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Home My WebLink Aboutweekly notes - Oct 13th 2017 t CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS-WEEKLY NOTES for: October 13,2017 TO: City Council Members&Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator 441— Zoning and Development Items: 1. The City has not received any new applications; Staff did meet with the Public Storage company regarding a possible development of a three-level indoor storage building. No timelines are known,but a unit the rear of the site would be demolished to make room for this new building. 2. Various enforcement letters are enclosed-yard clean-up. 3. Staff did provide a response to Mr.Noel Johnson-he was the person who appeared before the Council on 10110 inquiring about the use of his property.Luckily, Scott Richards noted a provision that would save him from going through a variance process-see the enclosed letter.This property is on Peabody Ave-just south of the'Lockout" 4. COVER PARK RIBBON CUTTING-6 pm-10116117.Staff did perform a second walk through with the builder and while many items rae completed,a few more items remain incomplete.Work on the punch fist continues. 5. Enclosed is a copy of the BY LAWs for the Planning Commission, the Commission would like to revise their meeting time to 6 pm and request the Council approve this change in the by-law at its 10124 meeting. See Article V, B. Also, the Commission has discussed the need to continue to send a PC representative to the City Council meetings;the Commission may seek a revision to the by-laws that would not require this practice as outlined in Article V. F.-but they did decide to take this matter up in a few months after there is one more Council meeting rotation for each member. OTHER ITEMS: The Council did approve the sending of a communication to Rep.Betty McCollum-supporting the State and Local Tax Deduction-See enclosed. MNDOT did provide a map-enclosed-showing the various LOOP TRAIL construction timelines and their related parking and bathroom areas. I did ask that MNDOT update the City's link to better reference City Parks and Trails-versus"list of parking lots". I have enclosed a short article regarding some OPINIONS about what firms like AMAZON might be looking for from cities and regions...in their search fior a new HO-(2). It suggests some things largely different from the smokestack chasing we all might have known.At least it is interesting. Mayor McComber provided: METRO CITIES NEWS-for October 61h and 13th,2017. COUNCIL MEMEBR RUNK p Information on certain conservation efforts being undertaken across Minnesota by the group known as Conservation Minnesota Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 31 Citv 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 CEPTMED MAIL October 11, 2017 Mr. Ken Anderson 14270 571h St. N. Oak Park sleights, MN 55082 Re: Off Street Parking/Nuisance Abatement Request Dear Mr. Anderson: Thank you for the efforts you have made toward nuisance compliance abatement as rPniiPctPd_ Whiles the imnrnvement is evident_ it is not vet suite complete and remains non- compliant to City Nuisance Ordinance 1109 and 401.15.13.14 as noted in my August 10, 2017 letter to you. This letter serves as the City's second written request to garner Code compliance to City Ordinances and demands that: (1) The remaining materials/items in the yard and against the front of the house be picked up and stored or disposed of. This would include items stored upon your front landing; (2) All items in the driveway (bicycles, equipment, etc.) be collected and stored within the garage, interior of your home or removed from the property. This would include bicycles, storage boxes, pet crates and other items being stored upon your driveway. Your trash can should be pulled close to the side your overhead door at the garage or placed to the side of the garage, if not placed to its interior; (3) The vegetation at the very front of the Douse and extending down the side or your stairway should be trimmed and treated as appropriate; and (4) All vehicles be properly placed upon the driveway, be in operable condition and display current registration. There is a vehicle on site that has been covered with a tarp. if this vehicle is not operable and does not have current registration it is required to be placed to your garage interior, made operable and registered or be removed from the property. 2 of 31 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 The items above shall be fully complied with in full no later than Friday. October 27, 2017. Compliance verification shall be made after this time. While it is the City's desire to have the nuisance abated, please be advised that if compliance is not found,the matter shall be forwarded to the Oak Park Heights Police Department for citation consideration. Time is of the essence. Please contact me immediately if you need assistance or have questions. I am happy to help where I can. 4Sil,ncerelman, C.B.O. Code Enforcement pc: ,Eric Johnson, City Administrator Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police 3 of 31 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Phone:651.439.4439 P.O. Box 2007 Fax:651.439.0574 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 October 12, 2017 Lenard Huebscher 2647 Hawthorne Lane Stillwater, MN 55082 Re: 14269 57th Street N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 -Yard Maintenance Dear Mr. Huebscher: Thank you and J'eremey for meeting with me yesterday afternoon to walk through the items needing to be finalized for yard clean up. