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2007-04-27 Friday NewsFORE! ! This Tuesday the Citizens of Mendota Heights turned out at the poles to vote in a Special Election on the question of whether the City should purchase the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. It was a very close vote with 1865 voting in favor of the purchase and 1611 against. This represented a 42% voter turnout which, according to Kathy Swanson is a "phenomenal" turnout for a Special Election. Our next step will be to sell the bonds to obtain the money for finalizing the deal that has already been established in a purchase agreement with the current owners. We have been told by our financial advisors that we should have the money and be ready for a closing at the end of June. We will also be looking to establish an ad hoc team to give the City Council recommendations on how to manage, operate and market the Par 3 in going forward. The Mayor plans on being at the Par 3 this Saturday at 11:00am for a "First Tee Off' event. Everyone is welcome to come and join the event. MOVIE STARS On Tuesday, NDC4 was at the fire station doing a story on Volunteer Firefighters. Why do they do what they do and how does the system work??? Chief Maczko and four Firefighters were interviewed for the program. After an hour's worth of taping, a 4 minute segment is expected to be produced and start running on Wednesday of next week. It will air 6 times 3 days a week and once across the entire Metro for the entire Month of May. LMCIT TRAINING The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) offered a loss control workshop on Tuesday, April 241h in St. Paul. Jake and I attended the administrative track, Sue attended the public works track, and Donn and Neil attended the police track. Each track featured LMCIT Attorneys and Staff presenting on common issues that cities around the State are facing. A wide range of advice and examples to keep our claims low were provided. I think each of took something useful from the training. 7`I GRANDPA GUY Guy Kullander became a grandfather with his first grandbaby this Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. when his eldest daughter Christine and her husband Kyle David became proud parents of a healthy baby boy weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 inches long named Kaden Alexander David. Grandpa Guy was so buy with election day that he didn't even get up to see his new grandson until the next day. Mom and baby came home Wednesday night and are doing quite well. GRANDPA TOM Tom Olund became a grandfather for the 2nd time on Thursday of this week when his son Jeff and wife, Sheila became proud parents of a healthy baby boy weighing 81bs. 1 oz and was 20 inches long by the name of Jalen Jeffrey Olund. Congratulations to both Guy and Tom for their new additions to their families! SPRING CLEAN-UP VOLUNTEERS Spring Clean -Up is coming up next weekend, if you would like to help out, please let Jake know. The event starts at 8 am, and runs through 2 pm on Saturday, May S. Volunteers help queue cars, collect money and help unload vehicles. Rain or shine, this is a fun opportunity to help the community along -side other staff, Council members and Commissioners. Respectfully submitted, James Danielson City Administrator Attachments: Pipeline, Just the Facts, City Council Agenda, Pioneer Press Articles "Mendota Heights / Voters OK city's purchase of golf course", "Golf course activists brace for vote", "How much open space is enough?", "American Pub will perpetuate (some) of site's history", South-West Review Article "MH votes on Par 3 purchase", MNSUN Articles "Mendota Heights approves golf course referendum", "MH garden club sale" and "Somerset donates food", Thank you letters from City of WSP and Friday Fax.. LETTER Public Works Engineering. Code Enforcement Public Works The Pipelin April 27, 2007 The Parks Crew dragged, striped and chalked ball fields. They worked the softball tournament for Sibley girl's fast pitch. The batting cage was repaired at Mendakota Park. Crab grass prevention was put down in the parks. The irrigation system was worked on at the Civic Center. Downed trees and brush from Pilot Knob Road was chipped up. Rich did sewer inspections on Waters Drive. Sump manholes (which collects debris) were vacuumed on Haverton Road, Caren Road, Mayfield Heights Road, Emerson Avenue and Lake Drive. Pipe Services vacuumed catch basins on Stockbridge Road, Whitfield Drive, and Mendakota Court. They were blocked with leaves, sticks and trash. Sweeping of the streets was done in record time this year - three days. That's because sand was not used this winter. Sue, Tom, and Dave attended the APWA North American snow conference. Everything from staff, plowing, de-icing, and safety was discussed. One interesting thing was learned - Fort Collins, Colorado does not plow residential streets until there is eight inches of snow or more. The reason being is the median temperature during the winter is 420 in the winter and in the summer it's 850. The Street Crew assisted the Parks Crew with cleaning up debris in the parks. Street lights that were out in the industrial park were worked on. Engineering There was work done at the JES slope remediation project this week. Curb and gutter was poured for the driveway replacement and the grading was finished for the slope. On Thursday, Sam and Ryan braved the treacherous water of LeMay Lake (in Sue's canoe) to obtain a water quality sample for the Metropolitan Council's lake monitoring program. Samples will be collected through October to measure levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll -a (which is an indicator of algae). So for the water is clear and no pirates were encountered! Grandpas Guy Kullander became a grandpa for the first time on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:00 A.M. His oldest daughter Christine and husband Kyle had a baby boy, 20" long and 8 lbs 10 oz, whom they named Kaden Alexander David. Tom Olund became a grandpa for the second time this week. His son Jeff and wife Sheila had a baby boy named Jaylen. He was born at 9:05 A.M. on Thursday, April 26th. He weighed 8 lbs, 1 oz and was 20 inches long. x�. .. ....