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2010-05-07 Friday NewsMay 7, 2010 Mendota Heights Clean Up Day Mendota Heights annual Clean Up Day was held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Mendakota Park. The day was a big success—over 200 residents showed up to get rid of a very wide variety of items. Thank you to all of the staff members and city council members who volun- teered time at this event. Events like this go a long way towards keeping Mendota Heights a high quality city and showing our resi- dents the extra mile that staff and elected officials go each and every day. Thanks again to everyone who participated and we look for- ward to your continued participation in 2011. Business Welcomes and Celebrations F Two business celebrations will be taking place in the next week that Mendota Heights city officials have been invited to participate in. Bituminous Roadways will be holding an open house to celebrate the opening of their new headquarters. The open house Ris scheduled for Friday, May 21, 2010 from noon to 8:00 p.m. Bituminous Roadways is located at 1520 Commerce Drive. I Northwestern Mutual Financial Network recently relocated to Mendota Heights and they will be having a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are located at 1191 Northland Drive, Suite 150. DWelcome to Mendota Heights Bituminous Roadways and Northwestern Mutual Finan- cial Network. We are happy to have both companies in our city. A Thank You Guy Y Friday, May 14, 2010 will mark Guy Kullander's last day with the City of Mendota Heights. After 28+ years of service to the city, Guy has decided to retire and enjoy the many new opportunities that await him. City staff will celebrate with Guy in a thank you/farewell lunch on Wednesday. While a simple thank you does not seem like much, please leave here knowing that all of us appreciate each and every thing you have done Nfor us over the years. The extra mile that you have gone with your projects and with the help you have given to all employees will truly be missed. Thank you Guy!! E 2011 City Budget W The 2011 city budget process will start in earnest next week as department heads will receive their first worksheets on next year's budget. The 2011 budget process will be very similar to 2010 with most of the work occurring over the summer months to get an S acceptable budget in place for the city council to consider at their budget work ses- sions. There are many similar factors in place to process used to create the 2010 budget including levy limits, a weak economy, residential property value reductions, and little appetite for tax increases. With a new city administrator in place a review of all of the line items has been occurring during 2010 so he is up to speed on the entire budget. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas or issues on the 2011 budget please feel free to share them with David McKnight. May 7, 2010 ANNUAL PARKS CELEBRATION We are one month away from our annual parks celebration. This years celebration is sched- uled for Saturday, June 5. 2010. The fun starts with live music Friday night at Village Com- mons Park. Saturday morning is the annual 5K run/walk which starts and finishes at the Vil- lage. Mendakota Park will be filled with activity all day on Saturday. The Mendota Heights Athletic Association will be holding a baseball tournament and the parks celebration will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the picnic pavilion. The celebration will feature live music, ac- tivities, a bike rodeo and prizes. Please put this fun event on your calendar and come to the park and enjoy all of the festivities. Dates To Remember Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting 5-11-2010 Airport Relations Commission Meeting 5-12-2010 City Council Meeting 5-18-2010 Pilot Knob Overlook Dedication 5-19-2010 Bituminous Roadways Open House 5-21-2010 Planning Commission Meeting 5-25-2010 Memorial Day (City Offices Closed) 5-31-2010 Happy Mothers Day 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Do not forget your mother on this special day with flowers, brunch, dinner or just a special card. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and some of the day can be spent outside just enjoying being together on this special day. Motkarsl sr' - <, J' e Attachments The Pipeline, Just The Facts, League of MN Cities Article "Governor Wants More City Cuts, Hints at More Unallotment", Flyer for Silent Auction and the Friday Fax May 7, 2010 5/7/2010 ;�f,fth'oe jzAwc F� 7`ielatestr�ervs fry the JKeh�{'ata #eig6& f'alice Peparttne�t The Help Friday 0800 hours Mendota Officer John Larrive met with a disturbed mom about the behavior of a Heights neighbor child. The child has threatened her and her children, g threatened to damage the house and exposed himself. When the Police complainant went to talk with the child's mother she was totally ignored. Department The behavior has continued