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2005-03-11 Friday NewsOPUS OPEN HOUSE On Tuesday evening of this week OPUS held an informal open house at Mendakota Country Chub for the neighbors that live surrounding their proposed redevelopment of the Ecolab site. OPUS proposes to remove the existing buildings and construct new townhomes and Condominiums on the site. I talked with an OPUS employee the next day after the meeting and he reported to me that they had a good turn out of about 25 — 30 people. He told me that the major points of discussion at the meeting were about the alignment of a trail proposed to be constructed around the site, sight lines that might be affected by two, three story condominium buildings on the south, traffic flow and density. Overall though, he felt that the meeting was a positive one. OPUS plans on making an application to the City in time for a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission on April 26`x'. Ecolab employees will begin to transition out of their facility in April and plan to be totally out later this summer. OPUS hopes to have their City approvals completed and Ecolab vacated in time to begin demolition around the beginning of September. They plan on beginning marketing their homes out of a sales trailer that same month. MORE POLICE NEWS ARC Chair Scott Beaty called me before the ARC Meeting on Wednesday to find out what was going on in his neighborhood with the Police. It turns out the Highway Patrol began a routine traffic stop on I-494 and ended up in his neighborhood after a high speed chase. The Highway Patrol, with help from Mendota Heights Police arrested two passengers in the car and chased the driver who ran from the scene on foot. Three lessons learned; 1.) Do not give any strangers rides when you hear sirens and see police in the area, (one of our helpful citizens gave the suspect a ride) 2.) Stay in your home, do not approach a scene to ask questions when you see guns drawn, and 3.) Only call the Comm Center if you have information to help, not to fund out what's going on — the dispatchers are busy dealing with the incident. MHAA GIRLS WIN I received a call from MHAA this week informing me that last weekend the Minnesota Youth Athletic Service (MYAS) held their State Basketball Tournament at Sibley High School and our seventh grade girls traveling teams won their division — Congrats. BRAZILIAN CONNECTION Pat Hollister left this week for his annual "adventure". This year Pat went for two weeks in Sao Paulo Brazil. EMPLOYEE AND COUNCIL ST PATRICK DAY LUNCH Don't forget Mary Jeanne Schneeman is being gracious enough to supply lunch for employees and council members on St. Patrick Day. Respectfully submitted, Jim Danielson City Administrator Attachments: Just the Facts, Pipeline, City Council Agenda, Metropolitan Council Letter and Friday Fax. Issue #05- 08 1jj 44 TA F" March 11, 2005 The: ` Theft from Auto 03/03/05 Mendota Some people go to the casino to get rid of their loose change.. A 'helpful' thief : relieved a party of a big plastic Cheetos jar filled with almost $400 in change eights when it was taken from the back seat of a vehicle parked behind a business PolxCe : on Hwy 110. Officer Lambert took the report The rear window was broken in Department the process_ Detox 03/03/051046 hours Detox was the destination for a person who was found to be falling down on Mendota Heights Road at Enterprise. Officer Scots Patrick gave the :Supp,ort gentleman, who admitted to drinking heavily, a ride to Detox for the second St aff time in a couple weeks on. He blew a 33 BAC on the PBT Driver Evaluation 03/04/05 0810 hours BekkyTtgst . A female driver called the PD to report another driver who had pulled out in Cathy Ransom front of her on Lexington when she was on her way to work, causing her to almost crash into an oncoming vehicle. She had obtained a license number Police Officers : and the driver of that vehicle was contacted and questioned by Officer Bobby Jerry Mur Lambert. The driver claimed not to recall the incident and said he hadn't seen Yvette Tillery any other cars at that location and didn't hear anyone honking at him when he Lee Flandrich pulled onto the highway. Officer Lambert ordered a driver evaluation for this Scott Patrick: man. Bobby:Lambert No DL / No insurance 03/04/05 0930 hours Eric Petersen : Officer Eric Petersen issued a citation to a driver who admitted to not having Todd Rosse ` insurance It was learned that his license had been revoked for non payment Tanner% Spicer of a reinstatement fee. Southeast