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2005-02-18 Friday News
NEW COMMISSIONERS SELECTED Because of Mike Sokol and Gregg Fitzer's "retirements", the City Council had openings in the NDC4 and ARC Commissions to fill this year. Last Tuesday evening the City Council interviewed 10 applicants for those positions. All of the applicants were extremely well qualified, so it was a very tough choice for the Council to make, but Mickey Kieffer was selected to be the City's next NDC4 Citizen Commissioner, and Brian Linnihan was selected to be the next Airports Relations Commissioner. Mickey is the Chief Executive Officer of Ameritel, a telecommunications company and Brian is Director of Investments and Finance for OPUS Properties. Congratulations to Mickey and Brian! FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDS BANQUET HELD Last Saturday evening was the City's Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Awards Banquet. The Banquet was held again this year at Mendakota Country Chub. Ed Adrian was honored as a retiree, Michelle Henne was awarded "Firefighter of the Year" and "years of service" pins were handed out. Ed was retiring after 21 years of service. They reminisced about what a great asset he has been to the department (poked a little fun at him) and gave him a custom made fishing pole that had been made with the Fire Department's colors and had a personal message inscribed on it for him. Michelle Henne was honored as this year's "George Lowe Firefighter of the Year". Michelle has been with the Department for 2'/2 years and is the first woman firefighter to ever be so honored. Congratulations Michelle. Finally, there were 17 retired firefighters and three firefighter widows who attended the event, all with a combined service record to the department of 433 years. TOWN HALL FORUM Last night at City Hall was the first meeting of the Airport Noise Oversight Community Representatives Town Hall Meetings (agenda attached). Three more meetings are planned on the next three Thursday evenings, at Bloomington, Minneapolis and Richfield. The meeting had a good crowd of about 50 people along with State Representative Hanson and Met Council Representative Rick Aguilar. A reporter from the Villager was also there. After the Commissioners explained to the audience about Part 150, Noise Mitigation and the 2020 Plan, they invited them to fill out prepared postcards and to send them to State and Federal politicians to inform them of the situation. I have attached copies of the postcards, and I have extras available here at City Hall. Anyone desiring to send one please contact me for a copy. ROGERS LAKE AERATOR The lake aerator installed in Rogers Lake Park is placed in operation each winter once the DNR informs Public Works that the oxygen level in the lake water has depleted to a level where "winter fish kill" can occur. Notice to start up the aerator is usually received in late December or early January and the aerator remains in operation 24-7 until the City is notified that the aerator is no longer required or large areas of open water are evident on the lake. Utility Leadsperson, Rich Burrows, checks the operation of the lake aerator pump, as well as the City's sanitary sewer lift stations, on a daily basis and reports that the lake aerator pump has been in continuous operation since early January. Utility/electric charges for operation of this pump each winter ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Components of the Roger's Lake aerator consists of a pump placed at the bottom of an eight -foot diameter concrete structure which has an inlet pipe that brings lake water into the structure where a pump "lifts/pumps" the water to the top of a staircase like structure at waters edge where the water then cascades down the stair, picks up oxygen, and flows into the lake. The movement of the cascading water opens-up/melts the ice at the discharge point and forms an area of open water. Depending on various conditions, this open area varies in size and may become as large as a hundred feet or more in diameter. DNR regulations require that the City install "Thin Ice Warning Signs" in the lake/on the ice, before the pump is turned on, at one hundred foot intervals around the expected open water area and, as has happened in prior years additional signs were required when the open water area becomes larger than had been anticipated. Mr. Cliff Timm came to the City Council last Tuesday evening and reported that the aerator "was not working". Guy contacted Mr. Timm on Wednesday morning and informed him that in fact the aerator has been in continuous operation since it was started in January. Mr. Timm explained that he did not think the open water area at the shore line was large enough to be effective and that is why he said the aerator "was not working". I informed him that the open water area at the discharge point often varies in size during the winter and that even though when lie observed a smaller open water area this did not mean that the aerator was not performing its intended function. The aerator has been in operation for several winters and "winter fish kill" have almost totally disappeared from Rogers Lake, even in the north section (now that the new culvert is installed and the culvert does not freeze closed). STATE OF THE CITY Mayor Huber has been invited by the Northern Dakota County Camber of Commerce to make a "State of the City" address. Mayor Huber will make his presentation on Tuesday March 1St at 7:30 am here at City Hall in the Council Chambers. The event is open to the public, so mark your calendars, and come if you can. NEW ADDITION Councilmember Vitelli became a grandfather for the 9"' time this week. His son Joe and daughter- in-law Debbie of Lakeville had a son named Matthew Luciano Vitelli. Congratulations!! PRESIDENTS DAY This Monday is Presidents Day, which is a holiday for government employees, and city offices will be closed. Respectfully submitted, Jim Danielson City Administrator Attachments: The Pipeline, Planning Commission Agenda, Pre --Application Meeting Synopsis, Airport Noise Oversight Community Representatives Town Hall Meeting Agenda, Town Square Television Replay Schedule for Town Hall Meeting, Article from Cliff Timm, "On Northern Pond - Northern Pike in The Ultimate Eating Machine", email from Dawn Hoffner "Preview the Regional Parks Policy Plan — March 2, 15, 22", Sun Current Article "Property maintenance rules may get tighter in MH", AMM Bill Tracking Report, AMM News and Friday Fax. N E W S LETTER The PI Public Works Engineering February 17, 2005 Code Enforcement Public Works Snow Events of the Week Date: Event: Response: 2-14-05 3" plow all streets Public Works was called in at 1:30 A.M. on Monday morning to plow the streets after 3 inches of snow fell. The Street Crew did mailbox repairs and used cold mix to repair potholes. The Parks Crew closed the skating and hockey rinks this week. They picked up the hoses/fittings and turned off the furnaces in the warming houses. Rich flushed the sewers on Hilltop Court and Cullen Lane. He met with the League of Minnesota Cities about a sewer back up at 1013 William Court. He unplugged a culvert on Orchard Place and Kendon Lane. Engineering Sue attended a presentation of MnDOT's Metro District Transportation System Plan (TSP). The TSP is performance based with an approach focused on outcomes. Investments needed to meet the TSP performance goals are $27 billion. Forecasted available funding is $6.4 billion. The number one priority outlined in the TSP is preservation of the existing highway system followed by improvements to high crash intersections and previously identified expansion projects one of which is adding a lane on 35E between TH 110 and the river. The draft TSP will be distributed for comment in March. Jim and Sue met with MnDOT staff to discuss the release of several streets located in MnDOT right-of-way. MnDOT will work on releasing the following: TH 110 frontage road between Dodd and Delaware, Waters Drive, Victoria Road between Lexington and Stratford, Dakota Drive, Carmen Lane and Valencour Circle. MnDOT staff will also research Center Pointe Curve and LeMay Lake Road to determine if the streets are also in MnDOT right-of-way. The City has been maintaining all of these streets. Sue and Ryan attended a preconstruction meeting for site grading at Waters Drive Office Park. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION February 27, 2005 - 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of January 25, 2004 Planning Commission Minutes. 4. Hearings a. Case No. 03-04: Property Maintenance Ordinance — Public Hearing 7:30 p.m. b. Case No. 05-04: Mohagen (Moen Leur Construction) — Northeast quadrant of 494 and 35E — PUD, Preliminary Plat, Variance from PUD Acreage Requirements Public Hearing 7:45 p.m. C. Case No. 05-05: Gregg Conway/Terry Russel - 716 Maple Park Court — Critical Area Permit for Building Addition — Public Hearing 8:00 p.m. d. Case No. 05-06: Sampson Properties, LLC: Henry Votel — 1210 Centre Pointe Curve — Wetlands Permit for Office Building - Public Hearing 8:15 p.m. e. Case No. 05-03: Stanley and Nicole Genadek — 716 Third Avenue — Wetlands Permit — Continued Public Hearing 8:30 p.m. Case No. 05-07: Brown College — 1440 Northland Drive — Zonint Ordinance Amendment and CUP for Massage Therapy Instruction — Public Hearing 8:45 p.m. 9. Case No. 05-08: Opus Corporation — Highway 13 and Wachtler (Ecolab Site) PUD Concept Plan for Residential PUD. 5. Verbal Review 6. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 452-1850 with requests. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS MEMO February 14, 2005 TO: City Council, Commission Members, and City Administrator FROM: Patrick C. Hollister, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Pre -Application Meeting Synopsis Staff met with five potential applicants on Monday, February 14, 2005. Steve Grittman, Sue McDermott and Patrick Hollister were present. Will Rossbach, 682 Ivy Falls Court The Council, at their regular meeting on February 1, 2005, approved an application for a Wetlands Permit from Mr. Rossbach on behalf of Richard and Diane Smookler at 682 Ivy Falls Court. After the approval, Mr. Rossbach discovered that the footings for the addition would require additional ground cover than originally proposed to comply with the building code. Staff placed Mr. Rossbach's minor amendment request on the consent agenda for the Council meeting the next evening, and the Council approved the minor amendment. Andy Krenik, Pilot Knob Distribution Center 2360 Pilot Knob Road Mr. Krenik met with Staff to discuss plans to covert four dock doors to windows at 2360 Pilot Knob Road. Staff determined that this change would require Council approval. Staff has scheduled this item for the March 1 Council agenda. Terry K. Anderson, Brown College Ms. Anderson met with Staff to discuss Brown College's application for a Zoning Ordinance Amendment and a Conditional Use Permit to allow massage students to perform massage on the general public as part of the curriculum. Mr. Grittman reviewed Brown College's planning application and determined that it is complete for the Planning Commission agenda. Brown College will discuss their application with the Planning Commission next Tuesday evening. Jake Deeb, 1780 Dodd Road Mr. Deeb had received a Wetlands Permit and a Conditional Use Permit for a detached garage in 1993. Mr. Deeb had never built the garage and now wished to build the garage. Staff told Mr. Deeb that because of changing regulations and expirations on previous approvals if not acted upon within a certain time period, he would have to re -apply for the approvals. Mr. Deeb intends to apply in time for the March 2005 Planning Commission meeting. Jason and Christine Hobbs, 1057 Wagon Wheel Trail Jason and Christine Hobbs met with Staff to discuss the possibility of subdividing their property at 1057 Wagon Wheel Trail into several lots accessed by a public street. Staff reviewed the GIS information about the property and advised the Hobbs that they would need a subdivision approval and a wetlands permit. In addition, there is a gas line easement running diagonally through the property. Staff advised the Hobbs' to contact the utility company for more information about the easement. The Hobbs' said that they would do more research and meet with Staff again later. Airport Noise Oversight Community Representatives Town Hall Meetings U= Greetings & Opening Statements - ( Hosting Community Representative) * Introduction of other NOC Representatives * Recognition & Introduction of Guests & Elected Officials * Review of Proposed Agenda Noise Mitigation / Part 150 Update * History Brief ( Merland Otto & Will Eginton ) * NO Recommendation ( Dianne Miller) * MAC Recommendation ( Vern Wilcox) * Current Status ( Scott Benson ) *Action Plan ( Bill Kilian & Pam Dmytrenko ) Airport 2020 Plan * Brief Review of Plan ( Merland Otto) * Concerns of 2020 Plan ( Vern Wilcox & Ultan Duggan) * Alternatives ( Merland Otto) *Action Plan ( Bill Kilian & Pam Dmytrenko ) Question & Answer Period - All NOCTownHallMeetingAgenda MAC and Northwest Airlines have abandoned the previously approved long-range plan and, Lindberg proposed a new plan to significantly change and expand the Humphrey terminals with minimal review, or public pant' from affected communities. 1 have the following concerns about the proposed ❑ Environmental concerns: air 1 water / noise ed by yoolicommunity s Richfield, B oamingtoneEagan Mendota He ghts and InverCommittee: G rove Heights Minneap , In November 2004, MAC revised The dval. Part 150 Noise th'gation amount P o fno se mitigation ram and has submitted it to the FAA for app proposal red e available for homes in the 60-64 dB DNL contours, I have the following concerns about MAC's recent actions regarding noise mitigation: The MAC's ability to be an objective administrator of Part 150 How the MAC prioritizes its stakeholders - customers, ayrmrs MAC's disregard of its 1996 commitments, u approvals were granted Nighttime operations, m Not enough concern for ed by your community representatives of the MSP Noise Oversight. Committee: Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights Minneapolis, Richfield, TOYYNSQUARE TELE VISION GOVERNMENT MARCH CHANNEL 18 2005 Sun Mon Tue% Wed ` \Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 _5 LIVE Replay Rev ay Replay Replay Mendota Heights Mendota Heights Wesfit. Paul Mendota Heights Dk. Cty. Board of Cit Council Town Meetingg City Council Commissioners 7.30 1:00 & 7:00 1:00 & 7:00 1:00 & 7:00 Meeting 6:00 NO 5046 6 7 \ 8 9 10 1.1 12 LIVE LIVE eplay Replay Replay South St. Paul Mendota Heights- South St. Paul Mendota Heights Dk. Cty. Board of City Council Parks City Council Parks Meeting Commissioners 7:15 6:30 1:00 & 7:00 1:00 & 7:00 Meeting 6:00 NG 5048 NG 5049 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 LIVE LIVE Replay Replay Replay Replay MH -CC West St. Paul 7:30 - NG 5053 West St. Paul West St. Paul Mendota Heights Dk. Cty. Board of City Council Planning City Council City Council Commissioners 7:00 Taped Commission 1:00 & 7:00 1:00 & 7:00 Meeting WSP - PC 1:00 & 7:00 6:00 NG 5051 7:00 NG 5054 20 21. 22 23 24 25 26 LIVE LIVE Replay Replay Replay Mendota Heights South St. Paul Planning South St. Paul Mendota Heights Dk. Cty. Board of City Council Commission City Council Planning Commissioners 7:15 7:30 1:00 & 7:00 Commission Meeting 1:00 & 7:00 6:00 NG 5056 NG 5057 27 28 29 30 31 LIVE Replay West St. Paul West St. Paul City Council City Council 7:00 1:00 & 7:00 NG 5059 by Dr. Dave Willis Northern pike h; ponds! Well, naturauy, tnat s not completely true. It's almost true. Let me explain. There are sound reasons to avoid northern pike in ponds. But, there's one utility which might raise the opportunity in unique circumstances. My phone rang one day, about ten years ago. On the other end of the line was an unhappy pond owner. It seems his three acre South Dakota pond yielded only small green sun- fish. He fished with live bait, artificial stuff... nothing but small green sunfish were caught. He assumed his pond was loaded with stunted green sunfish, hardly the game fish of choice of discerning South Dakota pondmeisters. Based on his woeful tale, I made an initial assumption his pond contained only sunfish. As often is the case with" initial assumptions, we were wrong, both of us. The pond did contain green sunfish, but it also had northern pike. The owner didn't even know pike were present. How in the world could the pond contain an aggressive predator such as northern pike, and the owner not even know it? You'll see in a moment. From that initial consultation, we decided to apply rotenone (a fish toxi- cant) and renovate the entire fishery. Then, we could restock the pond and jumpstart his management program. Good decision. The rotenone told the tale. Boy, were we surprised? First thing we noticed, of course, was the lack of stunted sun- fish. They actually were NOT stunted. When we first applied rotenone, very few fish came to the surface. Those which rose were small, but they were plump little guys, not skinny as would be in a stunted population. That 3 -acre pond should have supported hundreds of pounds of green sunfish, but only 10 pounds surfaced. That was the first sign something was wrong with our preliminary diagnosis. As I scratched my head, wondering what the explanation for this situation was, the answer floated to the top. The first big northern pike appeared. Then, another. All told, his pond con- tained four northern pike. That's why the pond owner never saw, or caught one. Too few were present for him to know it. BUT --those four pike averaged 7 pounds each. That's 28 pounds of northern pike in a 3 -acre pond, or near- ly 10 pounds/acre of water. Compared to waters across North America, that is a high biomass (poundage) of north- ern pike. But, think about that. Four fish lived in an area bigger than three football fields. What are the odds you might catch one? Northern pike are toothy eating machines. seeking targets like a wet Patriot missile. Four pike suppressed abundant green sunfish in that pond. Just four fish! When anglers offered bobber and worm, they could catch sunfish, small ones. He assumed the typical situation of stunted (overpopu- lated) sunfish. Being the superior pond manage- ment biologist I am, I assumed the same thing. Northern pike are predators which truly select bigprey, when such prey items are both available and vulner- able. Some studies indicate preferred prey items typically are 33-40% of the pike's body length. A 7 -pound