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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - june 30th 2017 rile CITY OF OAK P HE HTS ` E Y NOTES for: June 30'x,2017 TO: City Council embers S FROM: Eric Johnson ity A ini Zoning and Development Items: Y" wsr t I inns h � i„ calved. 2. The City Arborist did visit a site with Buildi Official to discuss some private trees that neighbors have expressed concerns with safety and pruning issues. 14799 Upper W street.See enclosed. 3. The Stillwater Township is updating its Comprehensive Plan. The City has been asked to review the document and provide comments. I have enclosed some excerpts from the document.While the land lying west of MEMORIAL ave. is in the Township, their plan does not deeply engage in a conversation about future development of this land,nor an annexation. Instead,it keeps its focus a rural/agricultural, 4. The City Council did adopt the Nuisance Abatement Process policy, but requested some brief edits to be sure it encompassed domestic animal complaints.While these Issues can be covered in those ordinances specifically,the document was modified to at least touch on the issue. :: Enclosed. • MNDOT Update for the SCRCP- dated June 291h,2017 The new curb-stop at 15058 Upper 631d Street—has failed, but is warranted by the Contractor as it was part of the 2015 Street reconstruction project.Repairs will be made at no cost to the homeowner. The 2017-2018 Snowplowing Contract with Raleigh Trucking has been provided to them for signature;We would hope to have this on the Council approval agenda for July 251h.Essentially a 2.5%increase of last year.Please note,there is not an immediate PLAN B-per se—if Raleigh Trucking chooses not to provide such services.Conceptually,the City could bid this out or gear-up to provide the service itself;but in any event,it would be a significant undertaking and require some lead time. Staff has sent a communication to the MET COUNCIL(MCES)requesting certain billing adjustments to the City's sanitary charges. Please see the enclosed letter dated 6129117. In short,the rate of water pumped by the City(in millions of gallons)is far less than the gallonage of sewerage the City is being requested to pay for by+1-$75,000 or 32 Million gallons. There is a ribbon cutting for Archer Realty on 7112117 at 1 pm—see enclosed • 64th,65th and Ozark Ave have been paved with their final wear course,this happened on 6129.Generally,it looks to be a proper job —at least to me and there were no major puddles or drainage issues that I saw after this AM thunderstorms. Mayor McComber provided: 1. TOOL BOX information from the Coalition of Utility Cities—Highlighting issues cities with powerplants will want to begin to consider as plants begin the journey towards shutdown.—A post plant era. 2. MAOSC-Washington DC Trip-UPDATE. 3. The Stillwater High School might desire to hold a CARNIVAL for its Homecoming Event in September—Seethe Enclosed Schedule. Please call meat anytime if you have questions.. 6;5i-2.53-M7 37 1 of 29 CITY 4F ®AK PARK HEIGHTS 14368 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O.Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-2007 • Phone:651/439-4439 • Fax:651/439-0574 June 27, 2017 Marcia Nelson 14799 Upper 56th St. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re: Trees @ Rear Yard(14797 & 14799 Upper 56th St.N.) l e.v Ms. Nelson: You have been in communication with Arborist Lisa Danielson and myself as to the trees at your rear yard, located within the Valley View West neighborhood. Recently you expressed concern about two trees in particular. On June 14, 2017 Arborist Danielson and I paid a site visit to the property to view the trees. Unfortunately, you were not home at the time of our visit; however, we were joined by Property Manager, Jeff Skogen of Kingwood Management and Pat Mack of 14797 Upper 56th St., who were able to assist us with concern of the HOA. Ms. Mack was also able to point out the specific trees you were concerned with. Enclosed is a photo of the two trees that appear to be the primary concern. The tree noted as "VVW" is the taller tree upon your yard, which I understand you are concerned about potentially falling upon your property. Consensus was that while the tree is not in optimal condition the structure of the tree was found to be sound and that it should be monitored. Mr. Skogen indicated that if you opted to have it removed that it would not be an issue. If you do opt to have this removed, you should discuss this with your HOA board and/or property manager prior to