to escalate over time and it appears to be escalating in nature. At this point they were just looking for advice and/ Support or any assistance that could be provided. We will see this youngster in Staff the Friday news for years to come without a doubt! Kim Henning AOA MNDOT Friday 1650 hours Sandie novean Sergeant Neil Garlock responded to a phone message from a resident Susan Donovan who was irate about the signal lights being out at Hwy 110 and Dodd Cathy Ransom Road. Officer Rosse had been monitoring the situation and attempting Becky Pentel to direct traffic for some time. The caller was not happy with the fact Police Officers that the City was not responsible for the lights. He had plans to call Jerry Murphy and yell at everyone from MNDOT to the Mayor. Nothing resolved Scott Patrick except the man vented. John Larrive Homeless Friday 1330 hours Bobby Lambert Local school called after a parent confronted a 40 to 50 YOA male Tanner Spicer outside. Officers arrived a short time later and located the party Todd Rosse walking nearby. Officer Larrive provided him a ride to Dorothy Day Chad Willson Center and advised it was not a good idea to hang out at schools. Jeff VonFeldt Dumping Friday 1738 hours Denise Urmann Neighbor called because he was watching his neighbor clear out old Afichael Shepard mulch and dump it on City property. Sergeant Petersen arrived and Peyton Fleming found that was what was going on. The offender was advised to stop Jenny Fordham and clean up his mess. School Resource Ding Dong Ditch Friday 2145 hours Officer Resident reported that this was the 7th time in a month that he was the Steven Meyer victim of ding dong ditch. Officer Peyton Fleming checked the area and Investigations met with the complainant. A short time later we received a 911 cell call Mario Reyes from a neighbor who was in pursuit of a red Jeep Grand Cherokee Tanner Spicer whose occupants had rung his doorbell. Fortunately before anyone was injured the kids got away. The caller drove home to speak with Sergeants Officer Rosse about the situation. Neil Garlock Citation Friday 2230hours Brian Convery Normally a ticket wouldn't make the news but: Officer Peyton Fleming Eric Petersen stopped a car near Dodd Rd and Lake Drive without any headlights on. Chief Yes it was 10:30 at night, the driver had great excuse as it was his Mike daughter's car and he didn't know how to turn them on. Maybe staying Aschenbrener home was the best option. -1- 5/7/2010 Theft Saturday 0111 hours Victim called to report her purse stolen while she was at the bar. She also reported the theft to the manager. The manager remembered seeing a couple acting suspiciously in that area. They were then hanging around in the parking lot. The manager went out, looked in some car windows and spotted the stolen purse. Officers Willson and Fleming arrived a short time later. After a brief investigation the suspects were located, separated and interviewed. Things headed south for the two very quickly when property belonging to the victim was found in their pockets. Kind of hard to hide a camera in the front pocket of your jeans. The two were arrested and brought to MHPD where they were read Miranda and interviewed. One told a nice story blaming everything on his girlfriend, the other decided it wouldn't be a good idea to talk. Transportation provided to the DC Jail. Juvenile Saturday 1616 hours Caller reported a 10 YOA boy trying to light a tree on fire. When the caller went to speak with the parents they were not home. Officer Chad Willson eventually spoke with the parents about appropriate behavior and leaving the child a Ione. Job security? Disturbance Saturday 1712 hours Officer Willson responded to a report of a 21 YOA out of control. The caller was outside of the residence and the 21 YOA was in the house smashing cabinets and walls with a golf club. Upon arrival it was learned that the son was being kicked out of the house and had gone to his room and smashed stuff. There were no threats made against anyone. When told he was no longer welcome the problem ended. Domestic Sunday 2307 hours Caller reported being threatened by his bi-polar son with a gun. The reporter had chased the son with a knife. The reporter is quite ill. When Officer Urmann and Sgt Petersen arrived the son was outside waiting. He was taken into custody. The father who was knocked down on the floor in the house refused medical assistance. Both were interviewed, the son was arrested for assault and brought to jail. The reporter was left a citation for domestic assault. The gun was taken into evidence. The next day the reporter was at MHPD upset that the son had been arrested and demanding his gun be returned. He didn't comprehend that he had also been arrested and would have to explain his actions in court. Explosion Monday 0122 hours Caller reported an explosion and fire in lower Lilydale Regional Park. Advised that SPPD and SPFD were en route to handle