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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 03-08-1996.• ia MARCH 8,199 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE: MARCH 13 7:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING • Wetland Mitigation for the Recreational sports complex • Zoning Text Amendments for the City Center Districts • Zoning Map Amendments • Revocation of Plymouth Hills MPUD 78-2 • Site Plan Approval for Temporary Sales Office, Life Time Fitness City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level MARCH 20 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level 2. NORTHWEST SUBURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GENERAL MEMBER- SHIP MEETING. TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 7:30 A.M. Hosted by Len Busch Roses, Inc., 4045 County Road 101. RSVP to Chamber at 478-2054. (1VI-2) 3. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 7:00 P.M., Hadley Lake Room, lower level. Agenda is attached. (M-3) 4. PLANNING COMMISSION. TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 7:00 P.M., Lunchroom, lower level. Agenda is attached. (M-4) CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO March 7, 1996 Page 2 5. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONTRACT WITH LIFE TIME FITNESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 5:30 P.M., Medicine Lake Room, upper level. 6. PRAC, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 7:00 P.M., Mooney Lake Room, upper level. (M-6) 7. MEETING ON PROPOSED EAST MEDICINE LAKE TRAIL, MONDAY, MARCH 18, 7:00 P.M., Armstrong High School cafeteria. The attached notice was mailed to 1,200 residents. (M-7) 8. TWIN WEST "STATE OF THE CITY" -- COFFEE BREAK, TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 7:30 A.M., Plymouth Community Library. The City of Plymouth hosts the Twin West Coffee Break. Mayor Tierney will present a " State of the City" address, and Twin West members will have the opportunity to learn about upcoming City programs and activities planned for 1996. Councilmembers and staff are encouraged to attend. 9. MEETING CALENDARS - The March, April and May meeting calendars are attached. (M-9) 7L:;:0::O::t:T�::��k':R��f�Y:►l:::::::j:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::i::::::i::::::::i:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::22:::::i::::5:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::i::::::::::i::::::::::::i::`` :' :"::: 1. MEETING MINUTES a. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, February 8, 1996. (I -la) b. Environmental Quality Committee, February 13, 1996. (1-1b) 2. LMC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS - MUNICIPAL FINANCE AND GOVERNING. Information attached; call Laurie or Kurt to register. (I-2) 3. MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION UPDATE. MLC Update on legislation relating to tobacco regulations, transit and gas tax, municipal planning, and omnibus tax bills. (1-3) 4. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS POLICY - CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from Dr. David R. Widdifield of Apple Valley expressing concerns about transportation facilities for the handicapped in Plymouth. The response from John Sweeney is also attached. (I -4a) b. Letter from Ryan Carney, Boy Scout Troop 537, regarding the condition of County Road 101 between Highway 55 and County Road 24. The response from Fred Moore is also attached. (I -4b) c. Letter from John S. Hay regarding the City's policy on solicitors and peddlers. The response from Craig Gerdes is also attached. (I -4c) A status report on correspondence is attached. (I-4) *. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO March 7, 1996 Page 3 5. CORRESPONDENCE a. Letter from Hennepin County Commissioner Penny Steele announcing property tax reform town meetings. (I -5a) b. Letter from Lundgren Bros. donating $500 to the City of Plymouth Park and Recreation Department to be used toward youth programs. Response from staff also attached. (I -5b) Dwight Johnson City Manager ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING Plymouth City Hall Tuesday, March 12, 1996 Meeting No. 47 7:00 p.m. AGENDA 7:00 Call to Order 7:05 Approval of Minutes as Received 7:10 Announcements & Visitor Recognition 7:15 Old Business • Update of Surface Water Management Plan • Evaluation & Review of The Environmental Fair a) Attendance b) Citizens Questions & Concerns c) Future plans for such event • Reactions on material for EQC use • Go over next article for Plymouth News 8:00 New Business • Report on NSP meeting regarding foliage removal - Lara Gens • Sub -committee report on: a) EQC plan or work `96 b) Involvement in Arbor Day c) Other event attendance (Global Action Plan) • Review and Approval of the written submission of Plymouth's most recent environment programs to the Greater Minnesota Green Up Award - David Shea 8:45 Assignment of Sustainable Community booklets to committee member for future reporting. 9:00 General Discussion 9:15 Adjourn G:\ENG%W CRQ LTY\M QdUf ESIAGEN3-12.DOC rp) PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1996 WHERE: Plymouth City Center 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 CITY CENTER LUNCHROOM (Lower Level) CONSENT AGENDA All items listed with an asterisk (*) are considered to be routine by the Planning Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Commissioner, citizen or petitioner so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in normal sequence on the agenda. 1. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M. •1: •:Jul " ; • • 311t2111101.1 A. City of Plymouth. Site Plan to relocate existing amphitheater to a site immediately north of the City offices. (96016) B. Life Time Fitness. Site Plan for a Temporary Sales Office facility to be located on the northwest corner of the Cub Foods Store. (96026) A. Carlson Real Estate Company. 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. (95008) B. KHCD II, Inc. for Kinderberry Hill. Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for an 11,600 square -foot child development center located southwest of Cheshire Lane and Carlson Parkway. (96007) C. City of Plymouth/Life Time Sports Complex. 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. (96003) D. City of Plymouth. 