pike typically is 30 inches, or a bit longer. A 30 inch pike could consume 10-12 inch prey, if present 'and vulnerable to capture. Those of you who live in the North Country, think of yellow perch. Anglers love 10-12 inch perch. Machine I A However, we fishermen compete directly with 7 -pound northern pike for the same perch. Northern pike crop panfish popula- tions from the top! They inhale the big ones, and those fish are no longer available for anglers. That is not a top goal in pond management in the north. Using largemouth bass as primary predator, small panfish numbers are thinned, and surviving panfish have less competition. Surviving panfish have more food per individual, grow faster, and reach larger sizes desired by anglers. Our friend with the 3 -acre pond had a high biomass of northern pike, but with only four fish, he had no sport value in angling for them. Low num- bers of small sunfish weren't appeal- ing either. Ever fillet a three inch green sunfish? Neither has he. Don't use northern pike in pond management. To better understand northern pike, take a look at normal feeding habits. Pike do have food preferences. They Will bite into soft -rayed fishes such as white suckers or rainbow trout, before tackling spiny -rayed fishes such as yellow perch or bluegill. When tak- ing spiny -rayed fishes, they will eat the fusiform (torpedo -shaped) yellow perch before they consume the com- pressiform (saucer-shaped) bluegill. We completed an interesting study in a 60 -acre lake in north -central Nebraska after northern pike gained access to what had been a fish commu- nity of largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. In four years of sam- pling, we went from finding the first two small northern pike in the lake, to a biomass of 20 pounds of pike/acre. e,\ rf r_F20A1^1 4PI In ( I YAC Before pike entered the picture, the pond had high quality bluegill and yel- low perch populations. Bluegills lon- ger than 8 inches were common, and a 10-incher was occasionally caught. Perch over 10 inches were common. and 12-inchers were occasionally caught. After four years, northern pike cropped the fusiform yellow perch in the lake. Perch abundance declined 75%, and most remaining perch were less than 8 inches long. They weren't stunted. Perch were plump, and grow- ing faster than our pre -pike sample sets. Pike were snuffing out the larger ones, reducing both density of perch and sizes available to anglers. Anglers lost interest in this lake, since most perch were 8 inches long. One big surprise was pike hurt quality of compressiform bluegills in this lake. After four years, bluegill abundance was reduced by about 90%. Most bluegills were less than 6 inches long, even though they were growing faster than before pike got into the lake. Obviously 20 pounds/acre of northern pike is too much, and they were eating their way through panfish in the lake. This is not a desirable situation if pan - fish fillets are a management objective for a small lake or pond. OK, so what about one potential constructive use of northern pike? In a nutshell, I will say that largemouth bass will average larger sizes where northern pike are present. Let's go back to our 60 -acre Nebraska lake as an example, Before_ pike got into that lake, largemouth bass were abundant, and most were shorter ihan-12 inches. That's what created high quality perch and bluegills. Small_bass thinned small panfsh, and survivors grew fast and reached large sizes. After pike were present for four years, we saw a 70% decline in largemouth bass abundance. Pike not only ate perch and larger blue - gill, they preyed on small to intermedi- ate size bass, perhaps those up to 12 inches lona. As a result, bass grov,•th rates increased, and more big bass were present. Before pike, only 29% of bass were longer than 12 inches, and only 9% were longer than 15 inches. Four Years later, 9117o of bass were over 12 inches long, and 21 % were more thar! 15 inches Iona. We saw a similar oCctrrTence in a study on three ponds in central South Dakota. After northern pike introduc- tion, increased sizes of largemouth were present in the ponds. At the same time, quality of bluegill populations remained high, while yellow perch abundance and quality declined. Pike were not as abundant as the 20 pounds/ acre that developed in the Nebraska lake. So, a truly interested pond owner MIGHT be able to use northern pike to maintain or improve quality (sizes) of largemouth bass in a pond. I would only undertake such a management strategy with someone who understood the risks involved. The primary prob- lem could be controlling the number of northern pike that are present. If repro- duction is too successful and too many northern pike inhabit a pond, problems undoubtedly will occur when pike eat themselves out of house and home, at the expense of other fish species in the pond. Here's the meat. If you choose to use pike, understand their feeding hab- its, and be prepared to take corrective action. It won't be easy. If you choose to use pike to correct a stunted bass situation in northern ponds, be aware the toothy predator can reproduce, and while solving one problem, can become another one. Dr. David W. Willis is a professor in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, South Dakota State University in Brookings. He frequents the Pond Boss forum at www.pondboss.com and can be reached there. - 50 POND BOSS September/October 2004 Northern pike; these toothy predators can eliminate most -fish in a northern pond, predators and prey. This greedy northern pike gave it up trying to eat a bite just a bit too big. ;nt -----Original Message ----- From: Dawn Hoffner[mailto:dawn.hoffner@metc.state.mn.us] Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2005 9:03 AM Subject: Preview the Regional Parks Policy Plan - March 2, 15, 22 Nearly a million new residents will be here to use the regional park system by 2030. To meet the growing need for recreation, the Metropolitan Council proposes to acquire and develop three new parks and seven new trails. Help the Metropolitan Council preserve the last best natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations. Join Chair Peter Bell for an overview of the plan. March 2 - noon to 1 p.m. Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, 145 University Ave., St. Paul March 15 - 4 to 5 p.m. Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway March 22 - 7 to 8 p.m. French Regional Park, 12605 County Rd. 9, Plymouth A public hearing on the plan is tentatively scheduled for April 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the Metropolitan Council, 230 E. Fifth St., St. Paul. To request a copy of the plan or to register in advance to speak, call 651-602-1140 (TTY 651-602-0904). The complete plan will be available online February 25 at www.metrocouncil.org/directions/parks/policyplan.htm. MNSUN - News Select a Town: Select a Town :-:] GO Local News F Local News Community Education Calendar Opinion Public Safety Seniors Obituaries Legals Graduation_ News Local Sports Sports News Sports Briefs Events/Scores MNSun Home Page Archive Classifieds Candidates 2004 Finance Calc Nutrition Calc Weather Contact Us How_ to Advertise Jobs At Sun Special Sections Bride's Guide �u Local Forecast Click Here Page 1 of 2 Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005 MENDOTA HTS. SUNMiCURRENT Local News Property maintenance rules may get tighter in MH By Blair Reynolds Sun Newspapers (Created 2/17/2005 9:55:40 AM) Spring cleaning may have an added significance in Mendota Heights. When residents begin venturing outside to begin sprucing up the exteriors of their homes, it could mean the difference between compliance and a possible fine from the city. On Feb. 22, the Planning Commission will conduct a public forum to discuss the possibility of a new residential property maintenance ordinance that would enforce stricter rules on residents. "A couple of years ago the City Council began talking about the need for an added safeguard for keeping properties in the city looking their best," said Assistant City Administrator Patrick Hollister. "City staff has produced a draft of the ordinance. After talking about it further, the council is ready to open it to residents in a public meeting format." The proposed ordinance covers a variety Of issues related to the exterior look of a residence, including firewood storage, Outdoor storage, rubbish management, building and structure appearance guidelines and public health requirements. Forms "On the whole, Mendota Heights residents are doing a good job of keeping their Art & Education property in good shape," said Hollister. "However, that handful of properties that - — aren't doing their best pose problems to the entire community. Although few in In Memory Of numbers, the problem is significant enough for the council to want adequate Let It Be Known language to provide extra protection when future problems arise." Private Party Ad Form sportshots Pointing out current. examples of poorly kept properties is not going to be part of Stark Report the process, said Hollister. Search The Web "We are going to discuss this as a city issue and not one based on specifics," he said. "It isn't a problem concentrated in just one area of town." Powered by: littp://www.nuist.in.com/story.asp?city=Mendota—Heights&story=l 