HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Information Memorandum 02-29-1996FEBRUARY 29, 1996
UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS
1. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY:
MARCH 6 5:30 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
Public Safety Training Room
• Board & Commission Recognition Reception
MARCH 6 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level
MARCH 13 7:00 P.M. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level
• 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
MARCH 20 7:00 P.M. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
City Center Lunchroom, Lower Level
2. 1996 PRECINCT CAUCUSES, TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 7:00 P.M. Caucuses will elect a
number of delegates to take part in DFL, Republican, and Independence Party county and
district conventions. Plymouth residents wishing to learn where their precinct caucus will be
held can call 509-5000.
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MENTO
February 29, 1996
Page 2
3. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 7:30 P.M., Medicine Lake
Conference Room, upper level. Agenda is attached. (M-3)
4. I-394/HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR INFORMATION MEETING. THURSDAY,
MARCH 7, 7:30 P.M., Redeemer Lutheran Church, 115 W. Wayzata Boulevard in Wayzata
(intersection of Wayzata Blvd. and Ferndale Road). Attached is a memo from Public Works
Director Fred Moore with background on the study. (M-4)
5. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE, TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 7:00 P.M.,
Hadley Lake Conference Room, lower level.
6. PLANNING COMMISSION, TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 7:00 P.M., City Center
Lunchroom, lower level.
7. PRAC, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 7:00 P.M., Mooney Lake Conference Room, upper level.
8. MEETING CALENDARS - The March, April and May meeting calendars are attached.
(M-8)
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1. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
a. The Engineering Department reports their February 15 Water Quality Fair drew more than
150 adults and students. Since the event, staff has received many inquiries in working with
area residents to improve water quality.
2. LITIGATION QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT
3. NEWS ARTICLES, RELEASES, PUBLICATIONS, ETC.
a. Notice of Landmark Series address on the topic `Community Policing for Safer
Neighborhoods" by U.S. Justice Department Community Oriented Policing Services Director
Joseph E. Brann. The event is scheduled for the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Thursday,
March 14, at 12:30 p.m.. (I -3a)
b. Star Tribune news article about the move of ValueRx, a large health care information firm to
Plymouth. The reports states at least 300 new jobs will come to the area with the move. (I-
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 letter has been forwarded to John Sweeney for
a response. (1-4a)
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION MEMO
February 29, 1996
Page 3
A status report on correspondence is attached.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter to Dwight Johnson from Parkview Ridge Townhome Homeowners Association
President Robert Palmquist, expressing thanks to City workers for assistance following a
February 9 watermain break. (I -5a)
Dwight Johnson
City Manager
Plymouth Human Rights Commission
March 7, 1996 7:30 PM
Agenda
I. Call to Order
H. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. Old Business
a. Elect Chairman
b. 1996 Proposed Calendar of Activities
c. Conflict Resolution Brochure Development
V. New Business
a. Changing At -large and Ward 4 designations
b. Report.on St. Joseph's Diversity Conference
c. Discussion of Recent City Council Actions
VI. For Information
a. Institute on Race and Poverty Conference --April 12 - 13
b. West Suburban Mediation Fourth Quarter Report
VII. Adjournment
DATE: February 29, 1996
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Fred G. Moore, P.E., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR STUDY
ALTERNATIVES AND POSSIBLE IMPACTS ON FERNDALE ROAD
Some Councilmembers have been contacted by residents living in the Ferndale Road area
between County Road 6 and Highway 12 concerning Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) proposals for the upgrading of Highway 12. Attached is a copy of a meeting notice
which appeared in the Plymouth Sun Sailor on Wednesday, February 28 announcing an
information meeting MnDOT will be having. I am planning on attending this meeting.
MnDOT has had under study alternatives for additional highway capacity along the Highway
12 corridor going westerly from Wayzata. They are currently in the process of the
environmental analysis. There are eight four lane road alternatives under consideration along
with another alternate which they are calling a System Management Plan.
The System Management Plan would not have any upgraded four lane roadway. This plan
utilizes Highway 12 along with two other roads, County Road 6 to the north and Watertown
Road to the south as three parallel two lane roadways to provide traffic capacity. There would
be some minor improvements necessary. With this proposal there is a proposed partial
interchange at Highway 12 and Ferndale Road which would provide for traffic to enter and
exit Highway 12 at Ferndale Road. Currently, this is a grade separated crossing.
Earlier this week Dan Faulkner and I met with Tom O'Keefe and Patti Loken, representatives
of MnDOT on the project. They provided us with the following information:
• There will be a decision this April eliminating several of the alternatives
under consideration.
• It is very likely that any of the alternatives making Highway 12 a four lane
roadway will not be supported.
