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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - August 11th 2017 CITY OF OAK PARK HE HTS ` E Y NOTES for: August 11 2017 TO: City Council Me ers FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administra r Zoning and Development Items: I 1. A MINOR subdivision application has b n received from the owners of the Oak Park Ponds shopping center; in essence, they hope to split off some land so as to construct a small retail center—generally lying east of St. Croix Cleaners and West of the Farrell's Gym.The application does not require Planning Commission or City Council approval,but at this point Staff will review as any other application—specifically we are awaiting survey documents and legal descriptions. 2. Two enforcement letters—W.Hellerman&K.Anderson—See enclosed-both yard clean-up issues. 3. Mr. Tim Nolde's PHASE V—72-unit housing plan was allocated$6 million dollars from the State of MN Investment Board for his project;but is roughly on 40%of the necessary financing;Mr. Nolde did reject the allocation with the speculation that the funding cycle in 2018 may provide the full funding necessary—eliminating the need for interim financing at a higher interest rate.The City did refund Mr.Nolde his$3,000 fee and most of his$10,000 escrow.I suspect we might see a discussion begin again in January. 4. The City did provide a sanitary bill adjustment of-$562.45 to 14821 58th Street—due to a leak in the water pipe. Please see the enclosed letter dated 8/9/17. 5. A letter(enclosed)was sent to Dan Park of Westwood Engineer as it relates to the possible annexation area lying west of Memorial Ave.; in short—the potential applicants have not provided any plans, specifications, do not control all the necessary lands to commence a full annexation application. There is nothing under Statute that would allow the City to provide any pre-emptory approvals—they must move through the defined development process. 6. As requested by Council a letter was sent to MNDOT as it relates to a Lookout Trail tumback;this was sent today after a couple of weeks of phone tag with Adam Josephson. MNDOT Project Update—August 10t,2017 Other items • The City received a nice comment about its summer park programs-see enclosed • The MN Dept.of Revenue did provide its updated amounts of planned Local Gov Aid;OPH will receive$0 as usual,but I did enclose the data sheets for what Stillwater and Bayport would receive for reference. • The former Burger King site has sole;the County assessor has dropped the valuation from$692K to$425K—based on the"arms- length"transaction;hopefully the new buyer will be doing something more than land speculation. • The Chamber of Commerce provided an invitation/information on the Community Celebration for the Lift Bridge Closing-8/12/17 Mayor McComber provided: 1. MASOC State Newsletter-August 2017 Please call me at any time if you have questions...651-253-7837 1 of 23 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N.—P.O.Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651.439.4439 Fax:651.439.0574 August 10, 2017 Mr. Wayne Hellerman Ms. Lynne Hellerman P.O. Box 118 1508 Hallewood Blvd. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 New Richmond, WI 54017 Re: Yard Clean Up Compliance Request—15105 63rd St. N. Dear Wayne & Lynne: Per my letter of July 25, 2017,Wayne and I have discussed the needed yard maintenance and clean up at 15105 63rd St. N. We further discussed the needs when Wayne stopped by City Hall on August 2, 2017. The yard remains in violation of City Nuisance Ordinance 1109 as it relates to noxious weeds and grasses, and accumulations of debris. Additionally,there are two vehicles that have remained on site which need to comply with City Ordinance in that they be operable, registered with current tabs and be placed upon the parking area at the property. This letter serves as the City's second written request to garner Code compliance to City Ordinances and demands that: (1) Weeds be removed from the yard; (2) The grass at the yard be fully mowed; (3) Vegetation and earth be removed from areas located against adjacent neighbor's fences; Please note that weeds,grass and vegetation noted above are to be fully mowed/removed and not just paths around them mowed. (4) All items in the yard (tent, food, coolers, lawn chairs, beverage containers, etc.) be collected and removed from the yard; (5) All vehicles not belonging to the property owner be removed from the property; and (6) All vehicles belonging to the property owner be properly placed upon the driveway, be in operable condition and display current registration. 2 of 23 4k City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N.—P.O. Box 2007 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Phone:651.439.4439 Fax:651.439.0574 Each of the items above(1-6)shall be complied with no later than Friday, August 25, 2017. A compliance check shall be made after August 22, 2017. If compliance is not found at this time,the matter shall be forwarded to Oak Park Heights Police Department and/or City Attorney for citation consideration and to pursue legal remedies available to abate the nuisance at the property. Your prompt attention is important and appreciated. Contact me immediately should you have any questions or to discuss the request directed in this communication. Sincerely, Juli ultman, C.B.O. Pla ing& Code Enforcement PC: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police Mark Vierling, City Attorney 3 of 23 ask Ir City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N.—P.O.Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651.439.4439 Fax:651.439.0574 August 10, 2017 Mr. Ken Anderson 14270 57th St. