HomeMy WebLinkAbout3A, Metropolitan Council Rep John Doan--41TEN HILLS
Request for Council Review
3 A
Prepared By: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator Work Session Date: June 20, 2011
Metropolitan Council — Representative John Q. Doan
Discussion Topic:
Informational only. No action required.
Supporting Documents:
1. Memorandum dated June 20, 2011, from Patrick Klaers, City Administrator.
2. Letter from Dr. Doan addressed to City Administrator Patrick Klaers.
3. Met Council background information.
"A.Rp.E.HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 20, 2011
TO:
FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Metropolitan Council Representative John Q. Doan
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Earlier this year Governor Dayton made appointments to the Metropolitan Council. John
Doan is the new representative for Arden Hills. Mr. Doan will be attending this June
20th Council work session to introduce himself, meet the City Council and staff, and to
discuss Met Council /Arden Hills issues.
The Met Council staff representative is Lisa Barajas. I anticipate that Lisa will also be
attending this work session. Lisa came to our May 3rd staff meeting to meet us, to
introduce herself, and to update us on relevant Met Council and Arden Hills activities and
issues.
Attached is a letter from Mr. Doan and some general Met Council background
information.
�A Metropolitan Council
AA
May 2, 2011
Patrick Klaers, Administrator
City Of Arden Hills
1245 Highway 96 W
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Dear Patrick,
I'm pleased to introduce myself as the new District 10 Metropolitan Council Member. I look
forward to getting to know you, as well as other elected officials from communities within the
district. My goal is to partner with you and your colleagues to ensure the continued health and
vitality of our communities and the .efficient growth of the metropolitan area.
I am serving on the Council's Transportation and Environment Committees, although all
regional issues are of interest and important to me. One of my top priorities is helping to provide
local officials with the tools they need to create vibrant communities - -by connecting and
integrating the planning of transportation, schools, parks and other amenities to more efficiently
leverage our public investment as well as to promote livability and vitality within our
neighborhoods.
In addition, I want to echo the Governor's sentiments about jobs and job creation. Certainly the
Council, given its role in coordinating land use, transportation planning, transit operations,
wastewater treatment and housing affordability, can contribute significantly to economic
development and the creation of jobs. I am anxious to hear from you about how you think the
Council might advance these critical goals.
I would be happy to meet with you personally, attend local work sessions or council meetings,
and to meet with legislators within District 10 to discuss regional issues. Please free to contact
me with any questions or concerns at 763 - 233 -2479 or john.doanmetc.state.mn.us, or you can
reach the Council's sector representative for District 10, Lisa Barajas at 651.602.1895 or
Iisa.bar;asi 2i etc.state.rr . ,ss.
I look forward to working together with you on issues of mutual interest.
Sincerely,
John Q. loan
Metropolitan Council District 10
www.metrocouncil.org
390 Robert Street North • St. Paul, MN 55101 -1805 • (651) 602 -1000 • Fax (651) 602 -1550 • TTY (651) 291 -0904
Art Equal Opportunity Employer
Governor Dayton Files "Notice of Intent to Appoint" Forms Naming Individuals to the Met Council Page 3 of 5
Ms. Munt is the President of Transit for Livable Communities and the Public Affairs Director for
AFSCME Council 5. She is an ardent advocate for a balanced transportation system that encourages
transit ridership, walking, biking and thoughtful development.
District 4: Gary Van Eyll
Mr. Van Eyll is the former Mayor of Chaska and current member of the Carver County Planning
Commission. He has been an advocate for affordable housing, transit and transportation.
District 5: Steve Elkins
Mr. Elkins has an extensive public service background —at both the government and community
organization level —with particular focus in the area of transportation and community development.
District 6: Jim Brimeyer
Mr. Brimeyer is a former. St. Louis Park City Manager and City Council Member. Currently he is the
Treasurer of the St. Louis Park Community Foundation and recently served on the South West
Corridor Policy Advisory Committee.
District 7: Gary Cunningham
Mr. Cunningham is the Chief Program Officer for the Norwest Area Foundation and former Director
of the Office of Planning and Development for Hennepin County. He brings experience in housing,
community and economic development and transit to the Council.
