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2008-03-07 Friday NewsMarch 7, 2008 is Less Lethal Weapon Training Half of the Mendota Heights Police Department attended Less Lethal Weapon training with Eagan Officers and their instructor Tuesday of this week. One hour of classroom and three hours of practical exercises were conducted. The officers fired five rounds at targets at different distances and then shot five rounds during scenario training at a dummy. Less lethal weapons are always deployed in tandem or more. Officers always need to have a partner accompanying them, who has a lethal weapon on the ready to provide cover in case the situation would turn lethal. The second half of the Police Department will be trained Tuesday March l 8th. After all officers have been trained, the less lethal shot guns will be implemented into patrol operation. The stocks of these weapons are painted orange to indicate that they contain less lethal ammunition (bean bag rounds). 2008 State of the City R Next Tuesday, beginning at 7:30 a.m, in the City Council Chambers here at City Hall the Mayor will be presenting his annual "State of the City" address. These addresses are spon- sored by the Northern Dakota County Chamber of Commerce. The formal program will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will be televised by the NDC4. I will let you know the replay dates Iand time when I learn them. Everyone is invited to attend. Pilot Knob D Work began this week east of Pilot Knob Road to remove a significant number of volunteer trees from an approximate three acre area of land which before 1970 had been used for farming. With assistance from Great River Greening, the City was successful in obtaining a A "MN DNR Bio -Energy from Restoration Grant" which provides funding for tree / stump removal, grinding the woody materials into wood chips, and hauling of the biomass (fuel source) to District Energy in St Paul. In the City's Pilot Knob Restoration and Management Plan these trees were scheduled to be removed piecemeal over the next several years. This grant opportunity will reduce anticipated City costs to perform these same work tasks, ap- proximately $25,000. See attached "Press Release" prepared by GRG with input from the DNR and a reprint of a Pioneer Press news item. KSTP News video taped the logging op- eration on Wednesday afternoon and reporter Glen Barbour interview Barb Spears (DMR), Wiley Buck (GRG) and Guy Kullander at City Hall on Thursday afternoon. The story Nwill/may be aired on the 6:00 News Friday, March 7"'.. ISAIAH Roundtable E Jake attended a roundtable discussion on affordable/workforce housing on Thursday evening. The meeting was put on by ISAIAH, a faith based group focusing on social justice. The meeting was attended by staff from a handful of Dakota County Cities, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, the CDA and folks from ISAIAH. A presentation was provided on the need for affordable housing, and an argument was made for "including zoning for low income housing." Unfortunately, the Builder's Association was determined to commandeer the meeting with their negativity toward the concept following the presentation, spoiling any chance for useful discussion. The Comprehensive SPlan update will spell out where the City is at in relation to it's affordable housing goals. Daylight Savings Time Daylight Savings Time comes to an end on Saturday at midnight so don't forget to turn your closed ahead an hour. 7 March Dates To Remember State of the City Address 3/11/08 7:30 AM Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting 3/11/08 6:30 PM Airport Relations Commission Meeting 3/12/08 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 3/18/08 7:30 PM Attachments Pipeline, Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda, Airport Relations Commission Meeting Agenda„ MNSUN Article "Mendota Plaza in Mendota Heights could receive renovations", SouthWest Review Article "Convent of the Visitation School to host Camp Invention", Twincities.com Article "River tract too steep to build on", Great River Greening News Release, Thank you letter from resident, Friday Fax (Feb 22) and (Feb 29). Paget FRIDAY NEWS : MARCH 7, 2008 NEWS Public Works Engineering Code Enforcement Public Works The Pipeline The Parks Crew replaced the circuit breaker on the aerator at Rogers Lake. They continue to work on the "You Are Here" park signs. The ice skating rinks were officially closed on March 1St. They were open this year from December 15 through March 1, the longest they have ever been opened. The pedways were plowed. Truck 501 was taken to Crysteel to have the lift gate installed. Rich helped plow the main streets on Friday and Wednesday. He attended a traffic safety school on Tuesday. Rich plugged the pick holes in 10 manhole covers for the upcoming spring melt. The plugs will stop the inflow from the spring runoff. The Street Crew did pothole filling on Mendota Heights Road from Lake Drive to Dodd Road and Dodd Road to Delaware Avenue. A few potholes were filled on Highway 110. They plowed all the main streets and salted other city streets. They plow trucks were washed and the sanders cleaned out. They attended the traffic safety school on Tuesday. Snow Events of the Week: Date: Event: Response: 2-28-08 1" Plow main lines and salt all streets 3-5-08 1.2" Plow main lines and salt all streets Engineering Staff met with utility companies to discuss the upcoming street reconstruction projects in the "Avenues" and Kay/Walsh areas. Sue attended a workshop on creating green development initiatives in local governments. St. Paul Regional Water Services hit a gas main while replacing a hydrant on Walsh Lane. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 6:30 P.M. City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of February 12, 2008, Minutes 4. Recreation Programmers Report (Available Tuesday) 5. Updates 1. Pilot Knob 2. "You Are Here" Signage 3. Tennis Courts 4. Roger's Lake Park Playground 5. New Lacrosse/Soccer/Football Field in Friendly Marsh Park 6. Trail Construction on Dodd Road and/or Highway 13 7. Annual Trail Maintenance and Repairs 8. Update Data in the 1985.Parks & Recreation Facility Needs Study 9. Eradication of Invasive Plants from City Parks 10. Dakota County Community Development Block Grant 11. Hagstrom-King Park 12. Wachtler/Par 3/Valley park Trail Connection 6. MHAA Update 7. Par 3 Update 8. Chair Term Limits 9. Commission Comments 10. Adjourn Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available 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. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850. 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION AGENDA March 12, 2008 —Large Conference Room Call to Order - 7:00 p.m. 2. Roll Call 3 4 5 G 7 Approval of the Minutes from the February 1.3, 2008 Airport Relations Commission Meetings. Unfinished and New Business: a. Review/Update Goals & Objectives b. Leqve, Rydeen Visit Preparation c. February 19 MAC Meeting Update d. Update for Introduction Book Acknowledge Receipt of Various Reports/Correspondence: a. January 2008 ANOM Technical Advisor's Report b. January 2008 (New Format) ANOM Eagan/Mendota Heights Departure Corridor Analysis C. Airport Noise Report, February 8, 2008 d. Airport Noise Report, February 15, 2008 e. Airport Noise Report, February 22, 2008 Other Commissioner Comments or Concerns Upcoming Meetings MAC Meeting City Council Meeting NOC Meeting 8. Public Comments 9. Adiourn 3-17-08 1:00 p.m. 3-18-08 7:30 p.m. 3-19-08 1:30 p.m. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 1.20 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. This may not, however, be possible on short notice. Please contact City Administration at (651) 452-1850 with requests. MNMSUN E Print Page Mendota Plaza in Mendota Heights could receive renovations BY MEGAN ANDERSON • SUN NEWSPAPERS A facelift may be in order once the age of 37 is reached. At least, that's how Howard Paster views Mendota Plaza shopping center in Mendota Heights. The center was built in 1971 and Paster purchased it in 1985. "I think it's something we've wanted to expand and redevelop for a long time," he said. Paster is interested in incorporating another eight acres of land east of Mendota Plaza that it purchased in 2005 from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The initial focus for Paster was expanding the center with the additional land. "It became pretty clear that the city was interested in us redeveloping the entire site," he said. The makeover by owner Paster Enterprises could include the addition of Walgreens to the shopping center at 750 Highway 110. To add Walgreens into the mix, Paster would also have to tear down a portion of the existing center. "It really made sense to renovate the existing center," he said. Tenants in the portion that is being torn down are not leaving the center, Paster said, but are being relocated to accommodate Walgreens. "With every shopping center that you have, you're looking for ways to enhance and improve the center," he said. The renovation plans include additional buildings for retail, office space and restaurants. Proposals for the redevelopment from Paster last fall drew concerns from the City Council. The city's comprehensive plan guides the site as mixed use planned unit development (MU -PUD) and the city wanted to make sure that a residential piece was included with the plans. To iron out the issues, the city formed a subcommittee that met twice with Paster. Paster said they are looking to commit at least two acres in the southeast corner of the site for a four-story senior housing facility. "We spent a lot of time talking about the residential component," he said, adding that they still need to work out the timing. "I think the city generally wants to see something happen there," Paster said. "But if something's going to happen there, they want it to be a high-quality project that's going to be there for a long time." Green space along Highway 110 and traffic flow through the development were some issues, said Jake Sedlacek, assistant to the city administrator. The council and the Planning Commission also wanted