- �t g T`ee latest ycervs froyn tiie Ne)�tfatg #erts�olice �e�art est ,m r The x DAS / Equipment Violation 04-14-07 2253 hours r1Vlendofa �, While on patrol Officer Chad Willson spotted a car displaying blue �He hfs lights. Upon stopping the car, he learned the driver was a g� suspended. The driver was cited and the car impounded. Police De}�artnen DAS 04-14-07 2300 hours Officer Mike Shepard spotted a car parked in the cemetery on top Support of several graves. In making contact with the driver he learned �Stuff that she had come to light some candles and didn't notice that pk` she parked on graves. Her driver's license was suspended. She Chnsttna TToss was cited and a valid driver was allowed to remove the car. �� Cathy Ransom ' DAR 04-15-07 1125 hours `poli s An employee of BP Amoco called as three men drove into the lot, off vers J P � um ed out of their car and ran to the back of the building. When Te y1U phi Sergeant Anderson arrived, the men were at the fence with the Bou lamas from the Country Day School. They were ID'd and it was -t learned that no one had a license. The driver was cited and aEnc Pe11-11, ter, 11s n released. Tb lN 2"d Degree DUI 04-16-07 0905 hours r Cbad� Wiilsou ,f Sergeant Donn Anderson responded to a personal injury accident �eff'�TonFelt3t� �s on Mendota Heights Road near Lake Drive. A car had left the yJS even MeyIMF road, struck a fire hydrant, the airbags deployed and the driver Denise U nahW fled. Witnesses reported that a 50 YOA W/F had left on foot Mf e1"She and heading east. With the assistance of the public works crew, Sergeant Anderson began checking the area for the suspect. He Invesugatioris first went to the suspect's residence and spoke with the R/O of the car who advised that no one was driving the vehicle. A short Slott 1'atnk time later, a witness to the accident reported seeing the driver a �f xr few blocks to the east. Once Sergeant Anderson caught up with Sergeants s . her, he learned that she only had minor injuries from the crash y Donn�Ancl�rson and did not want to deal with him. She refused medical attention r Awn zu and refused to blow into the PBT. The driver was Cancelled A - Inimical to Public Safety and was very intoxicated. Officer Bobby Lambert arrived on the scene and had the driver attempt SFST's. �M�ikeR3 ; She failed and was placed under arrest. She decided that was -I- not going to happen and attempted to resist. Moments later she was handcuffed and in route to MHPD. At MHPD she refused to get out of the squad and had to be removed. While she was being read the MN Implied Consent Advisory, she held her hands over her ears and refused to answer any questions, and then decided she needed an ambulance for her injuries. She was released to Healtheast to be formally charged with Gross Misdemeanor DUI. Damage to Property 04-16-07 1143 hours A year-long neighbor feud continues. Officer Brian Convery responded to a slashed tire report. The victim's father has started several fires in the yard including a couple that got out of control and damaged the neighbor's yard and property. The neighbor has also had flower pots smashed garbage dumped and a variety of other problems. The reporter's latest tactic is to park for 23 hours blocking access the mailbox. Today he found a tire slashed and license plate removed from his car. The elderly neighbor is the only suspect. Closed no witnesses. Fleeing / DAR / Warrant Arrest 04-16-07 2316 hours After running an in -squad computer license check, Officer Shepard located a vehicle whose registered owner was revoked and had an active felony warrant for his arrest. Officer Shepard waited for the R/O and as soon as the vehicle began to move he attempted the stop. The car immediately drove away. A few blocks later the car pulled into a driveway and stopped. The man has held at gun point until backup arrived on scene. During this time, the man told Officer Shepard that it was pretty excessive to arrest him this way for driving without a license. Once in custody the man attempted to talk his way out of the fleeing charge as he really didn't need a third conviction for fleeing. He also wanted to know who "ratted him out" and could not understand that no one had called him in. After an interesting Miranda interview the man was booked into the Dakota County jail Mental Health hold 04-17-07 0712 hours � Officers Spicer and Willson responded to a motel about a woman acting bizarre in the lobby. Upon arrival, staff said the woman had arrived the night before and told them she was a secret agent for the CEO of the company and was to spy on them to ensure they were doing their jobs. When the Officers spoke with her she reiterated the story and added a few new twists, adding she had a morning meeting with the Rockefeller family, Pawlenty family and Amy Klobuchar. After several phone calls it was determined that the party had been recently hospitalized for severe bi-polar incidents in Virginia. Family was contacted and advised and the party was transported by St Joseph's after Officers signed a 72 hour hold. AOA Social Services 04-19-07 2123 hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to assist Social Services with a child endangerment issue. Upon arrival he found the same woman Sergeant Anderson had arrested for DUI at 0905 hours three days earlier and her husband who was extremely intoxicated. The woman did not even get up off the couch to deal with them. The husband blew into the PBT that revealed a BAC of .205. The 10 YOA autistic child and his sister were removed by social services without incident. ffa,- - 2 - CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA May 1, 2007 — 7:30 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Agenda Adoption 5. Approval of Minutes from the April 17, 2007 City Council Meeting and the April 24, 2007 Election Canvassing Board Meeting. 6. Consent Calendar a. Acknowledgement of the Minutes from the April 25, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting. b. Acknowledgement of the Building Activity Report for April 2007. c. Authorization for Reimbursement of Fall Protection System for the Water Tower. d. Approval for Hiring Engineering Intern. e. Approval of Permanent Appointment of Pam Deeb. f. Approval of Permanent Appointment of Sharon Hinze. g. Approval of NOC Appointments. h. Adoption of Ordinance No. 412: "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3 CHAPTER 1 OF THE CITY CODE". i. Adoption of Resolution 07-26: "RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN INVESTMENT POLICY". J. Approval of the List of Contractors. k. Approval of the List of Claims. 7. Public Comments 8. Unfinished and New Business a. Discussion of GO Improvement Bonds Series 2007A. Resolution No. 07- 27: "RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $2,810,000 G.O. IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2007A". b. Case No. 07-06: Randall Johnson, 2219 Swan Court — Wetlands Permit. Resolution No. 07-28: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT AT 2219 SWAN COURT". c. Case No. 07-07: Gary Jones, 2213 Swan Court — Wetlands Permit. Resolution No. 07-29: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A WETLANDS PERMIT AT 2213 SWAN COURT". d. Case No. 07-08: Vern Edgerton, 686 2"d Avenue — Conditional Use Permit. Resolution No. 07-30: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 686 2ND AVE". 07-09: Sim• Abramovich,• Spring Creek Circle — Wetlands WETLANDSPermit. Resolution No. 07-31: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A . SPRING t Case No. 07-10: RJ Ryan (Gabriel Financial), Northland Drive & Hwy 55 — Setback Variance. Resolution No. 07-32: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A VARIANCE TO THE SETBACK FROM HIGHWAY 55". r Case No. 17-11: Noel Nelson,933 Delaware Avenue Conditional Use Permit. Resolution No. 07-33: "A RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT D r THE DELAWAREREAR YARD SETBACK FOR A DETACHED GARAGE AT 933 h. Case • 07-12. •Nelson, Permit • Conditional Use Permit.Resolution N• 0 RESOLUTION APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A DETACHED � - ♦. A: AT 1312 WACHTLER ♦ _ i. Case No. 07-14. United Properties, Northland Drive & Pilot Knob Road — Comprehensive PI Amendment. - • • • ♦. RESOLUTION APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT "B" DISTRICT" j. Case • 07-13: Mendota Mail Associates,• D••• Road Concept Plan. k. Discussion of 2030 Comprehensive Plan Workshop. 