District 8: Adam Duininck
Mr. Duininck is the Legislative and Political Director for the International Union of Operating
Engineers Local 49. He is active in the Transportation Alliance and has served on the Transportation
Strategic Management Task Force.
District 9: Edward Reynoso
Mr. Reynoso brings to the Council experience in transportation and wastewater services. This
experience was gained through his work as a transportation industry union representative and through
his involvement in related issues within his community.
District 10: John Doan
Mr. Doan is a Senior Associate at SRF Consulting Group and his work includes transportation
planning and congestion management. He has a passion for urban and regional planning and will
bring a rich background in transportation, transportation, housing and urban affairs.
District 11: Sandra Rummel
Former Senator Rummel has a strong interest in water quality and usage policies and a depth of
knowledge gained through her work on the Senate Environment Committee and Clean Water Legacy
Subcommittee.
District 12: Harry Melander
http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetailjsp?id=10031 3/9/2011
Metropolitan Council
Sector Representatives
lt Metropolitan Council
CIPlanning Sector Rep. Boundaries
ED Metropolitan Council District Boundaries
[r City/Township Boundaries
March 3, 2011
Oak Grove < East Bethel;
Beach
Point
Sector Representative
Freya Thamman (651) 602 -1750
Districts 1, 2, and Minnetrista & St. Bonifacius
Susan Hoyt (651) 602 -1330
Tom Caswell (651) 602- 1319
Denise Engen (651) 602 -1513
Including all of Minneapolis
Susan Hoyt (651) 602 -1330
Back -up Representative
Tom Caswell (651) 602 -1319
Patrick Boylan (651) 602 -1438
Lisa Barajas (651) 602 -1895
Denise Engen (651) 602 -1513
Lisa Barajas (651) 602 -1895
Lisa Barajas (651) 602 -1895
Susan Hoyt (651) 602 -1330
Susan Hoyt (651) 602 -1330
Freya Thamman (651) 602 -1750
to Freya Thamman (651) 602 -1750
Susan Hoyt (651) 602 -1330
Freya Thamman (651) 602 -1750
Freya Thamman (651) 602 -1750
Lisa Barajas (651) 602 -1895 11
12
Patrick Boylan (651) 602 -1438 15.16'
Metropolitan Council Members
Chair Susan Haigh
Roxanne Smith
2 Lona Schreiber
Jennifer M unt
Gary Van EyII
Steven Elkins
6 James Brimeyer
Gary Cunningham
Adam Duininck
Edward Reynoso
to John Doan
Sandra Rummel
Harry M elander
Richard Kramer
Jon Commers
Steven T. Chavez
Wendy Wulff
5
11
2
It Metropolitan Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metropolitan
Council?
0 The Metropolitan Council is
a regional government agency
created by the Minnesota State
116 Legislature in 1967. It serves
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloom-
ington and [83 other comm-
unities spread across Anoka,
Carver, Dakota, Hennepin,
Ramsey, Scott and Washington
Counties, a land area of about
2,975 square miles with a
population of 2.85 million.
More facts about the region.
The Council establishes policies
for the region's growth. Policy
plans adopted by the Council
address the region's forecasted
needs for transportation,
aviation, water resources, and
parks and open space. The
Council also provides essential
regional services, including bus
and rail transit, paratransit
services for people with
disabilities, and wastewater
collection and treatment. More
about the Council's role in the
region.
u. Why do we need regional
government?
Communities in the region can
be more effective when they
work together. Since its incep-
tion, the Council has success-
fully addressed significant
challenges related to air and
water pollution, polluted land,
transit management and
regional growth. Working
together achieves economies of
scale that cut costs; legislative
mandates help the Council and
the region more fairly distribute
resources, solve problems that
cross jurisdictional boundaries
and share information. More
about the Council's history.
Who makes governing
decisions?
The 17- member Metropolitan
Council board has 16 members
who each represent geographic
districts and one chair who
serves at large. They are all
appointed by and serve at the
pleasure of the governor. The
State Senate confirms Council
member appointments. See
biographies of current Council
members.
How is it funded?
Property taxes fund about 10%
of the Council's operating
budget. User fees provide
about 42% of Council
revenues, and state and federal
funds are about 46% of
revenues. (About 2% came
from other sources.) The
Council's 2008 operating
budget was $482 million. The
Council held property taxes
flat between 2003 and 2008.
