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Home My WebLink Aboutweekly notes December 16th 2016 Memo TO: City Council Members son FROM: Eric Johnson, City r WEEKLY NOTES— D mb 16th, 6 UPDATED MEETING SCHDULE through 2/28/17 Zoning and Development Items: 1. The City has received an Interim Use Permit application from Xcel Energy for the placement of a large tent and office trailers at the A.S.King Plant Site.This is anticipated to be taken up in January by the Planning Commission. 2. The City did receive feedback from Washington County about City comments on their 2017-2021 CIP.See enclosed. 3. Washington County does plan to hold further public meetings about the 2018 Stagecoach Trail reconstruction project. I did attend an update meeting last week and it appears the County is close to a complete preliminary design. I have enclosed the meeting agenda. Other items As a follow-up to the sidewalk plowing issue along Paris Ave—a new letter was sent to those same properties that abut the sidewalk letting them know that the City will now be plowing it.See attached.At this time,Public Works is narrowing down their quotes for a"tool-cat"that can also be used to clear this sidewalk. It appears—even with State Contract pricing- it will be in the$65,000 range. As approved by the Council,attached is a copy of the letter being sent to the City's legislative delegation regarding supporting the continuation of municipal bond federal tax exemption. The City has received an insurance rebate check from the LMCIT(Insurance Trust)for$28,886—and is higher than most years which is good news,the Enclosed report outlines that rationale, but essentially there were fewer losses by the Trust during the past year relative to premiums paid. Mayor McComber Provided: 1. Information from the NLC that she has been appointed to the NLC-Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee. This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC's federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning,funding,safety and security of public transit,streets and highways,aviation,railroads and ports Please call me at any time if you have questions...651-253-7837 1 of 12 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL & COMMISSIONS MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017/FEBRUARY 2017 Monday, December 19 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Worksession (Conference Room) 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday, January 10 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Wednesday, January 11 5:00 P.M. Council Goal Setting (Conference Room) Thursday, January 12 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday, January 23 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday, January 24 5:00 p.m. City Council Workession (Conference Room) 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) After Council City Council Worksession Meeting (Conference Room) Thursday,February 9 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Wednesday, February 15 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday, February 27 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday,February 28 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) 2of12 Washington Office of Administration cow-ty Molly F. O'Rourke, County Administrator Kevin Corbid, Deputy Administrator December 5, 2016 Eric Johnson, City Administrator City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Paris Boulevard North Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 RE: Draft Washington County 2017—2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Comments Dear Mr. Johnson: Thank you for your comments dated November 21, 2016 concerning the Washington County 2017-2021 Draft CIP. St.Croix Riverway Planning The St. Croix Crossing project presents opportunity for infrastructure investment that will complement the project. We are aware and supportive of the local efforts underway to identify additional trails and amenities in this area. The County has planned for a regional trail to compliment the work done on the St. Croix Crossing. This is reflected in our 2010 Comprehensive Plan, specifically figure 5-2 which identifies this area as part of the Middle St Croix Valley Trail Search Area. To better reflect our commitment in the CIP, we have added PARK-1001 (pg. 29), which dedicates funding toward regional trail master planning. Specifically, you will notice that the St. Croix Valley Trail will be a focus for the County in 2018. RB-2578—St. Croix Valley Jurisdictional Study The County will begin developing the