The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink Aboutweekly notes - December 15th 2017 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: December 15th, 2017 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Development and Zoning Items: 1. The Building Official has sent various code enforcement letter relating to a structure that has failed at 5676 Oakgreen Ave. 2. The City's legal proceedings to secure site clean-up for two single family homes are still in process—being the Hellerman and Winegar sites. 3. The developers of the Holiday Inn have exercised their ability to extend their DUE DILLIGENCE period for another 60 days. This will carry their ability to continue to pursue site and design plans until mid Feb.They may extend this for one more 60-day period.The City has not yet seen any meritorious site or building plans as of this date. 4. HERE IS SCUTTLEBUTT:Wendy's is apparently going to dose,be tom down and reconstructed.I did receive this information from the Store On-Duty Manager on 12114;but we will see...?No site plans have yet been submitted to the City. Other items: • 1 do have first cut of the Oak Park Heights promotional video as prepared by Valley Access;Betty Caruso and I did watch this first cut and it was very positive.We offered some feedback and we will have a second cut of the video to watch on 1/10118— at the City's 2018 goal setting meeting. • From the Chamber-Ice Castles-Job Fair—if you know anyone. • MSCWMO-Agenda for 12114/17 • The City Hall security committee(Mary McComber,Mike Runk,Brian D,Betty C,Andy K,Jennifer P and myself)did engage a contractor NAC to provide a baseline report of the issues and report as to their diagnosis as to the problems the City's security systems have experienced.We hope to have the report by the end of January.NAC has operated the City's HVAC systems since 2010 and have done a very good job with that aspect Mayor McComber provided: 1. SCRCP-Update for Dec 11th,2017 2. Information about service on the Fire Service Advisory Committee 3. MAOSC Board Meeting Agenda for 1111118&State newsletter for December. 4. NLC—Press release for Transportation and Infrastructure Services committee—Appointment for Mayor McComber. Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. Mike Runk shared a picture of the Mountain Biking Team at Oak Park " Crossing Park 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 December 8,2017 Mr.Jaime Junker J K&K Group, LLP 11550 Stillwater Blvd. N.,Ste. 106 Lake Elmo, MN 55042 Re: Property Condition @ 5676 Oakgreen Ave. N.,Oak Park Heights,MN Dear Mr.Junker: The exterior condition of the house at 5676 Oakgreen Ave. N. is poor and the roof eave failing at the east side of house. Please see the photo below. The condition of the roof and eave at this area and presents a potential safety hazard to the occupancy of the residence and is in violation of 2015 Minnesota State Building Code Section 1300.0180 Unsafe Buildings and Structures.A copy of this Code section is enclosed. While it is possible that you are already aware of this situation and are taking the steps to correct, it this letter serves as the City's request that this be repaired as soon as possible,but no later than January 31, 2018. A MN licensed contractor is required to perform the repair and a permit shall be required. Structural engineering may be requested,should the extent of the damage necessitate it. Please contact me to let me•know what the plan is for the repair at your earliest. Should you desire to meet on site, I am happy to accommodate you. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to talking with you and seeing this put back to safe condition. Sincerely, PLANNING.&CODE ENFORCEMENT luli ultman Enc osure c: Eric Johnson,City Administrator C J-T 2 of 19 Tree City U.S.A. JOHNSTON LAW OFFICE, P.A. EASTON 5 10 22 a Avenue East Suite 101 Attorneys at Law P.O.Box 1218 Alexandria,Minnesota 56308 * * * Scott T. Johnston* Telephone:320-762-8814 Fax:320-762-9111 Kelly L. Jenzen E-Mail: 'ohnston a'ohnstonlawoff.com Legal Assistants: ienzen@iohnstonlawoff.com iohnstonlawoffcom Lori A.Aaberg Alice A.Bosek * MSBA Board Certified Real Lindsey C.Bruzek Property Specialist Kimberly J.Pfeffer Brittany E.Uselman December 7,2017 VIA CERTIFIED MAIL,RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ECKBERG &LAMMERS ATTN CITY ADMINISTRATOR ATTN MARK VIERLING ESQ 14168 OAK PARK BLVD 1809 NORTHWESTERN AVENUE P O BOX 2007 STILLWATER MN 55082 OAK PARK HEIGHTS MN 55082 