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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWeekly Information Update TO: FROM: DATE: RE: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMB~\ FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER \ APRIL 16, 1993 WEEKLY INFORMATION UPDATE 1. MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN DAVID MINGE The Scott County Transportation Coalition conducted an Informational Meeting regarding the Bloomington Ferry Bridge Project with Congressman David Minge on Monday, April 12, 1993. The meeting was attended by approximately thirty (30) people representing Scott County municipalities, the County and state Legislature. Congressman Minge was encouraged to contact state Representatives as well as Federal Highway Representatives to express his support for the project and encourage them to do the same. 2. CITY COUNCIL STRATEGY - This document describes the steps the City intended to take to support the completion of the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. The Council should confirm which steps have been accomplished, those which need to be refined, and the speed with which the remaining steps should be accomplished. 3. 1994 1998 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) ADOPTION CALENDER - Attached is a memo to committee and commission members and an adoption calendar I am proposing for the 1994 - 1998 CIP. The adoption calendar assumes that the Council will receive input from City committees and commissions on their portion of the program. We will be sending this timeframe with a copy of the current C.I.P. to Committee and Commission members April 19. 4. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WORKSHOP ON INTERIM METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK On Monday, April 12, 1993, the Metro~olitan Council conducted a workshop to discuss the inter 1m MDIF. The meeting was held allegedly because the interim MDIF was adopted by a different set of Metropolitan Councilmembers than presently exists. The Staff reviewed the interim MDIF provisions, especially as they relate to Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) Line expansions or adjustments. Councilmembers expressed concerns about the existing document, specifically regarding: 1. Its applicability to free standing growth centers. 2. The number of Musa Line expansions which have been requested. The Metropolitan Council Staff identified three (3) potential strategies that could be used: The first was to continue to 1 use the existing interim MDIF requirements. The second alternative was to fine tune the existing document to clarify that free standing growth centers are regulated by its provisions and that any Musa Line ex~ansions or adjustments would be dependent on whether there lS a region wide need for additional sewered property. (A Metropolitan Council Staff graphic suggested that there was no additional land needed for development on a metropolitan wide basis.) The third option was a complete moratorium which would not allow adjustment, expansion, or any sort of revision of the Musa Line. Next Monday, April, 19, 1993, at 4:00 P.M., the Metropolitan Council Committee, as a whole, will be discussing the moratorium proposal to determine if it has merit. I have talked with representatives of realtor associations, other city administrators, and managers as well as developer representatives encouraging them to be present or to contact their Metropolitan Council representative. 5. LIQUOR LICENSES - The City Council asked me to research the number of liquor licenses which may be approved in the City of Prior Lake. Minnesota Statutes, Section 410.01, defines Prior Lake as a third class city since our population exceeds 10,000 but is not more than 20,000 persons. Minnesota statutes, Section 340A.413, provides that cities of the third class may have no more than twelve (12) liquor licenses. The City presently has seven (7) li~or licenses outstanding. On May 3, 1993, the City Council w1ll be reviewing a request from Don McKush for an on-sale liquor license for the Lone pine Golf Course. 6. LEGISLATIVE ISSUES - At the April 15, 1993, Metropolitan Area Managers Association Meeting, Roger Peterson and Vern Peterson of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities and Joel Jamnik of the League of Minnesota cities. Among the topics discussed were: 1. It appears that the Metropolitan Council, as an elected bo~y, is most likely dead for this session. There lS one bill (Senate File #1177 and House File #1188 which retains the elected Metropolitan Council and restructures both the RTB and MTC. 2. The likelihood of a 1994 freeze in salaries, levies, etc. is not likely. 3. Ann Rest, the Chair of the House Tax Committee, has rejected the League of Minnesota Cities Local Government Aid Proposal. Under the League formula, Prior Lake would have received $29,618.00, which is an 8.6% increase over last year. Under the House proposal, the City would receive no LGA. 2 4. House File #1376 and House File #1081 proposes a restructuring of Metropolitan Council districts. House File #1381 would pair Prior Lake with the developing communities of Orono, Chanhassen, and Chaska, while the bulk of the district would consist of townships. Senate File #1081 would include Prior Lake with townships lying south of the river but would include a portion of Chaska, Shakopee, Savage, and Bloomington. 