When and where does the
Council board meet?
The Council normally meets at
4 p.m. on the second and fourth
Wednesday of each month at
the Council's central office at
390 N. Robert St., St. Paul. See a
map with driving and parking
information.
Several committees of the
Council also meet regularly. See
a current schedule of meetings,
upcoming public hearings and
other events.
How can I get involved?
Citizens can stay informed
about regional issues through
the Council's publications,
newsletters and website, attend
Council and committee
meetings, and serve on Council
advisory committees.
How do 1 contact Council
members and staff?
Staff and Council members
can be reached by e -mail using
this model: name.surname@
rnetc.state.mn.us. For phone
numbers, call 651- 602 -1000.
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert St. N. • Saint Paul MN 55101 • Website: www.metrocouncil.org
651 - 602 -1000 • TTY: 651 -291 -0904 • Data Center: 651 -602 -1140 • E -mail: data.center metc.state.mn.us
How can I order maps
and reports?
The Council provides a wide
variety of reports, plans, maps,
brochures, data, and expertise
to the region's citizens and
communities. The Council's
Regional Data Center is open
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at
390 N. Robert St., St. Paul.
Phone: 651 -602 -1140. Email:
data.center@metc.state.mn.us.
Access maps and reports
online.
How can I find out about
jobs at the Council?
Current job openings are
posted on the Council's web
site.
Where can I find bus or
rail transit near me?
Metro Transit, operated by the
Council, provided 82 ;pillion
bus and rail rides in the region
in 2008. The Council also
contracts with private providers
for some regional -route bus
service. Co online for transit
schedules, online bus pass
sales, an on -line trip planner
and other transit information.
Bus route and schedule
information is also available by
calling 612- 373 -3333.
Is there transit for
people with disabilities?
All Metro Transit buses and
rail cars are wheelchair
accessible. If you use a
wheelchair or have another
disability, you may qualify for
the region's on-demand
paratransit service, Metro
Mobility. Call the service
center at 651 -602 -1111.
What if I lose something
on the bus or rail car?
Metro Transit's headquarters,
including the lost- and -found for
items lost by transit customers,
is located in the Heywood
Building, 560 Sixth Ave. N.,
Minneapolis. Call 612 -373-
3333 for more information.
Where can I get regional
park information?
The Council works with local
park agencies to acquire and
develop parks and trails in
order to protect natural
resources and to provide
outdoor recreation for public
enjoyment. Regional park
facilities include 49 parks and
park reserves, six special
recreation features, and about
30 regional trails.
The Council publishes a map
and guide to the regional park
system. Order online or call
651 -602 -1140.
Where can I find out
about affordable housing?
The Council's Metropolitan
Housing and Redevelopment
Authority provides affordable
housing opportunities under
the federal Section 8 program
for more than 6,600 seniors,
families and people with
disabilities annually. The
Metro HRA operates in
Anoka and Carver Counties,
as well as most of suburban
Hennepin and Ramsey
Counties. Metro HRA can be
reached at 651- 602 -1428.
Where can I learn about
wastewater treatment and
water quality?
The Council's Environmental
Services division is charged
with protecting the public
health and the environment by
providing efficient wastewater
collection and treatment
services and water resources
management.
Related fact sheet:
- About the Council
Pub. 14-09-032 March 2009
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert St. N. • Saint Paul MN 55101 • Website: www.metrocounciiorg
651 -602 -1 000 • TTY: 651- 291 -0904 • Data Center: 651- 602 -1140 • E- mail: datacenter@metc.state.mn.us
The Council runs the
regional bus and light rail
system, collects and treats
wastewater, coordinates
water resource manage-
ment and preservation,
plans regional parks, and
administers funds that
provide housing op-
portunities for low- and
moderate - income families
and individuals.
The role of Council
members is to provide a
regional perspective and
work toward a regional
consensus on issues facing
the metropolitan area.
Metropolitan Council
Metropolitan Council Facts
Working for the region
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven - county Minneapolis -St. Paul
metro area. The Council provides cost - effective transit and wastewater services, coordinates orderl y and
economic development, and assists communities as they plan for anticipated growth. The Council was
established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1967.The Council's jurisdiction comprises the counties of Anoka,
Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington. The Council:
• Provides an average Of 250,000 bus and rail rides each weekday.
