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CorrespondenceI Correspondence League of Minnesota Cities Friday Fax dated February 9, 2001. Fire/Rescue Calls Week of February 5 -February 11, 2001. Memo to Scott Botcher re: Response to Editorial by Greta Carlson, Roundhouse dated February 13,2001. Letter and Attachment fi'om Ted Mondale, Metropolitan Council dated February 15, 2001. Memo to Scott Botcher re: 1645 Lake Lucy Road - Christmas Display dated February 15, 2001. January 2001 CSO Highlights. Letter to Jeff Papke re: work at 3650 Highxvay 5 dated February 21,2001. Letter to Arnie Engelby dated February 21,2001. Feb 09 2001 16:~0',~ ~ia Fax _qc -> FR, '_)AYF, z,X filZ 937 5739 fldministr~tnr ---~ Of 002 A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities Number February 9, 2001 Sales tax exemption bills to be heard The House Sales and Income Tax Division will hear several bills that would exempt the purchases of local units of government from the state sales tax. The committee, chaired by Rep. Elaine Harder (R-Jackson), will meet in Room 200 of the State Office Building on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 10:15 a.m. The committee will also begin hearing a number of special bills that would exempt purchases related to specific municipal projects. The Legislature extended the state sales tax to purchases made by local units of government in 1992 when the state was experiencing a severe budget shortfall. At that time, the sales tax paid by cities and counties was estimated to generate $60 million for the state's general fund. Now, the estimated cost has risen to more than 5100 million per year. The issue has been a priority for the League, especially given the recent string of record state budget surpluses. Although the governor has included the e×emption for local units of government in his "Big Plan" tax reform proposal, the future of that broad proposal is currently unclear. The Sales and Income Tax Division agenda includes the following bills: · HF 107 (Cassell)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 166 (Wasiluk)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 188 (Stanek)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 301 (Marquart)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 314 (Kubly)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 538 (Folliard)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions. · HF 630 (Swapinski)--Exempts sales to political subdivisions · HF 468 (Erickson)--Exempts materials and equipment used in the construction of a fire station in Princeton from sales and use taxes. Competitive bid threshold With unanimous support, the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee approved SF 376, authored by Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy) and Sen. Chuck Fowler (DFL-Fairmont) to bring uniformity to the competitive bid thresholds. The House bill will be introduced Monday and will be chief authored by Rep. Larry Howes (R-Hackensack). Last year, the Legislature increased the dollar thresholds for local govern- ment contracts subject to the municipal competitive bid law to $35,000 for municipalities under 2,500 population and $50,000 for all others (Minn. Session Laws - 200, Chapter 328 amending § 471). A drafting oversight resulted in two bid processes to be excluded from the threshold increases. They are: · § 429 Special Assessment proce- dures; and · Day Contracts (also in § 429). The thresholds for special assess- ments and day contracts have been uniform and consistent with all other procurement processes subject to the bidding law. That is, of course, until last year's drafting oversight. The bill is non-controversial and will be passed from the Senate's consent calendar. Secretary of state proposes election reforms Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer announced Wednesday that she is urging action by the Legislature on a package of four bills designed to increase voter confidence in the integrity of the election process and to safeguard the conduct of elections. Rep. Tony Kielkucl<i (Dist. 20B- Laster Prairie, Cokato, Silver Lake, Watertown, Winsted) will author legislation that would make signifi- cant changes to election day voter registration procedures. Sen. Roy Terwilliger (Dist. 42- Edina) is authoring similar legislation. Kiffmeyer noted "weaknesses" in the way elections are currently administered. She said she wants to prevent any "Florida-type fiasco" from occurring here. Specifically, she wants to avoid "inequities in voting practices, disputed ballots wra.ngling over