to ensure that Paster gave a lot of thought toward mixed use, Sedlacek said. "It is a mixed use parcel, so the city wants to make sure that it's got the housing," he said. Mendota Heights wants the redevelopment to fit in with the neighborhood. "This is our last highly visible piece of property to develop," Sedlacek said. "It's our last chance to make our front yard look nice." Another issue was making sure that the development does not disturb nearby Dodge Nature Center. Paster said additional screening has been discussed. It is contingent on the city process, Paster said, but he hopes to present final plans in May and get started on the renovation this summer. "Clearly it's a center that's tired and old that needs some tender, loving care," he said. "We hope to breathe some more life into the shopping center." (You are invited to comment about this story on our website at www,mnsun.com and/or write a letter to the editor at suncurreiitsouth@acnpapers,com.) This site and its contents Copyright © 2007. Sun Newspapers - Main Office: 952-829-0797 suninfo,'�Dacnpapers.com - South -blest- Review Sunday, Mar. 2, 2008 nvent of the i itatio to host n School Camp Invention Convent of the Visita- tion School has been selected as a new host for Camp Invention, a national science and cre- ativity day" camp that inspires a passion for: sci- ence by combining scien- tific concepts with lots of fun. Convent of the Visita- tion School is collabo- rating with the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation, ,a nationally - recognized, non-profit center -for creativity, to bring this unique educa- tional outreach program to the community. Camp will be held on June 16 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 P.M. for children cur- rently in kindergarten through fifth grades. The Camp Invention curriculum is designed to promote discovery learn- ing by providing children with hands-on activities that encourage creative solutions. Tracy Joyce Will direct a team of local teachers who will present five innovative modules each day. Campers will take apart -old appliances and discover how they work, make their own inventions, and immerse; themselves in imaginary; worlds, They will crash, land on Planet. Zak®;; design new safety features; for -cars and skateboards' and crash test them with eggs and water balloons; and learn the principles of physics as they create models of roller coast- ers and other amusement park rides. The Camp Invention' program is offered in part- nership with the United States Patent and Trade- mark Office. It has been featured in such publi- cations as Parenting for High Potential, Technol- ogy and Children, and Gifted Child Today. The camps have a low staff camper ratio of less than 1:8, and the camp size is between 30 and 110 camp- ers. Camp Invention, is sponsored in this region by the Ford Motor Com- pany Twin Cities and 3M. For more information or to register, visit www. campinvention.org, or call 800-968-4332. �M Op lie twincities.com St. Paul Pioneer Press 35 W. Water St. #201 NEWSRELEASE Saint Paul MN 55107 www.greatrivergreening.org Tel: 651 665.9500 Fax: 651 655.9409 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Robert Viking WEDNESDAY, March, 5, 2008 Development and Marketing Director 651-665-9500 ext. 23 rvikinaa-areatriverareeninq.or Deborah Karasov Executive Director 651-665-9500 ext. 14 dkarasov(a.greatriverareening.org PILOT KNOB HILL RESTORATION RECEIVES FIRST MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES BIO -ENERGY FROM RESTORATION GRANT Great River Greening, a nonprofit regional leader for community-based restoration of natural areas and open space announced today the start of an "innovative restoration for oak savanna" with a 3 -acre clearing of overgrown middle aged forest at Pilot Knob Hill in Mendota Heights The project is one of two that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has awarded grant money as part of their new Woody Biomass Project . Pilot Knob Hill, one of the Twin Cities' most important cultural, historic, and natural sites, is getting an ecological facelift that will also launch a new source of biomass for alternative energy. G R E A T This week, Great River Greening began clearing ash, box elder and cottonwood trees P.! :'ER GREEN 1 N G from an overgrown area of Pilot Knob Hill in Mendota Heights, the first step in restoring it to native oak savanna. Woody material from the clearing will be sent to St. Paul's District Energy, which burns wood to produce heat for much of the downtown area. The work at Pilot Knob Hill is the first effort in a DNR -coordinated project that aims to improve habitat on public lands by removing invasive species such as buckthorn and other undesirable shrubs and trees. Any woody materials generated as part of restoration efforts will be made available to biomass users as a cost-effective source of alternative energy. This work is part of a larger ecosystem restoration effort to bring back the prairie and oak savanna on Pilot Knob Hill. Prairie and oak savanna are the historic vegetation that was present before European settlement and the associated fire suppression and removal of nomadic herds of bison and elk. -MORE- re�u�cerc rte' cr��2�t,�r.�r �t�� cis Bio- Energy Grant — Page Two We know this from the original government land survey of the 1840s, the soil types, and accounts from inhabitants at the time. Prairie and oak savanna are some of the most imperiled ecosystems in Minnesota, and host to a number of rare and endangered species. Prairie and savanna need our help if we are to retain this important part of Minnesota's natural heritage for future generations. In 2006, the DNR did a comprehensive strategy for wildlife species with greatest conservation need. Pilot Knob Hill is located in a top rated area for wildlife needs and opportunities; prairie and savanna restoration were identified as top priorities to enhance these wildlife species. Prairie and savanna are predicted to do well in Minnesota's warming climate. By engaging in restoration, the transition to prairie and savanna is done in a controlled manner, and the wood is put to good use. This area may prove to be a seed source for additional prairies and savannas in the future. Prairie and savanna may also be a future source of permanent vegetative grass bio -fuels, while also supporting wildlife and water quality. In short, prairie and savanna represent the greatest ecological value for the site, while addressing some future concerns. Funding for the acquisition of this site was recommended by the Legislative -Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Acacia Cemetery, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Dakota County Capital Improvement, Environmental Partners, Friends of the Minnesota Valley, Lower Minnesota River Watershed District, Mendota-Mdewakanton Dakota Community, DNR Metro Greenways, Minnesota DNR Local Grants Program, Minnesota Historical Society, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Pilot Knob Preservation Association, Starbucks, Trust for Public Land are among the many members of a community coalition joining the City of Mendota Heights and Great River Greening in the acquisition and restoration of this important site. Known to Dakota people as Oheyawahi, "a hill much visited," Pilot Knob at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers is a place of distinctive historical, cultural, and environmental importance, a sacred site, and a landmark of the Midwest's beginnings. It was from this prominence that the Dakota in 1851 signed a treaty granting the United States 35 million acres of tribal lands west of the Mississippi, forever changing the course of Minnesota's history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation calls Pilot Knob Hill one of the state's most significant historical and cultural resources. Its restoration represents an historic opportunity to protect a significant piece of cultural history and restore native prairie and savanna that has all but disappeared from the urban landscape. Twin Cities Campus March 3, 2008 John Huber, Mayor City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Dear Mayor Huber, Division of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery Medical School Mayo Mail Code 195 420 Delaware Street S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 Office: 612-626-4214 Fax. 612-624-6969 E-mail: pedsurg@umn.edu A feiv weeksago, on one of the coldest evenings of the year, all of the. smoke alarms. in our home went off, Although we could not find a fire, we thought it best to call 911 and have things check out to be safe and sure. I just have to say how pleased we are with your police force and the volunteer fire fighters. The police officers that responded to the incident were very concerned, caring, and professional individuals. Furthennore, they were so kind to our children. The fire fighters were equally outstanding, especially Chief Maczko, who deduced that an occult water leak had shorted out the smoke detectors. Their response time was incredible and the way they realized the scope of the problem and were able to drill down to the source was very impressive. I wish to -congratulate you on an amazing team you put together and thank you from the bottom of my heart in keeping my family safe. Sincerely, Davihk__tzman MD PhD Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics The AS Leonard Endowed Chair in Pediatric Surgery University of Minnesota Medical School cc John Maczko,Tire Chief Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief Driven to DiscaversM Feb ZZ 2888 17°54:83 Via Fax -> 6514528948 Administrator Paye 881 Of 889 n LL•AGUE or MINNESOTA CLTIES -Frid. a Fa IMM A ivecil,ll lc: Xi,s'l<:rrRve: updale i°(nn the ,L ecrg'UC crf'.NdirrrresOICT. C..UAM Legislature passes transportation Mill, governor vetoes it A. comprehensive transportation funding bill that passed the :I IOuse ori a vote Of 89 to 44 and the Senate on a vote of 47 to 20 was vetoed by Goverpor "'1"iron. Patwlenty (,1) this af:terrnoon.. it is the third time; this scenario has played out since 2005, and advocates are N ping for a, different out.conne this