11, Gid-ourn AuxMary aids for persons with d1 sabiMies are avaRaNe upon request at least 120 hours in advance. wf a notice of less than 120 hours as received, the Ceeu of Mendota Heights will make ,�...�. ,, �. n,P„�„n.,,�.Fs is x. n.r,��.�1 ,. t, f�„� ��7!c-� f G' 11 an,.�r srlrin� rrns��p rn�, be cs�obq- on shw�l o� ,N -m make ��w�u ur aa"12-- —1 vay gpuuycA a— apue eau��hG'11G neo au uu� uouc,a� nal, o m Please contact City Administration at 452-1050 wRh requests. This meeting is being taped by NDC (651-450-9891) and wu91 replay on Friday at 1.00 p.m. and 7000 p.m. on the NDC4 Government Channel 18 Page 1 of 2 Mendota Heights / Voters OK city's purchase of golf course fatly contested campaign ends vvith 254 -vote approval margin BY BRIAN B ,° NER Mm.ne r Press T� irtf i£i%•r i€€-Piievr P"r"ess rrticie Last U Uateck,04J25i2007 12: 1(;:27 AN't MT Father -and -son golfers Mike and Kieran Lynch got the news they had hoped for Tuesday night: Mendota Heights voters decided to spend $2.8 million so the city can buy a par 3 golf course. After a hard-fought, four-month campaign, golf course supporters won 53 percent of the vote - 1,865 to 1,611, a difference of 254 votes. About 42 percent of voters in the St. Paul suburb participated, "a phenomenal percentage for a special election," City Clerk Kathleen Swanson said. The vote guarantees plenty more father -and -son outings for the Lynches and for the rest of the golfing public. A losing vote would have meant the course's owners selling the 17 acres for a housing development. "It's not too hard, but it's not too easy," said 11 -year-old Kieran Lynch, explaining why he likes to play the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course at 1695 Dodd Road. "We played last Saturday at the par 3," Kieran's father, Mike, said. "We go there several times a year. It's a great community asset, and I'm glad its going to stay that way." Plenty of voters in Mendota Heights, however, will not be happy with the outcome. Robert Bonine led opposition to the referendum. He said single -issue special elections favor the supporters of whatever measure is on the ballot. "If this were a general election, we would have crushed them," Bonine said. He said Mayor John Huber, who supported buying the golf course, maintained only a facade of official neutrality and unfairly influenced the campaign along with other city officials. "In February, the mayor said he knew of no opposition," Bonine said. "Now he knows of 1,600 people opposed. We needed 280 more." Bonine doesn't think the golf course will be successful. "This money is going to pay for a ragged golf course that's going to fail in three years," Bonine predicted. Huber disagreed. He thinks the golf course will tum a modest profit, as it has for much of the past decade. Between 1995 and 2005, the course ended only one year with a slight loss. In all other years, it was in the black. Its best year was 2001, with $253,689 in revenue and $167,410 in expenses, for a net operating profit of $86,279. If the course fails to generate enough revenue, the mayor noted, the city could sell the land for a profit, citing its appraised value of $3.2 million. "1'm pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you," Huber said of the referendum's passage. "It's tough when you ask people to raise their taxes; it's tough to get an affirmative vote." To pay for the course, property taxpayers will foot an extra $50 a year on average for the next 15 years. httn://www.twincities.com/,00rtlet/article/html/fragments/print art1c1e.jsp?art1c1eld=57438... 4/25/2007 Page 2 of 2 Huber said the close vote and the campaign's intensity vindicated the City Council's decision to put the issue to voters, rather than making the decision among the five elected officials. "A lot of people had an opinion," Huber said. "There were strong opinions, and people felt pretty passionately about it on both sides." Huber thinks the course will have continuing popularity because it fills an affordable niche for young and inexperienced golfers. Sally Lorberbaum, who with Robin Ehrlich co-chaired the Save the Par 3 Committee, believes the land's future as a golf course "is reasonably certain." To celebrate, Huber, city officials and referendum supporters plan to tee off at the course at 11 a.m. Saturday. Lorberbaum, who has played miniature golf before, said she might even take up lessons. Brian Bonner can be reached at bbonner@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-2173. "I'm pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you. It's tough when you ask people to raise their taxes; it's tough to get an affirmative vote. People felt pretty passionately about it on both sides." John Huber, mayor of Mendota Heights, on the decision to keep the par 3 course Close; Window Send To.Printer!.,,,,,' htt„•//xxrww tminnitlPe cnm/nortlet/nrtirle/html/fra.pl-nents/ni int article.isn?articleId=57438... 4/25/2007 Page 1 of 2 = ', After nnontlhs of door- a -do r poEiticking, neither side is quite sire where voters ,it! fall or. ralsing taxes to buy ars ailing bustMess. BY BRIAN BONNER Pioneer Press T vvirF�iti€�s.c::a€�-Picn�er press ,Article Last 12:21:4-R AM CD Robert Bonine already knows what he will do after Tuesday's referendum in which Mendota Heights voters decide whether to buy a nine -hole, par -3 golf course for $2.8 million. Bonine is leading the campaign to defeat the referendum. If his side loses, he'll drink cheap wine. If his side wins, he'll buy the expensive champagne. Right now, Bonine thinks he'll be reaching for the cheap stuff, but the vote will be close. "It's turnout. They (referendum supporters) have got a hard core of 600 to 800 voters. If we get more than 800 votes, we'll win." City Clerk Kathleen Swanson said the city has 8,220 registered voters. While turnout traditionally is high for general elections, often exceeding 70 percent, special -issue referendums attract fewer voters. Swanson expects turnout of, at most, 50 percent for Tuesday's vote. Nonetheless, the civic debate has been intense, lively and inexpensive, costing each side no more than a few thousand dollars. It has been waged primarily through letters published in newspapers, speeches at public meetings, distribution of fliers and door-to-door campaigning. Bonine is proving to be a competitive adversary. He cried foul when he learned that the Henry Sibley High School boys and girls golf teams would participate in a fundraiser Sunday at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course at 1695 Dodd Road. Bonine argued that the teams' participation was tantamount to an official endorsement of the referendum by Independent School District 197. Public agencies are supposed to be officially neutral on referendums. Bowing to the criticism, the golf teams withdrew their participation. Robin