the problem. AOA Tuesday 0454 hours DCC received a 911 call about a CSC that was occurring in Rochester. The call was transferred to Rochester who checked the residence without locating the possible victim. At approximately 0800 hours, Investigator Spicer received a follow-up requesting he get a signed missing endangered and a copy of the message left on the reporter's phone. From the message it was clear that an assault was occurring. Rochester had the cell company locate the phone's position and it was last in the Mississippi River. Rochester PD worked with Wisconsin authorities and were preparing to launch a boat to begin searching when the missing person called a family member. The investigation is on going for Rochester PD to try and determine what the phone message was all about. Domestic Tuesday 1628 hours Sgt Convery responded to a local motel on a domestic in progress in the parking lot. The caller reported the fight was in the parking lot and one of them had a knife. Upon arrival the suspect was stopped as he walked away. Everyone was given a chance to tell their story. The suspect was extremely intoxicated. He thought everyone was trying to steal his stuff. He was arrested and brought to MHPD where he had an attack. HealthEast ambulance transported him to the VA along with his citation for domestic assault. M6apwt~,PewilA& -2- IrNI E W S The Pipeline L E T T Public Works Engineering' Code Enforcement May 7, 2010 f�17t�[•7'i The Parks crew pulled out dead trees at Mendakota Park and hauled them away. Trees were trimmed at the park also. The memorial sign on the bench in Valley Park by the bridge was replaced. The pump on the ground master S900 was replaced. Settled areas of grass at City Hall and Kensington Park were filled with dirt, raked, and seed put down. Donated trees from the Friends of the Park were planted. Downed tree limbs were cleaned up in Rogers Lake, Valley Park and along Marie Avenue. Rich sprayed for broadleaf weeds at Mendakota Park and Kensington Park. He assisted John Boland in planting trees for Friends of the Parks. He did a sewer repair inspection on Arbor Court. The Streets Crew made up new signs for Timmy Street and William Court, Timmy Street and Cullen Street, Sunset Lane and Dodd Road, Linden Street and Maple Street. Sign work was done in the Curleys and Town Center neighborhoods. Black dirt was put down and soil control done on Hunter Lane to fix a wash out problem. Engineering 2010 Street Reconstruction - The project got started this week. Manholes and valves were removed in preparation of the milling scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday. A large group of trees are marked for removal at the end of Spring Street. Tree removal is schedule for Tuesday May 12tH Water Tower Rehabilitation - Odland Protective Coatings began blasting off the existing paint on the interior of the tower this week. The project is proceeding according to schedule with a completion date of mid August. NPDES - The city held its annual training on Thursday. West Saint Paul and Mendota Heights Public Works teamed up and held a joint training session. The training covered issues regarding best management practices within the city mostly revolving around mowing and storm water maintenance. The MPCA is holding a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday May 11th. The MPCA will be discussing future requirements of the next generation permit. Sibley Job Fair - Staff will be sending representatives to the school job fair on Tuesday May 11th. With a large number of baby boomer engineers retiring there will be a strong need for young engineers to fill the vacant roles. Governor Wants More City Cuts, Hints at More Unallotment 3, LEAGUE of jVjlNNF.S{)` A CITIES Governor Wants More City Cuts, Hints at More Unallotment The session tone quickly sours as the governor and legislators point fingers. (Published May 5, 2010) Page 1 of 3 On May 4, Gov. Pawlenty held a news conference to announce the outline of his plan to end the 2010 legislative session and balance the remaining state budget deficit. The rough plan is focused on the uncertainty of additional $408 million in federal funding for Medicaid and includes a third round of deep cuts to cities for the 2010 calendar year that could be as high as $102.5 million. The governor also announced that if the Legislature does not finish the budget -balancing work, he would possibly use unallotment to balance the budget himself. The governor's plan is largely based on his original supplemental budget recommendations, which were unveiled in February. That plan included $125 million in cuts to cities for 2010. However, the plan now includes an additional but unspecified cut of $30 million to local aid programs, which will also impact cities and possibly counties. The League has not been able to receive clarification on whether all of the $30 million would be cut entirely from city programs or whether the cuts