time. The bill, III.F 2800 (J.,jeder, :DFL. -Crookston) landed on the governor's desk late; yesterday, ending a long day that included lively debates and irntense negotiations between legislators, In recent clays, the bill had been. scaled back From $8,4 billion to $6.6 billion over 10 years in an effort to secure additional votes. The; aLabors eliminated the inflationary index. provision a:n.d reduced the sales tax. authorization in the '*.rwi.n (. ities Metropolitan Area, from one-half percent to one-quarter percent. All ofthe revenue raised by the one- quarter percent sales tax is dedicated to transit. In order to provide sonne additional funding for roads in the metropolitan area, t:ln.c. bill shifts distribution of the 5% that corrnes. off the tcnp of tine :l4ighwany 'User'l„ax, Distribution Fund prior to the 62%/290/0/9% distribution fon-hula containedin the Minn esota. Const.itu.tioin. This section was further amended to ensure that a portion of the revenue is dedicated to roads in the metropolitan area. The bill was, also amended to re=strict the metropolitan area sales tax to t1le seven in1et'ropolitain counties, excluding di.rng adjacent counties that had previously been allowed to opt -in to the joint powers board. February 22, 2008 Page I. The compromises bill contained t:hc following, Provisions.. • A 5 cent increase in gas tai. • A 3.5 cent surcharge: oil gas tax for trunk highway bond debt. • $1.8 billion in trunk highway bonds over 10 years • Elimirnati.ou of caps oil. license tab fees and changes to the deprecia.tiorn. schedule Dedication of'the sales tax on leased vehicles to Greater :l1ilN transit and local roads starting in F Y2010 • A $25 tax credit for low-income residents • Authorization for innetropolitan area counties to impose a one-quarter percent sales taxfor transit * Authorization for counties, ill Greater MIN to levy a sales tax of tip to one-half percent for transportation purposes • Increased authorization for Mn.DQT' t:o Spend t:r1rirk. highway funds ill FY08 and FY09 to reflect federal emerge.►rcy f tiding related to the iT,SVIr brides pr«ject + $60 innilliorn in general obligation bonds for local roads and local bridges The corn.promise bill drew supportfrornn a range of stAelnolders, including the Miinrnesota. Chainber of'Cormnerce and a handful. of associations representir:ng agricultitra.l interests. In spite of the; broad support, the governor carried out onhis threat to veto the bill. Under the M:innosota Constitution, he had three business. days to do So, bort he waited le=ss than one day. Legislative leaders say they will attempt to override the veto as soon as Monday, February 25. Prospects for a veto ove .rride Etre. uncertain. In 2005, the le islatu.re dial not attempt to override the; governor's veto o:f"a. sinnilar bill.. In 2007, a For more lll.i'or177al1o11 on city lCM1S,1`7ha£ive ismucs, Contact lkrly 17701111lVr Oi the neaps of tirilme-Nota Cibex Ill Lcrgovcr37mental Rdaholls team. 651.28 1..1.2110 or 800,925,1122 aired www].nic,org Feb 22 2HHH 17:54:53 Via Fax _> 651452H94H Administrator J'EAGUEOF MINNESOTA . (:ITIES -FridayF��- A weeky legishnive uj?44--aeftafn the League q.04inneso(a (.7mes veto -override: attempt failed in the waning hours of session. A veto override requires 90 votes in the 134-rmember f1ouse and 45 votes in. the 67 -member Senate. Thursday's vote fell one vote short of the necessary veto -override JIUmber in the House - The League is supporting.H.F 2900, and is, encoura_ging city officials to contac -t legislators over -the. weekend to 1) thank lqgjqlatons who voted "yes" on FIF 2900, cand 2) encourage votes to ove-i-ride a. governor's veto. See below to learn how your legislators voted'. House Yes Votes (89) AbQler (Anok,a) Anzelc (Balsam 71"wvp); Atkins (:Inver Grove 14.6-ghts), Benson (Minnetonka), Bighain. (Cottagc Orove); Illy (:Nofthfield); Bi.o\vn (At.isfin), E,3rwiacd (Mankato); 13, um) (J.,ake Carlson (Ctysta.1); Clark. (Nlm.mcapolis); Davaie (Mixneapolis). Dill. (Cmarw Lake). Dittrich. (Min.ne'apolls): Doty (Royalton)"E','ken crwit, Valley); Erhardt (Edi ia); Faust (Mora): Fritz (Faribauft), Gai-daer (Sllorcview), Greiling (Roseville); Hanliltoll (Mountain. Lake); Hansen (South St. Paid); HaUS131,111 (St. Pmil), Raws (St. Cloud); Heidgerken (Frooport); Hilstroni (Br(?oklvn Hilty (.Finlayson); Flornste in (Mitineapoliq); 11ortm,11111 (BrookIyji Nark)-, Hoscb (St, Joseph), I­Juritley (Duft.jth); J,-.j.ros ( Duluth), Johnson (St.. Paul); J'uh-nke (Wfllxnar): Kzd-i.)i (.M1mwapolj.$)1- Kall.ri Kelliher (Minneapolis),, Knuth (New 'Brighton); Koexion (Clara City); Kraiiz (Waine)-, Laine, (Colum.bia Heights): Lenezewski (Bloomington); Liebling (Roclicster); Lieder (Crookston), Lillie (North St. Paul): Loeffler (Minneapolis); Madore (Apple Valley); Mahoney (St. Paul),- Mariani (St. PaLkl), Mm.-cluart (Dilworth), Masin (Eagmn), Moo (Be,midji): Morpm (Burnsville): Morrow (St, Peter); Mullery (Mintical,-)(Ais), Murphy, E. (St. Paul). Murpliy, M. (Hermantown), Nelson (Brooldyn Park)-, Norton (Roebequ.1r): oun ('-mjof Rivt .r Falls), Paymar (St. Paid). Pelowski. (Wbmna). Page HHZ Of HH9 February 22, 2008 Page 2 Peterson . A. (Appleton); Petersoo..N. (Bloonvington). Peterson, S, ('Now Ho.pe); Poppe (Austin), Rukavina (Vi.rgini4), Ritud. (Mirmetonka), Sailer(Park. Rapids), Scalze U attli, Canada); Sertlell (Chisholm). S.41.10n (St, LOUiS.PaSk.); Sla-'Wik (mapleivood): Slocura (Ricliftold), Solberg (Grand Rapids), Swails (Woodburv),- Iliao (St. Paul)', `Nis,w:n (Minneapolis), Tillberry (FridlQy); Tingelstad (Andover); Tschumper (La Crescent), WagQnius (Minneapolis): Walkei' - (M.inneapolis),- Ward (Braitwrd); Weltj (Plainview); Wijikler (Golden ValWy); Wollscblager (Cannon Falls) House No Votes (44) Anderson, B. (.Buffalo'Fvp).. As)derson, S. fl?lymoxah); Biacrd. (Slmkopeo), Dons, (Wayzata); Brod (New Prague);.Huesgens (Jordan); Con.iish (Good1litinder),- Dean. (Dellwood), DeLaForest (Andover); Demmer (Hayfield), Dettmer (FoTest Lake); Dnizkowski (Wabasha), Eastlund (Iszinti),- EEner (Delatio). Erickson (PrincQ-ton), F'itist'ad (Cornfrev); Garofalo (Farmingtoi* Gottwalt (St. Cloud); 6imther (Fairmotit), 11ackb'a'ifth (Cedar); Holberg; (Lakevillc); Floppe (Chaska); Howes (Walkci-);KOhls (Moorhead)., 1.,esch. (St, Pau]),Magnus (White Bear 1,ake)t- McNamara (14,asting5), Nomes (17crgus Olson. (Big Lakc); Otrcmba (Long Prairie), Ozment (Rosemount); Pau sen (.:;den Prairie), Peppin (* Roggers); Seifert (.Marshall),- Severson (Sauk Rapids); 13himanski (Silver Lake); Simpson (Perbarn)., Smith (Mound); Urdahl (Grove City). Wardlow (Eag gan); Westrom (Elbow Uike); Zellers (Maple Grove) HouseDid Not Vote (.1.) Ruth (Owatonma) Semate Yes Votes (47) Anderson (St. PaLfl)7- B4kk (Cook); Berglirt (Minneapolis);.Betzold (Fridley); 'Bonoff (Minnetonka), Carlson (Eagan.); Chaudhary (T-ridlcy); C.ladc (St. ('loud); Cohen (St.. Paul); Dahle (Northfield); Dibble (M.inneapolis)?-Dillc (Dassel): Doll (Burnsville)..'Erickson Rapes (Winona),. F-Vicy (Coon Rapids); Frodorickson Formcwe informaliononCity Les-governmoltid Rch'itiolisteam, 653.28 L 1.1-00 or 80(:1,925,1.1.22 and WWNVJjnC,Or9 Feb ZZ 2808 17:55:49 Via Fax —> 65145ZH94H Administrator Page 003 Of 009 -Frz a Fa�- A Iv ceklt' le} i.sl<:atim ul.?ii:tte.fi'am the Lect u -e ol'M.Vnne., cohr. Cities (New Ulr:aa); F'ligggi'ns (Minnecipolis). Kubly ((Jranitc Fal.l.$)_Latigscth (Cil;ynd nr); I.,arson (Bloomington); Ua:tz (St. Louis .Park),, Lou.re (Kerrick). Lynch (Rochester): Marc,.,, (Roseville); Metz,;,. a. (Sough St:. Paarl). Moua. (St. Paul), Mar.rplay (Pied Wing), 01seen (.N-laa.rris); Olson, M. (F3c;n.ik ii); Pappas (St. Paul); Pogomiller (Mi.Il.Ilcapolis), .Prettll.c✓r Solon (Dtlllrth); fest (Ne=w .Flope:); Rummel (White Bear Lake), Sa,ltznman. (Woodbury), Salx,.baug (Grand Rapids), Scheid (Brooklyn Park); She;ran (.M.a nk ato); Sieben (Newport); Skoe (Clearbrook),, S.k<-)gen (1-fewvitt); Sparks (Austin); Stumpf (Plrttntner}; Tor►�assiyrEi (C'hisholrn); "T"orres Raay Ninneapolis)., Vickervian (Tracy); Wiger (North. St, Paul.) Senate No Votes (20) Day (Owatonna), Fischbach (Paynesville): Gerlach (A.pple. Valley); Ciimse (Willmar).-.Hmin (k'scfedn Prairie); Ingebr-igt:sen (Alexandria), Johnson (Flan 1,4k.c;); Jungbauer (:Gast Bethel); Koch (Bull -Talo). Kocring (Fort Ripley'); . Arnmer (Maple, Grove); Michol (Edina); Olson, G. (Minnctrism); Orttriall (Chata.h.a.sscn.).. Pa.risc art (Fartwaiiggton); Robling (Jordan), Rosen (Fairmont), Setrtern. (Rocherstcr). V. -a adc:w=r (Forest. l;,.rr.lcv); Wergin (Princeton) Questions.', C.:'c�tttet� t �l rrrtur J inti cit F.S.I , �><`i.l , l ?ba r�i° ':1`he neat-`ca-taon—controvel-sittl tax. bi.11? In -the wake of the veto of last year's omnibus tax bill, HouseTax Chair Ann 1.,enczewski (D..1,.13loomington) and Sera. 'Fax Chair -Tom 1-63Ak.k. (D.171., -Cook) decided to cobble together the non-cotitroversial provisions al:id reintroduce a new bill. 1-ha.t. bill, Hl.: '3201 and it's companion, J,.j�)3 5, is now winding its way through the= legislaa.tive: process. On Wednesday evening, the :l-f:ouse version Of t.hC bill was considered by the HouseTax t'c>m,mi tee beat tlae contents lythe bill quicl�.l.y became controversial— February 22, 2005 Page :3 Last year in his veto lette=r, the .gover-not cited a. 1)r0vi$i011 Supported by utility ho.�t cities; and counties that would, have increased the property tai,. classification mtc for public: utility and pipeline property to offset a new property valuation procedure that reduced the market value of'these properties. League policies .support this niodif:ication to state law. T'he new bill included a, moditieyd version of that class rate change that appeared to be a cona.pr-omise to address tlae governor's {;()F1Ce1°I15..1.Drlr'1Iag the debate on the bill, l Dealt „SJ lLp4:>scjlj (:R-Perh.ar'n) ot'i'ered. an <tniendn-tent. to remove the provision because it: was not endorsed by the governor. During the debate on the ant.end:naen.t, Rep. Sandy wollschlagyer (.l')F 1.,-C'.aannon. Faalls) strongly defended the posit:iora dace to its 'importance to all cities that h.ost power plants. Red Wing Council President Carol Duff 'testified against the Simpson amendment, expressing the importance of tla.e class rate change For host: communities, their businesses and homeowners. l)E r alt:rile nt. w#' ltcave ta4:.re C'.)Innlitisi(.?n r'irlr jrd Einess Wats asked to comment on how the gover n.or- would rt:F.t.a to the ball with the public utility class rate increase, Fle indicated that: the governor would have serious conciarns but he stopped }List Short of Sug6ICstiraLI, that the bill wotald draw a veto. 