HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-08-1999 SpecialSPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
June 8, 1999
5:30 PM
Public Safety Training Room
Light Dinner Available)
1. Conduct Interviews of Applicants for Ward 3 City 5:30 pm
Council Seat
2. Meet with representatives of lobbying organizations 7:00 pm
League of Minnesota Cities
Municipal Legislative Commission
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Suburban Transit Association
3. Year 2000 Celebration (requested by Mayor Tierney) 9:00 pm
4. Schedule Future Study Session and Topics 9:25 pm
5. Adjourn 9:30 pm
Agenda Number:
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City ManagerA
SUBJECT: Ward 3 City Council Applicants
DATE: June 4, 1999, for Council Study Session of June 8, 1999
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Interview applicants for the Ward 3 City Council seat.
2. DISCUSSION: Three residents have submitted applications for appointment to the
Ward 3 City Council seat. Attached are copies of their applications. The following
interview schedule has been established:
June 8 5:30 p.m. Bob Stein
June 8 5:50 p.m. Brad Brown
June 8 6:10 p.m. Paul Vincent
Agenda Number: C;, .
TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Managero----
SUBJECT: Discussion with Lobbying Organizations
DATE: June 4, 1999, for Council Study Session of June 8, 1999
The City of Plymouth currently maintains membership in four organizations which conduct
lobbying: League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC),
Suburban Transit Association (STA), and Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM).
Each of these organizations will have a representative present at the June 8 Council study
session for an informal discussion with the City Council.
I have asked each organization to prepare a 10-15 minute presentation on the purpose and
emphasis of their organization, who they represent, services provided, etc. Following these
presentations, they have been asked to remain for about an hour to answer questions and to
discuss legislative issues with the City Council.
Attached is information on the organizations. Also, the City Council had previously asked for
the following information:
Organization Dues estimate Date by which the City can
or 2000 withdraw ftom Membership
League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) 19,900 January 1 -- no prior notice
required.
Association of Metropolitan January 1 -- no prior notice
Municipalities (AMM) 10,000 required.
Municipal Legislative Commission 11,000 Written notice to Board prior to
Sept. 15
Suburban Transit Association 9,500 (not Written notice to Board prior to
General Fund) Sept. 15
Note: Membership in the LMC is required to continue the City's insurance in the League
of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust.
M
DATE: March 19, 1999
TO: Kurt Hoffman, Sr. Clerk Typist
FROM: John R. Sweeney, Assistant to Public Works Director
SUBJECT: INFORMATION REGARDING THE
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION (STA)
Following are responses to questions for information per your e-mail to me Thursday, March
18, 1999.
Mission Statement/Purpose: The primary purpose of the association is to
enable member municipalities and affiliate members such as transit
commissions or associations previously created by a Joint Powers Agreement
to jointly and cooperatively develop programs on matters of mutual concern
and interest relating to transportation and transit issues as well as identify,
review, and actively oppose proposals which may be in conflict with the
interest of the members.
Member Cities: In addition to the City of Plymouth/Plymouth Metrolink, the
following other cities are represented on behalf of:
Minnesota Valley Transit Association (MVTA):
Burnsville
Rosemount
Prior Lake
Eagan
Savage
Southwest Metro Transit Commission (SMTC) represented by:
Chaska
Chanhassen
Eden Prairie
F:\pw\Engineering\TRANSrnMEMOS\1999\STA Mem Kurt.doc
SUBJECT: INFORMATION REGARDING THE
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION (STA)
Page 2
and finally another stand alone community:
Shakopee
The only cities eligible to be members that are not at this time are:
Apple Valley
Maple Grove
Lobbying/Lobbyist: Messerli and Kramer Attorneys at Law. The primary
lobbyists are Bob Renner and Tom Poul.
Dues: The annual dues for this membership are $9,500 for Plymouth
Metrolink. These funds are actually paid by Transit property tax dollars and
not money from the general fund.