recounts, and ineligible voters casting ballots." She also wants to ensure military personnel are not denied the opportunity to vote. Kiffmeyer strongly supports another important but controversial proposal to create a fund to provide "every voter with the best voting equipment." The Rural Voter Equality Act would require the Legislature to appropri- ate as much as $22 million to equip all precinct polling places with optical scan electronic vote counting equip- ment that immediately indicates if For more ittfarrnatiott o. city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Mittttesota Cities Intergovertimental Relatiot~s team, (651) 281-1200 or (800) 925-I122 F~h I]9 2001 lfl:Sl:4~ Via Fax ,-RIDA Y'-AX FEBRUARY 9, 2001 -- PAGE 2 -> 61Z 997 5799 fldministrator Page 882 Of 882 voters have made mistakes when casting their ballots. Currently, polling locations where paper ballots are used (in smaller cities and in townships in rural areas) do not have automatic voting equipment to process the ballots. Election officials who met'in Decem- ber with the secretary of state to making such equipment more widely available said there are a host of questions to resolve, not the least of which is that many of the polling places in question serve very few voters--raising questions about the feasibility of providing the electronic optical scan equipment for polling places that do not have it now. The other proposal would make changes to election day registration. The "anti-fraud" bill would require registered voters to present a photo ID when voting at the polls; require voters registering on election day to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number in order to register; and make it a felony to vote three times in the wrong precinct. On Thursday, Sen. Terwilliger introduced SF 579, which would require voters to produce a photo ID before they would be allowed to sign the voter roster. Senate and House tax committees hit the road Both House and Senate tax committee divisions have decided to take some of their hearings on the governor's tax proposal to locations around the state instead of holding all the hearings at the Capitol. It's a good idea to contact the chair's office if you would like to testify. Watch next week's Bulletin for additional meetings, or check out the House Tax Committee web site at: www. house.leg.state.mn.uslcommltaxesltaxeshome.htm. Senate Tax Committee & DIvision Hearings Feb. 15--Income and Sales Tax division; Chair: Senator Don Betzold Hibbing Memorial Building, 400 East 23~u Street, Hibbing at 7 p.m. Contact: Michele Ford, (651) 296-4147 Agenda: Governor's tax proposal presentation by Commissioner Smith; public testimony Feb. 15--Property Tax Division, Chair: Sen. Samuelson Stearns County Court House-County Board Room, St. Cloud at 7 p.m. Contact: Mary Babus, (651) 296-7593 Agenda: Governor's tax proposal; public testimony House Tax Committee Hearings Feb. 15-- Property Tax'Committee; Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Rochester City Hall, Room 104, 201-4th Street S.E., 7- 8:30 p.m. Contact: Jason Rohloff, (651) 296-8880 Feb. 16--Sales & Income Tax Committee; Chair: Rep. Ron Abrams Moorhead City Hall, 500 CenterAvenue, 12 - 1:30 p.m. Contact: Jason Rohloff, (651)296-8880 3oin the BQC effort! Send in your City Council Resolution MINNIIOTJ~ CIl'lll Building Quality CornrnunlUes Check out the BQC Web site: www. Im nc.o rg/bqc/h om e.htm Building Quality Communities is about taking charge of the way your city is perceived by your residents, legislators and the media. It's a grassroots effort among all communities throughout the state -and it can't be successful without you! Each city was sent a packet of materials to get our city started in communicating how cities en- ance Fiinnesota's high quality of/ifa. Pass the City Council resolution committing your city to the effort and send it to Laura Petersen, 145 Uni- versity Avenue West, St. Paul, FIN 55103, or fax it to 651.215.4141. CHANHASSEN FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE/RESCUE WEEKOF FEBRUARY 5, - FEBRUARY 11,2001 Tues Tues Tues Weds Weds Weds Weds Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Thurs Fri Fri Sun Sun Sun Sun Feb 6 Feb 6 Feb 6 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 8 Feb 9 Feb 9 Feb 1 Feb 1 Feb 1 Feb 1 1:12 AM 3:59 AM 3:00 PM 2:23 AM 8:40 AM 8:51 AM 5:43 PM 8:12 AM 8:50 AM 5:02 PM 8:28 PM 9:21 PM 12:26 PM 11:03 PM 8:50 AM 6:59 PM 7:38 PM 7:46 PM Lake Susan Hills Drive Chaska Fire Dept Flamingo Drive Lakeview Road East Chanhassen Road Hazeltine Boulevard Chanhassen Road Highway 212 & Highway 101 Murray Hill Road Lake Susan Hills Drive Medical - trouble breathing Mutual Aid - apartment fire Medical - possible seizures Dumpster fire Medical - possible seizures Medical - asthma attack Medical - possible seizures Car accident with injuries Possible electrical fire Medical - person fell Pleasant View Road & H,aT 101 Car accident - no injuries Homestead Lane Highway t 01 & West 96~h St Hickory Road Sierra Court Kelly Court West 78th Street. Lakeview Road East Possible chimney fire, unfounded Car accident - no injuries Medical - possible chest pains Possible oven fire Fire alarm - false alarm, no fire Medical - person fell Car fire MoB Mon Tues Weds Weds Thurs Fri Fri Sat Sun Sun Sun Sun Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb 12 10:42 AM 12 3:25 PM 13 10:36 PM 14 2:35 AM 14 6:50 PM 15 3:51 PM 16 4:53 PM 16 5:21 PM 17 8:26 PM 18 7:50 AM 18 5:34 PM 18 7:41 PM 18 10:23 PM CHANHASSEN FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE/RESCUE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, - FEBRUARY 18, 2001 Century Boulevard Timberwood Drive Butte Court West 78th Street West 79th Street Park Road Santa Vera Drive Highway 5 & Galpin Blvd Horseshoe Curve West 78th Street Mission Hills Lane Nez Perce Drive Great Plains Blvd Medical - possible diabetic reaction Carbon Monoxide Alarm Medical - assist with patient loading Fire alarm -false alarm, no fire Medical - unresponsive person Medical - chest pains Medical - difficulty breathing Car accident- no injuries Carbon Monoxide Alarm Fire Alarm - false alarm, no fire Medical - person with seizures Medical - cut arm Medical - cut head CITYOF CHAN EN dgO CiO' Ce, re;' PO Box I45 Pho,c 952. Q3-. ] 900 Q52.~ ~ 9152 MEMOtL~NDUM TO: FROM: DATE: Scott Botcher, Git3' Manager Todd Hoffman. Parl,: and Recreation Director February 13. 2001 SUB J: ,,~cta Carlson Roundhouse Response to Editorial by "" ~ ' Nlavor Jansca', - ~, asked that] ~cspt_,p,d"~' - to questions raised in N,'is. Carlso, n's letter. Ouestion' I would like to know when and if'the !-,.oundnv,.:~,e is tom dov,-n what xx-ill be put in its place and how much tax money will go towards buildin ~ this new Ikxc i l'*t~x.-°. Responxe: A variety oFoptions costin2 550.000 52tqa~ o?.~n0~o are __' bot.:~,:[ :i", x' ' Ouestion \~,'hen I ",'~' lc)'~ n C*h~nhassen ~paid $i?00 for pa,'~' and tra~ls. I would SLimly *l, ink.. '"-",~-',.,~, thc tremendous amoant of new neid~borhoods,_~oin~_ up ail over ~__ hannassen m., fi}ere womd sureO' enou~t~ mone'~ to take care o~-" +~ ' ~ "~ ..... ~n~smn~ tl~e roundhouse and then · ~ .... /f'~ ~ r <-,f ~ ~,- ~ ..... ~--r1 5.'esnons~ i i}c '~5 est Lake hnnn.xx a.J..a neighborhood nas ' q3<o c,n, in park and trail dedication Fees To date. apl)roximato~x' ~,~.,~..w~t, .... ~.Otai apvox~n~a~el> $:40.000. Ouesfion: I xvo'uld also ~lKe to know if '~ ' . . '" t~e pa,.'].< and trail Fee pa'.d by bu,-ers is divvied up and an allotted amount oFmoney goes to each park in the comnm'ait':'. And. if not, why? Response: Park and trail fees are deposited into a single hind. Allocations For inx'estments in park and recreation are made at the City Council's discretion. The establishment of park and trail Fund districts would restrict the ability to manage these services in the best interests of' all citizens. In the case of Roundhouse Park, districting would leave Roundhouse Park approximately $90,000 in the red. Question: How will you explain how the park got its name if the roundhouse is no longer there? Response: Many places are named after "things" that are no longer present. If desired, an interpretive plaque could be placed at the location of the roundhouse. Greta Carlson 2/14/2001 Page 2 Ouestion: On the other hand, will more of my tax money go to rename and buy a new sign for the park? Response: A nexv park sign could be constructed and installed for less than $500. City Council Park and Recreation Commission Greta Carlson G :\park\th\gcarlsolu'esponse Metropolitan Council Working for the Region, Planning for the Future February 15,2001 Dear Local Official or Interested Person: Last fall the Metropolitan Council initiated public discussion on draft revisions we were proposing regarding the Council's guidelines for priority funding for houking performance. As the result of our informal public meeting in December and subsequent discussions with a variety of groups, local officials and interested persons, we have made numerous revisions to the proposed revised performance criteria. At 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2001 the Council will hold a public hearing at our