52685 3 3€3:36PM 2/17/2005 MNSUN - News y Search If approved, Mendota Heights will become the second local community to pass such an ordinance. "West St. Paul has something similar to this," said Hollister. "Our plan is not modeled after theirs. This will be unique to the needs of our community." As the draft. stands, Hollister said he doesn't believe the Mendota Heights ordinance will be patrolled the way it is in West St. Paul. "Ours is a more complaint -based system," he said. "That doesn't mean there are no problems if we don't get complaints, but I don't think we are intent on searching for violators. We would enforce as we become aware of problems." The public forum is only the start of the approval process, said Hollister, The Planning Commission could vote on the issue and recommend the council look at it at its March 1 meeting, he said, "Another option would be to continue the public forum until the next Planning Commission meeting on March 30." Hollister said it is clear the council intends to approve some form of the ordinance. "The final form of this may be different than the original draft," he said. "I would expect that with public comments, the ideas of the Planning Commission and the council, what actually gets approved will look significantly different than what is before us today." Up Next: The Mendota Heights Planning Commission will conduct a public forum about a proposed residential property maintenance ordinance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Information: 651-452-1850. This site and its contents©2000 - 2003. Sun Newspapers - Main Office: 952-829-0797 webinfo@mnsun.com - Created and maintained by Quantum Digital Interactive jcorbo@quantumsite.com http://www.miisun.coin/story.asp?city=Mendota—Heiglits&story=l 52685 Page 2 of 2 2/17/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 1 of 13 AMM Bill Tracking Report Monday, February 14, 2005 ASSC MET MUN Index Municipal Revenue General Legislation Housing & Metropolitan Trai & Taxation Economic Agencies Development • IA_Levy Limits • 2A C ty_Reaulation_of • 31 Urban • 4C Elected • 5j Smoking Prohibited Renewal TIF Metropolitan S: • lA Bonding & Districts Council D Levy, Referenda • 2A Speed Limit Requirements.Administrative • 3J State • 4E Aviation. • , Tickets Authorized. Redevelopment System Plan c • 113 LGA Taconite Bonds Eliminated Provision • 2A Hom...eown.e.rs • 5, Protection Act . 3J -State • 4F Legi_s.lative S1 • IB Local Redevelopment Oversight of Gove.rnment.Aid . 2D Compensation Bonds Comprehensive 5` (LGA) LGA Limits Plan Review L. • 3Z Non D • 1D Fiscal • 2F 800 MHz Radio Conforming • 4K_Clean_Water Disparity. Fund. System Uses Legacy Act 5j Distribution T Study_ • 4L. Funding • 27 Rule and La..w... Regional Parks _& � 5, • lD Fiscal Waivers.Auth.orized Open Space T Disparity Fund IT, Distribution ' 2Z �- Telecom inunication Franchising • 51Ir • 1 E Limited, Market Value Extension • 51 U. • IE Limited Market Value • 51 Ir • 11, Sales Tax on fo Local H Government Purchases • 51 H • 1N Public A Employees' Ir http://www.Inmc.org/amm/report.cfm 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 2 of 13 Policy HFile HAuthor HStattis F Title/Summary SFile SAuthorSStal 1 A hf 785 _Rep. Taxes Levy Limits --February 7, sf 318 Sen. Taxes Krinkie,. Pogerniller, 2005 Secondary Phil With 2005 as a base for all of the Larry Policies: - following limitations, the bill: - Prohibits cities from incurring new debt (with minor exceptions), imposes a levy limit (with minor exceptions), freezes local match amounts for state grants,imposes a freeze on fiscal disparities, imposes a tax rate freeze,prohibits new or increased fees, on August 1, 2005 requires a state reimbursement to cities for property tax and fee increases attributable to reductions in state aid, establishes a termination date as the taxes payable year when LGA is sufficient to fully fund the LGA formula without the recently imposed reductions. lA bonding & Levy sf 727 Sen. LeClair; Elections Secondary Referenda Requirements Brian --February 4, 2005 http://www.Imiic.org/amm/report.cfm 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 3 of 13 Policies: Requires city and county bond and levy elections to be held at the time lz -- of the municipal or county general election and school district questions relating to bonding to be held at the school district general election. Requires principal campaign committees disbursing more than a certain amount of money to promote or defeat a ballot question involving bonding or levies by counties, cities or school districts to file financial reports. Prohibits counties, cities or school districts from using public funds to prepare or disseminate material relating to the passage of bonding or levy ballot questions, 113 hf 754 Rep. Taxes LGA Taconite Provision Rukavina, --February 3, 2005 SecondaryTom- om_ Eliminates the Taconite provision in Policies: - the LGA formula that reduces LGA and increases the LGA amount each year from 2005 through 2008 by about $2.3M. 1..13. hf 47 Rep. House Floor Local Government Aid Abrams, (I -`GA) --January 24, 2005 Secondary Ron City aid base calculation corrected Policies: - relating to Local Government Aid, ID hf 851 Rem. Taxes Fiscal Disparity Fund Lenczewski, Distribution Study -- Secondary Ann February 7, 2005 Policies: - Metropolitan area fiscal disparities ' program study conducted by the Commissioner of Revenue to be completed by February 1, 2006. Issues include affect on metro tax disparities, is the formula reasonable, is orderly growth promoted, is competition reduced, and are remaining local revenues sufficient to cover local service costs. Ip Fiscal Disparity Fund sf 73 Sen, Taxes Distribution --January 10, Belanger, William Secondary 2005 Policies: - Metropolitan area fiscal disparities ' program study conducted by the house and senate fiscal staff to be completed by February 1, 2006. Issues include affect on metro tax disparities, is the formula reasonable, is orderly growth http://www.Imiic.org/anu-n/repoi-t.cfi-ii 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report lE 11f 890 Rep. Taxes K Vandeveer, Secondary Ray Policies: - lE lf.180 Rep.. Taxes Payrnar, Secondary Michael Policies: - I.N. Secondary Policies: - promoted, is competition reduced, and are remaining local revenues sufficient to cover local service costs. Limited Market Value -- January 13, 2005 Property tax limited market value provision permanency for assessment year 2005 and thereafter. The amount of the increase shall not exceed the greater of (1) ten percent of the value in the preceding assessment, or (2) 15 percent of the difference between the current assessment and the preceding assessment. Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases - -January 27, 2005 Sales tax exemption expansion for sales to local government units. Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding --January 10, 2005 Minnesota postretirement investment fund postretirement adjustments limited to .5%. PERA Contribution Rates --January 14, 2005 Increasing employee and employer contributions under the basic and coordinated programs of the public employees retirement association (PERA), prohibiting further increases when contribution sufficiency conditions are determined by annual actuarial evaluations. Year Employer Employee /o /o current 5.10 + .4' 5.10 Page 4 of 13 sf 57 S.en_._Cohen, Taxes Richard F f 13 Sen._wiagl- Taxes Chuck sf_70. Sen._Betzold., State & I Don Governir sf 286 Sen. Betzold, Don State & I Govermr http://www.lriiiie.org/amin/report.efm 2/14/2005 IL if 502 Rep. Lillie, Taxes Leon Secondary Policies: - IN hf40 Rep__S.mith, Government Steve Operations & Secondary Veterans Policies: - Affairs I.N. Secondary Policies: - promoted, is competition reduced, and are remaining local revenues sufficient to cover local service costs. Limited Market Value -- January 13, 2005 Property tax limited market value provision permanency for assessment year 2005 and thereafter. The amount of the increase shall not exceed the greater of (1) ten percent of the value in the preceding assessment, or (2) 15 percent of the difference between the current assessment and the preceding assessment. Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases - -January 27, 2005 Sales tax exemption expansion for sales to local government units. Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under -Funding --January 10, 2005 Minnesota postretirement investment fund postretirement adjustments limited to .5%. PERA Contribution Rates --January 14, 2005 Increasing employee and employer contributions under the basic and coordinated programs of the public employees retirement association (PERA), prohibiting further increases when contribution sufficiency conditions are determined by annual actuarial evaluations. Year Employer Employee /o /o current 5.10 + .4' 5.10 Page 4 of 13 sf 57 S.en_._Cohen, Taxes Richard F f 13 Sen._wiagl- Taxes Chuck sf_70. Sen._Betzold., State & I Don Governir sf 286 Sen. Betzold, Don State & I Govermr http://www.lriiiie.org/amin/report.efm 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 5 of 13 http://www.ltnne.org/anu11/report.efm 2/14/200.5 2006 5.50 + .50 5.50 2007 5.75 + .50 5.75 2008 6.00 + .50 6.00 2009 6.00 + .7.5 6.00 6.00 2010 610 00 Rates will not increase when actuarial sufficiency is met. The extra employer rate will be evaluated July 1, 2008. lz. CI Land Value Tax For sf 97$ Sen. Moria, Taxes State Education Levy -- Mee Secondary February 12, 2005 Policies; - Converts the state general education ' property tax on commercial industrial property to a tax based on land value phased in at 10% per year commencing with taxes payable 2007. 