G:\ENC\OENERAUMEMOS\FRED\I2CORRID.DOC
SUBJECT: MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR STUDY
Page Two
The City Council considered the System Management Plan alternative at the Council meeting
of June 20, 1994. Attached is a copy of the Council Report and the resolution adopted by the
City Council. The City Council went on record as opposing any change to the character and
function of Ferndale Road. The proposal by MnDOT to put a partial interchange between
Highway 12 and Ferndale Road would definitely change the character and function of this city
street. MnDOT is aware of this position which has been taken by the Plymouth City Council.
As stated, I will be attending the meeting on March 7. If I am asked the position of the City, I
will convey the decision made in the City Council resolution. In talking with Stuart Dietz of
the Ferndale North area I have learned that there may be 4 or 5 council members at the MnDot
info meeting on March 7.
attachments: Meeting Notice
Information Memo
G:\ENG\GENERAL\MEMOS\FRED\12CORRID.DOC
20A Plymouth/Wayzata/Orono/Long Lake Sun-Sailor/Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1996
Plymouth meeting
will discuss I-394
All residents of the North Fer-
ndale Road area are invited to
attend an open meeting at 7:30
p.m., Thursday, March 7 in the
Redeemer Lutheran Church au-
ditorium, intersection of Wayza-
ta Boulevard and Ferndale Road
in Plymouth.
The meeting is about Inter-
state 394/Highway 12 corridor
improvement proposals being
considered by the Minnesota De-
partment of Transportation.
Tom O'Keefe, a representa-
tive of MnDOT, will be the guest
speaker, talking about current
road improvements under con-
sideration and the possible im-
pact those improvements could
have on the Plymouth area.
A question and answer ses-
sion will follow the presentation.
8-F
DATE: June 15, 1994 for the City Council Meeting of June 20, 1994
TO: Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager through
Fred G. Moore, P.E. irector of Public Works
FROM: Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E. City Engineer
SUBJECT: MnDOT's HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPACT ON FERNDALE ROAD
ACTION REQUESTED: Make a motion to adopt the attached resolution opposing
any change in function or character of Ferndale Road as is being considered in
MnDOT's Highway 12 Corridor Study.
BACKGROUND: In a recent conversation and meeting with Val Reinas, Project
Manager for MnDOT's Highway 12 Corridor Study, we have learned that MnDOT is
considering the construction of a half diamond interchange at Ferndale Road and I-
394/Highway 12. This proposal would construct a partial diamond interchange in the
northeast and southeast quadrants to allow northbound and southbound traffic on
Ferndale Road to go eastbound on Highway 12 and also westbound traffic on Highway
12 to exit to Ferndale Road. In addition, the proposal would upgrade Ferndale Road in
a manner to handle the projected additional traffic between County Road 6 and
Highway 12.
MnDOT's reasoning is that with local upgrades to several local roads in the area, such
as that to Ferndale Road with the half diamond interchange, a two lane improvement
could be constructed on Highway 12 through Long Lake and eliminate the proposed
costly buy outs and relocations of existing businesses to make Highway 12 wider than
two lanes. It was also suggested that some traffic within Plymouth on County Road
101 may divert to Ferndale Road thus improving the existing heavy load on County
Road 101.
This concept, as explained by Ms. Reinas, has not been developed more than simply a
concept with only the above details given. Rather than developing anything further at
this time, her intent was to get the City staff reaction to this concept.
SUBJECT: MnDOT's HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR STUDY
FERNDALE ROAD PROPOSAL
Page Two
Ferndale Road is designated as a "minor collector" street in the City's Transportation
Plan. All of the areas along the road are single family residential, with the exception
of a church in Wayzata. By adding the partial interchange, in staff's opinion, it would
change the function of Ferndale Road. Both Fred Moore and I gave a negative support
to the proposal.
RECOMIVIEENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that the City
Council adopt the attached resolution opposing any change to the character and function
of Ferndale Road as a designated "minor collector" in the City's adopted Thoroughfare
Guide Plan including any connection to Highway 12.
Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E.
attachment: Resolution
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
RESOLUTION 94 - 351 j
MnDOT HIGHWAY 12 CORRIDOR
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPACT ON FERNDALE ROAD
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has been developing
alternatives for the upgrading of Highway 12 west of its connection to I-394; and
WHERfiAS, proposed alternatives through the City of Long Lake along the existing alignment
have met with much opposition due to the need for additional right-of-way; and
WHEREAS, an alternative concept proposal of MnDOT would be to construct a half diamond
interchange at Highway 12 and Ferndale Road and upgrade Ferndale Road between this
interchange and County Road 6; and '
WHEREAS; this change to Ferndale Road would cause a substantial increase in through
traffic.