doing so. I believe the expense of remove would be yours. The second tree noted as "14822 56th", along the fence line, appears to belong to your rear yard neighbor at the address noted. She has been notified that the tree appears to be dead, that it may be potentially diseased, and has been recommended to have it removed. We do appreciate your concerns regarding trees falling and will continue to do what we can to help. Sincerely, PLANNING & CODE ENFORCEMENT Jul Hultman Bu ding Official c: Lisa Danielson, Arborist Jeff Skogen, Kingwood Management Pat Marek — 14797 Upper Stith St N. &VVW HOA Member Eric Johnson, City Administrator 2 of 29 Tree City U.S.A. o v a a " wrow, 'd a w— e .� a , z 'vil -1,% Iy moo a � , a _ + , + w d #. � m � x gid. �° ' �I kr•'".,��a�', '�*.aW�.� _ .. as '1WM y + w ,I _ Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Stillwater Township is Available for Review-News ... Page 1 of 1 STILLWATER. .TOWNSHIP � � r Hama Town Government Agendas&Minutes Records&Documents Contact Us About Us Public Safety Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Stillwater Township is News&lEm-,W Available for Review Permits&Applications Draft 2040 Stillwater Townihin Comprehensive Plan Parks and Traits Enviromental Information and Services Welcome to the Township Site index In News&Events: • Communiiv Evenly • News,%2des • News Story Archive Hama I Town Gwyernmant I Agendas&Mhutee I Records&Documents I Cornmd US I About Us I Public Safely I News&Evems I Permaa&Appliratinna f Parks and Tralls I EmAromerdel Infmmason and Smvlces I Waicems to the Township I Site Indax lowered by 9gQMce cone p � 4 of 29 http://stillwatertownship.com/index.asp?SEC=626A5477-A292-4450-9522-E517EOA 195C... 6/26/2017 I. Background A. TOWNSHIP CONTEXT Stillwater Township is a rural community in the St. Croix River Valley. It lies north of the City of Stillwater,south of May Township, and east of the City of Grant. The Townslup has been affected by growth in the surrounding area in recent decades. Development pressures have resulted in a reduction in the amount of large scale farming,and more rural residential development in the Township and neighboring communities. The size of the Township has been gradually reduced as areas south of Trunk Highway 96 were annexed to the City of Stillwater, and developed at urban densities. Figure 1 identifies the current Township boundaries. Current Stillwater Township Boundaries Towrwi A�v r" r W „_ Stillwater Township Legend shm"Townshrc U O til 4 x.d�y:.l Ts Miles a os T z as P kieigh Clt orTKM ' ds�dasv. ke Stillwater Township Comprehensive Plan Page 2 5 of 29 1996 Orderly Annexation Agreement and 2015 Annexation The Township and City of Stillwater adopted an Orderly Annexation Agreement in1996. The Agreement specified a phased annexation of portions of the Township into the City through 2015. The City completed the annexation of the areas included in the agreement as scheduled in 2015. Most of the area that was formerly located in the Township south of State Highway 96 is now part of the City of Stillwater. The City has not proposed additional annexation of areas within the Township. Property Detachment to S'tidlWater T'ownshkp Figure 1 shows that there is a small"island"of land near the intersection of State Highway 36 and Manning Avenue that is part of Stillwater Township. The three owners of the property applied for detachment of this area from the City of Lake Elmo in 2010,and an administrative law judge approved the detachment from Lake Elmo to Stillwater Township in 2012. At that time, several parcels north of Highway 36 and adjacent to the detachment area were part of Stillwater Township,but they have since been annexed to the City of Stillwater. Future Governance The Township will retain its current geographic area and form of government and rural character for the foreseeable future, Stillwater g Township defines this to mean: 3 • Provide necessary basic rural services in a cost-efficient manner • Preserve the rural residential character of the area • Retain a simple, approachable,unencumbered government Maintain the Town Hall as a symbol of grass roots government Preserve the integrity of Township's current land,natural resources, amenities,and borders in a sustainable manner. Stillwater Township values and protects its unique place in the larger St. Croix Valley and the larger Metropolitan area, It offers a rural atmosphere that contrasts with and complements the adjacent urban and suburban areas of the City of Stillwater.The Township's Vision Statement describes its