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re- Off Street Parking/Nuisance Abatement Request Dear Mr. Anderson: I am writing to follow up on a communication that was hand delivered to you earlier this summer, requesting clean-up of the vehicles, bicycles, etc. in your yard and driveway areas. The property continues to be in violation of City Nuisance Ordinance 1109 as it relates to noxious weeds and grasses, and accumulations of debris as well as Ordinances 401.15, sections B.14 and F which regulate off street parking and exterior storage. This letter serves as the City's first written request to garner Code compliance to City Ordinances and demands that: (1) The grass at the yard be fully mowed—front and rear yard areas; (2) Weeds be removed and treated as appropriate; (3) The wood and all other materials/items in the yard and against the front of the house be picked up and stored or disposed of; (4) All items in the driveway(bicycles, equipment, etc.) be collected and stored within the garage, interior of your home or removed from the property; (5) All vehicles be properly placed upon the driveway, be in operable condition and display current registration. Each of the items above(1-5) shall be complied with in full no later than Friday.August 25. 2017. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact me immediately. I am happy to help where I can. Your prompt attention is important. S' rel Julie Itman, C.B.O. Plan i g&Code Enforcement PC: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police 4 of 23 CITY OF _ OAK PARK HEIGHTS 14168 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O.Box 2007 • Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-2007 • Phone:651/439-4439 • Fax:651/439-0574 AYigust 9,2017 Ms.Alena Kuker Sunview III 1482158th St N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re: Appeal of Sewer Utility Charges—Account 107-17300-01 Dear Ms. Kuker: This letter is in response to your request for an adjustment to the sewer utility charges billed to your residence in Oak Park Heights, MN for the period March 1, 2017 through June 30,2017. After reviewing your account activity and discussions with the Public Works staff, I feel confident that the excess water usage was due to a leaking pipe in the crawl space of the apartment and that water did not flow through the City's sanitary sewer system. It is the city's policy to deny a claim unless there is proof that the water used did not enter the sanitary sewer system. As indicated,the water did not flow through the sanitary system and therefore I am approving an adjustment to your account for the sewer charges on the excess usage. This adjustment is for-$562.45. (The present cost of 145,000 gallons of sewer$813.75 less the 2016 average usage charge for 47,000 gallons of$251.30.) The water portion of your bill can not be adjusted as the water was used,this amount charged is $520.62. (For your information purposes,47,000 water charge is$134.20, a difference of$386.42) This leaves a remaining balance of$786.41 on your account, including the storm water charges of $12.90 and the state water connection charge of$1.59. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact me. Sincerely, Betty Caruso Finance Director Cc: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Andy Kegley, Public Works Director Jennifer Pinsk!, City Clerk 5 of 23 Tree City U.S.A. City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N a Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 a Phone(651)439-4439 a Fax(651)439-0574 August 8"h, 2017 Daniel Parks, PE Westwood Professional Services 7699 Anagram Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344-7310 VIA EMAIL ONLY: Dan.Parks@westwoodps.com RE:Annexation Area This letter is in follow-up to our meeting last week and might help guide some future conversations as well. While the concept of a commercial / retail establishment in the annexation area can be positive; there remain numerous challenges. We would offer the following information as you begin to plan for this endeavor; 1. Consistent with past developments in the City, so costs are not shifted to other taxpayers -the Developer would be responsible for all public costs associated to serve or are impacted by their development.In essence, all roadways, (including any Manning access and/or any frontage roads if viable at all), trails, ROW acquisitions, water, sewer,sanitary and related utilities would be at the sole expense of the Developer. For these such public elements;the City would perform the design, bidding and construction and would bill ALL such costs(including all related soft costs)to the Developer.The Developer would be required to post a CASH ESCROW or Letter of Credit equal to 125%of the cost estimate as supplied by the City Engineer before any designs are undertaken.A final Developers Agreement would be necessary that would incorporate these and related items. 2. Developers are also responsible for utility connection fees which are calculated depending on type of land use.The 2017 rates for such fees on commercial lands is$18,071 /per gross acre and would need to be paid up-front. 3. Developers are also required to pay Park dedication charges based on the gross land area that are as outlined in City Ordinance 402.08.E(Excerpt here)and would need to be paid up-front. COnuaercial'Iadastnlal Dedication Rezra' rents Developers of commerciallindustrial land,including covmerriallinduslrial portions of Planned Developments, shall be required to dedicate the following: 1. At the time the site plan is approved and building permits are issued. dev,elapers shall dedicate to the City for park-,trail,playrrouad and public open space purposes,an amount of land up to ten 00)percent of the gross land area within the development,as daterznine4 by the City- 2. 