPANY. (95008)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Carlson Real Estate Company for a
Preliminary Plat, Final Plat and Site Plan and Variance for 15,000 square feet of retail
shops for Carlson Center 14th Addition for property located southwest of Cheshire Lane
and Carlson Parkway.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the March 8, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Brad Lis, representing the petitioner.
Mr. Lis concurred with the staff report. Mr. Lis stated that they appreciate having the
opportunity to present this project. The project will offer service/convenience type uses.
Commissioner Berkowitz queried as to what types of businesses are anticipated for the
site.
Mr. Lis responded that they are investigating the possibilities of a coffee shop, bagel
shop, dry cleaners, oriental restaurant, and quick printing business or the like.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Chairman Stulberg, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to recommend
approval of a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Variance and Site Plan for Carlson Real Estate
company for property located at the southwest corner of Cheshire Lane and Carlson
Parkway.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
B. KHDC II, INC. FOR KINDERBERRY HILL (96007)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by KHDC II, Inc. for Kinderberry Hill for a
Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for an 11,600 square -foot child development center
located southwest of Cheshire Lane and Carlson Parkway.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the February 28, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Janis Blumentals, representing the petitioner.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #50
i -I6
Mr. Blumentals indicated that he concurred with the staff report. Mr. Blumentals
presented a graphic of what the building will look like when completed.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Nola Kreml of 3650 Annapolis Lane North.
Ms. Kreml, Executive Vice -President of KHDC II, Inc., stated that this facility would be
the fourth in Plymouth. They currently have three New Horizon facilities in Plymouth.
She stated that Kinderberry Hill is an upscale of a New Horizon facility and she had
received numerous calls from interested parties.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked what type of grading is being anticipated for the play area
to shield it from I-494. He suggested that for the safety of the children, there be some
type of screening so that traffic can not see into the play area.
Mr. Blumentals replied that the play area would contain a gradual slope. He stated that
there would not be any trees in the play yard. They do not want the children climbing
trees. He added that there would not be any screening of the play area, as they don't want
to block the view of the play area from I-494 since the play area would function as a sign
for the day care.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to recommend
approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for KHDCA II, Inc. for property
located at the southwest corner of Cheshire Lane and Carlson Parkway.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
C. CITY OF PLYMOUTH/LIFE TIME SPORTS COMPLEX (96003)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth/Life Time Sports
Complex for a Preliminary Plat, Site Plan, Conditional Use Permit and Variances for a
89,306 square foot Ice Arena and a 128,596 square foot Fitness Center including indoor
and outdoor leisure swimming pools and an indoor competition pool and diving well on
a 40.23 acre site located east of Plymouth Boulevard between 35th and 37th Avenue
North.
Director Hurlburt gave an overview of the March 4, 1996 staff report outlining the
existing site and where the Ice Arena, Life Time Fitness and the City Amphitheater
would be located. She also noted the current existing businesses surrounding the area
such as the Cub Foods Store, Plymouth Towne Square and State Farm Insurance.
Director Hurlburt stated that the City is subdividing the land in order to facilitate the
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #51
pending agreement with Life Time Fitness, which requires separate lots for Life Time
Fitness, parking and the ice arena.
Chairman Stulberg introduced James O'Shea of Shea Architects.
Mr. O'Shea stated that this project will represent the core of the community for people to
gather. Mr. O'Shea commented that one of the unique features about this project is that a
public and private sector have partnered to create something to serve the community.
The proposed facility would provide facilities that are unlike any other community in the
twin cities area or even in the state.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Vicki Hooper of Shea Architects.
Ms. Hooper explained that this would be the transitional piece between the urban core of
City Center and the park. Ms. Hooper stated that there are two primary entrances; one for
the fitness center and one for the hockey arena. She pointed out the parking circulation
from the main entrance and the parking area east of the facility, for overflow from the
hockey arena. There will be a site wall/fence along the perimeter that would provide the
"edge" that a small setback would have established, and link the building back to the
street to meet City Center Design Guidelines. The corner of 37th Avenue and Plymouth
Boulevard will provide for a community garden and bench seating area. Ms. Hooper
stated that pedestrian access to the building is important throughout the entire City
Center, and public plazas at both entrances will be provided. There will be two ponds
that will be landscaped.
Ms. Hooper gave a brief overview of the facilities. The Ice Arena will have an olympic
rink and a practice rink, with a seating capacity of 925 for the olympic rink versus 225 for
the practice rink. The Ice Arena will have rooms for teams, figure skating clubs and
referee rooms. Ms. Hooper stated that the Life Time Fitness facility would contain locker
rooms and a day care in the lower level. The upper level is for the workout machines.
There will be two basketball courts and four racquetball courts. The facility also
includes a competition pool with a 300 seating capacity, sauna, kids and adult whirlpools,
leisure pool with slide, and an exterior recreational pool.
Mr. O'Shea added that the Ice Arena and Life Time Fitness facilities will be constructed
simultaneously, while the landscaping will be completed in phases.
Commissioner Thompson asked for a projected completion date.
Mr. O'Shea replied that they hope to be operational by the end of 1996.
Director Hurlburt described the phasing of the landscaping plan. Director Hurlburt
indicated that the proposed landscaping plan far exceeds the City's Landscaping Policy
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #52
Z - Ib
requirements in both the number of plans and the size of the plants. She said that the
landscaping part of this project is the City's responsibility. The City plans to install
plantings by the spring of 1997 that would meet both the Landscape Policy and the City
Center Zoning District requirements. The first priority would be along the streets and the
parking lot areas. The remaining landscaping would be installed over the next two to
three years. Plantings around the sides and back of the building, as well as, around the
NURP pond would be installed in the later phases. There will be some phasing of the
landscaping for the community garden shown at the corner of 37th Avenue and Plymouth
Boulevard.