Ehrlich, co-chair of the Save Par 3 Committee, said the event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. as an open house. Ehrlich said attendees will be able to register for summer leagues, get golf tips, enter a golfing and putting contest and have hot dogs and pop. "The golf teams were going to run the fundraiser for themselves, and we were maybe going to provide volunteers to help," Ehrlich said. "We didn't see it as much of an issue. The 'vote no' people saw it as, they were taking a position on the referendum." Brian Ihrke, activities director at Henry Sibley High School, said he canceled his teams' participation after seeing a promotional flier distributed by the pro -referendum group. "it made it seem that the high school was sponsoring the event," Ihrke said. "The best course of action is to distance Henry Sibley from this event." The anti -referendum activists emphasize financial facts in its fliers. Bonine's side believes city taxpayers would be making a mistake to raise their property taxes, by an average of $50 a year for the next 15 years, to buy a failing business. httD://www.twincities.corn/portlet/article/html/fragments/print artic1e.jsp?artic1efd=57247... 4/25/2007 Page 2 of 2 "Not too many are in love with the Par 3, based on the poor attendance at the golf course," Bonine said. Public golf courses across the metro area are hurting. Some have closed, and others are losing money as the sport's popularity wanes. An owner of the Mendota Heights course once estimated that the property could fetch more than three times its price if housing could be built on the 17 acres of land. On Dakota County's Web site, the course's assessed market value is only $542,000. Ehrlich said the appraised value "is an irrelevant fact," because any buyer would be forced to pay what the land is worth, not its assessed value as a golf course. 'The land is zoned as (residential). That's the way it needs to be appraised," Ehrlich said. "In the case of the golf course, the land is very valuable. If they subdivide it, they will get more than $3 million for their land. They would never sell it for $500,000. So the voters are getting a deal by buying it." If people suddenly stopped golfing, Ehrlich said, the city could sell the land for a profit. The pro -referendum group emphasizes community values in its pitch and promotes the golf course as a place "where memories are made." The decline in golfs popularity aside, the pro -referendum crowd argues that the course is a community asset that shouldn't be allowed to disappear for the sake of 19 new high-priced homes that could be built there. Take away the purchase price, they say, and the course operates comfortably in the black. Those in favor of buying the course have won the lawn -sign battle. Ehrlich said his group printed and distributed 150, while Bonine complains that vandals have destroyed 10 of his group's 50 signs. Win or lose, Ehrlich said he's surprised by the intensity of the debate over an issue that is not a matter of life and death. But the issue is easy to understand, and everyone seems to have an opinion. "I have found that people have made up their minds, and it's difficult to convince them," Ehrlich said. He heads into Tuesday's vote with optimism. "I think we're going to win," he said. "But I wouldn't be surprised if it's a close election." Brian Bonner can be reached at bbonner@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-2173. If You Vote The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Consult the city's Web site at www.mendota-heights.com for details on where to vote. The Mendota Heights City Council will meet at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall to review and certify the results of the golf course referendum. Close Window Send To Punter httn-//www.twincities.com/nortlet/article/html/fragments/print article. i sp?articl eld=5 7247... 4/25/2007 Page 1 of 4 How much open space 'is enough? The rnetro area is awash in land that serves n aur ble -purpose. Supporters of offers space say it Helps rnaintrain a ctn °s rural character in intangible ways. Opponents claim it is envirannnevital hypocrisy - increasing sprawl, pollution, traffic and propea BY BOB SHAW Pioneer press Tvuincitles' ,o . -Pione r Press 1'r�:..Ie Lass� 10:27A3 PM LDV Paul Portz marches into a cul-de-sac, a green crusader on a mission. With his little dog, Rico, under one arm and a "Save Par 3" sign under the other, he's drumming up support to buy an ailing golf course in Mendota Heights. Portz plunges the sign into a lawn. "Good job, Rico," he says to his shivering pooch. "We are really starting to gain momentum." Indeed they are. At an accelerating rate, Minnesota voters are passing open -space measures - buying land not to use for any purpose but to prevent the construction of homes and businesses. The success rate for such votes is surging - about 83 percent have passed in 20 years. That is more than twice the success rate, for example, of school funding measures in 2006. Yet by most standards, the metro area is awash in open space. The Metropolitan Council says there are 182,000 acres of developed open space, classified as "parks, recreation and preserves." This has increased 47 percent since 1990 - and is now equal to twice the area of St. Paul and Minneapolis combined. Then there is another million acres of undeveloped land, including farmland. The total? Open space covers 65 percent of the metro area. That's one reason why the Twin Cities has the fourth worst sprawl of metro areas in the country, out of the top 25 largest cities. It is more sprawled than cities such as Los Angeles and Houston. Yet open -space measures keep on passing. "Minnesotans love the land," said Jane Prohaska, director of the Minnesota Land Trust, a booster of many open -space efforts. Critics say the movement reeks of environmental hypocrisy. Open -space votes are sold as Earth -friendly measures. Yet they add to sprawl, pollution, traffic congestion and the tax burden on Minnesotans, say officials who are joining a green backlash. "How much is enough?" snapped Mel Mettler, mayor of Columbus in Anoka County, where the open space covers 40 percent of the city. "Maybe we should all just leave here and let the animals have the whole city. "We are sprawling more and more. Does anyone ever add up the county, state and federal parks? Who is keeping track of this?" BALLOT -BOX WIZARDRY At the ballot box, open space is pure magic. http://www.twincities.coinlportletlarticlelhtml/fragmentslpn'nt_article.j sp?article1d=57206... 