7n those cases where the City does not:egwe pant or open space within such devriopments,the City shall require payment of a cash dedication equal to ten(10)percent ofthe gross land area within the devxloptaent. 4. The City is unsure if your group controls all the necessary lands for this concept,all landowners—as well the applicant(if different from the land owner)would be required to sign any development application;making all parties jointly and severally responsible for any and all City fees,costs,billable hours,etc.So it is vital that all parties are well aware of these responsibilities. 6 of 23 5. We are aware that Washington County is undertaking a study of Manning Ave and STH 36 with various overpass and ramp designs.To date we understand that this work might not move forward until 2021 and we are unsure of when a final design might be adopted—likely not until at least 2020. How this might impact available lands or access will be important to know and or if the County or State might be also acquiring land. 6. The entire question about annexation into the City and the question of certain lands being contiguous needs to be clarified. The MN Office of Administrative Hearings— Municipal Boundary Adiustments outlines very specific protocols, timelines and would require meaningful legal research and paperwork at the Developer's expense. It may require public hearings,a joint Agreement between the City and the related Township—even if NOT contested. A link to their website is here: http://www.mba.state.mn.us/and contains several sample documents. If it is a contested annexation or one that is not acceptable to the Township; anticipate further costs related to all legal matters and actions. 7. This site will require approval of the Brown's Creek Watershed District; this is a separate and distinct entity from the City. 8. From a timing stand point the City does appreciate your earnestness to move forward promptly with all your approval secured desired to be secured by mid-October.Often times,our City moves quickly through the MN STAT 15.99 process. Unfortunately,as these lands are not in the City- nor has an annexation action officially initiated, and as there has not yet been a formal application submitted- nor has there yet been any utility/roadway studies completed,thus...it would seem unlikely that approvals could possibly be accomplished by mid-October. It would seem completion of a concept approval could be accomplished — perhaps by December 2017 if all parties moved along—but this too is speculation and is an aggressive timeline. Finally, the developers of the lands your client (or perhaps their counterparts) may be interested in purchasing / developing might give some consideration to preparing a MASTER PLAN for all lands lying between Manning Ave and the Oak Park Heights western City limits—and from STH 36 south to 561h Street. The City usually appreciates an understanding of how the balance of the land might be developed and/or impacted as the community does not desire to create remnant or"orphaned" pieces of land that are unsuitable for other reasonable uses. It is through a master plan that the community could envision the total impacts of the development of this area and what to reasonably expect in the next decade—this may help to secure additional community buy-in. At the very least,this matter should be given some careful thought about options for remaining lands. So,we will look forward to further dialogue on this matter. Kind Regards, Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc: Scott Richards,City Planner Mark Vierling, City Attorney Lee Mann, City Engineer 7 of 23 M , 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 August 11th,2017 Adam Josephson,P.E. East Area Manager MnDOT—Metro District 651/234-7719 RE:Lookout Trail VIA EMAIL ONLY:adam.ioser)hson@_state.mn.us Dear Adam, Thank you for discussing with me the concept of a tumback of Lookout Trail to the City.We left our conversation with me stating that I would follow-up with a letter outlining some of the needs the City would seek in order to consider the matter more vigorously. NEED#1: STREET RECONSTRUTED: The City would first need the roadway to be reconstructed to at least a City standard. This could be performed by MNDOT.Alternatively, the City could perform the work but we must be assured that all costs(including ROW, Engineering,Etc.)would be fully reimbursed to the City and without excessive reporting requirements. NEED#2: TRAILS/SIDEWALK: It would seem to be lost opportunity for the community to not complete the necessary trail/sidewalk elements that link the Loop Trail systems with the State's scenic Overtook; and in today's planning—trails are commonly afforded and expected.Thus,a trail or sidewalk of some fashion would need to be part of this plan and funded by MNDOT as well as the roadway.We would believe that this could be accomplished—certainly to the south of the Scenic Overlook;but with some minor challenges to the north. NEED#3 MILL&OVERLAY LUMP SUM COSTS:Continuing maintenance of this roadway will remain with the State if it is not able to shift this property to the City(or perhaps to another public entity)and would include future seal coatings,striping,pothole filling,plowing,sanding,crack-filling,mill&overlay and of course future reconstruction.If the City were to assume this roadway;the City could in theory take over these responsibilities and costs,but we would ask to be provided a lump-sum payment equal to one-half of the first mill&overlay.