Direcfor Hurlburt addressed the possible changes to the wall or fence to be located along
Plymouth Boulevard and 37th Avenue North. The plans show a wall or fence on both
street frontages. This design feature would offset the placement of the building back
from the street. The material proposed for the wall/fence will match those used in the
building and around the pool area. The material includes the use of four -foot tall
masonry piers 12 feet apart with either a hedge or wrought iron fence between the piers.
Director Hurlburt also indicated that the length of the wall/fence may not be as long as
shown on the plans and that cost will be a factor in determining the final design. The
fence sections will likely be located where they would help to establish focal points, such
as at the entrances to the site. The current plans are based on the new zoning ordinance
districts that should be in effect before this is built.
Eric Blank, Director of Park & Recreation, described the interior layout of the ice arena
and various activities planned for the facility. He stated that the plans are available at
City Hall for anyone to review.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Bahram Akradi, owner of Life Time Fitness.
Mr. Akradi stated that this facility would be the largest and most complete fitness center
in his company.
Commissioner Spigner asked where the sidewalks would be.
Director Blank replied that there are existing sidewalks on Plymouth Boulevard and there
will be a sidewalk on 37th Avenue that will connect to a trail.
Commissioner Spigner asked what the signage would consist of and if it would be
cohesive with the City Center Plan.
Mr. O'Shea responded that the signage issue has not been addressed yet, but it would be
cohesive with the City Center Plan.
Commissioner Spigner asked what the signage would say.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #53
Director Blank stated that although the exact details of the signage had not been finalized,
both Life Time Fitness and the City would be identified. He also said that there would be
signage at the entrances to the facility identifying the ice arena and the fitness center.
Commissioner Spigner asked where the landscaping and ponds fit into the schedule.
Director Hurlburt explained that the pond is currently a wetland that will be filled and
mitigated. It will become a NURP pond that must be constructed in concurrence with the
building.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated his preference for more sidewalk through the parking
area on the south side of the south parking lot connecting Plymouth Boulevard to the
building. He asked if there had been any consideration for a separate entrance to the
pools and a sidewalk from the east parking lot directly to the pool area.
Director Blank replied that people would need to go through the facility to be able to use
the pool facilities to ensure membership and to better control the safety of the pool area.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked if there would be a trail linking to Plymouth Creek.
Director Blank responded affirmatively.
Commissioner Bildsoe concurred with Commissioner Berkowitz's suggestions for a
sidewalk on the south end of the facility to tie in the sidewalk on Plymouth Boulevard.
Commissioner Spigner asked if provisions have been made that would make the outdoor
pool available for low income residents of Plymouth.
Director Blank said that children, under the age of 13, of Life Time members would not
be required to pay to use the pool. He also said that the City and Life Time are working
on a pool pass program that would address this.
Chairman Stulberg opened the public hearing. Chairman Stulberg introduced a letter
dated March 12, 1996 received from Kenneth Anderson of 15100 -38th Avenue North.
Mr. Anderson's letter questioned the merits of granting the variance based upon the
significant size of the lot which creates maximum opportunity to design a building which
does conform to the setback requirement. Mr. Anderson's letter also indicated safety
concerns caused by potential traffic going to Rockford Road by going through the
residential areas to the east. His letter suggested having two points of ingress/egress on
Plymouth Boulevard, one at 36th Avenue and one at 35th Avenue. His letter also
suggested that the site be linked with the existing sidewalk on the north side of 37th
Avenue and/or be constructed on the south side of 37th Avenue to be connected to the
Z -Ib
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #54
existing pedestrian trail traversing under 37th Avenue immediately to the east of the
subject site.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Renate Melillo of 15300 -37th Avenue North.
Ms. Melillo stated that she manages Summer Place Apartments and was concerned with
the noise and increased traffic that the project will generate. She asked what the hours of
construction would be.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Bev Kottas of 2995 Harbor Lane.
Ms. Kottas stated that she is a representative of the Plymouth Civic League and is
concerned that the amphitheater be completed in time for Music in Plymouth to be held
on July 2, 1996. She requested that a member of the Plymouth Civic League be kept
informed of the project status to ensure the event goes smoothly.
Chairman Stulberg closed the public hearing.
Director Blank stated that construction noise is prohibited between the hours of
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.. He stated that staff does not expect there to be any unusual
noise from a construction project such as this.
Director Blank agreed with Ms. Kottas' concerns. Since Music in Plymouth is also a City
responsibility, staff has made the contractor aware of the July 2, 1996, event date and will
do everything possible to make sure the event is safe and on time.
City Engineer Faulkner stated that they will have an approved erosion control plan which
regulates erosion, NURP ponds and construction debris. Mud and construction debris
needs to be cleaned up on a daily basis. The construction management would be
responsible for street sweeping, debris clean up and erosion control.
In response to Mr. Anderson's letter, Director Hurlburt stated that the setback
requirement is very different for the City Center Plan compared to the rest of the City.
The City Center Plan requires the buildings be moved closer to the streets to create a
different feel. This site is unique since it is in the public area of the downtown. Because
of the grade change and the wetlands, the parking area was placed in the front of the
facility. A traffic analysis was completed and the area is designed to handle the projected
amount of traffic generated by the proposed project. She explained that although some
traffic will use the neighborhood streets east of the site for access to County Road 9, that
the design of the parking lot was designed to encourage use of Plymouth Boulevard.
Most traffic would gain access to the site from the west rather than through the
neighborhood.
J--16
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #55
MOTION by Commissioner Ribbe, seconded by Commissioner Bildsoe to recommend
approval of a Preliminary Plat, Variances, Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan for the
City of Plymouth and Life Time Fitness for property located east of Plymouth Boulevard
between 35th and 37th Avenue North.