RE: City of Oak Park Heights—Madison Hospitality Group, LLC Our File No. 17-290STJ Pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Purchase and Sale Agreement dated August 29, 2017 ("PSA"), Madison Hospitality Group, LLC ("Buyer") is exercising its right to extend the Due Diligence Period ("DDP") for the first of its two (2) sixty(60) day extensions. The initial DDP expires December 19,2017, and the last day of the first extended DDP will be February 17, 2018. Buyer will send a check for the Additional Earnest Money in the amount of$10,000 to the Title Company pursuant to Section 4.3 of the PSA. Additionally, the PSA provides that the Earnest Money and the Additional Earnest Money remain refundable to Buyer during the DDP, as extended, or as otherwise provided for in the PSA. Thank you. Sincerely, JOHNSTO LA OFFICE,P.A. By ott . John n STJ/kp cc: Madison Hospitality Group, LLC (via email) FSA Title Services, LLC—Stillwater 5649 Memorial Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 3of19 CRSTLES T I L LWAT ER c� JOB FAIR Saturday, December 16 1 - 3 p . m . Water Street Inn Help create a fairytale experience at the magical Ice Castles. If you like to have fun and love the outdoors, we want you! Positions include box office, guest experience event staff, concessions and more! Ice Castles will be open from early January through the end of February, weather permitting. On site interviews at the Job Fair. Applicants must be 16 years and older. Apply in person or at: Icecastles.com/work 4of19 MIDDLEaa snn•.ar''•,. • 1 WATERSHED • MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION 16 + t 45 5 HAYWARD AVENUE , OAKDALE , MIN NESTOA 5508 2 Phone 651 . 330 . 8220 x 2 2 fax 6 5 1 . 3 3 0 . 7 7 4 7 www . mscwmo . org Wa•• r., Regular Meeting of the Middle St.Croix Watershed Management Organization MSCWA0 Bayport Public Library,Bayport,MN Thursday,December 14,2017 6:OOPM 1. Call to Order—6:OOPM 2. Approval of Minutes a) Draft minutes-November 9,2017 p.1-3 3. Treasurer's Report a. Report of savings account, assets for December 14,2017 b. Approve payment of bills for December 14, 2017 c. Monthly budget update through November,2017 4. Public Comments 5. Old Business 6. New Business a. Clean Water Fund Grant Extension Request 2014 Lily Lake Phase III CWF Grant p.4-5 b. 2018 Meeting Dates p.6-7 c. 2018 Review Fees p.8 d. 2018 Minnesota Conservation Corps Crew Grant Application p.9 7. Grant and Cost Share Applications a. Nelson School Townhome Permeable Pavement Cost Share Reimbursement,Stillwater p.10 8. Plan Reviews/Submittals a. CSAH 212018 Reconstruction-Oak Park Heights, Bayport, Baytown Township p.11 21 b. St.Croix Crossing Loop Trail Plan Review-Oak Park Heights&Stillwater p.22-32 c. St.Croix Crossing Perennial Plantings Plan Review-Oak Park Heights&Stillwater p.33 9. Administrator's Report p.34-35 10. Adjourn Middle St. Croix Watershed Management Organization Member Communities Afton, Bayport, Baytown, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Lake St. Croix Beach, Oak Park Heights, St. Mary's Point,Stillwater, Et West Lakeland 5of19 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Monday, December 11, 2017 9:39 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:WisDOT wraps up 2017 construction on St.Croix Crossing and Loop Trail For weekly notes -----Original Message--- From: MnDOT <mndot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Mon, Dec 11, 2017 9:35 am Subject:WisDOT wraps up 2017 construction on St. Croix Crossing and Loop Trail St Croix cltossme 17 K i 3 .W^ r. -s w 6of19 Wisconsin DOT wraps up 2017 St. Croix Crossing, Loop Trail construction activity With the 2017 construction season just behind us, our partners across the St. Croix River in Wisconsin have announced completion of numerous construction activities. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation completed the following: Finished State Highway 64 roadway to connect with the new St. Croix River Crossing bridge. = Installed signs, pavement markings, and right-of-way fences for the entire project. • Installed a virtual weigh-in-motion system on eastbound Highway 64. • Completed Kriesel Farm Road,the connection between Anderson Scout Camp Road to Main Street(Old Highway 35/64) in Houlton. • Removed all temporary crossovers and connections used during construction. • Finished the multi-use path from the St. Croix River bridge to Houlton School Circle (Old County E). • Completed much of the new park-and-ride area