4/25/2007 Page 2 of 4 Even tax -averse Republicans in suburbs will open their wallets to save areas they believe are precious, said Minneapolis pollster Bill Morris, owner of Decision Resources. Minnesota voters have passed 24 out of 29 open -space measures since 1988, spending a total of $632 million. Nationally, over the last nine years, more than 77 percent of open -space measures have passed for $27 billion, according to the Trust for Public Land. "There is nothing that passes more," said Morris. "There is real momentum here." He said the measures pass in fast-growing areas because they are presented as a one-time opportunity to "save" an area from development. But his research shows a curious inconsistency. "We ask them about sprawl, and they say that is bad," said Morris. Yet voters won't support solutions to sprawl - such as developing land. Morris said it usually doesn't matter what the land is. It could be a swamp, farm or a golf course. What matters is that there are no homes. "They pretty much say green space is good," shrugged Morris. WHAT FEELS RIGHT? Parks - like roads or schools - serve a need that can be measured. At the rate that people non walk, play and relax, the standard guideline is 10 acres per 1,000 residents, according to the National Recreation and Parks Association. But the open -space movement defies that logic. There are no standards for open space, because it serves no purpose that can be measured. It is based on what feels right to a community - which opponents find maddeningly vague. "It's what the community perceives as a value to it," said Randy Oppelt, Burnsville's Parks and Public Works director. He is proud that his city has five times the number of parks called for by national guidelines, in addition to undeveloped open space. Open space isn't supposed to be accessible to the public, he said, but it still has value: It's attractive and maintains the city's rural character. "It's to create a feeling when you drive to work," said Oppelt. "When you drive down the street, it's not house, house, business, house. It's house, pond, lake, grass, open space, house." Oppelt said building on the open space would combat sprawl, but it would be ugly. "Sprawl is a balancing act," said Oppelt. Experts say open space is only one factor in sprawl, along with cheap gas and expensive land. Minnesota geography is a factor, because it's less efficient to build cities around lakes and rivers than on a featureless plain. Multi -acre home lots - think Afton or West Lakeland Township - were another villain, said Cordelia Pierson, program manager for the Minnesota branch of the Trust for Public Land. "That is the worst outcome for natural resources and quality of life," said Pierson. "Everyone has a back yard, but there is no place to come together." But open -space measures are the only cause of sprawl that people vote on. httn://www.twincities.coinlDortletlarticlelhtmllfraginents/print article.isp?articleId=57206... 4/25/2007 Page 3 of 4 "Voters see them as strongly supporting the protection of water, wildlife and natural areas. They closely connect this to quality of life," said Pierson. She called support for open space the "No Child Left Inside" movement. Prohaska, of the Minnesota Land Trust, said even if open space contributes to sprawl, it boosts the quality of life for nearby residents, if not for commuters. "No one would claim that protecting the lakes in Minneapolis adds to sprawl," said Prohaska. "It's a combination of finding places we love and then protecting them." STOP THE SPRAWL But if Minnesotans love the land, they should stop gobbling it up, say critics. They say campaigns for excessive open space share a problem with other environmental causes: Local decisions have global consequences. People want open space near them but don't see that "saving open space" just consumes it somewhere else, said Michael Noonan, president of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and division president of luxury home builders Toll Brothers Inc. If land is rendered unbuildable, builders just move to more outlying areas. The metro area spills outward, lengthening commutes, choking highways and increasing pollution. The results can be seen in any traffic jam. "Just stand at the edge of Maple Grove in the morning and see all the headlights coming towards you from St. Cloud," said Noonan. 'That is a direct result of limited land supply." He said some open -space efforts ignore key benefits of development to taxpayers and homebuyers. Several experts said it was hypocritical for newcomers to move to a rural area and then declare that no one else could do the same. "They don't want people like them moving into a $900,000 McMansion," said Bob Bonine, who is heading an effort to defeat the Mendota Heights golf course measure. Open space doesn't generate taxes, but homes do. Bonine said the proposed houses on the Mendota Heights golf course would yield $160,000 a year in new taxes. That is one reason it's poor policy to buy land not needed for public purposes, said Dr. Kelly Cain, a professor of environmental science at the University of Wisconsin -River Falls. "The idea that most land should be in private ownership is a fundamental value in America," said Cain. "At what point does that become an abused power?" Mayor Mettler says that point has been passed. Columbus is dominated by the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, a 20,000 -acre plot twice the size of Maplewood. That wasn't big enough, the Trust for Public Land argued recently. The group wanted to add another 160 acres. Mettler balked. "Do you just go for this Pac-Man mentality and keep taking chunks out of the city?" he fumed. Mettler would like to see development but feels besieged by an insatiable open -space movement. "Where do you draw the line between where animals live and where people live?" he asked. 'LOOK BEYOND NUMBERS' http://www.twincities.cornlportletlarticle/htmllfraginentslpnnt_article.i sp?article1d=57206... 4/25/2007 Page 4 of 4 On the pampered lawns of Mendota Heights, the debate is being waged with signs. About 15 of Bonine's anti -golf -course signs had been stolen from lawns as of Wednesday, but he was confident of victory. He said the city's 28 percent open space is enough, including 13 parks, two other golf courses and the Dodge Nature Center. The city doesn't need to spend $2.8 million for a 17 -acre golf course, he said. "They talk about preserving this little jewel. Wrong," said Bonine. "We have a surplus of open space." But along the golf course, looking at the row of houses with "Save Par 3" signs, it's hard to believe history won't repeat itself. "It comes down to quality of life. Do we want another 19 homes, or do we want something special?" said Sally Lorberbaum, co-chair of the Save Par 3 Committee. How much is enough open space? " I don't know if there is a number. We need to look beyond numbers," said Lorberbaum. Last week, she spotted the ultimate endorsement. 'The children wrote 'Save Par 3' with chalk on a driveway," said Lorberbaum. "it speaks to the quality of residents we have here." Bob Shaw can be reached at bshaw@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5433. Close Wmd®w Send To Printer http://www.twincities.corn/Uortlet/article/html/fragments/print art1c1e.jsp?art1c1eId=57206... 4/25/2007 Page I of I American Pub will perpetuate (some) of site's history NANCY NGO TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Article Last Updated: 03/20/2007 04:03:51 PM CDT Charlie Burrows and Linda Young are onto their next project. The duo behind Axel's, Axel's Bonfire Grills and Rudy's Redeye Grills, plan to unveil Ernie and Clay's American Pub in Mendota. If all goes well, the new restaurant, a few doors down from their Axel's in the former Mendota Saloon, would debut this summer with a menu of sandwiches, burgers and steak. "That location has a reputation of being an old American bar; we want to keep that context," says Burrows. It also had a reputation as a strip club with bikini -clad dancers, but Burrows says that part of its history won't be revived. "No more bikini bar," he says. http://www.twincities.com/portlet/article/html/fragments/print article.jsp?articleId=52252... 