Towing impounded the vehicle and the driver was given a ride to St. Paul where he could call for a ride. Chad Willson Violation of Limited DL 03/05/05 0937 hours Jeff VonFeldt Random license plate check reveals that the RO of a vehicle on Hwy 13 had a Jerinifer;Hurst limited driving status He was driving outside of his driving hours Officer Petersen issued a citation for Violation of Limited License and released him to Itnvestigationis his girlfriend His car was towed by Southeast Towing. Mario Tteyes : ` _ Suspicious Vehicle 03/06/05 1635 hours Brian Cbnvery ; A vigilant resident reported a suspicious vehicle driving slowly around a business complex on Mendota Heights Road Sgt Anderson responded Sergeants quickly to investigate and found a father teaching his daughter to drive Donn ` Dumpster Diving 03/07/05 1032 hours : 1. 1. eI I. .' Diving out of season is frowned upon, especially when it involves diving in Neil Garlock ` dumpsters and removing valuable metals that are waiting to be recycled A John I;arrive business in Lilydale reported to Officer Lee Flandrich an ongoing problem with nighttime visitors wearing hoods and having covered license plates on a Chief variety of vehicles, who are going into the dumpsters and stealing the recycle M ke materials Under investigation Aschenbrener Gas and Go 03107/051237 hours The fact that gas prices went up are reflected in an increase of gas drive offs at local gas stations Officer Lee Flandrich took a report of a gas drive off where the suspect pumped over $40 worth of gas and then drove away N/B on -1- Issue #05- 08 March 11, 2005 Hwy 13 Employee had obtained license number Officer attempted to contact vehicle owner. Officer Flandrich is following up Funny Money 03/07/05 2012 hours McDonalds on Dodd Road reported a counterfeit $100 bill was given by a customer at the drive up window to pay for food A description of the customer and his vehicle was given to officers No license plate was obtained. 'The bill was a poor quality counterfeit Officer Todd Rosse took the report ACID 03107/05 2050 hours Officers assisted the Minnesota State Patrol who had been pursuing a vehicle fleeing SIB on Dodd Road Sergeant Neil Garlock assisted in establishing a perimeter in the Havenview Court area when the driver ran on foot. Two occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody We later learned that a resident had given the suspect a ride to the SA store in Mendota Heights From there the suspect hitched another ride and then made a call to a friend, who drove him to a motel in Cannon Falls, where he was apprehended after some good detective work on the park of State Troopers DUI I Possession of Firearms / Warrant 0310705 0209 hours While enroute back to Mendota Heights from the DC Jail Officer Eric Petersen observed a Lexus SUV driving without lights on Hwy 52 The vehicle was swerving over the center line and onto the shoulder Officer Petersen attempted to stop the vehicle The suspect drove for a considerable length of time before making a right turn and stopping sideways in the traffic lane The driver did not have a license, imagine that. She was escorted back to the squad car. Once there she asked if she was going to be arrested Upon being advised that she was being placed under arrest the suspect immediately reached into her pants pocket Officer Petersen grabbed her hand and immediately felt the cylinder of a revolver The suspect was pinned to the car and held until back up arrived. When help arrived the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. At this point, Officer Petersen checked the suspect's car and located at drug pipe Upon returning to his squad he saw the suspect was sweating profusely A short time later her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out. Healtheast Ambulance was contacted and the suspect was transported to Regions Hospital where she was read implied consent and blood was taken. The SUV was impounded and the case has been presented to the DC Attorney for charges on the gun violations and DUI While the suspect was in the hospital it was learned that she had an aggravated assault warrant out of Cook County, IL dating back to 1992 Before a hold could be placed on her she was released from the hospital Officers are attempting to locate the suspect and the owner of the SUV Lockdown Drill 031081051000 hours Dakota County Deputy Dan Scheuermann and Officer Bobby Lambert along with several of our own officers assisted Visitation in conducting a Lock Down Drill Officers and the administration evaluated the drill; suggestions