HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes November 23rd 2016 1
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Memo TO: City Council Members FROM:Eric J has inistrator
WEEKLY NOTES November 23,2016
Items of Note in this Short Holiday week.
1. The City has not received any new applications.
2. The City has received a draft from MNDOT to extend the City's snowplowing responsibilities for the south frontage roadway for
three additional years. I would anticipate that this would be on the Council's agenda for 12/13.
3. Recall that with the construction of Paris Ave.a sidewalk was installed and per the City's nuisance ordinance is the responsibility
of the abutting property owner to shovel and keep clear.It is a 5'sidewalk and would be difficult for the City to clear with current
trucks/tractor equipment. If however,there is a consideration that the City assume that clearing with snow-blowing equip,etc.
that you please let me know your thoughts on this policy as the City has not plowed sidewalks previously—such as at Boutwell's
campus.
4. The City and the three Unions have agreed on the 2017 Health Care plans;remaining union negotiations are forthcoming in
December.Recall the Heath Care item saw marginal changes,but did have a renewal deadline for 11/28/16.
Mayor McComber Provided the Following Items:
• Information from the NLC Conference—"Building Trust Between Police and the Communities They Serve"
• METRO CITIES update for 11/21/16
• MAOSC(Minnesota Association of Small Cities)State Newsletter for November 2016.
• Conversations of the Valley—for 12/14/16
Please call me at any time if you have questions...651.253-7837
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Building Trust Between Police
and the Communities They Serve
"There have been times when law enforcement officers,because of the laws enacted by federal,state,and local
governments,have been the face of oppression for far too many of our fellow citizensin the past,the laws
adopted by our society have required police officers to perform many unpalatable tasks,such as ensuring
legalized discrimination or even denying the basic rights of citizenship to many of our fellow Americans.
While this is no longer the case,this dark side of our shared history has created a multigenerational—almost
inherited—mistrust between many communities of color and their law enforcement agencies.Many officers
who do not share this common heritage often struggle to comprehend the reasons behind this historic mistrust.
As a result they are often unable to bridge this gap and connect with some segments of their communities...
[T]he f first step in this process is for law enforcement and the IACD to acknowledge and apologize for
the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society's historical mistreatment of
communities of color."
—TERRENCE M CUNNINGHAM,PRESIDENT,THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE
THE CHALLENGE: Watts section of Los Angeles, a neighborhood
Municipal leaders can choose what kind of with mostly Black and Latino residents,
new policies include a five-year residency
policing they will seek to provide to their requirement for sworn officers, co-screening
constituents. In recent years, more have been of police by community members, and
choosing to place greater emphasis on police- evaluation and promotion criteria based in
community partnerships and the co-production
large part on the quality and frequency of their
of safety, which necessitates a strong focus community contacts and crime reduction in the
on equity, transparency, accountability, shared neighborhoods they serve. In cities like New
information, and changes in how police are Orleans and Tacoma, Washington, community
trained, evaluated and promoted. conversations with law enforcement and
In the wake of recent and highly-publicized residents of color are providing space for racial
shootings of both residents of color and healing by acknowledging the historical role
police officers, many mayors and other city of policing in the creation of racial inequities.
leaders are wrestling with these choices. In In other cities, elected officials are taking
some communities, the resulting changes are more incremental but still hopeful steps to
sweeping and dramatic. For example, in the strengthen ties between police and
the community.
P&O4 69 Toledo Blade/Jetta Fraser
Enforcement is not the core of our work.Harm reduction,sustaining healthy communities and work withyouth
lie at our heart We must co-produce safety with the community. we need training on the rightful role of police
and training for mayors on hiring police chiefs,as public safety is their most important fob and the chief of
police is their most important hire."