long-range goals for the community. B. GOVERNANCE GOALS AND POLICIES The following are the adopted Governance Goals for Stillwater Township: • Strengthen the Township as an independent governing body Stillwater Township Comprehensive Placa Page 3 6 of 29 1 a • Remain a simple,non-bureaucratic,unencumbered government • Be responsive and respectful to citizens • Partner with the State,Washington County,and surrounding governmental jurisdictions to provide services to residents cooperatively and efficiently • Preserve and enhance the rural residential character of the Township The Governance Goals will be implemented through the following Policies: • Encourage citizen involvement and participation • Preserve the Town Hall as a symbol of grass-roots government provide services at levels that meet the needs of the Township's residents 1 • Collaborate with surrounding jurisdictions on matters of area-wide i significance • Strive for cost-efficiency in providing rural services • Follow sustainable and smart growth guidelines C. REGIONAL PLANNING DESIGNATION i L Regional Planning Designation and Forecasts The Metropolitan Council designates Stillwater Township as a "Diversified Rural"planning area. Figure 2 f om the Metropolitan Council's Regional Development Framework shows the planning designation for the Township and surrounding communities. Council policies describe Diversified Rural communities as"places with a variety of farm and nonfarm land uses including very large- lot residential uses,clustered housing,hobby farrus, and agricultural uses. Diversified Rural communities are expected to plan for growth not to exceed forecasts and in patterns that do not exceed 4 units per 40 acres. In addition,Diversified Rural commuuilic expected to manage land uses prevent the "o, extension of urban services(i.e.municipal sewer and water systems),and so that existing service levels with meet service needs." The Metropolitan Council discourages denser, urban levels of residential development in Diversified Rural communities to avoid the premature demand for expansion of metropolitan systems and urban public services. The region makes investments in infrastructure such as roads to provide needed transportation services for residents and businesses in rural communities,but wants to avoid premature urban development in rural areas. Stillwater Township Comprehmmve Plan Page 4 A• 7 of 29 The Council recognizes that many residents in the region are interested in rural and small-town living. The Council's policies support lower-density development through traditional subdivision as well as lot averaging and cluster development within the densities to provide those opportunities. Stillwater Township agrees with the community's "Diversified Rural"designation,and has adopted a proposed 2040 Land Use Plan,goals and policies in this Comprehensive Plan that are consistent with the Diversified Rural community designation. Regional Community Designation � Maly 7aap. Hugo Stillwater �P• Grant R {� f Stillwater - Oak Park Heights ke �- Elmo G f� t 3 S 1 • [.•.r i�Paft 1 EXlena of Main Map . Community Deatgnation= - N&r "'T OWBide Coundl*Oning auftM Emarping Suburban Edge • " . AiiaruIlural Suburban Edge -"f Rini Realdandat Suburban NEN, A4AT!tiN lflsan � Rural Ru Urban Center Rrel Center er y' l CAtt4ER1 �•�•1 z ¢pNa7A Cvupty asutdadea 3 �'seta� L. —I �Jrap'd+g70mohla@efaMRdae �_4 �—�."r tduse anp lNegr F>7ieen Stillwater Township Comtpre4ensive Plan Page 5 8 of 29 CL 02 _ r- �$ a Zge 0 33 � L F r yes 4 z9 IL r L 'd ¢ rc ado ' to 1 ■- ;ate ti --,p•.•_ - - _rte-+ ~� �m.�� � 4C lir C „ fi 44 M o _ .�,s ow.•wetJlmx�emt'�1'hsvaF��•••.-•••^••.a.r a Stillwater Township Comprehensive Plan Page 21 9 of 29 ti CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS NUISANCE ABATEMENT AND SITE COMPLIANCE-ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT POLICY All property owners, residents and business have a desire to ensure that yard conditions, site conditions animal complaint, and other nuisance issues are addressed and handled in a fair, predictable,timely and efficient method.City Staff shall utilize the following protocols to process and enforce applicable City Ordinances � other Processes are not otherwise definitively outlined in City ordinance or Minnesota Statute. This policy does not relate to routine Police Department activities or other criminal enforcement. STEP 1: The City shall send - via hand delivery or first class mail - an initial communication in writing to the property owner informing them of the particular violation or site