7. MCWILLIE'S RESTAURANT - As I advised the City Council, we issued a "stop work order" for McWillie's Restaurant some weeks ago. McWillie's has now requested a building permit based upon a site plan which was submitted and approved by the city in 1986. A minor amendment to that plan is now required to provide II ADA required handicapped ramping". Since this is a minor amendment and requires only a four (4) foot addition to the buildin~, we intend to approve the permit since it is generally ln conformance with both the approved site plan and conditional use permit for this site. 8. EXPANSION OF MINI-STORAGE FACILITY - Attached is a letter from Horst Graser to Gary Thomas regarding the City's position on a proposed expansion of his mini-storage facility. The letter sets forth options available for the development of this site since it is not served by City sewer, water, or streets. 9. SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDING FACILITIES TASK FORCE - Attached for Council information is a letter which outlines a draft objective of the School District's Facility Study Committee which I serve on. Also included, is an outline to accomplish that objective. The next meeting of the Task Force is on April 27, 1993. I would appreciate City Council input with respect to the proposed objectives and work plan prior to that meeting. 10. RESPONSE TO RESOLUTION OPPOSING ORFIELD BILLS - Attached is a letter from State Senator, Terry Johnston, with respect to the Resolution that we sent her opposing various Orfield Bills. 11. "TRIBES HIT ON GAMING" Attached is an article from the A~ril 12 - 25, 1993, Citr and State Magazine entitled "Tribes Hlt On Gaming". The artlcle gives some sense of the national mood on this subject. 12. UNION ELECTION The Bureau of Mediation Services has received a sufficient number of valid authorization cards to conduct an election to determine whether most general City employees and all Maintenance employees will be represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 14. The election will be a mail ballot election. Ballots will be mailed to employees homes on Friday, April 23rd, and will have to returned to the Bureau of Mediation Services by Monday, May 3rd. On 3 Tuesday, May 4th, at 9:00 A.M., the ballots will be tabulated. If 51% of the employees vote in favor, the union will be established. Following that, we would be begin to negotiate a contract which establishes wages and conditions of employment for 1994 and thereafter. Attached for City Council information is a copy of the voting eligibility list and a sample of the official ballot. 13. INDIAN COMMUNITY SEWER AGREEMENTS - On Thursday, April 15, 1993, Bill Rudnicki representing the Dakota Community, Dennis Kraft; Citr Administrator of Shakopee, and I met to discuss the provislons of the new Sewer Agreement proposed for reservation land lying north of County Road 42. At the meeting, I learned for the first time that the Sioux Community's current thinking does not include a Recreation Center in Shakopee as was originally proposed. They are, none the less, seeking a Sewer Agreement for the residential properties in this area. They are now considering placing the Recreation Center closer to Mystic Lake Casino, on trust property within Prior Lake. I advised Bill that if the Community Center were to come to pass, we would be interested in some sort of guarantee that Prior Lake residents would receive equal access to the facility as members of the Indian Community or corporation. Bill also indicated that he would provide me with a copy of their Comprehensive Plan which shows the intended usage of their property over the next several years. He stated that in 1989, the Indian Community owned some two-hundred and sixty acres of land, it now owns six-hundred and ten acres and the ultimate projections of land acquisitions amount to fifteen-hundred acres in Prior Lake and Shakopee. We agreed that both cities would supply their proposed amendments to both Sewer Agreements by Friday, May 7, 1993. Then by Friday, May 25, 1993, a re-draft of the plans will be made available, after we submit our amendments, I expect that there will be a necessity for additional meetings with Bill to review our concerns. 14. CITY OF PRIOR LAKE'S RESPONSE TO METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OPTIONS FOR CHANGE: METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK PUBLIC DISCUSSION PAPER Attached for Council comment is a copy of the discussion paper and a draft response which must be submitted by Friday, April 23, 1993. CC6 4 ; z CITY COUNCIL STRATEGY 1. staff will continue efforts to Metropolitan Council, especially Representative, Bonnie Featherstone, Council staff. work with the District 14 and Metropolitan 2. city staff shall attempt to secure from the Metropolitan Council, in writing, identification of the specific changes that must occur in order for the loop and ramp to be paved, and a written commitment from the Council that if these changes occur they will take action to overturn their initial decision. 