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with the two of you together to observed what has been attended to thus far and to clarify what is needed by the City at the property. Per our visit, the following items will be done within two weeks: 1. The remainder of weeds at the rear fence and the fence area to the west of the house will be removed; 2. The bricks at the side of the house and beneath the deck will be collected and stacked neatly in one area(ie: at the shed) or removed; 3. The lumber material stacked by the shed will be removed; and 4. The remainder of items stored to the front,rear and side of the house(bicycle,mowers, and such) shall be relocated to the shed,the trash and recycle containers placed to the east side of the house and the front area—from the steps to the side yard, in front of the garage will be swept clean of smaller debris. 5. The inoperable sedan shall be removed from your yard area. If its owner does not collect it,it is up to you to have it removed. The above items shall be attended to in full no later than Frid!L October 27 2017 by 9.00 am. I will verify compliance after that time. Compliance failure shall result in the matter being immediately forwarded to the Oak Park Heights Police Department and/or City Prosecutor for citation. Thereafter the City will pursue the necessary steps to abate the condition and potentially complete the work needed and assess such costs to the property and its owner. 4 of 31 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N. Phone:651.439.4439 P.O.Box 2007 Fax:651.439.0574 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 There will be no additional extensions to what is and has been requested. It is imperative that the remaining items be addressed immediately and remain in compliance. Additional lapses in maintenance will result in the issuance of a citation without further notice. Please call me immediately if you have any questions. Thank you for your prompt attention. Sincerely, PLkNL NING&CODE ENFORCEMENT Jule ultman B i - g Official c: Jeremy Cover-14269 57th St.N. Eric Johnson, City Administrator Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police 5 of 31 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 October 12th,2017 Mr.Noel Johnson 13877 47th Street Stillwater,MN 55082 RE:Site on Peabody Ave. Dear Mr.Johnson: You had posed a question as to the capacity of being able to build a single-family home on your property identified as PIN#3403020340065 and as shown on the map below as generated utilizing Washington County Surveyor data. Any construction would need to comply with the full scope of City ordinances and I cannot engage each and every situation until a plan was submitted and fully understood. But, as it relates to a general ability to construct a home on the parcel from a lot size and width requirements please note the following typical situations: 1. Your property is Zoned in an R-2 District. 2. Per 401.15 C.2.A minimum lot size of 10,400 square feet is required to build. 3. A minimum lot width (roadway frontage}of 80 feet is required to build. However, pursuant to City Ord. 401.15 A.13 a. 1, (copy enclosed)if your parcel is an existing lot of record,prior to the adoption of the current ordinance, - which we understand it is,then these size and width rules could be deviated from by up to 70%. Meaning the minimum size WISIN MININIPM could be reduced to 7,260 square feet and minimum lot - width to 56 feet Your site—again pursuant to County data-appears to be 60 wide and 140 feet deep as shown on the map.Thus,the site would appear to be compliant with the width(being more than 56')and size(being more than 7,280).(60 X 140=8,400). Please note however that while these reductions apply to the width and lot size requirements,they do not apply to any other building setbacks or land use provisions of the code—see 401.15 A.13 a.2. Although I know of no pending action,City Ordinances can change over time and which may include an elimination of these 70%" provisions for legal non-conforming lots so you may desire to move forward in the near future. While a$150 variance 1 CUP application and process may have been received favorably as we discussed, I am glad that this action would not require such a process and that our City planner found this caveat in the City code. Please let me know if you have any questions. City Administrator 6 of 31 13. Legal Non-Conforming Lots. a. Vacant or Redeveloped Residential Lots. 1) A lot of record existing as of the effective date of this Ordinance in a residential district, which does not meet the requirements of this Ordinance as to area or width, may be utilized for single family detached dwelling purposes provided that in all residential districts, the measurements of such lot=s area and frontage width are within seventy(70)percent of the requirements of the respective district,as established by this Ordinance. 2) The preceding suis-section 1)is not intended to permit a reduction in setbacks or required yards. 15-3 3) in the event that the measurements of such lot=s area and width do not comply with sub-section 1) above, then approval for the construction of a single family dwelling may be requested as a conditional use permit,subject as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance. b. Developed Lots. An existing conforming use on a lot or substandard size may be expanded or enlarged if such expansion or enlargement meets all other provisions of this Ordinance. 