1996-2000 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. (96008) E. Entry One, Inc. Conditional Use Permit to allow the existing home at 10440 Rockford Road to be legally used as a duplex. The property is zoned R-4 (High Density Multiple Residence District). (96012) 7. OTHER BUSINESS MINES ►1 A : 1►1 Finalize schedule for the update of the City's Zoning Ordinance. Regular Meeting of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission March 14, 1996, 7 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Visitor Presentations a. Athletic Associations b. Staff c. Others 4. Report on Past Council Action a. Approved Annual Report and 1996 Work Plan b. Approved Facility Rental Fees and Policies 5. Unfinished Business a. Review ice arena/pool complex b. West Medicine Lake Park update c. Open spaces update d. Playfield/highschool update e. Senior citizen needs analysis update f. Continue golf course discussion 6. New Business a. Request from Armstrong Baseball and Softball for funding b. C. 7. Commission Presentation 8. Staff Communication 9. Adjourn Next regular meeting - April 11 M-4, February 1996 Dear Resident, I QA 211, CITY OF PLYMOUTR M-� The City of Plymouth, in cooperation with Hennepin Parks, is in the process of studying the possible development of a Hennepin Parks Regional Trail from the cul- de-sac at 36th Avenue and French Park, down the east side of Medicine Lake, and around the south shore of Medicine Lake to connect with the trail on West Medicine Lake Drive. The Park District and the City of Plymouth have contracted with the consulting firm of SRF to prepare a preliminary study of this trail corridor. A map is enclosed for your information. The consultants have completed their first phase of work, and we would now like to invite citizen review and comment on the proposed trail development. We have scheduled a meeting for Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m., in the Armstrong High School cafeteria. If the concept of a completed trail loop around Medicine Lake is of interest to you, please make every effort to attend this meeting. It is important that we receive your comments on these ideas, so that any changes can be made at the very earliest stage of the planning process. We anticipate that this meeting will last approximately 90 minutes. Thank you for your time and interest in this matter. Sincerely, e'l, 6 &'<f Eric J. Blank, Director Parks and Recreation EB/np enclosure cc: Mayor and Council Superintendent of Hennepin Parks Hennepin Parks Board 3400 PLYMOUTH BOULEVARD, PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447 TELEPHONE (612) 509-5000 1 • "i— 7 NO 9 i' i. � ND R � C � AvC M :. i' •" • ZJ f J � �' i yi •u M1� j C, "' Y �o J LOS ! Z I S T W AI O sMOT o` nor L .4 KE V > > Tc r N A OL14 S F.I 1 f r ATT OLIVET ' J I N + A N f LUTN CH �` W ST JOSEPH ) < 79 H CH. y C W x Ilial a ro T' N CurrON E FRENCH ■ s 7 LC,pGI t i44 `, F t ,i T TM ! r Y Av : w, REGIONAL F y v� W < P AVE %O W PARK FL NONTH t t J 2 ))t« r RMSTRONG l ■ PLYMOUTH 36 l J SR HIGH yy NO SC -COL 1 j ow .� 7 O < V Za+o J!4T O10 Z ♦ TH AVE. — W ^X )AK Q ` ` D f M 4L ��}r r I N = Av . N u w T , - - �RH = 31 23- t'urH .2 o sT OWE A Z r d Y ,TN AVE <l J t� T J �� J J TN A AVE TM a c v a a >> ; s s tT MED/C/NE :TTN U N WY O v Y Y TM CN. e< 3 t 6 4c E. r 2E dAV _ \ Qc4E, _ 2S TM AV I S 24 IN AVENO.l F "Av � LA KE � • u ♦ a r A'I t � #4 4 I INDUST IAL r&PK BLVD. 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PM #1 , � � M � w©2!& e.=®; 00 §\ ° @� \2£ }\ )\ ))\ �\ )} 00 \)- \/)ƒ\ \ 00 )j\\\ > /\\ E[f3k M ° O }� f`af/ /�M / N ) \7 § \§ G/ }({ e zoE <2§ �§) `- y!f)�| �±§ � 00 N ES: m 000 q O /\: N 0 ) § /(00 --�- \� ? / U.3 e 9 \�)_ � /fie /t■ :F )u4 M [ .. \. i\ \ � 0 N N / § m 00 � � N � is M CIA M � 2= §] _ 2 § \ §$$ 2 - /� Q/a /§§,3 K »� / ƒ � !`6Z N N � / k 2}§ / /\§ §- t \§\ CNI ƒQa - - - \� �§ \ ƒ .ƒ \\ 2 `� _t: § Eu \{ - ƒ&^a/; N Minutes of the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting February 8, 1996 Page 7 Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Fiemann, Johnson, Thompson, Wahl and Willegalle; Councilman Wold; staff Bisek, Blank and Pederson Absent: Commissioner Priebe 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Anderson called the February meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Mooney Lake Room. Director Blank introduced Kathleen Thompson, explaining that she has replaced Commissioner Bildsoe, who was appointed to the Planning Commission. A motion was made and seconded to reappoint Don Anderson as the Chair and Mark Wahl as the Vice Chair of the Park Commission for 1996. The motion carried with all ayes. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Fiemann to approve the minutes of the January meeting as presented. The motion carried with all ayes. 3. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. Athletic Associations. None were present. b. Staff. Mary Bisek announced that registration for spring classes began on Feb. 8, and that some classes were already full, or close to filling after just the first day. She stated that the City is part of a group called CONECT Collaborative, which was formed to provide services to low-income apartment dwellers. As part of this project, we are offering swimming lessons to some residents using the pool in their apartment complex. A long-term project being studied now is inter -active phone registration, a customer service the City would like to offer in the future. Recreation Supervisor Karol Greupner is working with a new arts committee that will help with the fall arts festival. Mary stated that the group is looking for new members, so if the commissioners are interested or know of others who might be, they should get in touch with Karol. Work has begun on the `96 History Fest, which is scheduled for August 10. PRAC Minutes/February 1996 Page 8 Z 161_1 Commissioner Johnson asked about the financial implications of cancelling Fire and Ice. Mary stated that the decision to cancel was made early enough to cancel performers and donations of food items. A couple performers asked for half their fee but said they would apply it to next year's performance. The makings for s'mores had already been purchased, so the unopened graham crackers and marshmallows were donated to the Food Shelf, and the candy bars will be sold to City employees. The fireworks company wanted half their fee also, and Mary said that part of the event was handled by the Civic League, and she was informed that it had been taken care of. c. Others. None. 4. PAST COUNCIL ACTION There was nothing to report on this item. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. Review ice arena/pool complex. Director Blank reviewed the results of the special election and explained that it passed by a 3 to 1 margin. He also indicated that the voter turnout was about the same as for the November election and slightly less than the open space election. He stated that meetings with the architect have been held almost on a daily basis and that work on the project will continue to move along at an extremely fast pace. One project that needs to get done quickly is the relocation of the amphitheater for Music in Plymouth, which must be ready by July 2. The re- design of the site is going to the Planning Commission for a public hearing this month. Director Blank then reviewed the latest architectural drawings for the Life Time Fitness Club and the ice arena. He stated that this Life Time Club will have one of the largest child care centers in it of any of the other clubs. He described the layout of the club and what would be located on each floor, cautioning that these are preliminary plans and could likely change. Next he reviewed the ice arena plans and stated that these plans were posing some challenges, due to the fact that the arena's locker facilities must be designed for both male and female athletes. He explained that the second, smaller rink may be ice only five months out of the year, and the rest of the time could be used for other events, such as in-line skating, flea markets, extra gym space, etc. The large Olympic size rink will have seating for 3,200 and the smaller rink could seat up to 1,000. There will be areas set aside for accommodating spectators