parameters and processes to be used in this study in early 2018. We will seek input from local agencies at that time. RS-2541 —Osgood Avenue Improvements—NIS of TH 36 This project is in the early stages of development and preliminary design. The scope includes the addition and improvement of trails and sidewalks, as well as improvements to roadway components such as turn lanes, lane geometry, and intersection operations. Additional improvements that could be evaluated include lighting and overall corridor aesthetics. Development of this project will be inclusive of City input and require final City approval before moving to construction. Project costs will be determined under County Policy#8009— Cost Participation between Washington County and Other Agencies for Cooperative Highway Improvement Projects. This project is currently scheduled for 2018 construction. Thank you for your support of the County's 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. We appreciate the partnerships that our agencies have developed in previous years, and look forward to continuing to deliver important projects for our citizens. Sincerely, Molly O' ourke Coun Administrator t/ C: Washington County Board of Commissioners Don Theisen—Public Works Director Wayne Sandberg—Public Works Deputy Director 1 County Engineer Government Center•14949 62nd Street North• P.O.Box 6•Stillwater, MN 55082-0006 3 of 12 Telephone:651-430-6001 • Fax:651-430-6017•TTY:651-430-6246 www.co.washington.mn.us Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer ALLIANT EN GI NOERI NG MEETING AGENDA DATE/TIME: December 13, 2016; 1:00 pin—2:00 pm LOCATION: 1215 Inspiration Parkway South PROJECT: CSAH 21 (Stagecoach Trail) Pavement Management and Safety Improvement Project PURPOSE: Project Management Team Meeting AGENDA BY: Steve Weser; (612-767-9347) 1. Progress and Schedule Update .614. � FM � lite Public Engagement �. A� P•wlo s �� 3. Potential Improvements Q rt,5CAX)MO tmpf 4. Layout Format 5. Project Status Update a. Traffic b. Geotechnical c. Environmental Documentation d. Drainage e. Utilities f Survey g. Wetlands 6. Action Items Review 7. Other 8. Next Meeting—January 10'i' 233 Park Ave S,Ste 300 612.758.3080 MAIN WA;apolis, MN 55415 612.758.3099 FAX www.alliant-inc.com City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 15th, 2016 X X X RE: Sidewalk Snow Removal-UPDATE Dear Property Owner or Occupant: Earlier in the month I had sent you a communication requesting that you please clear this new sidewalk of snow near your home along Paris Ave so that it is generally passable. Your work to date to clear this sidewalk is greatly appreciated and made the sidewalk safer for those users. At this time,the City has been able to allocate funding and will now begin to clear this sidewalk with its equipment and to the standards of other trail-ways in the City. Typically, we are able to get these areas clear within 24-36 hours after a snow-event concludes as roadways and primary facilities have first priority. Please let me know if you have any questions. Kind Regards, °eY Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc:Weekly Notes 5of12 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N.Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 15�,2016 Senator Amy Klobuchar 302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington,DC 20510 Senator Al Franken 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington,DC 20510 Congresswoman Betty McCollum 1714 Longworth House Office Building Washington,DC 20515 RE: Tax Exemption on Municipal Bonds Dear Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken and Representative McCollum: It has come to the City's attention that there again may be a desire to remove the federal tax-exemption upon bond issuances of local / municipal governments. As we know, municipal bonds are the primary means by which local governments finance the critical infrastructure of our nation,including roads,bridges, hospitals, waste-water treatment facilities, schools, parks and utility systems, none of which are designed for a"for—profit"purpose. Municipalities benefit from this tax exemption through substantial savings on the interest cost of borrowed money as do the owners of municipal bonds via not being required to pay federal income tax on the interest income they receive from the bonds.This savings induces investors to purchase public bonds and provides the critical difference between public sector and private sector debt financing. And, if this is ultimately eliminated,investors will seek higher rates of return elsewhere driving up the