4/25/2007 i�+�y Yyr .... • •I ZRXmi,:Ej. T -M. Seth Loy news editor A winner will finally be declared in the long ug -of --war over the Pat 3 Golf Course in Mendota 3eights Tuesday, April 24. That's when residents will say "yes" or "no" to i public question to buy the course for $2.4 mil - ion. If the referendum fails, the golf course owners ;ould sell the land to a developer for 30 homes, as hey planned to do a couple years ago. Mike Cashill, one of the golf course owners ,who lives on the property), did not return an e- mail for comment by time of press. City Administrator Jim Danielson said the own- ;rs have been "very cooperative" so far, which might come as a surprise to some who've followed he discussion: the owners sued the city two years ?,go over the land's zoning. continued from page 1 referendum passes, res. -cs will lay claim to their very own golf course, right in their back yard. "It's as simple as: the golf course will remain open and, for this year, use the same per- sonnel and operate the same way it is right now." Danielson predicted the owners probably will develop the property if the referendum fails. "That's what they've indi- cated to us," Danielson said. "We decided to go on a dual track process, where we would go by the court's ruling and reguide the property to [be] consistent with the zoning." Cautious optimism Residents who vote "yes" will choose whether to support a 10-, 15- or 20 -year referen- dum. As part of a 15 -year - A panoramic image of the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. The City Council approved a new land zoning for the golf course in December, based upon a Minnesota Supreme Court ruling. The new zon- ing is R 1A, a residential district allowing single - agreement to pay off the bonds for the golf course, the owner of a $300,000 home would pay $43 per year; a $500,000 home, $72 per year; and a $650,000 home, $93 per year. John Mangold, Sr., one of many residents who have writ- ten letters to the South-West Review on this issue, described the debate as polarizing but thinks the referendum will pass. He said the proposed $43 tax increase should be rela- tively easy for citizens to swal- low. Sally Lorberbaum, who co- chairs the Save Par 3 Commit- tee, became involved in the golf course "many, many years ago" as chair of the planning commission. "My phone has been ringing off the hook. I can't tell you how many people have called and said, `Hi, how can I help? Can I get a signT People have been overwhelmingly gener- ous with their time." However, she urges support- ers to turn out. "I don't want readers to feel so confident [that they won't] come to the polls." Proponents have many - interesting stories to share about the Par 3 Golf Course. One recounts teaching Mom — at 60 -plus — to play golf, and a 90-vear resident uses the Par 3 because he's not strong enough to walk a regular golf course. "It is used and treasured by all of the residents regardless of how close they are to the golf course.... This is some- thing people care about," Lor- berbaum said. "The stories I have heard have just been heartwarming. In addition to mailing every resident, we have probably close to 45 vol- unteers walking neighbor- hoods and talking to people at Ryan Rodgers/South West Review . family development on lots 150 feet wide that comprise 40,000 square feet. see Par 3 on page 5 every door." The property owners are taking a tax deduction by sell- ing the golf course to the city below its appraised market value. That works to the city's advantage, Lorberbaum says. "If we would go out the next day and sell it for homes, the city would make money and ... control development." While the city itself doesn't currently pian to replace the course with homes, officials say they will examine the land use every three to five years to see if it could be better utilized. Danielson wouldn't rule out the possibility of the city sell- ing the land 10 or 15 years down the road, if the golf course proves an unsuccessful venture, adding "Forever's a long time." "I have said, and city lead- ers have agreed, that it is important and is the responsi- bility of government to look at use of the property, periodi- cally, to make sure it's the cor- rect use, the right use of the property," Lorberbaum said. . She is excited about adding disc golf to the Par 3, which could be installed parallel to the regular course, cross-coun- try ski trails for use in winter, and inviting groups like the Henry Sibley High School boys golf team to hold fundraisers. "Someone was telling me we take our current parks and trails for granted. It's what makes Mendota Heights spe- cial,. and they're here because residents in the ,past passed referendums to support the community, and the residents have another opportunity to do so April 24." — Seth Lob can be reached at 748-7815 or slob@a lillienetii7s. com. Mendota Heights approves golf course referendum Voters in Mendota Heights, in a special election April 24, chose to keep the Par 3 Golf Course. The results of the election were close, with those in favor of the referendum winning with 254 votes. The final count was 1,865 yes votes and 1,611 no votes. A total of 3,477 voters out of the city's 8,220 eligible voters cast ballots. The election showed a 42 percent voter turnout. "That's a phenomenal turnout for a special election," City Clerk Kathleen Swanson said. "Things went very well at all the precincts. Turnout was steady throughout the day." Mayor John Huber said, "By a narrow margin it passed. Clearly there were two schools of thought on this issue." The results of the election will now be certified by the county. Election results by precinct were: Precinct 1 - 570 yes, 436 no, 1 blank vote; Precinct 2 - 468 yes, 305 no; Precinct 3 - 184 yes, 254 no; Precinct 4 - 363 yes, 327 no; Precinct 5 - 280 yes, 289 no. The question on the ballot was: "Shall the city of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,790,000 to defray the expense of the acquisition and betterment of an existing par 3 golf course for use as park or other recreational facility?" - Compiled by Megan Anderson Sun Newspapers - MNSUN.com Page 1 of 1 MH gardening club sale Mendota Heights Gardening Club will have a plant sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at 1422 Delaware Ave. in West St. Paul. Perennials, herbs, houseplants and other plants will be sold. Information: 651-450-9779 (Anne). Wednesday, April 18, 2007 9:30 PM CDT Somerset donates food flC '('.:i,'_ � , -+j;i ,fr 9:35' FIM MT) For the past 14 years, Somerset Elementary School in Mendota Heights has collected food items for the annual Minnesota FoodShare Campaign. Students, staff, and community members collected 1,330 food items