3. Staff will organize an effort to include the City Council, staff and local citizens to participate and press politically through active and direct communication with elected and appointed officials the great need for complete, safe and direct access to the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. 4. Staff to secure a commitment from other jurisdictions to sup~ort our ~osition and request their help, aid and asslstance ln accomplishing this common objective. staff shall contact the Mdewakanton sioux community to seek their support and assistance for this objective. 5. Communicate with our citizens about this ~roblem. Begin with an open letter to the citizens of Prlor Lake from the Mayor and City Council informing them of the situation and requesting their help in communicating with elected and appointed officials. 6. Staff will organize a meetin~ with our elected representatives and appointed offlcials to request their help in rectifying the situation. The Metropolitan Council indicated they will their decision within two years. Endeavor to two year timeframe up. The sooner the process the better off we will be. 8. Staff shall mobilize our Highway 13 Task Force so they know the Metropolitan Council staff proposal has jeopardized their hard work on improving the safety of Highway 13. Convey to them that their assistance is needed in contacting elected and appointed officials so that we don't return to the dangers which existed previously on Highway 13. 7. reconsider move the is begun, 9. The City Council is concerned over the impact the Metropolitan Council's decision will have on our investment and infrastructure. We have considerable dollars invested in infrastructure in anticipation of the bridge and safe access to the bridge. ~ Council directs the City attorney to research the possibility of litigation to determine whether or not that investment is recoverable in the event we are denied complete, safe and direct access to the Bloomington Ferry Bridge. Research shall also include a determination if the action of the Metropolitan Council was within their appropriate charge and authority. 10. Consider instituting legislative changes through our elected officials. Discuss with them the feasibility or practicality of a "bill" to be introduced which would effectively reverse the Metropolitan Council's decision. ~ POSITION The Scott County Transportation Coalition acknowledges the recent action of the Metropolitan Council in approving the construction of an interchange at County Road 18 and the new Shakopee Bypass - Bloomington Ferry Bridge. The Coalition will continue to work with the Metropolitan Council and local communities to secure a final access permit. Passed April 19, 1991. In addition, the Coalition passed a motion supporting Prior Lake's aggressive plan. (Mayor Andren and City Manager Unmacht were in attendance at the Coaliltion meeting on April 19.) .., .../ MEMORANDUM FROM: DATE: RE: Planning Commission Parks and Recreation Parks Advisory Committee Lake Advisory Committee Economic Development Committee Frank Boyles, City Manager April 19, 1993 Adoption of 1994-1998 Capital Improvement Program TO: One of the prime documents through which the City of Prior Lake allocates its financial resources for the development of infrastructure and public facilities is the Capital Improvement Program. The Capital Improvement Program is composed of City, developer and county initiated improvement projects for streets, sewer, water, storm water drainage, parks, trails, and water quality. The projects are listed by priority for the next five years together with one or more funding sources. Since this an important planning document to the City Council, it is important that the input of the City's various advisory boards and committees be solicited. Therefore, I am asking that each of the advisory boards and committees complete the following review: 1. Review the attached 1993-1997 Capital Improvement Program to become familiar with the projects it contains. You will note the current program contains numerous capital outlay items. These minor expenditures will be deleted from the 1994-1998 document. 2. Review those ~rojects within your responsibility area. Discuss the tlmeline for the projects with the City staff liaison to your committee, and provide your suggestions for how the projects should be prioritized. 3. Once the draft 1994-1998 Capital Improvement Program is available on June 8, we will ~rovide it to commission and committee members for reVlew and comments. 