—JIM BUEERMANN,PRESIDENT,THE POLICE FOUNDATION
Too little research has been done on the • Establishing success indicators to measure
effectiveness of these efforts to know with the progress of strategies to increase
certainty the most effective ways to build trust between law enforcement and the
police-community trust. Nonetheless, a wealth community
of ideas and city examples give municipal Sharing plans with trusted community
officials many ways to get started. Five areas
partners (e.g., local chapters of the NAACP
seem particularly promising for local action: and affiliates of National Council of La Raza,
engaging the community in planning and the faith community)
oversight; improving police training; promoting
youth development; connecting residents to
resources; and building personal relationships Improving Training and Support for
between police officers and residents. POIICe Officers:
Numerous examples in each area are listed • Implicit bias training
below. For more information, contact NLC's
Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) initiative at De-escalation of force training
real@nic.org. • Cultural competency training
• Changing how officers are evaluated and
Engaging the Community in promoted (Watts, CA; Camden)
Planning and Oversight:
• Community service in Police Academy
• Community conversations about race and training (e.g., mentoring youth throughout
police-community relations (many cities) academy training)
• Police and community working together to • "Transparency" policies
develop comprehensive violence prevention
plans (many cities) Training police officers to police one another
(New Orleans)
• MOUs that enhance data sharing and
• Recruitment and hiring of minority and
prevention planning
bilingual, bi-cultural law enforcement officers
• "Micro-Community Policing Plans"
• "Adopt a Cop" (e.g., churches praying for,
(neighborhood safety plans developed with
caring for individual officers in San Jose, CA)
local residents in Seattle)
• Citizen Police Academies (many cities)
• "Community of Trust Committee" (Fairfax
County, VA)
• Police/Clergy Advisory Boards (many cities)
2 3 of 19 NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES POLICE-COMMUNITY TRUST BRIEF
Promoting and Supporting Youth • Diversion from arrest (Law Enforcement
Development: Assisted Diversion in many cities)
• Mentoring ("Youth Pride" in Providence; • Police/Human Services/School partnership
"Ambassadors Program" in Saint Paul) to divert low-level offenders to services,
which include school retention strategies
• Tutoring (Santa Rosa, CA; "OK" program in (Philadelphia)
Oakland, CA; PACER in Camden)
• Citation and release (Charleston, SC)
• Coaching football/basketball; police-athletic
leagues (PAL in many cities) • Officers linking caregivers to child protection
agencies following arrest of a parent
• Chief's Youth Advisory Board (Louisville)
• Police Departments supporting "Peacemaker
• Police Cadet Program (Los Angeles) or Street Worker" (Cure Violence) initiatives,
• Police Academy (D.C.) most of which are staffed by ex-offenders
• Explorer Scouts (many cities)
Building Personal Relationships
• "Challenges and Choices" taught by police in between Officers and Residents:
public schools (Los Angeles)
• Pop Up Barbeques (Camden)
• "Officer Friendly" programs in schools
• Bike Patrols (Minneapolis; Covina, CA)
• Safety camps for youth (New Orleans)
• Operation Hoodsie (ice cream) Cup (Boston)
• Youth/police dialogues (New Orleans,
Seattle) • Police/Youth Chats (Louisville)
• Youth and Police Initiatives (Spokane; several • Coffee with a Cop, Coke with a Cop, Shop
sites in MA via Northeast Family Institute) with a Cop (several cities)
• "Open Up" (police delivering food to people
Connecting Residents to experiencing poverty in Knoxville)
Community Resources: • Police attending community meetings
• Mental health clinicians riding with officers (many cities)
(Oakland, CA); mental health officers
Police worshipping in local churches/singing
(Madison, WI) in choirs, attending local sport events &
• Making citizens aware of essential services funerals
(e.g., homeless shelters, addiction treatment, . Peace Walks with community groups (Long
housing and code enforcement) Beach; Boston; Richmond, CA; Seattle)
• Social workers stationed in police . Help giving away food; planting trees (New
departments (Boston) Orleans)
• "Quality of Life Officers" (New Orleans) "Trust Talks" (Winston-Salem, NC)
• Community Policing Officers spotting and
• Clergy (Baltimore) and citizen "Ride-Alongs"
responding to non-enforcement problems
(many cities)
such as poor lighting, absence of stop signs,
local parks in disarray, problem bars (many • Acknowledge need for reconciliation and for
cities) vehicles that promote trust
• Use of social media vehicles to share police
programs, policies, practice
41sr1®NAL LEAGUE OF CITIES POLICE-COMMUNITY TRUST BRIEF 3
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
• National League of Cities ("Policing in the 21st Century" report; REAL online resources)
• President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing (recommendations derived from
national hearings)
• The Police Foundation (evidence-based approaches to improve policing)
• The Police Executive Research Forum (program and policy research, TA provider, author of
"Guiding Principles on Use of Force")
• International Association of Chiefs of Police (providing research, education on exemplary
practice to its worldwide association of police professionals)
• Campaign Zero (10 recommendations to reduce police violence from the community
perspective)
• Vera Institute of Justice ("How to Support Trust Building in Your Agency")
• John Jay College, National Institute for Building Trust(initiative in six cities: Birmingham.