'The amendment to remove the class rate changes I a.i.l.ed and the bill was approved by they full cornrnittee and referred to the: 1:1 -.)use', W<3. ti �.11.Ci �1.�;1175 ("c)n. ml (tee 1.n addition to the public utility crass rate changes, tile. bill includes local sales tax adjustments or a tathol•ixation.s for Benaid_ji, Clearwater, North .M.a'nkato, Proctor and Witiona., revenue recapture authwi'ty for all 1; or uxT+x inlimxEution on ri.ty legislative rsEiac`, o<Trttac4 any 12tIT3i7C1' (T%`Ili l" L.esEr;ar +.Tl'ti4inaTeSotu Citic h]lCE'E;C>vcTTEment'Ar RcEatiolTti team. 651,281,1200 or 800,9253122 arrad w.vww.l.rl'ac.ol-ty Feb 22 2668 17:56:43 Via Fax —> 6514528946 Administrator -Fri a F(aL-X7� 3+ Grchltt legislative arixlcrtir jir.,rrz i17c L.ci.r uc c,/'minrrc°sr,tcr. Cities debts to a city, changes in ".l°.1.1`x` law that allow a. later start of increment, the LCiA volatility fix, an authorization to create trusts to fund "Other Post .Employment ,Renefits," an. authoriz t.ior. to hold joint public truth -in -taxation hearings in. couxat.ics Outside; the nietropol. i taxi area, border city enterprise zone" allocations, and many city - specific TIF authorizations. The bill also includes 117 authorization for cities to issue grant anticipation (GARVVI E) bonds aI-rcl would shift vuler-approved. G.O. debt levies frons market value* to net tax capacity. Un:forti_an,ately, the bill also includes aa. temporary prohibition on local government advertising, promoting, expending funds or holding a. referendum to support imposing a local sales tax. 'niis prohibition. would be in plaice from .lune 1, 2008 throu.gli December .3 '1, 2010. (')n. Friday morn.i.ng, the bill was considered Wid approved by the 1fouse: Ways andMeans Committee after another short debate on the public utility class rate. 1-h.e bill should. be on the House floor by 1'uesday, February 26. Vie, SD-lzitc'I aX (::Qn:a_n-Iit;tCe; will COI-Isider the: 13a.k.lc version on Tuesday niorning at 8:30 a.m. in rooaa,a 15 of the Capitol, A( _TION: Now is a great time to contact legislators, or the governor and ask them to support the tax, gill. The goverttor's phone nuta'aber is 651.296.33 J'1. For your legislators' contact i. rlf'orrna.t:ion., go to MCjyw k' .S'tg.tL'.Il'11'1.LLti, or Ct3lit$Ct. an KA representa.tiveafor- help at. 651,281.1200. ne�,s�trons? C:."nrrtc:rcrt Gc i, C <ar•1son 4.1yb'51,281.1255 or �V�Wcrr lscl�r ii lr�ec m«r�g, car ,.lertraffi�r O'Rourke at 651.28.1..1261 „�rawc�rrr;lc�r�r.�lrric':.�,r•�r. Page 664 Of 609 February 22, 2008 Page 4 League street imisrovement bill introduced. A. league -initiated bill that would allow cities to establish street improvenie7t di.St'ricts was introduced this week in the House and Senate. `.1'he douse version, 11..1 3248 ' 28' isa.uthored by & L. f:3� c:v Sgj,l re; (DF'L .Little, Canada). Co- authors are Reps. Neil. Peterson (lt.- Blooaiaington.), Drank Flornstein (DFL_ M.inneapolis), .l�.on Erhardt (.R. -Edina), Ann I...erlccewski. MF L -Bloomington) and Mike Nelson (DFL -Brooklyn Patric). The Senate companion, S1;?_ t)_ 7,, is beim carried by Scfx,. Ric,,k Olsc>en (IOL-14'a.rds). Co-authors are Setts,Jim t:"..<�.rl �i.� (DEL,-&igat..n), �ccAt. I:�ila,J_q (13F.1.. -Minneapolis), MLtk-q.�tltwt maj.cc; (R -East 1:3ethel') and (3eoffMichel (R -Edina). The bill would aLl.th.ortre cities -to collect fees fiom property owners within aa. district to fund rriunicipaa.l street maintenance, construction, reconstruction and facility upgrades. 1 ef:brc establishing a. street imp'rov4na.ent district, the Municipality would be required to adopt a street iniprovetnent plan that identifies and estlinaates the costs of proposed construction, recoristruction, facility Upgrades and maintenance for thefollowing Live years. Ryes would then be apportioned to all parcels located in the street improvement district on aa, uniform basis within each classification of real. estate. laces, collected could only be spent within the districtand on projects identified in the stl'CCt i .prOVeI7IClIt plan The city could collect municipal street improvement: fees in a. district for up to 20 years. 'T'he Lea izue: has consistently heard from city of'ficials thatexisting, ffinding mechanisms for municipally owned streets are inadequate. Special. assessament:s can be oneroi.Iy to property For more in.l )r ualion on. city I08isiativo inmues, Contact any mottthcr of Lhr Lxa�pc ot.' V innC"SS:)t'a Calier Il] Lerpvcrimictitall Itclations team, 651,281,1200 or 800,1)25.11.22 0ad >. WNV,l.Irru,org, Feb ZZ ZBeB 17:57:36 Via Fax -> 65145ZB94H Administrator Page BBS Of HH9 1 -Fr .a F a.�- "07 A )vevky lk:gis'%6r1.i1'G:' mj.1date.!/'Oi'3'7 the League olMnne'so(a Ones owners and ,are difficult to i.rnplernent for some cities, and, special assessments- are riot always use-lul for funding collector streets and other .streets that do not abut. private property, Property tax, dollars, another commonly used. source, are generally riot dedicated. and are sometimes diverted to more; pre,;si'n ; needs such. as public satety, water duality and cost part•ici.pation, in state and county highway pr()jec:'tt;. Finally, municipal state, aid (MSA) is Iitra'i-ted to cities over. 5,000 population --14:3 of 854 cities in Minnesota --arid cannot be applied to more than 20% of a MSA city's lam; miles. Existing; MSA. is not k.eepin.g up with needs on the MSA. system, -:.1"he street im.provr;rnent district authority bill is enabling legislation No city would be required to creta:t'e a naurllicipal street improvement district. It is 'modeled after Minn. Stat. 4:35.44, which allows cities to establiti}'r ;sidewalk, improvement districts, 'The League believes this authority would provide in alternative funding, rnech,anisr'ra that is both affordable and Lair to property owners. It requires a relationship between who prays fees and, where prcaje:ct.s occur, butstops short of the beneflit. test that: soniet'.i.rrie;;s niaak.es special asse'ssrnents vulnerable to le-ga.l c:hallen es. Tt also does not prohibit cities :frorn collecting fees from um exemptt properties within a. district. ic't:. This tool. would <al.so tallow cities to perform maintenance and reconstruction on schedule. Timely maintenance is essential to preserving; streets and thereby protecting taxpayer investments. Finally, street improven.).ent 'fees would allow property o'wne'rs to fund. expensive projects by paying relatively siv all fees over February 22, 2008 Pages 5 time. The tool could be used to mitigate or eliminate the need for special assessrr'rents. ,1:'he League is seekingsupport for this initiative an:rong city of:flicials and legislators. HF 3248 is awaiting a. hearing in the I-Iou,'e I,,c�cMt.l, <�ii>v�r„tlrr�,e�r�l:,.��.d:�� 11!lycl:tc�,pcal'g9:�a.rra �'fwl�t.it_s. C"tall�nllitct, and 51 2937 is awaiting a. bearing in. the 4'onlrrti :tc()n Stat. flrtci 1.itir,a1 Gove✓rr�rinent, (: Deration.s and Oversid, a. The bills fire also expected to rn a•ke stops in. t:h.c cornnarttees on Taxes and Transportation in their respective bodies. Qr.•rOWvrrs? 651.281.1263 or c rrrrr%cr.lirrc . ryrr Y. Administrative fine bill hearing A. bill that would p'rovide limited authority for local units of government to issue admiaai.stra.t:ive citations for minor- t:rallic violations was scheduled for a hearing in the Flou.se Pubtiv S rt: ty il:nci_Cw v_il_3ust.ice (:"c:)ra,mhttxt on Thundtay, February 21. The rneeting was 'post'poned, however, after House members were detained, by a. lengthy floor debate on the omnibus transportation bill, The bill FIF 847 (.:[osc_:1_a., DFL -St. Joseph), is sulal�c)rt:ec`l by t:he League as well as the associations representing the .M.lnnesota chiefs of police and county sheriffs, It would authorize cities to issue their own tickets for speedii-ig under, '10 Miles per° haus above t.be limit., C:c�rnrn.erci.al vc�laic:lel.icerrse-holders would riot be eligible'for aci.rninistrative citations. For nu)ry inriannlllion on city IQ rgislafive issues, conl'ad tklly lrlcnlbcr of 111r Leagpc ol:` VU1111csotu C'.ilics, rnlcrR.`,O\'l"1'RI11Clltika Itcli3lioY1S tca.113, 651,281.,120() ar 800,925,1.122 �'Iract WW ,irlalw,org, Feb ZZ ZHHH 17:50:26 Via Fax _> 6514528948 Administrator Pd9E HHEI Of 089 EAG U E of.,- MINNESOTA (].FTIES -Freda yFca-)ICL.- A ivevky legislative u1niateftom the Leagwe ol'A4.117nesota Wes rhe bea,ring, lva-s not yet been rescheduled. The League continues to Urge city official.," to contact members of -the House.public Saft,,t And Civil Justice Co-mmittee. to express support 1,.'or the bill. Key points to Convey to lezislators: • Over the years, the state legislature has increased the surcharge on a $40 traffic violation fine to $72, bringing the cost of a rninor inoving violation to over $115 when other fees are factored in.. Of this amount, less dua,ii. $1.4 is allocated to the local unit of gOVernMenit iSSUilIg the CiUltiOT1. • District courts are clogged, and appeals of statutory tickets are exacerbating -the Problem. • Current $1.1rcharges imposed by the state inake the Cost of StaftltOty CitatiOnS excessive for residents, and the cost of prosecuting StatLA01-Y Vi.0h,1ti0n.S iS excessive for taxpayers. There is a lack of clarity in existing state law on. this issue. • Administrative fines allow local haw enforcement officers to cite drivers for minor violations that may otherwise be warnings, and serve as a deterrent for other, inc-,)re serious Riture, violations. 0-uesfions. I ? (.7oi-?.1ac1 Annt-.,.Finn at 65.1,28.1''1263 or eifinw� 4,hne- ot Post fund deficit legisifition introduced A bill that would tackle the deficit in the state's post-employi.-Dent pension fund was ititroduced earlier this week by Sen. Don Betzold. ('I:)FI..- 1, ri dley). 