during March this year. All donations were given to Francis Basket Food Shelf, which serves low-income families and individuals. Minnesota FoodShare promised to match all items donated. During March, Somerset School joined with more than 3,000 Minnesota school children, Christian and Jewish congregations, businesses, the food industry, print and broadcast media, community organizations and some 250 emergency food shelves to restock supplies of food for those in need. Students also kept a tally in each classroom to record donations. Fourth-grade students gathered the donations, bagged the items in groups of 10 by the office, counted the bags and recorded the total on a large thermometer display. The total reached 1,330 items. Students helped load the back of the truck sent by Francis Basket Food Shelf March 29. April 25, 2007 CITY OF WEST S% PAUL 1616 HUMBOLDT AVENUE, WEST ST. PAUL, MN 55118-3972 MUNICIPAL CENTER 651-552-4100 POLICE 651-552-4200 PARKS/RECREATION 651-552-4150 FIRE 651-552-4176 FAX 651-552-4190 TDD 651-552-4222 Fire Chief John Maczko Mendota Heights Fire Department 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Chief Maczko: On behalf of the West St. Paul Fire Department, I would like to thank you for the mutual aid you provided us on Thursday, April 19th at 1 W. Thompson. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. It's nice to know we can count on your department when the time arises. Please do not hesitate to call on us should you ever need assistance. Yours truly, 4Jo n Ehret e Chief JE:parc PROMOTING AND PRESERVING A COMMUNITY OF EXCELLENCE BY THE ETHICAL, RESPONSIVE, EFFICIENT AND INNOVATIVE PROVISION OF SERVICES EOE/AAE April 26, 2007 ITT OF WEST ST. PAUL 1616 HUMBOLDT AVENUE, WEST ST. PAUL, MN 55118-3972 MUNICIPAL CENTER 651-552-4100 POLICE 651-552-4200 PARKS/RECREATION 651-552-4150 FIRE 651-552-4176 FAX 651-552-4190 TDD 651-552-4222 Fire Chief John Maczko Mendota Heights Fire Department 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Chief Maczko: On behalf of the West St. Paul Fire Department, I would like to thank you for the mutual aid you provided us on Wednesday, April 25th for the garage fire at 1940 Oakdale Avenue. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. It's nice to know we can count on your department when the time arises. Please do not hesitate to call on us should you ever need assistance. Yours truly, John A. Ehret Fire Chief JAE:parc PROMOTING AND PRESERVING A COMMUNITY OF EXCELLENCE BY THE ETHICAL, RESPONSIVE, EFFICIENT AND INNOVATIVE PROVISION OF SERVICES EOE/AAE Apr Z0 Z007 17:40;53 Via Fax -> 65145ZB940 Administrator Page 001 Of 004 ®Frida ate® Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities City officials urged to contact legislators on police and fire disability cost containment initiative With just a few weeks left in the 2007 regular legislative session, city officials are growing concerned that a critical piece of legislation has not received a hearing in the Legislative Commission on Pensions anal Retirement (LCPR). The bill, I. -IF 125 (Murphy, *N1., DFL- Hermantown)/FF S4S4 Qetzold, DFL -Fridley), would help control employee, employer, and Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan disability benefit costs. It represents the work of a number of stakeholder groups, including PERA, the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) and the Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association (MPFF). The stakeholders agree that without passage of the bill, the costs of the existing benefits will grow to the point that the plan vvill be unable to sustain commitments to eligible employees without significant, further increases in employer and employee contributions which are already scheduled to increase to 23.5 percent of salary in 2009. IIF 125/SF 84 would: Clarify in state statute that a "duty disability" is an injury sustained while performing activities that present "inherent dangers specific to these professions;" Define "regular disability" as an injury sustained while performing activities that are not specific to public safety positions, April 20, 2007 Page 1 as well as from events that occur while not on the job; • Limit the amount paid for a "duty disability" benefit to 60% of final average salary and the amount paid for a "regular disability" to 45% of final average salary; and • Convert the disability benefit to a retirement benefit at normal retirement age. An amendment that has been drafted to the bill would create an additional tier for members that are totally and permanently disabled, and would continue benefits for these members for life. The intent of this legislation is to protect the fund for all PERA Police and Fire Plan members, to control contribution rates for employers and employees, and to narrow eligibility for continued employer -paid health insurance for injured public safety employees under Minnesota Statutes(N-1S)299A.465. HF 125 has been referred to the Ilou.se Government L )perations, Ref -.)Em, Technoloj_4y anal Elections Committee and SF 84 has been referred to the Senate %tate sand Local Government Operations quid. Qh ersigh:t Committee. However, standing committees typically do not act on bills with pension plan implications without the recommendation of the LCPR. In recent days, the League has become aware of opposition to this legislation from some public safety union groups. Union representatives have suggested the LCPR lay the bill over and conduct hearings on the matter during the interim. 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 Apr 20 2007 17:41:36 Via Fax -> 65145ZB940 Administrator Page 002 Of 004 -Frida F ax - Y A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities Rep. Tai c- Murp ,the chair of the LCPR, has indicated she intends to convene a meeting of the LCPR on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. The LCPR may take up HF 125/SF 84, in addition to a number of other issues. The League is urging members to contact legislators --particularly members of the LCPR—and convey the urgent need to pass legislation to addressing escalating costs related to the existing PERA Police and Fire disability benefits. LCPR Members: Rep. Marv' Iurphy (DFL-Hermantown), Chair: 651-296-2676 Re.g. Phyllis Kahn (DFL -Minneapolis): 651- 296-4257 Rep. Michael V. Nelson (DFL -Brooklyn Park): 651-296-3751 ReR. Steve Smith (R -Mound): 651-296-9188 Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL -Minneapolis): 651- 296-5375 Sen. Don Betzold (DFL -Fridley), Vice Chair: 651-296-2556 Sen. Dai? Larson (DFL -Bloomington): 651- 297-8061 Sven. Ann Lynch (DFL -Rochester): 651-296- 4848 Sen. Nfar , A. Olson (DFL -Bemidji): 651-296- 4913 Sen. Betsy L. Werai.n (R -Princeton), Secretary: 651-296-8075 Questions? Contact Anne Finn at 651.281.1263 or e-mail afinn! Vnznc. org. April 20, 2007 Page 2 Conference committees set to convene With the House passage of their versions of omnibus funding bills, the conference committee process will begin next week. Many of the issues the League has been working on during the session have been folded into omnibus bills. Below is a list of the major funding