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 4474230 / Fax (612) 4474245 AN EQUAL OPPOKTUNlTY EMPLOVER 3 4. Submit your reactions to the proposed 1994-1998 program to the City Council at their June 21 public informational meeting. I would suggest that the chairs of each of the respective committees be present at that meeting or submit a brief memorandum to the Council with their views. I expect that the Council will take action to approve the 1994-1998 Capital Improvement Program at their June 21 meeting or soon thereafter. I have enclosed for your information the tentative timetable for approval of the capital Improvement Program. If you have any questions feel free to contact your staff liaison. IlFBME17" 7 J CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 1994-1998 TIMETABLE & PROCESS FOR COMPLETION DATE April 6, 1993 STATUS ACTIVITY x Finance distribution of completion schedule, CIP forms, and cover instructions to departments. Administration distributes current CIP document to all advisory committee members. April 19, 1993 x May 3, 1993 May 4-10, 1993 Departments return completed CIP project forms to Finance. Advisory committees review their portion of the current CIP to suggest project priorities. Finance compiles preliminary CIP project worksheets. City Manager & Finance review draft CIP with department heads for priority, rank and year designation. May 3-June 21, 1993 May 11-25, 1993 June 21, 1993 Finance finalizes and distributes the draft 1994-98 CIP to Council departments and advisory committees. City Council conducts public hearing on 1994-1998 Capital Improvement Program, receives advisory committee recommendations and adopts CIP if appropriate. June 8, 1993 4629 Dakota S1. SE., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 4474230 / Fax (612) 4474245 AN EQUAL oPPORTUNITY EMPI.DYER . r~ ~ Metropolitan Council Plan . METC3 1i 0 J'-7 e t ,,7 I-II~': / 17e~' ..f L J Y? ~" i2. /v.' L f2. e d I .~ Tv, '- 71'/i f- ~ H.oD,o-od twp -- Q P' ~ c.... twp. ---,. ~ CJ _.. A.... twp "'" B.s.. a.,. -~ IfF) _~ 7 (p C~~) u.-. .... Cb Baa Lob c..._ .... _ Lob .... Dart- LJ 12 1Iq. 0 !I.pn .... 1L.... LolrMII. ........ .... 0 1I 11_ ........ - .... CO BeL PbOao twp c...... ..... .... c..c. .... Ha.- .... 00_ .... lhooovolo ~ CoanIiaatinr c-iMiClIl SlJhcammiuee llIl Geapwpuc rmor-tillll s~ ... IS. IIn -... ,APR.:-.13-93 TUE US :44 CHRISTY"S AUTO SER.V}YE e6193.... a,,~, n.."V/a/'J . I w: 1k", ~ YR'" J1 V'~/ t t; J.o~ (:; ~~~ ~~~ 5?r 10<<6 J (f>cx~~ ) P. GH Metropolitan Council Plan: MC02P ..,- s.- .... ...- Cb - .... ~.... . . ....t.oAoo 0.,.. CO 1 c-.. .... w..._ Q w~.,....,.2 \.AO ..... ~ CJ y-"-........ ". 10- ... 110_ .... 4 0 ..... .. 16....... lAo - 0 . I'-~ -~.... eo._ C:.vJCo : ...- .... UbVIf-> 51, L~f~ ~P/~1;(H~ l.4ijlalive Co,ordlnal1u Coml1l!$SIOIl :SubcommlUtt OIl OCO(l'lplllC Infoll1l1tioa System ~..,," 1:'19'. y April 15, 1993 Mr. Gary Thomas 6701 Faricy Lane Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. Thomas, This letter is in regard to rour request to expand the mini-storage facility located adJacent to Welcome Avenue, Prior Lake. There are no lots of record within the existing 1-2 Light Industrial District located north of County Road 21. As such, the City of Prior Lake is under no obligation to grant a building permit to land that is not a parcel of record. In order to create a parcel of record, a subdivision of the site, according to the provisions of the Subdivision ordinance, would be required. The option to plat the ~roperty would include a request for the City of Prior Lake to lnstall public improvements such as sewer, water, street, storm sewer and gutter. A co~y of the Subdivision Ordinance is attached along with a subdivislon application form, fee schedule and assessment policy. The process that would be followed is the Abbreviated Subdivision Process, outlined in Section 6-3-1, which would allow both preliminary and final plat processes discussed in the Ordinance. A second option is to apply for appropriate variances from the Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance. The City Council did grant variances and waived subdivision requirements for Richard Swenson to locate a building at 16940 Welcome Avenue. In such an application, it would be your responsibility to show hardship and that the variances requested are consistent with Section 6-9-1 of the Subdivision Ordinance: "The Council may grant a variance from these regulations upon receiving a report from the Planning Commission in any particular case where the subdivider can show by reason of exceptional topography or any other physical conditions that strict compliance with these regulations would cause exceptional and undue hardship, provided such relief may be granted without detriment to the public welfare and without impairing the intent and purpose of these regulatiqns." It is the intent of this letter to outline the process that Mr. Swenson pursued in order that you may address the Prior Lake Planning Commission and City Council with the request to expand the mini-storage facility. An application for variance has been enclosed with this letter. The application form should be 4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 4474230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPlDYER 9 completed and $75.00 dollar application fee submitted payable to the Cit~ of Prior Lake, the names and addresses