1Z hf 3 Rep. Capital House Bonding Bill -- Donnan, Investment January 10, 2005 Secondary Dan State bonding bill at $642,252,000. Policies: - Provides $90.890M for _ Transportation projects including $40M for bridges, $23.09M for local roads, and $l OM for Northstar. Also, $16M for Metro council projects including $10M for Cedar Ave. Busway and $1M for Rush Line. IZ lif 77 Rep. Capital senate Bonding Bill -- sf _l. Sen, Passed S Hausman, Investment January 27, 2005 Langseth, beth Floor Secondary Alice. State bonding bill at Policies: - $1,038,840,000. Provides $97.5M in _ state bonding. Transportation equals $107.04M including $40M for bridges, $10M for local roads, and $37.5M for Northstar. Metro council projects include $5.250M for Central corridor,$1M for Redrock, $1 M for Rush Line, and $18.988 for metro regional parks. Other inclusions are $24M for housing, $24M for redevelopment, $31 M for wastewater infrastructure grants, and several million for local city/county projects. The final vote was 57 to 7. The bill was tabled and will be substituted for the House Bonding bill when transrnited to create a conference committee. http://www.ltnne.org/anu11/report.efm 2/14/200.5 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 6 of 13 1.Z hf 352 Rep. Capital Governor's Bonding Bill sf 313 Sen. Larson, Finance Dorm Investment --January 13, 2005 Cal — Secondary Dan Governor's state bonding bill at Policies- - $816,052,000. Provides $96.248M - for Transportation projects including $28M for bridges, $1 OM for local roads, and $37.5M for Northstar. Also, metro council projects including $1OM for Cedar Avenue Busway and $7M for metro regional parks. The bill also includes $20 Housing Finance Agency grants. l..Z hf 1.59 Rep_._Kahn, Local Local Government Phy_]lis Government Bonding Restrictions -- Secondary January 14, 2005 Policies: Repeals city ability to issue bonds 2A "" to fund pension or retirement find liabilities pursuant to section 475.52, subdivision 6 as of August 1, 2005. The revisor of statutes must prepare legislation for introduction at the beginning of the 2006 legislative session to repeal the authority in statute and law that allows a political subdivision of the state to issue and sell general obligation bonds without an election. 2A hf 564 Rep, Health Policy City Regulation of sf 560 Sen. Health ai -- Holbeig, & Finance Smoking Prohibited -- Tomassoni, Family Security Secondary Ma Liz ry---- David Policies: - February 11, 2005 Modifys certain provisions under - the clean indoor air act by defining a "hospitality establishment" and requires them, if they choose to allow smoking, to register annually with the state. On-site sale and consumption establishments must obtain a permit for $500, others pay $250. The bill preempts local regulation of smoking not in conformity with MN statutes 144.411 through 144.417 by counties, cities or towns. 2.A. hf 592 R.ep.., Transportation Speed Limit Samuelson, Policy Administrative Tickets Secondary Char Authorized --February 3, 2005 Policies: - Cities and counties are authorized to impose administrative penalties on speed limit law violators when the violator's speed was no more than littp://www.Imiie.org/ai-ruii/report.cfm 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 7 of 13 http://www.lmrrc.org/an-nn/report.efrn 2/14/2005 ten miles per hour greater than the lawful speed.. U 2A hf_733. Rep, Commerce Homeowners Protection Klinzing, and Financial Act --February �, 200.5 Secondary Karen Institutions Homeowners Protection Act Policies: - requires continuing education for - municipal building officials (an additional 40 hours per year), requires additional reporting by the municipality on fees versus actual costs, requires prelicense education of building contractors, and provides information access to homebuyers. 857 Sen._ Scheid, State & I 2D Compensation Limits -- sf - February 9, 200.5 Linda Governer Secondary Local government employee Policies: - compensation limit raised to 125% _ of the Governor's salary. Sen I{elley_, State and 2D Compensation Limits -- sf 953 x:k February 12, 2005 Steve Local Governir Secondary Local government employee Policies: - compensation limit repealed. 2D h 2 Rep. Local Compensation Limits -- E.rhardt, Government January 10, 2005 Secondary Ron Local government employee Policies: - compensation limit repealed. 2F lif 498 Rep. Public Safety 800 MHz Radio System - sf 529 Sen._Kleis, Crime Knoblach Policy & -January 27, 2005 Dave Preventi< Public S Secondary Jim Finance Expands and makes permanent the Policies: - sales and use tax exemption for _ system products and services for public radio systems statewide. Expands the definition of subsystems and authorizes the use of public safety radio communication system revenue bonds to provide money for assistance to local government units for a certain percentage of the cost of building subsystems in the southeast or central districts of the state patrol. Provides for issuance by the metropolitan council of additional bonds in an amount to be determined and appropriates the proceeds to the commissioner of public safety for assistance to local government units. Prohibits use to finance portable or subscriber radio sets. http://www.lmrrc.org/an-nn/report.efrn 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 8 of 1 2.Z hf899 Rep. Local Rule and Law Waivers -- Buesgens, Government Authorized --February 12, Secondary Mark Policies: - 2005 The state auditor is authorized to ' waive certain administrative rules and laws applying to local government units upon application.A grants board comprising the state auditor, 2 senators, and 2 representatives is created to fund cooperative efforts in public service delivery in years such funding is made available. 2Z Telecommunication s_f 688 Sen.. ielley, Jobs, En( Franchising --February 4, Steve and Commun Secondary 2005 Developu Policies: - Changes requirements for granting ' additional cable franchises and ensures receipt by subscribers of local public, educational and governmental access and local origination channels within the additional franchise area. 31 Urban Renewal TIF sf 83.5 Sen. Betzold, Taxes a: Districts --February 9, 2005 Don Secondary Authorizes local authorities to Policies: - establish an urban renewal area - utilizing tax increment financing. Provides additional flexibility. 3J_ hf 595 Rep, Jobs and State Redevelopment Gunther, Economic Fonds --February 3, 2005 SecondaryBob Opportunity Authorizes $15M in state bonds to Policies: - the commissioner of employment - and economic development for transfer to the redevelopment account split 50% metro/outstate. 3J hf 768 Rep, Jobs and State Redevelopment Gunther. Economic Bonds --February 3, 2005 SecondaryBob Opportunity Authorizes $20M in state bonds to Policies: - the commissioner of employment and economic development for transfer to the redevelopment account split 50% metro/outstate. 3Z Non Conforming Uses -- sf 721 Sen. Sparks, State anc Local February 4, 2005 _Daniel Govermr Secondary Specifying certain requirements for Operatio Policies: - the regulation of nonconforming _ uses of city or town property in floodplain, shoreland and wild and scenic river areas consistent with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Act of http://www.Imnc.org/amm/report.cfin 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report 4C Secondary Policies: - Rep. Local Hornstein. Government Frank 4E hf 951 Rep. Beard. Local Michael Government Secondary Policies: - 4F hf 729 Rep. Local V.a..11deveer, Government Secondary Ray Policies: - 19% A municipality may regulate nonconformities more stringently to reduce over time the problems caused by nonconformities in floodplain, shoreland, and wild and scenic river areas. Elected Metropolitan Council --January 27, 2005 Elected Metropolitan Council to serve four year terms beginning with elections held in 2006 for 2007 through 2011. The Metropolitan Council must study the feasibility of transferring functions or services from metropolitan counties to the Metropolitan Council established in this act to take advantage of economies of scale without sacrificing equity or effectiveness. In addition to any other function or service, the study must include an analysis of the feasibility and benefits of transferring county correctional facilities and county highways to the council. The council shall report to the legislature the results of the study by December 31, 2006, Aviation System Plan Eliminated --February 11, 2005 Removes the requirement for adoption of a separate airports or aviation system plan and repeals provisions for planning administration between the Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Legislative Oversight of Comprehensive Plan Review --February 3, 2005 Provides for additional oversight by the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government to monitor, review, and make recommendations to the Metropolitan Council and the legislature with regard to all cases in which the Metropolitan Council requires a local governmental unit to change any comprehensive plan. Requires the council to report all instances where it has required changes or denied the plan. If the Page 9 of 13 Sell._ Wiger, Chuck State and Local Gc Civil Lm Elect sf 629 Sen,._Fliggins, State & I Linda Governn sf 8_.1.5 Sen. Bachman, Michelle State and Local Governrr Operatio http://www.Imiic.org/anon/report.cfi-n 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 10 of 13 littp://www.lmne.org/anim/repoi-t-efin 2/14/2005 commission advises the council not to persue the changes, the council may not act until 30 days after the legislature adjourns for the next annual session. 