Fort Wayne, Gary, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Stockton)
• U.S. Conference of Mayors ("Strengthening Police-Community Relations in America,"
report of Working group of Mayors and Police Chiefs)
• National Conference of State Legislators (policy actions states can take)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (policing and the mentally ill)
• National Association of Counties (reports on various criminal justice issues)
This policy brief was developed by Jack Calhoun, President and CEO of Hope Matters and
Senior Consultant to the National League of Cities.
NLCNATIONAL
LEAGUE
OF CITIES
CITIES STRONG TOGETHER
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Applications Being Accepted for GEARS
Metro Cities is currently accepting applications for
participation on the GEARS committee. The
Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) and And follow us on Twitter
Grant Evaluation and Ranking System (GEARS)
' committee, established in 2008 in conjunction with 13
the passage of the metro sales tax, distribute funds
for capital and operating grants for transit projects
in the region.
�. The role of the GEARS committee is to evaluate
and rank transit grant applications based on criteria
established by the CTIB, and to forward those
""" recommendations to the CTIB.
10- 110 Five counties- Hennepin, Ramsey,Anoka,
rami . m, Washington and Dakota- enacted the new sales
tax. Cities within those counties are eligible for
one of eight city seats on the fourteen member
In Current/Archived GEARS committee (a Met Council member and
Newsletters: five county representatives make up the remainder
Archives of GEARS).
Four seats expire at the end of this year for
cities in Anoka, Ramsey, and Washington
Counties, as well as a seat designated for St.
Paul. Please note that the GEARS member in
Ramsey County did not run for local re-
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election, creating a vacancy for the GEARS
seat.Applicants must be elected city officials.
Interested applicants are asked to forward their
bio/resume and a cover letter that touches on their
experience and vision on transportation/transit
issues to .; :. or to Metro
Cities, 145 University Ave West, St. Paul, MN
55103 by Tuesday, November 29, 2016. A
nominating committee will meet in December to
recommend members for the GEARS committee.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve
Huser, Government Relations Specialist, at 651-
215-4003 or stevenAmetrocitiesmn.oru
Minnesota Housing Extends Comment Period
on Changes to Tax Credit Program
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Board of
Directors last week officially postponed proposed
changes to the 2017 Qualified Allocation Plan
which would have impacted distribution of 2017 tax
credits, and also extended the comment period to
November 30. A previously announced moratorium
on requests for 4% housing tax credits or for
allocations of Private Activity Bonds is also no
longer in effect.
The agency announced it is still proposing the
same changes for the 2018 QAP. See
the for
information on the proposed changes.
Metro Cities' staff testified at the November 16
public hearing and those comments were
forwarded to the Minnesota Housing board. Metro
Cities is concerned that reducing flexibility in the
program is detrimental to meeting a range of
housing needs that are currently allowed and that
recognize varying needs across communities.
The deadline for written comments to the proposed
2018 changes has been extended and are
now due November 30. In addition to last week's
public testimony, Metro Cities submitted
this to the MHFA board.
Minnesota Housing staff explained that the agency
plans to do outreach on the proposed changes in
December, including a webinar. The agency will
react to comments and feedback and may make
changes to the proposal in advance of its January
2017 board meeting. Following that meeting,
Minnesota Housing will open another public
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comment period pertaining to the January proposal
that will then be voted on by its board at its
February 2017 meeting.
Metro Cities encourages cities that have concerns
about the changes to submit comments to the
MHFA. Please contact Charlie Vander Aarde at
651-215-4001 or with
any questions or for additional information.
Inflow-Infiltration Task Force
Recommendations
A recently concluded task force of city staff
officials and Metropolitan Council Environment
Services (MCES)staff met over several months to
review the Metropolitan Council's inflow-infiltration
(1/1) program and examine options specifically for
addressing private property 1/1 mitigation. Cities
identified by the Metropolitan Council as"excess"
1/1 contributors must take steps to address
problems on public and private systems. Inflow and
infiltration occurs when clean water enters the
wastewater system through sump pumps or illegal
drains or when groundwater makes its way into
broken pipes.