NOW, THEREFORE, -BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA: The City Council opposes any change to the
character and function of Ferndale Road as conceptually proposed by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation to construct a half diamond at Ferndale Road and Highway 12
as part of the Highway 12 Corridor Alternative.
Adopted by the City Council on June 20, 1994
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CAMPBELL, KNUTSON, SCOTT & FUCHS, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
Thomas J. Campbell
Roger N. Knutson
Thomas M. Scott
Gary G. Fuchs
James R. Walston
Elliott B. Knetsch
Ms. Kathy Lueckert
Assistant City Manager
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
(612) 452-5000 Andrea McDowell Poehler
iitthc�% K. Brokl
Fax (612) 452-5550 Jahn F. Kelly.
,,— Uaroucrite M. McCarron
�,-cur�;e T. Stephenson
February 23, 1996
RE: LITIGATION QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT
Dear Kathy:
The status of litigation matters we are handling are as follows:
Aetna Life Insurance (505 Waterford Tax Appeal)
We have intervened in this matter because Aetna is challenging the validity of the minimum assessment
agreement with the City. The oral argument to the Tax Court relating to the enforceability of the
Minimum Assessment Agreement took place on Monday, December 18. I anticipate receiving a
decision from the Court by mid March. If the Judge determines that the Minimum Assessment
Agreement is enforceable for all three years, the case will be over subject to an appeal by Aetna. If
the Court rules that the Assessment Agreement is not enforceable either for all three years or for
payable 1995, then the fair market value of the property for the applicable years must either be agreed
upon or determined by the Court. The County Attorney's office would handle the valuation issue,
subject to our input.
Stevens Assessment Appeal (28th Avenue)
This is a $1,600 assessment appeal initiated by attorney/property owner which was commenced in July.
We have agreed to submit the matter to the Court based upon stipulated facts. Stevens contends that
the Council cannot order the improvement project on the same evening that it closes the public hearing
based upon a "unique" interpretation of the statute. He is not challenging the benefit to the property.
The motions will be heard on April 26.
27634
Suite 317 • Eagandale Office Center • 1380 Corporate Center Curve 0 Eagan, MN 55121
Z- 2
Ms. Kathy Lueckert
February 23, 1996
Page 2
City of Plymouth v. Begin
This is a long-standing lawsuit seeking to require Mr. Begin to clean up and regrade 2 1/2 acres of his
property. On December 6, 1994, Best & Flanagan obtained an order requiring Mr. Begin to remove
some remaining vehicles and scrap items, apply for a conditional use permit and grade and fill the
property. In 1995, Begin removed the vehicles and scrap, applied for the CUP and submitted a grading
plan which the City approved. He did not follow through by posting the necessary security and
performing the filling and grading. The December 6, 1994 Court Order gives the City the authority
to perform the grading work if Begin defaults. When this order was obtained, Best & Flanagan
recommended against the City entering the property upon Begin's default because of its status as a
former dump site and the City's potential liability for release of a hazardous substance. We are in the
process of reviewing this matter with City staff and collecting some additional information. A plan of
action will be recommended within the next 30 days.
TCF Bank v. City of Plymouth - (Ryan PUD)
This matter is being handled by insurance defense attorney John Baker of the law firm of Greene Espel.
Ryan/TCF is challenging the denial of its application to develop a drive-thru bank facility. The parties
are awaiting a decision from the judge on our cross motions for summary judgment which were heard
on January 10, 1996. A decision is expected by April 10.
CONDEMNATION MATTERS:
City of Plymouth v. Seaburg (Vicksburg Lane)
The City condemned right-of-way over the property owned by Jeff and Elizabeth Seaburg for the
upgrade of Vicksburg Lane north of County Road 47 to the City's border with Maple Grove. Most of
the roadway project was located in Maple Grove. The only portion of the project in Plymouth was the
short stretch adjacent to the Seaburg property.
The City commenced the condemnation proceeding after efforts to negotiate a solution with the Seaburgs
were unsuccessful. The City's appraisal for damages was $10,500. The Seaburgs' appraisal for
damages was $22,500.
The commissioners' hearings were held on November 14 and 15 at Plymouth City Hall. The
commissioners awarded the Seaburgs $14,400 for the easement. The appeal time has expired without
an appeal by either party and the matter is now closed.
27634
T.. -&
Ms. Kathy Lueckert
February 23, 1996
Page 3
Please call if you have any questions. We will keep you and the appropriate staff members
advised as to relevant development in individual cases as they proceed.
Best regards,
CAMPBFLL, NUTSON,
& FUCHS, A.
