HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - May 12th 2017 CITY OF OAK PARK HE HT - EKLY N TES for: May 12'x,2017
TO: City Council Membe & S
FROM: Eric Johnson,City A inis a
Zoning and Development Items:
1. - — --__ -== = fled.
2. The City's conversation regarding the possibility of a sale of its lands for a hotel development has a deadline of May 15th.
That party(Kirk Schultz)has positively that he would like to proceed as he has completed certain studies that appear
favorable.At this time,the City Attomey will be conversing with their attorney to discuss next steps and timing.
3. Baytown Township has been supplied a short letter regarding their 2018 Comp.Plan process. See enclosed.Staff saw
no material issues with their plans.
4. 1 have enclosed a copy of the County's summary of the public meeting held at the OPH City Hall in April discussing the
Osgood Ave.project.There are some key issues to note:
a. There are proposed trails and sidewalk as part of this project.Essentially for the area lying north of STH 36
there would be a trail on the west side and a sidewalk on the east side—both from the STH 36/Osgood
Intersection to 65th Street/Odeans.And,on the South side of STN 36,a sidewalk on the east side only from the
Holiday to upper 55th street.These locations and layouts are generally as a result of feedback received from the
public meetings and these being reasonably feasible with the budgets and ROW that is available.The County
will likely seek to have the City contribute 50%of these costs—which are unknown at this time,but is safe to
assume at least$100,000.
b. A second issue relates to the County's need for a drainage pond for their reconstruction areas lying north of
STH 36.They have requested if they could use the City's land at 6180 Osgood Ave.to locate their pond.As the
City did not purchase this land for this purpose,rather as a location for its own ponding and access to the area
for a redevelopment.Staff has responded that if there is adequate room,and that the City's needs of access
and its own ponding can be met,it is possible that a joint-pond could be constructed.The City would seek to
recover its investment in these land from the County and/or the County would need to build the pond at meet
the City estimated ponding as well at no cost to the City-or perhaps a piece of both.Generally,the City must
plan for a 20%impervious surface capacity for the area lying south of 62nd street,east of Oren Ave and north of
STH 36.
To make this a bit more complex,the City/MNDOT Cooperative Construction Agreement requires that
MNDOT must take all the water from the FURY SITES(6 acres+/-)to their downstream facilities.This may
reduce the City needs for a larger ponding area,but this needs to be further vetted and outlined—and affirmed
by MNDOT.
c. The City does have a 50+year old cast iron(not ductile)water pipe in Osgood Ave,just north of STH 36 an is
+/-700 feet long that should be replaced if Osgood Ave.will be reconstructed. It is 50 years old,but the fact
that it is cast iron and aging is of some concern.This would be the City's cost and in the$160,000 range. I have
enclosed a map of the area and pipe in question.
d. Staff will be meeting with County people next week to again discuss these issues further.We anticipate the
County would seek City Council Consent sometime in June.Accordingly,it is necessary the City Council meet
with Staff in a Worksession on May 231d so we may provide you a further update.
5. Last week,Staff did meet with a developer who had provided some very early/pre-sketch level layouts about the
development(large lot homes)of the Cahanas Farm in Baytown. It is+/-200 acres,just south of the DNR Land.
Essentially,they were curious if the City is interested or amenable to an annexation of these lands and provision of
utilities,city services,etc.Naturally,the Staffs response was—first go talk to Baytown Township,talk to the DNR about
how these lands would come into the City as it is not contiguous and better refine your plans beyond these drawings to
align with real-world topography,wetlands,railroads,roadways,powerlines,etc. Essentially,it was a 15-minute meeting,
with concepts that were not that well defined.i have informed Baytown Staff that the City has been contacted so then;are
no mis-understandings that the City is NOT the initiator of this concept.Large lot development is far more conducive to
remaining in the township as there are not adequate connections to utilities to cover maintenance costs nor other
expenses such as curb and gutter.
Other te irr s
MNDOT Update on the SCRCP for May 11th,2017;Agenda items and meeting notes from the SCRCP—Tier 1 events group--May
9th meeting.
Footings are to be pound today(5112117)for the Cover Park shelter and site clearance is largely complete—including the removal
of the old structure.Thanks Chuck and Judy D.for the cool picture of the shelter demo!
nr
u n..
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Flyer on the Washington County Law Enforcement—Memorial Day Event—May 15th 12 pm.
Flyer-BCWD Open Yard Series—Various Dates,
Mayor McComber provided:
1. METRO CITIES news for 515117
2. MAOSC update for 518117&Copy of a letter sent to Gov. Dayton from a number of public advocacy groups—RE:Transportation
Funding.&MAOSC General information on its role and membership.
Please call me at any time tf you have questions.. 651-253-7837
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
5/12/17
TO: Ms. Sherri Buss,TKQA—Baytown Township—Town Planner
-nail only she,,
RE: Comprehensive Plan
Dear Sherri:
The City has had an opportunity to review the draft of the Baytown Township Comprehensive Plan
recently provided and as shown on the website links.
At this time, the City has no commentary.
Thank you for providing our City a copy of that document and an opportunity to offer input.
Kind regards.
40
Dr. Eric Johnson,A1CP
City Administrator
Cc: Weekly Notes
Washington Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
5�countyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Meeting Overview
A public open house was held from 4:30 to 5 p.m.on
Wednesday,April 19, 2017, at Oak Parks City Hall in
Oak Park Heights, Minnesota.
Washington County and HDR staff interacted with
local residents,commuters,and businesses at the open
house to share information about the preliminary
design options for potential safety,capacity and
operations improvements along the Osgood "
MOO
Avenue/County Highway 24 corridor, as well as to
discuss next steps in the design process.Attendees t
had the opportunity to provide input and comments
on tabletop project layouts and rank their preferred
options on an iPad survey. General comments also
were encouraged.
Staffing
Washington County:Allan Brandt,Joe
Gustafson,Wayne Sandberg, Mindy
Leadholm,Grant Wyffels, Rachelle Goodall
+ City of Stillwater:Shawn Sanders
■ City of Oak Park Heights: Eric Johnson
■ HDR: Dax Kuhfuss, Brandi Popenhagen,
Stephanie Bornetun,Tess Nejedlo
Meeting Materials
Information Exhibits
The following information exhibits were plotted and displayed at the public open house:
• Project Overview
• Project Need
• Crash Analysis
• Traffic Operations
• North Area Issues Map
• South Area Issues Map
• North Side Options
• South Side Option
W. . ashintion Coun Avenue Osgood Hi 24
g Avenue/County Highway Y
CountyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Tabletop Maps
Design options split among four tabletop maps were available at the public open house for attendees to record
their comments and/or inquiries and link them to a specific location by attaching Post-It Notes to the maps.
Project team members were available at the maps station to talk with attendees, explain the design options,
and answer questions.These comments are summarized in the Key Inquiries and Design Options Feedback
sections below.
Project Overview Handout
All attendees were given a one-page project overview handout when they signed in at the Welcome table. The
handout included a project description, project need summary, corridor map, project schedule, and contact
information.