MOTION to Amend by Commissioner Berkowitz, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to
add a new Condition #12 requiring an additional trail be added to the south side of the
south parking lot connecting Plymouth Boulevard to the building.
Commissioner Thompson suggested that the requirement of an additional trail be deferred
to a committee for discussion.
Commissioner Bildsoe asked if a trail is being anticipated for this area.
Director Blank responded that they have not gotten to that point yet.
Mr. Akradi stated he did not think a sidewalk/trail would be warranted as there is not
enough residential property west of Plymouth Boulevard to make use of it.
Commissioner Thompson stated that trees would be sacrificed for a trail that may not be
necessary.
Commissioner Spigner commented that a trail or sidewalk would be appropriate, as the
concept of the downtown to promote pedestrian traffic and a trail would encourage that.
Roll Call Vote on Amendment. Vote. 5 Ayes. MOTION carried on a 5-2 Vote.
(Commissioner Thompson and Chairman Stulberg voted nay.)
Roll Call Vote on Main MOTION. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
D. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (96016) (Moved from Consent)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by the City of Plymouth for a Site Plan to
relocate the existing amphitheater to a site immediately north of the City offices.
Senior Planner Keho gave an overview of the February 23, 1996 staff report.
Commissioner Spigner asked for an explanation of a sentence in the staff report "prudent
or practical parking".
Director Blank explained that providing adequate on-site parking for a one-time event
such as Music in Plymouth is not practical when there is off-site parking available. He
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page x{56
added that for other possible weekly events, there would be parking available at the City
Offices and the Ice Arena. _
Commissioner Spigner stated her concern with members of Life Time Fitness and patrons
of the Ice Arena having space available for their use if an event is going on at the
amphitheater.
Director Blank responded that the events that would take place at the amphitheater would
be short term and should not interfere with the Life Time Fitness or Ice Arena facilities.
Director Hurlburt asked how many parking spaces are available at City Hall.
Director Moore responded that including public safety, there are approximately 300
spaces.
Commissioner Spigner asked if anything had been taken into account for future parking
expansion for the amphitheater site.
Director Blank stated staff is hesitant to expand now, but they have the ability to add
spaces in the future. The parking expansion would take away a significant amount of the
trees; therefore, shared parking with other potential businesses in the downtown area
would be preferred.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to
recommend approval of the Site Plan for the City of Plymouth for property located east of
Plymouth Boulevard and north of the Plymouth City offices.
Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Chairman Stulberg called a recess at 8:35 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
E. CITY OF PLYMOUTH (96008)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the 1996-2000 Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert gave an overview of the March 8, 1996 staff report.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there is an overriding safety issue to expand Schmidt
Lake Road at I-494 as scheduled in 1998, or can it be put off until the bridge would need
replacement.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #57
Director Moore replied that there is a safety issue on Schmidt Lake Road since Schmidt
Lake Road is four lane, but narrows to two lane at I-494. There is no program scheduled
for I-494 by MnDot. Under the City's tax increment financing, the funds need to be spent
by the year 2000.
Commissioner Berkowitz asked if there was any speculation for an interchange at I-494
and Schmidt Lake Road.
Director Moore replied that the Comprehensive Plan indicates an interchange, but it may
not come to fruition until 2010 to 2015.
Chairman Stulberg asked how staff calculates the increase of construction costs.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert explained the increase is based on the inflation rate.
Chairman Stulberg asked how proposed changes in tax increment financing will affect the
City and scheduled projects.
Assistant City Manager Lueckert responded that the City has tried to take every
precaution so that projects will not be impacted. The Tax Increment Financing Plan was
redone and bonds were sold to get projects committed and funded.
Commissioner Ribbe asked which side of Zachary Lane the trail will run.
Director Moore indicated that the trail will likely be on the west side as there are
currently segments of sidewalk in place on the west side.
Commissioner Ribbe asked if there would be an alternative route to exit Harrison Hills
before the reconstruction project begins on Zachary from Schmidt Lake Road North to
County Road 10.
Director Moore replied that the project may be completed in phases for different access
points.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as there was no one present to
speak on the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Ribbe to recommend
approval of the 1996-2000 Capital Improvements Program for the City of Plymouth.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Minutes �� I
March 12, 1996
Page #5s
F. ENTRY ONE, INC. (96012)
Chairman Stulberg introduced the request by Entry One, Inc. for a Conditional Use
Permit to allow the existing home at 10440 Rockford Road to be legally used as a duplex.
Planner Drill gave an overview of the March 4, 1996 staff report.
Chairman Stulberg introduced Michael McNealy, the petitioner.
Mr. McNealy stated that he concurs with the staff report.
Commissioner Spigner asked if the duplex would be remaining on the site.
Mr. McNealy replied affirmatively.
Chairman Stulberg opened and closed the public hearing as no one present to speak on
the issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Stoebner, seconded by Commissioner Spigner to
recommend approval of the request by Entry One, Inc. for a Conditional Use Permit for
property located at 10440 Rockford Road.
Roll Call Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
7. OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Thompson commented that had the Commissioners known of the master
plan for the parking situation at the amphitheater site, they might not have added a
condition for a trail.
Chairman Stulberg replied that once the item was removed from consent, he should have
placed it before the Life Time Fitness/Ice Arena project to alleviate that.
Commissioner Spigner stated that it is important to base issues on a visionary point of
view and the Commission should take everything into consideration.
Commissioner Thompson stated that the Commission recommended a sidewalk for an
area that indicates on the master parking plan could have to be taken out at some time if
parking space is expanded. He added that had it gone to a committee to look at further, it
may not have been warranted.