If you need any additional information, please contact me at your convenience.
cc: Fred G. Moore
F:NpwlEngineering%TRANSr MEMOS%1999=A Mem Kurt.doc
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
BURNSVILLE
CHANHASSEN
CHASKA
EAGAN
EDEN PRAIRIE
PLYMOUTH
PRIOR LAKE
ROSEMOUNT
SAVAGE
SHAKOPEE
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
LIST OF MEMBERS
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
Burnsville
Eagan
Prior Lake
Rosemount
Savage
Plymouth Metrolink
Plymouth
Shakopee Area Transit
Shakopee
Southwest Metro Transit Commission
Chanhassen
Chaska
Eden Prairie
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
January 1999
Elizabeth Kautz, Mayor of Burnsville VICE CHAIR
Mark Senn, Chanhassen City Council
Chad Dokter, Chaska City Council
Sandy Masin, Eagan City Council CHAIR
Nancy Tyra Lukens, Eden Prairie City Council SECRETARYITREASURER
Scott Harstad, Plymouth City Council
Wes Mader, Prior Lake City Council
Cathy Busho, Mayor of Rosemount
Tom Brennan, Savage City Council
Eldon Reinke, Shakopee Area Transit
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
January, 1999
Cathy Busho, Mayor of Rosemount
Scott Harstad, Plymouth City Council
Elizabeth Kautz, Mayor of Burnsville
Michael Leek, Shakopee Area Transit
Nancy Tyra Lukens, Eden Prairie City Council
Sandy Masin, Eagan City Council
Jack Provo, Southwest Metro Transit
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
MEMBER CITY POPULATIONS
CITY POPULATION*
Burnsville 57,578
Chanhassen 16,917
Chaska 14,817
Eagan 59,021
Eden Prairie 49,287
Plymouth 61,620
Prior Lake 13,519
Rosemount 12,772
Savage 16,002
Shakopee 15,311
TOTAL 316,844
Based upon April, 1997 Metropolitan Council population estimates
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
Lobbyists:
Robert G. Renner, Jr., Esq.
Ross E. Kramer, Esq.
Sandra L. Neren, Esq.
John F. Apitz, Esq.
Thomas J. Poul, Esq.
Eric J. Hyland
Jill G. Sletten
Legislative Assistant:
Jennifer J. Peterson
CONSULTANTS
h) 651/481-0224
pager) 651/969-6370
e-mail) rrenner@mandklaw.com
e-mail) rkramer@mandklaw.com
e-mail) sneren@mandklaw.com
e-mail) japitz@mandklaw.com
e-mail) tpoul@mandklaw.com
e-mail) ehyland@mandklaw.com
e-mail) jsletten@mandklaw.com
e-mail) jpeterson@mandklaw.com
All Messed! & Kramer staff may be reached at 651/228-9757 (telephone) or 651/228-9787 (fax)
Address for all Messerli & Kramer staff: Messed! & Kramer P.A.
145 University Avenue West
Suite 450
St. Paul, MN 55103
OPT -OUT FACTS
Opt -out" communities are communities that have opted out of the
metro transit system and provide their own transit services.
The Suburban Transit Association (STA) was established in 1995. It
is a coalition of 10 opt -out communities that provide suburban transit
services to their constituents. These cities include: Burnsville,
Chanhassen, Chaska, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Prior Lake,
Rosemount, Savage and Shakopee. They belong to the following
transit service providers: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority,
Southwest Metro Transit Commission, Plymouth Metrolink, and
Shakopee Area Transit.
Opt -out communities provide flexible transit services through a variety
of programs, including: express and reverse commute services, Bial-
a -ride services, vanpools, carpooling programs, and elderly and
disabled transportation services.
Opt -out communities work as a partner with Metro Transit to improve
access to transit services throughout the region.
Opt -out communities receive funding from a variety of sources,
including:
A portion of property taxes levied within each opt -out
community; 10 — 12 percent of opt -out community property
taxes levied for transit go to the Met Council for regional transit
services.
A portion of Met Council bonding authority provides
supplemental funding for opt -out service preservation needs
i.e. vehicle replacement and facility improvement).
Annual opt -out transit ridership has grown consistently since the
inception of opt -out transit providers. Ridership within STA member
communities during 1998 has been estimated as 2,331,327, ridership
for 1999 is projected to be 2,668,572. The increase in ridership
between 1996 and 1999 is projected to be 29 percent.