and a trail connection from the parking area to the multi-use path. Motorists and multi-use path users can reach the park-and-ride area from State Highway 35. (Pavement will be installed in 2018). • The new snow storage area located east of the Park& Ride off Highway 35 was completed for MnDOT. MnDOT will use this area to place snow that is removed from the St. Croix River Crossing bridge. A gate and fence were installed to limit access to the area. Take a look ahead at next year's Wisconsin loop Trail construction. For updated Minnesota road condition information, call 511 or visit 511mn.org. Wisconsin traffic and commuter information is available at 511wi.gov. MnDOT • mndot.gov Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation: 2 7of19 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Monday, December 11, 2017 3:02 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: [legislative]Two Appt Openings for Cities on Fire Service Advisory Committee(due Dec 22) For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Corcoran, Heather<hcorcoran@lmc.org> To: General legislative<legislative@listserv.lmc.org> Sent: Mon, Dec 11, 2017 2:48 pm Subject: [legislative]Two Appt Openings for Cities on Fire Service Advisory Committee(due Dec 22) Good afternoon Legislative Listserv, Two city seats are now open on the Minnesota Fire Service Advisory Committee(FSAC).City staff and elected officials are encouraged to apply for one of the two League appointment openings by Dec. 22. The FSAC provides recommendations to the commissioner of Public Safety on fire service-related issues and fire safety funds for the following topics: • Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education • Programs and staffing for the State Fire Marshal Division • Fire-related regional response team programs and any other fire service programs that have the potential for statewide impact. See this webpage for more information and how to apply: httys://www.imc.org/page/l/appointmentFSAL.Lsp Meetings:The committee meets at least six times per year at the Elk River Fire Department. Meetings in 2018 are scheduled for the following dates:Jan.3(10 a.m.-12 p.m.), March 7(10 a.m.-12 p.m.),June 6(10 a.m.-4 p.m.),Aug. 8(10 a.m.-2 p.m.),Sept. 5(10 a.m.-12 p.m.),and Dec.5(10 a.m.-12 p.m.).There is a conference call option, but members are encouraged to attend in person if possible. Members serve without compensation. Terms: Members'term length is at the determination of the appointee,appointing organization (LMC)or the Commissioner of Public Safety. Most recent city appointees have served for 2-4 years. How to apply: Interested applicants should apply per the instructions at the bottom of this page: https:ZLwww.Imc.org/t)aRe/l/aDDointmentFSAgjsp Under state law,the League president appoints two city officials for this committee. Both positions are currently vacant. Former Plainview Mayor William Goede and Arden Hills Administrative Services Director Sue Iverson previously filled the two city seats on the committee. Have a great afternoon, Heather 1 8of19 g b MAOSC Board Meeting Agenda January 11,4:30—6:30 Paynesville Inn &Suites, Paynesville 4:30 Call board meeting to order and roll call. Tina Rennemo Minutes and Finance Report. Jeff Kletscher Secretary Report Lori Jorgenson Discussion on a revised application for Tina Rennemo board members. Update on MAOSC water issue and fees lead Jim Robins/Jill Sletten person Update on Transportation funding Jim Robins/Jill Sletten Discussion and adoption of legislative priorities Tina Rennemo for 2018-2019. Discussion on a DC trip in 2018. Tina Rennemo Additional topics, date set for next board Tina Rennemo meeting. 6:30 Ajournment 9of19 MAOSC State Newsletter—December 2017 Forecast raises sustainability concerns Not counting the largest rainy day fund in Minnesota history,the November forecast announced last week shows a deficit in the current biennium at$188 million which will grow to$302 million when legislative funding is restored. Particularly troubling is the fact that the relatively small projected deficit comes despite expected continued growth in the state and national economy.Most worrisome,the structural deficit over the next 18 months is estimated to reach more than$1.5 billion which indicates the budget most likely will not be sustainable heading into the following two-year cycle. The apparent challenge is masked for now by nearly$2 billion in rainy day and cash-flow reserves.While legislative Republicans