condition that is in need of attention.Such initial communication shall include the section of the City Ordinance that is in violation and a clear request that the offending condition be resolved within a specific and reasonable timeframe. Such timeframe provided can depend on the circumstances of the situation, weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances. Unless authorized by the City Administrator for reasonable cause—corrective action shall be required to be completed in not more than 3 0 calendar days. The initial communication is intended to inform the party of the rules and provide an opportunity for compliance without imminent threat of penalties and the initial contact should not include language referencing financial,civil or possible criminal penalties. STEP 2: After the deadlines included in the initial communication(STEP 1)have passed,City Staff shall check the site for compliance.If compliance is made,no further action shall be taken by the City. If compliance is not achieved, the City shall promptly send a second communication - via hand delivery or registered mail - again citing the violation and providing 14 calendar days to correct defect. The second Ietter shall include language that if the matter is not resolved the City shall forward the item to the City's Police Department and/or City Attorney's Office for possible citation. STEP 3: After the timelines and/or other parameters allowed in STEP 2 have passed and upon further inspection, if compliance is not found, the matter shall be remanded to the City Police Department and/or the City prosecutor for citation.Thereafter,the City may pursue the necessary steps to abate the condition and potentially complete the work necessary to assess such cost(s)to the offending party. In the event the violation is upon a property that is owned by a party not in residence at that location, including a corporation or business entity;all documentation shall be provided to the known store or facility manager if reasonably identifiable. In the event, such person cannot be located or further identified, the City staff shall contact the City Attorney's office to further determine the proper individual to serve the notices upon. The processes outlined in this policy do not supersede other review or inspection processes as may be found in City Ordinances. In addition, in circumstances where there is a continued violation and/or a property regularly becomes in violation of one or more ordinances, the City Staff may deviate from the above process. Lastly, in the event there is a known and apparent immediate danger to the public, the City Staff may deviate from this process. I 10 of 29 w Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thursday,June 29,2017 1:04 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Site restoration begins ----Original Message— From: St Croix Crossing Project Team <stcroixcrossing.dot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thu, Jun 29, 2017 12:02 pm Subject: Site restoration begins CROSSING CROSSING Site restoration begins - Jone 29, 2D17 Hello again, Crews have begun site restoration near the intersection of Highway 95 and Highway 36, west of the railroad tracks under the approach bridges. Site restoration includes removing construction equipment and debris, grading, replacing topsoil, and spreading grass seed, and is expected to continue west of the tracks next week. After that, crews will begin site restoration east of the railroad tracks. Crews will install the new pedestrian and bike trail later in July and landscaping with various trees will start next spring. 11 of 29 Grading east of Highway yb under the approach bridges. Photo from ,tune 27. Construction highlights Y'4 Painting under the bridge continues this week. crews are painting most of the bridge with rollers and brushes to avoid overspray issues and to apply a more even coat of paint. Photo from June 27 2 12 of 29 ruV��B, rWV7tii ls� I (I� i Crews continue chip sealing on eastbound Highway 36 over the river and expect to be finished by the end of this week. After that, crews will begin chip sealing westbound Highway 36. Photo from June 27, looking east from Pier 8. q t l<l Na i Electricai work continues on the bridge. Crews remove the projects temporary power this week at Pier 10. Photo from June 27. 3 13 of 29 W w r a 1(1771 j, View of Piers 9-12 looking east toward Wisc. Photo from June 27. Check out on our website to learn what you can expect during the final construction season on the bridge, coauthored by St. Croix Crossing construction engineer Terry Zoller and Wisconsin project supervisor Tim Mason. 