!Pad Survey
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in an iPad survey to provide further feedback on the design
options.They were asked to rank each North and South option on a scale of 1-5,with 1 being not acceptable
and 5 being acceptable. A printable paper version of the survey was made available on the project website for
those who were not able to attend the public open house, but wanted to participate.Survey results will be
provided in a separate summary.
Meeting Attendance
Not including staff,approximately 30 people attended the public open house (See Appendix B).
Attendees were local residents,commuters,stakeholders,local business owners,and elected officials.
Those interested in receiving further information about the project provided their email address when
they signed in at the Welcome table.
Key Inquiries
Common questions addressed at the public open house were:
• When will construction begin?
• Who is funding this project?
• Will there be sidewalks in this area?
• Will you be adding barriers between the sidewalks/trails and residents'yards?
• Will you need to take land from residents to build the sidewalks/trails?
• Can you lower the speed limit in this area?
Three attendees filled out a general comment form at the public open house. A fourth individual emailed his
comments to the County on April 26, 2017 (see Appendix C). It should be noted that public open house
attendees visited the station(s) they were most interested in.Thus, most comments were expressed verbally
and/or recorded on sticky notes and captured on the tabletop maps.
Page 2
Washl"ryton Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
5E�5countyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Design Options Feedback
Synopses and verbatim comments from the tabletop maps are listed below.See Appendix D for photo captures
of the comments on their respective maps.
Option A
o Many attendees expressed that they strongly disagreed with the "no build"option.
Option 8
North side
o "Business owner concerned with proximity of the new trail and the front of his building."
o "Pedestrians need direct route to Hwy 36 and Walgreens."
South Side
o "Only need sidewalks on east side.We will lose our trees if there are sidewalks on both sides."
o "Too impactful with our driveway. Big concerns over being able to use our driveway with how
steep it currently is."
Option C
South Side
o "Need to connect the sidewalk from 58th St.to 59th St. on the east side."
o "Need crosswalk from upper 56th St. across Osgood Ave.to get to Brekke."
o "Our property has a steep slope, but also a driveway. We need a blocked wall here."
o "As property owners, we lose all the trees along the sidewalk. One is very old and provides a lot
of shade. Bigger concern is the driveway with an easement for sidewalk. Our driveway may
become too steep to use and is the only driveway we have."
Option D
South Side
o "Sidewalk on the east side only is the best option.This is easier access for walkers, bikers, and
rollerbladers coming from trails in parklands to access this sidewalk to continue along Osgood
Ave,"
o "Trail on east side instead of sidewalk."
o "This option for sidewalks is less impactful for property owners. Less driveways will be impacted
and ground is more flat for sidewalk. Sidewalk on the east side only."
Page 3
Wash*n tion Count Hi Osgood Avenue
/County I v hwa g v 24
CountyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Targeted Facebook Ad
Public Open House Post
u:e s.r Washfttgmin County MN'lliransporta'tion i�r Uke Nos
ponsored
Be sure to s'.ep ;y our next public open iwuse for Osgood Avenue(County
>K-1,4a f 2{);n St.'Iv;ater&Oak Park Heigf:tsl
Visit the pro ect ysebsite for more]nformV'ion and to subscribe for p,oleLt
updates:w%wi.cD.tvashington.rnn.ust{sgoodAve
SWCounty Open �House Meeting - Join Us!
5fi SUM N.in Oak.Pmk PLV%W
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Summary
Nearly 2,000 people saw the ad and approximately 100 people engaged with the post.
Budget:$50
Duration:April 12-19, 2017 (8 days)
Page 4
Coun Highway Washington Os ood Avenue g Avenue/County g y 24
CountyPuhiic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Photo Clicks a4
Link Clicks = 14
'Page Likes 12
Shams 13
Open House Materials
Project Overview Handout
Wasliington OSGOOD AVENUEMOUNTY
County PROJECT OVERVIEW
8 ABOUT THE PROJECT
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impurie amiety,capacity and apem&m alnilg a 1..5 Faile a
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Page 5
Count Highway Washington Os ood Avenue� Avenue/County g v 24
CountPublic Open House#2
Y Meeting Summary
Information Exhibits
Washington OSGOOD AVENUE/COUNTY
County PROJECT 9VERVIEW
PROJECT GOALS
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Page 6
Washington Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
�$sa
C OlXnti Public Open House#2
Meeting Summary
. . .
Washingtion it • HIGHWAY
. Country PROJECT
PROJECT AREA ISSUES
Several issues contribute to the need for safety,capacity and
operations improvements on Osgood Ave.from 60th St.N.to
Orleans 5t.E.
dAPoor pavement condition
15 Poorly functioWng stormwater drainage system
0 Outdated traffic signals
Inefficient intersections
Lack of or difficult crosswalks
Little to no space for pedestrians and bicyclists
Inconsistent pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Page 7
Washo ton Osgood g d Av enue/County Highway 24
CountyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary�S�11tlp'tonOSGOOD •
UNTY HIGHWAY 24
County OPERATIONS
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Page 8
Washington Osgood Avenue/Cour Highway 24
� �v g y
tiwftftmov
C ol�nt Public Open Nouse#2
Meeting Summary
Wadifiimn . . AVENUEICOUNTY HIGHWAY 24
iii�coaay CRASH ANALYSIS
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Orleans St E
Fairview Ql7akAark
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9
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59th St.N.
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Page 9
Washington Coun Avenue Osgood Hi 24
g Avenue/County Highway Y
- C
���* Public Open House#2
y
Meeting Summary
Washington OSGOOD AVENUEICOUNTY HIGHWAY 24
CountyPROJECT AREA ISSUES
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Page 10
Washington Os ood Avenue/Coup Hi hwag � g y 24
Count Public Open House#2
lJ y Meeting Summary
Washington 0SGWD
County
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Page 11
Washington Count Hi Osgood Avenue
/County I Y Iowa� Y 24
CountyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
gton i * M AVENUEICOUNTY HIGHWAY 24
tow!M&.t I r" NORTH ()f7 I I 1(11-1 VV A Y 3(5
PROJECT DESIGN OPTIONS
■ � * NORTH C
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I
PLACE OPTION A PLACE OPTION B PLACE OPTION G
COMWENTS HERE COWMENTS HERE COANNEYTS HERE
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Page 12
Wdq shin ton Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
. .. � � g tY g Y
Cunt Public Open House ry
lVJ y Meeting Summary
rrM AVENUEICOUNTY HIGHWAY 24
"County SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 3fl
PROJECT DESIGN OPTIONS
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PLACE OPTION A PEACE OPTION 8 PLACE OPTION C PLACE OPTION D
COMMENTS HERE COMMENTS HERE COMMENTS HERE COMMENTS HERE
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Page 13
Washi ton Osgood Avenue/County�Highway 24
CountyPublic Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Appendix B: Sign-In Sheets
Washii
� ng :vn Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
Coi111�y Stillwater, Minnesota
. Yes k U F:,ceoaok
'L. 0 �. mAC nsic !
❑•Yes Faoetraak
L p No I r PostcardU, Other
!