SUBURBAN TRANSIT ASSOCIATION
1999 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
I. SUPPORTED ISSUES
A. BONDING FOR TRANSIT
Support the Met Council's bonding request for transit. The Met Council is asking
that $52 million in bonding be authorized by the 1999 legislature. The STA
supports this Met Council initiative. However, because 13 regional transit capital
projects worth $6.6 million dollars are included for STA communities in this
bonding request, the STA's support is contingent on full funding for these
projects.
B. STABLE AND PREDICTABLE BONDING AUTHORITY
Support the Met Council in acquiring a stable and predictable bonding authority
for transit. The Met Council is seeking the stable and predictable authority to
bond through either a debt service levy limit mechanism or an outstanding debt
limit mechanism.
C. LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT INITIATIVES
The STA supports implementation of the Hiawatha Avenue corridor and will
actively participate in the debate relating to line expansion.
II. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
A. ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDS FOR OPT -OUTS
The STA will work with the Met Council to maximize ability to acquire federal
funds by combining opt -out and Metro Transit service statistics. This will
generate federal funds that will be proportionally shared with the opt -out
providers.
B. REVERSE COMMUTE INCENTIVES
Partner with the Met Council to capture TEA -21 discretionary reverse -commute
funding earmarked as welfare -to -work. The STA will support Met Council's
legislation that increases state appropriations to counties, known as "access to
jobs funding."
C. SEEK ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR EXPANSION OF TRANSIT SERVICE
AREA
Work with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to obtain federal funding
through TEA -21 for the provision of transit services to residents outside the
MUSA line and the current transit service area.
III. DEFENSIVE ISSUES
A. OPPOSE IMPOSITION OF LEVY LIMITS ON THE TRANSIT LEVY FOR OPT -
OUT TRANSIT PROVIDERS
Current law imposes levy limits on most political subdivisions. However, opt -out
transit systems are not subject to this levy limit. The STA currently abides by the
levy limit on a voluntary basis. The STA would oppose imposition of a mandatory
levy limit.
B. OPPOSE THE ELIMINATION OF THE OPT -OUT TRANSIT PROVIDER
SYSTEM
Opt -out or replacement transit systems have been functioning efficiently and
cost-effectively for more than a decade. The STA would vehemently oppose any
attempts to repeal this law that has dramatically improved transit service for
suburban residents.
C. OPPOSE AMENDMENTS TO TAX FEATHERING LEGISLATION TO INCLUDE
PARATRANSIT" IN THE DEFINITION OF TRANSIT SERVICES WHICH
TRIGGER VARIOUS PROPERTY TAX LEVELS
Current law excludes paratransit when determining the level of transit service
residents receive. This permits certain cities to reduce their property tax levy to
transit. Paratransit should not be included in the definition of regular route
service since its use is restricted to a certain ridership. Communities that provide
paratransit should not be penalized by having their transit tax rate increase.
D. REGIONAL FLEET
The current practice of providing metro transit vehicles to the entire region has
been beneficial to transit riders in opt -out communities. Since suburban
residents are taxed for the purchase of their buses, fairness dictates that they
receive some benefit in return. The STA will oppose any changes in the
mechanism that assures transit vehicles for opt -out communities.
IV. MONITOR ONLY
A. TRANSIT ZONE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF LAW
The 1998 Legislature passed a law that included opt -out transit zones under the
law that provided for a 15 percent C-1 tax cut for development within the zone.
However, retail development was excluded. The STA will monitor this legislation
in 1999.
B. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUTER RAIL TRANSIT LINES
IN THE METRO AREA
The 1997 Legislature appropriated funding for the Minnesota Department of
Transportation to provide an in-depth study of five corridors which will be
completed and presented to legislators in 1998. The STA supports development
of commuter rail corridors as part of a comprehensive metropolitan transit
system.
C. SALES TAXES FOR TRANSIT FUNDING
A legislative proposal to fund transit with a one-half cent sales tax in the
metropolitan area may be introduced. This source of funding would replace the
current reliance on property taxes. If introduced, the STA will monitor this
proposal to ensure fairness and adequate formulas for opt -out funding growth.
D. GAS TAX INCREASE
Legislation that would increase the current gas tax has been discussed as a
potential source of revenue for transit funding. Although not a likely option in the
House, the Senate may come forward with such a proposal, which would require
a constitutional change. As with other funding proposals that might effect transit
funding methods, the STA will monitor this proposal to ensure that the
metropolitan transit system is adequately funded and that opt -out transit
providers are treated fairly.