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 • rrrndlct„goa Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation: ,, MnDOT's Social Media Hub» SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions I Unsubscribe Al I Help This email was sent to marymcromberbaol.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Department of Transportation•395 John Ireland Blvd•Saint Paul,MN 55955 4 14 of 29 Eric Johnson From; Andrew Kegley Sent: Thursday,June 29, 2017 4:07 PM To: Andrew Swenson;Jaryd Marks; Lisa Danielson Cc: Eric Johnson Subject: Curb Stop Leak- 15058 Upper 63Rd -Area D 15058 Upper 63rd Street N Report of Leaking Curb Stop Reported on 6/29/17 @ 2:57 PM. Donald Anderson 15058 Upper 63rd Street N (651) 439-5563 ACTIVITY: 6/29/17 - called Brad N of A-1 Exc. To notify of leak. Construction work is warranted it until August 11, 2017. 15 of 29 A # A » M "" V 4 W AM Pow Y � - � 0 nu u^ M s n 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 6129117 TO: Mike Raleigh, Raleigh Trucking PO BOX 261 Stillwater, MN 55082 FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator RE: 2017-2018 Snowplowing Dear Mike: Enclosed you will find the 2017-2018 Snowplowing Agreement we discussed on 6/28117. Please note three points: 1. You indicated a 2.5%rate increase over last year.This has been implemented, please see the rate sheet in the exhibit B. 2, Except for Item 14"Non-Assignment"the language remains the same.This short edit ensures the City that your firm will be our provider unless the City consents to a change. 3. If you would please sign both copies as enclosed and return to my attention prior to July 141h, it would be appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions. Kind Regards 40 Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc: Weekly Notes 17 of 29 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS June 29,2017 Mr Ned Smith,Director of Finance and Revenue Mr Kyle Colvin,Assistant Manager Metropolitan Council Environmental Services 390 Robert Street North St.Paul,MN 55201 Dear Messrs.Smith and Colvin: As you know,the City has expressed concerns about the recent billings from the MET COUNCILand atth1s time we have the following data: I Regarding flows and water pumping for 2016,the 2016 data reflects a maximum of 182,904 MG of water that was pumped and adjusted for known irrigation and Stillwater's inflows/outflows from City wells.(Flow Data for Sunnyside is excluded in this calculation as I am addressing that separately.) This compares to the firm flow amount of 206-80 MG that MCES is using for the 2018 Municipal Wastewater Charge(MWC).The maximum water pumped of 282 904 MG,noted above is ALSO adjusted 5% for non-sewer usage such as hydrant flushes,residential irrigations, rink flooding,etc-resulting In an additional downward adjustment of 9 MG to a chargeable sewerflow of a lesser total of 173.904 MG The City's calculated flow compared to the MCES results in a total difference of 32.896 MG which amounts to S79.630 in MCES charges. The City requests that a refund and/or adjustment be made in fees showing a credit of this amount $79,630,back to the City,and that future calculations for prospective fees be monitored and adjusted accordingly. 2. Sunnyside accounts that are used in your unmetered sewer flow of 10.02 MG are calculated on 125 units This amount is overstated by 7 units,but in addition the amount of water that has been used by these units for 2026 is 3.998 MG.The MWC charge due to the 6.022 MG overcharge is equal to$24577 The City requests that a refund and/or adjustment be made In fees showing a credit of this amount-$24,577 As it relates to this location,the City does not control the entirety of the sewer flows to this location;rather only the water supply Oak Park Heights cannot act as a financier between the City of Stillwater and the MCES should there be any discrepancy.Should the MCES believe the City of Stillwater flows are exceeding certain values,then it is up to the MCES to address this matter Page I I of 3 Tree City U.S.A. 18 of 29 The City Is happy to engage in necessary conversations to sort these issues out; however City ratepayers cannot subsidize Stillwater ratepayers—nor vice-versa. Overall,as you will note in the data as attached,the City has very consistent sewer flows until the last quarter of 2015 Water usage calculated to a net amount available for sewer flows has decreased over the last 5 years. There is no data to support the large increases that are being imposed on