Commissioner Spigner asked what type of items can be sent to a committee.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #59
Chairman Stulberg replied that anything could be sent to a committee with direction of
who should review it, such as a committee of staff and Planning Commissioners, or
outside consultants.
Commissioner Spigner asked if the sidewalk issue had been sent to a committee, would it
have stopped the project.
Commissioner Stulberg replied that it was only an amendment to the resolution, it would
not have stopped the project.
Director Hurlburt stated that the intent was to table that particular item to look at it more
carefully. It probably would have been referred to the City Council and they would have
made the decision.
8. NEW BUSINESS
None.
9. OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Ribbe stated that he would not be able to attend the March 19 special
meeting.
Director Hurlburt suggested that due to feedback, the schedule be altered to avoid special
meetings. In order to avoid special meetings, the Zoning Ordinance topics would have to
be added to the regular Planning Commission Meeting's agenda, which would entail
Commissioners receiving more material, with less time for discussion.
Commissioner Thompson commented that he would not be available on April 2, but
stated his preference to have the discussions during the regular meetings.
Commissioner Ribbe noted he would prefer less meetings even though they would be
longer.
Commissioner Berkowitz stated he would prefer fewer meetings even though they may
be longer.
Commissioner Bildsoe stated either is fine, but thought you could get more out of special
meetings.
Commissioner Spigner stated she preferred special meetings, as she tends to get "burned
out" with long hours.
Planning Commission Minutes
March 12, 1996
Page #60
Commissioner Stoebner commented that either was fine, but suggested adding to the
regular meeting for now to see how it goes.
Chairman Stulberg suggested working on a 30 -day basis to see how it goes.
Commissioner Spigner stated that a special meeting should be held for the items that
seem to be the most difficult.
Director Hurlburt commented that at this point, it would be difficult to determine what
issues would take the most time to discuss.
Director Hurlburt stated that the background/philosophy of the Zoning Ordinance will be
on the agenda for the March 26 meeting. The regular meeting can be adjourned and pick
up the Zoning Ordinance discussion is a less formal atmosphere. The special meetings of
March 19 and April 2 are canceled. If the Commissioners have any questions regarding
the material in their packet pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance, they should get their
questions to staff before the scheduled meeting, so they can be addressed.
MOTION by Commissioner Spigner, seconded by Commissioner Stoebner to adjourn.
VOTE. 7 Ayes. MOTION carried unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Reforming TIF
Some unfinished work to do
Just the term "tax increment fi-
nancing" is enough to glaze the
average citizen's eyes. Having some-
one get up and explain what it is and
bow it works can be an effective meth-
od of clearing a crowded room. Even
so, over the last 20 years, few govern-
mental activities in Minnesota have
been more bitterly attacked, more de-
terminedly defended, and more de-
serving of both, than this method of
providing public financial assistance
to private development projects.
That's because TIF, properly used,
can be a highly effective tool for com-
munity revitalization and economic
redevelopment — one of the few avail-
able for local government use. But TIF
also has shown itself to be subject to
widespread abuse and overuse.
Since the late 1970s, when the Leg-
islature first authorized the use of TIF
to subsidize development projects, 363
Minnesota cities and towns have es-
tablished almost 1,500 tax -increment
districts, capturing more than $200
million in tax base — the equivalent of
8 percent of the total tax capacity in
those jurisdictions. During one period,
in the late 1980s, the amount of tax
capacity locked up in tax -increment
districts was increasing at an average
rate of 24 percent a year.
Little wonder that the Legislature
put the brakes on, most effectively in
1990 when it imposed tough restric-
tions that have since slowed tax -incre-
ment expansion to an average of just 2
percent a year. Cities complain that
TIF is now too hard to use. But a new
study by the Legislative Auditor's Of-
fice shows that its use is now mostly
for the purposes for which TIF was
originally devised — redevelopment of
blighted areas, construction of low -
and moderate -income housing and
economic expansion. A previously
common but inappropriate practice
was to use TIF for new construction on
vacant land.
But if the TIF focus is now back
,where it belongs, the Auditor's study
found that problems remain in dis-
tricts established before 1990. Some of
those are being kept in operation even
after the original projects have been
completed, with the continued tax -
increment revenues being used as
general funding for such public im-
provements as parks, community cen-
ters, freeway interchanges, bridges and
wastewater -treatment plants.
In effect, this means that the coun-
ties, school districts and other taxing
jurisdictions that would normally share
in the tax growth are being forced to
help pay for municipal projects that are
properly the responsibility of city gov-
ernments alone. That's because, as long
as a tax -increment district remains in
operation, all of the property -tax
growth that occurs within its borders
goes to the city, supposedly to pay off
the project debt, rather than being
shared with other taxing jurisdictions.
This may still be legal, but it's clear-
ly improper. As the auditor's report
concludes, recent changes in the TIF
law have been reasonable and appar-
ently effective. But here's one area
where the Legislature has work left to
do.
5
March 20, 1996
S.Zb
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Mr. Robert Melamed
The Four Season Estates
1212 East Wayzata Boulevard
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
RE: Petroleum Storage Tank Release Investigation and Corrective Action
Site: The Four Season Apartment, 9700 37th Place North, Plymouth
Site ID#: LEAK00009136
Dear Mr. Melamed:
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.
52.0 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (612) 296-6300 (voice); (612) 282-5332 (TTY)
Regional Offices: Duluth • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Marshall • Rochester
..._ r,. _._ r._._. ......-, n.•, n•inrl tirnnciimnrc
Z Zb
Mr. Robert Melamed
Page 2
March 20, 1996
If you are not legally responsible for the release, but hold legal or equitable title to the property
where the release occurred, you may volunteer to take corrective action. Responsible persons
and volunteers who take corrective action may be eligible for reimbursement for a major portion
of the costs of corrective action. The legislature has established the Petroleum Tank Release
Cleanup Account to reimburse responsible persons and volunteers. The account is administered
by the Petro Board which is part of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Final decisions
regarding the amount of reimbursement are made by the Petro Board. All questions about
eligibility and reimbursement should be directed to the Petrofund staff at 612/297-1119 or
612/297-4203.