7of31 x - i k�Cs� s17, 8of31 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS (With Amendment Endnotes) ARTICLE 9 - ORIGIN AND POWERS A. Authorization. The City is authorized and empowered to establish a Planning Commission by the provisions of Minnesota State Statutes 462.354. B. Establishment. The Planning Commission was created in an advisory capacity by action of the Oak Park Heights City Council on April 14, 1998 by the adoption of Ordinance 210 and the amendment of Section 401, the Oak Park Heights Zoning Ordinance. ARTICLE 2 — DUTIES AND OBJECTIVES A. Advisory Capacity. The Planning Commission is designed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Oak Park Heights City Council. B. Objectives. The objectives of the Planning Commission are to make recommendations to the City Council which will guide the development of land, services and facilities within the City, so as to promote the public health, safety and general welfare. C. Public Hearings. The Planning Commission shall hold public hearings for variances, conditional use permits, subdivisions, PUD permits, and other applications to the City in accordance with the City Zoning Ordinance and shall make recommendations on said applications to the City Council. D. Special Public Hearings. The Planning Commission may hold such public information hearings as the City Council deems necessary and may make recommendations on applications for building permits or site plan review when requested by the City Council. ARTICLE 3 — MEMBERSHIP A. Voting Members. The Planning Commission shall consist of five citizen members who are eligible voters residing within the Oak Park Heights City limits and who are appointed by the City Council. 9 of 31 B. Ex-OfFcio Members. There shall be a City Council person designated by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, to be a liaison to the Planning Commission. Such City Council person shall serve without voting power and in a capacity as ex-officio to the Planning Commission. The Mayor, with the consent of the City Council may also appoint non-voting, ex-officio members to represent other groups or organizations from the community. C. Terms. The five members of the Planning Commission shall be appointed by the City Council.' All such appointments shall initiate and be established by resolution of the City Council. The term of each member shall be for three years with initial terms being staggered by the City Council resolution of appointment. Unless extended by special order of the City Council for a period of one year; no member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the Planning Commission. D. Absenteeism. If any voting member fails to attend three consecutive meetings or a total of four meetings (or 25 percent) 2 during the calendar year, the City Council shall be notified with a recommendation by the Planning Commission. Planning Commissioners shall notify the Chairperson or City staff when an absence is anticipated. E Removal. Any member of the Planning Commission may be removed at any time by a four-fifths (415) vote of the City Council with or without cause. F. Compensation. Compensation of Planning Commission members as selected by the City Council shall serve without compensation except as otherwise established by resolution of the City Council. G. Training. The Chairperson and the City staff shall meet with each new Planning Commissioner to explain Planning Commission procedures. Within the first year of appointment, each new Planning Commissioner shall attend a Government Training Service, Planning Commission training session at City expense. H. Resignation. A member who wishes to resign shall submit a written resignation to the Chairperson, who shall in tum forward the same to the City Council. I. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring within the Planning Commission shall be filled for the balance of the appointment by the City Council. 2 10 of 31 ARTICLE 4— OFF ICEP , DUTIES AND ELECTION F, Of"FICEI A. Officers. The officers of the Planning Commission shall be Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. E. Duties of the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings, appoint Planning Commission members to committees, appoint Planning Commission representatives, rule on procedural questions (subject to reversal by a two-thirds (213) vote of those members in attendance), meet with all newly appointed members, exercise the same voting rights as other Planning Commissioners and carry out such other duties as are assigned by the Planning Commission or by the City Council. C. Duties of the Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall act in the absence or inability to act of the Chairperson, and in such instances shall have the powers and functions of the Chairperson. D. Terms. The Planning Commission officers shall be elected from among its appointed members for the term of two years. No member shall serve as Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson for more than two consecutive terms. The election shall occur at the Planning Commission's annual meeting. E. Vote. Candidates for office receiving a majority vote of the entire membership (three-fifths (315)), shall be declared duly elected. F. Date of Office. Newly elected officers shall take office at the annual meeting in March. G. Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in the offices of the Planning Commission shall be filled immediately by the above election procedure. ARTICLE 5 — MEETINGS A. Annual Meeting. An annual organizational meeting shall be held the second Thursday in March of each year. Election of officers shall be conducted at that time. B. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Planning Commission shall be held at 7:00 PM on the second Thursday4 of each months 6 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The regular meeting date of the Planning Commission may be changed by resolution of the City Council. 3 11 of 31 C. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chairperson, after consultation with City staff. D. Notice of Meetings. Notice in writing of all regular and special Planning Commission meetings, setting forth the time, place and agenda of such meetings, shall be mailed by the City staff to all Planning Commission members at least five days in advance of each meeting. E. Site Investigation. Prior to each meeting, all Planning Commission members shall endeavor to visit any properties to be discussed at the meeting. F. Planning Commission Representative at City Council Meetings. Each Planning Commission member shall in turn represent the Planning Commission at regular City Council meetings. ARTICLE 6 — PRE-MEETING PROCEDURES A. Agenda. The agenda for each meeting of the Planning Commission shall be developed in writing by the City staff and shall be available at the City Hall prior to each meeting. B. Withdrawal. If a petitioner or applicant desires to withdraw a matter from an agenda, such request must be submitted to the City staff in writing, and if any public notice has been given, all persons appearing at the noticed hearing on said petition or application shall be entitled to be heard. ARTICLE 7 — PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE A. Time. The time of each public hearing shall be stated on the agenda, and no hearing may begin before this time. Each hearing shall begin as soon as possible after this time. B. Presentation. If a public hearing is required for a request by a petitioner, the petitioner or an appointed representative shall state the request, explain the proposal and answer questions of the Planning Commissioners. If no petitioner is involved, the Chairperson or the City staff member shall explain the purpose of the hearing. The Chairperson may impose reasonable restraint upon the number of times one individual may speak. C. Termination of Hearing. The Chairperson may close a public hearing after hearing those present who care to speak, or any member may move to continue 4 12 of 31 the public hearing until a specified date. It a hearing on the petitioner's request is closed, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council within 30 days following the close of the hearing. If a hearing is continued, mailed notices of the continuation may be requested by any voting member. ARTICLE 8 — MEETING PROCEDURES A. Rules of Order. Unless otherwise specifically designated, Roberts Rules of Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the meeting procedure. B. Quorum. A majority of the voting membership (three-fifths (315)) shall constitute a quorum for meeting purposes. C. Conflict of Interest. Whenever a Planning Commission member shall have a direct or indirect personal or financial interest in an application or petition before the Planning Commission, that member shall declare such interest and excuse himself/herself from the discussion and vote. D. Agenda. The order of business at regular meetings generally shall be as follows: 1. Call to order. 2. Roll call of members. 3. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. 4. Public hearings. 5. Informational hearings. 6. Old business. 7. New business. 8. Adjournment. E. Appearance of Petitioner. No application or petition shall be given final approval unless the applicant or petitioner appears personally or by representative at the hearing called thereon, or unless he/she makes satisfactory explanation or presentation in lieu thereof. F. Tabling. A tabling motion, if passed, has the effect of laying a matter over until the next regular meeting, unless otherwise specified. G. Reports. Any matter may be tabled for a technical report or study which the Planning Commission may make or request of the petitioner, the City staff, the City Attorney, the City Engineer or other sources. Such report shall be presented to the City staff for forwarding to the Planning Commission at least five days prior to the meeting at which said matter will be heard again. 5 13 of 31 H. Non-Agenda Matters. No binding or final action may be taken on any matter not on the written agenda except by unanimous vote of the members in attendance or four-fifths (415) vote of the entire membership. ARTICLE 9 — COMMITTEES A. Planning Commission Committees. The Planning Commission may establish committees of its own membership for a specific purpose and duration. B. Ad Hoc Committees. The Planning Commission may request that the City Council appoint other members of the community to Ad Hoc Commission committees, which may be created by the Planning Commission for a specific purpose and duration. At least one voting member of the Planning Commission also shall be appointed to each such committee. ARTICLE 10 — RECORDS A. Minutes. The City shall supply a secretary at all regular and special meetings of the Planning Commission who shall be responsible for taking full and complete minutes and record all such meetings. The City staff shall be responsible for keeping a record of all Planning Commission resolutions, transcriptions, minutes and findings. B. Open Meetings. All meetings shall be a matter of public record. SAPlanninglBylawslBylaws With Amendment Endnotes.doc Amended June 8. 1999; striking "each to serve annually." 2 Amended June 8 1999; inserting "(or 25 percent)." 3 Amended December 28, 1999; meeting day change(see endnote 4) resulted in change of annual meeting date from third Thursday to the"second"Thursday in March of each year. 4 Amended December 28, 1999; amending the regular meeting day from the third Thursday to the "second"Thursday of each month. 6 14 of 31 5 Amended February 8 2011; striking the word "second" before the word Thursday and inserting "immediately following the first regular City Council meeting,"after the word Thursday. 6 Amended April 28, 2016; adding the word "second" prior to the word "Thursday"and striking "immediately following the first regular City Council meeting." 