with wheelchairs. There's also a special area designed for cable equipment to set up for purposes of televising events. There will be storage areas underneath the walkways that could be used by youth athletic associations for things like storing soccer and baseball PRAC Minutes/February 1996 Page 9 equipment, etc. He explained that the locker facilities are not large enough to accommodate both the Wayzata High School's boys' and girls' hockey teams at the same time. One year the boys will be using the facilities, while the girls use the high school's arena, and the next year, they would trade places. Director Blank informed PRAC that the entire site package which includes the ice arena, Life Time Fitness facilities and pools, has to be submitted to the City by Friday, February 16, in order to stay on schedule, so that construction could begin by April 1. Director Blank added that there are only four manufacturers of steel trusses, and they are about four months behind in production. He stated that he would like to have the ice arena open by December or early next January. He plans to put together a job description for an ice arena manager, so the position could be filled by July 1. He is hoping that the first event in the new arena could be a game between Wayzata Hockey and Armstrong Hockey, which could bring spectators from all over Plymouth and pretty much fill the arena. Commissioners asked when Life Time expected to open. Director Blank responded that they are hoping to be open by November 1, but the City's agreement with them states that they cannot open until the ice arena opens. Since they are the construction managers for the entire project, they will move as quickly as possible to get the project completed. Commissioners asked what happens if Life Time chooses not to build on this site. Director Blank said that we would still construct the ice arena, but he wasn't sure how the pool situation would be handled. b. West Medicine Lake Park update. Construction has stopped for the winter. The surcharge on the road is going slowly and taking longer than planned. The consultant will be attending a PRAC meeting in the next month or two to begin looking at phase two of the project. C. Open spaces update. Director Blank said that a deal has been reached with two of the owners, one for $145,000 and the other for $150,000. The third owner is still asking $1.4 million for his piece which is situated in the middle of the other two. d. Playfield high school update. The high school building is under design now. The outdoor grounds package will be out for bid in mid-March, and the budget for this portion is $1.6 million. Director Blank stated that the City did some restructuring of its tax increment fund and is giving $700,000 to the School District for two gym stations which were dropped from the plan due to limited District funds. /41-1 PRAC Minutes/February 1996 Page 10 e. Senior citizen needs analysis update. A draft of the report was sent out to members of the sub -committee for their review. A final report will be put together in the next few days and will be sent to the Youth Sports Task Force for their review, from there to PRAC and then to the City Council. f. Continue golf course discussion. No new information was available. 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Update on proposal from Plymouth -Wayzata Youth Baseball to place signs on outfield fences. Staff researched eight other communities and discovered that none of them allows outdoor advertising. In addition, our City ordinance does not permit it either. When asked if it was okay to do short term advertising, Director Blank said that it was allowed up to ten days prior to the event. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILLEGALLE DIRECTING STAFF TO CONTACT MR. JENSEN AND INFORM HIM OF THE CITY'S ORDINANCE ON OUTDOOR ADVERTISING. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. b. Approve annual report and 1996 work plan. Director Blank reviewed the 1996 work plan which includes developing a plan of action to save one or more of the private golf courses in Plymouth from development; designing and constructing a park in northeast Plymouth in the Cardinal Ridge area; working in cooperation to develop a new playground at Greenwood Elementary School; the completion of phase one of West Medicine Lake Park and the start of phase two; the ongoing review and updating of the City's comprehensive trail system plan; including planning for a pedestrian bridge across 494 at County Road 9, for which the City has been notified that they will receive a grant in 1999; review of operational rules and regulations for the newly acquired open space, working with the Planning Commission on planning northwest Plymouth, developing recommendations on a scholarship program for low-income residents to use the ice arena and Life Time Fitness swimming pool facilities; and working with seniors toward the goal of building an activity center to meet their needs. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FIEMANN AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WAHL TO APPROVE THE 1995 ANNUAL REPORT AND 1996 WORK PLAN, AND FORWARD IT TO THE CITY COUNCIL, WITH ONE CHANGE IN ITEM 8 OF THE WORK PLAN, DROPPING THE WORDS "PENDING THE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION ON FEBRUARY 6". THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. PRAC Minutes/February 1996 Page 11 c. Facility Rental Fees and Policies. Director Blank briefly reviewed the proposed fees and policies for renting park facilities in 1996 and explained that staff is recommending keeping the fees the same as in 1995. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WAHL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON ACCEPTING THE 1996 PARK RENTAL FEES AND POLICIES AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ALL AYES. 7. COMMISSION PRESENTATION None. 8. STAFF COMMUNICATION None. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE Meeting no. 46 Tuesday, February 13th, 1996 7:00 p.m. Present: Members: Bridget Jodell, Paul Liebman, David Shea, Mary McKee, Bob Swanson, Martin Frank, Rita O'Donnell Council Member: Ginny Black Staff Ex -officio: Shane Missaghi, Dan Faulkner Absent: None Others present: Mark Lobermeier, Project Manager, SEH, Inc. Roger Clay, Plymouth city resident Welcome to all our new members! Everyone gave self introductions to help orient our new members. OLD BUSINESS Update on the Surface Water Management Plan Mark reported that the first two phases of the plan are well underway. A mission statement has been formulated and a public informational meeting has been scheduled. In addition, analysis of past records and reports is in progress, as well as drainage maps. It was mentioned by the committee that physical lake analysis should take place prior to the spring rains. A concern was also brought forward about the amount of salt and sand that has been used this past winter could potentially affect the analysis. City council approval of 1996 EQC work plan The 1996 work plan was adopted by the council without comment. Ginny Black did report that the council has also set goals for 1996 concerning the environment. She mentioned water restrictions, erosion control ordinance, a potential landscaping