Request to Take Corrective Action
The MPCA staff requests that you take steps to investigate and, if necessary, clean up the release
in accordance with the enclosed MPCA fact sheets. The site investigation must fully define the
extent and magnitude of the soil and/or ground water contamination caused by the release. A
report (Excavation Report and/or Remedial Investigation/Corrective Action Design (RI/CAD))
which details the results of the investigation or concludes that excavation was sufficient to clean
up the release must be submitted to this office within 10 months of the date of this letter. Please
refer to MPCA fact sheets for information pertaining to the amount of work needed at the
petroleum release site(s).
Sites with free product (free-floating petroleum), drinking water supply impacts, surface water
impacts, indoor vapor impacts, fire or explosion hazards, or ground water impacts which pose a
significant threat to public health or the environment, are considered high priority for staff
review. If one or more of these situations apply to your site, an RI/CAD report must be
submitted within 90 days. In addition, if you know or discover that there is free -product from a
well, excavation, or borehole, you must notify the MPCA within 24 hours and IMMEDIATELY
begin interim free product recovery.
If you have not already done so, the MPCA recommends that you hire a qualified consulting firm
registered with the Petrofund staff that has experience in conducting petroleum release site
investigations and in proposing and implementing appropriate corrective actions. A list of
registered contractors and consultants is available from the Petrofund staff. The MPCA reserves
the right to reject proposed corrective actions if the requirements of the site investigation have
not been fulfilled. Please note that, under Minn. R. 2890.0075, subp. 2, you must solicit a
minimum of two competitive proposals on a form prescribed by the Petro Board to ensure that
the consulting costs are reasonable. Questions about bidding requirements should be directed to
Petrofund staff.
Z-zb
Mr. Robert Melamed
Page 2
March 20, 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,
Jelil Abdella
Project Manager
Cleanup Unit III
Tanks and Emergency Response Section
JA:tf
Enclosures
cc: Laurie Ahrens, City Clerk, Plymouth
Richard Kline, Fire Chief, Plymouth
Greg Lie, Hennepin County Solid Waste Officer
Jerri Massengill, Nova Environmental Services
-Zc
Ir MUNICIPAL
LEGISLATIVE
IONUPDATE
a
UPDATE 1996-5
z WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1996
I . T
O SE AND SENATE OMNIBUS TAX BILL
SURVIVES FLOOR VOTES -
`�
COMES NOW IN CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The House Omnibus Tax Bill, authored by Representative Ann Rest (New Hope),
passed the House 104-29 on Thursday, March 7. The Senate Omnibus Tax Bill,
authored by Senator Doug Johnson (Cook), was discussed in the Senate on March
8 and March 11. The final vote was 37-26. Both bills are currently in conference
committee where little progress has been made to resolve the differences. The Tax
Conference Committee is comprised of the following legislators:
Senator Doug Johnson (Cook)
Senator Carol Flynn (Minneapolis)
Senator Sandy Pappas (St. Paul)
Senator John Hottinger (Mankato)
Senator Bill Belanger (Bloomington)
Representative Ann Rest (New Hope)
Representative Tom Bakk (Cook)
Representative Ted Winter (Fulda)
Representative Andy Dawkins (St. Paul)
Representative Kevin Goodno (Moorhead)
Major differences in the two bills that need to be resolved include:
Senator Doug Johnson (Cook) wants a property tax freeze for city and
county property taxes payable in 1997 with a 3% levy limit in 1998.
Senator Bill Belanger (Bloomington) and the House conferees oppose
this provision.
The House bill would offer additional property tax relief to owners of iZ
seasonal recreational property regardless of value. The Senate bill
only provides property tax relief on seasonal recreational property for
the first $72,000 of market value.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MLC Update is prepared by Robert O. Renner, Jr. and Jennifer J. Peterson
Messerll & Kromer P.A., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, St. Paul, JWV 66103
Telephone (612) 228.9757 Fax (612) 22&9787
T -2e
The Senate bill includes a 50 gas tax increase that would be
constitutionally dedicated to the Trunk Highway Fund and a 1/2¢
sales tax increase in the Seven -County Metropolitan Area to be used
for transit services. The sales tax for transit would replace the
current funding mechanism - property taxes. These provisions will
likely be removed from the Omnibus Tax Bill to be voted on
separately prior to the end of Session. .
Reductions in property tax classifications included in the House
Omnibus Tax Bill have not received much debate and will not likely
be enacted.
SENATE PROPERTY TAX FREEZE
DEBATED BY TAX CONFEREES
The Senate incorporated a property tax freeze for 1997 and a 3% levy limit for
1998 into the Omnibus Tax Bill on March 11 on a 56-6 vote. This provision has
not yet been resolved in the Tax Conference Committee. This controversial
provision would accomplish the following:
• Property taxes on individual parcels of property would not be allowed
to increase during 1997. They would be frozen at 1996 levels.
• An exception to this property tax freeze is made for market value
increases that occur due to new construction. However, cities. will not
be allowed to collect additional taxes due to market value increases
on existing real estate.
• Levies for debt service for obligations issued prior to August 1, 1996
shall be exempted from the freeze.
• Levies would be limited to either a 3% increase or the Implicit Price
Deflator (IPD), whichever is less, in 1998. At this time, the IPD is
projected to be less than 3% in 1998. This levy limit is included to
ensure that local units of government don't make up all lost 1997
revenues by increasing taxes more than 3% in 1998 (which just
happens to be an election year).