E. CONSTITUTIONAL DEDICATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAXES
A constitutionally dedicated multimodal fund from the proceeds of the sales tax
on motor vehicles (MVET) may again be a viable transportation funding option.
In 1998, the Minnesota Senate passed a 25 percent MVET dedication on a vote
of 65 — 0. The STA will monitor this legislation closely if introduced in 1999 to
ensure opt -out transit providers are treated fairly.
F. ALLOW ADDITIONAL COMMUNITIES TO BE ADDED TO THE OPT -OUT
TRANSIT SYSTEM
Although the STA will not be initiating legislation that would add new
communities to the opt -out system, it would support such legislation if it were
introduced.
G. SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING
TRANSIT SYSTEM, I.E. BUILDING ADDITIONAL HOV LANES
Support for increased funding to the transportation infrastructure will be a big
issue at the legislature this session. Senator Flynn has expressed numerous
alternative funding initiatives that would increase the State's investment in its
ailing infrastructure such as: (a) one-half cent metro area sales tax; (b) MVET
proposals; (c) increase in gas tax and registration; and (d) increase in general
fund investments.
H. ENLARGED TRANSIT TAXING DISTRICT
Many transit riders live outside the current transit taxing district. They enjoy the
benefits of the subsidized system without having to pay for its full cost. The STA
will monitor legislation that would enlarge the geographical boundaries of the
current transit taxing district.
I. REDEFINE FEATHERING TO PROVIDE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Monitor Met Council's request for a statutory change regarding property tax
feathering. The Met Council is asking that a statutory change be made to include
partial feathering from 60 to 30 minute midday frequency. This proposal would
be revenue neutral for the Met Council, although it would have a $2.1 million
impact on the State General Fund.
A
w
U)
a
a
P4
z
O
F
a
a
U
w
0
W
A 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
o
0
o C i o m c6
oE.,
OC°
of q o g rn m
E-4
ai ai Ni c i c+ m vi Ni c
W F,, A
A O
E.,
F
U
a Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci
0
x
a0
E- N t- o N W
g o c' N o cc m C oc rn
a Lo o 4
xz
wx
0
0 4.3 D 4
pq
w bo o
o CD a
Cd
P,
4)
0
W s
O
U as
0
w
Fi
a
0 0
a m w U
cs
U
U
cdHE-1
F H H
FPL4 c'/11 a) a) U)
O
Q
U
U)
C0
z
z
m
m
U)
co
to o
NQ
oo
r o 0 0 0 0 •r
dfA
Occoo O ma coo
W) CV r
to
ol co v " too
N
a°
W
L
LL
Go
tT N
m
Ch
m
J
m
T-
N
co
oo co
dfA
W) CV r eq w
m w1IV
D U)
N
LL
W
L
LL
Go
tT N
mm
J
Ud
T-
N
U
N
N dfA
D U)
C
LL L
LL tT N
J
Ud
N
3 Wc
N
C d U x m d d
C d N W Q U x m
a nm c m r -w m m w a
w
y
LL F-
O O F- c
J m U) Q
N O
F-
O
F-
v2 .
AMM Committees AMM Member Cities ASSO(Iat1011 Of
Metropolitan
Municipalities
AMM Board of Directors AMM Staff
AMM omeaye
AMM Organization
The AMM is a service and lobby organization for cities in the metropolitan area. Membership is opento cities in the seven county metropolitan
area that are members of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC). Current membership includes about half of the eligible cities, but these cities
contain about ninety percent of the metropolitan population.
The AMM is governed by a Board of Directors of local officials from member cities. It includes President, Vice President, Past President and 16
directors serving staggered two-year terms. Board members are elected at the general membership annual meeting in May. Each class of city must
be represented on the Board and the distribution of directors is consistent geographically with city membership. Each member city has one vote
in matters of administration, organization and general operation. The Board of Directors meets monthly to guide the general organization
operations and to direct staff. The staff consists of an Executive Director, Director of Legislative Affairs, Communications and Research
Director, and an Administrative Assistant.