7 15 of 31 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 October 10th 2017 The Honorable Betty McCollum,MN 4a'District United States House of Representatives 226 Rayburn House Office Building Washington,D.C. 20515 RE: SALT—State and Local Tax Deduction Dear Congresswoman McCollum: Municipal leaders agree that the federal tax code is in need of reform, including both the individual and business sections of the tax code, to address the rising federal deficit and to promote jobs and economic growth. Since the last major reform in 1986, the code has grown in complexity and the confusion this complexity can cause is limiting state and local governments' ability to efficiently provide the services citizens need most. As Congress works to develop a tax reform proposal, we want to share with you key local government principles for consideration.Most important, any reform must maintain well-established federal, state and local partnerships embodied in the principle of federalism. The City opposes any preemption by Congress or the federal government of local taxing authority.We urge Congress to preserve the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and the state and local tax deduction. In The 4'b District,where our City is located,it is estimated that 36%of filers take the SALT deduction and for an average deduction of$12,451. This deduction aids in our local governments with added flexibility to raise revenue for vital programs such as schools,health and public safety. With the loss of deductibility, tax payers would further demand actions to lower state and local taxes and making the task of providing vital services to citizens even more difficult.This in essence is a federal cost shift to local governments. Cities cannot afford a federal cost shift onto state and local governments.We work within a balanced budget system, fiscal responsibility is expected and delivered. Daily, our leaders are tasked with providing vital goods and services to the citizens they serve. With limited resources and funds, small changes in the intergovernmental balance between entities can have dire fiscal consequences for local government. Any effort to offset tax revenue lost on the back of municipal governments should be rejected. Sincerely, 6247) P Mayor Mary McComber 16 of 31 D D G F F 3 a - m ;a :1 ��cr — r 0 m .. ID lb yn -c ; P - Q .. N . . LTJ NN N � O O O m v OD V �• ► o oCIO C rte+ FA C r n 3: 0, 7• D x c rt 7 0 CL 7 Q 17 of3l What Amazon's HQ2 Wish List Signals About the Future of Cities Page 1 of 6 Harvard Business Review ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT What Amazon's HQ2 Wish List Signats About the Future of Cities by Amy Liu and Mark Muro SEPTEMBER 08,2017 yew w'7 40, Jennifer Maravillas for HBR 18 of 31 https://hbr.org/2017/09/what-amazons-hq2-wish-list-signals-about-the-future-of-cities%tm... 10/3/2017 What Amazon's HQ2 Wish List Signals About the Future of Cities Page 2 of 6 Amazon's big announcement that it will build a second headquarters has caught the attention of local officials, economic development professionals, and pundits across the U.S. and Canada. And for good reason: "HQ2," as it's being called, would create upwards of 50,000 high-paying jobs and billions of dollars of new investment in whichever city it locates in. The city that lands this historic deal will see its economic and physical landscape transformed, albeit for a hefty price tag in the form of tax breaks. Thus far, public attention has largely focused on two aspects of Amazon's announcement: Speculation about which of the 5o eligible North American metropolitan areas are most likely to be chosen for HQ2, and how much public subsidy the winning city will offer the world's 4th-largest corporation to seal the deal. But this announcement carries far more profound implications for regional and local economic developers, Amazon HQ2 hopefuls or not. Amazon's selection criteria, as described in the company's request for proposal, sets out a compelling list of the attributes cities must have if they aspire to be a serious part of the America's growing digital economy. As our research has shown, the vibrant metros of the future will be those that are home to high-tech advanced industries. That's because those industries spur the collision of digital technologies and cutting-edge business development, also brought about by tech-savvy workers and R&D investments, and generate jobs and good woes in a period of sluggish economic growth. Digital industries are a main driver of growth within these high-value industries. Yet for all their benefits and buzz, digital jobs continue to geographically concentrate in established high-tech meccas at a time when our nation needs more metro areas, especially in the heartland, to gain a competitive foothold in the digital future. 19 of 31 https://hbr.org/2017109/what-amazons-hq2-wish-list-signals-about-the-future-of-cities?utm... 10/3/2017 What Amazon's HQ2 Wish List Signals About the Future of Cities Page 3 of 6 So how can cities garner a bigger share of high-tech growth?The answer is not to just polish up branding and marketing materials and wait for the next Amazon-scale business attraction opportunity. Nor is it to concentrate entirely on traditional economic development strategies of bundling available plots of land for prospective businesses and offering generous subsidies (though admittedly, Amazon seems to want a bit of that, too). Rather, cities need to look closely at the criteria in Amazon's RFP and ask whether they've done enough to build up the fundamental assets prized by innovative firms and industries. Amazon's wish list is an unusually public confirmation from one of the most recognized corporations in the world of the factors that make a local ecosystem relevant in today's innovation economy. Among these factors are: • Capacity to produce skilled,technical talent.The importance of talent pervades the Amazon RFP,with special mention of a "strong"university system, computer science programming in the K-12 education system, and opportunities for creative partnerships with community colleges and universities. • Access to domestic and global markets through modern infrastructure.Amazon dwells extensively on the importance of proximity and connectivity to population centers. It seeks a strong infrastructure network of highways, international airports, and high-speed broadband to streamline logistics, conduct business, and access major employment pools. • Connected and sustainable placemaking.The Amazon RFP reads like an urban planner's dream,brimming with calls for energy efficient buildings, recycling services, public plazas, green space, and access to multiple modes of transportation. While Amazon will apparently consider greenfield sites as well as existing developments for its new headquarters,it emphasizes its interest in promoting walkability and connectivity between densely clustered buildings through "sidewalks, bike lanes, trams, metro,bus, light rail, train, and additional creative options." 