ordinance. Informational meeting on the Water Management Plan All committee members were encouraged to attend the upcoming environmental fair. Mary McKee reported on the results of the poster contest judging that was held earlier in the day. All posters, winners and all, will be displayed at the environmental fair. NEW BUSINESS Newsletter article Shane questioned if a newsletter article is needed at this time. SEH, mentioned submitting an upcoming article either about other communities' water action plans or a rewrite of a Star -Tribune article. This article was about water runoff from new developments. Page 1 of 2 EQC Minutes 1996 events ... how will the EQC be involved? It was suggested that the EQC needs to think ahead about how this committee will fit into 1996 events. Some ideas presented: fertilizer sale, Earth Day, and neighborhood meetings. It was mentioned that a brainstorming session could be held to help gather ideas. Election of new Environmental committee Chairperson After some discussion and recommendations, it was the final decision of the committee to share the chair responsibilities. It was decided that all would take a two month stint as chair. A motion was made and the committee approved this plan. General discussion David Shea brought a copy of the recently distributed "Recylopedia". He would like to note the committee's appreciation of the development and distribution of this environmentally helpful booklet to the City's residents. David also mentioned that earlier in the day, NSP held a meeting on clear -cutting. Rather than clear - cutting, NSP decided herbicides would be used instead. David recommended following up on the specifics of this meeting and discuss at a later date. David also distributed a memo to the committee concerning the "Great Minnesota Green -up". The Great Minnesota Clean -Up challenges communities to become involved with activities that enhance and protect their local environment. The committee decided to take David's recommendation under further discussion at the March 1st subcommittee meeting. The subcommittee members are: Ginny Black, Mary McKee, Shane Missaghi, and David Shea. The committee also made and approved a motion for David to write a brief highlight report of the City's past environmental accomplishments and submit to Minnesota Green -Up. Bridget also distributed a notice of an upcoming Association of Medicine Lake Area Citizens meeting scheduled for February 20th. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08. Minutes submitted by Kathleen Reagen Page 2 of 2 EQC Minutes LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PRESENTS ... `7— Two lea&nhip Insfituk Ceififiade Ngaw L Municipal Finance Workshop For Elected Officials (4 credits) FRIDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 29, 1996 ♦ SHERATON INN MIDWAY, ST. PAUL As an elected official, you must make a variety of financial decisions that will have important consequences for your city. This workshop will give you an understanding of what you should look for in your city's latest financial report, what fiscal policies your city should have in place, how to identify potential problems, what to consider in financing decisions, political realities and much more! PROGRAM SCHEDULE 12:30 p.m. Final Registration and Coffee 1:00 Context: The Current Financial Situation for Cities; Role of Elected Officials Coral Houle, Mayor, Bloomington Understanding Your City's Financial Picture • Budgets and Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs) Robert T autges, CPA, Tautges, Redpath & Co. Coral Houle, Mayor, Bloomington 3:10 Financing Essentials • Financing Philosophy • Determining Financing Methods; Types of Debt • The Bond Financing Process David MacGillivray, Principal, Director of Project Management, Springsted Public Advisors Kathy Aho, Principal, Director of the Structured Finance Division, Springsted Public Advisors Coral Houle, Mayor, Bloomington 4:30 Specific Topics—Presentations and In -Depth Roundtable Discussions (choose one) A. Budgeting Approaches D. Financing Municipal Ice Arenas B. Financing Municipal Buildings E. Financing Housing Projects Through Municipalities C. Financing Municipal Golf Courses F. Utilizing Tax Increment Financing G. Financing Municipal Public Utility Improvements • How do you decide whether to proceed with a specific project? • What tools are available? • What works; what doesn't? Finance expert and city official teams 5:30 Adjourn --------------- REGISTRATION FORM—LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAMS MARCH 29-30, 1996 Register today! Space limited to first 1001 Name Title City Population Day phone( ) I Address I (street) (city) (state) (zip) Attendance, Date and Fee (please check appropriate box) Date Advance Registration After March 14 0 I. Municipal Finance Workshop for Elected Officials March 29, 1996 $ 45 $ 55 II. Governing Your City: Beyond the Basics March 29-30,1996 $125 $135 Q Both workshops March 29-30, 1996 $150 $170 If attending the Municipal Finance Workshop please circle your If attending the Governing Your City: Beyond the Basics choice of presentation and roundtable discussion: conference please indicate current issues you would like to discuss: A B C D E F G Payment options (please check one) Enclosed is my check $ payable to the League of Minnesota Cities in the amount of $ Q Please invoice me at the above address I Return this form to the Finance Department, League of Minnesota Cities, 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103. (612) 281- 1200, (800) 925-1122, Fax (612) 281-1299. Special needs: If you are disabled and require special services or transportation, or if you have special dietary needs, please attach a Lwritten description to this registration form. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -J Page 8 LMC Cities Bulletin ll. Governing Your City: Beyond the Basics (10 credits) (Foundations Course for Experienced Elected Officials) FRIDAY EVENING AND SATURDAY, MARCH 29-30, 1996 ♦ SHERATON INN MIDWAY, ST. PAUL Been There? Done That? If you've been in elected office for a while, perhaps you feel that you've got things well in hand. More than likely, however, things have kept changing just enough to "keep you on your toes. " This program is for you if... ♦ You still have a few questions or ♦ You'd like to enhance the abilities needed to accomplish your agenda or ♦ You'd like to make sure you haven't missed something along the way or ♦ You'd like to participate in the League's new Leadership Institute Certificate Program or ♦ All of the above! Friday, March 29, 1996 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 5:45 p.m. Dinner 7:00 Welcome Update on the League of Minnesota Cities and the Leadership Institute 7:15 - 8:30 Unfamiliar Terrain: How Recent Land Use Decisions and Laws Could Affect Your City Desyl Peterson, City Attorney, Minnetonka 8:30 - 9:30 Table Talk: Networking on current issues Based upon information provided on the registration form, topics will be identified for small group discussion. Saturday, March 30, 1996 7:30 a.m. Coffee and Rolls 8:00 Working with Elected Colleagues and Staff. Group Dynamics in the Public Spotlight • Understanding Individual Styles • Communications: What Works, What Doesn't • Resolving Conflict Includes