The AMM is affiliated with the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) but neither duplicates nor competes with the LMC. The AMM has a separate,
distinct mission. The primary difference between the LMC and the AMM is the AMM's involvement with the Metropolitan Council and
metropolitan issues. The LMC has no involvement with metropolitan type issues; the AMM constantly monitors the Council and its activities,
alerts member cities of pending decisions or actions, and reacts as appropriate to protect the metropolitan cities' interests. The AMM is the only
organization for cities that monitors the Metropolitan Council and other metropolitan agencies such as the Regional Parks and Open Space
Commission and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The AMM has been successful through the years in influencing Metropolitan Council
policy decisions. Metropolitan agencies leaders look first to the AMM for city input.
ASSOCiation of AMMMISSION: To serve as the primary representative of the collective interests of all metropolitan cities on
Metropolitan metropolitan and statewide issues with unique metropolitan significance.
Municipalities
a to ews of the Dm
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
145 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044
Telephone: (651) 215-4000 Fax: (651) 281-1299
C Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, 1999
This web site was developed in cooperation with the Computer Science Department of Metropolitan State University.
Team leader. Ron Grimm assisted by Rebecca Wheeler.
AWKWAVA
WN W
AMM Home Page Assodatlon of AMM Organization Page
Metropolitan
mpn lines
AMM COMMITTEES
Five standing committees develop policy based on input from member city representatives: Municipal Revenues, Metropolitan Agencies,
Transportation, General Legislation, and Housing & Economic Development. Officials of any member city may serve on a committee of their
choice. Each committee annually submits policy recommendations to the Board of Directors for review, modification and distribution to the
general membership. The general membership meets in November before each legislative session to debate and adopt the official AMM policy
for that session. In matters of legislative policy, each member city has one vote, plus one additional vote for each 50,000 population or major
fraction thereof above the initial 50,000. Legislative policy requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting to be
adopted.
on
AMM Home Pajze Assodation of AMM organization Page
Metropolitan
NOW {sties
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Staff
Executive Director:
Gene Ranieri
Phone: 215-4001
Director of Legislative Affairs:
Roger Peterson
Phone: 215-4002
Director of Communications and Research: Cheryl BudewitzPhone: 215-4003
Laurie Jennings
Administrative Assistant: Phone: 215-4004
AMM Home Page
Association of
Metro olitanp
AMM Organization
Page
AMM's Bill Tracking
Index
1999 Legislative Contacts Minnesota
Legislature
nited StatesOongress The Governor's Office Legislative Terms Meeting with Your
LegislatorsLobbying TipsMunicipalities
AMM's Legislative Contact System
The AMM board developed the legislative contact system for two primary reasons:
1. to keep AMM members involved in the legislative process and
2. to improve the overall AMM lobbying effort. A city elected official or staff member is chosen by each municipality to serve as a
legislative contact between the AMM, the municipality and its local legislators.
The legislative contacts help make legislators aware of the strong metropolitan interest regarding certain issues. The contacts primarily interact
with the AMM and the municipality's senators and representatives during the early stages of the legislative session to promote AMM policy
priorities, and during the later stages when bills and legislation are finalized.
The AMM will ask the contacts to discuss specific issues with legislators. The contacts will receive a broadcast fax from the AMM contact
coordinator, Cheryl Budewitz. The contacts then call or meet with the municipality's senators and representatives to express the AMM's
concerns. Contact with the legislators usually occurs over the telephone, but the AMM encourages one-to-one contact. In addition to talking with
legislators, the contacts brief their respective city councils on AMM priority policies and solicit official endorsements. The contacts should
update the AMM on the positions of the cities and legislators.
Contacts may wish to develop a sub -contact system by teaming with council or staff members who have expertise in a particular area or have a
special relationship with a legislator. This could be developed on an issue -by -issue basis.
Building a rapport with legislators is essential to the AMM lobbying efforts. Direct participation magnifies interest and gets results. The
responsibilities of the contacts are not time-consuming. However, their work is invaluable — the contacts are essential to an effective AMM
lobbying effort.