would be split with other local units of government. Although the governor has signed into law the first phase of the supplemental budget that includes cuts to cities, the new law did not include the governor's supplemental recommendations. Instead, the first supplemental budget bill cut city aid and credit payments for the remainder of 2010 by $52.5 million. Impact on cities Please note that the plan Gov. Pawlenty released on May 4 contained few details, but League staff believe that the following analysis is an accurate accounting of how the revised plan will impact cities: . Governor's February proposed cut: $125 million . Additional May 4 proposed cut: $15 million to $30 million . Less already enacted Phase -One supplemental cuts: -52.5 million . Balance (additional proposed cut to cities): $87.5 million to $102.5 million Keep in mind, as noted previously, the League has not received information from the administration on whether the additional May 4 proposed cut would be made entirely from city aid and credit programs or if it will be split between other local units of government. If the reduction is allocated to counties or townships, the impact on cities would be reduced. Add this to 2010 cuts already made These proposed cuts would be in addition to the $128 million in 2010 unallotments enacted by the governor, and the $52.5 million in additional cuts enacted in the first supplemental budget bill. With these proposed cuts, the total city reduction in 2010 local government aid (LGA) and market value http://vAvw.Imc.org/page/l/govnewbudgetplanjsp 5/6/2010 Governor Wants More City Cuts, Hints at More Unallotment Page 2 of 3 homestead credit (MVHC) reimbursements would be as high as $283 million, which represents 45 percent of the total original appropriation to cities for 2010. Overall 2010 impact of cuts to cities (including the new proposed cuts announced on May 4): . 2010 unallotment reductions: $128 million . 2010 supplemental budget cuts: $52.5 million . Governor's additional proposed 2010 cuts: $87.5 million to $102.5 million . Total 2010 cuts to cities: $268 million to $283 million Legislature needs a Plan B before adjourning The other surprise in the governor's announcement was his insistence that the Legislature not leave St. Paul on May 17 without a balanced budget that does not rely on the yet -to -be -approved federal Medicaid funds. Legislators and even the governor have been structuring their respective supplemental budget recommendations in anticipation of the receipt of the additional federal Medicaid payment. Unfortunately, the legislation that contains the extension of the stimulus funding has stalled in Congress and is not expected to be passed until after the Legislature adjourns. The League has communicated with the Minnesota congressional delegation on the issue and urged them to seek passage of HR 4213 as soon as possible. The governor's May 4 press conference is the outgrowth of a hearing held last week of the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy Subcommittee on a Balanced Budget. At that hearing, legislators and Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson discussed the uncertainty of congressional action on legislation that would extend by six months the increased federal contribution to the cost of Medicaid. At the conclusion of that hearing, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (DFL -Minneapolis) asked Commissioner Hanson for the governor's recommendations on addressing the uncertainty with the pending federal funding. The May 4 press conference was held to announce the governor's proposal. Contingency plan would need agreement Based on discussions League staff had after the press conference, legislators appear to be angling for a contingent supplemental budget that would include $408 million in additional cuts that would take effect if Congress does not act on the Medicaid extension. However, that bill would need the approval of the governor and, based on the tone of the governor's press conference, an agreement may be difficult to reach. Read the current issue of the Cities Bulletin Your LMC Resource Contact Gary Carlson IGR Director (651) 281-1255 or (800) 925-1122 gcarlson@lmc.org http://www.Ime.org/page/l/govnewbudgetplanjsp 5/6/2010 TK's Coffee & Cars Classic Car Show & West St. Paul K-9 Unit Benefit Saturday July 24th 2010 9:00 am 11:00 am ars-at 8:30am $15 donsN Participants e coffee & a scone For more information: call Tony/Melissa Apr 30 2010 17:06:15 Via Fax -> GS14SZ8940 Administrator Fage 001 Of 006 00 LEAGUE oe MINNESOTA CITIES -FredaY F ax- A weekly le i.lIadvv [zLrc ale fr'txn the. League gf'."Mnesvlcz C:'ilje.c More cin state budget At a Tuesday hearing of the Legislative Colt7_ssion cin l7ia?il�in rand Discal Poliev Subcommittee on a. Balanced Bctdg2et members discussed the status of the federal legiqlation that would extend the increased federal contribution to M.edi.caid For an additional