Metro Cities has secured state bonding assistance
to assist cities with 1/1 mitigation on local public
infrastructure, and Clean Water Legacy funds to
assist with private property 1/1 and continues to
advocate for state assistance to local communities
for this purpose. Identifying and resolving private
property 1/1 is especially challenging for local
communities.
The recommendations of the task force, which
were accepted by the Metropolitan Council, include
the provision of expanded technical assistance,
public outreach and support for considering ways
to provide additional financial assistance.A
summary of the recommendations is below:
• Continue to balance regional standards with
needs of local communities in addressing 1/1.
Review of the peaking factors used to
develop 1/1 goals.
Development of a robust public education
program and information kits customized for
use by communities.
• Pursuing consistent funding sources for 1/1
mitigation, including assisting Metro Cities in
advocating for state bonding and Clean
Water Funds as well as exploring regional
funding sources.
• Development of a model ordinance for a
service lateral inspection program.
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• Development of a best practices toolkit for
private property inspection programs.
• Investigation of a regional level inspection
service/master contracts program.
• Technical assistance to communities to
better quantify the impact of 1/1 mitigation and
a private property 1/1 mitigation demonstration
project.
Metro Cities generally supports the
recommendations of the task force. With respect to
regional funding sources, Metro Cities has
expressed the need for further work and
exploration of this topic and has noted there are
differences of opinion among local communities
about whether a regional source should be used,
and if so, how it should be distributed. The full task
force report can be dewed here.
Please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002
or email: �,a1 with any
questions.
Reminder! Metro Regional/Metro Cities Policy
Adoption Meeting
If you haven't done so, please be sure to mark
your calendar for Metro Cities policy adoption
meeting and metro regional meeting on
Wednesday, November 30th. Click to read
the agenda and here to register. Metro Cities
draft 2017 policies are now onlit, for review.
Comments or questions on proposed policies
should be directed to
Policies will receive final adoption on November
30. Each member city has one vote, with one
additional vote for each 50,000 population above
the initial 50,000. The policy adoption protocol was
sent to city administrators/managers and will be
provided at the meeting.
Once the policies are adopted, they will serve as
the framework for Metro Cities'work at the
Legislature and Metropolitan Council in 2017. We
hope to see you there!
State Revenues Dip
The state office of MN Management and Budget
(MMB)'s most recent revenue collections update
shows general fund revenues$25 million, or 1.5%
below forecasted revenues for October. Revenue
collections dipped in all four tax categories. MMB
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cautions that any monthly updates in collections
should be interpreted with caution. The next
complete state economic and budget forecast will
be released on December 2"d
Met Council Seeks Applicants for Advisory
Committees
The Metropolitan Council announced
several
Five spots are open on the Metropolitan Parks and
Open Space Commission (MPOSC), which helps
develop long-range plans for the metro area's
system of regional parks, park reserves and trails.
Open seats include an at-large chair, District A—
which includes communities in northern Hennepin
County and a small portion of southern Anoka
County (Council Districts 1 and 2), District B—
which includes southwestern Hennepin County, all
of Carver County and portions of western Scott
County(Council Districts 3 and 4), District C—
which includes portions of southeastern and
central Hennepin County, including portions of
Minneapolis (Council Districts 5 and 6), and District
D—which includes the central and eastern portions
of Minneapolis (Council Districts 7 and 8). Here is
a rr7)ap To apply, visit
the Secretary of State's website. Online and
paper applications are available. The priority
deadline for applications is Nov. 29.
The Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) has
one opening. LUAC provides advice and
assistance to the Council on regional land use and
comprehensive planning. The open seat is in
District 3—which includes the city of Chanhassen
in Carver County and the Hennepin County cities
Chanhassen, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Excelsior,
Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka
Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood,
Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, Tonka Bay, Wayzata
and Woodland. This appointment will fill the
remainder of the term for this seat, until January
2019. To apply, visit the Council'sF
_ and download
the n-',, 27
Five spots are open on the Transportation
Accessibility Advisory Committee, which advises
the Council on management policies for public
transportation services in the region from the
perspective of riders with disabilities. Open seats
include a Council-appointed Chair, District A—
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which includes communities in northern Hennepin
County and a small portion of southern Anoka
County(Council Districts 1 and 2), District B—
which includes southwestern Hennepin County, all
of Carver County and portions of western Scott
County(Council Districts 3 and 4), District C—
which includes portions of southeastern and
central Hennepin County, including portions of
Minneapolis (Council Districts 5 and 6), and District
D—which includes the central and eastern portions
of Minneapolis (Council Districts 7 and 8). Here is
a iia �i �A Llltt� To apply, visit the
Council's Current Committee Vacancies
page and download the application for
appointment.
Four citizen seats on the Transportation Advisory
Board (TAB) are also available to be filled. Citizen
openings are appointed by the Met Council (Metro
Cities appoints the municipal TAB seats). Open
seats are geographically based and include District
E—which includes the western half of Ramsey
County and the western two-thirds of Anoka
County(Council Districts 9 and 10), District F—
which includes all of Washington County, the
eastern half of Ramsey County and the eastern
third of Anoka County(Council Districts 11 and
12), District G—which includes all of St. Paul and
the very northern communities in Dakota County
(Council Districts 13 and 14), and District H—the
southern three-quarters of Dakota County and
southeastern Scott County(Council Districts 15
and 16). Here is a t, r r "h �' Vit. All four
seats serve two-year terms. To apply, visit the
Council's Current Committee Vacancies
a e and download the application for
ir,: .i. ���..
Questions on any of the four advisory committees
and the appointment process can be directed to
the Met Council's appointments coordinator Bridget
Toskey at 651-602-1806
or ippointmentscoordinatorOmetc.state.mn.us.
DEED Announces Equity Awards
The Minnesota Department of Employment and
Economic Development(DEED)this week
announced equity grants totaling $8.1 million for
fiscal year 2017. Grants were funded during the
2016 legislative session and were targeted to
organizations that will work to improve economic
opportunities for people of color, women, youth,
people with disabilities and/or veterans in
Minnesota. According to DEED, 165 organizations
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submitted $48.4 million in proposals.
Cities or their departments received several grant
awards, including the City of St. Paul,the St. Paul
Police Department and community centers in
Minneapolis and St. Paul. Other grants were
awarded to nonprofit and social service
organizations, workforce centers and higher
education institutions across the metro and in
greater Minnesota.
The funded programs include: Pathways to
Prosperity which helps low-wage and low-skill
adults who have multiple barriers to employment
obtain credentials and skills that prepare them for
jobs in growing fields such as health care and
manufacturing;the Youth at Work Program which
provides employment and training services for
youth of color, youth with disabilities and/or at-risk
youth; the Women in High Wage, High Demand,
Nontraditional Jobs Competitive Grant Program
that focuses on closing the gender pay gap and
encourages women to enter nontraditional fields
such as science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) or construction; the Southeast Asian
Economic Relief Competitive Grant Program that
will address economic disparities in Southeast
Asian communities through workforce recruitment
and development,job creation, increased capacity
of smaller organizations and outreach; the Support
Services Competitive Grant Program that will focus
on low-income communities, young adults from
low-income families and communities of color,
offering job training, employment preparation,
internships,job assistance to fathers, financial
literacy, academic and behavioral intervention for
low-performing students and youth intervention;
and the Somali Youth Competitive Grant Program
that will support organizations and workforce
programs that serve Somali youth.
The DEED website lists the awards as well as
additional information the equity funding
Metro Cities News is emailed periodically to all Metro Cities
member mayors,councilmembers, city managers and
administrators to keep officials abreast of important metro city
issues.This information is also intended to be shared with
city staff.
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MAOSC State Newsletter—November 2016
Republicans control the Legislature
By the narrowest of margins, Republicans have regained control of the Minnesota Senate,34-33.
Recounts expected in early December are pending in two districts won narrowly by Republicans, but
neither race is considered close enough to change the apparent outcome after canvassing and manual
recount. In the House, Republicans expanded their control by three seats,and will hold a 76-57
advantage heading into the 2017 legislative session.