costs of public bond debt as many projects will need to proceed yet will be competing with private debt offerings. One way to help protect the tax exemption for municipal bonds during the new congressional session is to grow the Congressional Municipal-Finance Caucus. Founded in March 2016 by Representatives Randy Hultgren(IL-14) and Dutch Ruppersberger(MD-2),the Caucus is fighting for local governments' ability to independently finance projects to keep their communities strong. Sincerely, Mayor Mary McComber Cc: Weekly Notes 6of12 O r- M . % cd \ O . cs . z 4A. \ - � . q R & L7n E E § R . � \ m Ln Ul c � O 2 . �a 4 ru & ru '0 ❑ C D & Z D � J Er . § a 2 p 41 m 2 — H cl £ _c �§ > x t O n � K ]§ w E%- Q P. 2 rm 2 § 'Lon Ja Ir \ k ) CL § co CD LD/ 3G§ ] § \` \)4 ` W o yo > �]I H H I o Ca _ prm 0 � / ui % q2� i A 2a �7 ) A wz- LD 00—) �4n N q G� LD . # / § b / k § k k ° § 7 of 12 LEAGUE OF NHNNESOTA CITIES INSURANCE TRUST PROPERTY/CASUALTY 2016 DWMEND CALCULATION AT MAY 31,2016 :RE VE D FOREST LAKE INSURANCE AGENCY DBA LANDMARK INSURANCE SVCS rk Heights ��PM 232 SLAKE ST FOREST LAKE MN 55025-2605 Oak Park Heights GROSS EARNED PREMIUM $1,276,048 14168 OAK PARK BLVD ADJUSTED LOSSES $549,735 PO BOX 2007 MEMBERS DIVIDEND PERCENTAGE 0.00115544168 OAK PARK HEIGHTS,MN 55082-2007 DIVIDEND AMOUNT $28,88b i OAK PARK HEIGHTS $120,0130 Premium and Dividend History i $100.000 $50,000 W,000 $40,00 1 $20,0013 _ .______, u I f $13 Y17 "IRls 14 mylrllmn Prnnume d6ga35 yW,7T9 i79A17 $N,861 57,610 760,014 S. W1.851 591,851 51 AN SB4,767 oawo,ds 56,697 56,661 $12,185 $12,9'19 $14,691 1 52.857 815,186 I 412686 i $22,650 Saa,sw 1 OAK PARK HEIGHTS Premiums and Dividends Since 9987 $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $392,854 $o Written Premiums Dividends The"gross earned premium"figure is the member's total eamed premiums as cf May 31,2016forthe past 26 years.This is the premium figure that's used In the dividend calculation. Th '2016 written premium"figure is the member's total premium for the members most recent renewal prior to May 31,2016(for most members,only a portion of that 2016 written premium would be earned as of May 31,2016), 784 8of12 � LEAGUE O� CONNECTING &INNOVATING MINNESOTA SINCE 1913 CITIES December 8,2016 To: LMCIT Property/Casualty Members From: LMCIT Board of Trustees Joel Hanson,Administrator,Little Canada Mark Karnowski,Administrator,Princeton D. Love,Councilmember,Centerville Dave Callister,Manager,Plymouth Rhonda Pownell,'Councilmember,Northfield Todd Pralke,Administrator, St.Peter Dave Unmacht,Executive Director,LMC Re: 2016 Property/Casualty Dividend We are very pleased to enclose a check for your share of the$25 million dividend,which the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust(LMCIT)property/casualty program is returning for 2016. Also included in this mailing are: • A memo providing background on the dividend, including a detailed explanation for how your dividend is calculated. • A data sheet showing the earned premium and loss data used to calculate your dividend, as well as graphs showing your written premium and dividend history. A copy of this same information will also be sent to your insurance agent. We also encourage you to share this information with your city council or other governing body. We want to thank you again for your continued participation in LMCIT. Please feel free to contact Laura Honeck,LMCIT Operations Manager, at lhoneckna_,lrnc.org or 651-281-1280 if you have any questions or need additional information. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES 145 UNWERS1TYAVE.WEST PHONE(651)281-1200 FAx-(651)281-1298 I N S U RAMCE TRUST ST.PAUL,MN 55103-2044 TOLL FREE:(800)925-1122 WEB:wwwLMC.oRG League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust 2016 Property/Casualty Dividend Congratulations to members of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust(LMCIT) property/casualty program on another successful year? Property/casualty members will share in a $25 million dividend this year,bringing the sum of dividends returned to members since 1987 to $320 million. LMCIT Dividends $310 Milhon Since 1987 tlii Se %7 '86 19 '90 '91 432 '93 IA'95 56 "97 '96 '99 W '01 102 '03 V4 9Q5 '06 W 'A 'i!9 '11) 'll '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 E]Waalo w CoPepffoation O ftw"lcuuaky Factors Driving the 2016 Dividend This year's dividend amount is largely driven by three factors: • After a thorough actuarial evaluation of projected loss costs,it was determined LMCIT could decrease its estimates for outstanding liabilities on old claims that were