six months, The federal 'Medicaid provision is contained in H.R. 4213 but, unfortunately, the legislation has yet. to be approved by Congress azxl sent to the President. Both the governor's and now the Legislature's budget balancing plans include an assumption that. Congress will act on the legislation, which will save the state* air estimated $408 million this biennium. lir other words, the state is banking on Conry resslonal action to address roughly 40 percem of the state's projected $1 Billion general hind 20102011 deficit, At th.e `l`uesday hearing, Coniniissioner- of Management and Bridget Thomas Hanson indicated that the National (3ovemor's As.5ociatiqu, (NGA) believes there is an 80 percent chalice that Congress will ultimately puss the Medicaid funding extension, but that the Final passage will not occur until after the Legislature must adjouni on May 17. "1'he NGA prognosis i5 much more positive than last week's Action Alert issued by the National Cooference of State Legislatures, which. termed the passage of the Medicaid funding "in jeopardy." Sen. Larr Po relniller (DFL-Minnealtolisj asked Commissioner Hanson to provide the subcommittee iii the Dear future with a recommendation from the administration about how to proceed given the uncertainty of .April :30, 2010 Page 1 Congressional action before May 17. At this point, it is not clear whether the Legislature would simply adjourn leaving a $400 million hole in the budget or whether it plans to develop a contingent plait to cut an additional $400 million from the budget. 'T'he subcommittee will likely meet again ails next. week. Questions' t. .Moet Gerry C.tyrlson at 651-281- 1255 or kyc,�c�r'I,i�,rt(a-Cry nrlcn, err �, Pension bills advance chis week, the: House and Serrate Finance Committees, each considered and approved omnibus pension bills -...-SF 2918 and HF :3281. The Serrate bill is authored by Sean, l'oo't. BetzQlc (DFL -Fridley) while the Rouse frill is authored by Rip_ MaiMuzhy (DFL Hermaptown). They Houser bill was sent to the Mays acrd Mean., C_'gmmittec. The Senate bill was sent to the floor. Both the Hoose and. the Senates omnibus pension bills include the pension sustainability provisions for the PE12A General Plan and the PERA Police and Fire flan as wellas sustainability modi ficat i oils For the Teachers Reti.._reme.nt Assoc:iatiori (TRA;) and the Minnesota State Retirement Association (MSRS). The sustainability provisions for all three plans are based on recommendations from each organization's Boards of Directors. The sustainability legislation is also contained in separate stand-alone bills, S1° 2573 and 1•1.1:." 2952, The Seitat.e bill was also approved at the Senate Finance Committe!� hearing, The House version of that bill was laid over but could be revived at a later date if heeded. For nrcrre irtt,61111ation err city lagisiarive issue:+. wont wi arty ttwmber ol'titv Uaguc Citiea Rcialioar. walla. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 tItid www,linc.org Apr 30 2010 17:07:00 Via Fax 00 LEAGUE or- MiNNEsoTA CITIES -> 6514528940 Administrator Page 002 of 006 -Frida F ax- ,rt weekly le isladve> uj &?1e f om the. Lague of Al it ic-:SY ria Cities Both of'the omnibus pension bills attempt to ensure stability of benefits for retirees, as well as active employees though a series of shared sacrifices that will impact employers, eannployees and retirees. The 1?ER.A sustainability provisions include general plan contribution increases of 0.25 percent from the employer and 0.25 percent front the employee effective on January 1, 2011 and ar reduction in the annual pension benefit adjustment to General 'Plan. retirees to one percent froinn the current 2.5 percent. In the Police and Fire plan, the bills include a contribution increase of 0.3 percent from the employer and 0.2 percent from the employee effective on January 1, 2011 while the annual pension benefit adjustment is limited to one percent for two years and theca is acliusted according to the consumer price rncleX, with a limit of no more than LS percent per year. rhe oin-nibus pension Dills would also increase the vesting requirement in the: PERA general plan to five years from three years while the vesting requirement in the police: and fi.i.e plait would be increased to 10 years frons three years in a phased -in schedule. Other changes in the PERA recommendations would decrease iateyrest paid to certain employees who leave public service and either withdraw contributions or leave ftunds in the perasiorn system. The oanunibus pension bills include a set of changes to administratively consolidate the Minneapolis Employees Retirement .Fund (MERF) whir the PERA General Plait. The consolidation will not impact the ft.inding of the PERA General Plain and the finaltctal obligations of the MERF plainwould be covered largely through increased contributions front Minneapolis, other employers with MERF April 30, 2010 Page 2 participants and. the