In 1999, property tax aids, the classification system, and fiscal
disparities are repealed. (Although school aids and LGA are
repealed, HACA is retained because of the concern held by some
legislators that they would be criticized for repealing the homestead
credit.) If no reform is adopted in 1997 or 1998 the current system is
automatically reinstated.
OPT -OUT LEGISLATION ADVANCES IN THE SENATE #I-ZC
Legislation sponsored by the Suburban Transit Association (STA) was amended
onto the Senate Omnibus Transportation Department Bill on Monday, March 18.
Senator Terry Johnston (Prior Lake) offered the STA provision that would allow
opt -out communities to levy and retain property taxes for replacement transit
programs. Should this legislation pass, 88% of the total transit levy would be
levied by the opt -out communities for local transit services. The Metropolitan �Xz
Council would levy 12% of the total transit levy to fund regional transit services.
The amendment passed on a 44-14 vote.
Representative Dan McElroy (Burnsville) attempted to incorporate the same
provision into the House Omnibus Tax Bill on March 7. The McElroy amendment
failed on a 65-68 vote, but the amendment will likely be offered again on the
House floor.
GAS TAX AMENDMENT FAILS ON HOUSE FLOOR
Representative Bernie Lieder (Crookston) offered an amendment to the Omnibus
Tax Bill on March 7 that would have increased the gas tax from 20¢ to 230 per
gallon on January 1, 1997 and to 250 on January 1, 1998. The amendment
created lively debate on the House floor, but failed to pass on a 41-92 vote.
BONDING BILL HEADS TO CONFERENCE COMHTTEE
The Omnibus Bonding Bill has passed both the House and Senate and is on its
way to conference committee. Conferees have not yet been named. Provisions
currently in one or both bills that may be of interest to MLC cities include:
• $750,000 in the House bill to be used for the South Metro Joint
Public Safety Training Facility. An amendment to increase this
amount to $2 million failed on the House floor. This provision is not
included in the Senate bill.
• $12.5 million in the House bill and $14.5 million in the Senate for the
800 megahertz regional public safety radio system.
• $375,000 in the House bill for road repair around the Minnesota
Zoological Gardens in Apple Valley. The Senate bill includes $10
million for debt relief on Discovery Bay, the zoo's marine education
center.
• $500,000 in the House Bonding Bill to fund the design, construction
and equipping of a K70 ski jump in the Hyland Hills/Bush Lake ski
area in Bloomington.
MAR 23 '96 01:52AM P.1
i
FRiDAYFAx Vol. 1, No. 10
A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities March 22, 3996
It's spring, but the freeze of `96 continues
Yes, we know that only seven
days ago FridayFax said that
the Tax Conference Committee
was wrapping up its work and that
last Friday was "your last chance
to ... register your opposition to
the property tax freeze"
Such is the legislative process.
The Committee did not finish
last weekend, and by Tuesday
night, negotiations on the
Omnibus Tax Bill broke down
completely after House Tax
Committee Chair Ann Rest offered
a motion that would have
effectively killed the property tax
freeze. The committee did not
meet Wednesday or Thursday,
and as of noon Friday, no future
committee meetings have been
scheduled.
The committee had been
making steady progress in
negotiating parts of the omnibus
bill, but became stuck on the tax
freeze and tax relief for cabin
owner,.
With the committee
deadlocked, speculation is now.
turning to possible compromise
solutions to the impasse. As the
list grows, so do the questions of
whether any of these solutions are
real possibilities.
One rumor includes a reversal
of the current proposal, and would
impose levy limits in 1997 and a
freeze effective in 1998. Another
would apply the freeze only to
property taxes on homes. Neither
of these alternatives appear any
more likely than the freeze itself.
One of the best alternatives
for cities may be no tax bill at all.
Other than a few city specific
provisions in the bill, most cities
wouldn't be affected if the bill isn't
adopted.
The key to the fate of the
freeze lies with the House DFL
caucus. On Thursday afternoon,
the House DFL and Republican
caucuses met privately to discuss
the freeze, House opponents
reportedly wanted to offer the
freeze as an amendment to a tax
technical bill, forcing a vote on the
issue.
Opponents hoped the
amendment would be defeated,
proving to the Senate the freeze
didn't have the necessary support
in the House. However, after the
caucuses met, it became clear
that if the amendment was offered
the freeze may have had enough
support to pass. As a result, the
amendment was never offered,
So enjoy your weekend, but
stay close to your phone and fax
machine on Monday. We may
need one last push by city officials
to defeat the property tax freeze
or to kill the entire bill,
Mail balloting bills would give cities
greater flexibility
Two election bills that would
make mail balloting easier are
finding favor with the legislature,
but will likely feel the wrath of the
Governor's veto pen.
HF 220 (Pogemiiler) would
require mailbox balloting in elec-
tions to fill midterm legislative
vacancies. Both the House and
Senate have approved versions of
the bill, and it appears that some
form of the bill will make it to the
Governor.
The second bill, SF 2283/HF
2101 (Stumpf/Tunheim) would
allow elections by mail in cities
outside the metropolitan area with
fewer than 1,000 registered
voters. Current law says only
cities with fewer than 400 regis-
tered voters can conduct elections
by mail.
The House approved the bill
earlier this week, and the Senate
is expected to act on it as early as
this afternoon.