'rhe bill, SF 2969, is sponsored by the Boards of the state's three large it public pension plans. Febl'Uary 22, 2008 Page 6 7 I'he bill includes a number of adjustments to retiree bene -flits to reign in the fund's deficit. 1°1owever, without a revenue source other than volatile irivestinent earnings, the post Fund deficit has only a small chance of being el-inii-nated without even more aggressive intervention, .If the adjusunents to retiree benefits (to not improve the fund'sstatus and the funding level falls below 85 % f0r tWO CODSeCUtiVe years or 80 % in any single year, the bill would require the Post Fund be dissolved and -the assets divided. aniong the three systems in proportion to each system's share of the .Post Fund and merged into each ;ystem.,; active fund. For the PER.A. Coordinated Fulid, the dissolution of the post fund wotild not, under current actuarial estimates, require an. increase in employer or. employee ContribUtion rates. This, is, due to -the fact that CLU'rent contribUtiOn rates are designed to balance the fund over a -period of years, which. spreads the,PERA share of the post fund deficit over that same time period.. The PERA .Police and Fire fund situation could reClUire ai. contribution increase in part due to clianges in the experience oftbe fund and also in part due to its potential Shure of the post fund deficit. The bill will be ref.erred to the [,,egislative L'gniLn ssi. where it will likely be considered fOl' in.ClUSi011 in 81.1 oni.nibus pension bill. A more complete description of the'pos't: fund situation way contained in the January edition of the Minnesota Cifie.y inagazine. Questions', Confact Gai�y (.4iriv-)n at 651.281.1255 l"or 11101.0 ill Iblination oil C-ity le o legislative ins ties, contact any rnember of Ili c Lxaguc of "Viinnewla CALics., In W8. vernmen till Rc I ations team, 65.1.281,1200 or 800.925.1122 tl lid wwwInc,orp, Feb ZZ Z8B8 17:59:15 Via Fax -> 65145ZB94H Administrator (OW 1 .A..G U E of,- MINNESOTA (,t"r ES -Frid.a Fa�- Y A )��crt~k°y legislative tylr�icae Rain the League QfMh717 SOili �..1/•'%t',s' Housing foreclosures package The Senate; introduced and acted on several bills this week. to address the increase in I'I'1()I"tgrfig E fC)rLt I fltit.lr"(" 1.11 .i1!11 Tr'rrt 4o'ta, 'riieSe b'il'ls were culmination of work done by an interiiai foreclosure wcrk.ing group, This, diverse grOLIP consisted of local, government representatives, housing advocacy groups, real estate a sociations, blanking associations and elected officials. .Issues ranging from pre- foreclosu.re rcraaedies, tenants rights, vacancies ta:nci loc<i.l ordinances, data privacy and civil and criminal enforcement were stUdied. and only ite rens and, re nied.ies that: weare a.gree d to by all stakeholders were introduced as biil.s. Iwo ofthe bills as introduced did impfact local gove'rnment$. Sen, ,Ann .Rest New .l:-:iope.) introduccd 51:: 20)14, regUi.ring nirore comprebensive data. on notices cat''pendency and certificates of :�herif"f"s SatIE1s. Ct <a.lso t:reft:f:es zi St:sitewicle f.orecloSure data collection group to study the; develop-ine*nt of a statewide electronic foreclosure collection. Lind rep('rt:i.rig system.. The bill asks then secretary of state to consult with a. statewide work.ingroup consisting; ot; but not limited to, representatives fa:om. varriouS state agencies, the l,lri.iversity of Minnesota, bousing; advocacy organizations and thc:l..,ea_ue of'Min'nesotra Cities. This bill was heard in the Jcacliciii Con-unittee and referred to the Zl.)Late. and Local Government. Operations and Qyer' J.f :1%: Sia 2915, introduced by Seri. Mee;. Mcnaa. (.1:).FL St. Paul), proposed to eliminate the cap on punitive darna.g;e;s, which. -now is statutory is liiaa'ited. to $8,500, if a respondent, in.clud.ing Political subdivi%i(1ns, is found in violation of Paye 0e7 Of BB9 l:telartlfil~y 22, 2008 Meige 7 the Fh nian Rights Act. 'Phis provision, wsis added because housing discritnination is' coia.s.i.dered a..launaa:n rights violation. This cha.ra.ge✓ wasseen as a, problelm because it was no't,just litnited to instances related to housing or moilgages. As a. result of the proposed c.h.,inge, local government would be subjjeet -to POtetitiall-y frivoloUS lawsuit's and increase costs. In the end, Sen, :M-oi -'a le-l:t the cap for political subdivisions, but eliminated the cap foi- a.11, other respondents. A.tier the ariae'iadment, was nia.de;, the bill was forw<ard.erd to the Sedate floor. House companion bills to Sl~ 2914 and SF 2915 are; likely to be introduced 'nextweek. For a com.pl.et:e summary of all foreclosure bills introduced this week Please loot: for the bill stirama.r'ie;s in next week.'s Bulled[,. Quemions? (`onuict flue Ngtrl.ety cit 65.1-281- 1260 or Gwgaovr'rAItne.r.. tir. J0BZ under the gun As mpe:cted, the .)OBZ prograrn was heavily scrutinized in both the l louse and Senate this week as the Office of Legislative Auditor (C)LA) presented their f'a.n.din�s in. three; c1'if-rerent conimi'ttee settings. It is clear that there will be solid attenipt.s to change the progra.ni yet this session, although this legislation has not 'yet been. introduced. The League has coni.I'municated with both L)epartnie;nt of l: mploynient and .0 cononi'ic Develcipinent (DEED), and the Department of Revenue (DOR) l eg i sl at'ive staff that we are willing to work on the legislsat:ive fixes with the>ni with the goal o:fmaking sure this progratia continues to work: for cities. For 11'1(.)1'1 illi(3n11YU1t311 on C13}' ICS ISifltivC t4Sties, Contact any E130111bo1' Ot 111C I...C&gue o 1'r31U1rwta Cities 111tcl-gave"nimenhl Roliilions town. 651,281,1.200 or 800.925..) 122aired. ww%v,l.I:nc,or9 Feb ZZ Z00f3 18:80:06 Via Fax —> 6514528940 Administrator Page BBB Of 009 -Fr .a F �x W- Y A we vkty legislative np(icae otn the League (YMbinerso(a Cities Most, of the crit:icisni.s have been targeted at the administration of: the program by FEED, "I"he:.re: were IS reconanaendations plat forward by 'the OLA., and only two aimed at local goverturients. One would. require that local gover•n.nze;nts get their busirre;ss Subsidy agreernents with businesses "approved" by DEED staff. Another would enact stronger penalties for loo -al governanents that do not file: required reports on tinie. 'there is is pre'ces lent with TIF, that when 'TI.F reports are not filed, t:lac city's.LGA is withheld for a period of time, A r:iiore detailed article on the JOBZ hearings will, happen in. next. week's Bulletin, including a. lila of'the OLA's recominendations,. f: nestions? C"orrlcrc t Jcnntfw• 0'!i'.ourlr'c: ell Tia 1.281.12 6 1 art,r,t rL � rrtr kcY'tr.l�irc:. iar r. Bonding bill in development While transportation and tax issues left over from last year h.ia.ve dominated the early days of this legislative session, there have also been hundreds of"bills discussed relatedto prgjects that could be Funded in the state bonding bill this year. -['lie vanow', committees and divisions that havejurisdiction over state spending arca cornpletin.g their review of proposals for indlusi.on in the state bonding, bill. Each will now forward. its recommendations to the Capital Investment: C:onin-aittee over the next week-, where the House and Serrat6 will each craft: is package of which. projects the state should finance through the, incurrence of state debt. tae govert:ror's initial capital investment proposal can be f'ou.n.d. at lkt:ta?;//Wig+w,'f'1,ilililGe',Stiat:e,rl'rr1.L.a'3/. That package focused heavily on bridges and other February 22, 2008 Page t tr3lisl?ortation projects. 1"he legislative veMions will be quite different frons the governor's proposail. Specifically, the; 'League has recomi-n.ended to both the .House and the Senate thatthe govenlor•'s proposed $46 trillion for variolas city wastewater grant and loar.t programs, be increased to $97 anillion due; to the backlog of citi.e ; waiting for funding for various wast.e.wat:e;'r- a.n.d sewer collection sy'ste-n.i prt;ajectts i.nui the high cost: of the, improvenie:nts needed to city systems to address environniental issues related to inipair-ed waters, "'l"he details of the 1-10LIse and Scutate; bonding bill will be worked out over the next couple of we;ek.s. 'Th.e .I..eague will. report more on these bills as they are put: together. Qrms•liolvz ' C...'ori.facl Johrta•on ill. 651, 81,12S.y c>r, wz�r. Bill to authorize meetings on N/ ardi 4 A bill sponsored. by the League that authorizes local units of goverument to hold meetings on TUesdaye March 4 is now on the Ffouse and Sena.t:e; consent: calendars --oras step away f-orn heading, to (.he governor, 'I'he; bills, SF2428 and I,�.lFrT27)5 are aauthorecl by Sen. A..nn Rem (I:>.I',L- New Hope) a:n.d Rep. I�,�ra._'l�sclikalka.l c_r_. (.I)P:l:.,-.l..,a. Crescent). The bill is necessary due to the decision. by the 1711.1.. and Republican parties to move their respective caucus dates to Tuesday, February 5. ir.ttf:orttu:natcly,, state law specifies that local units ofgoverninent cannot hold bearings after 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of M.arch••-.,,tlre traditional. drate that the parties have held their caucuses. For more information on city 10$isaat.ive issue, contact wly member of Lhe a.. caglic of.Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations team, or tt{>0,1��•:1.1.22 rkrk tivws�.l.zttc .ortj Feb 22 2008 18:00:57 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator i -Fri aY F a - A 1M1'eu 4y legislatim 241.n iattt_Jiwn the League c>j'll?.innesour• Cities "1'lrere are aperoxitnately 80 cities that hold C;C?LI.ncil 11.ieetings on the first Tuesday of each, tn,ontth.. The trill creates a session law t.h.at permits cities to bold ineetings on March 4, 2(:)(")8. "1"ire bill doses not correct the underlying problem with the fact that the political parties are not bound to coin.ply with the State statute setting; the. date -Cor precinct caucuses while cities and other local units ofgovern:ment are barred fr:o€n ho>.ldifIg meetings or events an the date that the statute. setts for major political party precinct caucuses. Q-uestaon ? (.."Ontao Ann Higgins, al 6 51.281.1257 ol• exlit*, �riri.y'(i;.hizc, ()t tv (.Ncrt,t (:%tr'lst�tl al 651, 281,1255 or orrg Town hall meetings town hall ineetings are a. great chance; to meet With yoLt.r" legislators. and tell _yt)Ltr city. ytOry. Upco.tning, €neetings include - Feb. 22 in Alexandria ('l'r°aveler'S 1n€1 Restaurant, 3:45pm) with Sen, 'Bill l.ngebrigtsen and .Rep. "l"orrey West.roi.n Feb. 23 in Ashby (Ruby's City Restaurant, earn) with Son. Bill 1ngebri.gue*n and Rep. Torrey W estroni Feb- 23 in St. Paul (C'orn.o Lake :Pavilion, 1360 N, Lexington lakwy, I Oant) with Sen. Ellen Anderson, 'Rep. Alice Haustnan, and :Rep. John 1"esch Feb. 23 in Long Prairie (I.ong Prairie City flail, 615 .Lake Street South, 10:30a.ni) with Sen. Bill ingebrigtsen and Rep. I'orrey Westroni Page 009 Of 009 February 22, 2008 Page 9 Feb. 23 in 'Burnsville (Burnsville City Flall, l00 Civic Center Parkway, 10,30artt) with 'Rep, Sandra. M.a•si.n Feb. 23 in Staples (Staples Government Center, 611 Iowa Ave; NE, 2prn) with Sen. Bill lri.gebrig;tsen. and. Rep. Torrey Westro.ni Check yotr.r• local newspaper or radiostation for additional. dates. To receive e -tail notice of upcoming town hall meetings near YOU, subscribe online at htt:r�; /f wws�v . h c�rrsc, l ��. s tate;, n.�rr, a s/n� ai 11 i stftr�,ri l i and krt,„��://www;�sc�ra.�.t;e�.l cs��swEa,�le,�,,aratl, iaslscl�cdcrl ell i �t,�s e;r-v.Jttrn Legislative committee ycliedules l -louse and Senate; coins itt:e:es have scheduled a. full slate ofhearing.s for next week. (.."onirrlittEe schedUles change on a. NI Lr.lar- basis. Derr- the latest in-forrii.a.tion on 'l°t ouse and Senate coniTnittee agendas, please visit, the legislative schedules at: }1ttt>,, Hwww-ho lseleg. .shite rtrn..,tis/conitrl/seli.edtj l ea.l l . ast) title://www-senate ,�t;�r�st�te� rrarN. �.t� /tick��cl�Il c;/sc;�r eel.ulc�,plrp7l�+-•-�3Sc�:.crrrlc, Irl ck e,ntfl:e lyre:,--�iYvl�e� •Lrl;1C[)n1r rl For morc lnfbrlilii.l.loli on. city Ic'K,ighttiye iSHue's, cmitact ally mcmbcr of Irlo L,c51(yYlc" UI 1L1111'SetiOla i.'. fiex rnlcrgOvernmental RClat'1O11R yearn, 651,28.1,1.200 or 900,925A 1.22 rind www,tntc,org Feb 29 2808 17:45:50 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator -X7' Frid.a Fa - A aq'eu ";1'GgyIs'.Ctlim •raptit-ae frena the Lec:rgtie q1 ittrres0lc:r. ...Uh?S State budget heads further south l'mance released the semi. -annual state budget f'orecast to an anxioul grollp of legislators, lobbyists and, reporters. s. ,A.s expected, the report: indicates, that the state's budget deficit is now expectedto grow to $935 million for the balance of•the 2008-2009 biennium, which ends on .lune 30, 2009- Just: last November, the forecast indicated that the state was f:a.cing a $373 million budget deficit, although at the end ofthc 2007 session, the titrate leaders thought they .had a $294 million surplus. In less than a year, the slowdown in the ecommmy has reversed the state budget status by more than $1.2 billion. The expected downturn In state revenues, i.,,, based upon the projections of economic activity prepared by the state's economic consulting firma, iadoba.l Insight. t_,ast November, Global Insight was forecasting an econoraaic slowdown but not: an actual recession. Under the new forecast, the economy is now predicted to tacit a short, mild recession for the first two claaailers ofd 2009, 11 lie Department of Fin.ance forecast indicates that: the economic downturn is dile to the slumping jobs ttaa.rk.et, the downturn in the residential h.ous.ing market, increased foreclosures sine higher than expected energy prices. "rhe forecast also indicates that problems in the financial. sector of the ecoaaomy have led to additional tightening of the credit rn.arls.ets and. this tightening has compounded the econorttic slowdown, "']'he Global Insight fo re*cast of a recession is In.oderat:ed somewhat by reductions in interest rates due to actions of the F ederal 'Reservc and the recent: Paye eel Elf ®ee l: cbr nary 29, 2008 Page 1. Congressional passage of the federal economic shirr UIlIS package. For the Ionger term., the forecaast predicts ;;a. lingering state deficit of"$l A billion for th.e 2010-2011 biennium. I his projection is basad on current law revenues and expenditures under the (ilobal hisrght long-term economic forecast. ,A.lthougla revenues are assumed to grow with economic activity Bich year, expenditures do n.ot include the t&fects of in-flation, which is estimated to run at approximately 1 .9 percent annUally, When inflation is added to the major rategoties of state expenditures, the deficit could grow by another $1.04 biltion. to more than $2 billion for the 20102011. biennium- •l:'his longer-term deficit does nt?t require an immediate state response. 'These ti.galres are used. for planning purposes. 'rhe <.i�� will now propose a supplemental state budget that will have to address the $935 na.illion. shortfall for the 2008-2009 biennium. This proposal will l.i.lc:ely be released next week,., 1'he Legislature will, then have an opportunity to craft its own budgetary response. To balance the budget, policyrnaker•s can etatiploy a variety of a:arec:.laa.ra.isa:aas, including revenue iracrea.sc:s, expenditure redl-.aCtiony, a drawdown. of the state's $65.3 million rainy day hand or other reserves or a nunabe:r of accounting maneuvers. One thing is clear, achieving consensus, on a solution to the deficit in the current environment will be difficult at best------a.nd don't be surprised to ser: proposal to address the deficit through state aid cuts to cities. (.,tlesliiam, (::c�rt�czc.t (:.�ixry (.%ti'%5'crtx era 651,281, 125-5 rccrrlsr.�rr rlorrG.(�e : For more inibrinaalk)n on city legislative issue*, Contact an}, n amber of tUc i..,eague of Mhme; ata C'ilien III tergovernmentaI Relations team, 651.281-1200 01'800,925,1172 Itild ti WW.l.lnc,om, Feb 29 2000 1746:42 Via Fax —> 6514520940 Aaministrator Page 002 Of 000 msµ^ j L.A.G U E cel- i�.X.N E SO TA CITIES -Fri a Fa.�- A weeky legishitivc^ the League gfA4irrnCs0A7 (..7W(?S Street improvement district bill hearing scheduled. A. League -initiated bi.) I that; would allow cines to establish street improvement districts will receive its first hearing nextweek, ii.) the;�-�OUISc 1,ocaa.l (,royen.1111e),it aaaid Metropolitan f�(�'aa.irs t.'onimit:t.ee;. '.the bill., HF' 32481 is authored by Reg. Bev Sca.l•x.,e (101-A....it:t:le Canada), and will be heard on Wednesday,.March 5, at 12:30 p.rn_ in the basement li.eaarin.g room of the State Gffi ce 'Bu i l di aid. 'I'lie bill would authorize cities -to collect fees frons property owners within a district to fund tai.a n.i.cipal street maintenance., coaastructiori, reconstruction a.nd facility upgrades. Bet'or•e establishing a street improvement district, the municipality we>I.rl.d be required to adopt a street iniprovenient plain. that identifies and estimates the costs of proposed cor?stat~€ction., reconstruction, faaci.lity upgrades andmaintenance -for- the following five years. Fees would then be apportioned to all parcels located in the street improvement district: on a. Uniform basis within each classification of real estate. Fees collected could only be spent within the district and on projects identified in the street improvement plass. The city could collect raauni.cipal street improvement fees in aa. district f'or tip to 20 years. 'rhe League has consistently he:Lrd f'rC.m-1 city ofticials that existing funding niecha.nisnis for municipally owned st.rects are inadequate, Special assessments can be (>Yjierous to property owners and are difficult to iniplenient for sonic cities; and, special assessments are not always uSefu.l fc)r° funding collector streets and other street's that do not abut private property. Property tax dollars, another con i-nonly used source, tire generally not dedicated and are February 29, 2008 Page 2 sonieti na.es diverted to niore pressi aa.g needs Such as public safety, water duality and cost participation in state and county bigghwsy projects. Finally, naunicipaa:l state aid (.MSA.) is limited to cities over 5,000 population -143 of 854 cities in..M:innesota--incl. cannot be applied to more than 20% of an MSA ci'ty',, lane miles, Existing .M.SA is, not keeping up with the needs of the .NISA system, The street improvement district authority bill. is enabling legislation, No city would be required to create a municipal street improvement district. It is riiodel.ed after Minn.. Stat. 435.44, which allows cities to establish sidewalk. improvement: districts, " he League believes this authority would, provide an alternative funding mechanism 'that is both affordable and fair- to p'ropei:ly owners. It requires a. relationship between who pays fees and where projects Occur, but stoPs short of the benefit. gest that: someti..im. s makes specia..l a t.ssessi,iients vulnerable to legal challenges, It also sloes not prohibit cities from col Iectiri fees fi-orn tax exempt propetlies within a. di,itrict. "l" hiS tool would also allow cities -to perform. nia.intenance and reconstruction on schedule. Tiniely maintenance is essential to preserving streets and thereby prot.eot.ins; taxpayer investments. Finally, street improvement -roes wouldallow property owners to fund expensive projects by 'paying relatively sniaal.l fees over tin -ie. The tool could. be used to mitigate or eliminate the need for special assessments. 1'lae i,ea. rue is encouraging members to contact lepisla.toi-S Who serve* 0€7. the 1'1NC)US0 l..,ocal tiovct-ntner�t: ai.r-tcf Met.rc�).�cilir.ai.n A:f'f`ae.irs For mearc inlimrtu.li<.m c>rr. city ick€Hlxtivc kxuer, contact uny rtrcrrbvr of the l...rir�1,lie of \•iinnc atu Cine� I.iolxtions M1133, (;51..?ii I., l.?t'a(► or 800,925,11.22 and wwi►r.ti:11a,or9, Feb Z9 ZHHO 17:47:35 Via Fax _> 65145ZH94H Administrator E.A.G*U E oil MJNNESOTA CITIES 1-1-%7- -Fri d-ayFa,X- A )veeky legislative uIxii.-aefivin the League al'A41MICS00 CUhU Page HH3 Of HHH February 29, 2008 Page 3 Comniji-tee and Urge th('01 to vote for HT, 3248, spite of the 1.'a-ct that the Leasue Tis addressed Mernbers are: many oftheir concerns, I 15,ILIU) R (DI"L,-Brooklyn Center) (W -T -L i Cresecul.) Morde L,.,.u1Y1Jpjl (R-Moork,ad) (R.