videotape and simulation as a framework for understanding how to apply the concepts discussed. Carl Aeu, Former Councilmember and Council President, Lakewood, Colorado; Principal, Neu and Company 12:00 noon Lunch 1:00 P.M. Governing Your City: Real Life Scenarios Designed to Enhance Your Skills in Three Key Areas of Responsibility: Internal Operations Evaluating Your Chief Administrative Staff External Relationships: Merging Specific Services with Another Jurisdiction Polity development: Making Ethical Decisions Format: • Presentation and participant discussion of three vignettes (based on actual situations) • A panel of experts provides technical, political, and process perspectives—discussing principles involved, issues to consider, and various approaches Featuring experienced elected officials and practitioners, content experts, Carl Aeu 3:50 Wrap-up — Local Headlines: Taking Your Key Messages Home • Small group exercise enables participants to recap the key learnings of the day 4:30 Adjourn -------------------------------- HOUSING FORM—LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAMS Name MARCH 29-30, 1996 City Title Address Day phone( ) (street) (city) (state) (Zip) I Reservation cut-off date March 14, 1996 Arrival date/time Departure date/time Check in time 3:00 p.m. Check out time 12:00 noon Special reduced rates for members only _ $74 single or double Smoking Non-smoking I will arrive after 4:00 p.m. Please guarantee the reservation with: Phone ( ) (Credit Card) Name, Number and Expiration Date Make check payable and mail to: Sheraton Inn Midway, 400 N. Han -dine, St. Paul, MN 55104, (612) 642-1234 LESpecial Housing Request: If you have special housing needs, e.g. wheelchair accessible room etc. please attach a written description to this housing form. March 1. 1996------------------------------------J ,NUNICIPAL ;LEGI�LATI�7E ■ ; l'Y11�' A A'x( TCC- U`0 UPDATE 1996-3 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1996 DAILY FLOOR SESSIONS BEGIN On February 26 both the House and Senate began focusing on floor sessions rather than committees hearings. Both legislative chambers have been meeting daily during the afternoons and evenings. The Finance, Capital Investment, Rules and Ways and Means committees in their respective bodies are still hearing legislation that met previous deadlines. The House Tax Committee held its final hearing today and the Senate Tax Committee will likely wrap up its business tomorrow. Committees still in operation are also putting the final touches on Omnibus bills moving them to the floor at a fairly quick pace. Governor Carlson has begun acting upon legislation. So far this Session, the governor has signed 14 bills into law, most of which were relatively uncontroversial in nature. STATE PREEMPTION OVER TOBACCO ORDINANCES DEFEATED ON HOUSE FLOOR Legislation that would toughen tobacco laws was discussed in the House on Tuesday, February 27. Senate File 558, which passed the Senate last year, was amended in the Business Regulation Division of the House Commerce, Tourism and Consumer Affairs Committee to include language that would prohibit local units of government from passing tobacco ordinances that are stronger than state law. This preemption provision was added as a compromise with the retail and tobacco lobbies, but was opposed by anti-smoking groups and local units of government. On the House floor, Representative Ann Rest (New Hope) offered an amendment that would delete the controversial preemption language. During the lengthy debate the House author, Representative Loren Jennings (Harris), stated that he would withdraw the bill if the preemption language was removed. Representative Rest's amendment passed the House on a 76-54 roll -call vote. Following passage of Representative Rest's amendment, Representative Jennings requested that Senate File 558 be removed from consideration and returned to General Orders, The MLC Update is prepared by Robert C. Renner, Jr. and Jennifer J. Peterson Messerli & Kramer P.A., 145 University Avenue West, Suite 450, St. Paul, MN 55103 Telephone (612) 228-9757 Fax (612) 228-9787 1/2 CENT SALES TAX INCREASE FOR TRANSIT AND GAS TAX INCREASE INCLUDED IN SENATE OMNI BUS TAX LEGISLATION A provision that would change the funding base for transit in the Metropolitan Area from property taxes to a 1/2 cent sales tax (an increase in the metropolitan area sales tax to 7 percent) was approved for inclusion in the Senate Omnibus Tax bill on Tuesday, February 27. This provision, sponsored by Senator Carol Flynn (Minneapolis) also included a five -cent gas tax increase that would be dedicated, as required by the Minnesota Constitution, to the trunk highway fund. Senator Flynn's proposal also included language that would guarantee opt -out communities funding for transit in an amount equal to what was received from property taxes payable in 1996. Senator Ed Oliver (Deephaven) offered an amendment to Senator Flynn's proposal in the Senate Tax Committee on Thursday, February 29. This amendment would have indexed payments from the sales tax to opt -out communities. The index would be based on the average percentage increase in total market value in the opt out communities. The Oliver amendment failed on a tie (9-9) vote. The Senate Omnibus Tax bill passed the Senate Tax Committee on a voice vote at 12:30 a.m. on March 5. It will be debated on the Senate floor later this week or early next week. A comparison of the Senate and House Omnibus Tax bills is included as a separate topic in this MLC Update. The House has not adopted language that would shift transit funding to a sales tax, but a bill that would increase the gas tax by five cents is moving through the committee process. Also included in the House gas tax increase proposal is a constitutional amendment, to be voted on at the November general election, that would allow a portion of the motor vehicle excise tax to be used for transit funding. MUNICIPAL PLANNING LEGISLATION ADVANCES IN HOUSE AND SENATE Legislation that would require a sustainable development planning guide and a model ordinance to be developed for local government use by the Office of Strategic and Long -Range Planning is moving through the legislature. This legislation, House File 1800/Senate File 1655, defines sustainable development as "development of land and water areas that minimize environmental degradation while providing economic opportunity and community well-being so that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." �i_ Provisions of both the House and Senate versions of this legislation include: The Office of Strategic and Long -Range Planning must prepare this sustainable development planning guide by April 1, 1997. The guide must be made available to local units of government within the state. • The Office of Strategic and Long -Range Planning must also prepare a model ordinance to guide sustainable development. • The model ordinance must specify the technical and administrative procedures to guide sustainable development. • When adopted by a local unit of government, the model ordinance is the minimum regulation to guide sustainable development that may be adopted. • The Office of Strategic and Long -Range Planning must review the model ordinance and its use with local units of