The apparent Republican victory in the Senate is historic. Republicans have never controlled the
chamber to begin a four-year term since partisan legislative elections were established in the early
1970s.Of course,unforeseen special elections or the unlikely possibility of a single change in party
allegiance could potentially swing a shift in power before the 2020 election due to the narrowness of the
margin.(Republicans previously controlled the Senate in 2010-12.)
Much of the Senate reorganization work will be done over the next few weeks,and the office locations
of all Senators will be reshuffled.We'll report on key committee chair appointments in both chambers
next month. Initial caucus decisions on leadership were made within days after the election.
New Leaders Selected
MAOSC will be working with a mix of new and experienced legislative leaders in 2017. For Senate
Republicans, Paul Gazelka of Nisswa takes the top job of Majority Leader, and Michele Fischbach of
MAOSC member city Paynesville will preside over the Senate as President.Outgoing Senate Minority
Leader David Hann of Eden Prairie lost his seat to a DFL opponent.
Gazelka and Fischbach come from adjoining central Minnesota districts and are considered strong
conservatives especially on social issues.At the same time, both leaders are familiar with the concerns
of small cities because they represent so many of them. In fact, 11 MAOSC member cities are located in
Gazelka's district,while Fischbach represents five of them.
For Gazelka,the MAOSC cities are Lake Shore, Pollager,Royalton,Sobieski,Swanville,Upsala, Bertha,
Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Long Prairie and Swanville. Besides Paynesville, Fischbach also represents MAOSC
cities Eden Valley,St.Stephen, Holdingford and Richmond.
As expected, no changes were made in the majority House Republican leadership. Kurt Daudt of Crown
remains House Speaker and Joyce Peppin of Rogers retains her Majority Leader post.
On the minority DFL side of the aisle, Rep. Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park takes over as House
Minority Leader while Tom Bakk of Cook moves from Majority Leader to Minority Leader in the Senate.
Current House Minority Leader Paul Thissen declined to seek the re-appointment to the post.
Updates regarding legislative reorganization and news can be found at these House and Senate
informational links:
House Information Office
Links to Senate information
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Election Analysis—Uncertainty Ahead
While legislative leadership is set heading into 2017, key issues of concern to MAOSC member cities to
be addressed next year remain far from settled.While our focus at the State Capitol will continue to be
core economic concerns such as transportation, bonding, local government aid (LGA)and property tax
relief,the initial thrust for lawmakers is likely to emphasize changes in the MNsure program and overall
health care reform.
If Republicans in the majority decide to represent the fiscal interests of their local communities, current
equity and fairness provisions that preserve existing LGA formula and limit property tax hikes could stay
in place and be strengthened in the years ahead. However,a particularly conservative fiscal policy
emphasizing a shift toward greater local tax effort could trigger a much heavier burden onto most of the
smaller communities that cannot match the wealth and tax capacity of the larger cities across the state.
As always, MAOSC will be working with legislators on both sides of the aisle to ensure that the key
concerns of small cities are well represented.
Uncertainty is similarly apparent when it comes to transportation funding and addressing infrastructure
needs across the state.On the national level,the 2016 campaign featured both Democrats and
Republicans urging investment in essential infrastructure needs.This emphasis has been decidedly less
apparent at the state level,though.
With interest rates expected to climb steadily,the cost of borrowing is lower now than what we expect
to see in the future.We also expect Governor Mark Dayton to ramp up infrastructure improvement
efforts in his final two years in office with a watchful eye toward his legacy.At the same time,
Republicans in both the House and Senate have members who oppose virtually all borrowing requests.
Bonding bills require 60 percent approval in both chambers,and that translates into the need for a
substantial number of votes from the minority DFLers.
Can bipartisanship and the art-of-the-deal make a comeback?
Voters approve Independent Panel setting Lawmakers'salaries
Minnesota voters overwhelming approved a state constitutional amendment that removes the
Legislature's power to set the salaries of its members.The base salary for legislators has not changed
since it was set at$31,140 beginning in 1999.An independent,citizens-based council balanced equally
between the two major parties appointed by the Governor and the state Supreme Court will wrestle
with setting the compensation for legislators.
Of course,this does not have a direct impact on how salaries are set for any locally elected official.At a
time when cities struggle increasingly to find citizens willing to seek elected office,we expect to hear
more discussion soon about adequate compensation for the time and costs of local public service.The
innate conflict for local council officials who set their own salaries remains.