offices in the Mears Park Centre, 230 East Fifth Street, St. Paul to hear public comments, concerns and suggestions on the attached draft revised housing performance criteria. Following the hearing, the Council will consider making further revisions to the criteria and will formally adopt a set of revised performance criteria in April 2001. The proposed draft criteria represent an effort to support our regional Smart Growth strategy by better aligning our expectations regarding the affordable and life-cycle housing capacity, commitment and performance of local governments and our use of limited resources. We hope you will examine the proposed revised guidelines. We encourage you to attend the public hearing in March, and to call John Kari (651.602.1548) or Guy Peterson (651.602.1418) of the Community Development Division if you have questions. Sincerely Ted Mondale, Chair Metropolitan Council ~/latthew Ramadan, Chair (~ivable Communities Committee V '1 ItIR.-XlC~"~('OMML!NDV I'[!'I'ERS()N',2OOI',tl214OIPc~IE'~itLtr doc 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fmx 602-1550 TDD/TTY 291-0904 Metro Info Line 602-1888 02/05/01 DRAFT ATTACHMENT A GUIDELINES FOR PRIORITY FUNDING FOR HOUSING PERFORMANCE The Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint includes policy that supports the broadened opportunity for affordable and life-cycle housing throughout the region. As one of the actions it will take to support such housing opportunities, the Blueprint says the Council will "give priority for regional infrastructure investments or expenditures of public dollars to communities that have implemented plans to provide their share of the'region's low- and moderate-income and life-cycle housing opportunities." The following criteria and their relative weight will be used to determine a score- 0 to 100 points- and rank for cities and counties in the region to be used in the evaluation and prioritization of applications for funding by the Council. Examples of current funding decisions that will be affected include those for community development - the LCA Fund and Smart Growth initiatives, transportation- TEA- 21, the environment - MetroEnvironment Partnership grants, and other investments and programs such as those for parks and open space. The amount of emphasis or weight given to the housing performance score or rank in the evaluation of applications for various funding programs will be at the discretion of the Metropolitan Council at the time it solicits applications for any of these discretionary funding activities. \\M E'FC_FS2\DATA\USERS\SHARED\LiBRARShCOMMUNDV~PETERSONL2001\012401-guidelines.doc 02/05/01 DRAFT Guidelines for Priority Funding for Housing Performance Counties 0 or 10 points 1. 0 or 15 points 0 or 15 points 0 to 60 points Capacity to provide affordable workforce and life-cycle housing The county has an agency or agent (HRA, cDA, EDA, etc.) that is funded by a county property tax and operates or provides housing assistance, development or rehabilitation programs for county residents. 2. The county or its housing agency or agent expends county-generated funds to support the development or preservation of affordable housing. 3. The county or its housing agency or agent owns and is responsible for the management of affordable housing units. Use of tools and initiatives for affordable worlfforce and life-cycle housing. The county through its housing agency or agent has in place policies', programs or resources to address affordable housing assistance, developrnent and preservation needs in the county for cities and townships that do not manage their own such programs. Examples of these policies, programs and resources include but are not limited to the following: Tenant-based rental assistance (Section 8 existing housing programs - vouchers or certificate.s) The use of lov,,-income housing tax credits for the development of rental housing Development of county housing TIF district to assist affordable housing development or preservation First-time homebuyer mortgage assistance program Downpayment and/or closing cost assistance program Holneowner rehabilitation or home improvement loan program funded by the use of MHFA funds or locally generated funding · Rental property rehabilitation or renovation program · New construction affordable housing assistance or support funded by the use of federal CDBG or HOME funds - ownership or rental · The use of housing revenue bonds to support affordable housing production, homebuyer assistance, or housing preservation efforts · Low-income housing rehabilitation loan or grant