-Sbakopec) Marklimam ul- (R-Jord,in) Willie Doining1jgLz. (DI"L-St. Nut) MM -1 Ji LHOL( MY (R-LAcvi1Jc) L,Irry 1-10\ve (R -Walker) (Dfl,-CLara City) Ai j1_1Lo_c,/m_v _sk Paul Wrouall (DR-Dilwor(b) (111:-Bi8 Lake) aa3_�_JL�- (DI"L-LittleCani&�j) Lamm Solbor (DR. -Grand Rapids) 290-3709 If the bill passes next Wednesday, it is expected to niake additional stops in thetfouse'Taxes 290-9278 Com.mittee and the 1,,[oLise'l._raiiSDoi-t:ati(>t]and '"fran,sit eoucy slubconunittee. 296-551.5 The Senate conipanion, SF 2937. is being 296-8872 carried by 5_eg. TU �0<01 seen (DF L.-Hl'irris). It is awaitin.g a Ii,earing in the Senate Committee oil 296-3185 State and Local (3overnment Operations awj 296-8659 Quesfion,v? C'OnuxlAnne kYnn cit 651,281,1263 296-3824 or 296-6926 March 4 meeting bill is now law 296-2,451 A. bill sponsored. by the League o -f Minnesota 296-4346 Cities, which clarifies that local. units of government may hold ilieetings on Tuesday, 296-421.8 Much 4, 2008, is now law. 296-6829 `Fhe League received word j List after 10 a, m, today that the &qX Lttgr has signed this bill. into 2964237 law, It is now legal to hold council or other city meetings on March 4, 2008- A notice -to 296-7.1.53 affected cities went out via emad this niorni-jig, 296-2365 .1 gue is anticipating opposition 1rom son -ie of the sanie enfitie,, that opposed the street: utility initiative led by the League in recent years. Specifically, representatives of the Minnesota Auto Dealers, Association, the MiD.Desota Trucking Association and the Builders Association of Minnesota have stated their organizationswill work against fhe bill in The new law permits cities to hold meetings on March 4, 2008. 'rhe bill, does not correct the underlying problern with the fact that the political parties are not bound to comply with the state statute setting; the date :Par precinct caum.ises while cities kind other local units of goverm-nent are barred. from holding niectings or events on the date that the statute sets for major political party precinct UILICUses. We had hoped that the bill would.have been signed inu) law earlier but the legislative For more filfbrinalion 4mi ch. y 10,gishuivc 188Sics, Contact anv membor offlic Le4,uc of -'Minnesota Cifics Intorhownimemal Relatiolui team. 651.28 L 1.1200 or 900,925,1122 ].)kd WWW, MC,org Feb 7.9 Z8813 17:48:Z8 Via Fax -> G5145ZH94H Administrator Page 884 5£ 888 -Fri .aY Fa�� A ►vtirck4y le gi,shitive the League CJf"Minnesett:r C..'ii'ies process has many checks and balances. For example, -the t'.>ill only had to be considered by one Senate committee but: under- tb.c .14ouse conlnaittee structure, the bill was routed through, two col: imittees. Each committee hearing and the reCluired intermediate floor actions can extend the process by several days. In addition, jList to get the bill t'o the governor yesterday-, we had to convince: two-thirds ofthe nienibery of the I-Jou,se to suspend the Constitutional regtrirentent that a, bill. be laid over for a clay between the second and third readings. In the end, the bill, S.'F 24,28 authored by Sun, .nal .CLe;t. (DF :lam :New Hope) and .Rep. Ken J'schut'a•ape (1:)F.L-La. Crescent), passed una.niniousl.y in both the l-l.ouse and Senate. Quesdr.'on ? (."r.)n1ac t Ann Hig gitis at 65 L 288 125 i or• erh=ins'tr;ltiz o of or(.';WY 07r•1 on cit 651,28L 1255 ,a�ccrr!st�rrC l;Irrzc.or;sr. Future of administrative bines legislation unclear bills that would clarify whether local units of sovernnalent have authority to isstie'their" own traffic tickets for low-level. of -enses were stalled in key House and Senate co'm.rnitte:es this week. l:'he Sen ate_.10.j.ciary �`c;�nl lli_tt:eir heard Sly' :1.55 {;Fwg&% , D L-C'oon Rapids.). Ironically, the bill was introduced in 2007 as a measure to prohibit the practice. Last sessicyn, against the author's, objections, the Senaa.t'e Trranspor,�til. ion Corntnittee amended they bill to explicitly give local law enforeenient agencies litnited aauth.ority to use administrative fines for moving v.iolat:iora.s such as speeding under- 10 ni les per hour aabove the limit. In this week.'s Judiciary February./29,2008 rage 4 C"onainittee hearing, Sen. L,eo Foley attempted to amend his bill back, into its original forin, and the amen( meat. failed, Serra, :1,'ol.ey them tabled his bill, In. the; Biose, the S'ubl c ,".3a ety:._txnd Civil .lwgice (:ornnr.ittee heard R.F 847 (Hosch, DFL- St..Joseph), a bill that would authorize administrative tines for minor- tra.ffi.c offenses. After brief discussion, aa. motion to paa.ss the bill to the Public S of ;ty _I`1.nance Division without t-ecc7nnn ndation failed. The bills attempt toaddress a disputer that has existed since 2003 where former State Auditor Patricia Anderson and sonne legislators criticized cities for using administrative fines For: low-level speeding violations, Both former Auditor Anderson and former Attorney General Mike Flat.ch issued statenients essentially ,,, . ting cities do riot have (authority to use adrninistrattive penalties to enl''oree state traffic laws. The ..Lea. ue's position acknowledges ambiguity in the law and requests that the Legislature give citie.S some limited authority to il$e a.d.rn i rl a st:r"a.t:l Ve fines f'or" traffic C Earn 1 orcetrt e tat. 1'he issue is rooted in Iegisla.tive. actions that have increased state surcharges--th.e; arraou.nt over and above the fine—on, rnisderncaaaaor violations in order to bail out the state's general fund_ :Ira 2003, the.Legislature increased the surclia:rge on certain o6enses, Inc:l.uding petty misdernear:nor-s frorn $35 to `1;60. Then, in 2005, the :1_.egislature increased the surcharge on the sa.rne category of violations from $6Q to x;72, The surcharge is deposited into the Staate's general 1`u.nd. The measure* brings the cost of a traffic ticket to a rninimurn of about x;120, with just $13 to $20 going back to the jurisdiction For more information on city lcgislativc imaics, contact any member of tltc I.eagtte ol:` NIlnncsota C.ilies Intcrryo�rormncntar Relations teinn, 651.28 L 1.20() or 900,925,1122 alrtd www.1MC,cary, Feb 29 2000 17:49:12 Via Fax -> 6514520940 Administrator Paye 005 of 008 F rida'WyFct'x- A weekly legislative rrpi crlir fie>rra the League u<y rrj'll4.irrru, ,sc��c r. (-'We s t:.ha.t issues the violation. City officials have been increasingly alarmed at tlt.e financial. r mpactthe surcharge has oil residents, Atthe ., nes ti-nie, resertunent has grown over the lopsided, distribution of the revenues collec't'ed for statutory violations enforced at tll.e local level. Cities thaat. use a j.dlllilli.strative '(.rrles for traffil.c enforCer'n.ent Cite a lack of clarity ill the existing law and, say the practice makes sense from both fiscal and public safety perspectives. They say the surcharges imposed by the state snake the Cost 01" statutory violations excessi'v'e for residents and that the cost: of prosecuting statutory violations is excessive for taxpayer.$. Many are. limiting the use of administrative fines to first. c.>tTenses and to what: sorne would describe as less seriotrs o'ffeflSeS Such as driving fewer than. 1.0 miles per Ilou.r above the speed. limit., Law en'forcernent W:iicia}l.s say most of these of'f'enses would otherwise result in warn-mgs, No further hearings on. this issue have been scheduled. Quesion,s? f.::"c.,rrlcrcl Anne Finn cit 65L28 , 1263 (it' C1 lit? LG'.A bill. intk'odticed. (,)n 'f"hr,rrsd.aay, Sen.,.`lam (1)F .,- (learbrook.) introduced 5F. 32;3a., a short -tern LGA. reform bill that seeks to restore $90 tnilllon in LGA. funding and begirt to address several of'the problematic pieces of the current LGA. systten.1, Sen, S.koe is -the chair o:f the r12c sly.1;)i,vi:"„sry of tile Se:llart'.e Lqx. ('orllniince. The bill. is co-authored by Senators Mee Mouaa (l;y.IFL-•Saint Paul), David, Senierl, (RAlochester), Katie Siebert (I::ffl...,-•Newport:), February 29, 2008 Page s ar.n(l Scc7t:t: C:)ibble (.rw�l~1,..-M:iil.il.eapolis), ":l"lacy bill could be t.}p f.01'a. hearing in the Senate Property ":lax division as early as next `:l''hu:rsday, .March 6, Over the past several years, there has been a growin.g discontent in the city community about the :LGA f0rrllula_ TheLeague has been working with the Minnesota. Association of Small Cities, Metro Cities, Coalition of Greater .Minnesota Cities, the North. Metro .Mayors Association, the .Range .Association or Municipalities and School Districts and the Municipal :1_,egislative Commission, as well as the cities of Minneapolis and St:, Paul to identify weaknesses in the current forr,lula and to ultimately develop a better system.. The group developed this proposal as an i nte'rirn step to begin to address 'problems and to hopefilll.y gain support for restoring the remaining 2003 cuts in th.e .LGA appropriation. 1' be bill includes a legislative study and process to identify a lon;m er-ten-n solution to the .l„ GA. i SAW, We expect the Fl:oure companion to be introduced soon by R�'a? ,l�tewi.rl MfI�,cl�tfi�°t )F Dilworth), Dilwor.th), who cllaiirs the Property Tgx. ;kt;he:f" 1 L)n in the House, At this point, other I -•louse authors oil the bill include Reps. Frank. M.oe (1).FI.. 'Bemidji), ,lila Daavrlie (:l;)FL- M.irlrleapcalis),fr.r7cl.rcr, (DFL -New I'lope), (DFL -Clara, a.ra. City ), g7a l•.: i.ls l m. (DEL -Brooklyn Center) aand . olrn 1.'esch (1)F.l_.-Saint Paul). In short, tile bill would; Replace the regional Center aid with a new .jobs -based aid for all cities over S,OQO population, For 11101'x; lll.rllrill£4tion on vily ICL . lative immes, contact ffliv Me1r bel' Ot• Lrlc rx;a�,ui OJ:' Vli1111e tlta CALics I11Lor'govcri1 nental Relations team, i:' 1,281,120O or 900,925.1.122 iuld bv,v\v,1tnC ,Org Feb 29 ZOOO 17:50:03 Via Fax —> G5145ZB94H Administrator L,EAGU E of.- MIrrrr'EsarA Crr►Es -FriW .a F a�- A rwev y legislative as i>< <alcr /rc>raa the Leaguer q1 it ?7VS0t(7 C -isles • Double the small city aid bass: from $6 to $12 per person and cre a.te a. local e.fl,,%rrt offset that reduces aid. in. cities with strong tax bases. • Create as aaainina.una need of $290 per person Cor cities over 2,500. • .remove the taconite aid. offset. • Add $90 million to the .0 GA. appropriation, "scalable" to other a a.ppropriaataon levels, • Create a legislative/city proces5'to ident'i'fy ra -new :l,,.GA formula., (-)11esiionsS (..'f)Pll(:ld Ge;v:V (.Ctr'l5on 411 65.1. 