of fee owners of propertles located within 100 feet of the subject site must be obtained from a certified abstract companr; a survey indicating the location of the proposed facilitles and description, in letter form, of the proposal. The letter should include the request to vary Prior Lake Subdivision and Zoning Ordinance provisions as outlined below: Waive subdivision requirements. The parcel is not a lot record therefore, no building permit ma~ be issued unless parcel is subdivided or the subdivislon requirements waived by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. The parcel cannot be subdivided according to the Subdivision Ordinance because required improvements such as sewer, water curb and gutter, and streets are not economically feasible or are simply not available to the site. The only method by which to remedy this situation would be for the applicant to obtain variances from Subdivision Ordinance Sections 6-1-4 Compliance and 6-10-2 which prescribes the criteria under which the City Council may waive subdivision requirements. The subject site and other vacant parcels in the Industrial District are virtually unbuildable without variances similar to those described above. 1. of the are 3. In order to thoroughlr evaluate the site for development potential, the followlng data should be submitted for the variance application: Parking lot plan and location, planting plan as per attached Landsca~e Ordinance, and a building plan. It is likely that var1ances will also be required from provisions of the Landscape Ordinance which require irrigation systems. Please review the attached materials and sections quoted in this letter. If after your questions or would like to discuss this matter feel free to contact me at 447-4230. specifically, the review, you have in further detail, ~ro, ~ Horst w. G~r Director of Planning Enclosure cc Frank Boyles .. DISTRICT SERVICES CENTER (612) 447-2185 Dr. Lee Sonnabend Superintendent Jerry SpIM Curriculum & Personnel Jere Phllll~ Busln... Mal... SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (612) 447....131 Fred BlaIadeII Principal HIDDEN OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL (612) 447-2188 Craig Obon Principal GRAINWOOD ELEMENTARY (612) ~1 Ronald Machacek Principal FIVE HAWKS ELEMENTARY (612) 447....139 Darwin Foeae Principe! WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY (612) 447-2178 Rick Ravnholdt Principal cr INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 719 Box 539 - 5300 WestWood Drive Southeast Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 April 14, 1993 ~~ ~- O-^ ......<L) ,"'/ 'r/ {" ....... Ale,0.1>,. . <("' '". , '\ 'r/, r....r / V a..: f"\. 1'(1, -"Y <..v. ~ l ? ~(<' TO: Facilities Study Committee FROM: Frank Boyles Charlene Jasan Les Sonnabend RE: Statement Of Objective For The Committee Brief Outline Of The Task We met, at 8:30 AM on April 7, 1993, and have prepared the following outline of information for your review. In addition, we ask that you be prepared to consider a sub-committees structure to look at different aspects of two categories: 1) Alternatives To Building, 2) Construction & Remodeling. It may make sense to shorten the task by having small groups of people do some investigation into one or more of the options that may present themselves. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE To prepare a year 2010 plan which identifies specific short, medium and long range educational building needs. (This will also align with some of the work that Prior Lake, in particular, and also Savage are doing in preparing plans for the year 2010.) OUTLINE TO ACCOMPLISH ABOVE OBJECTIVE 1. Orientation (continued) A. Further review of census, demographic information B. Presentation by Savage city planner C. Presentation by Prior Lake city planner D. Presentation by a Chaska schools representative E. Presentation by Technology Committee F. Tour buildings Serving Prior Lake, Savage, Spring Lake Township, Credit River Township, Sand Creek Township and Cedar Lake Township q Page 2 2. Discussion of Drivers (those things that dictate certain decisions) A. Changes in curriculum B. Mandates from other governmental agencies C. Number of students (requirements for so much area per student) D. American Disabilities Act (ADA and other external standards) E. Internal standards (what's best for the students in Prior Lake) 3. Alternatives to Building A 1987 study (enclosed) 4. Construction & Remodeling A Elementary schools B. Middle/senior high schools C. Adding on and upgrading 5. Range of Financial Implications 6. First Plans For Implementation /0 TERRY JOHNSTON Senator District 35 117 State Office Building SI. Paul. Minnesota 55155 (612) 296-41 2J (612) 296-9441 (Fax) 3960 140th Street Prior Lake. Minnesota .'