have a valid point that the forecast narrative paints a somewhat gloomier picture than the actual numbers show,the long-range picture is not likely to be appreciably improved by anticipated actions at the federal level.Limited restoration of withheld federal health care funds are expected soon, but could be offset by actions in the anticipated Tax Reform legislation that shifts greater financial responsibility to the state and local levels,and raises the cost of local borrowing. See the Forecast: https.Wrnn.goy/mmb-staV000/az/forecast/2017/november-forecast/complete adf httg://www.twincities.com/2017/12/05/how-the-federal-tax-bill-could-affect-minnesotans/ Outlook for the 2018 session With the legislative session opening less than two weeks before the February forecast comes out, neither the Governor nor Republican legislative leaders are eager to discuss adjusting course at this time. Historically,the three-month span between these forecasts is not long enough to result in major changes in long-range projections. The early 2018 budget conversation will focus on restoring$114 million in vetoed legislative funding. Gov. Dayton won the court battle at the state Supreme Court last month, but he has already essentially conceded the war related to restoring legislative funds. Even some of Dayton's DFL allies have indicated that 2018 could be a do-nothing year unless the legislative budget is quickly restored.The main business for 2018 will be passing a bonding bill that will be viewed as part of the Dayton-era legacy. As for achieving a long-term budget fix,the prospects appear relatively dim but not impossible.Senate Republicans are in a key position. Knowing they don't face re-election battles until 2020,they could entertain a relatively minor adjustment in 2018 to avoid a larger potential budget crisis in 2019-20. Franken-a Small Cities friend With US Senator Al Franken announcing that he plans to resign in the coming weeks,we want to reflect on the impact of his nine years of service on behalf of Minnesota's small cities.Recognizing that quality phone service is an essential need for rural communities, Franken worked closely with MAOSC to address mounting problems with dropped calls and other service issues. Senator Franken served Minnesota well and was a strong voice for our small cities.We applaud that service,and he will be missed.While he advocated for cultural shifts in the respect for women,his decision to step down furthers the long overdue national conversation on sexual harassment. 10 of 19 Legislative resignations,elections DFL state Sen.Dan Schoen and Republican Rep.Tony Cornish have sent their resignation letters to the governor,triggering the special election process in suburban Senate District 54 and rural House District 23B.As the cultural shift against tolerating sexual abuse and harassment has intensified in recent weeks, the two accused legislators gave way to pressure for their resignations. Due to a conflict with a local special election,the two legislative special elections will be held on a Monday rather than the usual Tuesday scheduling.The general special elections are set for Monday, Feb. 12. If one or more partisan nomination contests are needed,they will be settled in a primary two weeks earlier-Monday,Jan. 29. Clearly,the Senate District 54 race is viewed as closely contested. Both of the House seats are held by Republicans, but the Senate seat has been consistently held by DFLers.The south-central House 23B seat has leaned strongly Republican in recent election cycles.A close race there would indicate that DFLers might finally start to rebound from the party's sliding rural support over the past several years. Net neutrality FCC fight Equal access to the Internet as now guaranteed under FCC rules could come to an end soon.A vote to allow ISPs to sell preferred websites unfettered access while slowing others is scheduled for this Thursday, Dec.14. FCC Chair Ajit Pai has argued that bigger profits for major ISPs such as his former employer,Verizon, might translate into more rapid broadband investment in rural communities. Opponents of dumping the current"net neutrality" rules argue that the change will result in more- concentrated corporate power, less ISP competition -especially in rural areas,and restricted freedom of speech as well-heeled interests gain preferential Internet access. Both Minnesota senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken signed a letter to Chair Pai seeking a