YesFacehoo
I 3. L�"� >,yPostcard
e7r i 'Li Other
9 Yes C Facebook
El`G`� t ❑ NoI cJ q rrt tJ i1 3g Postcard
•--- —Y-- ----f/'� f -- - ------` as)-c1:j, other
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5
book
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i C Yes
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&AWr Other Qpy„
-I Yes_ ❑ Facebook
9 154 1,_
7"I•� tw.K[Y' No ❑ Postcard
E; Yes - I Facebook ;
i 1 . No C Postcard
Page 14
Washington Os ood Avenue Coun Hi hwag � g y 24
Count Public Open House#Z
Meeting Summary
WasWngron Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
--,--,,County Stillwater, Minnesota
1 13 Faoeboak
gn 6WI -
Postcard
Y
Z Yes ❑ Fac=
No .� Postcard
Other
i y KNo �l o�,� 13 Other
n yesNo judo baayh 4 a gra
C] No
■ er 40Y14a—/
r� M.■. IX Yes Q Facebook
\ v.r� h— e7 No ��814v�3�/ r� 0 Postcard
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❑ other
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e O'( is,' 1 t C✓! �T Na Postcard
❑ Other
Yes ) D Facebook
L C No i sir/SC 4 s ,I Postcard
Fp ❑ Other
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13 Yes ❑ Facebook
9• J(HV (��!/V R No ❑ Postcard
Yes ❑ Facebook
D Postcard 1 C No CK Postcardd
D Otter
Page 15
Washin ton Osgood Avenue Hi
Highway 24
County Public Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Washington Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
�County Stillwater, Minnesota
N rimv f Piv r]%&Pr I n t RuNmt'6�N.Irnr W Inv 1 00 you Warki to roceivul How(lid vou heaf about Xh4s
jir;�p-rl Ernall oph-n h n6 i se
Yes
0 No ?,t 1,1d i .'c,-zphard
IWAO'q-I -I'll,
j )KYes D Fact-book
No I Postcard
er
Facebaoic
L
0 Pas
4. 17
z Yes 11 Facebook
D No 1-1 Postcard
1-1 Othr
0 Yes rl Facebook
r.j No X Posturd
0 Other
I ` Yes13ti3 Ll Facebook
0 No C'Bx"Kk4� �ftstcard
U Mer
YF.L$ F1 Facebook
'-,j No M Postrard
jq 0 Other
Yes ❑11 Facebook
No ,^742 -)<Poacard
0 Other
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Yes Facebook
10.
No Postcard
Other
Page 15
WashingtonOs Osgood Highway 24
g Avenue/County tY g Y
" County Public Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Appendix C: Comment Forms
Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24 WaS�lington
Open Horse - County
Please use the comment form below to submit a comment or join the email list.
Name:
organization(if any): 4411 ,
�� _ 7ACk5
Mailing Address: Am
County: d
state: u _
Phone Number: ZIP: -5
n 'L,
Email: � ,��fil Ca
Would you like to loin our email list? KYes F-1 No
Comment:!
416IN- A0. ,7L0j -.
�¢l/ G-
Page 17
Washin ton Osgood Avenue Os Highway 24
County Public Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24 Wa ton
Open House �F�County
Please use the comment form aelow to submit a comment or join the ernall list.
Farre:—
Orpnizatior (if any):
hailing AddVeSS:
City:
county:
sltabe,
P", rc Nt�rrt*r* Z,P:
Would you like to io;n our emal! Fst? Yes
^10
Comment:
1A,®rve
LA
AF
�- -jwa&!-r'-4j--tea
Page 18
W. . gashin tion Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
E„ Count Public Open House#2
Y Meeting Summary
Osgood Avenue/County Mighwey 24 Washington
Open House mwCounty
Please use the comment form below to submit a comment or join the email list.
Name:O*b4.*, lR
organization(if any): KC• ----__ -
Mailing Address:
44, gob ,
City
County:
State: .��_
=:
Phone Number: Zip:S �'S^
Email
Would you like to join our email list? [ Yes ONO tj544
Comment: owp-
LL
LTA�r e
_.
i
Page 19
Washington
Osgood Avenue/County Highway 24
County
Public Open House#2
Meeting Summary
Email received on April 26, 2017
Hello,
I am the team director of the Stillwater Area High School mountain bike team. We are expecting a team of 80
students this coming season.
I would like to make a comment on the drafts for the work on Highway 24.There is in Oakdale already a bike
path running east-west.This is just south of 36,at the end of the shopping center.
This path effectively connects Oakdale and Stillwater to the bike paths and coming trails at Valley View.The
paved trail also connects to the bike path across the new bridge system.We can expect this to get some use. It
certainly will get used by the SAHS MTB Team.Currently there is a pedestrian crossing.We both know there will
be more traffic on this road,which is why it is being rebuilt. I feel the cross traffic needs to be considered.
wanted the county to be aware of this so plans could be made. I understand the concept is to maximize
automotive flow, but with heavy cross traffic, I would like to suggest a stop light that is user activated. We have
been using this crossing,with a coach walking first when safe and stopping.The team then walks (not rides)
across. We have had cars go around this process,something they feel is legal as there was no light and we
clearly were in the way.
Calvin Jones
Team Director
Cell 651.472.7187
Page 20
/Coun Avenue
Osgood Washington g fi► g v Os Highway 24
CountPublic Open House#2
Y Meeting Summary
Email received on May 9,2017
Hello,
My name is Kelsey Fenner,and I own a home with a driveway on Osgood Ave. N. My house is located on the
west side of Osgood Ave. between 58th St. N. and 56th St. N. I learned of the County Road 24(Osgood Ave.)
improvement project in January 2017 and have attended both Open House events to discuss potential safety
and roadway improvements. After the open house held on April 19th, my husband and I have grave concerns
with some of the options we were shown for improvements on Osgood.
My concern surrounds the placement of sidewalks on the stretch of road between 58th St. N. and 55th St. N,
Two of the three options reflect constructing a 5 foot sidewalk on the west side of the street. Moving forward
with any option that includes a sidewalk on the west side is of great concern due to the impact of property
owners.Sidewalk construction on the west side will directly impact 8 homeowners with driveways on Osgood
Ave. If the sidewalk were put on the east side, only 1 driveway would be impacted by the improvements.
The second concern with a sidewalk on the west side is the loss of so many mature trees not only on my
property, but to all the property owners on the west side of the street. Placement of a sidewalk on the east side
would require less trees to be removed,thus preserving the cozy neighborhood feeling that drew my husband
and I to Oak Park Heights 2 years ago when we bought our house.A sidewalk on the east side will improve
safety for pedestrians with as little impact to homeowners as possible.
My final and largest concern with a sidewalk on the west side of the street is the impact the sidewalk
construction will have on our driveway. Our current driveway has a steep grade up to our attached garage. By
constructing a 5 foot sidewalk by way of an easement, our driveway will be too steep to use without damage to
our vehicles.This causes a large amount of concern as a property owner and pushes me to ask that a sidewalk
to be constructed only on the east side of Osgood.