• Collects and treats up to 250 million gallons of wastewater daily, protecting public health and the
9P
environment.
• Helps plan and fund a system of regional parks and trails — more than 54,000 acres in all.
• Provides affordable housing opportunities to households with low incomes.
The Council develops, in cooperation with local communities, the 2030 Regional Development
Framework, a set of policies to guide the efficient growth of the region and help maintain the region's
economic competitiveness. The Council carries out the Framework, in part, through its plans for "regional
systems " — transportation, regional parks and water resources.
Council staff is organized in four divisions that focus on transportation planning and transit operations,
wastewater treatment and water quality, and community development, supported by administrative and
service units.
How the Council is governed
The Metropolitan Council has 17 members; they are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Sixteen Council members represent geographic districts of roughly equal population across the region. The
Council chair, the 17th member, serves at large. The current Council (hair is Susan Haigh, CAD of Twin Cities
Habitat for Humanity and a former Ramsey County Commissioner.
The role of Council members is to provide a regional perspective and work toward a. regional consensus on issues
facing the metropolitan area. All meetings of the Council and its subcommittees are open to the public.
Major achievements in 2010
• Awarded five major construction contracts and began construction on the
Central Corridor light -rail transit project, linking downtown St. Paul, the
State Capitol, the Midway Shopping District, the University of Minnesota
and downtown Minneapolis.
• Continued implementation of bus rapid transit in the I -35W and Cedar
Avenue corridors, with service start -up scheduled for 2012.
• Implemented region -wide dial -a -ride service, Transit Link, in areas not
served by fixed -route transit. The service is equitable and consistent across the seven counties, and
coordinated with fixed -route transit.
The Council has about
3,760 employees; most
of those are transit and
wastewater service
workers.
About 459/6 of the
Council's revenue is
user fees, such as bus
fares and wastewater
fees. State and federal
funding constitute 41%
of revenues.
• Endorsed light rail and the locally preferred route for the Southwest Corridor, which runs 15 miles from
downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie.
Updated the 2030 Transportation Policy Plan to include a new highway investment strategy that focuses
on system -wide highway management, using strategies like managed lanes and low -cost, high - benefit
improvements.
• Achieved major reductions in energy use in the wastewater collection and treatment system.
t Took strategic action to combat a revenue crisis in the wastewater system caused by the downturn in
the housing and commercial construction markets.
• Implemented a new groundwater model and regional water supply plan to help communities protect
and ensure an adequate supply of drinking water for future generations.
Updated the 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan, adding The Landing in Shakopee, a living history museum,
as the seventh special recreation feature in the regional parks system.
• Awarded nearly $9 million in Livable Communities grants to clean up polluted land for redevelopment;
demonstrate land uses that connect housing, job, and services; and support affordable housing
development.
• Completed review of 91% of the 181 decennial local comprehensive plan updates submitted by metro
area communities between late 2008 and 2010.
• Earned a competitive, $5 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel-
opment to develop plans and strategies along five major transit corridors. Earned a $16 million Living
Cities Initiative grant to develop affordable housing, mainly along the Central Corridor.
• Assisted nearly 7,000 low- income households monthly and made rental assistance payments to more
than 2,000 property owners, injecting $50 million annually of federal and state funds into the regional
economy.
Council revenues and expenditures
The Council relies on several funding sources. In 2010, 45% of the Council's revenue came from user fees for
wastewater treatment and transit services, and 41% from state and federal funds. About 10% percent of
revenue came from a seven - county property tax, and 4% from other sources.
The Council's 2010 budget expenditures totaled $738.6 million. The operating budget of $519.4 million
(70.3% of expenditures) covered daily expenses, mostly for regional transit service and wastewater
treatment. Debt service (19.1%) covered payments on the Council's long-term capital bonds and loans.
Pass-through funds (10.60) came primarily from federal sources (and some state funds) that the Council
received and allocated to local governments, agencies and rental property owners for transportation,
housing and other programs.
For more information
• Learn more about the Council at www.metrocouncil.org, or call the Council's Data Center at
651- 602 -1140 (TTY 651 -29] -0904.)