delay in the FCC rule changes vote based on evidence of widespread apparent sabotage in the public comments process. Electronic"bots" have been cited for fraudulently filing alleged automated statements,as well as excluding legitimate public comments. "The FCC must invest its time and resources into obtaining a more accurate picture of the record as understanding the record is essential to reaching defensible resolution to this proceeding,"the letter signed by 28 Senators states. Franken has been considered a leading national authority on net neutrality over several years.The embattled Senator was asked by MAOSC to comment early last week,and he responded by posting this social media comment: "My message to Chairman Pai is simple:leave the internet alone. End your campaign to fundamentally alter the internet as we know it. Protect net neutrality." It seems unlikely that the FCC will delay this week's vote despite strong public and Congressional pressure opposing the changes. More certain are expected court challenges attempting to preserve current net neutrality regulations. See Senators' letter to FCC: https.11www.hasson.senate.aovlimo/media/doc/171204.Poi.Ltr.NN Bots ndf https:fiwww.theveroe.com/2017/7/13/15949920/net-neutrality-killina-small-isns 11 of 19 Local Government Innovation Award Congratulations to member city Chatfield for developing a creative wellhead protection system that can be replicated to benefit other rural communities.The city has been recognized with a Local Government Innovation Award. Located in the geologically sensitive karst region of southeast Minnesota,Chatfield partnered with the UMN's Forever Green Initiative,the Minnesota Rural Water Association,a private farmer and General Mills to protect its drinking water supply from nitrate contamination. By using intermediate wheatgrass in the drinking water supply management area (DWSMA)they are providing long-term protection that minimizes the need for nitrogen fertilizer.When implemented,this model can benefit every ag-based, rural community in Minnesota. MAOSC is especially appreciative of Chatfield City Clerk Joel Young for rejoining our Board of Directors earlier this year. For other cities Local Government Innovation Award winners,see: httns•//drive aooale com/ble/d/1 3znsT36GZkGEn91w tKS1knTaac3 AS/view Minnesota Association of Small Cities SAP, 4 s Minnesota Small Cities'Shorts We recently introduced the "Small Cities'Shorts"feature. These items link to interesting stories we have come across in other places featuring MAOSC member cities. Often the articles touch on concerns shared by many Minnesota small cities, or relate to community life. Readers can submit potential links to Small Cities'Shorts or other feature ideas by emailing James Robins at. iamesnrobins@yahoo.com A long-quiet copper mine proposal(not PolyMet) near Babbitt stirs again: httn://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/4361756-lona-quiet-copper-nroiect-near-babbitt-stirs Koochiching Economic Development Authority is working with Ranier and developers to locate a waterfront distillery in the community: http://www.ifallsioumal.comlnews/local/distillery-team-meets- with-keda-board/article ee298323-d017-5c46-9c2b-b6859o3eOc30.html Chatfield voters last month approved a new community pool,despite having to face the difficult realization that replacement will be more economical than renovation of the existing facility: http://www.postbulletin.com/news/local/chatfield-says-yes-to-new-pool-what-now/article 0524e00a-41fe-5a19- 89f2-c4f5db688d6a.html Houston is one of only seven communities nationally to win a youth-oriented Small Town Grant award featuring a tribute to local history: http://www.bluffcountrvnews.com/Conten 8/uff-Country-Reader/eluff- Countrv-News/Article/City-of-Houston-receives-Small-Town-Grant-award/14/23/70130 A deeper look at community values features Olivia,going well beyond the partisan divide to identify concerns and investment priorities: http://www.startribune.com/revisitina-our-town-olivia/459420903/ 12 of 19 Several dailies and weeklies across the state highlighted the challenge facing Perham and many other small cities with job opportunities but a shortage of workforce housing.The article features quotes from MAOSC Board member and Perham City Manager Jonathan Smith: http://www.dolobe.com/business/4364184-greater-minnesota-has-iobs-not-enough-homes DEED Public Facilities awards Good news for MAOSC member city Kelliher which has received two