In conclusion,the option of constructing a sidewalk only on the east side of Osgood Ave. achieves the safety
improvements voiced by the community while also being the least impactful to residents with homes along the
project area.The potential loss of many mature trees combined with the loss of the only driveway access to our
home is a serious matter that should be considered by the project team and Washington County in deciding
which option to move forward with.
As a homeowner that would be significantly impacted by the construction of a sidewalk on the west side, I
would appreciate the opportunity to speak with a county official should the west side option move forward. I
can be reached by email at Kelsey.Fenner@target.com or by cell phone at 218-348-0685.Thank you for your
time and consideration to this important matter.
Page 21
Washi ton Osgood Avenue/Count Highway 24
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Eric Johnson
From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent Thursday, May 11, 201711:22 AM
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: Spring construction continues
-----Original Message---
From: St Croix Crossing Project Team <stcroixcrossing.dot@public.govdelivery.com>
To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, May 11, 2017 11:09 am
Subject: Spring construction continues
Sticroix spring construction
CROSSING continues
Hello again,
Construction crews continue to make progress at St. Croix Crossing.Workers have been
deck grinding on the bridge as part of the preparation for a chip seal coating, which will
protect the driving surface from moisture penetration into the concrete deck.
1
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Bird's eye view of St. Croix Crossing, looking west toward the Minnesota shoreline. Photo
from May 5.
Construction highlights
N
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Crews have placed the new Minn. exit sign located between Highway 36 eastbound and
the exit ramp to Highway 95. Backfilling and grading around the sign is expected to be
done by the end of this week. Photo from May 8.
11.
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Workers install an expansion joint at Pier 4. Expansion joints allow the bridge to expand
and contract due to temperature changes. Photo from May 8.
�;
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Crews prepare the surface by grinding prior to painting the approach bridges on the
Minnesota side. Photo from May 8.
3
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Looking west toward the east abutment on the Wisconsin end. Crews have installed the
approach panel and the backfill is near completion. Photo from May 8.
Attention boaters: Please note that the no wake zone around the bridge has been officially
reinstated for safety purposes.All buoys have been placed. The Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources will be enforcing the no wake zone.
Stay connected
• Sign-up for project email updates
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Visit the project website
• Call the project hotline at 1-855-GO-CROIX(462-7649)
Stop by the St. Croix Crossing Project Office at 1862 Greeley St. S. in Stillwater.
Office hours are 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. M-F.
MnDOT • mndot.gov
Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation:
A
MnDOT's Social Media Hub>>
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions I Unsubscribe All J Helo
4
St. Croix Crossing Bridge Celebration Committee
St Croix
CROSSING
Meeting#3 Summary
Tuesday, May 9,2017
Washington County Government Center
Conference Room#3599
14949 62nd Street North Stillwater, MN 55082
3:30--5:00 PM 4�
1. Meeting Attendees
a. Andersen Corp ' I
L ChuckLeRoux
b. Bridge Coalition
1. John Soderberg
c. Hudson Area Chamber
L Blake Fry
d. MnDOT
L Kevin Walker
ii. TerryZoller
iii. Chris Krueger
iv. Kevin Gutknecht
e. New Richmond Chamber
L Rob Kreibich
f. NRAEDC
L Paul Mayer
g. Oak Park Heights
L Mary McCornber
ii. Chuck Dougherty
h. Stillwater
L Ted Kozlowski
ii. Robin Anthony
L St.Croix County
1. Daryl Standafer
j. Town of St.Joseph
L Tom Spaniol
ii. Jay Kimble
k. Washington County
L Gary Kriesel
ii. Allie Guild
I. WisDOT
L Diana Maas
2. Meeting summary
a. The meeting started off with a quick overview of the staffing plan created by MnDOT,
WisDOT,and Washington County.
St.Croix Crossing Bridge Celebration Committee
Stcroix
CROSSING
ii. Chris walked us through the proposed agenda,starting with the event
date of Saturday,July 29h, beginning at 10am.
1. This 10am start time is tentative and subject to change based on the
availability of the government officials(still waiting to hear back for
confirmation).
2. The nroeram is not timed vet. but will need to be brief so the nuhlic
stays for the whole thing.
ii. There is an opportunity to have large printouts of the St.Croix Crossing logo for
all those involved to sign (easier to read than a map).
1. These can then be sent off to both MN and WI Historical Societies.
2. Another opportunity is being priced out to give out lapel pins or the
dedication coin.
iii. A weather back up plan is in the works,coordinating to have a tent on site just
in case.
iv. Parking for all invited guests, excluding the public,as well as traffic control is
also being coordinated.
v. it was stated that the government entities(MnDOT,WisDOT,and Washington
County)were solely responsible for the ribbon cutting event.
vi. The issue of where to actually cut the ribbon came up,and a few different
options were looked at.
1. There is an issue with the wind,weather,and walking all the way out to
the middle of the bridge if it were to be in the exact center.
a. There are also significant security issues if it were held in the
middle of the bridge because it is farther out and would require
more security.
b. The bridge was made for cars, not specifically pedestrians.
c. There is also a liability issues with who will own the bridge at
that time.
2. Another option is to have it at the abutment right on the edge of the
water and Highway 36 on the MN side.
3. It was brought up that the only people allowed to access the bridge
from the WI side will be the dignitaries.
a. The public will have to go through Stillwater.
4. A traffic management plan is being developed to help with these
concerns.
vii. Another issue that arose was recognizing all who were apart of the bridge being
built, even if they aren't getting to speak.
1. Current of previous congressmen, senators, mayors,etc.will all be
invited to stand and receive recognition during the ribbon cutting
ceremony.
a. Someone from Labor should be contacted and invited,as they
were very important in getting the bridge built.
viii. After looking into the protocol for speakers,the mayors have top billing in terms
of being MC.
A.. P k—
St. Croix Crossing Bridge Celebration Committee 114W
Stcroix
CROSSING
1. They will then be the ones to recognize all who had apart in the
bridge.
a. This will need to be time sensitive.
i. There will be a provided space in the program to list out
all who were involved.
ix. The communication side will put together a promotion plan for the ribbon
cutting.
1. They will email the invites to the elected officials, public officials,
stakeholders, and this email can also go to the public if needed.
2. Asocial media plan will also be implemented so those who can't attend
can still see aspects of the event.
x. The issue of aircrafts flying over the bridge was brought up.
1. Some of these included TV news station helicopters,drones,and the
New Richmond plane.
a. A traffic management plan will be coordinated to help with this.
A. As the staffing plan walk through came to an end,all of the identified tasks in
the grid below will break up from the agenda.
1. This draft document is a living list and will constantly begetting
updated,or things will be added with deadlines.
xii. Going forward, any questions can go to Chris from MnDOT and she can funnel
those questions to the correct sources.
b. Issues to be identified then started to be worked out.
L Neither of the two Governors have officially committed to the stated date yet.
ii. Senator Klobuchar asked for the event to be held on August 3.
iii. Senator Johnson is attending.
I. MnDOT requested that we give them a few more weeks until they hear
back from the Governor's office.
iv. It was also brought up that the state patrol and local sheriffs office should be
contacted earlier on so that they are aware of what's going on.