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert Street North • Saint Paul, MN 55101
651.602.1000 • TTY 651.291.0904 . Data Center 651.602.1140
E -mail: datacenter @metc.state.mn.us 4 www.metrocouncil.org
Pub. 14 -11 -009 March 2011
It Metropolitan Council
Livable Communities Program
0) Investments in
Pm community vitality
Thriving job centers stand on
14 once - polluted land. Workers
Ills like teachers, police officers
and health care aides can find
affordable housing in the
communities where they work.
Residents can shop, get on a
bus to go to work, and enjoy a
local park all within walking
distance of their front door.
These opportunities are
supported by the Livable
Communities Act (LCA),
adopted by the Minnesota
Legislature in 1995 and
administered by the
Metropolitan Council.
The LCA provides funding for
communities to invest in local
economic revitalization, afford-
able housing initiatives, and
development or redevelopment
that connects different land
uses and has good access to
transportation.
At Voluntary program,
based on incentives
The LCA reflects the Legis-
lature's preference for a
voluntary, incentive -based
approach to help communities
grow and redevelop, and to
address the region's affordable
and lifecycle housing needs.
Programs help reach
local, regional goals
The Council establishes criteria
for evaluating proposals and
makes grant awards in four
programs:
• Tax Base Revitalization
(TBRA) - Clean up brown -
fields for redevelopment, job
creation and affordable
housing in areas already
served by transit.
• Livable Communities
Demonstration (LCDA) -
Support development and
redevelopment that demon-
strates efficient and cost -
effective use of land and
infrastructure, and achieves
connected development
patterns linking housing,
jobs and services.
• Local Housing Incentives
(LHIA) - Produce and
preserve affordable housing
choices for households with
low to moderate incomes.
• Land Acquisition for
Affordable New Develop-
ment (LAAND) uses LCDA
funds to provide communi-
ties with no- interest loans to
help address affordable
housing needs. This program
is administered in partner-
ship with Minnesota
Housing.
To compete for LCA funding,
communities must negotiate
long -term affordable and life -
cycle housing goals with the
Council, and develop an action
plan to accomplish these goals.
Participating communities (105
communities in 2009) are then
eligible to compete for funding
from all three LCA accounts.
The LCA's emphasis is on
cooperation and incentives to
achieve regional and local
goals. Local communities are
well positioned to make deci-
sions about how their cities
and towns will grow and
develop, but the LCA recog-
nizes it will take partnerships
and shared resources to move
from community plans to "on-
the -ground" results.
Investments reap
impressive results
From 1996 through 2009, the
Council awarded 578 grants
totaling more than $198
million in Livable Commu-
nities funds. Fifty-two awards
have been relinquished in full
or in the majority, for a net of
526 grants totaling $175.?
million. (The net expected
outcomes of LCA grants have
been adjusted to reflect
projects that did not moved
forward.) The grants have
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert St. N. • Saint Paul MN 55101 • Website: www.metrocouncil.org
Phone: 651- 602 -1000 • TTY: 651- 291 -0904 • Data Center: 651 -602 -1140 • E -mail: data.center @metc.state.mn.us
H
1-
Ieveraged billions of dollars in
private and other public
investments. Following is a
summary of grants made and
expected results:
• 265 pollution cleanup grants
totaling over $77.7 million
were made to 40 cities and
counties. With 90% of the
awards moving forward
toward completion, the
result is a net of 238 TBRA
grants totaling $69.3 million.
The completed projects will
produce a $65.2 million
increase in net tax capacity,
and more than 31,000 new
and retained jobs.
• 170 LCDA grants totaling
over $90 million were made
to development and redevel-
opment projects that link
housing, jobs, and services,
and maximize efficient
infrastructure in 54 older
and developing cities. Of
these grants, 91% moved
forward towards completion,
for a net of 155 grants
totaling $91.9 million.
• 125 grants were made to 52
cities were to provide afford-
able housing opportunities,
with 92% moving forward to
completion. These net
awards have provided more
than 700 rehabilitated
affordable rental units;
nearly 1,900 new affordable
rental units; more than and
more than 800 affordable
new and rehabilitated
ownership units.
Other benefits of LCA funds
are restored natural resources,
improved transportation
options, new community
amenities and thriving new
neighborhoods.