the City by the MCES sewer flow data.And the data further supports the City asking for an adjustment to decrease the calculated flows for least 33 MG for the Incorrect firm flow and a decrease of 6 MG for the Sunnyside accounts. Lastly,as we have expressed,the City will be investigating future rate increases so that i&I problems at other locations do not result in increased fees to our ratepayers The MCES must immediately undertake steps to enforce that this is not occurring.This may include a fundamental policy shift for the MCES but the City cannot be asked to subsidize this.Those communities that have not addressed their regular I&I Issues must be responsible for these costs If you would like to further discuss this Eric Johnson, City Administrator, Andy Kegley, Public Works Director and myself are available. Otherwise, we will be adjusting our 2018 bill according to our calculations and remitting that amount for 2018. Sincerely, Betty Caruso Finance Director PS- On a related matter,there has been a conversation between our Public Works Director,Andy Kegley and Bob Ubert(7)from the 5t Croix Valley treatment facility who contacted him on 6/28 at 1:46 PM to notify him about a higher than normal flow-more than double(1,300 gallons per minute)what is expected.During that conversation,Bob also reported that on 6/27/17 @ 11:00 PM the flow rate entering the OPH/Bayport metering trough at the treatment facility was 1,800 gallons per minute After speaking with Bob,the public works staff immediately started investigating by Inspecting manholes surrounding the treatment facility. Oak Park Heights sewer flow did not appear to be higher than normal as all flow was contained within the manhole inverts. However when inspecting manholes directly north of the Bayport metering station, the flow looked excessive and was surcharging at least two manholes downstream from the metering station.Please see the enclosed image. We would like to have this MCES staff members report the reads for this date and how the MCES plans to proceed with this investigation.Is it possible that high flows passing through the Bayport metering station surcharge the metering trough and therefore render the flow rate/metered to read inaccurate? is it possible that the flow NOT recorded by the Bayport metering station is being incorrectly attributed to OPH flow?We understand that the automated system within the treatment facility notifies MECS staff via an alarm when flow rates exceed set parameters.Has MECS staff inspected the Bayport metering station when flows have exceeded the set parameter or normal flow rate especially by three times the normal flow rate such as the mstancp nn 6/777 Page 12 of 3 19 of 29 Please carefully note that the Prison facility located in BAYPORT,MN is on its own well systems.We would like to know how these flows are address in the MCES systems.Who gets billed for these flows and how are these accounted fort CC: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Andy Kegley,Public Works Director Enclosures(3) Page 13 of 3 20 of 29 ��sss MlNfons MRaXam IN r. Ya ry. 6'i�.�ivaNe+y� �h$Gi$So� B 'ail. 'r }pp pyf Va yV�NQ yT ISP!j $ _ $ C cp � � is -3� � bo =.�is798r.8 I,I NNN Ny M Y �H m ago! w ppoq P LLkz Mi �S � a aNNwS � pr�� �a '6. xxx� aby��Y�pNVVA]�a� _� y V Y V V W F1 J E � 2 21 of 29 J y � a w f J� 22 of 29 I 4r*v*,, "1011 uulu4 � 1 ;� dIIUpF�� i upiui �� I ,� �twd�ll�8��v}�III�I011�� III Ii�nmmI� 111111 �.I iilGiuuuuuoil r� �� _ ' �,. IIII IIS�Ili��l� � " w fi 6 � } i I" 1 � li o -0 u ��III 23 of 29 Eric Johnson To: Jennifer Pinski Subject: FW: ribbon Cutting Please post this... ] , From: Mary Mccomber [mailto:marymccomber@aol.com] Sent:Wednesday,June 28,2017 3:47 PM To: Eric Johnson<eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com> Cc:Jennifer Pinski<jpinski@cityofoakparkheights.com> Subject: Ribbon Cutting Eric, Can you put in weekly notes and post an invitation that I received for a ribbon cutting: Archer Realty 5946 Osgood Ave. S. (Stillwater) Wednesday, July 12, at 1:00 p.m. Thanks, Mary i 24 of 29 IT I s Toolbox for Communities Facing a Post-Plant Era This is a series of initial questions designed to help communities understand their assets and stakeholders, in order to face challenges in making a transition to a post-plant era. Both coal and nuclear plans help support a specialized, unique local economy.A community can and should think about how to transition to a new economic model by using as many of the unique strengths it has currently. 