Governor Carlson is report-
edly less than supportive of both
bills. League legislative policy
supports any initiative that gives
cities more flexibility and control
with local elections. A call to the
Governor's office in support of
these measures could improve
their chances of becoming law.
l -3a
2-3a
'I-3a
Yr. Fred Moore
Public Worts "Director
2400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, I"IN. 55447
Dear Itr. 7,'_oore
11R25 - 44 Avenue :`forth
Plymouth, 11111. 55442
March 20, 1995
SUBJECT: UFAR YARD Dl'.AINA.GE
Today is the first day of spring, and. my neifzhbors and I are anxious
to hear what the Engineering staff has designed to eliminate the
drain tile problem we've had for the past several years. Your last
letter, November 16, 1995, states that you are committed to resolve
this rear yard drainage situation this spring.
I'm sure many new problems have surfaced elsewhere around Plymouth
after our unusually long, hard winter, but I hope our mess receives top
priority since we've lived with it since 1984.
Please let rye hear from you in the next couple of weeks.
Very truly yours,
Althea 14. Blommel
cc: Wathy I,ueckert
Asst. City ",anager
r a
Yr. Fred Moore
Public Worts "Director
2400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, I"IN. 55447
Dear Itr. 7,'_oore
11R25 - 44 Avenue :`forth
Plymouth, 11111. 55442
March 20, 1995
SUBJECT: UFAR YARD Dl'.AINA.GE
Today is the first day of spring, and. my neifzhbors and I are anxious
to hear what the Engineering staff has designed to eliminate the
drain tile problem we've had for the past several years. Your last
letter, November 16, 1995, states that you are committed to resolve
this rear yard drainage situation this spring.
I'm sure many new problems have surfaced elsewhere around Plymouth
after our unusually long, hard winter, but I hope our mess receives top
priority since we've lived with it since 1984.
Please let rye hear from you in the next couple of weeks.
Very truly yours,
Althea 14. Blommel
cc: Wathy I,ueckert
Asst. City ",anager
1-3
March 15, 1996
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter because of a concern I have for
the planned changes for the Maple Dell park. Earlier
this winter we received a letter from Mark Peterson
informing us that the City of Plymouth was going to
renovate the park and that there were two plans
under consideration. One kept the park where it is
and the other one would put the park down in the
grassy area by the existing park. He asked us to let
him know our opinions. We live in the Fox Run
development and all of our neighbors were
vehemently opposed to anything going in the grassy
area, so my husband and a neighbor spent an
afternoon gathering over 30 family's signatures
asking to leave the grassy area the way it is. They
would have gotten many more if more people were at
home. There was not one person who turned down
signing this petition.
I called this past week to find out how the plans were
coming and what had been decided. Mark Peterson
told me that they were strongly considering putting
basketball courts in the grassy area. This upsets me
greatly. None of us want that grassy area touched. It
is enjoyed so much by so many people in its natural
state. He said that he had gotten so many
complaints about kids who use the basketball courts
taking over the playground that he thought it would be
a better idea to put them in the grassy area. He said
the Maple Dell people don't want the basketball
courts by them. Well, neither do we! They are a
noise nuisance and a trouble area. We have
neighbors who moved from another area and they
had to take down the basketball courts because they
were a magnet for problems. Now Mark Peterson
wants to put these courts in the woods. No one in
this whole area wants these courts. Everybody that
wants a basketball area already has one in their yard.
Why is it that a city employee who has a plan about
the way he wants a park to be have the decision over
the people who are paying for it and for whom it is to
serve. If no one wants the basketball courts in this
area, why would he insist on it? It is a unique area
that so many people want left to its own beauty.
There are owls, woodchucks, all kinds of birds and
wetlands in this area and if Mark Peterson insists on
following this plan through we will certainly get the
DNR involved.
don't think that anyone wants to hear the pounding
of basketballs that carry on for a long way every night
that they are sitting on their deck enjoying the
evening. I think if Mark Peterson had a $350,000
house and was paying $7800.00 in taxes a year that
he would'nt be putting one of these by his house. He
needs to listen to the people. They are telling him to
leave the area alone and he has his own agenda to
follow.
There are basketball courts already available at
Parker's Lake and at Oakwood if anyone really wants
to use a court.
Parking is also an issue. If his plan is followed
through our cul de sac could become his parking lot.
Once again affecting us greatly, but not him.
In closing, I think Mark Peterson needs to remember
that we are the people who will be using this area. If
all of us want that area left open, then he should want
to make plans according to taxpayers wishes, not his.
This is a beautiful, unique, wooded area that all the
residents want left the way it is. We need this over
basketball courts that will ruin our wonderful peace
we have there in the summer. Mark Peterson needs
to remember that we are the citizens and if we don't
want basketball courts there shouldn't be any. We
have many, many courts and not very many
unspoiled places such as this area. I ask that each of
you check on this and ask him why this area has to
be ruined. I didn't get one good reason from my
phone call with him, except that this is his plan for the
park. Not the taxpayers, but his. I ask that each of
you ask to see the petition that was signed by many
Fox Run residents asking to keep this beautiful area
the way it is. I ask that you please keep this area just
the way it is.
Sincerely,
Tarand Mondale-Leonard
2510 Yuma Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447
476-1508
cc:Joy Tierney
Erik Blank
David Anderson
Chuck Lymangood
Christian Preus
Mark Peterson
T--- 4a
March 19, 1996
Tarand Mondale-Leonard
2510 Yuma Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Ms. Mondale-Leonard:
CIN OF
PLYMOUTFF
I received your letter dated March 15 regarding Maple Creek Park, and I feel it is important that
I respond as quickly as possible, so that you have a clear understanding of the process we're
following. First, Mr. Peterson is a member of my staff, and he is following proper procedures
for gathering community input on possible changes to Maple Creek Park. As a staff member,
Mr. Peterson's role and responsibility is clearly defined, and he fully understands that it is not
his decision to determine the relocation of the basketball court. The City Council will make this
determination after they have received recommendations from the Park and Recreation Advi-
sory Commission. Mr. Peterson's responsibility is to provide the basic facts and research to
both the Park Commission and the City Council, so that they can, along with community input,
make a wise decision on all issues.