were then made to school administration concerning current policy in case of emergency Identity Theft 031081051125 hours A Mendota Heights resident reported activity on her checking account using her name and information, but with counterfeit checks. Officer Lee Flandrich took the report about checks that were written for over $1000 The victim has no idea how the suspects, her neighbors, obtained her name, driver's license number, birthdate and other personal information Investigations are following up with her Suspicious Vehicle 03108/05 0942 hours Sunny days bring out a need to bask in unlikely places. Employees of the #197 bus garage reported a suspicious vehicle parked on the street for some time Sgt Anderson responded and spoke to the individual who is employed in Eagan and was just taking a break and reading the newspaper. No problems and he went back to reading the news Suspicious Activity 09/09/05 0202 hours Officer Tanner Spicer stopped a female walking down Hwy 13 as it is unusual for someone to be taking a morning stroll at 0200 hours. He asked if she was okay and she reported that she and her boyfriend just had an argument. She got out of his car and was walking to get a ride with a friend down the street. Officer Spicer gave her a ride and made sure she made contact with someone who could take her home safely Sergeant John Larrive located the boyfriend and confirmed that the stories matched Have a great weekend, All, U I® NEWS The Pmipelmine LETTER Public Works Engineering March 10, 2005 Code Enforcement Public Works Parks truck 503 was taken to Kremer Spring for a suspension upgrade. The Parks Crew picked up iron and started making gate/posts for the North Valley pedway. They assisted Rich with jetting a sanitary sewer line. Len installed a ball valve and power brakes in 2293 (grass rig) and electric brakes on the 6 wheel trailer. Rich cut roots on Vandal[ between First and Second Avenue and in the Victoria easement. He did a sewer inspection at 805 Wagon Wheel Trail. The homeowner had a break in the line and had to replace five feet of pvc pipe. Infratech finished putting in patches in Somerset; patches were installed at Hingham covering a broken pipe, Dorset Road to cover an offset joint and Dorset covering a broken and offset joint. Snow Events of the Week: Date: Response: Amount: 3-9-05 Plow main lines and pedways Engineering Lower Mississippi River WMO submitted a grant application to BWSR requesting $25,000 to construct a rain water garden in the Somerset neighborhood. Tom Knuth and Sue attended a preconstruction meeting for utilities to be installed at Waters Drive Business Park. Code Enforcement Paul reviewed a building permit for 620 Hidden Creek Trail to be issued to Mihm Construction, Inc. The valuation of the new home is $1,625,000.00. The house is being built for a Minnesota Viking player. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA March 15, 2005 - 7:30 P.M. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of the March 1, 2005 City Council Minutes. (Available Monday) 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the February 9, 2005 Airports Relations Commission Meeting. b. Acknowledgement of the February 2005 Treasurers Report. c. Acknowledgement of the February 2005 Monthly Fire Department Report. d. Authorization for Drug Task Force JAP Renewal. e. Authorization for Purchase Order for 2005 Street Sweeping Bids. f. Authorization for Mayor to sign the First Amendment to Lease Agreement. g. Approval of Completion of Probationary Period for City Engineer. h. Approval of Temporary Engineering Intern. i. Approval of Recommendation for Out Lot Purchase. j. Adoption of Ordinance No. 399: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 12-1G-2 OF THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY CODE, KNOWN AS THE ZONING ORDINANCE, BY PROVIDING FOR MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES AS AN ACCESSORY USE TO TRADE SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, BY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT". k. Adoption of Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR MASSAGE THERAPY AT 1440 NORTHLAND DRIVE'. I. Adoption of Resolution No. 05- : "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MENDOTA HEIGHTS TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SAFE & SOBER CAMPAIGN 2005— 2006 AS A PARTNER WITH THE DAKOTA COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE" m. Approval of Contractor List. m. Approval of Claims List. 7. Public Comments 8. Presentation County Commissioner Egan CJIIN Presentation — Mary Cerkvenik 9. Unfinished and New Business a. Discussion of Special Park Funds to Replace Playground Components at Somerset Elementary School / LS.D, 197 b. Case No. 05-11: Robert Alvarez, 1167 Dodd Road — Rear Yard Setback Variance for a New Home. c. Preliminary Discussion of an Electronic Sign — Rick Fretschel, Henry Sibley High School. d. Discussion of Street Light Request. e. Discussion of Mendota Plaza f. Discussion of IT Coordinator Position. 