\5372 (612) 445-5340 Senate State of Minnesota April 13, 1993 "/^.. . ,.,{'I '1..j~ " -"$'/v. . I ~j"\ . ~ <J - >vi;;y)- <4:-' /Q9; q.t~ Frank F. Boyles, City Manager City of Prior Lake 4629 Dakota Street S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372 Dear Mr. Boyles, Mayor and City Council Members: Thank you for sending on to me your letter with your April 5th Resolution in opposition to H.F. 622, 623, 64l and 677, known as the Orfield bills. I appreciate being apprised of your position and agree with you 100 percent that this is horrible legislation. This is on the cities' agenda of their Friday noon meeting at O'Malley's in Prior Lake and I will be addressing the issue with you at that time. Again, thank you for your communication to me and your position on these proposals. I appreciate your input. Sincerely, c{J~ Terry Johnston State Senator tj:nl o Recycled Paper 10% POSI- Consumer Fiber ~.. r eb hett1\~-r rl es I ~l-l~ \ ~'\~ \1 . )0 gaIning ~ongress' help sought to curb roliferation of Indian casinos GARY ENOS ff Writer rl>vemors who say they are de- lseless against the prospect of I-scale casinos on Indian reserva- ns are closer than ever to gaining ne relief from Congress. {ey congressional leaders in ;h houses say that they will hold arings this spring to explore ssible changes to the Indian 'ming Regulatory Act of 1988, , law that unleashed an unex- :ted torrent of Indian-run gam- ~ in 16 states. n recent months, tribal leaders j governors have engaged in an Teasingly hostile debate over In- Ul gaming, a venture that tribes nsider the best way they have .ll1d to improve the dismal eco- mic conditions on their reserva- 'ns. :}Qvemors in Arizona, California, lode Island and some other states say the Las Vegas-sized casinos that the tribes envision would ruin the quality of life in surrounding com- munities. But recent judicial decisions sup- port the tribes' claim that they can build full-scale casinos on their sov- ereign land, especially when the states that oppose them already sanction many legalized gambling options. A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled in March that the Narragan- sett tribe may build a casino in the town of Charlestown; an order to the state to negotiate a tribal com- pact is on hold pending an appeal. In California, another federal judge is leaning toward ruling that the See Casinos on Page 22 Battling against the odds: An irate protester in Arizona forcefully decries government restrictions on Indian gaming. 22 I I Casinos Continued from Page 1 state's embrace of legalized gam- bling justifies plans for 16 Indian casinos. In Arizona, a mediator selected three Indian tribes' plans for full- scale casinos over the state's sugges- tion of more limited gaming. That ac- tion prompted Gov. Fife Symington to sign legisIation in March barring all fonns of casino gambling in the state, including charity events. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act gave tribes broad leeway to offer the kinds of games already al- lowed by their home state's govern- ment. Under the act, tribes may offer Class 3 games of chance like slot machines or roulette if states allow those games on non-reserva- tion land. The act also requires tribes to enter into a regulatory compact with states over casino op- erations; if a state refuses, the fed- eral government sets the guidelines. Allowances, not limits in law "The way the law is written is pretty clear," said Hunter Barrier, executive director of the Gaming and Economic Development Insti- tute, Alexandria, Va., a gaming con- sultant to governments. "It's easier to find the allowances (for tribes) in the law than it is to find the limits." That is why governors under the umbrella of the National Governors' Association argue that the law should be amended. While they agree tribes need to find ways to be- come less dependent on federal aid, governors say the law should not force states that sanction only small-scale casino gambling, such as the occasional "Las Vegas night," to accept full-sized tribal gambling palaces. "We have tribes in rural and urban areas, including one in down- town Tucson," said Doug Cole, Mr. Symington's press secretary. "Once full-scale gaming breaks out, it's not going to stay on the reservation." Concerned governors have the ear of those members of Congress whose support would be needed to force changes to the act. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, chairman of the Select Committee on Indian Affairs, would like to hold Washington hearings on the law in May. In the House, U.S. Rep. William Richardson, D-N.M., chairman of a House subcommittee on Indian af- fairs, has suggested that several p0s- sible amendments will be presented But governors should not expect a wholesale gutting of the five-year- old Indian gaming act. "I can assure you that there will be no federally imposed moratorium on all Indian gaming," Mr. Inouye told an audience of state attorneys general on March 30. Policy gov- erning Indian gaming must be fair to tribes because, "As a nation, we have a 200-year history of treat- ing the native people of this country in an abominable fashion," he said. Charles Keechi, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Associa- tion, Washington, remains hopeful that Congress will not tinker with the gaming law this year. Urges working together He believes both tribes and states would be better served if