20 of 31 https://hbr.org/2017/09/what-amazons-hq2-wish-list-signals-about-the-future-of-cities?utm... 10/3/2017 What Amazon's HQ2 Wish List Signals About the Future of Cities Page 4 of 6 • Culture and diversity.Promoting an inclusive culture matters to Amazon.The RFP specifically calls for "the presence and support of a diverse population," along with excellent higher education institutions and functioning local governance. In sum, the Amazon RFP very clearly embodies a series of forward-thinking business values of global engagement, diversity, and environmental stewardship. Amazon is also signaling very clearly and publicly what the market demands for modern, state-of-the-urban economic development going forward. As each of us has written about extensively,regional economic development is about growing from within. It requires helping existing firms expand and innovate, supporting entrepreneurs, creating industry-relevant skills programs, and strengthening other local assets that improve the economic prospects of local industries and workers. These attributes, even more than incentives packages, will attract the attention of outside firms interested in being part of a region's unique ecosystem. So rather than get distracted by the city vs. city competition brought about by Amazon's announcement, state and local economic development leaders need to bear down on reinventing the way they do business. Amazon's HQ2 will only be located in one city,but the path to prosperity in a hyper-digital global economy is attainable for cities that invest in people, infrastructure, and quality places. Amy LiU is vice President and Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution. M ark M U ro is a senior fellow and director of policy for the Metropolitan Policy program at Brookings. 21 of 31 https://hbr.org/2017/09lwhat-amazons-hq2-wish-list-signals-about-the-future-of-citie s?utm... 1013/2017 CurrentlArchived Newsletters-Metro Cities Pagel of 3 ETRO CITIESb Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Search GO Metro Cities News October 6, 2017 Have you heard the Met Council Discusses a Comp Plan Extension lam' Follow us on Policy TWXOFI The Metropolitan Council is discussing whether to set a policy granting extensions on submitting local comprehensive plan updates to cities which request them. The Community Development Committee discussed the issue Monday. 70 cities received extensions during the last round of comp plan updates, due at the end of 2008. Most of those cities requested extensions up to six months that staff approved administratively. Communities that requested extensions beyond six months were renuired to obtain formal Council annroval. Councilmembers commented how extensions would spread out the work load of Met Council staff who review updates as well as provide some additional flexibility for cities. Council staff were directed to provide additional In CurrentlArchived information on benefits and drawbacks for a potential Newsletters: extension policy. Metro Cities will continue to track the Archives issue and report on future discussions. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or with any questions. Land Use Advisory Committee Vacancies in Scott, Carver Counties 22 of 31 http:l/www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/10/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 2 of 3 The of the Metropolitan Council is recruiting candidates to fill two open seats in the southwest metro on the committee. Locally elected officials are encouraged to apply. The gives the Metropolitan Council advice and assistance on regional land use and comprehensive planning, and matters of metropolitan significance. Meetings are held six times per year, on the third Thursday of every other month. Districts currently unrepresented are District 3 and the Carver County portion of District 4. The Council is looking to appoint at least one and possibly two local elected officials to fill these two vacancies. The Council's can be accessed here. District 3 includes the city of Chanhassen in Carver County and the Hennepin County cities Chanhassen, Deephaven, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, Tonka Bay, Wayzata and Woodland. This appointment will fill the remainder of the term for this seat-until January 2019. District 4 includes Benton Twp., Camden Twp., Carver, Chaska, Cologne, Dahlgren Twp., Hamburg, Hancock Twp., Hollywood Twp., Laketown Twp., Mayer, New Germany, Norwood Young America, San Francisco Twp., Victoria, Waconia, Waconia Twp., Watertown, Watertown Twp., and Young America Twp. This appointment will fill the remainder of the term for this seat-until January 2019. Contact Zoe Mullendore at the Met Council at 651-602- 1377 or �"-f ,P-tscoordinator etc.state.mn.u� with any questions. SAVE THE DATE-Metro Regional Meeting 1 Policy Adoption Meeting Set for November 291 The metro regional meeting co-hosted by the League of MN Cities and Metro Cities will be held Wednesday, November 29. The day starts with a pre-meeting workshop and MAMA luncheon (10:30-12:30), afternoon sessions beginning at 1:00, policy adoption meeting at 4:30 and a late afternoon social hour. Mark your calendar! View the Policy Committee Survey Thanks to the 100+ city officials who participated in Metro Cities' policy committee process this year. Your 23 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/10/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters - Metro Cities Page 3 of 3 time and efforts are greatly appreciated. The legislative policies recommended by committees and subsequently adopted by the Board and membership serve as the foundation of Metro Cities work at the Legislature, Executive Branch and Metropolitan Council. Metro Cities staff will be sending a survey to committee participants soon to get feedback on what worked, and what could use improvement. Thank you in advance for participating in the survey! 