10. Council Comments 11. 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. This meeting is being taped by NDC4 (651-450-9891) and will replay on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the NDC4 Government Channel 18 Metropolitan CoundR February 2005 Thanks to the vision of previous generations, the Twin Cities area enjoys a regional park and open space system with few rivals across the globe. Now the Metropolitan Council needs your help to preserve the last best natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations. 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 has prepared a draft 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan. The plan includes a proposal to acquire and develop three new parks and seven new trails. A brochure summarizing the Regional Parks Policy Plan is enclosed. The complete plan is available online at www.metrocouncil.org/directions/parks/policyplan.htm or by calling the Regional Data Center at 651-602-1140. Join me 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 Your feedback is welcome. The public record will remain open until 4:30 p.m. on April 20, 2005. To comment: ■ Testify at our public hearing on April 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the Metropolitan Council, 230 E. Fifth St., St. Paul. You may register to speak by calling 651-602-1140. ■ Write the Metropolitan Council, 230 E. Fifth St., St. Paul, MN 55101 ■ Fax comments to 651-602-1464 ■ E-mail us at data.center@metc.state.mn.us ■ Call our Public Comment Line at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904) Si Peter Bell Chair www.metrocouncil.org Metro Info Line 602-1888 230 East Fifth Street • St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1626 • (651) 602-1000 • Fax 602-1550 e TTY 291-0904 An Equal Opportunity Employer lye R ON am -` fid" ," a a* S"s, }•r (F+s, 2 _ _ S -1 y J 2s ,J., nit wy it f: pit, y _ SIS fd� Il moi. 7 fi 7 j: �J J 1cxr. 3/ 7 we V, N I � WAR r ." _ lye R ON am -` fid" ," a a* S"s, }•r (F+s, 2 _ _ S -1 y J 2s ,J., nit wy it f: { �J J 1cxr. 3/ 7 we V, N I � 'gr of WAS d ASS ....... ...::.� -... � -:_ 5 .- best places 0 Preservation renowned parks system Thanks to the vision and commitment of previous generations, the seven -county Twin Cities area enjoys a regional parks and open space system with few rivals across the globe. More than 100 years ago, visionaries like Horace Cleveland and Charles Loring helped establish an outstanding network of drives, parks and boulevards around the lakes and rivers of Minneapolis and St. Paul. In response to state legislation, the Metropolitan Council in 1974 designated about 31,000 acres of existing parks owned by counties, cities and special park districts as "regional recreation open space." Those parks had about five million visits in 1975. Between 1974 and 2004, the Council — with both regional and state funds — invested $367 million to help local park agencies develop these parks as well as acquire and develop new parks and trails for the growing metropolitan population. Today, the system includes: ° 52,000 acres ° 47 regional parks and park reserves ° Six special recreation features, such as the zoo and conservatory at Como Park ° 22 regional trails (170 miles currently open to the public) 30.5 million visitors annually (2003 estimate) Between 1970 and 2000, the population of the seven -county area grew from 1.87 million to 2.64 million. The Council projects that by 2030 nearly one million more people will live in the region. Now is the time to identify and preserve the last best natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities in the region for future generations. Preserving ourfuture As it works to preserve and expand the regional parks system, the Council will be guided by five major policies: Identify and protect, forever, lands with high-quality natural resources that are desirable for regional parks system activities. • Provide adequate and equitable funding to acquire, develop and rehabilitate regional parks and trails. ° Provide a regional system of recreation opportunities for