4K hf 826 Rep Environment Clean Water Legacy Act sf 7,612 Sen. Environr Ozme..nt, and Natural __February 7, 2005 Frederickson, and Natu Secondary Dennis. -- Resources Clean Water Legacy Act Dennis Resource Policies: - established providing authority, _ direction, and finding to achieve and maintain water duality standards for surface waters in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act, and money appropriated. 4L hf-725 Re,_ _.p Agriculture, Regional Funding Rebional Parks sf689 Seib.. Finance Tingelstad, Invironment & Open Space --February 4, Anderson, Ellen Secondary and Natural — Policies: - Resources Fin 2005 Authorizes the issuance of - $10.466M state bonds for a grant to the metropolitan council for the cost of capital improvements and acquisition of regional recreational open space lands. 5A hf 348 Rep._ Transportation Motor Vehicle Sales Tax DeLaForest, Finance Distribution --January 20, Chris Secondary 2005 Policies: MVST transfer rate from July 1, 5C -- 2005 to June 30, 2007 increased to 64.18% to Highway User Tax Distribution (HUTD) find, 33.25% to metro transit, .65% to county state aid, and .17% to municipal state aid. After July 1, 2007 the rates are 65% to HUTD, 33% to metro transit, and 1.75% to outstate transit. The remainder to the state general fund. Current rates are 30% to HUTD, 20.5% to metro transit, 1.43% to outstate transit, .65% to CSAH, .17% to MSA, and the rest to state general fund. SA hf_597 Rep._Ruth. Transportation Local Road Grant Connie Finance Funding --February 3, 2005 Secondary Authorizes $100M general Policies: obligation bonds for the local road 5K -- improvement program for grants to cities and counties. Use of the money for loans is deleted. A Waal road safety program is established the in local road improvement fund. The 4100M is split 50% metro/outstate. littp://www.lmne.org/anim/repoi-t-efin 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 11 of 13 5A Vehicle Sales Surcharge sf 974 Sen.._Day, Transpor �.k --February 12, 2005 Dick Secondary Imposes a surcharge on the Policies: - purchase price of motor vehicles _ taxed as passenger automobiles, proceeds to be deposited in the highway user tax distribution fund. The surcharge is $125 on new cars sales and $75 on sales of cars 2 or more years old. 5A Metro LRT Lines TIF sf 975 S.e_n...Day, Taxes Districts --February 12, 2005 Dick Secondary Requires the metro council to Policies: - establish a special taxing district to - pay for the cost of operating an LRT line not fully financed by fare revenues. The taxing district extends 1,000 feet from the LRT line right of way for property classes 3 and 4. Creation of a general TIF district within the area of the special district and the abatement of incremental taxes is prohibited. 5A. 5 Cent Gas Tax Increase sf 976 Sen —Day_, Transpor --February 12, 2005 Dick Secondary Gas tax increase of five cents and Policies: - other special fuels tax increased between three and four cents commencing July 1, 2005. 5A hf7 Rep, Transportation Transportation Funding sf 6 5 Sen. Rob.ling, Transpor Holberg, Finance --January 30, 2005 Claire. Finance Secondary MaryLiz Constitutional Amendment. Motor Policies: vehicle sales tax proceeds dedicated 5C -- to transportation phased in over a five-year period starting at 60% July 2007. 5A Gas Tax Indexing -- sf 674 Sen. Kubly, Transpor February 4, 2005 Gats Secondary Provides for annual indexing for Policies: - inflation of the gasoline and special _ fuels tax rates by the commissioner of revenue starting July 2005 and thereafter every April 1. 5F h_ f 313 Rep. Transportation City Street Utility --January sf 366 Sen,. Marko, Transpor Hornstein, Finance 19, 2005 Sharon Secondary Frank Authorizing and providing for cities Policies: - to impose street utility fees by two/thirds vote of the council; specifying development and adoption of a master plan; providing for calculation of the fee based on a trip generation rate and for http://www.Inmc.org/anu-ii/report.cftii 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 12 of 13 http://www.Imnc.org/atin-n/report.efi-n 2/14/2005 collection; restricting use of the proceeeds to specific projects listed in the master plan; providing for property owner appeals and for the effect of the fees on special assessments, the issuance of bonds and property tax levies. 5F hf495 Rep, Transportation Cita' Street Utility --January Lenczewski, Finance 27, 2005 Ann nn Authorizing and providing for cities Policies: - to impose street utility fees by _ two/thirds vote of the council; specifying development and adoption of a master plan; providing for calculation of the fee based on a trip generation rate and for collection; restricting use of the proceeeds to specific projects listed in the master plan; providing for property owner appeals and for the effect of the fees on special assessments, the issuance of bonds and property tax levies. 5F City Street Utility - sf 818 Sen. Transpor — February 5, 2005 Jungbauer, Mike Secondary Authorizing and providing for cities Policies: - to impose street utility fees by _ two/thirds vote of the council; specifying development and adoption of a master plan; providing for calculation of the fee based on a trip generation rate and for collection; restricting use of the proceeeds to specific projects listed in the master plan; providing for property owner appeals and for the effect of the fees on special assessments, the issuance of bonds and property tax levies. 5M. hf 362 Rep Transportation Municipal Input QeLaFor...e. st, Policy (Consent) for Trunk Secondary Chris Highways --January 20, 2005 Policies: - Creates a single appeal process provided under municipal consent law for interstate and noninterstate trunk highways. Thus, the Commissioner of MnDot can ignor Appeal Board findins in favor of the city and do the project MnDot's way. This makes the entire municipal input and appeal process moot. SN hf X68 Rep Local Under 10,000 sf 323 Sen. e anc Maryuart, Government FCities ng Approval Time Neuville, Thomas al ernn FG Secondary Paul http://www.Imnc.org/atin-n/report.efi-n 2/14/2005 AMM Bill Tracking Report Page 13 of 13 Policies: - Increased ---February 3, 2005 Operatio Statutory or home rule charter cities of less than 10,000 population are authorized an additional 30 days to act on or approve applications related to zoning, septic systems, or the expansion of the metropolitan urban service area. 50 City Speed Limit sf 578 Sen. Cohen, Transpor Control --January 30, 2005 Richard Secondary Modifys the definition of residential Policies: - roadway to change the 1/2 mile - maximum to no maximum and authorizing local road authorities to establish speed limits on these roadways. Key 1. * means Bill has changed since last report 2. * * means new bill AMM is monitoring means Bill did not meet committee deadline and is dead For best printing results, go to file/print/properties in your browser and switch from portrait to landscape. Prepared by the Association of Metr•opolitan._Mun..iciptdi.ties (AMM) http://www.Imne.org/amm/report.cfm 2/14/200.5 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Page 1 of 3 AMM News February 17, 2005 ARCHIVES Metro Water Supply Bill Introduced This week Representative Pat Garofalo (R -Farmington) introduced House File 1044, a Pawlenty Administration/Met Council initiative. The bill, which is described in greater detail on AMM's Bill Tracker, requires the Council to conduct and coordinate water supply planning activities, establishes a Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee and provides financing for the initiative by utilizing funds from the abolition of the housing bond credit enhancement program. For those, including AMM staff, who were initially concerned that the Council was planning on elevating water supply to regional system status, the bill should provide comfort. The bill requires the Council to conduct planning activities that, among other things, make "recommendations for clarifying the appropriate roles and responsibilities of local, regional, and state government in metropolitan area water supply". But more importantly, the Council must carry out the planning activities in consultation with a water supply advisory committee consisting of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, the Pollution Control Agency, the Metropolitan Council, two county representatives and six noncounty local government representatives. Consequently, there will be significant statutorily required local government influence on Met Council water supply planning activities and recommendations. The creation of the advisory