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
Membership List
1. Anoka 20. Edina 39. New Brighton 58. St. Paul Park
2. Apple Valley 21. Excelsior 40. New Hope 59. Savage
3. Arden Hills 22. Falcon Heights 41. Newport 60. Shakopee
4. Bayport 23. Fridley 42. North St. Paul 61. Shorewood
5. Blaine 24. Golden Valley 43. Oak Park Hts. 62. South St. Paul
6. Bloomington 25. Hastings 44. Oakdale 63. Spring Lake Park
7. Brooklyn Center 26. Hopkins 45. Orono 64. Spring Park
8. Brooklyn Park 27. Independence 46. Osseo 65. Stillwater
9. Burnsville 28. Inver Grove Hts. 47. Plymouth 66. Sunfish Lake
10. Champlin 29. Lakeville 48. Prior Lake 67. Victoria
11. Chanhassen 30. Long Lake 49. Ramsey 68. Watertown
12. Chaska 31. Mahtomedi 50. Richfield 69. Wayzata
13. Circle Pines 32. Maple Grove 51. Robbinsdale 70. West St. Paul
14. Coon Rapids 33. Maplewood 52. Rosemount 71. White Bear Lake
15. Cottage Grove 34. Mendota Heights 53. Roseville 72. Woodbury
16. Crystal 35. Minneapolis 54. St. Anthony 73. Woodland
17. Deephaven 36. Minnetonka 55. St. Francis
18. Eagan 37. Mound 56. St. Louis Park
19. Eden Prairie 38. Mounds View 57. St. Paul
IAMM Home PUej4M Organization Page
Agenda Number:
TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager p
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager i
SUBJECT: Millennium Celebration /
DATE: June 4, 1999, for Council Study Session of June 8, 1999
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Discuss a possible millennium celebration or project and direct
staff to proceed with planning.
2. DISCUSSION: Mayor Tierney has suggested that the City consider a special millennium
project or celebration. At the June 8 study session, Park Director Eric Blank will describe
a proposal for a Millennium Garden Project to be located at the new Plymouth Creek
Center.
As a related issue, the Plymouth Human Rights Commission has requested that the City
submit an application to be named a "Millennium Community." The attached letter from
Human Rights Commissioner Becky Wheeler describes the program. The National League
of Cities is one the program partners, and there would be no cost to the City to request this
designation. The theme of this program is "Honor the Past — Imagine the Future." The
program purpose is to bring citizens together to celebrate the millennium by paying tribute
to the ideals and creativity that have shaped the past and by preparing citizens for the 21'
century. The Human Rights Commission is proposing a joint project with the Plymouth
Historical Society to collect histories, personal stories, and artifacts of Plymouth residents
to add to the Historical Society's collection. The Human Rights Commission views this
project as an opportunity for its members to be of service to the community and a means of
becoming visible in the community. The Commission is also interested in ensuring that the
richness and diversity of Plymouth's history is documented.
Councihnembers may wish to propose additional ideas for a millennium project or
celebration.
3. RECONMIVIENDATION: Authorize staff to begin planning the Millennium Garden Project
and authorize the Human Rights Commission to submit an application for Plymouth to be
named a "Millennium Community."
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 26th 1999
Ta Mayor Tierney and Plymouth City Council Members
From: Becky Wheeler at Large Commissioner
Plymouth Human Rights Commission
Re: Submission to White House for "Millennium Community" Status
The Human Rights Commission made a commitment to maintain involvement
in the Community by offering volunteer assistance to on-going community
activities. Whenever possible, we make an effort to include issues regarding
human rights and diversity.
In conjunction with the Plymouth Historical Society, we have organized a
program to collect histories and personal stories of the residents of Plymouth.
Preserving the history of our ethnic diversity is not only important, but
should be interesting and invaluable as our community changes and grows.
We intend for this project to continue on a permanent basis and expand as
additional ideas are explored.
When I heard about the "Millennium Project" being started by the White House
in January, I felt that our project met the criteria for becoming a
Millennium Community". After talking to the White House and obtaining the
application, it opened a lot of other possibilities for additional activities
Plymouth could get involved in.
In addition to the basic social and civic activities that could be organized, there
are many other items in President Clinton"s "Millennium Program" that are
somewhat already being addressed by the Human Rights Commission, the City,
and Police Department. Some examples are the 'Hate Crimes Prevention Act',
Civil Rights Enforcement' and having a 'Livability Agenda'. We could expand
the work currently being done in these areas, and maybe incorporate some of
the others.
One of the advantages of being designated a "Millennium Community" is that
we are allowed to use the White House's "Millennium Council" logo in our press
releases, literature, and announcements.