1. The state patrols have already been contacted so they are aware.
v. Another issue that was discussed was meeting spaces for coffee and rolls and
parking for the public.
1. No parking is available by foot,so shuttling transportation would be
needed.
2. This would have to be handled by a fiscal agent since the three
government entities can't take money(donations)for these things.
3. An important thing to note was that the Governor's wants need to be
considered.
a. They won't get on a public bus,they have their own security,
etc.
b. They can be made aware of a prior event of coffee and rolls,but
they may not attend.
MIK
— I.
St. Croix Crossing Bridge Celebration Committee 44W
stcioix
CROSSING
vi. Since the event date is quickly approaching, it is crucial that we take into
account coordination with elected officials,the county board,etc.,and so that
we leave enough time to get on their agendas if need be.
c. The next topic discussed was a run through of Tier 2 community events that would
surround the ribbon cutting.
i. Ted led the discussion,starting with how the community is expecting a
celebration for this bridge.
ii. This celebration would begin with a 5K run that would be the revenue generator
and funding source for the other event items to follow(fireworks, music,etc.).
1. An issue arose whether or not a 5K should be allowed on the bridge
before the ribbon cutting.
a. There is a security issue where potentially a runner could put a
banner on the bridge,etc.
i, The Stillwater National Guard MP or Bayport's Reserves
were discussed as options to use for security on the
bridge.
b. Opening the bridge to the public will depend on who owns the
bridge at that time.
c. MnDOT will check and see if it is even possible to have a run
across the bridge.
iii. A community event for the WI side was brought up,saying that they are the
ones who drive over the bridge so they may complain if they don't get a party.
1. Would need someone to take on this coordination role for the Tier 2
event.
3. Schedule and Next Steps
a. By the next meeting,we will have abetter idea at what will provide access and safety.
L MnDOTwili be able to tell us if a 5K run on the bridge is possible.
ii. MnDOT and WisDOT will most likely have an answer from both Governor's.
b. Contacts for each portion of this day were assigned (Tier 1 ribbon cutting event and Tier
2 community event).
L Chris Krueger is the point person for the ribbon cutting event(Tier 1).
ii. Chuck Dougherty is the point person for the community event(Tier 2).
c. The next meeting is on Wednesday,June 7t'at the Washington County Government
Center at 3:30—5:00 p.m.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL DAY
MAY 159 2017
.:
Washington County Historic Courthouse
101 West Pine Street, Stillwater
Sheriff Dan Starry invites you to observe the
ceremony and share cake and refreshments at
the Washington County Historic Courthouse at
12:00 PM, Monday, May 15, 2017.
National Correctional Officers Week May 7 — 13, 2017
National Police Officers Week May 14 - 2% 2017
YoUre Invited.
BROVVN'S
OPEN YARDS SERI
BROWN'S CREEK RESIDENTS INVITE YOU TO THEIR GARDENS TO LEARN
ABOUT CONSERVATION PROJECTS YOU CAN DO IN YOUR OWN YARD!
Third Wednesdays of the Month @ 630p.m.*
May 17 Large lots - buckthorn, woodland wildflowers and shrubs
92999 Keller Ave N.Hugo,MN
June 21: Soils - infiltration, septic systems, common weeds
8845 Lansing Ave N,Stillwater,NN
July 19: Shorelines - stabilization, native plants and weeds
7010 Mid Oaks Ave N.Stillwater,MN
August 16: Large lots - prairie plant identification
92999 Keller Ave X Hug%MN
September 20*: Small lots - raingardens and butterfly gardens
2854 Nightingale Ct Stillwater MN 55082
*Start time for September 20th wiff be at 600p m.due to earlier sunset
B ROWN ' S
° CREEK
WATERSHED
DISTRICT
- , RSVP: tinyurLcomBCWDOpenYar&
Questions? Contact Angie Hon
angie-bongamnwcdor
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MAOSC Legislative Update—May 8,2017
Updates on Omnibus bills
The situation remains fluid at the Capitol where most of the negotiations regarding major omnibus bills are taking place
behind closed doors away from the public eye.This time of year,public meetings of conference committees usually are
an opportunity to call out the shortcomings and frustrations with the other side—so privacy might be no worse than
public sightings.On Thursday,Gov. Dayton suggested that legislators focus on solving budget issues as the new
biennium draws nearer rather than holding out for policy changes. "If they're willing to drop the policy and deal with the
budget,then I'm very confident we'll conclude on time,"Dayton said.
Both the Transportation and Public Safety bills wrapped up preliminarily by approving comprehensive amendments,but
these actions are pending further expected negotiations with the Governor.The Public Safety bill includes no salary
increases over the next two years for the Administration and Judicial branch,drawing cool responses not only from the
Governor, but from Chief Justice brie Gildea.
The House has put together a $600 million bonding plan—HF 892(Rep. Urdahl, R-Grove City)—approved in committee
last week.The Governor proposed a$1.5 billion plan early in the year,and the Senate has its own$744.5 million
proposal awaiting floor action. No major bonding bill has been enacted since 2014.
See: http://www.house.lea.state.mn.us/SessionDailvISDView.asox?Storv1D=12840
A good snapshot of the status of major legislation and some interesting,smaller Local Government measures are
included in the May 5 House Week in Review that features links to all the key issue areas:
www.house.lea.state.mn.uslsessiondaildSDView.aspx?StorvlD=12849
Transportation rift continues
The Transportation Conference Committee reached agreement between House and Senate early last week,pending
negotiations with the Governor for finalization.This bill hardly begins to scratch the surface of the needs of our
transportation system.Consensus has been reached that an increase of$600 million per year for the next 10 years is
needed to maintain our current roads and make strategic expansions,and$400 million per year just to maintain and
modernize our current assets.This proposal falls far short—about$639 million dollars short for the next biennium
compared to what is needed just to maintain and modernize our current roads and bridges.This low amount leaves
many Minnesotans and businesses in no better shape heading into the future.
The budget proposal continues to neglect transit funding across Minnesota.Without additional funding,transit options
for students and the elderly will be reduced by 10 percent, leaving many Minnesotans without a way to get to work,
school or medical appointments.This flies in the face of the efforts of many area chambers of commerce that have long
advocated for a meaningful transit funding increase.
This bill shifts money away from other priorities in order to fix our failing infrastructure.The bill moves money away
from schools,the elderly and public safety to temporarily fund Minnesota's roads and bridges.The bill takes$372
million from the general fund in this biennium,and$566 million in the next.This leaves Minnesota's roads and bridges
vulnerable to budgetary changes, meaning in the next budget crunch the Legislature is likely to raid these shifted dollars
to make up for a future shortfall.