they worked together toward correcting some of the gaming act's problems. "I would rather negotiate than liti- -gate," Mr. Keechi said But in several states, it is unreal- istic to expect productive negotia- tion. In Arizona, a year of discus- sion over the scope of casino-style gambling on several reservations has failed to produce an agreement; ne- gotiations started after state officials seized video-gaming machines from five reservations last May. Arizona tribes differ Four Arizona tribes already are allowed to operate casinos with a cap of 250 slot machines. But three others, the Tohono O'odham, Pas- qua Yaqui and White Mountain Apache, want larger operations. In February, a federal mediator ruled in the tribes' favor. Mr. Symington has until April 15 to act on the mediator's decision, which would grant the Tohono O'odham tribe a permit for 2,600 slot machines. If the judgment is rejected, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt would make the final decision. Mr. Symington, who has met four times with Mr. Babbitt, is expected to reject the mediator's judgment. The law the governor signed, banning all fonns of casino gambling in the state, could be the dramatic action needed to force a federal response. Another impasse exists in Rhode Island, where a federal judge on March 5 ruled that the Narragansett tribe should be allowed to build a $40 million casino on a 2,OOO-acre reservation in rural Charlestown. The state immediately appealed, and Gov. Bruce Sundlun on April 2 testified in Washington that the In- dian Gaming Regulatory Act flies in the face of an earlier state statute that subjects the Narragansetts to state regulations. But the judge's ruling indicates that the Indian gaming act super- cedes state laws. And, the state's anti-casino position is weakened by its own aggressive expansion of le- galized gambling. Rhode Island has a lotteIy, pari- mutuel wagering, off-track betting, charity gambling, a keno game and video poker and blackjack machines at the tracks. State legislators realize they can improve the state's position by rid- ding it of several of its sanctioned Class 3 games. One bill under con- sideration in the General Assembly would outlaw charity gambling and the new video slot machines, both of which are seen as helping the tribe's cause in seeking a full-scale casino. Another state trying to fend off Las Vegas-style facilities is Califor- nia. But tribes may have an upper hand in that fight as well. Sixteen California tribes, which provide bingo and other Class 2 games, want to expand their offer- ings to include Class 3 games. The tribes sued the state last year after a breakdown in negotiations, and a federal judge has indicated support for them. Who's in control here? Some observers, including Mr. Barrier of the Gaming and Eco- nomic Development Institute, say state governments' real problem with Indian gaming is the states' lack of control over it. These states are getting a sympa- thetic ear from Washington, where officials are overwhelmed by the fast pace with which tribes have entered full-scale gaming. The scene has been set for at least some changes to the Indian gaming law. But no one is predicting governors who oppose Indian casinos will hit the jackpot. Indian gaming may rep- resent only 2% of the gaming indus- try, but its $720 million gross reve- nues in 1991 is no small feat for tribes that have spent much of their history on the reservations wallow- ing in economic misery. . / /2- VOTING ELIGIBiliTY liS! The following is a list of employees eligible to vote in an election to be conducted by mail ballot, with the tabulation of the ballots to be held on Tuesday, May 4, 1993, at 9:00 a.m., in;the office of the Bureau of Mediation Services, 1380 Energy Lane, Suite 2, st. ,~aUl, Minnesota, who fall within the following appropriate unit: 1. BOECKMAN.'- ROBERT All emplovees of the City of Prior Lake. Minnesota. who are pUblic employees within the meaninq of Minn. stat. 179A.03. subd. 14. excludinq supervisory.' confidential and essential emoloyees. "~""c '~~ '- " C) "- ') r \.- 15. KERKOW, LARRY 2. BRANDT, BRADLEY 16. KNUDSEN, PHYLLIS 3. CARLSON, CONNIE 17. LARSON, JAMES D. 4. CLOBES, BRUCE 5. DORN, LEO 18. LUNDE, JOHN 19. MCGILL, NANCY 6. FREIDGES, LAURIE 20. PINT, JUDITH 7. FRIEDGES, PATRICK 21. PRINDLE, FRED 8. FREMDER, MARK 22. RAAEN, VERLYN 9 . GORACKE, CAROL 23. RECK, HEATHER 10. HARTMAN, DOUGLAS :"-." 24. RUTHERFORD, JOEL 11. JASPERS, ANGELA 12. JONES, JASON 25. SCHERER, JAY 26. SCHEWE, RITA 13. JULKOWSKI, BERNICE i I _ J__ 27. WHITE, MERLE 14. KEEL, FIONA I ;:. /2-- STATE OF MINNESOTA - BUREAU OF MEDIATION SERVICES ST. PAUL. MlNNIIOTAII18 OFFICIAL BALLOT SAMPLE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE ~: 1. THIS IS A SECRET BALLOT. DO NOT SIGN YOUR NAME. 2. MARK AN IIX. (OR CHECK II JII) IN ONE BOX ONLY. JY CITY OF PRIOR LAKE'S RESPONSE TO METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OPTIONS FOR CHANGE: METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK PUBLIC DISCUSSION PAPER - The Prior Lake City Council is expressing the following concerns with respect to the Metropolitan Council's Proposed Metropolitan Development and Investment Framework Discussion Paper. 