program funded by use of federal CDBG or HOME funds · An adopted policy preference for the use of federal CDBG or other funds for the development or preservation of affordable, housing over other potential community development uses of such funds. '6\W-TC_FS21DATA~USERS\St IAREDkLIBRARY',COMMUND\qPETERSON2020501CoumyCkyS,:oringCrkcria doc County policy that commits the county to work collaboratively and cooperatively with its municipalities to facilitate the development or preservation of affordable workforce or life-cycle housing when a county action or failure to act will impede the housing objective. · Housing counseling services (e.g. renter or first-time homebuyer education efforts) · Land acquisition assistance program for ~iffordable housing providers (e.g. Habitat for Humanity) · A program to provide housing for the homeless or abused, or the provision of assistance to another entity that provides housing for the homeless or abused · The absence of a county residency requirements or preference _for program applicants in the administration of rental and ownership housing assistance. Each policy, program or resource is worth 5 points, not to exceed 60 points. 1t ',LIBRAR SqCOM.MUND~,'~PETERsoNlo2osOICount)CityScoringCriteria.doc Cities 0 to 6 points 0 to 6 points 0 to 6 points 0 to 10 points 0 to 6 points Affordability and Diversification Municipalities are ranked according to the percent of their owner-occupied housing (homesteads) with an assessed valuation equal to or lower than an amount affordable to households at 80 percent of area median income, and their total number of mobile homes. . Municipalities are ranked according to the percent of their total housing stock that is comprised of rental units affordable to households of low- and moderate-income. This includes all federally subsidized rental units - public housing, Section 8 housing, units subsidized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, units developed with the use of loxv-income housing tax credits, units developed with the assistance of MHFA, the LCA Fund or the assistance of a local fiscal tool or housing finance initiative. This also includes all rental units that are qualified as 4d for purposes of their property tax classification. , Municipalities are ranked according to the percent of their housing stock that is comprised of units that are not conventional single family detached units. These units include twirfllOmes, quads, apartrnertts, townhomes, condominiums, detached townhomes and mobile homes. , Municipalities are ranked according to the percent of net units added to their housing stock itl tile previous four years that are affordable - both ownership and rental. These "new" units may include units that have been "preserved'" as affordable fora definitive period of time because of public or private re-investment to retain their affordability. 5. Housing for special needs Municipalities are awarded 2 points for each of the following types of special housing within their jurisdictions: · Housing for which federal, state, county or local funds or those of a non- profit organization have been used to purchase and operate residential units or provide licensed housing for the placement of adult offenders or adjudicated delinquents A publicly subsidized or non-profit group home licensed by the Department of Health or Department of Human Services which provides temporary or permanent housing for the physically handicapped, mentally ill, developmentally disabled or chemically dependent A shelter which is publicly subsidized and/or operated by a non-profit group to provide temporary housing for homeless persons and families, battered women or those not otherwise able to secure private housing. Each type of housing (not instance of such housing) is worth 2 points. \'-L!ETC_[:S2 D.'\TA'USERS SIIAREDd_IBR. ARY~COMMUND\L[~ETEI~,SON,,0205OiCom,,tsCi~yScoringCriteria doc 0 to 15 points 0 to 15 points Local Initiatives to Facilitate Affordable Workforce Housing Development or Preservation 6. Fiscal Tools and Initiatives The municipality has in place adopted local policy that allows and encourages the use of a local fiscal tool or initiative and has used such a local fiscal tool to assist affordable workforce or life-cycle housing development or preservation. Examples of such fiscal tools include but are not limited to the following: Tax increment financing · Housing revenue bonds · General obligation bonds · A local property tax levy · Local tax abatement · Local fee waivers or reductions · Credit enhancements · Taxable revenue bonds The use of federal or state dollars is only applicable if such dollars may be used for activities other than the development or preservation of affordable and life-cycle housing. Each local fiscal tool or initiative is worth 3 points. 