Transportation Bill (HF 861)amended language:
wwwsenate.mn con rence committee 2 27-201811424 Conference Committee on N.F. 861 A17-0410. d
Transportation Bill spreadsheet:
www.senate.mncon erence committe 017-2018 1424 Conference Committee on H.F. 861 Con Lente%20S readsheet%205-1-2017. d
Transportation Bill summary:
www.senate.mn/canference committee/20172018/1424 Conference Committee on H.F. 861/HF%20861%20-9620DE%20Provisions%205-1.pdf
Governor-Legislative process engagement
Hardly a year goes by when legislature leaders bemoan the perceived lack of engagement between the Governor and
members of the House and Senate. In anticipation of the annual routine, Gov.Dayton asked key administration officials
to keep track of the engagement this year. In a memo from the Governor's office last week,the tally indicated that the
"Governor's Cabinet members have engaged with the Legislature 1,676 times since the session began,including 538
appearances before legislative committees and 1,138 meetings with Legislators." See:
content. ovdelive .corn attachrnen MNGOV o17 OS o2 ,le attachmenLsZ8104ZgL017 05 02 MEMO le isla Pve en a ement. d
Mighty veto pen reminder
In the days when Arne Carlson was governor,the tables were turned.Rather than a DFL governor and Republican
legislature, it was a Republican governor and DFL legislature.Arne made use of the veto pen popular in his eight years
sitting in the corner office. More independent-minded than ever,the former governor is urging use of the veto pen
when it comes to local control over transportation decisions such as light rail transit self-financing.
"Increasingly, Republicans are abandoning traditional core principles in favor of a'new conservatism'that has no
definition or purpose other than political convenience. The latest alteration is the Republican proposal in the Minnesota
state legislature's conference committee on transportation that will prohibit local governments from making certain
transportation decisions such as light rail...Presumably, any local decision that displeases them is potential(adder for
this new effort toward a Super-Legislature... This usurpation of local control is a dangerous move and warrants Governor
Dayton's immediate announcement of a veto. Take out the pen and put this absurd idea out of its misery."
See: htto://govarnecarlson.bloaspotcom/2o17/05/time-for-veto,oen.html?spref-fb&m=1
Former Gov.Carlson was quick to point out that fully 76%of residents of Hennepin and Ramsey counties polled support
public funding to expand light rail in the metro area.By the way,the same poll announced last week indicates that
Minnesotans overwhelmingly oppose the state preventing cities from passing their own work-rule ordinances(i.e.
setting a minimum wage or requiring sick leave).The poll shows 26 percent in favor,60 percent opposed to state
interference in work-rale ordinances.See:
www.startribune.com/minnesoto-poll-results-davton s-approval-ratinas(421045904/
Seeking compromise on notice requirement
Working closely with the LMC,we are hoping to reach compromise regarding the Ordinance Notification Mandate
legislation (HF 1242-Rep.Swedzinski,R-Ghent/SF 1224—Sen. Mathews, R-Milaca).The House bill, passed last week
87-44, requires a 10-day notice of proposed ordinances,and is particularly burdensome for our small cities.The Senate
could take up this bill as quickly as today(May 8). If the bill cannot be stopped,we hope to reach a compromise by
amending the Senate bill, pushing the notice requirement to only three days notice.See:
www.house.lea.state.mn.us/sessiondailv/SDView.aspx?StorvlD=12825
MAOSC in the news
Dozens of cities across Minnesota are passing resolutions opposing restrictions of local authority,and media outlets
across the state are taking notice of the opposition coming from city councils big and small. I was quoted,along with Lois
Nelson, mayor of MAOSC member city Medford, in the May 3 StarTribune feature article:Cities concerned dozens of
bills in State Legislature could undermine their decisionmaking. "If it's not broke,don't fix it," Nelson said. "I think we're
quite capable of addressing the needs of our own community."
"We see this as a trend in most states nationally,"Jill Sletten said of the proposed bills. "And if we leave the door open
just a little bit,the next year the door will get wider and wider."See:
www.st_artribune.corn/cities-concerned-dozens-of-bills-instate-leaislature-could-undermine-their-dedsionmakin /421139403/
-END-
May 9, 2017
Governor Mark Dayton
130 State Capitol
75 Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
Dear Governor Dayton:
We are writing to thank you for your strong support for improving the safety and effectiveness of
Minnesota's transportation system. You have proposed a significant transportation funding plan that
would provide dedicated new funding at a level that would meet the need to update and expand our
transportation infrastructure. We appreciate your recognition of magnitude of the problem and the
importance of addressing the funding shortfall.
Efforts to pass significant, long-term funding for roads, bridges and transit have been attempted over
the last several years with disappointing results. We have been working this year to urge all
legislators to work together to develop a funding plan that will begin to address the $600 million
annual shortfall for highways and local roads as well as the need to increase funding for transit
service statewide.
As we work with a broad coalition of diverse organizations that all support action this session to
increase transportation funding, and we look at other states that have passed ambitious
transportation funding increases with dedicated dollars, we are concerned and surprised at the
difficulty we've had here in Minnesota with passage of significant additional funding for roads, bridges
and transit.
Many Minnesota organizations that represent hundreds of thousands of people have
expressed their support for increased transportation investments. Agricultural groups like the
Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, the Minnesota Milk Producers and the Minnesota Farmers Union
have voiced support for additional funding to improve the roads they need. The business community
has been very vocal in pushing for transportation funding with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce,
local chambers and the Business Partnership advocating for the dedication of the sales tax on auto
parts as well as an increase in revenue from the motor vehicle registration tax and additional funding
for transit in the metropolitan area. Labor unions have been strong advocates of a long-term
comprehensive transportation funding package with the building trades testifying in support of both
constitutionally dedicated funds and funds from the sales tax on auto parts. Local governments have
made transportation funding a top priority this year and have publicly promoted passage of a
significant level of state funding from increases in constitutionally dedicated funds and increases in
local option sales taxes. Counties have decided to support the dedication of the sales tax on auto
parts. Minnesotans expect action to take care of this core government function.
Other states are passing us by as they implement major transportation investment plans. Since 2013,
25 states have enacted legislation to increase revenue and investments in transportation. The latest
states: Indiana, Tennessee, Montana and California all had increases in dedicated fuel taxes and
vehicle fees signed into law by governors on both sides of the aisle to provide sustainable
transportation funding. Our neighboring states— Iowa. South Dakota and Michigan have passed
increased funding for transportation. In order to remain competitive, Minnesota needs to address the
growing backlog of needed highway, local road and transit projects.
As you work with legislative leaders to finalize a transportation budget bill for the coming
biennium and a capital bonding bill we urge you to support legislation that:
• Statutorily dedicates all of the sales tax attributable to the sale of auto parts to the
Highway User Tax Distribution Fund.
• Increases constitutionally dedicated user fees that are deposited into the Highway User
Tax Distribution Fund.
• Provides additional funding to address the shortfall faced by metropolitan area transit.
• Allows local governments authority to raise revenue and make plans for their
communities to address future transportation needs including transitways.
• Authorizes trunk highway bonds to fund the Corridors of Commerce program.
• Addresses funding needs for state highways, local roads and bridges, and transit
systems serving residents in Greater Minnesota as well as the metropolitan area.
Safety concerns are increasing. Over the past decade, an average of 420 Minnesotans have been
killed on roadways in our state. Another 30,000 people have been injured every year. With an
increase in miles driven in recent years, the state has experienced an uptick in crashes and fatalities.