1. The Metropolitan Council does not give itself enough credit for its accomplishments. The staff's own evaluation of the 1986 MDIF, states that there are many successes includin~: "Growth and development has occurred cons1stent with the framework's policies". "Most growth took place within the Musa - little in the rural area". "The central city downtown was strengthened". These are significant successes that should not be downplayed. The Prior Lake City Council recommends that the Metropolitan Council continue to do what it has done well in the past, rather than make an effort to expand its range and degree of policy setting authority. 2. The position paper for the revised MDIF sets a range of o~tions for each of the proposed issues. Optlon 1 is to respond to market while Option 2 is shaping the region. In words, much stronger regulation. The continuum is biased a third option should be included, which is: Take no option whatsoever. Until such an o~tion is included, the Metropolitan Council bias w1ll be naturally towards staying involved in each of these areas rather than taking a fresh look at what role the Metropolitan Council should play if any. forth policy forces other 3. The Metropolitan Council is only one of many actors in the market decision which results in development. To assume that they can completely control what and where development takes place is unrealistic social engineering which simply does not work. The Metropolitan Council should take the role of responding to market forces in areas where it intends to remain active. To do otherwise will simply increase the cost of doing business in Minnesota, expand the size of the Council and its 1 4629 Dakota 51. 5E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 / Ph. (612) 4474230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPOR11JNITY EMPl.OVER )1 4. staff, current policies resulting in further tax increases, and needlessly over regulation. Such drastic steps are unnecessary since the Council's have been effective. In short, Option 2, "shaping the region" is overkill. The MDIF review process is an opportunity to forge greater cooperation between metropolitan area communities and the Metropolitan Council. The historic public input ~rocess has simply been ineffective in establlshing any sort of collaboration. The Council should break the mold now and revise the public input process, in a fashion which really incorporates the thoughts of residents and governments of the region as part of the solution. The mind set today is to focus on cities to the exclusion of the rest of The finalized MDIF should reflect metropolitan view. 6. The new MDIF needs to be a "living document" which incorporates the physical, social, and economic changes in the metropolitan area into its policies during its life span. Some means should be found for this to take place. 5. the the a central region. balanced Thank you for the opportunity to submit our thoughts on this important subject. CC8 2 D. JAMES SPACE, JR. 18094 EAGLE CREEK AVE. PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372 (612) 447-5225 (-) " / I I .//';// /1 ,~/> /1/ C'I 1';-. /1' /.' /1)/ ,'j. / I ~ /' / '7 ~" / February 18, 1993 City of Prior Lake City Council & City Parks Director Mr. Bill Mangan 4629 Dakota St. SE Prior Lake, MN. 55372 Dear Council members and Mr. Mangan, I requested a copy of the preliminary design from Mr. Mangan of the future park which is to be located at the Wagon Bridqe in the City of Prior Lake. I recognize that these plans are preliminary plans and represent future use of the property acquired from Mr. McDonald. They are attractive and could be an asset to the entire community. The purpose of this letter is to notify the Parks Department and the City Council that the designs three (3) all show useage of property that I own. The parcel that I own is PID # 25-935041-0, the deed for this property is filed of record in Scott County Recorder's Office and is notice to the public of my ownership interest. I have a registered property survey that was performed by Valley Engineering. You are welcome to have a copy of this survey. I hereby authorize Valley Engineering to release a copy of the survey of the old Chicago-Milwaukee RR property to the City of Prior Lake. You will have to present a copy of this letter to Valley Engineering in order to receive a copy of the survey. Prior to developing any furthur plans or incurring dnj undu\::' costs a survey of your property should be performed so that the City Councel together with the City Parks Department has accurate boundaries to develope a good land use plan. I would like to thank Mr. Bill Mangan for his help and cooperation and if I can be of any assistence or help in this matter please telephone or write. I would appreciate the City of Prior Lake sending me a copy of the minutes where this letter is presented to the City Council. As I will probably not be in town the night this letter is presented. Sin~ClY; hI {J. , ~ / D. ames Spa e, Jr. .