all residents while maintaining the integrity of the natural resource base. ° Promote master planning and integrated resource planning across jurisdictions. ° Protect the public investment in the regional parks system. Expanding the system To meet the needs of the region in 2030, the Council proposes a variety of changes to the current regional parks system. Among them: Designate two existing county parks and three trails as "regional." In Washington County, Pine Point Park In Ramsey County, Tony Schmidt Park AL In Ramsey County/St. Paul, three regional trails - Trout Brook, Summit Avenue, and Lexington Parkway ° Acquire and develop three new parks. Search areas include: Northwestern Anoka County Empire Township in Dakota County Blakeley Township in Scott County • Acquire and develop seven new trails. Search areas include: The Crow River, in Carver County and Three Rivers Park District Both a north/south and an east/west trail traversing Dakota County An east/west trail traversing Scott County W In Three Rivers Park District, a trail connecting parts of Baker Park Reserve; a trail connecting Baker and Crow -Hassan Park Reserves; and a trail connecting Crow -Hassan and Elm Creek Park Reserves ° Acquire land within the current boundaries of 30 existing parks and four trails ° Acquire natural -resource lands adjacent to six existing parks and six existing trails AIL 40Y The last best places To meet the needs of the region beyond 2030, the Council propos- es to acquire four new regional parks or reserves and three new trails. These parks would not be developed until after 2030, but the opportunity to acquire them will likely be lost if the lands aren't identified and purchased before 2030. The goal is to secure the last best places, complete the acquisition of the regional park system, and secure opportunities for future generations, just as our predecessors did for us. Search areas include: ° Parks — Miller Lake area and Minnesota River Bluff and Ravines in Carver County; southwestern Dakota County; and Cedar Lake area in Scott County. Trails — northwestern Anoka County; central to south Carver County; and Minnesota River to Spring Lake in Scott County. 4 nationally renowned euional Parks Systern, m 2030 and Beyond Regional Parks, Regional Park Reserves and Special Use Facilities with Existing or Approved Boundaries Regional Trails Existing, Open to the Public Under Acquisition, Development, Planned or Proposed (not open to the public) Regionally Important Natural: Resource Areas Parks and Trails and Search Areas Search Corridors Boundary Adjustments— e Recognition of Regional Status. '.j 1 •y New Units Needed by 2030 Completing the System t I �. I.. I v,.- I HENNEPIN ` I �:. �+ •� ^- MS f ! n I I I ! IF a 4., I FJ I I j C@Pvit61"> 4 I j_ I I F 5G9TT al �•r l- r j , � j >X� r DAKOTA i� 0 5 10 15 20 Miles ,i I Mar 04 Z005 16:27:51 Via Pax -> GS145Z094H Administrator Page 001 of 005 -Freda Fax - L c y .,,., A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities March 4, 2005 Page 1 Senate Tax Committee approves After a brief discussion, the amended bill passed permanent MVHC cut on a voice vote with only one vote in opposition. The bill was sent to the Senate floor. Late Thursday afternoon, the Senate Tax Committee quickly considered and approved an amendment offered by Tax Committee Chair Larry Pogemiller that includes many of the major recommendations for revenue enhancements and expenditure reductions that were originally offered in the governor's tax bill. The Pogemiller amendment was added to SF 1 ?09 a bill that originally modified state regulation of tax preparers. Although the bill includes most of the revenue enhancements in the governor's bill, it does have one significant difference—the proposal would make the 2003 MVHC cuts for cities permanent. The League testified in opposition to the amendment, citing our similar opposition to the permanent LGA cuts enacted in 2003. We also highlighted the fact that the credit will continue to show on an individual's tax statement, even though the state would not be paying for the credit, which would be misleading to taxpayers. The MVHC cuts will impact 103 cities throughout the state. A list of the affected cities was included in the February 23 edition of the Cities Bulletin. Senator Pogemiller is calling the package the "structural balance bill" because, as he stated, he is trying to plug the state's structural budget imbalance of $466 million. In total, the draft bill would increase state revenues and reduce state spending by approximately $250 