By:
l �
Thomas M. Scott
TMS:slc
27634
SCOTT
Community Policing for Safer Neighborhoods
Thursday, March 14, 1996 .1.'34a
12:30 pm
Joseph Brann has been at the forefront of the community policing effort since the
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early 1970s, at which time he was a police officer in Santa Ana, where he
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subsequently designed, developed and managed a wide array of nationally recognized
community policing and crime prevention programs. He later served for five years as
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Chief of Police in Hayward, California, located in the San Francisco Bay area. During
his tenure. Chief Brann implemented nationally respected community policing
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programs which have been used as models by police departments across the country.
In December, 1994, Mr. Brann was appointed to serve as Director of Community
Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS
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Office is responsible for funding 100,000 new police officers throughout the country
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to practice community policing. The COPS Office also provides training and technical
assistance to local agencies in the interest of advancing community policing
Mayor Joy Tierney
nationwide. In addition, COPS strives to increase public awareness regarding
City of Plymouth
community policing practices and initiatives.
O
17915 20th Ave. N.Plymouth,
ABOUT THE LANDMARK SERIES
MN 55427
The Landmark Series public affinirs forum is presented by Minnesota
Lanuhnarks, in association with the Saint Paul League of Women Voters. /t
3
is intended to be a platform for discussion of local and national issues
14
confronting American cities today, seeking definitive solutions to urban issues
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for the East Metro and the Twin Cities region.
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SPECIAL TIIANICS TO OUR SPONSORS
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Non -Profit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Saint Paul, MN
Bulk Permit #5005
The St. Paul Companies, The Northwest Area Foundation, Minnesota Mutual THE LANDMARK SERIES
Foundation, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press, and U S West; and to the Citizens League Minnesota Landmarks
and Keystone Productions, Inc. for providing in-kind support. 1 404 Landmark Center • 75 W. Fah St. • St. Paul, MN 55102
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1,-319
from the Star Tribune, Wednesday, February 28, 1996.
ValueRx packs baocfor PIymouth
By Glenn Howatt
Star Tribune Staff Writer
ValueRx, a large health care
information firm, will move its
corporate headquarters to
Plymouth from Albuquerque,
N.M. bringing at least 300 new
jobs to the Twin Cities area by
the end of the year.
The company, which man-
ages pharmacy programs for
health plans and employers,
announced plans Tuesday to
establish new headquarters af-
ter acquiring several businesses
in the past year, including Min-
neapolis-based Medintell Sys-
tems Corp.
"We really needed to con-
sohdate management functions
that right now are spread all
over the country," said Kevin
Roberg, ValueRx chief exec-
utive.
Roberg, who has lived in
Minnesota for 20 years, was
tapped to head ValueRx last
November. He had been run-
ning Medintell and was chief
operating officer for the phar-
macy benefit management divi-
sion of United HealthCare
Corp. of Minnetonka.
He said that Minnesota's
reputation as a hot spot for
health care innovation also will
make it easier to recruit execu-
tive talent.
ValueRx has leased snare nn
N. Nathan Lane in Plymouth,
and, with the help of a state-
sponsored, low-interest loan, it
will add to the site later this
year. It plans to have about 300
employees there by the end of
the year.
ValueRx, a subsidiary of
Connecticut-based Value
Health Inc., has a national work
force of 2,000. Most of its work-
ers will remain in Albuquerque.
Medintell, which licenses a
computer information system
developed at the Mayo Clinic in
Rochester, Minn., to help hos-
pitals manage prescription
medication inventories, will be
folded into the new Plymouth
nm,-
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
APPLE VALk/EY. MkblC4 CENTER
On Galaxie
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. We look forward to a reply.
Sincerely,
David R. Widdifield, M.D.
DRW:cma
II- • 1 , 1 1 ..
T awT
February 25, 1996
Mr. Dwight Johnson
City Administrator
City of Plymouth
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Dear Mr. Johnson:
Parkview Ridge Townhome Homeowners Association consists of 42 units, located in
Plymouth. On February 9, a water main, on Association property, broke, requiring shutting
off the water to all units.
Personnel from the City of Plymouth Water Department responded to a request for assistance.
The City personnel greatly assisted the repairs by locating the shut-off valves and providing
the name of a contractor to do the repairs. The water system was placed back in service as
soon as could be expected.
The City personnel conducted themselves in a courteous and highly professional manner.
They stayed on the job site until the emergency was under control. The Homeowners
Association would have had a much more difficult time getting the repairs done without the
able assistance of the dedicated City workers.
We wish to thank the City personnel who worked on this project, and thanks to the City Water
Department. The City's response to our emergency makes us proud to be living in Plymouth.
Very truly yours,
0
Robert E. Palmquist, President
Parkview Ridge Townhome Homeowners Association
cc: Fred Moore, Director of Public Works
Parkview Ridge Townhome Homeowners Association Board Members
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