Advisory Committee
helps select projects
The Livable Communities
Advisory Committee reviews
and recommends funding
awards to the Council for the
Livable Communities Demon-
stration Account. The
committee reviews complex
development and redevelop-
ment proposals against the
program's criteria for
connected development
patterns that link housing, jobs
and services.
The committee's 13 members
represent and have expertise in
development as it relates to
local government planning,
economic or community
development; public and
private finance; new develop-
ment and redevelopment;
transportation; environment;
and site design.
Cooperative efforts
reduce `red tape'
Communities applying for
LHIA funding or other public
affordable housing funds to
produce affordable multi-
family rental housing in the
region, need fill out only one
application through Minnesota
Housing. A group of represen-
tatives from the Council, the
Family Housing Fund and
Minnesota Housing reviews the
applications and make grants
from a variety of public
funding sources.
'IBRA funding is coordinated
with complementary programs
at the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, the
Minnesota Department of
Employment and Economic
Development, Hennepin
County and Ramsey County.
For more information
• Livable Communities
program information:
http://www.metrocouncil.
org /services /livcomm.htm
• Frequently asked questions
about LCA (pdf). http: //
www.metrocouncil.org/
services /livcomm /LCA
GeneralFAO.pdf
• Related fact sheet about
Affordable Housing:
http: / /www. metrocouncil.
org /about /facts /Affordable
HousingFacts.pdf
Pub. 14- 10-036 July 2010
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert St. N. • Saint Paul MN 55101 • Website: www.metrocouncil.org
Phone: 651- 602 -1000 • TTY: 651- 291 -0904 • Data Center: 651 -602 -1140 • E -mail: data.center @metc.state.mn.us
The Council's wastewater
collection and treatment
system has an outstand-
ing record of compliance
with its federal clean water
discharge permits.
At the same time, the
Council charges its
customers among the
lowest rates in the nation
for peer -sized systems.
It Metropolitan Council
Environmental Services Facts
Council protects water quality, public health
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES), a division of the Metropolitan Council, is responsible
for collecting and treating wastewater from approximately 90% of the population in the seven- county Twin
Cities area. MCES also conducts research related to water quality and supply, and provides technical
assistance to local governments. Among its primary responsibilities, MCES:
• Maintains approximately 600 miles of regional interceptor sewers that collect flow from 5,000 miles of
sewers owned by 105 communities.
• Treats an average of 250 million gallons of wastewater daily at seven regional treatment plants.
• Works with approximately 800 industrial clients to substantially reduce the amount of pollution entering
the wastewater collection system.
Provides water quality monitoring and analysis for the region.
• Conducts research and develops policies and plans related to the region's water supply.
. Partners with numerous public, private and nonprofit groups committed to a clean environment.
Services support regional growth
The services that MCES provides protect public health and the environment while supporting regional
growth. MCES ensures that:
• Sufficient sewer capacity exists to serve planned development.
Sufficient capital investments are made to preserve water quality in the region.
Wastewater collection and treatment is competitive for cost and quality.
• Local plans provide for adequate water supply and prevention of pollution from nonpoint sources, such as
urban and agricultural storm water runoff.
Plants maintain outstanding environmental record
As of March 1, 2011, the Council's seven wastewater treatment plants had gone 49 consecutive months
with no violations of their federal clean water discharge permits. The Hastings, St. Croix Valley, and Seneca
wastewater treatment plants have achieved 20,19 and 10 consecutive years, respectively, of full compliance
with environmental permits.
MCES earned a special Operations Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies in 2009 for
its Inflow /Infiltration Reduction Program. The program is a partnership with communities, and is designed
to reduce excessive inflow and infiltration of clear water into the sanitary sewer system.
Initiatives boost quality, allow for growth
MCES implements a capital improvement program that maintains and improves the quality of the regional
wastewater system infrastructure, supports regional growth and meets regulatory requirements. Some
current projects are described below.
Energy reduction. MCES is working to reduce energy consumption by at least 15% at its facilities. Projects
The Council provides
water quality monitor-
ing and analysis of the
region's lakes and rivers.
It also partners with
public, private and non-
profit groups to improve
water quality, and assists
with watershed planning
and management.