1. Asset Evaluation: How can current assets contribute to a post-plant future? a. infrastructure: i. What kind of specialized infrastructure do you have in your community related to electric generation?This can include transmission lines, land owned by the utility, railroad lines,or ports. ii. What other infrastructure has supported your local utility plant,which may be not as obvious to outside observers?This can include internet connectivity, highways/roads/bridges,weather stations,etc. b. Economic: L How many jobs has the electric utility provided for your community? ii. How much property tax revenue does the utility pay to your city? iii. What kind of specialized workforce does your community have as a result of hosting an electric generation plant? iv. What are the secondary businesses in your community related to the electric generation plant,e.g. Liberty Paper in Becker? v. Can you quantify the multiplier effect of each utility job to your community? c. Community L How has the electric utility contributed to the culture of your community? For example, philanthropic activities,educational opportunities. ii. How will this change when the plant closes? iii. Who can you engage to fill any gaps? d. Are there any other assets your community has related to electric generation that this list has missed? 2. Utility-Community Relations: How will—and how can—local community leaders and organizations lead this transition? a. Partners with common goals: L Who are your governmental unit partners?These are communities that may receive tax revenue from electric generation or others governmental partners Created for the Coalition of Utility Cities by Flaherty&Hood,P.A.2017 25 of 29 including neighboring cities or counties that have infrastructure related to electric generation. ii. Who are the economic development,non-profit,civic,or educational partners that share some or all of your goals for a successful, post-plant era?This may be organizations or teams within the University of Minnesota, non-profit organizations that share common goals in community growth,or others. b. Plans for the Future: i. What steps have community leaders taken to meet with the utility to brainstorm steps to minimize the impact of plant closures? ii. Is your community leadership united in its view of this change? iii. How can the state,either through HEED,the Legislature or other State entity, support your transition to a post-plant era? 3. Environmental and Engineering Considerations: How will a plant closure impact local and state energy needs or the environment? a. How does the closure of your plant affect the power grid? b. Is there an environmental impact to closing the plant? If so, is the impact positive or negative? c. Who bears the cost of addressing a negative impact? 4. Summary: a. What are your communities largest competitive advantages? b. What are your community's largest barriers to a successful post-plant era? L This maybe things like information (mapping, knowledge of similarly situated communities,etc.),groups opposed to your communities aims(environmental, governmental,etc.),or local community knowledge c. As you develop answers to these questions, also prepare ways to communicate with the broader community about upcoming changes. Created for the Coalition of Utility Cities by Flaherty&Hood,P.A.2017 26 of 29 MAOSC Washington,DC Trip Update Members of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities Board of Directors joined Executive Director Jill Sletten traveling to Washington in June to meet with most of the Minnesota Congressional delegation and discuss MAOSC priorities.The following memorandum and update was prepared to provide a summary of these meetings,a synopsis of key commitments and action items which resulted from these meetings,and recommendations for possible next steps for the Association to consider in support of small cities priorities in Washington,DC. Andy Burmeister and Dennis McGrann of Lockridge Grindal Nauen PLLP(LGN) coordinate Federal Relations for MAOSC and were instrumental in organizing most aspects of the Washington, DC trip. GENERAL MEETING AGENDA&ASKS In general,the Minnesota Association of Small Cities attendees touched on the items as described in the "Federal Bulletin"distributed to the membership on May 31, 2017.