state. In the Hoarse, the bill includes a state contribution increase of $15 million beginning ori July 1, 2012. In the Senate, the bill includes a state contribution increase of $27.5 million which would begin ort July .1, 2012. The state contributions would be fixed and any additional needed future contribution increase would be borne by the employers. The MERF system, wh.icb has been closed to new employees since July 1, 1978, actually includes employees of the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis School .District, l' e nrnepirn County, the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Airports Contrttission, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The total local government employer contributions (:For PERA covered employees working in cities, counties and school districts) will increase by $12.8 million per year in the General Plan and $2.3 million in the P&F Plan. 'Fire Senate fiscal note indicates that under the gill, the employer contributions coupled with other changes In they plains will. reduce the obligations of the PERA General Plan by $208.6 million per year and tile. PERA Police and }'ire Plan by `550.9 million per year. Questions? Contact Gary (.'ar•l son at 651-281 1255 or b ar rs House omnibus tax bill preleased today; up in committee Monday The House'.Fax Conimi.ttee released its ornnibus Till (HFK -3729) today (Friday, on-line) via the committee's website a lid is slated to take testinnony aind mark. up the mill on Monday morning at 9 a.m. in the State Office Building. For cities, we believe the majority of the NJ. mole iiif milatioa on city Icgislalive eontite( ally mcalbo (II'thv of Miaaecota Cities tette). 651.291,1200 or 800,925.1122 and www,lrneorg APr 30 Z010 17:00:OZ Via Fax —> GS14SZO940 Administrator Page 003 Of 006 (0�) o LEAGUE ae MINNESOTA CITIES Frida. F alk A wceelcly legz.slatdw uf>ClrrIeftorn the League (3f M1nnesula relevant language of the delete all amendment to HF 3729, consists of what was brought forward earlier this week as I -IF _1408. This was presented as the work of the P�, ertand 1,.oca.l Sales Tax I)iv.ision. For a link, to the website, go -to: lst:t >.t ,/l�wvvw.�loitsc.��.state-rrtn. �t5/c�rratr°I/c�c�c;s/ 1 DeteteA I l.Arttendment..ltd.f` Questions? [::'vrr�r:lct.1c�rarti�Eyr l.)'Rr�ta�'kc�cIt (51.281.1261 /Lt-ozgkce&1fn(.-,0rY car' Ga y CaHson at 651.281.1255 / gc art l sr��t ; i /rrt� . r..it:ir. Senate passes its version of the omnibus transportation policy hill On .Monday the full Senate passed its version. oftbe ornnibus transportation policy bill, SF 2540 GSeq, Steno Mrtri?lay', DFL -Red Wing). Most of the provisions in the package were initially introduced as Stand-alone bills that were heard and discussed in the policy corns-nittee. Among the provisions are a number of highway and bridge designations (i.e., renaming Fa highway or bridge), special license }date authorizations, Minnesota Department of "Transportation (MnU(: T) business practice requirements, and safety measures. A :League -initiated bill aimed at helping local units of government improve safety at railroad crossings is included in the package- The provision boosts the Minnesota Grade bail (,Tossing Safety Account administered by Mr DOT from $600,000 to $1 mi 11 ion. "T be funds are from traffic fine and forfeiture revenues collected by the State Patrol. 'T'he League is also following a provision in the bill that requires MnDOT to develop a April 30, 2010 Page 3 Complete Streets policy in the agency's biervtial budget. submission. According to the langustge in the bill, Complete Streets is defined as follows: "Complete Streets is the planning, scoping, design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of roads in order to reasonably ajdciress the safety Emil accessibility needs of users of all ages and. abilities. Complete Streets considers the needs of .motorists, pedestrians, trwi%it users and vehicles, bicyclists, and commercial and emergency vehicles moving along and across roads, intersections, and crossings to a mcuuier that is sensitive to the local context and recognizes that the needs vary in urban, suburban and rural settings." The Complete Streets provision makes it, clear that local. units of government are encouraged, but not required, to consider Complete Streets policies at the local levet. The League is monitoring numerous other provisions in. the legislation, Watch for updates after, the .House passes its omnibus transportation policy companion bill, 14F 2807 (Rep. Frank Hornstein, DFL -Minneapolis)- Questions? ('.'Ontact .4nne 1 "situ of 651-281- .1263 ter afir nLl idalc,rte, Preliminary IPD released 1"oday, the t,3.5. Departmen.t_nf (`.qmnierc.e, Bureau. of Economic Analysts, released the initial official calculation of the irttplic.it price deflator (IIID) for states and local governments for the first Clttarter of 2010. [Trader- state law, the l.l'.D change that is arse(] to determine levy limits is the change from the previous year first quarter (in this case, the first quarter of 2009) For nrtrre inrbrtttatiolt on city logi.lmivr isstte-q, Contaic:t <mly tl:ejtthei of tire• Loatgtts Cities Inteigowtimiontal itel ttions titin. 