The Council is a key
player in water supply
planning and research in
the seven- county region.
at the Metro Plant include cleaning up air diffusers, optimizing steam generation to heat buildings and run
electricity- generating turbines, and installing energy- saving lighting systems.
New interceptors. A new, larger interceptor sewer is being built to serve expected growth in Richfield and
Edina. Construction of the four -mile pipe will conclude in 2011. Planning is well under way to replace and /or
repair aging sewers in portions of Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and Hopkins. Construction is scheduled to start
in 2011.
Treatment plant upgrades. Major upgrades are under way at the Seneca Plant in Eagan and Blue Lake
Plant in Shakopee, including increased phosphorus removal and improved disinfection processes.
Service is cost - effective, responsive
MCES is recognized nationally for its progressive management and market competitiveness. The Council's
charges for wastewater collection and treatment continue to rank in the lowest 25% among similar -sized
agencies nationwide.
MCES works with and for citizens in a number of ways, including partnering on environmental improvement
efforts; providing educational programs, meetings and forums, surveys and newsletters; and addressing
process - related and industrial odor - control issues.
Council monitors regional water quality
MCES implements a variety of strategies to meet the Council's policy of achieving no adverse impact on the
region's water quality. MCES provides water quality monitoring and analysis on the region's lakes and rivers;
partners with public, private and nonprofit groups to improve water quality; and assists with watershed
planning and management.
MCES's work is guided by the 2030 Water Resources Management Policy Plan, a chapter of the Metropolitan
Development Guide. The guide details the Council's policies and strategies for coordinating the orderly and
economic development of the region.
Council coordinates water supply planning
In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature directed the Council to carry out planning activities addressing the water
supply needs of the seven - county metro area. The law requires the Council to maintain a base of technical
information upon which to make sound water supply development decisions. It also requires the Council to
develop and periodically update a regional water supply master plan. With assistance from a Metropolitan.
Water Supply Advisory Committee, comprising state and local officials, the Council developed a plan that
guides local water supply planning and future regional investments. The plan emphasizes conservation,
Inter-jurisdictional cooperation and long -term sustainability.
For more information
• Visit www.metrocouncil.org or call 651 -602 -1005.
• Related fact sheets include Wastewater Services, Inflow /Infiltration, Metro Plant Solids Management,
Water Supply Planning and Surface Water Planning.
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert Street North • Saint Paul, MN 55101
651.602.1000 • TTY 651.291.0904 • Data Center 651.602.1140
E -mail: datacenter @metc.state.mn.us • www.metrocouncil.org
Pub. 14 -11 -18 March 20110
The Metropolitan Council
operates the largest transit
system in the state:
Metro Transit. The agency
provided nearly 78 million
bus and rail rides in 2010.
Transit Link is a region -
wide dial -a -ride service
that provides consistent
equitable service to people
throughout the region
who are not served by
regular -route transit.
Metropolitan Council
Regional Transit Facts
Moving people, easing congestion
Transit — which includes buses, light rail, vanpools and other modes — plays an important role in the
regional economy. Transit gets workers to their jobs, eases traffic congestion, improves air quality, saves
commuters money and reduces carbon emissions.
Despite major economic fluctuations, transit ridership in the seven - county Twin Cities area has grown
significantly since 2000. Ridership on all types of service — express and local buses, light rail, dial -a -ride
service and transportation for people with disabilities — totaled 90.9 million in 2010, an 18.7% increase
during the decade.
Region has many transit options
The Metropolitan Council operates the largest transit system in the state Metro Transit. The agency
provided nearly 78 million bus and rail rides in 2010. Its service area includes Minneapolis, St. Paul and
dozens of suburban communities.
In addition to scores of bus routes, Metro Transit operates two rail lines. Hiawatha Light Rail has been in
operation since 2004, carrying passengers between downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis -St. Paul
International Airport and the Mall of America. Northstar Commuter Rail, a 40 -mile line carrying passengers
from Big Lake in Sherburne County to downtown Minneapolis, opened in late 2009. Combined, the rail
services provided 11.2 million rides in 2010.
The region has several other transit services. About a dozen cities within the Council's transit taxing district
operate their own regular -route bus services. These Suburban Transit Providers carried more than four
million riders in 2010.
Contracted regular - route service consists primarily of commuter routes from the suburbs into the central
cities, provided by private companies under contract with the Council. In 2010, these routes carried
2.8 million passengers.