(in 2017 dollars). We of course realize that this letter will simply initiate this conversation,but perhaps you could think about these needs above and reflect on how we could find an agreement.Theoretically,the City could perform a reconstruction in 2018; but would need to be out for design by the end of the year. I would be happy to host a meeting with you and Lee Mann from STANTEC if you felt that dialogue may be beneficial. Kind regards 40 Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc: Lee Mann,STANTEC Weekly Notes 12 of 23 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thursday,August 10, 2017 11:18 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: So,what's next? For weekly notes -----Original Message— From: St Croix Crossing Project Team <stcroixcrossing.dot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thu,Aug 10, 2017 11:15 am Subject: So, what's next? StCroix So what's ? 'low CROSSING , t s next . August 10, 2017 Hello again, The St. Croix Crossing has now been open to traffic for one week. Please note that MnDOT has made some preliminary adjustments to the signal timing on Highway 36 and Highway 95 from Highway 36 through downtown Stillwater. MnDOT will continue to monitor all the signals and make adjustments as necessary until traffic stabilizes over the next few weeks. In Wisconsin, there is still work to be done on the road leading to the new bridge before it can be opened to the full four-lane facility. There will be lane closures periodically through mid-November to complete the entire roadway project in Wisconsin. To learn more about what's next on the St. Croix Crossing project, visit our website. The St. Croix Crossing website will remain available for public use. In the future, all questions regarding the St. Croix Crossing should be directed to the St. Croix Crossing website, the Lift Bridge website, the Wisconsin Loop Trail website or Kent Barnard with MnDOT Communications and Engagement. Emails from the St. Croix Crossing project will cease after today, Aug. 10 and the distribution list will be transferred to the Lift Bridge conversion project,which will send occasional email updates regarding the transformation of the Stillwater Lift Bridge to a pedestrian/bike facility. You may choose to opt out if you would not like to receive updates on the Lift Bridge conversion project. Thank you again for your interest, support, and participation over four years of construction. It's been a privilege keeping you updated on the bridge. Farewell, and all the best to you! 1 8 of 23 From the bridge foundations to today. From left to right: July 2014 and July 2017, looking south. lop SO 1 '"t". m ""v�W„n. �Y ib7,•m.R'y'e a" The first cars cross the St. Croix Crossing on the evening of Aug. 2. Photo from David Gonzalez, looking east. 2 9 of 23 41 Traffic.crosses the St. Croix Crossing on the evening of Aug. 2. Photo from David Gonzalez, looking east. s, ew Traffic crosses the St. Croix Crossing on Aug. 3 after opening to traffic on Aug. 2. Photo from Aug. 3, looking west. Stay connected • Visit the project website • Visit the Lift Bridge website • Visit the Wisconsin Loop Trail website 3 10 of 23 Eric Johnson From: Jennifer Pinski Sent: Tuesday,August 8, 2017 4:28 PM To: Eric Johnson Cc: Gina Zeuli (gzeuli@q.com) Subject: FW:Contact Us (form) has been filled out on your site. ----Original Message---- Your Site has received new information through an online form. Online Form:Contact Us Site URL:www.cityofoakparkheights.com ---------------------------------------- Name: Lynda Pauling Street Address: Phone No.: Email Address: Imp5812@comcast.net Question or Comment: My grandchildren were visiting today and we went to the magic show in the park. I just wanted to tell you that we all had a wonderful time and I want to thank the City of Oak Park Heights for providing this sort of activity during the summer. It was aimed at young children and being ages 3 and 5 they enjoyed it very much. a. 11 of 23 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE MOTLEY $165,950.00 MOUND $377,783.00 MOUNDS VIEW $736,425.00 MOUNTAIN IRON $1,330,075.00 MOUNTAIN LAKE $887,932.00 MURDOCK $58,991.00 MYRTLE $9,756.00 NASHUA $0.00 NASHWAUK $373,839.00 NASSAU $14,948.00 NELSON $28,950.00 NERSTRAND $33,222.00 NEVIS $58,806.00 NEW AUBURN $129,908.00 NEW BRIGHTON $671,484.00 NEW GERMANY $21,289.00 NEW HOPE $693,117.00 NEW LONDON $326,149.00 NEW MUNICH $74,488.00 NEW PRAGUE $856,000.00 NEW RICHLAND $401,496.00 NEW TRIER $3,200.00 NEW ULM $4,309,714.00 NEW YORK MILLS $391,500.00 NEWFOLDEN $93,693.00 NEWPORT $599,605.00 NICOLLET $246,711.00 NIELSVILLE $24,259.00 NIMROD $5,968.00 NISSWA $0.00 NORCROSS O NORTH BRANCH ""$677,878.00 NORTH MANKATO 3.00 NORTH OAKS $0.00 NORTH ST PAUL $1,790,351.00 NORTHFIELD $3,012,061.00 NORTHOME $58,638.00 NORTHROP $54,312.00 NORWOOD YOUNG AMERI $400,418.00 NOWTHEN $27,774.00 AK GROVE $11576 OAK PARK HEIGHTS $0.00 C7 Certified 7/31/2017 13 of 23 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SPICER $37,538.00 SPRING GROVE $429,716.00 SPRING HILL $6,360.00 SPRING LAKE PARK $393,162.00 SPRING PARK $0.00 SPRING VALLEY $886,719.00 SPRINGFIELD $924,193.00 SQUAW LAKE $11,398.00 ST ANTHONY $10,644.00 ST AUGUSTA $75,160.00 ST CHARLES $903,185.00 ST CLAIR $247,604.00 ST CLOUD $12,505,070.00 ST FRANCIS $406,858.00 ST HILAIRE $70,137.00 ST JAMES $1,690,976.00 ST JOSEPH $989,464.00 ST LEO $20,661.00 ST MARTIN $47,544.00 ST MARY'S POINT $0.00 ST MICHAEL $285,892.00 ST PAUL $65,071,723.00 ST PAUL PARK $573,679.00 ST PETER $3,039,687.00 ST ROSA $0.00 ST STEPHEN $164,172.00 ST VINCENT $18,884.00 STACY $305,449.00 STAPLES $1,191,547.00 STARBUCK $369,810.00 STEEN $39,687.00 STEPHEN $229,167.00 STEWART $162,337.00 I LLWATER =$732,107.00 STORDEN $60,312.00 STRANDQUIST $19,289.00 STRATHCONA $6,580.00 STURGEON LAKE $54,701.00 SUNBURG $24,448.00 SUNFISH LAKE $0.00 Certified 7/31/2017 14 of 23 DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE BAGLEY $457,895.00 BALATON $226,599.00 BARNESVILLE $795,001.00 BARNUM $162,850.00 BARRETT $78,765.00 BARRY $1,956.00 BATTLE LAKE $88,061.00 BAUDETTE $305,830.00 BAYPORT $549,715.00 BEA DSEtY BEAVER BAY $5,230.00 BEAVER CREEK $51,001.00 BECKER $0.00 BEJOU $20,348.00 BELGRADE $220,954.00 BELLE PLAINE $392,053.00 BELLECHESTER $22,306.00 BELLINGHAM $54,787.00 BELTRAMI $21,637.00 BELVIEW $118,599.00 BEM I DJ I $3,343,186.00 BENA $30,030.00 BENSON $1,045,773.00 BERTHA $155,907.00 BETHEL $51,372.00 BIG FALLS $71,856.00 BIG LAKE $618,610.00 BIGELOW $56,975.00 BIG FORK $100,406.00 BINGHAM LAKE $21,063.00 BIRCHWOOD $0.00 BIRD ISLAND $394,504.00 BISCAY $17,288.00 BIWABIK $237,671.00 BLACKDUCK $253,712.00 BLAINE $0.00 BLOMKEST $19,539.00 BLOOMING PRAIRIE $715,803.00 BLOOMINGTON $0.00 BLUE EARTH $1,876,089.00 BLUFFTON $38,168.00 Certified 7/31/2017 15 of 23 Eric Johnson From: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce <communications@GreaterStil IwaterChamber.com> Sent: Monday,August 7,2017 3:16 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Stillwater Lift Bridge Closing Community Celebration 4s I so You Are Invited to the BridgeStillwater Lift C..losing Community Celebration ! 1 16 of 23 lir t. 1141' f a� THIS Saturday/, August 12 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. The Stillwater City Council Members & the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce invite you to a Community Celebration Street Dance in recognition of the closure of the historic 1931 lift bridge spanning the St. Croix River. The city will be closing Chestnut street from the Lift Bridge to Main Street, and music will be provided by the Alpensterne Polka Band! There will be a beer tent sponsored by the Lift Bridge Brewery and the Chamber will be selling Limited Edition Commemorative beer z 17 of 23 4 steins. e Enjoy food from six yummy vendors! Acapulco Mexican Adam's Gyros Candyland, Inc. KP Concessions Leo's on Wheels Tollefson Family Pork Come Celebrate with us! This is goinq to be another wonderful night in Downtown Stillwater, Bridging Business & Community! Stay up to date on the festivities at our Facebook Event Pagel Copyright©2017 Greater Stillwater Chamber,AU rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Greater Stillwater Chamber 200 Chestnut Street East #204 Stillwater, MN 55082 3 18 of 23 MAOSC State Newsletter—August 2017 Small Cities have a say on Water Two major state initiatives now underway will likely change water quality enhancement efforts in Minnesota for years to come. Both the current MPCA Water Qualitv Fee Rule review and the Governor's"25 by'25 Water Quality Goal" outreach are likely to have a big impact on small cities. MPCA reviews water permitting fees Minnesota cities and many property owners will have a voice in setting fees relating to Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)water permitting programs for wastewater and storm water infrastructure,feedlots,septic systems,and various related activities.The Minnesota Association of Small Cities(MAOSC) is working closely with the agency to ensure that the interests of small cities are well represented. MAOSC Secretary Jeff Kletscher took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the statewide stakeholder video conferences held July 24 across the state.As mayor of Floodwood,and voicing the concerns for all small cities, Kletscher stressed that cities under 5,000 are not in a financial position to absorb substantial wastewater regulation fee hikes. MAOSC especially appreciates Kletscher's willingness to submit written preliminary comments regarding anticipated water quality fee rules changes. Kletscher noted that more than 700 Minnesota cities have less than 5,000 people,and their budgets are necessarily tight.We tend to have a lot of people on fixed incomes who simply cannot afford to see their sewer and water rates hiked substantially, if at all.Some serious decisions will have to be made,and meeting essential needs could be threatened if regulatory costs rise.A variety of state,federal and environmental revenue sources help pay for most of the water fee costs now,and shifting all responsibility onto local communities having such limited resources is more than scary. MAOSC plans to enter a formal response to the preliminary request for comments,and we strongly encourage members to participate based on their needs.Adding your voice can make a huge difference. Deadline to submit preliminary comments is Monday,August 14 at 4:30 pm.The current timeline calls for an amended draft rule to be made available by March 2018 with another comment period to follow. Comments can be submitted here:httus://minnesotaoah.aranicusideas com/discussions/minnesota-pollution control agency-request-for-comments/topics/submit-a-comment-42 In July, MAOSC members received a MPCA Water Fee Bulletin with more information and provided links to key web pages and documents. To review that Bulletin,see: http://f<les.constantcontact.coml3ab79aOb101 a827205b-f3b4-45cb 983b 1571 cba331 cc.pdPver=1499713795000 Water Quality initiative draws strong interest Gov. Mark Dayton's effort to accelerate the pace of clean water progress is drawing strong interest.The new"25 by '25 Water Quality Goal" is intended to spur collaboration and action to improve Minnesota's water quality 25 percent by 2025.Without additional action,the quality of Minnesota's waters is expected to improve only 6 to 8 percent by 2034.The first of 10 regional town hall meetings was held in Rochester,drawing 300 people in attendance—twice the number that had been expected.Communities with under 5,000 population are showing up,with 30 small cities represented at the first meeting—including people from 11 MAOSC member cities: Lewiston,Hayfield,Chatfield, Mazeppa,Kellogg, Houston,Eyota,St.Charles,Bellechester, Lake Crystal and Lyle. The remaining southern Minnesota town hall meetings wrap up next week.The meeting in Mankato is set for Wednesday,Aug. 16,followed by the Marshall meeting set for Thursday,Aug. 17.All meetings are scheduled for 6:30- 8:30 pm with registration starting at 5:30 pm.The remaining Twin Cities,central and northern Minnesota town hall meetings are scheduled for September and early October.Although eight state agencies are involved with "25 by '25,"the Environmental Quality Board is taking the lead. Ideas for the project can be submitted by Oct. 11. 