7. Initiatives regarding local regulation and development requirements The municipality has in the two previous calendar years allowed the reduction, adjustment or elimination of a local official control, or development or local code requirement as a cost avoidance measure in order to facilitate the development or preservation of affordable workforce or life-cycle housing, or has in place in its policies and official controls a commitment to make such reductions,'adjustments or eliminations of requirements whenever they are requested in order to facilitate the development or preservation of affordable or life-cycle housing. Examples of these initiatives in the use of official controls include but are not limited to the following: · The use of a density bonus system, inclusionary housing requirements or some other innovative zoning approach · The use of variances, rezoning, special use or conditional permits or similar variations from the standards set forth in the community's zoning ordinance for the purpose of facilitating a specific affordable housing development · A local initiative undertaken to revise local design requirements for public improvement that may reduce the cost of public services to new residential development · Public services that might include streets, curbs, gutter, sewer and water hookups, street lighting and other required public improvements. ~L\~ETC-FS2~DATA\USERS\S~ARED~L~BRAR5~C~M.MUND~r~ETERS~Nn`~2~5~C~un~yC~tySc~ringCriteria doc 0 to 10 points 1 to 5 points 1 to 5 points 0 or 10 points 10. A reduction of such standards as the required street right-of-way, or surfacing width or depth design for residential street, or the size of sewer or water service lines to new housing Each local initiative is worth 3 points. 8. Initiatives regarding housing preservation and rehabilitation The municipality has in place locally-initiated or administered (city or county) housing preservation, home improvement and/or rehabilitation programs, or other tools that are of assistance in keeping its housing stock in sound condition. Examples of these initiatives include but are not limited to the following: A housing maintenance code and enforcement program for rental housing A housing maintenance code and enforcement program for owner-occupied housing A housing rehabilitation loan or grant program for rental housing e A housing rehabilitation loan or grant program for owner-occupied housing A home improvement loan or grant program A home improvement resource center A local tool-sharing center or program Each local initiative is worth 2 points. 9. Density of residential development The average net density of new (or re-use) sexvered housing for which' a building permit was issued in the municipality in the two previous calendar years. Ttxe average net density for attached housing units, i.e., units per acre The average net density for detached housing units (including detached townhomes and manufactm'ed homes), i.e., units per acre (Unsewered communities will be scored separately from sewered communities with a higher rank for lower net density.) The municipality's current zoning ordinance allows densities for residential development consistent with densities set forth in the local comprehensive plan revised pursuant to the 1995 Land Plam~ing Act amendments. Therefore, at a minimum, the residential densities identified in the comprehensive plan for the various residential land use categories are achievable for anyone proposing residential development pursuant to the zoning ordinance without a variance or exception. Yes or No. It Li [t R:\R.\~.CONINiUND\",PETEC. SON~.,020501Ccunt5 CityScoriv, gCriteria doc 0 or 6 points 11. In the previous two calendar years, the municipality has approved the development of new affordable housing or involvement of the municipality in the preservation and reinvestment in existing affordable housing- ownership or rental - which may or may not have been undertaken as yet for reasons beyond the municipality's control. Points will be awarded according to the number of units involved in the proposal as follows: 2 points - less than 20 units 4 points - 20 to 39 units 6 points - 40 or more units ~.~.M~:- TC-FS2~.DA TA ~.USERS~S~ARED~L~RA R Y'`C~.M.\~L~.D ~'~PETERS~N~2~5~ ~ C~untyCitySc~ringCriteria.d~c CITYOF CHANHASSEN ~0 CiO, Ce'me;' D','i~,e, PO Box i ~7 Cha,hasse,, :vli;me~ota 55317 Pho,e 612.93Z 1900 Ge,e~f ~.