651.281,1200 or 800,925.1122 arld www.linc.org Apr 30 2010 17:00:53 Via Fax —> 6514520940 Administrator Page 004 Of 006 00 LEAGUE or, MINNESOTA CITIES -FridayFax- ,4 weekv legi.sladvE, ta17dale ora the League of Alii 7! esola Cities to the current year first quarter estimate. Based on that calculation, the IPD charige is currently 3.6801 percent. be figure is also used to determine the i-acrease in the state property tax levy. If the current IPD holds, the state property tax levy will Increase by roughly $13 millioI7 fol' taxes payable in 2011, 'rhe first quarter 2010 I D will be updated by the Bureau of 1cono€nic Analysis in late May and again in late June to reflect updated ecojnonnnic iinfbix natiorn. In the past, the I.P0 has only changedslightly from the April estimate, The June update will be used by the l;jepartnwnt of Revcntie in coi nputing the levy limits for taxes payable in 2011. Questions? C untac( G apy Carlson at 051-281- 1255 ntc'crr'1sixr2 Irr�c ori. New law allows cities to plow snow in uncompleted subdivisions Gov..Pawlenity on Monday signed into law a League -initiated measure that gives cities snow removal authority in uncompleted subdivisions under limited circumstances. C -ha.pter 279 (HF 2231, Ret.). Mike Nelson, DFL-i3rooldyn Park/SF 2004, Seta_ Ke-nnineth Kel.ash' DFL - Minneapolis), provides that a city ill ay rennnove snow from unopened or private roads in uncompleted subdivisions containing five or more lots upon finding that the subdivision developer, due to general insolvency or pending foreclosure, .is unable to mailntai.In the roads and that public safety may be,je'opardized if school buses, public works vehicles, or authorized el.nnergency vehicles cannot travel on the roads. The legislation also provides immunity fro€nn tort clai.nns arising from.. dainnnage April 30, 2010 Page; 4 to the roadway as long as it is not the result of nogtigence. Finally, the bill authorizes the city to impose a reasonable and proportionate charge on all propei°ties within the subdivision for services provided, The new law addresses one of the many Unanticipated challenges cities face as a result of the housing market decline, Last year, the League was contacted by city officials concerned about how to provide snow removal services in tuucoinpleted subdivisions where some parcels were occupied, but. development had been halted. 11l some cases, developers had abando€feel property or were facing foreclosure proceedings. Absent a development agreement addressing a turnover of the streets to the city, or a road maintenance obligation on the Dart of the developer, cities were left without a plan or legal authority ---to plow the streets. The law sunsets in May of 2013, at which time the League will evaluate whether an extension would be appropriate, Questions? Contact t Antie .Viwi al 65.1-281 1263 or it z U iit uc:°.( . Ice arena air quality mandate legislation scheduled for Monday House hearing The f'l.otnse .".ulti.iritl cniid Outdoor Herita,e Finance Division bras scheduled a Monday a£terrnoori ..hearirng clan f1l" 3512 QRZeP..l�.ick. J. -Jansen, DFL -South St. Paul), a bill that., in its current -form, will require catalytic converters on non -electric ice resurfiacers and edgers, new certification requirements for rink operators and a directive to the Department of He.a.ltb that the agency develop more strinigetnt rules pertaining to indoor ice arena air quality for mole 6)(b Illation on city li- islative issuc's. Contact ally melt bor of Ehe. Lt ague Citio 111telg w n)II1011tal Relations Dint. 651.281.1200 or 800,925.1 122 aid www,lnic.org Apr 30 2010 17:09:45 Via Fax —> 6514520940 Administrator Page 005 Of 006 ( _5 0 LEAGUE of [MINNESOTA CITIES -Frida Fax - A vt eeIcly Icy iSlcxrit'ez esprlrrle {r'vrn the Lc•rtgzu of .M[t7t�E.sv[a C:'itia management. The bill also contains language pertaining to air quality monitoring devices. At the last hearing on the bill, also in the C"ulturat and Outdoor Heritage .Finance Division, the bill's author, Rep, Rick Flansen, introduced a fifth version of the measure. It was the fifth so-called delete -everything; (DE) a nendment to be offered in the House. The measure was adopted. and then laid over. According to the hearing notice for Monday's hearing, a sixth draft of the bill will be unveiled late today (friday). Those interested in reviewing the measure that will be considered Monday can go to www.lao�se.let:.st<ate.n?n. tis/con�t�t�/co:t�t��.ittee,a s ?ccinli�t_Rfi121. Per the meeth-ig notice, "A copy of the DE6 amendment will be posted to the coinmittee website by Friday afternoon.." Comments about the wnet dment should be directed to Rep. Hanson at rep.ri..ck.ltfulsert(%t?ltt�use.aZu> Lind to Anne Minn at the League of Minnesota Cities at , i@.lmc.org. The hearing will be held on Monday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. in room 5 of the State Office Building. Que.v ionF.