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 and provide the following: Name, Title, Employer and Email address. Thank you. Metro Cities 146 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone 651-216-4000 Fax 661-281-1299 Website Home I About Us I Metro Cities Members I Board of Directors I l mislature I Metapoiltan Council I Metro Cities Task Force Report on Metropolitan Governance I Press and Publications 12017 Legislative Policies I Policy Committees I CunreWArchlved Newsletters I Metropolitan Area Management Association I Questions.Comments or Suggeetlons I Staff I Links and Presentations Po.-W bI g6 Printer-Mendly Version 24 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b373 8C3 A0-1 B97-... 10/10/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters - Metro Cities Page 1 of 5 ��1111VIII�IVumumnu�uiiia,y METRO CITIES Ile Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Search 1 1 Gp Metro Cities News October 13, 2017 Newsletter Arca,, Nave you heard the latest? SAC Task Force r-olrow us on Twitter! Recommendations/Outreach Meetings Metro Cities staff and several city officials, as well as representatives from the business community, participated over the last several months on a task force to discuss the regional SAC(Sewer Availability Charge)program. The task force's initial charge was to consider SAC lawfor outdoor seating, and was later __ broadened to include a more comprehensive look at the SAC program and potential changes to the process for determining SAC. The task force conducted m an in-depth look at using gross square footage for SAC determinations rather than net square footage for individual uses, and has made some recommendations for the program that are intended to simplify the process without changing the SAC rate. In CurrentlArchived p Newsletters: Metro olitan Council Environmental Services (MCES)staff will conduct a series Archives of outreach meetings in October and November to provide detailed information, and ask for feedback on the task force recommendations. Metro Cities encourages city officials to attend one of the meetings below: 25 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/13/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 2 of 5 St. Paul Thursday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m. Metro Cities, St. Croix Room, 145 University Avenue West Eagan Thursday, November 2, 9 to 11 a.m. Eagan Community Center Oasis Room, 1501 Central Parkway Golden Valley Thursday, November 9, 1 to 3 p.m. Golden Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road Register at Mark Your Calendarl Metro Regional and Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting The metro regional meeting co-hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities and Metro Cities that includes the Metro Cities Policy Adoption meeting,will be held on Wednesday, November 29th at the Plymouth Crowne Plaza Hotel. To register, click here. Metro Cities will post draft policies in an upcoming newsletter, and copies will be sent to city administration officials in advance of the policy adoption meeting. Please plan to attend! OLA Releases Transit Financial Activity Report The Office of the Legislative Auditor(OLA) recently released a Transit Financial Activity Review Report required by the 2017 Legislature. The OLA was tasked with examining the budgetary processes and systems of the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) as that body prepares to dissolve, as well as a review of Metropolitan Council transit finances. The OLA examined summaries of the Met Council's monthly financial statements, transit-related obligations and funding commitments, and conducted interviews with CTIB and Metropolitan Council staff to prepare the report. The OLA determined the CTIB would be able to meet its fiscal obligations post- dissolution. The report examined financial 26 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/13/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 3 of 5 policies and procedures of the CTIB and its dissolution plan in making the determination. In its examination of the Metropolitan Council's Transportation Division, the OLA reviewed historical and forecasted financial activity. The review included the balance, revenue and expense activity of the past five years, operating reserve fund activity, projected sources and uses of funding through FY 2021, current capital projects through FY 2022, the financial plans of the four largest projects and all outstanding bonds, notes and loans. .The OLA found that the Metropolitan Council Transportation Division had operating deficits each calendar year for the last five years, and that the Council has maintained adequate reserve funds to address deficits. The Council had its reserves from $65 million to $100 million during this timeframe, to address projected deficits. The report determined that the Metropolitan Council uses two sets of financial assumptions when reporting to the state and federal government. The Council has identified an $86 million transportation deficit in its 2017-2021 Transit Operating Budget, which is provided to the state, but was noted as inconsistent with budget projections provided to the federal government which do not show an operating deficit. The Metropolitan Council provided a written response providing information on how the Council reports budget forecasts that are provided to the state, versus the reporting of financial capacity to the federal government for light rail project applications. The Metropolitan Council indicated it uses assumptions based on historical state and local funding when preparing federal financial plans and assumptions based on current appropriations in state law when preparing state and