committee was one of several recommendations listed in AMM's comments on the Council's draft Water Resources Management Policy Plan. According to the bill, the Governor makes advisory committee appointments. State Auditor is Promoting Cooperation The State Auditor is proposing a streamlined reincarnation of the old Board of Innovation and Cooperation. House File 899, authored by Representative Mark Buesgens (R -Jordan), creates the new process. The proposal is intended to serve local governments and local taxpayers by re-establishing the waiver appeal process for state rules and procedural laws. Currently, the courts are the only recourse for local governments whose waiver requests have been rejected by state agencies. Under the new proposal, the State Auditor's appeal process would begin following a state agency's rejection of a local government waiver request. The State Auditor also is proposing to re-create the language for a grant program for intergovernmental cooperative activities or services. The catch for this year is that the proposal doesn't include a recommendation for an appropriation to capitalize the program. The State Auditor is also not asking for additional funds to administer the process. A State Auditor representative has specifically asked for AMM's reaction to the bill. Our http://www.amm145.org/newsletter.htm 2/17/2005 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Page 2 of 3 initial response is that the bill provides for a low-cost method to resolve some state -local disputes and provides recognition for local initiative and leadership in efficiently and cooperatively providing services to our residents. Transportation/Congestion is the #1 Metro Issue For the fourth year in a row, traffic congestion has been identified as the single most important problem in the Metro Area, according to a recent survey conducted by the Metropolitan Council of 798 Metro Area adult residents. Significantly, respondents suggested that their preferred solution include both roads and transit. Respondents suggested a variety of financing methods including increasing the gas tax, license tab fees, sales tax and shifts from other state programs. Crime carne in as the second most important problem, but with less than half as many responses as traffic congestion. Education financing and taxes were well down the list. On the positive side, respondents consistently gave the Metro Area high marks for quality of life and listed the region's natural amenities as its most attractive feature. (Wind chill was not listed as one of their favorite natural amenities.) Respondents also gave the Council its highest approval rating in more than a decade and suggested that the Council had a very important role in several areas including water quality, wastewater treatment, growth management, park planning, polluted land cleanup, transportation and others. The 61 -page survey can be found at www.Metrocouncil_org/MetroArea/MetroResidentsSurvey_2004..pdf Special Working Group Scrutinizes Livable Communities Criteria A special working group has been formed to review the criteria for the Livable Communities Demonstration Account. The working group includes Chairman Peter Bell and Council members Tony Pistilli, Song Lo Fawcett, Natalie Haas Steffen and Chris Georgacas. The Program was created to connect housing and employment, provide for compact development, provide for a mix of housing, and attract investment. The Development Grant is designed to fund local projects that are ready to go. The Opportunity Grant is designed to help cities bring projects to a ready status. Some of the questions/criteria being discussed are: . The 30% target issue (developing vs. developed communities) . Competitive issues of large vs. small Metro Area communities . To "but -for", or not to "but -for"? . Performance/status of previous grants from an applicant community . The future of Opportunity Grants . Staged projects, how many phases are enough? AMM will be tracking the progress of the working group and will be reporting periodically on their activities. http://www.amm145.org/newsletter.htm 2/17/2005 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Page 3 of 3 Met Council's Planning Assistance Fund is Back The Council has about $488,000 that may be available to cities in the form of a zero interest, 3 -year loan for comprehensive plan updates. The Council expects to offer the loans for up to 75% of the planning costs with the loan maximum of $40,000. Phyllis Hanson, Local Planning Assistance Manager is the primary contact. Phyllis can be reached at 651/602-1566. LMC's 2005 Legislative Conference is March 31 The League of Minnesota Cities is urging city officials from throughout Minnesota to attend a daylong League of Minnesota Cities 2005 State of the Cities Legislative Conference on March 31 st, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in St. Paul. Conference topics will include transportation finance, the recently released Financing Local Government Task Force Report, the 2005 State of the Cities Report. The conference is a great opportunity to hear directly from your legislators about the key city issues being debated at the Capitol this session. For more information about the Conference, visit www_Imnc.org/conf/home.cfin or call Stephanie Lake at 651/281-1251 MAMA Luncheon Reminder There's still time to RSVP for the Thursday February 24, 2005 MAMA luncheon meeting at the MINNEAPOLIS -Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Speaker Barbara Lukermann will talk to us about factors to think about as we look to the future in meeting metro housing needs: issues regarding metro area growth demand/supply including demographic issues, market share and price components. Call Laurie to RSVP at 6.51-215-4004. AMM News is sent periodically to all AMM city managers and administrators. The information is intended to be shared with mayors, council and staff in order to keep officials abreast of important metro city issues. © Copyright 2005 AMM 145 University Avenue West St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Telephone: 651-21.5-4000 Fax: 651-281-1299 mailto:amm@amm 145.org http://www.anun 145.org/newsletter.htm 2/17/2005 Feb 11 Z005 16:21:33 Via Fax -> 65145ZB940 Administrator -FridaY F ax - A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities President's federal budget unveiled On Monday, President Bush unveiled his proposed 92.57 trillion fiscal year 2006 budget. The president's recommendations include significant cuts in discretionary domestic spending with the stated goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009. Overall, the President's FY 2006 budget proposal recommends a five percent increase in defense spending, a three percent increase in non-defense homeland security spending, and a one percent decrease in spending for other non-defense, non -security discretionary programs. Although we do not have full details on all aspects of the budget, the National League of Cities has provided us with a brief summary of provisions that will impact cities. The budget proposes to merge the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) with 1.7 other direct state and local government grant programs into a new 5171 billion initiative that will be administered by the Department of Commerce under the new title of "Strengthening America's Communities Initiative" (SACI). For the 2005 fiscal year, funding for all 18 existing programs totaled roughly 95.3 billion with CDBG alone totaling just over 94.7 billion in 2004. In other words, the proposed funding level for SACI represents a 30 percent reduction in the current combined funding for these 18 existing programs. According to the Commerce Department, SACI would set new eligibility criteria to "better target assistance and achieve greater February 11, 2005 Page 1. results for low-income persons and economically -distressed areas." Although we do not have full details on how these criteria will work, Minnesota's relative economic strength could work against our eligibility for the new SACI funds. According to the National League of Cities, the President's proposed budget for funding of first responders programs under the Department of Homeland Security is almost identical to the 2005 level. The budget proposes 91.02 billion for the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and S 1.02 billion for the Urban Area Security Initiative Program (UASI). However, states and local governments would receive less state homeland security grant funding because the Administration has proposed modifications to the distribution formula. If approved, each state, including Minnesota, would receive a minimum of $2.6 million in state homeland security grants based on "risk., and an application -based review of need, and consistency with national priorities." The President's budget proposal reduces or eliminates several programs that the Administration believes do not have a record of demonstrated results, including the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Grants and the COPS Law Enforcement Technology Grants. The Administration proposes eliminating these programs and other programs, which will save the federal government 9940 million a year. The President's budget allocates 511.8 million for the COPS account, but proposes to cancel 995.5 million of un -obligated balances Far more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651 .281 . 