million for the upcoming 2006-2007 biennium and by $330 million for the 2008-2009 biennium. To fully fund the state's structural budget imbalance, Senator Pogemiller stated that the balance would have to come from expenditure adjustments in appropriation bills being considered in the Finance Committee. Questions? Contact Gary Carlson at 651-281- 1255 or at gc: rn ison irr�7ac:. org Action Alert! Annexation hearings in Chisago City and St. Cloud The House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee will be on the road on Friday, March 11. They will hold hearings on annexation issues in Chisago City at city hall at 9:00 am and in St. Cloud at city hall at 1:00 pm. We are encouraging city staff and elected officials with concerns about possible changes to annexation law to attend whichever of the hearings would be more convenient. The committee has been discussing annexation issues throughout the legislative session and will quite likely base decisions on what policy, if any, they move forward with this session based partly on testimony presented at these hearings. Representatives from several local government organizations will be in attendance. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or at r;Itz.ltrrnc.c?r Street utility bill scheduled for 3110 hearing in Senate A key Senate committee will hold a hearing next week on SF 366 (Marko, DFL -Cottage Grove), a bill initiated by the League of Minnesota Cities and the City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) that would give cities the authority to impose street utility fees for street maintenance and preservation. The Senate Transportation Committee will meet to consider the bill on For more infonnation on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intergovemmenial Relations team, 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Mar 04 ZOOS 16:Z8:35 Via Fax _> G5145ZB940 Administrator Pd9E HOZ Of 805 L -C I -FridayFCa1X7_- -4 weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Thursday, March 10, at 3:00 p.m. in room 15 of the State Capitol. The League strongly urges members in districts of Senate Transportation Committee members to call their legislators before Wednesday and ask them to vote for SF 366. Members of the Senate Transportation Committee can be found at 2006/trans )oitz-qion/ Senator Mike Jungbauer (R -East Bethel) will offer a similar street utility bill, SIT 818, at the same hearing, The League anticipates opposition from some groups who oppose locally imposed fees. Passage of the bill will be dependent upon the ability of cities to make the case that this funding is necessary and that the proposal offers an equitable and locally based funding solution. The bill was heard last month in a Joint meeting of the House Transportation Finance Committee and House Transportation Policy Committee. The bill drew harsh criticism from lobbyists representing the following groups: • NIN 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. City officials argued that the bill would provide cities with a much-needed additional tool for meeting street maintenance revenue needs. It is enabling legislation that would give cities the March 4, 2005 Page 2 authority to use trip generation rates to establish street utility fee programs for street reconstruction, maintenance, and facility upgrades such as traffic signals and turn lanes. 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 HIT 313 or HIT 495 will appear on a future agenda in the committee. To learn about the street utility initiative, read the Backs, ound and 17M)s document available on Legislative page of the League's website (NN-,7nx,. Irnnc. on.D. Questions? ContactAnne Finn at 651 281.1263 or at afi Final levy information released Final certified levy information for 2005 was released by the Department of Revenue this week. Statewide, local property tax levies increased 6.7 percent over 2004 to $5.1 billion. The city portion increased by 8.1 percent or $100 million over 2004 levels. Final city certified levies were $14 million less than preliminary September levies. 2005 is the first year since 2001 without levy limits on cities over 2,500 population. Yet this year's increase of 8.1 percent is only slightly higher than last year's increase of 7.9 percent. For the last two years cities have been struggling with the impacts of $170 million m' aid cuts and other ongoing budgetary pressures including population growth, a growing senior population, rising health care costs for employees, and aging infrastructure. 