Do you have some ideas on how MAOSC and LMC can help our cities grapple with this growing concern?
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MAOSC Board members re-elected to city offices
Congratulations to MAOSC Board members Jeff Kletcher,Tim Burkhardt and Mary McComber for
retaining their city posts in the 2016 general election.
Floodwood Mayor Jeff Kletcher said he expected a tough race—and he certainly got one,winning 124-
115.A media report early Nov.9 indicated that he had won with a single vote margin, but once the
absentee votes were tallied later in Duluth the margin swelled to nine votes.As a percentage, his margin
was 3.7 percent,or roughly twice as large as the Hillary Clinton percentage margin of victory over
Donald Trump in Minnesota.Jeff is MAOSC Board Secretary.
Tim Burkhardt was the leading vote-getter in his Hinckley City Council at-large race with a 390-242
margin over the second-place candidate.The race was essentially uncontested as both candidates on
the ballot were elected to two council seats(139 write-in ballots were cast).
Mary McComber was re-elected Mayor of Oak Park Heights and received 98 percent of the votes as an
unopposed candidate on the ballot. Mary is MAOSC Board Vice President.
MAOSC Board will meet Jan. 18
Although details are yet to be worked out,please hold Wednesday,Jan. 18 open for the next MAOSC
Board meeting if you are interested in attending.The place and time are yet to be set, but we plan to
hold the meeting in Saint Paul.
This is a great opportunity to meet with some of your MAOSC colleagues, board members,and local
lawmakers at a slow time early in the Session. It is also a good time to explore the extensively
remodeled State Capitol.
DEED business grants,loans go to MAOSC cities
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED)recently awarded five
business grants or loans in four MAOSC member cities.
Mahnomen was approved for a$38,656 low-interest loan to abate and demolish a former bakery site.
The site has the potential to be developed for retail,office,food service or health care tenants.The city
will issue a general obligation abatement bond to repay the loan.
Stevens County was awarded$46,100 to demolish four buildings previously used for retail and
residential purposes in Hancock.The site will be redeveloped into 12 market-rate workforce housing
units. Matching costs will be paid by Stevens County and the city of Hancock.
Two small businesses in Long Prairie received DEED grants. Long Prairie Packing received$100,000,and
Minnesota National Agency received$15,000. Funding comes from DEED's Job Training Incentive
Program,which helps new or expanding businesses in Greater Minnesota train workers.
LED lighting assembly and testing startup company Aki Development LLC of Cass Lake has been awarded
a$29,000 job-training grant from the same DEED job-training incentive program.
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Changes Ahead for Municipal Liquor stores?
Concerns have been raised about the future success of Minnesota municipal liquor stores.At least that's
the theme made apparent in recent coverage in the Minneapolis-based StarTribune newspaper.
See:
The article focuses primarily on the challenges of new competition across the Twin Cities area,and in
Edina, in particular. It does not provide much perspective on the complexities of municipal liquor store
operations in rural communities.Still,we expect at least some attention given to possible law changes
having an impact on all"munis"across the state.We expect to see another round of proposals that
would open up linuor sales in grocery stores,as well as the option to open up off-sale on Sundays.
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IST.CROIX VALLEY FOUNDATION24 516 Second Street,Suite 214
J Hudson,WI 54016
Celebrating 20 years 715.386.9490
, of serving the St.Croix Valley www.scvbundation.org
Conversations of the Valley
A public affairs luncheon series sponsored by the
St. Croix Valley Foundation
"Under the Surface: Teens Find Hope Through Underwater Photography"
with guest speaker
Ben Thwaits of Northwest Passage
Ben Thwaits leads high-impact therapeutic nature photography programming for teens struggling
with severe mental health challenges. Through creative immersion in wild places, Ben's students
discover the strongest side of themselves. As their award-winning work has been viewed by
millions through nationwide art exhibitions, on PBS, and even on the big screen at major league
ball games, Ben's students are re-defining the potential of our most marginalized young people.
Recently, Ben's students have been diving under surface of the St. Croix River and beyond,
cameras in hand, revealing an unprecedented story of otherwise unseen beauty.