(See text version here: nrrip.,Ilvies.consrunrconrucLcomuDI.7uuu.LuAla-Lucvriti-,otfua-maLco-oufo- a6d88f3bbe99.Adf?ver=14962878150000.) Some additional items were brought up during the meetings and the follow up items are outlined in the information below. Board members and MAOSC staff have followed up with notes of appreciation and requested information for both Senators, six Congressional members and staff attending the meetings. FOLLOW UP&RECOMMENDATIONS The following section outlines the follow up items and recommendations which resulted from the above meetings in Washington, D.C.It is recommended that the association consider these follow up items and recommendations and consider how to carry them out as we believe they will be helpful in advancing the stated federal legislative and regulatory objectives of the organization. • It is recommended that the Association consider what USDA Rural Development programs are most highly utilized and difficult to access among small cities.Then consider what size grants/loans and population size could be used to pursue a streamlined application process for these programs.Could consider a single program or several or a pilot program of sorts.This could result in a contact with the Secretary about the possibility of a short-form application. • It is recommended that the group prepare additional short stories in each of the areas of concern which exemplify the difficulties small cities face in working with the federal government.These can be provided to the Delegation for utilization in remarks and to assist in finding solutions. •Touch base with the USDA RD office to determine what programs have electronic applications and submissions.Utilize information to potentially assist in getting other programs under such a process. •Secure MN DEED applications for certain USDA RD"like" programs and provide to offices on Capitol Hill with an example of their forms. 27 of 29 Consider options to ensure that MN Cities receive higher consideration under the Economic Development Administration. • Items of current concern to particular cities such as existing HUD environment assessments and National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems(NPAIS)designations were discussed,and steps regarding waivers and streamlining will be pursued to benefit all small cities. Sen.Al Franken, tweeting about his conversation with MAOSC Board members and other transportation advocates,commented,"Great to talk infrastructure"with these groups, and posted a meeting photo. CONCLUSION After successful visits in Washington, D.C.and commitments made by both the Association and the Delegation, it is critical to ensure timely follow up on the items discussed by both sides. LGN appreciates the opportunity to work with the Association to monitor items ongoing in Washington and stand ready should you have any additional questions,comments,or concerns. Additional photos from the Washington,,DC trip can be viewed here: ' 28 of 29 A New Tradition of Pony Pride First Annual Pony Homecoming Carnival It's a big year for Stillwater Area Public Schools and we want to celebrate in a big way! 1 I.+�q k We invite you to join us in establishing a new tradition of Pony Pride , within our community by participating in our first annual Pony Homecoming Carnival.The carnival will be held on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 15,2017 at Stillwater Area High School. Carnival Details: 2-4 p.m. Carnival open to high school students only 46:30 p.m. Carnival open to the public 45:30 p.m. Public tours of the new Pony Activity Center and high school classroom addition G P.M. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new Pony Activity Center 7 p.m. Kick-off of homecoming football game vs. Roseville. *This will be our Pony football team's 1,000 game This fun,family friendly event is being designed to bring our entire community together—from Woodbury all the way to Marine—and celebrate what it means to be a Stillwater Pony. The carnival will feature traditional carnival games and activities, as well as booths showcasing various student groups and community vendors. It will bring together current students, alumni, community members, business owners and anyone else who bleeds Pony red! It's a great time to be a Stillwater Pony, and the perfect time to establish new traditions within our school district. This fall we'll be opening our expanded high school building, and welcoming a new class of ninth graders to the school for the first time. More than 50 percent of the student body will be new to the building, and thousands of square feet of new and renovated learning spaces will be opened. We'll be holding the grand opening of our brand-new Pony Activity Center—which will be open to the public and offer a variety of fitness options. * Our football team will be playing its 1,000 game on Sept. 1S, 2017 against Roseville. 29 of 29