19 of 23 An overview of"25 by'25,"the full town meeting schedule, and ideas for submissions can be posted—found here: h ttps://www.egb.state.mn.us/con ten t/25-2025-o vervie w First meeting press coverage,see: http://www.postbuiletin com/news/local/rochester-leads-off-water auality town halls/article dc5db9ad e036 543d 8d6c c3631eb0767c html Transportation grant opportunities Two state grant opportunities that could enhance small cities transportation infrastructure are currently open for submissions and carry a total of$47.9 million in funds available. Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure grants The Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program (TEDI),totaling$22.6 million in funds with a portion in state bonding, is a competitive grant program available to communities for road and public infrastructure projects that create jobs and support economic development. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's(DEED)TEDI Program can be combined with the Minnesota Department of Transportation's(MnDOT), Transportation Economic Development Program (TED).The programs provide a portion of costs for trunk highway and other road and public infrastructure improvements. Application deadline is Sept. 1S. For more information,and to apply,see: https://mn.aov/deed/aovernment/financial-assistance/business funding/ted/ Local Road Improvement grants MnDOT is now soliciting applications from cities for Local Road Improvement Programs(LRIP) projects to be constructed in 2018-20.Approximately$25.3 million is available,and includes special provisions for non-municipal state aid cities(namely,the Small Cities classification with population under 5,000).Small cities require application sponsorship from their county and have four additional weeks to apply. Deadline to apply is Dec.1,2017. Solicitation guide,application form and associated materials are available here: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/lrin html Close Focus feature Policing Options: Local departments&County contracting MAOSC newsletters include occasional Close Focus features that take the long view,providing in-depth perspectives on topics of special importance to MAOSC member city officials,staff and residents. Cities of all sizes are focusing on their policing operations as high-profile incidents have drawn increasing public attention in recent years. One of the key decisions facing small cities regularly is whether to keep the department local or contract with the county sheriff.Of course,this article offers no opinion on what model works best for all small cities weighing the decision based on so many significant,complex factors. Instead,we wanted to hear from experienced local officials who are willing to share their perspectives, as well as providing guidelines when making this important decision. Every city faces different circumstances related to budget, patrolling needs and personnel. In the past year alone, Minnesota saw the local vs.county question raised in several unique circumstances,such as a union labor dispute (Forest Lake—which retained local policing), personnel issues(MAOSC member city Montgomery—contracting with the sheriff's office temporarily after the police chief was dismissed), and budgetary concerns where member city Morristown decided to transition to contracting with Rice County. While situations differ,the decision is never easy and rarely without controversy. As chief at the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), Dave Metusalem doesn't have a horse in the race, but he has some advice based on his many years of experience. MPPOA serves the full spectrum of state, county and local law enforcement professionals through legislative action, a legal defense fund,an insurance agency, 20 of 23 and as host for training events.With three decades of law enforcement experience, including stints with the Los Angeles County and Ramsey County sheriffs offices where Metusalem closely observed relationships with 45 contract cities,the MPPOA executive director was keenly aware when local department and contracting disputes surfaced. Most often the contracting issue arises when city elected officials look for savings on police services, Metusalem noted. "The process often moves several steps ahead before citizen and officer input is considered. Because of this it often becomes quite contentious and sometimes fails," he said. "To be sure,two key ingredients for a successful transition are buy-in by officers and their union, and the residents of the city.Therefore,early on in the discussions cities should involve the officers and their union (if one exists).They should make having their officers absorbed by the receiving entity a condition.They should also make sure the officers are given recognition for their seniority.Then they should allow a forum for citizen input." Over the past several decades, a few dozen cities over each 10-year span have dropped their local police departments in favor of contracting with the county sheriffs office.The upfront costs of moving from contracting to setting up a local department with the associated office space,equipment, patrol cars and possible jail arrangements makes it rare to find cities going the other way, leaving county contracting. Foley is an exception,though, re-establishing its local police department in 2012 after nearly a decade of contracting with Benton County. This year,a fictional transition from local police department to county