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 Mar 04 2005 16:29:17 Via Fax _> 6514520940 Administrator Page 003 Of 005 LMC Cili- P.W"y F r i dalwyFcatx- 4�, A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Cities' revenue base (property tax levy plus general state aid) has 'increased only 7 percent from 2002 to 2005. After adjusting for inflation and population growth, cities' revenue base has declined by 6 percent in that time. Questions: Contact Eric Willette at R51.281.1245 or at ewWQ_tt,_QL1m?jc ®rg :a - Inverse condemnation proposal to be heard on Monday On Monday, a House committee will hear a proposal offered by Representative Paul Thissen (DFL -Minneapolis) that would allow a person to bring an action in district court to compel a political subdivision to commence a condemnation proceeding if the local unit of government directly or indirectly provides mixed municipal solid waste services that displace an existing waste hauler. Although Representative TI-tissen has introduced 1-117 *1365 containing this language, the proposal will likely be offered as an amendment to another bill. The bill targets cities that are considering or have implemented organized solid waste collections tinder Minnesota Statutes , 115A.94, the statute that allows cities to organize solid waste collections within their community in order to provide efficiencies, reduce overall costs to residents and enhance compliance with solid waste collections. If a city's regulatory action displaces an existing waste hauler or prevents the hauler from providing substantially the same services, that hauler would be able to compel the local unit of govenu-nent to commence a condemnation proceeding. In 2004, similar but more expansive legislation was considered but was not approved by the Legislature. That bill would have created an March 4, 2005 Page 3 inverse condemnation claim for almost any municipal action that could have impacted a private business. That bill was subsequently narrowed to apply only to waste hauling. We will report on the outcome of the hearing in next week's Cities Bulletin. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or at czohnso;t�,org Impaired waters bill advances The bill to create a state funding pool for implementation of federal Clean Water Act requirements passed through two committees this week- HF 826 (Ozment, R -Rosemount) passed out of the House Government Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee and will be heard in the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee on March 14 at 12:30 pmm' Room 10 of the State Office Building. The Senate version of the bill, SF 762 (Frederickson, R -New Ulm), was passed out of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee. It will be heard in the Senate State and Local Government Committee on March 9 at 12:00 in Room 123 of the State Capitol. Watch the LMC Bulletin for further information. Questions? Contact Craig Johnson 651.281.1259 or at -'ohnson0,',lPnnc. orlq I Wine on the (legislative) table? The Senate Commerce Liquor subcommittee will meet Monday, March 7 to hear a number of relatively non -controversial liquor bills requesting licenses for special circumstances. Also on the agenda is a presentation, "Impact of the Highly Regulated Wholesale and Retail Alcoholic Beverage Market in MN", by Dr. de Seve, an economist. This subcommittee is For more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities latexgavenunerdal Relations team. 651 .281 . 1200 or 800,925.1122 Mar 04 Z005 16:30:00 Via Fax _> 651.45Z0940 Administrator Page 004 Of 085 -FridayEaU-Xr'- .A weekly legislative update from the League of.Minnesota Cities expected to meet again in the next few weeks to take up other liquor related bills. While a wine in grocery stores proposal has not been introduced in either body, many of these bills could become vehicles for such an amendment. Ouestions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at (551.281.12(51 or atjc�iLoud-,( mnr,. o�g Action Alert! Bonding Bill BACKGROUND The conference committee that will negotiate a final bonding bill and determine how much money is included for permanent supportive housing has been appointed and will be meeting sometime soon to finalize the bill. So far, the governor has included $20 million, the Senate has included $20 million, and the House has included $10 million. Now, the conferees must meet to hammer out the differences. In order to ensure that the final bill includes the full $20 million that both the governor and the Senate requested, we need your help. Please contact the legislators outlined below NO later than Friday, March 4. THE JVESSA GE Representative/Senator: I urge you to support full funding of $20 million for supportive housing in the overall bonding bill. These bond dollars are a critical component of our effort to create supportive housing for people experiencing long- term homelessness. And these resources are a critical component of the Governor's Business Plan to End Long-term Homelessness; assisting in the creation of hundreds of much needed supportive housing. CONFEREES Rep. Dorman 651-296-8216 Albert Lea Rep. Hausman 651-296-3824 March 4, 2005 Page 4 rep. alice hausrnan!