$) Contact Anne ,lFit n at 651- 281 1263 or cr rnrr(cx-:1[rir.,ttr Coal tar legislation scheduled for informational Bearing ,rhe, HouseEnvironment ,Policy_and ..Ov_-ersialit C'omniittee has announced that it will irteet in the Basement Hearing Moon, of the State Office Building at 9:00 a.m. oil Wednesday, May S to discuss a statewide ban on undiluted coat tar sealants, I-IF3456 (Rep. Bev Scalze, DFL - - April 30, 2010 Page 5 Little Canada). The hearing is informational only and the bill will not be voted on. The Leaguesupports this legislation because this product is a significant factor in the dredge fr0111 sone storn.awatar ponds b,aving to be shipped to lined landfills dare to its toxicity, which drastically increases the cost of managing city stormwater systems. Questions? (:'0nu.-ic t f "rc: ig.kAnson al 651- 81-1259 or tLhnson&1n7c.of4T. Agreement pending on property maintenance legislation After almost. two years of work, city and business representatives have finally reached agreement ot7 statutory language changes related to municipal etaforcement of property taaainteiiance and rental. property ordinances. The new language attempts to clarify uncertainty created by the Morris v. Sax decision. The changes will occur in Minnesota. Statutes 2008, section 32613.121, subcl. 2(c) and are as follows, with the new language underlined: (c) A municipality trust not by ordinance, or through development agreement, require building code provisions regulating components or systeins of any structure that are different from any provision of the State Building Code. This subdivision sloes not prohibit a n3uni.cipality .Froin enact.in or enforcin r an ordinance recluirit existin conloonents .oi: y.Sten7 cif atry_str4ac two to bG' rnIII a2ne(d to ISS, i fc�' `12id4 i1IL,,LT co.aadition or in good repair, but ziot the structure was built reconstructed or For snore ij0L in Wkm em city logi'slative kstlos. awtact any membei of 1ho Logiw ial'Mill1www 06Q., litter oveitunotrtcaJ Relation te;mi. 051.281,1200 or 800,925.1122 and www,lnic.org Apr 30 2010 17:10:36 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator Page 006 Of 006 -Fr1da Fax-" Y ,ri weekly le i.>Iadve: update from the. League caf .Mirt[��..Sv[a (:.blies altered or the component ors stern was ii�stallgd un I specitc�visions for Kis#i;71�tnEtrt3ts httvo b4en ##coptel as nart of the�Buildinz Code. A municipality may, with tate apt}roval of the state building official, adopt an ordinatice that is more restrictive than the State Building Code where geological conditions wcu-rant a more restrictive ordinance. A municipality may appeal the disapproval of a more restrictive ordinance to the commissioner. An appeal under this subdivision is subject to the schedule, fee, procedures, cost provisions, and appeal rights set out in section 326.B. 139. 1"hat language would replace the language in the :l"fl" 2945 (Rep, jj.pi Mali.oney, .C)FL, St. Paul) and should be able to be resolved before the end of the legislative session. Questions? tions? (:'vrrtc[ct Tom f: /l/nclhcx f& at f 51.7�51.126fi /l r'2rFrc:i/tt7{cz;l»rc:.car or• C'ra[ g Johnson at 651-281-1259 hn, in i< }hoc, Impacts on cities of new FTA lead rules reduced Legislation setting up how Minnesota will implement new fWe:ral requirements for training and certification of contractors related to lead in. residential structures has created a great deal of discussion over the past few weeks. The bill, Sl' 3128, has now passed the Legislature, but awaits conference committee action to resolve differences, between the blouse and Senate_ Iii the course of looking at that bill, it was discovered that cities were required to exercise expanded eiiforcement and inspection, which was not the intent. The April 30, 2010 Page 6 League worked with other interested parties to reach agreement on new language that limits city responsibility. Under the new langmige:, when a contractor polls a permit f'or a project under the State Building Code in a pre -1978 structure, they city roust verify that the contractor has the necessary EPA certification to work with lead if it is found. The link to a federal database listing who holds these certifications will be posted on the Department of Labor and Industry web site at the same location that they other contractor license information is posted. Cities could charge up to $5 to verify that certification. The confbrence committee is expected to meet to adopt these changes early next week. QucWions? C7onta ct C.'t'ctig .fohnson at 651- 281-17.59 n[. cJt' hnson d,"'Imr..or . ror more ijffimnmion can city logislative i�Nuc " contact any t11Q111 ycr 0f ilaa f. nAgUc of Minnesota Cities intcrgown mt4ntal Relations t 1m, 051.281,1200 or 800,925.1122 and www,linc.org