incurred before May 31,2015. The decrease is due primarily to favorable claim development in recent years for property claims(fewer weather-related events) and liability claims(especially in the areas of land use and employment liability). • The cost of new property, auto liability, and general liability(the most significant being liability for police,land use, and sewer backups) claims that were incurred after May 31,2015, is less than what LMCIT projected when it set premium rates last year. That good experience is reflected in this year's dividend. For the past couple years LMCIT has been dealing with a large number of claims alleging violation of the Drivers' Privacy Protection Act(DPPA). Because there are so many of these claims and because they involve some complex legal issues,there's a lot of uncertainty about what these claims might ultimately cost. Because of this, LMCIT has been holding some additional funds as a hedge against what they might ultimately cost. However, some favorable 2 1 P a g e 10 of 12 court decisions and the fact that very few new DPPA claims have been submitted means that the uncertainty of these claims has lessened. This in turn means that LMCIT is now able to release some of the extra funds. When these claims are ultimately resolved, LMCIT hopes to be able to return the rest to cities too. Dividend Determination Every year the LMCIT Board determines whether a dividend can be returned, and if so,how much. A number of considerations are weighed,with the ultimate decision involving a comparison of the LMCIT year-end fluid balance(also known as member equity or surplus)to a targeted amount of fund balance. Typically the major driver behind whether a dividend can be returned is how rates in recent years compare to LMCIT's loss experience. Premium rates are designed to pay for projected losses, expenses, and a safety margin in case losses turn out to be greater than expected. If losses turn out to be at or below LMCIT's projections,then the safety margin isn't needed and can either be returned to members as a dividend or used to strengthen LMCIT's fund balance. Dividend Calculation The first step the LMCIT Board takes in determining the dividend amount is to Innl-st r T%4r'TT's actual fund balance compared to the fund balance targets the Board has established. This year the Trustees determined that $25 million could be returned to member cities. The next step is to calculate the dividend. The formula for calculating the dividend is designed to return proportionally greater amounts to members that have been with LMCIT for a longer period of time and that have been most successful in avoiding and controlling losses. Here are the steps to determine the dividend for each individual member: Step 1: Each member's adjusted losses are subtracted from its gross earned premiums. Step 2: After calculating Step 1, the remaining dollar amount for each member is added together. This is the total that is used to calculate each individual dividend amount. Step 3: The amount for each member calculated in Step 1 is then divided by the sum of all members calculated in Step 2. This results in each member's percentage, or share, of the $25 million total that's available as a dividend this year. The enclosed data sheet shows the exact figures,including your percentage of the dividend share, that were used to calculate your dividend. A few definitions may help as you look at this information. 11 of 12 31Page Gross Earned Premium: This figure is your total of all earned premiums through May 31 for the past 20 years. Adjusted Loss: This figure is your losses for the past 20 years,minus applicable deductibles, and after capping each individual large loss. Each individual loss is capped at the lesser of$200,000 or 200 percent of the member's annual premium for the year of the loss. Without this cap, a small or mid-sized entity that experiences a catastrophic loss might not receive any dividend for many years. Future Dividends The ultimate goal of LMCIT is to manage risk—in other words,uncertainty. There's no guarantee a dividend will always be returned to members because it is impossible to know precisely what losses will occur or cost. Dividend amounts will vary from year to year just as they have in the past. With that said,LMCIT will do its best to estimate and project what loss costs will be, and will continue to return to members any funds that aren't needed for losses, expenses,or reserves. While we can't guarantee future dividends,members should be proud of their success accomplished in controlling losses during 2016. 41Page 12 of 12