The University of Minnesota operates bus service between its two campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis. In
2010 that service provided nearly four million rides.
Transit Link is a region -wide dial -a -ride program that serves people outside areas served by fixed -route
transit. The new program was rolled out in the first half of 2010, replacing a variety of community dial -a-
ride programs. Ridership totaled 306,000 in 2010. Transit Link was put into place to ensure more equitable,
consistent service throughout the region and to better coordinate with fixed -route transit.
Metro Mobility is a special dial -a -ride service for people certified under the American with Disabilities Act.
The Council- administered service is provided through contracts with private companies. Four counties or
nonprofit agencies also provide transit for people with disabilities outside the transit taxing district. In 2010,
Metro Mobility and the other agencies provided 1.5 million rides.
Van Go! is the Council- sponsored vanpool program. It carried 182,000 rides in 2010.
The Council and its
transportation partners
are planning a network
of bus and rail transit -
ways in heavily traveled
regional corridors.
The Twin Cities
region relies less on
government subsidies
to operate transit than
most peer U.S. regions
Region is leader in revenues from fares
The Twin Cities region relies less on government subsidies to operate transit than most peer U.S. metro areas.
A survey of 11 peer metro areas showed that in 2009, the transit system in the Twin Cities area ranked third
in reliance on fare revenue to fund operations. The percent of operating costs covered by fares in this region
is 28.6 %; the peer average is 23.1%.
Overall, transit funding in the Twin Cities area is significantly lower than in peer regions, though it has
increased in recent years. The Twin Cities spends $145 per capita, compared with a peer average of $168.
Expanding the transitway network
The Metropolitan Council, in partnership with the county regional rail authorities, other transit providers
and the Counties Transit Improvement Board, is planning a network of bus and rail "transitways "in heavily
traveled corridors. Already in operation are Hiawatha Light Rail, Northstar Commuter Rail, and the high -
occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in the 1 -394 and 1 -35W corridors.
Construction of light rail in the Central Corridor between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis,
running largely along University Avenue, began in 2010. Opening of the line is anticipated in late 2014.
Preliminary engineering on a light -rail line in the Southwest Corridor between downtown Minneapolis and
Eden Prairie is likely to begin in 2011.
Implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT) is under way on two corridors — Cedar Avenue in Dakota County
and 1-35W south of Minneapolis. Service is expected to open in late 2012.
Analyses of alternative routes and modes are under way on several other corridors, including Bottineau
Boulevard, the Rush Line, Red Rock and the Gateway Corridor.
Transit helps ease roadway congestion
Without transit, congestion on the region's roadways would be much worse. For example, 40% of all down-
town Minneapolis workers use transit. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, there are
more than 250 congested lane -miles in the seven - county metro area.
Traffic congestion increases stress, decreases productivity, robs people of family time and hurts the regional
economy. Congestion results in higher cost of goods and services, a shrinking customer and employee base,
and tardy and stressed employees.
For more information
• Information about transportation options is available at www.metrocouncil.org
• Related fact sheets: Metro Transit, Metro Mobility, Metro Transit Rideshare, Hiawatha LRT, Transportation
Planning.
Metropolitan Council • 390 Robert Street North • Saint Paul, MN 55101
651.602.1000 * TTY 651.291.0904 = Data Center 651.602.1140
E -mail: datacenter @metc.state.mn.us • www.metrocouncil.org
Pub. 14 -11 -014 February 2011
It Metropolitan Council '1. � Organization
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METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
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Chair —Susan Haigh General Counsel
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Public Affairs Metropolitan Council .., ,_,.,_ ,W,_,
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Government Affairs L - Program Evaluation and Audit
Judd Schetnan Katie Shea
Regional Administrator .'" J
Patrick Born
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Human Resources Finance and Administration
Gloria Heinz Wes Kooistra
Diversity
Wanda Kirkpatrick
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Community Development Environmental Services Metropolitan
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Guy Peterson Bill Moore Arlene McCarthy
Metro Transit
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Planning and Housing and ,
Growth Management Livable Communities
Mark Vander Schaaf Beth Reetz
March 2011
ti Metropolitan Council Policymaking Structure
Regional Commissions
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