The Plymouth Human Rights Commission requests that you consider applying
for status as a "Millennium Community".
On a personal level, not only do I request you apply for the project with the
Plymouth Historical Society that I am working on, but find all the possibilities
very exciting and I would like to be part of planning other activities.
If you have any questions regarding our project, or the "Millennium
Community" status, please feel free to contact me at (612) 577-0481.
FACT SHEET
PROGRAM The Millennium Communities Program is a national, noncompetitive
DESCRIPTION initiative designed by the White House Millennium Council, in collaboration
with major national intergovernmental organizations and the Bureau of Indian
Affairs, to recognize communities across the country which are bringing citizens
together to celebrate the millennium by paying tribute to the ideals and creativity
that have shaped the past and by preparing their citizens -- especially children --
for the 21st century.
Criteria for designation as a Millennium Community include:
Formation of a committee to plan and organize community -enhancing
millennium celebration events and programs
Inclusion in the planning process of people and organizations that are
broadly representative of the community
Consistency of programs and events with the national millennium theme,
Honor the Past -- Imagine the Future"
Application submission and approval through one of the program's
organizational partners
MILLENNIUM The White House Millennium Council
COMMUNITIES U.S. Conference of Mayors
PARTNERS National League of Cities
National Association of Counties
National Association of Towns and Townships
Bureau of Indian Affairs
APPLICATION Applications can be obtained from any of the Millennium Communities
PROCESS partners, or from the White House Millennium Communities website at
http://www.millenniumcommunities.org>. Applications can be filled out and
electronically submitted through this website.
Any individual or group can be the catalyst for a community application. Simply
design a project in keeping with the criteria above and contact your local elected
official -- your mayor, county commission, selectman or tribal leader -- to
encourage them to apply.
3
Applications must be signed and endorsed by the chief local elected official
representing the community, and should be sent to the appropriate partner
organization for review. Applications from governors will be reviewed by the
White House Millennium Council.
TIMELINE Communities will be eligible for the program throughout 1999 and 2000.
RECOGNITION Cities, towns, counties, states, and tribal reservations which are designated
BENEFITS Millennium Communities will receive the following:
Award of the official designation "Millennium Community"
Use of and identification with the national millennium logo and
motto:"Honor the Past -- Imagine the Future"
Registry of local projects on the national Millennium Communities
website
Certificate of recognition signed by the President and First Lady
Invitation to participate in recognition events hosted by the President and
First Lady
WEBSITE Designated Millennium Communities will be registered on the Millennium
Communities website at <http://www.millenniumcommunities.org>. The
website will profile each community's millennium projects and events.
HANDBOOKThe Millennium Communities Handbook describes the program in greater detail and
offers sample projects which are consistent with the national millennium theme.
The handbook is available by writing to any of the Millennium Community
Partners, or on the Internet at the Millennium Communities website at
http://www.millenniumcommunities.org>.
WHITE HOUSE The Millennium Communities Program is one of several initiatives
MILLENNIUM developed by the White House Millennium Council to unite the nation
COUNCIL as it celebrates the next millennium. Other programs include:
PROGRAM
Save America's Treasures
Millennium Evenings at the White House
Millennium Trails
Mars Millennium Project
My History is America's History
International Projects
Agenda Number: 4
TO: Dwight Johnson, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manage-----
SUBJECT: Schedule Next Council Study Session
DATE: June 4, 1999, for Council Study Session of June 8, 1999
1. ACTION REQUESTED: Establish the date and select topics for the next City Council
Study Session. A possible date for the next study session is Tuesday, July 13, and the
pending list of study session topics is attached.
Pending Study Session Topics
Police Operations Overview (Tim Bildsoe)
I-494 Corridor Commission (Joy Tierney)
Quarterly check-in meeting with City Manager (Tim Bildsoe)
Drainage Ditches (Ginny Black)
Water Treatment Facility Tour (Tim Bildsoe)
Water Rate Study (staff)
Water Resource Management Plan -funding issues (Scott Harstad)
Capital Improvement Program public process (Ginny Black)
City -Owned Open Space Management Practices (staff)
City Council Salaries (Judy Johnson)
Pending Regular Meeting Topics
Pro -Plymouth Pledge
Pending Comp. Plan Topics
Zachary Playground Funding - PRAC policy (Joy Tierney)