contracting in Minnesota gained national exposure in the television series Fargo. MAOSC member city Eden Valley has a big role in the series,and part of the subplot involved the city police in transition to contracting with Meeker County six years ago.While it is true that Eden Valley is partially located in Meeker County(along with a portion in Stearns County),the city has a stable local police department with a police chief, Ernest Junker,who has served for 25 years,according to Clerk/Treasurer Mona Haag.The potential for contracting has come up at various times in the nearly three decades Haag has served as city clerk, but usually based on narrow personal differences rather than a broader assessment of community need. Haag pointed to many benefits of having a local police department, "especially if you are fortunate enough to employ a police chief who understands policing in a community." Her examples include local control, having officers that know the people in the community, and how different people will react to different situations such as domestic calls and juvenile issues.The upside relies on "having a police chief that gets very involved in the schools and community, building trust with those kids,spends time with senior citizen groups to provide information of safety and concern to them,volunteers and participates in community events, has a good working relationship with residents, business owners and local employers, lives in the community, is a member of local organizations, and is pretty much available 24/7 to answer calls and address concerns," Haag said. Setting up patrolling that involves more than one county adds complication, Haag notes, but it hasn't presented too much of a hurdle for member cities such as Rockford and Hanover that work with sheriff's offices in both Wright and Hennepin counties.As city administrator/clerk/treasurer in Hanover, Brian Hagen said working with two counties routinely"poses some hurdles,"but that is true with a range of services such as tax assessing, elections and other coordinated services.As is fairly typical,the county sheriff contracts run for two years with the city. "We tend to be a very safe community," Hagen said. "The crime rate is low."The contracting has worked well with daily patrolling from Wright County pegged at four hours,and three hours from Hennepin County.Discussions about policing issues with both sheriffs have gone well,and communications with regular point-of-contact officers(typically a lieutenant)similarly make it"easy to get an answer"from both counties.The city is treated as a client, Hagen said. Hanover Mayor Chris Kauffman added that police contracting with the county has a side benefit of lowering city exposure to lawsuits. (More-sophisticated contracts with larger cities where continuous patrolling coverage is needed will tend to spell out specifications for some shared liability between the county and city.) The vast majority of cities in Carver County, including MAOSC member cities Hamburg and New Germany,have contracted with the sheriff's office for several decades. With such an extensive county patrolling presence,tensions related to service costs have come up with some legal challenges emerging on occasion. With county seat Chaska located in the southeastern corner of the county having a local police department,tensions with most other county 21 of 23 communities that contract for patrolling have surfaced at times. Of particular concern was tension over townships that had refused to contract, but likely benefit from patrol presence as officers often travel across the county.At the same time, it has been argued that Chaska benefits from those same patrols as they travel to and from the sheriffs office. Fortunately,the legal disputes were eventually resolved, most recently with litigation decided in 2010. For New Germany City Clerk Twyla Menth,the city has contracted smoothly with Carver County in the same way since before she started working with the city."It works very well. My City officer is absolutely the best and very easy to work with," Menth said. "I think it is very affordable to small cities,and takes the stress of having the budget of your own department off the Council and residents. I feel that Carver County is always striving to assist this City with any concerns or whatever it is we may need. Granted they cannot be here 24/7, and you will always have the one person who will push this to their advantage-every town has a few." Beyond much doubt,those hometown characters working the system are going to be there whether a city contracts with the county or deals with a local police department. In conclusion,we want to express our deep appreciation to those who gave so many thoughtful responses to our inquiries so we could put together this feature article for our MAOSC member cities. See:http.--Ilwww.startribune.com departments/422178443/ htty.//www.southernminn com/faribault daily news/news/article OeOf4Obe 515d 5b13 b283 17dc939453b3 html htt : www.kevc.com/story/35067198/!e-sueur-coup sheriffs office-oversees montgomery police for next three months httpj/www.austindailyherald com/2012/06/f`o/ey-builds police department from the around up/ http://www.startribune.com/carver-sheriff-cutting-back-service to townships/95694884/ Revenue will need your City email A new requirement on cities to register an email address with the state Department of Revenue will be implemented in the coming months, effective in time for July and December 2018 distributions of Local Government Aid (LGA). MAOSC and the League are working with Revenue to ensure a smooth rollout of the procedure to register a city email address with the Department. Much like most business and individual tax filings at Revenue are now handled electronically,the notification system related to