1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 11 2005 16:22:17 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator -Fri daY F a�- A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities available under the COPS account -- leaving only $22 million in new budget authority. According to the National League of Cities, it is unclear whether multi-year grants that are currently in their second or third year would be cancelled under the budget proposal. The President's budget also recommends budget reductions for several programs within the purview of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency including the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) which has proposed reductions of 5274 million to 5730 million. The proposed budget would also eliminate funding for Water Quality Cooperative Agreements and wastewater operator training programs, resulting in federal budget savings of $22 million. Beyond the upcoming federal fiscal year, the proposed budget would place mandatory spending caps on domestic discretionary spending, freezing programs through 2010 in order to reduce the federal deficit. We will continue to evaluate the President's budget proposal as details are unveiled. Street utility bill laid over hi House committee Despite strong testimony by several city officials that street utility authority would provide a fair and much-needed tool for street preservation funding, HF 313/HF 495 --the bill to enable cities to impose the fees --was laid over. The bill was heard Wednesday in a joint meeting of the House Transportation Finance Committee and House Transportation Policy Page HOZ Of 004 February 11, 2005 Page 2 Committee. The bill drew harsh criticism from lobbyists representing the following groups: MN Association of Realtors MN Auto Dealers Association MN Grocers Association MN Multi -Housing Association MN Trucking Association • MN Retailers Association The groups charged that cities would use the fees to unfairly "tax" businesses. They also argued that property taxes should sufficiently cover the cost of street maintenance and reconstruction. When it became clear that the issue was contentious, Rep. Mary -Liz Holberg (R - Lakeville), the chair of the House Transportation Finance Committee, laid the bill over for further consideration. It's not clear whether HF 313/.HF 495 will appear on a future agenda in the committee. The hearing did bring to light some important points about the need for local street funding. The discussion may have also marked the beginning of an emotional debate that will take place during the 2005 legislative session about the ability of cities to provide essential public services while enduring ongoing budget constraints. The .League is in the process of trying to schedule a hearing for the bill's companion, SF 366 (Marko, DFL -Cottage Grove), in the Senate. Members who support the proposal are urged to continue to pressure legislators in both bodies to back the initiative. For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Iatergovemmental Relations team. 651.28 1, 1200 or 800 925.1122 Feb 11 2005 16:22:59 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator -Frida Fa -%7- Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Impaired waters bills introduced Senator Frederickson (R --New Ulm) and Rep. Ozment (R -Rosemount) introduced a bill, SF 762/HF 826, to generate a statewide pool of new revenue to help cities meet new environmental requirements was introduced by a large bi-partisan group of legislators from the House and Senate this week. The federal Clean Water Act requires that all surface waters in the state be assessed to determine whether they are "impaired", which in most cases would mean that they are somehow polluted to the point that fishing and swimming are not safe. This bill funds the scientific work necessary to determine which waters actually need further protection and where the impacts are coming from that are contributing to the problem. Cities will be required to collect appropriate fees as a state surcharge on residential, commercial, and industrial sewer bills. Counties will be doing the same for properties served by septic systems, most likely as a special assessment on line 14 of the property tax statement. Up to 5% of the fees collected can be kept to cover administrative expenses. Over 80% of the funds collected would go out to restoration and protection efforts, such as S15 million per year in grants to cities who are or have been required to add phosphorus treatment to their wastewater systems and over $40 million per year of additional low-interest loans available annually through the State Revolving Fund for wastewater, drinking water, and stormwater infrastructure. Paye 003 Of 004 February 11, 2005 Page 3 The Senate will begin hearings on this bill in late February. The bills have strong leadership support, with the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader as co- authors. The Governor has been publicly supportive of the legislation and has said that he will sign such a measure if it reaches his desk. The LMC .Bulletin will have more extensive information on this bill in the near future and the issue will be highlighted at the State of the Cities conference at the end of March. Bills introduced to provide local control of employee compensation Rep, Ron Erhardt (R -Edina) and Sen. Steve Kelley (DFL -Hopkins) are the chief sponsors of legislation that would give cities and counties control over local compensation decisions. The bill repeals the statute that limits local government compensation to 95 percent of the Governor's salary. It also eliminates the related cap on salary that is counted for pension purposes. This legislation will be introduced in the House and Senate next week. On Thursday, the Senate members of the Legislative Coordinating Commission's (LCC) Subcommittee on Employee Relations introduced another bill that would give cities and counties more flexibility to determine compensation for their employees. This bill, HF 857, would increase the compensation limit for local government employees to 125 percent of the Governor's salary. It also would require local governments requesting a waiver from the For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovemmental Relations team. 651.281 1200 or 800.925.1122 Feb 11 ZOOS 1623:42 Via Fax _> 65145ZB940 Administrator LMC Y -Frid,,a1Fax- Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities limit to submit requests simultaneously to the commissioner of employee relations and the LCC. Under the bill, failure to act on a waiver request in a specified time period would constitute approval of the request. The House companion bill will be introduced next week. If you have questions about either of these bills, please contact Laura Offerdahl, LMC at (651) 281-1260 or lof-Berda Preempting local control on door -to - 23 door merchants A bill, HF 800, that would preempt cities ability to regulate door-to-door sales people and peddlers has been introduced on the House side by Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL - Brooklyn Park). Under the proposal, traveling sales people would register with the state and pay a one-time fee, instead of the current law, which requires them to register with the city. The idea is to create a statewide database that cities could access to find out more about any given peddler. Proponents of the bill feel a statewide system would save both the sales people and city staff time and money. opponents of the bill have stated they like knowing who is in their city doing business in the neighborhood. One problem with current law is that a great number of these sales people supposedly never register with the city. Another is that in the metro area, they do not always know when they have crossed a city boundary. The bill can be found online at: www. house. leg. state.mn. us. For more information, questions or concerns, contact Page B04 Of 004 February 11, 2005 Page 4 Jenn O'Rourke, League staff at 651.281.1261. or jorourk.e@lmne.org. Committee meetings Monday, February 14 Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee Chair: Senator Ellen Anderson 3 p.m. Room 15 Capitol Agenda- Update on and evaluation of the JOBZ program by DEED and the Center for Rural Policy Development Tuesday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. 17 Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee Chair: Senator Leo Foley 3 p.m. Room 107 Capitol Agenda: S.F.51-Berglin: Methamphetamine precursor drugs sale regulation. S.F. 423 -Rosen: Methamphetamine and precursor drugs sale regulation and crimes definition. (Broad meth bill; Governor's initiative) S.F.49-Chaudhary- Methamphetamine manufacture crimes. S.F.901-Skoglund: Relating to crimes regarding methamphetamine. Tuesday meeting will be testimony only; Thursday meeting action on bills. Thursday, February 17 Property and Local Tax Division Chair: Representative Ray Vandeveer 10:15 a.m. Room 200 State Office Building Agenda: Presentation on Market Value Credit and Governor's proposed changes; Presentation on the art and science of assessing. For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team. 651.281,1200 or 800.925. 1122