~' ~12 03 7 5739 3~gi~eeri,g Fax 612 Q37. 9!52 MEMORANDUM TO: Scott A. Botcher, City Manager FROM: DATE: Teresa J. Burgess, Public Works Director/City Engineer.~-, · February 15,2001 SUBJ' 1645 Lake Lucy Road - Ct~ristmas Display The attached article appeared in the Februaw 14, 2001 Star Tribune Newspaper. Mr. Harlow was in attendance at the City Council Meeting on February 12, 2001 and also spoke with the Kendalls. No one from the City was interviewed for the article. ~ ......... ~ ........ ~ I would like to clarify that the City was not aware of a letter writing campaign. The issue ,,vas brought to the City Council because of the violations listed in the staff report and the desire to receive direction from the City Council. Since this was not a Public Hearing, the neighboring properties were invited to submit any comments in writing prior to the meeting instead. Only the Kendalls xvere invited to speak at the City Council meeting. The Kendalls also chose to submit a written response which was passed out at the City Council meeting. ! , , . With conditions, Chanhassen says let the lights shine Page 1 of 2 Are you sitting down? mETFIO IFIEGIOfl ~ startribune.com ~. Melt0 List Published Wednesday, February 14, 2001 With conditions, Chanhassen says let the lights shine Tim Harlow / Star Tribune One of the Twin Cities area's largest holiday light displays will apparently illuminate a Chanhassen street for at least another :)ear. The Chanhassen City Council voted unanimously Monday to work with Bob and Sandy Kendall so that their lavish 300,000-light spectacle will comply with city ordinances passed in response to neighborhood complaints about light, noise and traffic. The council also said it will give specific instructions to the Carver County sheriff's department and city staff as to 'how strict they should be when it comes to enforcing city laws on lighting, noise and parking during the holiday season. For the past five years, the Kendalls' display, which includes the homes of Three Little Pigs, Snoopy and Spuds MacKenzie and even a carousel that plays music, has lured visitors from far and wide to their home at 1645 Lake Lucy Rd. But as the display has grown and attracted larger audiences, some nearby residents complained that the lights and extra traffic created safety problems. Most of the year, parking is not allowed on Lake Lucy Road. During the holidays, however, law enforcement officials often look the other way when people park their cars near the walk-through display. The debate came to a head this fall when Chanhassen officials solicited comments from the public. That touched off a letter- writing campaign that pitted residents for the display and against those opposed. "We appreciate the effort and contribution you make to Christmas," .../article?perPa.ee= 10&p~aphs= 1 &orderBv=date&checkedStory=83557228&sctnView=Display~2/15/01 With conditions, Chanhassen says let the lights shine Page 2 of 2 ¢,,~ startribune, o:,rn · ~. l.letr'o Mayor Linda Jansen said at Monday's meeting. The resolution passed Monday calls for the Kcndalls to £ollow all city rules. The Kendalls also agreed to some changes in their display, promising to remove two light poles on city right of way. Bob Kendall also said he will turn his lights off at 10 p.m. this year instead of 11 p.m., lower the volume of music and work to keep limos and buses front stopping in front of the displays and disrupting traffic. "It will be a little harder now, but at least the City Council is willing to work with us." he said. "I'm satisfied with this result." Tim Harlow can be contacted at ~ Lis~ ..Q.. Copyrigi~t 2001 Star Tribune. Ail rights resen,'ed. .../a~iicle?perPa~e=t 0&p~raphs:l &orderBwdate&checkedStory:83557228&sctnView=Display2/15/01 3anuary 2001 CSO Highlights An/ma/Complaints: Animal :Impounds: Vehicle Lock Outs: Traffic Assistance: (Crashes, motorist assists, etc) Code Enforcement: House Security Check~: Other: :[:[ (1 Wild animal relocation) 6 (:[ citation issued) 21 21 Sidewalks: 3 .Junked Vehicle 1 Snowmobile 6 Graffiti 1 Outdoor Storage · City Council Packet delivery · 2 Nuisance court cases. · Assisted S.O search a car at Target · Impounded :[ Bicycle · Assisted with a DWI: arrest after taking a car in the ditch complaint. 1 CITYOF CItAN EN ]¥)OIIP ~52.~3.~ ~00 Gc, eral Fax 952. c5.