At this time, I believe there are three options available for the Park Commission and Council to
consider:
1. Not to replace the basketball court.
2. Choose a northerly location.
3. Choose the central location.
Once all of the pros and cons of each of these options are presented to the Park Commission
and City Council, I trust that they will make a decision that is in the best interest of the total
community. My staff will inform you of the dates and times when the Park Commission and City
Council will discuss this matter.
Thank you for your time and interest.
Sincerely,
Eric J. Blank, Director
Parks and Recreation
EB/np
cc: Mayor and Council
Mark Peterson
We Listen • We Solve • We Care
WILLIAM J. 'TOUREK
705 ALVARADO LN N
PLYMOUTH. MN 55447.3330
(V/ I
ae
/,O-� Gam/
From: Kathy Smith Fax: (612)9358850 Voice: (612)93688M4
March 20, 1996
Plymouth City Council
City Hall
Plymouth, MN
Dear Council members:
To: DWightJohnson, City Manager at: Plymouth City Offices Paye 2 o1`2 Wednesday, March 20,1996 9:36:55 AM
-4C,
Please accept this letter from me representing the Wayzata Community Church. I am
currently the Moderator of the church which among other things means I am Chairman of
the Church Council.
The purpose of this letter is to state our Church Council's opposition to the proposed
entrance and exit ramps to and from present Highway 394. Two of our church members
attended an informational meeting at Redeemer Lutheran Church last week at which a
representative from MnDot discussed the alternative plans they have for upgrading and/or
expanding 394 to the west. We have the sketches that were distributed at that meeting.
Our opposition is for at least two reasons. First, the plans indicate a taking of either
Redeemer property involving their parking lot or a taking of certain Wayata Community
Church property. We cannot and do not want to give up any property as we are already
cramped both for parking and for future building needs. Fortunately, as you know, we
have a long term lease with the school system to use some of their property for parking.
As our church grows, and it is growing dramatically, we will be needing facilities,
primarily for school rooms and meeting rooms. We cannot give up any land that we will
need in the future.
The second reason we are opposed is the significant increase in traffic that would be
generated by an interchange. Ferndale is predominately residential in nature. We not only
already find it difficult with the growth of our church to use the existing roads, but we
have concerns regarding the increased traffic around the area's schools.
We have been and intend to be good citizens as it relates to our involvement in the
community. The City Council has been very good to work with which we very much
appreciate. But we are very concerned about the proposal(s) that are under consideration
and felt it necessary to come forth with our strong opposition to the proposals. If we can
be of any service to you in this matter regarding further information, please do not hesitate
to call. We appreciate you attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Kathy Smith, Moderator
Wayzata Community Church
C R U M C O M P A N Y, 1 N C.
M A N U F A C T U R E R S R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1003 TWELVE OAKS CENTER 15500 WAYZATA BOULEVARD
WAYZATA, MINNESOTA 55391
Phone (612) 476-8400
March 19, 1996
Mayor Joy Tierney
PLYMOUTH COUNCIL
Dear Mayor Tierney:
Fax(612)476-8286
I am writing you today to express my opposition to the
proposed MNDOT interchange at Ferndale Road North and
Highway 12.
It is my understanding that this will be Item 6W on the
Council Meeting Agenda, Wednesday, March 20th.
I am in favor of resurfacing North Ferndale Road in 1997
versus 1998.
I have many reasons for my opposition to the proposed
Interchange at North Ferndale Road and Highway 12.
There was a meeting of home owners at Redeemer Lutheran
Church on March 7th, 1996. This was the first notice that
many of the residents were given of the proposed
Interchange. All of the residents at the March 7th meeting
were in opposition to the Ferndale North/Highway 12 Option.
We were told, by MNDOT Officials, that the Ferndale North/
12 Option was one option with the least opposition from
residents. It was also the less costly option. However, no
consideration was given to the fact that residents were not
informed until Thursday, March 7th. No consideration has
been given to other costs that would be incurred beyond the
actual construction of the proposed Interchange.
No study has been done with respect to the proximity.to the
Luce Line. What would be the Department of Natural
Resources opposition with respect to Wet Lands and Wet Lands
Runoff? There would be costs incurred by the State of
T - A-6
Minnesota for the Studies of Environmental Impact and
Wetland Runoff. There would be costs incurred by both
Churches. The Churches would lose their parking lots. Both
Churches have spent considerable amount of money improving
their building and grounds. Furthermore, there would be
extensive loss to the Wayzata Businesses in that the Hwy 12
Ferndale Road Interchange would bypass the Wayzata Business
area.
Also, I am in opposition to the Interchange because it would
offer the MNDOT a very easy detour option to detour traffic
around Highway 12 when they begin construction of the
Highway 12 expansion West of Wayzata. This detour would
cause serious disruption to the neighborhood. The traffic
along Ferndale Road, during construction of the 12 expansion
would involve moving heavy equipment, trucks and traffic of
all types coming from the West.
Finally, traffic currently eastbound on County Road 6 has
only one more mile to Highway 101, to hookup with Highway
12. This results in only a few more minutes of driving time
to get onto 394 for Eastbound Traffic into Minneapolis.
County Road 6 will easily accommodate any additional
Eastbound Traffic until Highway 12 expansion is completed.
I trust you will take my comments seriously. Please, as our
Government Representative, express your opposition to the
decision makers involved in these proposals.
incerely,
M' �1 J. usyn ��-
855 Brockton Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Home Phone (612)473-3674
Work Phone (612)476-8400
MB/cp