281.12 55 oi- gc,:f..- lvcarrstt.lrnc:,yi lay. Fii-st omnibus tax bill moves along The neat -quite -non -controversial omnibus tax bill crept along this week. as the pct ate 'l; ",ax C..'.ornT'-mitt.e'e' considered the Senate companion, ,OU L) �5., I heHouse version., I, 32()1, will likely be debatedon the floor• ora Monday, March 3 .......... .after having been postponed -orn the "Riursdaty evening .l- ou:,e floor session. The bill includes the bulk of'the non -controversial pieces frorn. last year's omnibus taax bill, and is authored by House Tax Chair Ann l-enczew�l<i (13 L-Bloomin ton.) and Sen.. Tax Chair ."Forra. 1::3aa.4.k. (DFL -Cook), Perhaps the most contentious issue is the c.laa,"ifictation change flor public utility property, Last year, in his veto letter, the �f?V(�rilf�11" cited at similar provision supported by utility host cities and counties that would have increased the; property tax classifi.ca:tion. ratefor public utility and pipeline property to otTs�t a new property V luation 'procedure that reduced the market value of"these properties—League policies support this naodificat.icyn to state law. Paye BB6 Of BBB February 29, 2008 Page 6 ""I'here are indications, inch,.r.ciing public conanaerats from the Qara.trrar.ssioner crf' I�evcryl�c;� that the gioverraor- mightveto the bili. over this provision and we expect there will be attempts to remove the utility crass rate change on the l-°lotase fl.00r. During the Senate -.Fax Committee debate, Sen. .E aloe expressed his deMre that the host cities and utilities continue 'to seek a mutual solution, In addition to the public utility class rats: changes, the bill includes Joca.l sales tax a.djUSt11a nt$ or authorizations for Betnidji, Clearwater, North .Mankato, Proctor and Winona-, revenue recapture aauth,ority For debts to at city; changes in "11.. law that allow a later start at increment; theLGA volatility fax., aro authorization to create trusts to fund "Other Pc%tniployment Benefits," an authorization to hold joint public truth-iia-taXati.oaa lacarin s iia. Counties outside the metropolitan areas; heartier city enterprise zone allocations; and many city - specific TIF, authorizations, 1"he bill also includes an a uth.uriztation icor. cities 'to issue gra.tat anticipation (CIARVE E) bonds and. would shift voter -approved GO. cleft levies from market value to net tax capacity. 1 Yn-fortu.na:te:ly, the bill also includes a. temporary prohibition on local Soverninent advertising, promoting, expending funds or holding aa. re::fcrenduna to support: imposing a Isocal Sales tax, "rtiis prohibition would be in place from June 1, 2008, through. December w31, 201.0, Queslions? ("onlcic;l of cap• Jefjiii fer• O'Rourke c:1i 6,51.281, 1 6.1 or For more in oro&1110n on City lcj! ishativc imucs, contact ll.ny r11c111bCr OftbC LCRgUC Oe Minneseta Cities Intergovernmental Rchallon8 1'Caln, k.' X5.1.281.,1.21)0 01'900,925,1122 ta.ract www.b.11c,org Feb 29 2000 17:50:54 Via Fax -> 6514528940 Administrator 01 E.A.G U E of,- MINNESOTA 1-MINNESOTA CITIES -Fri a Fa�- A )vec y .G'g,t,S•<:'7llVE' Zq7c47(N f!'(Jf'i1 the A..G'G74;RtE." (.fA4%/7M<''S0/GX (.Xi'lBS House foreclosure prol:)osals A11er° a busy week by the Senate on 110US1n1c" foreclosure bills, t:he; 'llouse introduced their own proposals -to hello M.inj:iesota hoineowntrs. Rep—loc: Mulle:ry (DF1..,-Min.rret1p0lis), Who haS worked ori this issue over the interirra, introduced the "Foreclosure Intervention Act," I. -IF 3:348 earlier this week., This bill is essientially an omnibus foreclosure bill. consisting of biIIs brought; -forward by the: Foreclosure Working C-rrot.ip and introduced in the Serrate last week.. The orarnibUs bill addresses issues ranging fi-ona pre-forec.losu:rea remedies, tenants' righty, vacancies and local ordinances, data privacy and civil and crinlin.al enforesernent. In addition to the omnibus bill, conipa.nions to the Senate bills wG:rc introduced as separate bills. The 1-1ou5e 1'Ll ig flat % t.Id Civil ,Justice which Rep. M:I.I.IIer_y chairs, will hold a public hearing on. Monday night. at. 6:30 p.m. at Folwell .park in Nwh :Mirtneapoliy to hear the bills. A. bill putting a one year n:aora.wl'itrrar ort. foreclosure sales was introduced by i_Zpp_Jizxt D avrrie (f.)F.L-Minneapoli,,i). Titled the "Minnesam Subprime 1 oreclosure Deferment Act of 2008", TIF :3612 would allow borrowers who obtained either a subprime loam or a loan with a negative amortization after January ], 2001, and before August: 1, 2007, to defer the forecl osure sal e, Borrowers would Ila.ve to provide an aff"rda.vi.t to the lenderstating that they are the borrower, that they 'reside at the current residence, the date the sale is scheduled and the type of loan, After receiving the deferrrrent letter, lenders, Page 007 Of 000 February 29, 2005 Page 7 would have to reicind the foreclosure sale, acknowledge the deferment and provide a new deferment pa:ynlerit a:niount. :If a borrower fails to pay the new deferment arnount., then the lender has the right to schedule a. foreclosure sale.. And -finally &, ('�ti.rlc (DI 1.,- Mirane4apolis), chair oftile :E-:1ouyina, Policy and lr -1T1aT Cc, {;: °>ttrrr7it.. , i.latrodtrcE�d F11, :3600 declaring a.110LIsing eraaergenc:y in the state of, Minnesota, The; bill would allow borrowers to a.slc for unci allow courts to postpone foreclosure sales and extend reden:aption periods for loans, fff'3348,171F 3612 and file 3600 do not currently have senate companions arid as of Friday's press time there are' no cc.mant'rttees scheduled to hear the bills. Quesiiaras? (.ontc:aC:i fluty N�gt(y en in 6-5.1,281,1260 or 1zri,Ly�.r. ►'c>>z' ' l�n�'- r�r s, Mwidatoi-y statewide uuil.d.irrg code proposed A bill regUirirrg staat'.ewide en:f:orcenient of the building code* was introduced. by :Rep. Jrrhnk.e (:l:)l'�`.I..,- Wilh-na.r) a.nd Sen. Toni ]3akk: (DFL -Cook) earlier this week.. The I3r,rild.ers Association ofM:innesota., the main proponents of hilt 3574./ SF 3291 have been 'lwshing t<.>r statewide cnf'orcetraent for the past several sessions. Currently, all cities in the seven-cG>r_trtty metropolita.ri area. are; 'required to, arad many Greater Minnesota cities have adopted the state building code. The state's building code rern.a.ins optional Cor cities (.ender 2,400 Pol7ulMion that arelocated in a n.on- 1^or more in6onn lion 43,11. city Ic.gislativc. isxucsa, corltaci any ntcmInr of the Ua6uc Of Minnesota Cities Relations trine. 6,31.281,1200 o'r 800,925,1.122 ill'id WW%N?Jra7c;,0r-t„ Feb 29 2888 17:51:44 Via Fax �(0 0 1 EAG UE of MINNESOTA _> 6514528940 Administrator Paye 088 Of 088 -Fr aF E -1t -, X7- . ivy» ;Y •4';'+,'%<xtiuc arp<li:rdif fi'c,ira the L,i:'c:ru-0fVirrrre,�sc'rdc:r. (.:rddVas metropolitan. county where voters have, approved an exemption from the state buildifig code and have not adopted the codes before January 1., 1.977, do trot have to enforce the state's building code. 'T' he League has in the past expressed concerns expanding the building code Statewide because of costs to cities due to expenses and overhead relating to staffing. The 1,ek. gi. e's policy an statewide eYa:force:nient, SQ -17 states that the adoption. of an enforced state building code should renlaain as local option for municipalities Under 2,500 population thatare located in as non -metropolitan coun:ty.,. unless the state (tally funds the c:o%ls of enforcern.ent arid inspection services necessary to enforce a statewide building code, HF 3574/ Sl.� 3291 Ynaake the building code apply statewide for all municipalities except: those with. a population under 2,500 that have not already adopted the code, Enforcement is required by a municipality only i.f.'they have already opted into building coda enforcenient or i.f'they choose to do so in flatilr'e. Tc) address the concerns raised by cities who do not have CluF.alifiled inspectors, the bill would regpi.re the. .Depaarhn.ent of.Labor and .Industry to send an inspector to the municipality to perfora7.1 the inspection on as.l.ee basis, The bill would repeal prmi.si.ons relating to refereltda on state building code retluixetxaent in nonrnetropolitan counties arid local option for municipalities with aa. population under 2,500, Ques,flo rss ? C'onlac:l J-1ne .N;;*rqei—i at 65 1. 81,1 60 ol, .'din :'. c>i _t,'. February 29, 2005 Page 8 Legislative committee schedules Flou.se and Senate coYr m.i'ttees have scheduled a ft.ill slate of'hearings for next week'. Conrirrtit:tee schedules change on a, regular basis. For the latest .informaa.tion. on Flouse a.Y.ul Senate: committee agendas, please visit the: legislative schedules at.: littt)://ww:w:l ouse.Ie state.iiin_us/coinYaa/schedu .__..._ .....�,............_.......� ..__.....r_.._.._ _.........._.._.. .....,.......�.__...._� let}.li.trs � l tip..//w �xrwSeYaatc�.le 5�:, .tG.l1�))..:tz /fir}f9"'d t "t e.dt.rlc,n�an?1s=-i3SG�-cn�t:e:. ic1—c�rcr�tte ty�?c-��,ty,��c - :a '>Corali a1 'Yowvn hall meetings Town hall. meetings are a great chance to meet with your legislators and tell your city story. Upcon'ring meetings in a city near you include, - M.0.1' 1 41 St. Paul (Hil1CrC$1. (70ltt1t11artity Center. 1978 Ford. Parkway, I Own) with Rep, Michaacl PaaNufiaar Maar G ir:r Minneapolis (Fil.li.c's 13w ni, 2803 .1irast 38th Street, 71)a1) Nvitla Sett Toms,Raay ;:incl Rep. Jtrn Daavnie: Maar. 8 in Rochester (Dunn Brothon, Coffee, 120 Ilton 1 -fills Dnve.NW, 8:30 9;30,1111) midi Rep .Kiln Norton C:'heck. your local newspaaper Or ra dl.o Statt.lon for additional dates. To receive e-naail notice of upcoming town hall meetings n.ea.r you, subscribe online at lll ://www.hh!Llc;q .5�k1t�.i��r1;t /.11,1,1x.1Eli� /1n1i1i1 1ist.a;s and h- U! sr'rtyt;l; stat .oxa.�x. ids/scla e-cta1 e/1i51se:!' v.htrn To keep informed on news from the blouse of Representatives, subscribe to the nonpartisan Session Weekly newsmagazine at: Wim rsE.I� ,.5--t.l.tc .inn.tri/lair3,f:D,/aI1L, sg1ibe sw. p or cal 1651.296.2 146 car 800.657.3550. For more inlbrm lion onoitv legislative ESR u0m, Contact ally E11QITiber of tllc [...¢1ttpx. or: tiEMICSOt'El C.•E[.ECB 1X[(119 oil tealll, (151,281, 1200 or 800,925, t .1.22 aartd ti ww.t.rYaC,org