We know that fatal crashes tend to occur in rural areas on roads that permit high speeds and do not
have modern design standards. In 2015, 70 percent of fatal crashes occurred in rural areas. Of the
fatal crashes, 125 or 33 percent occurred on county state aid highways and 68 percent of fatal
crashes occurred on two-lane roadways. We need to do more to reduce these numbers and we can
with additional resources.
Again, thank you for your leadership in promoting improvements to Minnesota's transportation
system. This is a critical year for developing the plan that will shape the future of transportation in our
state. We respectfully request a meeting directly with you to further discuss the path to a compromise
solution that will allow for real results as we work to plan, design, construct and operate Minnesota's
transportation system.
Sincerely,
Minnesota Transportation Alliance
League of Minnesota Cities
Association of Minnesota Counties
American Council of Engineering Companies
Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
City Engineers Association of Minnesota
Concrete Pavement Association of Minnesota
Laborers District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota
Minnesota Association of Small Cities
Minnesota Association of Townships
Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association
Minnesota County Engineers Association
Minnesota Inter-County Association
Minnesota Public Transit Association
Minnesota Rural Counties Caucus
Minnesota Utility Contractors Association
Metro Cities
cc: House Speaker Kurt Daudt
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk
House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman
Senator Scott Newman, Transportation Committee Chair
Representative Paul Torkelson, Transportation Committee Chair
MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle
Metropolitan Council Chair Adam Duininck
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Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 1 of 9
CETRO CITIES
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May 5i* 2017 Have you heard the latest?
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i Legislative Update
ON -
► This week, the House and Senate released
_„_�.•,. .._. agreed-to provisions for several omnibus
bills in conference committees, using the And follow us on Twitter
joint budget targets agreed to last week.
The intent in expediting these bills was to
have House and Senate agreement on bills
*Whftt as three way negotiations begin. Prior to
the released bills and joint budget numbers,
crr� most conference committees had done
walk throughs of the Senate and House
ft” 'side by side' comparisons and adopted
some bill provisions. Legislators met to
negotiate bill provisions over the last
weekend but did not meet in conference
committees before releasing agreed-to
omnibus bills in committees this week.
Conference committee bills are largely still
in conference committees,with the bills
InCurreadopted and set aside, rather than
Newwslettslen ers:UArchlved processing actual conference reports.
N
Below are updates on bills and items of
Archives concern and interest to Metro Cities.
Legislative leaders have been meeting with
Governor Dayton this week. The Governor,
via press conferences this week, said he
does not approve of the excessive level of
policy provisions (609 policies)within the
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Current/Archived Newsletters Metro Cities Page 2 of 9
budget bills. The Governor stated that he
will veto any bill that includes Met Council
governance and CTIB (Counties Transit
Improvement Board) provisions, and won't
begin negotiations on the transportation bill
until those sections are removed. In a
subsequent press conference, Senate
Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said that
leaders are asking for three-way targets
from the Governor and noted it may be
difficult to remove some policy provisions
from bilis, but they hope that they can come
to agreements. House and Senate minority
leaders responded with concerns about
several bills, including transit reductions,
and provisions that strip away local control.
Many of the bilis have implications for
cities. Metro Cities encourages city officials
to contact their legislators and House and
Senate leadership and tell them how
funding levels and specific policies still
being considered will impact their cities and
communities.
Legislators are meeting this afternoon, and
will meet again on Saturday. Stay tuned for
further updates.
Conference Committee Updates
Transportation
Conferees: Sen Newman, Sen Jasinski,
Sen Kiffineyer, Sen Osmek, Sen Sparks,
Rep Torkelson, Rep Petersburg, Rep How,
Rep Runbeck, Rep Koznick
On Monday, the HF 861 Omnibus
Transportation Conference Committee
adopted its agreed-to bill.
The proposed bill spends$372 million
above current spending levels for the
biennium. $320 million of this spending
comes from dedicating most of the sales
tax proceeds on auto parts, auto rentals,
and motor vehicle lease taxes. The bill
includes$600 million in Trunk Highway
Bonding, with $300 million going to state
road construction and $300 million
allocated for the Corridors of Commerce
program. The Governor's budget
recommends $600 million for transportation
to be funded through a 6.5 percent increase
in the gas tax and increase in vehicle
registration fees. His budget also calls for
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$2 billion in Trunk Highway Bonds over 10
years. A MnDOT report has identified a
statewide need of$600 million per year
level of funding to meet the projected road
and bridge needs of the state.
The conference committee bill also
increases Municipal State Aid (MSA)
funding by$23.4 million in the biennium.
This increase comes from the statutory
dedication of auto parts and rental sales
tax. The Governor's budget recommends
an increase of$166 million over the
biennium and funds this increase with a 6.5
percent increase in the gas tax.
A one-time appropriation of$20 million is
allocated to the Small Cities street funding
account. This agreement does not include
the creation of or funding for a large cities
account for cities over 5,000 in population
that is supported by Metro Cities and the
LMC. Metro Cities supports a proposal that
would fund both the Small Cities Account
and a Large Cities account with a $10
surcharge on license tab fees and vehicle
transfer fees. This would generate$57
million of ongoing, sustainable funding for
both accounts.
The bill proposes to fund Metro Transit with
a base appropriation of$179.6 million, with
an additional $30 million to partially offset a
projected transit operating deficit of$74
million. The Metropolitan Council has stated
that this approach leaves a$35 million
transit deficit and would mean a 10 percent
cut to bus routes operated by Metro Transit.
The Governor's plan calls for a half-cent
metro-area sales tax to fund transit.A
metro sales tax at this rate would generate
$400 million and would fund transit
operating costs currently funded by the
state's general fund. The proposal would
also allow for a 27 percent expansion of the
bus system. Metro Cities policies support
the funding and strategic expansion of the
region's transit system.
Raggional Govemance
The House and Senate proposal would also
make several policy changes that are
opposed by Metro Cities. The bill would
restructure the Metropolitan Council to
make it up of local officials and increase the
size of the Council to 27 members. The bill
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Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 4 of 9
also eliminates the Transportation Advisory
Board (TAB).
The legislation would prohibit cities from
contributing funds to a light rail project that
has not received legislative approval, also
opposed by Metro Cities. The Counties
Transit Improvement Board(CTIB),
including GEARS, would be dissolved by
this amendment. Metro area counties who
had been members of CTIB would not be
allowed to implement the half-percent local
option sales tax, authorized under current
law, for transportation without a voter
referendum. All other counties in the state
can raise this funding by a vote of the
county board.