government to ensure its continued applicability and relevance. The House version of this legislation includes a section regarding the principles of sustainable development. These principles include: • Primary consideration must be given to the needs of future generations when deciding on actions today. • All units of government, and corporate and private citizens have a responsibility to help sustain a healthy community, economy, and environment. • A sustainable society requires opportunities for meaningful employment and participation in all decisions that affect one's quality of life. • Social, economic and natural systems are interdependent and our well-being depends on the health of these systems. • Social, economic and biological diversity contributes to society's stability and long-term sustainability. • A sustainable supply of energy and other natural resources requires efficient resource use, including the reuse and recycling of resources, and development of market-based incentives to reduce resource consumption and waste. Clear goals and measurable indicators must be developed and applied to public policy decisions and actions to ensure sustainable development. The House legislation also includes a section regarding reports that must be submitted to the Environmental Quality Board by October 15, 1996. These reports should show how the mission and programs of the department, agency, or board reflect and implement the state sustainable development principles, or how the mission and programs could be changed to do so. Both the House and Senate bills have passed all necessary committees and are on General Orders in their respective chambers. HOUSE AND SENATE OMNIBUS TAX BILLS ADVANCE TO THE FLOOR The Omnibus Tax bills in both the House and Senate are awaiting action on the floor of each body. The House is expected to take action on Thursday, March 7. The Senate will most likely debate this bill on the floor on Friday, March 8. After the Omnibus bill clears both floors, it will be discussed by a ten member conference committee which will commence action next week. The House and Senate versions are significantly different. The comparison below will outline some of the highlights of each bill and the differences between them. SENATE TAX BILL HOUSE TAX BELL PROPERTY -Reduces commercial -Reduces classification rates TAXES ON industrial classification rates on homes, Commercial , HOMES AND from 4.6% to 4.0 %$ Industrial and farms by BUSINESSES apartment rates from 3.4% to about 5%. Homes are 2.5%, non -homestead single reduced to .95% on the first family residential from 2.3% $72,000 and 1.90% on the to 1.0% on first $72,000; no excess rate reductions on homesteads PROPERTY TAXES ON -Reduces cabin taxes to 1.5% -Reduces cabin taxes from CABINS on the first $72,000 over five 1.8% on the first $72,000 to years; no reduction on value 1.5% and from 2.5% to 2% over $72,000 on the excess GAS TAX •Increases the gas tax 5¢ per -No provision gallon SENATE TAX BILL HOUSE TAX BILL SALES TAX -Eliminates the sales tax on -Phase out of the sales tax capital equipment after June on capital equipment 30, 1997 eliminated after June 30, 1999 Increases the metro sales tax No provision by V2 cent to replace the property tax levy for transit Extends the sales tax to new No provision clothing which raises $280 annually; provides for a $50 million sales tax credit for low income individuals LGA •Increases the state LGA -No provision appropriation by $50 million; eliminates the grandfather HACA -Eliminates city and township 'No provision HACA SCHOOL -Reduces property taxes paid -No provision PROPERTY to schools by $400 million by TAXES increasing the state share of funding from 60% to 67% -No provision CIRCUIT •Increases circuit breaker BREAKER payments for homeowners and renters by $170 million; increases maximum refund amount and income limits -No provision LEVY LIMITS -Limits increases in levy plus aids to 3.5% per year. If the increase is greater, the entire levy increase will be spread on market value -No provision BUSINESS -Raises $235 million per year ACTIVITY by imposing a 1.5% tax on TAX business wages plus profits. Exempts first $500,000 from business activity tax. j5—,5 JJPjjp:7083_1.W51e SENATE TAX BILL HOUSE TAX BILL CONST. -Requires voters to approve -No provision AMENDMENT the concept that 2/3 of school funding must come from non - property tax revenues; all tax changes outlined above would become effective only if the voters approve the constitutional amendment FISCAL -Creates a fiscal disparities -Same DISPARITIES program for the taconite relief FOR THE area modeled after the metro IRON RANGE fiscal disparities act JJPjjp:7083_1.W51e 14655 Galaxie Ave. Apple Valley, MN 55124 612/432-6161 24 Hour Emergency Care Family Practice Peter C. Frederixon, M.D. E. John English, M.D. David R. Widdifield, M.D. David V. Maas, M.D. John P. Decker, M.D. Kenneth G. Pallas, M.D. Mary J. Loken, M.D. David A. Lang, M.D. Todd J. Stolpman, M.D. Administrator Kay Borgstahl Associated Specialists Allergy Cardiology Dermatology Ear, Nose & Throat Endocrinology Gastroenterology Nephrology Neurology Obstetrics/Gynecology Ophthalmology Optometry Orthopedics Physical Therapy Rectal/Colon Surgery Surgery Urology E_ APPLE STALL'tY MEDICA'L CENTER On Galaxie y February 16, 1996 Mayor Joy Tierney 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Tierney: My brother in-law, , is a 48 -year old man with cerebral palsey who is physically and mentally disabled. In August 1995, he moved into a group home at 17920 30th Ave. North in Plymouth. The group home is run by Fraser Community Service. We were disappointed to learn that the handicapped transportation provided by the city of Plymouth is inadequate. I believe there are only a couple of providers offering transportation in Plymouth and that the transportation stops at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. There are now three Fraser facilities and several Hammer facilities in Plymouth. Each of these homes have several residents and I am certain there are numerous other handicapped and elderly people in Plymouth who are inconvenienced by .restrictions on transportation. I know that it is very restricting for my brother in-law, Peter and other residents are posed many difficulties in their daily life due to their handicap and we would greatly appreciate your attention to this problem. Extending the hours to 11:00 or 12:00 would be a real improvement. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, �� Ute' /�' ' ✓ _ David R. Widdifield, M.D. DRW:cma We look forward to a reply. March 1, 1996 David R. Widdifield, M.D. APPLE VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER 14655 Galaxie Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124 SUBJECT: RESPONSE REGARDING CONCERNS ABOUT HANDICAPPED TRANSPORTATION Dear Dr. Widdifield: Your letter of February 16, 1996, to Mayor Joy Tierney regarding the transportation services provided for the disabled community in Plymouth was forwarded to me for a response. I appreciate the concerns raised in your letter about the availability of transportation for disabled individuals and the hours of service such transportation is provided in Plymouth. Through this letter I will attempt to explain to you how the system of transportation for the disabled community works and why it operates in the manner currently in place. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) .of 1991 established transportation service levels for disabled individuals. Besides requiring that all transit services in the United States be made accessible over time by ultimately making all .transit vehicles lift -equipped, it also requires a "complimentary" paratransit service wherever non -peak hour, regular route transit services are provided for those individuals who can not access regular route service. This complimentary paratransit service is to operate as a dial -a -ride, or demand responsive service, operating in the same areas and times as the regular route service. Within the Twin Cities metropolitan area the complimentary paratransit service is known as Metro Mobility which is operated by the Metropolitan Council. Metro Mobility provides service to, from, and within any city that qualifies as requiring ADA paratransit service based upon the existence of off-peak regular route transit service within its borders. (Peak hour service is defined as that service which operates during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) Metro Mobility was in existence for years prior to the passage of ADA, and has been providing paratransit service to Plymouth for many years. In October, 1995, due to a serious funding shortfall in the Metro Mobility budget, the Metropolitan Council, after a series of public hearings, reduced hours of Metro Mobility service operation in 45 metropolitan cities and eliminated service to six other cities. Included in those cities slated for service elimination was Plymouth because Plymouth provides no regular route services during the non -peak periods. PLYMOUTH .1Teauttftli David R. Widdifield, M.D. Page Two J /-/ (/'v_ After extensive discussions with the Metropolitan Council by Plymouth City officials it was agreed that Metro Mobility service in Plymouth would continue under a contract arrangement, stipulating that the Metropolitan Council would pay for all trips into Plymouth that originate outside of Plymouth and Plymouth would pay for all trips originating within Plymouth. Hours of Metro Mobility service were required to be reduced in accordance with reductions made in other cities from the previous times of 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. to the current times of 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This contract expires at the end of June, but can and most likely will be extended until other options can be implemented. Plymouth is an Opt -Out Transit city, meaning it can use up to 90 percent of the locally generated regional transit property taxes within Plymouth to operate its own transit system. This system, known as Plymouth Metrolink, has been in service since 1984 and currently provides morning and evening (peak hour) express service to and from downtown Minneapolis, including reverse commute service, and a dial -a -ride service within the Plymouth area. New lift -equipped vehicles for both the express service and the dial -a -ride service are expected to be in service by the end of March. Plymouth Metrolink is developing plans for a new mid-day, fixed route circulator to operate within Plymouth and connecting to nearby points, such as Ridgedale. This circulator is scheduled to go into service later this year, and would make Plymouth an ADA mandated city within the Metro Mobility system. This should require Metro Mobility to provide service for Plymouth just as they do for other ADA -mandated metro cities with no cost-sharing requirement. The hours of service for Metro Mobility will probably not change from the current hours with the implementation of the circulator, because the circulator will not operate in the evening due to cost and due to the low level of evening ridership similar services have experienced in other suburban locations. Metro Mobility service levels in Plymouth, with the exception of the reduction in hours, have not changed from the levels provided prior to October, 1995. Service delivery, including dispatch, is provided by the Metropolitan Council, and is funded solely by state appropriation, as stipulated by law. There have been serious problems within the operation of Metro Mobility over the past few years, problems that have impacted vulnerable passengers and have raised serious discussions at the Legislature. Plymouth has shared in those concerns and has expressed them to Metro Mobility, the Metropolitan Council, and legislators. G:\ENG\TRANSIT\LTRS\W I DDIFLD. DOC David R. Widdifield, M.D. Page Three Plymouth Metrolink is working with the North Hennepin Human Services Council on an ambitious project to improve the provision of transportation services to seniors and the disabled community within the northwest Hennepin County area. This project is in its early stages and may take several years to come to fruition. Plymouth Metrolink has also applied for a Section 5310 federal grant to purchase a vehicle to enhance transit services within Plymouth for seniors and those with disabilities. Plymouth will continue to do whatever it can to seek ways of providing better transit services to all of its residents in an efficient and cost effective manner. Your letter is greatly appreciated because it points out the importance of providing effective paratransit services to the disabled community in Plymouth. All of us here at Plymouth will continue our efforts to improve those services. If you have any questions, please contact me at 509-5521 i/ / ohn R. Sweeney Transit Administrator cc: Fred G. Moore, Director of Public Works Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager Mayor Joy Tierney GAENG\TRANSMLTRS\WIDDIFLD.DOC February 29, 1996 Ryan - Carney 6230 Hunter Road Corcoran, MN 55340 Dear Joy Tierney, I am a boy scout in Troop 537 of Plymouth, and am writing you in regards to the condition of the portion of County Road 101 between Highway 55 and County Road 24. Over the winter, this road has been badly broken up, and is totally corroded with potholes. Driving over this road is annoying and sometimes painful. It is used greatly for business purposes, residential transportation, and is driven on every day by quite a few school buses. I hope you will take this letter into consideration and would also like to thank you for your appearance at our meeting earlier this year to talk about the Citizenship In The Community merit badge. Please write back. Ryan Carney Troop 537 CITY OF March 6, 1996 PLYMOUTH+ Jim Grube, P.E. Transportation Division Engineer DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 320 Washington Ave. S. Hopkins, MN 55343-8496 SUBJECT: COUNTY ROAD 101 Dear Jim: I am enclosing a copy of a letter which the City received from Ryan Carney on the condition of County Road 101 between Highway 55 and County Road 24. Since this road is the responsibility of Hennepin County, I am forwarding this letter to you for your response. Sincerely, Fred G. Moore, P.E. Director of Public Works enclosure cc: -Kathy Lueckert, Assistant City Manager C/R. file (96-11) Ryan Carney 6230 Hunter Road Corcoran, MN 55340 PLYMOUTH A Beau tif ul T[ace'To Live ')Ann DI VAAnI I-rQ Ont 11 CVAC) n . DI VNAnI frJ AAIN I I, I CCn-rA CCAA7 1407 . 