bills, conferees if they have been appointed and a brief list of issues of interest to cities contained in those bills. The bolded bills will be the vehicles for conference committee action. Please note that where a Senate file will be the conference committee vehicle, the House link will take you to the House version of the Senate bill. We will include a more complete, descriptive listing of issues in upcoming editions of the Cities Bulletin. Omnibus 'Transportation Finance Bill SF 1986 (Murphy)/ HF 946 (Lieder) House Conferees: Lieder, Hornstein, Hortman, 1�'loiro��', Erhardt Senate Conferees: �Surph3;, Dibble, &S2aM Carlson,Bonoff .LJA&u igaitS: vas tax falCreaae, ind^cKing of talc gas tax, county wheelage tax authority, local government authority to impose a sales tax dedicated to transportation, trunk highway bonds and a number of additional smaller provisions. Contact: Anne Finn at 651.281.1263 or e-mail a "nn&,j nnnor . Omnibus State Government Finance Bill SF 1997 (Betzold)/HF 9.53 (Kahn) House Conferees: Not yet appointed Senate Conferees: Not yet appointed 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 Ager 20 2007 17:42:10 Via Fax -> 6514520940 Administrator Page 003 Of 004 ]SMC -Frl a F ax® A weekly legislative update from the League ofMtnnesota Cities Highlights: Other Post Employment Benefit Trusts (OPER), best value bidding alternative, increased LGA deduction to fund State Auditor functions, outdoor lighting fixture regulation, expanded use of sick leave, price of government repeal, and elections provisions. Contacts: Gary Carlson (651.281.1255 or gcarlson@Imnc. orgy, Anne Finn (651.28112(55 or a?rnn;&lmnc.org) and Craig Johnson (651.281.1259 or cjohnson@lmnc.org). Omnibus Public Safety Bill SP 1992 (Higgins)/HF 829 (Paymar) House Conferees: Pavmar, Muller,, Liebling, ffilstrom, Smith Senate Conferees: Hi gin , Foley, '1\1. Olson, 'Neuvill , Rosen Highlights: Funds the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Trial Courts, Tax Court, Uniform Laws Commission, Board on Judicial Standards, Board of Public Defense, Department of Public Safety, Peace Officers Standards and Training Board, Private Detective Board, Department of Human Rights, Department of Corrections, and Sentencing Guidelines Commission. Contact: Anne Finn at 651.281.1263 or e-mail a,finndCid rinc.or . Omnibus Environment, Natural Resources and Energy Bill SF 2196 (Anderson)/H F 10 51 (Wagenius) House Conferees:Tvenitt.�, Hilty, Hansen, Dill, Ozrnent - Senate Conferees: Anderson, Fredrickson, Szodlaug, Chju.dhary,rresRay Highlights: Clean Water Legacy funding, shade tree pest control grants, wetlands replacement, April 20, 2007 Page 3 renewable energy production incentives, other environmental program funding and policies. Contact: Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or cjohnson@lmnc.org. Omnibus Jobs and Economic Development Bill SF 2059 (Tomassoni)/I-IF 797 (Rukavina) House Conferees: 'IN1. %ZuTrihy, Rukavina, Clark, " zdioney, Gunther Senate Conferees: Tomassoni, Meizc n, c, arks, Sc.hei.d, Koch Highlights: "whistle -blower" legislation, DEED's redevelopment account funding and changes, other non -tax economic development programs at DEED, housing funding, statewide building code. Contact: Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or, iorourke`k,,,lnan_c.o7g and Ann Higgins at 651.281.1257 or ahiggins@lmnc.org. Omnibus Capital Investment Bill "'F 2157 (Langseth)/ F' 886 (Hausman) douse Conferees: Ilau maix, M�i`vlull-A Carlson, Pelowski, Tinuelstad Senate Conferees: Langseth, Cohen, Se'exlI Metzen, Wera,in - Highlights: Modified local capital funding criteria, Public Facilities Authority funding, local bridge replacement and rehabilitation funding, transit way funding, rail corridor funding. Contact: Craig Johnson at 651.281.1259 or c iohn son'ci,imn.c. org. Far mare information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intesgoverrnnental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122 Apr 20 2007 17:43:02 Via Fax -> 65145ZG940 Administrator Page 004 Of 004 LMC -Frl a Fax - ".I y,'.VXWO A weekly legislative update from the League ofMinnesota Cities April 20, 2007 Page 4 House omnibus tax bill to be released House smoking ban bill update on Monday The full House Tax Committee was supposed to hear the last of their individual tax bills today (Friday) and then release the initial draft of the omnibus bill on Monday. This morning, the committee was unable to hear each of the bills on the agenda due to the scheduled floor session. According to Chair Ann Lenczewski (DFL -Bloomington), the committee will now hear a few remaining bills on Monday morning and then release the omnibus tax bill at some point later in the day. The committee will then take public testimony on Tuesday, and then consider amendments on Wednesday. This schedule could be delayed a day or two given the fluid schedules of the floor session that the committee needs to work around, and depending on the amount of testimony or number of amendments that are ultimately offered. Shortly before spring break, the House Pro ert Tax Divisicun compiled their recommendations for the property tax article and amended the provisions into :t- 3, which will become the House omnibus tax bill. Once it is passed out of committee, the bill will be considered by the House Nays & INIc ns Coinm.it:tee, before being considered on the floor. The bill will eventually match up with SF 102 F( aka;., DFL -Cook) as it goes to conference committee. Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 or, iorourke adn- nc,or . Under the current statewide smoking ban legislation in the House, HF 305LLr tlev, DFL -Duluth), liquor -licensed bars and restaurants would be able to build "smoking rooms" which effectively sets -up an "opt -out" situation for local units of government by issuing smoking licenses for bars. This is language that would create a new mandate by allowing a smoking license to be issues by a city, and forces the issue at the local level when many cities and counties have been expecting the state to pass a statewide ban. The intent of both Senate and House authors, and the health groups promoting the bill has been to create a minimum statewide health standard in dealing with indoor air, and workers. Furthermore, proponents of HF 305 have advocated for local control, and not preempting local governments from doing anything more restrictive. The League's position states that if the legislature enacts a uniform statewide smoking ban, it should preserve the ability of local units of government to enact more restrictive ordinances at the local level. Next stop for the bill will be House floor, which could occur as early as the last week of April. Concerned local officials should contact their House legislators now and explain any issues this would create at the local level. The Senate companion, SF 235 Sheran, DFL - Mankato) was passed by the Senate in March_ Questions? Contact Jennifer O'Rourke at 651.281.1261 orjorourke@lmnc.org. Far more information on city legislative issues, contact any member of the League of Minnesota Cities Intezgoverumental Relations team. 651.281.1200 or 800.925.1122