LGA is transferring to email.A successful implementation of the new email procedure should reduce instances of missed deadlines and potential loss of LGA benefits requiring special legislation to restore aid. Total LGA now officially certified for pay 2018 is$534,398,012, up$15 million from this year.The 2018 certified amount is currently scheduled to stay the same for pay 2019. Certified City amounts and information related to the formula are available here: http://www.revenue.state mn us/local aov/prop tax admin/Pages/Iaa aspx Broadband Office chief honored Congratulations are in order for Danna MacKenzie,executive director of the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development.The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors(NATOA)announced last month that MacKenzie is the recipient of the 2017 Community Broadband Hero of the Year Award. NATOA honors outstanding individuals and projects that work to improve government and public options in broadband technology. "Commuting eight hours each week from her home in northern Minnesota,Danna MacKenzie brings relentless energy and commitment to expanding rural broadband access,"said Lt.Governor Tina Smith. "Since she launched Minnesota's rural broadband initiative four years ago, Danna's expertise and deep knowledge of rural communities has helped us expand high-speed internet access to 25,949 households, 3,176 businesses and 244 community institutions.I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award.Congratulations,Danna!" See: https://blandinonbroadband.ora/2017/07/17/danna-mackenzie-to receive 2017 community broadband hero of the year-award/ Speaking of broadband,just a quick reminder that the Border-to-Border Broadband Grant deadline is set for Monday,Sept. 11 for applicants who have met the July 31 deadline to notify broadband providers in their area. 22 of 23 St. Croix Crossing opens It was a long time coming for member city Oak Park Heights and nearby communities.Congratulations are in order for MAOSC VP and OPH Mayor Mary McComber who stood among the dignitaries from Minnesota and Wisconsin to celebrate the opening of the new St.Croix Crossing on Aug.2. Construction began in 2012,but the battles and planning process spanned decades before then. Legislative court battles The battle over legislative pay is over, but the feud between legislative leaders and Gov. Dayton relating to budget and policy issues continues. Ramsey County court decisions last month shifted the perspectives on both these issues. After 18 years of legislative salaries set at$31,140 each year,the inaugural Legislative Salary Council that was overwhelmingly approved by voters last year set salaries at$45,000 earlier this year. (MAOSC Board member James Joy, who is mayor of Hawley,participated in the Legislative Salary Council.)The Senate accepted the salary hike, but House Speaker Kurt Daudt initially claimed authority to reject the increase.An obscure policy group filed to force the pay increase in the House, but the District Court ruling rejected the case based on lack of standing.The key aspect, though, is the case was dismissed without prejudice—signaling that the constitutional issue was likely to have merit. Once state Reps. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul)and Marion O'Neill(R-Maple Lake)filed their bipartisan lawsuit against Daudt,the proverbial writing was on the wall.Daudt reversed his stance to allow the pay raise that was almost certainly was going to be mandated by the courts, and some GOP conservatives are now taking aim at Speaker Daudt. It still isn't at all clear why Daudt hasn't taken aim at the more-practical idea of reducing the salary-supplementing Per Diems that still remain set at their all-time highest levels. See: httn://mmstartribune com/minnesota-house-speaker kurt-daudt reverses course backs legislative nav roises/435928103/ Unified Republican legislative leaders were much more successful in their court battle with Gov. Dayton.The Ramsey County district court decision ruled that Dayton's line-item veto of all legislative funding essentially would have eliminated a branch of government and violated the separation of powers concept.As expected,the case was appealed and the Minnesota Supreme Court will ultimately decide the case. In the meantime,funding for the Legislature continues—allowing legislators and employees to continue drawing paychecks. It appears unlikely at this time that the various budget and policy decisions made in the 2017 regular and special sessions will be changed. Capitol renovation celebration This coming weekend all of Minnesota is invited to attend the State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration with many events and tours scheduled Friday-Sunday,Aug. 11-13.Among the happenings will be the lighting of the Capitol Rotunda "electrolier"each night at 8 pm.Typically,the high-mounted chandelier is only lit up once a year,on May 11, in celebration of Statehood Day. See: https://mn.aov/admin/canitol-arand-opening/schedule/ http://www.startribune.com/renovation-of-the-minnesota state-capitol/436376953/ City meeting reminders Fall MOASC and LMC meetings are right around the corner... The MAOSC Fall Retreat will take place on Friday, Oct.6 at the Days Inn in Moose Lake. We tentatively are set to meet from 3-5:30 pm,with dinner to follow. As always,our MAOSC Board meetings and retreats are open to representatives of MAOSC member cities who would like to observe or provide input. Please contact me(Jill Sletten) by email or phone. MAOSC member cities Ottertail and Melrose have been selected to host 2017 LMC Regional Meetings on Oct.5 and 6, respectively. Full details of the seven greater Minnesota LMC Regional Meetings are posted here: http://www.imc.ora/paae/1/2017ReaionalMeetinas isp -END- 23 of 23