717I Cr-)Lj P, 117' fL40\ Cell Cnnn CITY OF PLYMOUTFF March 6, 1996 Mr. John S. Hay 17115 5th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55447-3506 Dear Mr. Hay: Your letter to Mayor Tierney about the City's policy on door-to-door solicitations was sent to my attention. As per our telephone conversation of February 22, 1996, I have completed a comprehensive review of the City's ordinance and procedures for solicitors and peddlers. The City of Plymouth received a legal ruling that these types of activities cannot be totally banned as some, including distribution of flyers, is covered under the First Amendment of Free Speech. As such, the City chose to require registration of these individuals in an effort to provide personal safety for the people whose neighborhoods are being canvassed. Under the City's ordinance, all groups must register with the City at least five days prior to beginning their activity. All individuals must complete an application which is forwarded to the Police Department where a check is done for any criminal history. Individuals who are approved for registration, then come into the police department and a permit is issued to them which contains their photograph and an expiration date. Individuals must carry this card on them which canvassing any area within the City of Plymouth. I should point out that the City does not perform any check on the products themselves and unless there is some type of fraud involved, the Police Department would not become involved in cases of dissatisfaction with a product purchased. We are concerned with individuals feeling safe within their own neighborhoods and believe this process helps provide this. We will discuss the possibility of getting this information distributed in an upcoming City Newsletter with the City's Communication Coordinator. Thank you again for your interest in this area. Sincerely, 4r4aiig, Gerdes Director of Public Safety PLYMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT be PLYMCUTH :1 Beautiful Place To Live :SCO ?LYMCt�TH BCUL�`/,ARD ?L`(MCUTH. MINNESOTA 55447 .482 TS_=?HCNE :.612) -5C9 CCC John S. Hay 17115 5th Avenue North Plymouth, Minnesota 55447-3506 Joy Tierney, Mayor City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Blvd. Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Tierney: qfl ,71 e a } cE� qQ� %a Telephone 612.4 b February 5, 1996 51 Re: Door -to -Door Solicitations In an upcoming issue of Plymouth News would you please review our city's policy on door-to-door solicitors? It seems as though our neighborhood is attracting more and more people trying to sell products, services or points of view. I'm not concerned about the kids looking for support for their activities, but I am.concerned about many of the adult solicitors. In most cases it is impossible to know if such people are legitimate, or whether it's an excuse to case the neighborhood. It is particularly disturbing when they canvass during the business day ... when they are certainly aware that many families are not at home. Some communities require all door-to-door solicitors to be fingerprinted and to apply for a permit from the police department. Other communities categorically prohibit such solicitation. These days when crime is on everyone's mind I think this subject needs to be addressed. A good place to start might be in the next issue of the Plymouth News. Thank you. Sincerely, (S �— V. .� 91) - PENNY STE.ELE pl n PHONE, 812-348-7887 COMMISSIONER .�0 FAX 812-348-8701 t = TDD 812-348.7708 rr S < �GA.- 111 2 NES BOARD OF HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISS A-`2400 GOVERNMENT CENTER MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55487-0240 y l y February 29, 1996 The Honorable Joy Tierney k`�" MVV ��- Mayor ti City of Plymouth 3400 Plymouth Boulevard.�- Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor Ti�ey� The Joint Property Tax Reform Committee, of which I am a member will be meeting throughout 1996 to devise legislation (for the 1997 session) that will provide a fairer, more equitable form of property taxation. The Committee consists of county commissioners, school board members and city council members from Hennepin, Ramsey and St. Louis County. I am one of only two "suburban" county commissioners serving on this committee. So that I may fairly represent the interests of the suburban property taxpayer, I must attend these committee meetings armed with your ideas and opinions concerning property tax reform. You can help me ensure the suburban taxpayer is not forgotten! Attend one of the property tax reform town meetings I will be holding in March and April. Encourage your staff to attend. Share with me your viewpoints on property tax reform. Your input is important not only to me, but the constituents we represent. There will be three town meetings, all beginning at 7:00 p.m. Monday, March 25, 1 will be at the Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Avenue North; Tuesday, March 26, at Maple Grove City Hall, 9401 Fernbrook Lane North; and, Monday, April 1, at the Westonka Library, 2079 Commerce Boulevard, Mound. I am looking forward to listening to your thoughts on this issue so dear to the hearts of our friends and neighbors. Sincerely, Penny Steele County Commissioner - 7th District PS:pr PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER lqvna..� Your Neighborhood Builder Z'- sd 935 E. Wayzata Blvd. February 27, 1996 Wayzata Mayor and City Council Members Minnesota 55391 Eric Blanc, Parks Director City of Plymouth 612.473.1231 3400 Plymouth Boulevard Plymouth, MN 55447 Dear Mayor and City Council Members: On behalf of Lundgren Bros. Construction, Inc. of Wayzata, MN, it is out privilege to donate to the City of Plymouth Park and Recreation Department $500.00, to be used toward youth programs in the City. We hope this contribution will help assist those children who may not have the opportunity to participate in youth programs due to a lack of sufficient funds. We trust you will find good use for these funds, Sincerely, Terry M. Forbord Vice President TMF:bw Enclosure cc: Peter Pflaum Patrick Wells Mike Pflaum Marc Anderson C 1 N of PLYMOUTH - Terry M. Forbord Vice President Lundgren Bros. Construction, Inc. 935 E. Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata, MN 55391 March 6, 1996 Dear Mr. Forbord: On behalf of the Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Park and Recreation, thank you for your company's generous donation of $500 toward youth programs in the City of Plymouth. Your donation is being designated for use in providing integration of special needs children into our recreation programs. In some cases, this means special training and consultation with our seasonal staff. In other situations, one on one aides are provided to assist the participant. Your contribution will be put to good use. Plymouth is a better place to live and work because of businesses, like Lundgren Bros., who are willing to contribute their resources toward community building activities. Thank you again for your support. Call me at 509- 5220, if you have any questions, or if I may be of service. Sincerely, Mary Bisek, CLP Superintendent of Recreation cc: Mayor Tierney Plymouth City Council Dwight Johnson Eric Blank We Listen • We Solve • We Care