Member cities are encouraged to tell their
legislators that a successful transportation
agreement will be a long-term, sustainably
funded, comprehensive solution to the
region and state's transportation needs. A
successful transportation agreement must:
• include ongoing funding for the Small and
Large City Accounts
• include an increase to the MSA formula
•address the transit operating and system
expansion needs of the region
• not contain regional governance
provisions or provisions eliminating local
control and decision making
Taxes
Conferees: Sen Chamberlain, Sen Miller,
Sen Rest, Sen Dahms, Sen Senjem, Rep
Davids, Rep Hertaus, Rep McDonald, Rep
Drazkowski, Rep Marquart
The Taxes Conference Committee met on
Monday to review the House-Senate tax bill
agreement. The following provisions are in
the bill:
• construction sales tax exemption provision
(support)
• LGA increase of$6 million, one time
(support increases, would prefer any
increase be permanent)
• Reducing LGA for participation in
unauthorized diversion programs(oppose
reductions to LGA based on factors with no
nexus to the formula)
•TIF technical provisions (support)
• levy certification date change for special
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Cutrent/Arcbived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 5 of 9
districts to September 30 (support)
• reverse referendum provision for leased
buildings (oppose)
The bill does not contain proposed House
language requiring reverse referendums for
local levies and franchise fees (Metro Cities
opposes these provisions). The bill also
does not provide for direct property tax
relief program increases that are supported
by Metro Cities.A House provision to
reduce LGA for the city of Minneapolis was
not included in the final bill (Metro Cities
opposed this provision). A provision to
reduce LGA for costs associated with
participation in a World's Fair were also not
included (Metro Cities opposed this
provision).
State Govemment
Conferees: Sen Kiffmeyer(Chair), Sen
Anderson, B., Sen Hall, Sen Koran, Sen
Laine, Rep Anderson, S. (House Chair),
Rep Dettmer, Rep Fenton, Rep Nash, Rep
O'Driscoll
The State Government finance conference
committee met Tuesday to review the
House-Senate omnibus bills agreement.
The bill requires the Office of the
Legislative Auditor to perform a transit
financial activity review of Metro Transit
financial information. It also provides
certain local governments additional long-
term investment authority. The bill also
would allow the legislature to review any
rule that would have the impact of
increasing the cost of a residential unit by
$1,000 or more. That provision is also
included the jobs bill. Metro Cities supports
the investment authority provision.
Jobs Bill Conference Committee ASF 9937)
Conferees: Sen Miller, Sen Osmek, Sen
Dahms, Sen Anderson P., Sen Champion,
Rep Garafaio, Rep Newberger, Rep Hoppe,
Rep O'Neill, Rep Mahoney
The jobs and housing conference
committee met Monday to review
a proposed bill agreed to by House and
Senate conferees. The bill includes$24
million for the Minnesota Investment Fund,
$15 million for the Job Creation Fund, $15
million for broadband grants and $28 million
for the Minnesota Housing Challenge
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Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 6 of 9
Program. The spreadsheet can be found
here. The bill includes funding for a number
of workforce development programs
including the.lob Skills Partnership. It does
not include any funding for the
Redevelopment Grant Program, which was
included in the Senate bill at$3 million.
The bill includes a prohibition on local
governments enacting ordinances related
to consumer bags. This provision
contradicts Metro Cities' policy supporting
allowing municipalities to decide their own
local ordinances. It would also have the
effect of nullifying ordinances that have
already been enacted by cities. Metro Cities
opposes language in the bill that would
require local housing goals to be approved
by the Legislature, goals that are currently
negotiated locally with the Met Council.
Business Notice Bill Passes in House
A bill that requires cities to post changes to
ordinances 10 days in advance of a hearing
was passed by the House. HF
1242 requires that cities proposing to
change an ordinance or amend an
ordinance must post notice of the change
10 days prior to when the ordinance is first
discussed. Notices can be posted
electronically or in locations where other
notices are posted. A city must also send
electronic notification to anyone who has
signed up for notification. Cities must also
notify people of the electronic notification
process when they apply for a new
business license or license renewal. The
bill passed on a vote of 8744.
House Passes Awards and National
Night Out Bills
A bill that would increase the amount cities
can spend on awards was passed by the
House on Monday. SF 1020 eliminates the
current$800 cap on awards purchased by
local units of government. The bill passed
on a vote of 98-32.
The House also passed SF 870. This bill
allows cities to spend funds on National
Night Out activities as well as other events
that help to foster positive relationships with
law enforcement. It also allows cities to
solicit for contributions for these events.The
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Current/Archived Newsletters- Metro Cities Page 7 of 9
bill passed 131-1.
House Releases Bonding Bill
The House Capital Investment committee
met Wednesday to review a X600 million
bonding bill that was released earlier this
week. The bill includes $3.739 million for
inflow and infiltration mitigation, $7 million
for the Transportation Economic
Development program and $10 million for
public housing rehabilitation. The bill also
authorizes$20 million for housing
infrastructure bonds which can be used to
support new affordable housing
development. Democrats on the committee
objected to the size of the bill and proposed
three dozen amendments for a range of
projects across the state. None of the
amendments were adopted, with the chair
noting the bill will likely increase in size
before the end of session.
The committee adopted the bill and it will
next be heard in the Ways and Means
committee. A Senate bonding bill, which
largely mirrors last year's $1 billion bill,
awaits action on the Senate floor.
Fire Sprinkler Legislation Signed Into
Law
Governor Dayton signed a bill into
law Tuesday that would not require one-
and two-family dwellings and two-unit
townhouses to have installed automatic fire
sprinkler systems. The law, Chapter 20,
requires the commissioner of Labor and
Industry to amend the construction code
outside the regular process. Metro Cities
supports efforts to increase awareness of
the potential impacts and benefits of
requiring sprinklers in new homes and
townhouses and supports discussion and
the dissemination of information around
these impacts via the code adoption
process through the Department of Labor
and Industry.
Bill Introductions
HF 2646/SF 2361, Modifies the soil and
water conservation district provisions,
authorizes tax levies for and charges by soil
and water conservation districts.
HF 26281 SF 2372 (Rep Koznick/Sen
Chamberlain)Amends certain local option
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Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 8 of 9
transportation sales taxes, limits authority
to impose a sales tax, allocates and limits
use of funds, requires a referendum under
certain circumstances.
HF 2637 Provides for the disposition of
abandoned pipelines, requires filing of a
pipeline abandonment plan and its approval
by the commissioner of public safety.
HF 2638 Authorizes local governments to
maintain roads owned by common interest
ownership associations provided the
association pays the costs of the
maintenance, provides a property tax credit
for properties in certain common interest
ownership associations.
HF 2642, Requires telecommunications
and Internet service providers to reimburse
consumers for distributing consumer
information obtained from the Internet,
requires the PUC to establish the level of
reimbursement.
HF 2628, Bill would dissolve CTIB and
GEARS. Those counties who are currently
members of CTIB would have to pass local
option sales tax through a referendum. All
other counties in the state are allowed to
pass this tax by a vote of the county board.
HF 2638, Bill authorizes local governments
to maintain roads owned by common
interest ownership associations provided
the association pays the costs of the
maintenance. The bili also provides a
property tax credit for properties in certain
common interest ownership associations.
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.
If you'd like to sign up to receive Metro
Cities News, please
email news letterO-metrocitiesm n.o rg and
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Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 9 of 9
provide the following: Name, Title,
Employer and Email address. Thank you.
Metro Cities 146 University Ave W., St.
Paul, MN 66103-2044 Phone 651-215-
4000 Fax 661-281-1299
Website www.MetroCitiesMIN.org
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