Ben holds a B.A. in Biology and Neuroscience from St. Olaf College and a M.S. in Ecology,
Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota, where he conducted research on
migratory behavior of salmon. However, he migrated away from science to professionally
embrace his lifelong passion for nature photography. His program, called In a New Light,
emerged in 2010 at Northwest Passage, a non-profit mental health treatment organization based in
Webster, WI. Ben is a TEDx speaker and frequently presents to groups related to conservation,
mental health, and the arts.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
11:30 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.
The cost of the lunch and program is$17 and must be paid in advance to guarantee your reservation.(Any
payments received on the day of the event will be charged$20 a ticket,if seats available.)
To make a reservation(due in SCVF offices by noon prior to the day of luncheon):
• mail your check to: SCVF,516 Second St.#214,Hudson,WI 54016,or FIRST STATE
• make your reservation by credit card online at:
www.scvfoundation.oroJconversations-of-the-valley,using the PayPal BANKAND TRUST
14..M Yl1N:
system. There is a$1.00 processing fee per person using PayPal. Supported with a generous
contribution from First State
Please note: doors open at 11:15 a.m. Bank and Trust
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Eric Johnson
From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 22,2016 9:02 AM
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: [legislative]Appointment Opportunities for Cities--Apply to Sec of State by Nov 28
FYI
---Original Message-----
From: Corcoran, Heather<hcorcoran@lmc.org>
To: General legislative<legislative@listserv.lmc.org>
Sent. Fri, Nov 18, 2016 4:13 pm
Subject: [legislative]Appointment Opportunities for Cities--Apply to Sec of State by Nov 28
Dear Legislative Listserv,
There are many appointment opportunities available through the Secretary of State's process for city officials(elected
and appointed)this month. Please see below and consider applying via the Secretary of State (online or via mail).
Applications are due to the Secretary of State by Monday,November 28th,2016.
Please let Leaeue staff know if you are applying to any of these opportunities.
APPOINTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIES:
1) Board of Fire Training & Education (1 city representative)
a. ABOUT: The mission of the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education is to standardize
training by providing funding, and by licensing firefighters in Minnesota. The vision of the BFTE is to
reduce fire-related deaths and injuries through excellence in training and education.
b. MEETING FREQUENCY: Regularly scheduled Board meetings are held quarterly, at 11:30 a.m.,
Meetings are held with a teleconferencing option.
c. MEETING LOCATION: Elk River Fire Department, Station#2, 13073 Orono Parkway, Elk River, MN
55330.
d. COMPENSATION: None
2) Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Board (1 city representative)
• ABOUT: PERA is governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board approves PERA's operating budget,
decides legislative policy and priorities, and hires the executive director. In addition, the
Trustees establish the policies and procedures that govern operations at PERA, hear and rule on appeal
matters of disabilitants, retirees, and members, and direct the dissemination of information to PERA's
members.
• MEETING FREQUENCY: Meetings are held on the second Thursday in each of the following months:
February, April, May, June, August, September, October, and December.
• MEETING LOCATION. The meetings are located at the association office in St. Paul.
• COMPENSATION: Board Trustees do not receive compensation for their service to PERA, but are
reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred while serving the association.
3) Board of Water and,,Soil(14 (1(1 elected city official from 7 county metro area)
• ABOUT The board oversees and coordinates the water and soil resources management activities of
local units of government(counties, soil and water conservation districts [swcd], watershed districts [wd],
watershed management organizations[wmo])through approval of local plans, administration of state
grants, cost-sharing contracts, performance evaluation, and administrative appeals and hearings
Programs include RIM Reserve, local water planning and implementation,Wetlands Conservation Act,
soil conservation, and clean water fund. The board's mission is to improve and protect Minnesota's water
and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners.
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• MEETING FREQUENCEY The board meets monthly.
• MEETING LOCATION: Meetings are held at the board office(520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul).
• COMPENSATION: Board members are paid $55 per diem plus expenses.
Thank you for your consideration and service to cities!
Have a great weekend,
Heather
Heather Corcoran ,I Intergovernmental Relations Member Relations Coordinator
Tel: (651)281-1256 Fax: (651)215-4113
N........ .Imc.or
League of Minnesota Cities
145 University Ave. West I St. Paul, MN 55103
Connecting &Innovating since 1913
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P.S.Check out the final 2016 Law Summaries and comment on our 2017 DRAFT City Policies.
Follow me on Twitter @hrceder
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