~Z52~ Bui/di,g D~,,'tme, t Fax 952.934.2524 February 21,2001 Mr. Jeff Papke 6180 Cardinal Drive South Shorewood, MN 55331 RE: Wetland Conservation ,Act (WCA) Cease and Desist Order Issued for Work at 3650 Highway 5, Chanhassen, MN Deal' Mr. Papke: More than five months have passed since my August 21, 2000 letter. I have contacted your agent Mr. Gerald Gray on several occasions and have been assured the City would receive a wetland replacemel;t plan roi' wetland impactsocc,~..n at the above address. The City has not .-,,et received a wetland replacement plan. It is imperative that progress is made this winter to ensure the WCA Cease and Desist Order (CDO) is resolved during the spring of 2001. To this end, this letter reiterates several alternatives for resolution or,his matter. the August 21, 2000 letter, two alternatives for CDO resolution were outlined, T'o~ m~y choose to leave the fill in place. You wo'u!d then be required to replace ],892 square feet of wetland on-site at a 2:1 ratio (3,784 square feet of new wetland). (Normally, under WCA, wetland replacement resulting from a CDO would occur at a punitive 4:1 ratio. However, the City plans to seek standard 2'1 l'eplacement in this case since an exemption had been issued for the work.) You would be responsible for any and all costs associated with wetland replacement. In this case, you would be required to submit a wetland replacement plan to the City for review and approval prior to new wetland construction; or . You may ask the City to assist in funding the removal of 1,492 square feet of wetland fill (leaving 400 square feet of fill, which would be exempt under the de minimis exemption) and restoring the area. An agreement would need to be reached between yourself and the City regarding the details of this alternative prior to removal of the fill. In addition to these two alternatives, there is a third, less desirable alternative available. If the City has not received either a wetland replacement plan (Alternative 1) or a letter stating your intent to pursue Alternative 2 by March 14, 2001, the Carver Soil and Water Conservation District ,,,,,ill be contacted and a Restoration Order will be written. Following the issuance of a restoration order, you xvould be responsible for removing all wetland fill, as well as any and all costs incurred while doing so. If you wish, you may present other alternatives no later than March 14, 2001. All alternatives are subject to review and approval, if necessary, by the City. Completion of the above measures, while working in cooperation with the City of Chanhassen, will satisfy the requirements of the agencies concerned. No individual agency approvals will be granted until all agencies' requirements are addressed. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 952/937-1900, extension 105. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, CITY OF CHANHASSEN :. Lori Haak Water Resources Coordinator CC: Kate Aanenson, Colnmunity Development Director Roger Knutson, City Attorney Doug Snyder, Board of Water and Soil Resources Jim Smith, Departlnent of Natural Resources Chip Hentges, Carver Soil and Water Conservation District 1 CIT¥OF ~/)Oll~ 952932 I~00 952 93 ~5739 P52. Q329]52 B,ildi,g Wb Site February 21. 2001 Mr. Arnie Engelby Human Services Bldg.. Suite 305 1201 89th Avenue NE Blaine. MN 55434 Dear Mr. Engelby: I am writing to intbrm you tha~* the Git>: of Chanlaassen is in the Hennepin County consolidated pool f~r Colnmunitv Development Block Grant funding. The City is requesting money tbr afibrdable senior housing which is a high priority and a need tbr the City of Chanhassen. The City is competing with 28 communities in the consolidated pool. CUl'rentl.v. the City has two proposals that are in progress. Because the City has proposals that meet a local need. x~ e will nol be submitting a request to Hennepin County Resource Center for Fathers and Families. lC_. vou ~.~,,1,~-- ~= any questions, please feel fee to contact 1ne. C' Scott Botcher, City Manager City Council ~ope.for the ?uture . . . Resource Center for Fathers & Families Blaine, Burnsville, Crystal, Hopkins, Minneapolis, St. Patti City of Chmfl~assen Planning Division 690 Coulter Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317 Hennepin County Cooperating Communities Dear Kathryn, The Resource Center for Fathers & Families is requesting an application for CDBG grant. The Resource Center for Fathers & Families is a 501 ©3 non-profit that serves all of HennepinCounty with service sites at Hopkins, crystal, and Minneapolisl All our sites service clients needs according to their work schedule and convenience for travel. If you have any questions please call or e-mail aen~elby~?juno.com uman Services Bldg. ;uite 305 201 89th Avenue NE Minnesota 55434 612-783-4938 G12-782-4900 Thank you, Arnie Engelby Director