internal budget documents. According to the Council, the two sets of assumptions are necessary as they must use current law to guide fiscal assumptions with the state, while the federal government requires a 10-year look 27 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/13/2017 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 4 of 5 back at operations and a 20-year projection of future budget expectations for projects receiving federal funds. The report found that there was also a difference in the growth rate assumptions of Metro Mobility. The Council's Finance Plan assumes an 8.95 percent increase,while the plan submitted to the federal government assumes a five percent increase. Overall, expenses found in the Transportation Finance Plan exceeded expenses submitted to the federal government by$122.2 million over the next five years. The OLA report found no significant problems in the Council's historical balance sheets but recommends that the Council explicitly identify these assumptions in future fiscal reports to the legislature as well as explain the impact assumptions have on financial forecasts. To view the report, 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 emailand provide the following: Name, Title, Employer and Email address. Thank you. Metro Cities 146 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone 651-215- 4000 Fax 651-281-1299 Website www.MetroC!tiiesMN.org 28 of 31 http://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-... 10/13/2017 du r r FF°5 P k tt P' I Use the colored text to Find more information ar. each Topic. At Conservation Minnesota,our missio, is protecting the Minnesota you Love by solving our state's most important conservation problems. We understand that our Lakes,rivers,seasons,and Great Outdoors make Minnesota a unique and wonderful place to live The health of our families and future generations is tied to stewardship of our natural resources. That is why Conservation .101nnesats is focused on building a truly statewide network of people willing to stand up for our Lakes,lands,and way of life A dramatic and innovative iF ..w, i,iui in how we engage Minnesotans has helped us expand from 5;000 to 50,000 members in dust two years. Today,we have members in every county and our network reflects the true diversity of Minnesota Our unique approach is based on understanding your individual interests and providing you with customized opportunities to make a difference that fit your life and address your individual concerns. Understanding the unique interests of individual Minnesotans helps us have greater impact, In addition to focusing the efforts of each member on issues that motivate them,it allows us to demonstrate how different issues are interconnected, Like nature itself. Our members learn that other,seemingly unrelated,conservation priorities connect naturally to their concerns,and provide new opportunities to make a difference Understanding each person's interests also makes it possible for us to effectively share our network by connecting our members to organizations and causes working to address their individual concerns Today,Conservation Minnesota members are powering partnerships to take on critical challenges like water quality,toxic chemicals,and carbon pollution What's the best part? We are dust getting started ,.. 29 of 31 LocaL Action Menu CONSERVATION JW MINNESOTA Protect thg MUMMM you W Policy Options Volunteer Activity Options • Pass city or county resolution • Encourage city to allow beekeeping N Plant patLinator friendly plants in your • Pass low or no pesticide resolution or yard ordinance Form local pollinator group • Engage solar developers and local Hold educational events government on polLinator-friendly solar PoLUnators • Incorporate energy conservation and renewable energy in city camp plans or commission plans • Install solar array on local or city buildings • Improve energy efficiency in Iota[ • Build support for the Clean Power Plan Pet government buildings(light bulbs,fixtures, Audubon lairds and Climate insulation,etc.) Presentations Encourage your commissions or council to Hold educational event for renewable pass a clean energy resolution energy Legislative priorities • Engage Coop or Utility around renewable energy • Encourage your city or commission to implement an appliance Rebate Program •Organize or support a Pond Dipping Event to show the effects of pollutants on wildlife Promote a rain garden rebate program •Work to restore a Pond with watershed •Work with your SWCD to help • Create storm water filtration areas implement the Suffer Law and ensure • Have organizations andfor local pollinator friendly plants are used Government pass Clean Water Promise •Work with your Watershed District to Resolution or sign petition in support Water instaLL rain gardens at community buildings. Work with friends and neighbors to hold a house party to discuss water issues - Ensure for better access to hazardous Create citizens group to Limit tire mulch waste sites through working with your Host or organize a Healthy Home Party county Ask for support on toxic chemical biLLs • Engage the municipality on adopting a Hold educational event on toxic related toxic-free purchasing policy Toxics Legislation 30 of 31 t. ActionLocal WIVIREVETTW 'WProtEct me Mtnnesata yav Iave Policy Options Votunteer Activity Options Implement community plan to achieve • Educational Event on expanding state statute goal of 75%recycling byrecycling 2030 in metro,35%greater Nle! � � •Organize cleanup,show how much cou,d •Work with officials to create organics be recycled recycling program Recycling " Form recycling citizens group to generate support on improving recycling Invasive plant pull or creek cleanup event Adopt pro-public lands policies Hikes,walks,cleanups or any other use of Develop support for planting native public space plants in local parks •Promote legacy projects already instalLed in the community 31 of 31