�4house. inn St. Paul Rep. McNamara 651-296-3135 rep.denriv.mcnaingra ,* -,Lhouse-frm Hastings Rep. Brod 651-296-4229 Eep.L,-!jigjLirocL,c 1,ti2pse.ryin New Prague Rep. Murphy 651-296-2676 rep.ft: ';housemm Hermantown LiLiry. niurph), �'& Sen. Langseth 651-296-3205 sen.keith.1�mcm,eth4 ",senate -inn Glyndon Sen. Pappas 651-296-1802 St. Paul Sen. Dill 651-296-4131 sen. steve.dille,' seriatemin Dassel jylll' lei. Sen. Metzen 651-296-4370 !,1enjim.metzen0.,, enate nin S. St. Paul Sen. Senjem 651-296-3963_ Rochester Questions? ContactAnn Higgins at 651.281.1257 or r�l�igx�isra%ln-lta_ c:ar Committee meetings MONDAY, March 7, 2005 Local Government Committee Chair: Rep. Mark Olson 12:30 PM, Room 10 State Office Building Meeting Time Note: If necessary, the Committee will reconvene 30 minutes after session in Room 10 to finish the agenda. Agenda: HF 1172 (Olson) Local government state mandate opt -out provided. HF 0899 (Buesgens) State auditor authorized to waive certain rules and laws applying to local government units, and grants board created to Rind cooperative efforts in public service delivery. HF 1258 (Marquart) Mosquito abatement fee imposition by local governments authorized. HF 1064 (Thissen) Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport impact mitigation planning and fund provided, airport impact zones established, contingent metropolitan area property tax levy authorized, and money appropriated. 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 Mar 04 Z005 16:30:44 Via Fax LLMC nrrrrn <�triaa -> 65145ZB94H Administrator Page 005 Of 005 -Friday Fax - A weekly legislative update from the League of Minnesota Cities MONDAY, March 7, 2005 State and Local Government Operations Committee Chair: Sen. Linda Higgins 12 noon Room 1.23 Capitol Agenda: SF 953 -Kelley: Local government; repealing the compensation limit for local government employees. TUESDAY, March 8, 2005 Transportation Finance Committee Chair: Rep. Mary Liz Holberg 12:30 PM, Room 1.0 State Office Building Agenda: Mn/DOT State Aid Funding Distribution Presentation THURSDAY, March 10, 2005 Education Policy and Reform Committee Chair:.Rep. Mark Buesgens 8::15 AM, Room 200 State Office Building Agenda: HF 1090 (Buesgens): Noncurricular athletic and fine arts activities for youth transferred from school districts to local governments. THURSDAY Senate Transportation Committee Chair: Sen. Steve Murphy 3:00 PM, Room G-15 Capitol Agenda: SF 808 - Murphy: Motorized foot scooters use and operation regulation SF 492- Wiger: Highways right lane use requirement SF 366 - Marko: Cities street utility fees imposition authority SF 818 - Jungbauer: Cities transportation utility fees March 4, 2005 Page 5 Make your city's voice heard at the Capitol—State of the Cities Legislative Conference set for March 31 The State of the Cities Legislative Conference is set for March 31, 2005 and will be held at the Four Points Sheraton, St. Paul. This conference is followed by the City Day at the Capitol—the perfect chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city's story. At this conference, you'll: • Learn about key legislative initiatives and issues facing cities this session, including transportation, land use and water quality. • Hear about the 2005 State of the Cities Report • Learn how Minnesota cities are coping with fiscal pressures and how our cities compare to other states. • Find out about the Financing Local Government Task Force recommendations. • Hear from legislative leaders. • Network with other city officials and learn how to foster closer state -local partnerships. • Stay on for the networking social hour from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kelly Inn, Sweetwater Bar and Grill. Registration Fee: S75 person Questions? Contact Cathy Dovidio at (651) 281- 1250 or (800) 925-1122, or e-mail: cdovidio(rt.lmnc.org . Register online anytime at: www.lmnc.org 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