DEED Public Facilities Authority (PFA) awards for water tower and watermain replacement,as well as for sewer system rehabilitation. The grant awards total more than$1.96 million in federal and state funding. Border crossing hours curtailed A significant curtailing of some Minnesota-Canada border crossing hours likely will have a significant economic consequences for the affected border communities. The largest cutback by the US Customs and Board Patrol in the state comes at MAOSC member city Lancaster where the Highway 59 port will be closing at 4 pm daily rather than at 10 pm. In Roseau, daily crossing times will be reduced by fours hours.The change is effective starting on Jan.7,2018. For now, operations at 24-hour crossings along the Minnesota-Canada border will remain round-the- clock. MAOSC member city Baudette is among the 24-hour crossing locations. See: httn://www.startribune.com/nw-minnesoto-residents-angered-bv-olan-to-cut-back-border-crossina-hoursl458496643/ Census 2020 meetings The 2020 US census process is already picking up steam,and we hope all Minnesota cities are complying with the first step in the process-registering for the Local Update of Census Addresses(LUCA).The deadline to register for LUCA arrives this week- Friday, Dec. 15. We strongly encourage city officials to attend one of the nine census meetings scheduled across the state over the first 15 weeks of 2018.The emphasis of these meetings will be organizing for a complete and accurate count by coordinating at the local and regional levels.A full count will make a real difference over the next decade as federal,state and local funding and policy decisions are made. MAOSC member city Mountain Iron will be hosting one of the census meetings,set for Wednesday, March 21.These meetings are all scheduled from 10 am to 4 pm (lunch not included),free of charge- but registration is required. See meeting places,dates and registration: httas://rexistrationsamc.wufoo.com/forms/register-census-202Ooreo-for-cities-counties/ Court takes in remote Sales Tax briefs We have an update on the legal battle to provide states and local governments the ability to collect sales taxes from remote sellers located beyond state borders.The petition to the US Supreme Court to review South Dakota v Wayfair is pending with numerous briefs filed over the past two months. This issue has consequences for Minnesota small cities in two important ways. First,we have seen our main street retailers suffer and dwindle steadily over the past quarter century as e-commerce has received a free pass and preferential tax treatment.Those tax-favored remote sales items get delivered 13 of 19 by trucks and vans over our crumbling city streets paved largely with property tax dollars paid by local businesses and residents.Secondly, uniform collection of sales tax proceeds from outside Minnesota will provide additional state revenue that can be distributed through higher LGA distributions,and perhaps, funding of transportation needs(such as City Streets).Cities with a local option sales tax further benefit. The majority of state attorneys general across the country, including Lori Swanson in Minnesota, have joined in seeking to reverse the court ruling from 25 years ago,Quill v North Dakota,which prevents states and local jurisdictions from requiring remote sellers to submit sales tax payments. See: httn://www.scotusbioa.com/case-files/cases/south-dakota-v-wayfair-incl MAOSC Board sets Jan. 11 meeting We are looking forward to the Thursday,Jan. 11 MAOSC Board of Directors meeting, hosted by member city Paynesville.The meeting is set for the Paynesville Inn&Suites,from 4:30-6:30 pm.Thanks to MAOSC Board member and Paynesville Mayor Jeff Thompson for hosting.The meeting agenda will tackle current issues facing small cities, including strategies for the upcoming 2018 legislative session getting underway on Feb.20. As always,our MAOSC Board meetings and retreats are open to representatives of MAOSC member cities who would like to observe or provide input.You can also feel free to share MAOSC-related concerns with us via email for consideration at the Board meeting. Please contact me(Jill Sletten) by email or phone. -END- 14 of 19 NAMONAL LEAGUE N LC OF 01 IES NLC PUBLIC AFFAIRS FDR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 15, 2017 Press Contact: Eric Johnson, City Administrator, City of Oak Park Heights(MN) eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com Mayor Mary McComber-Appointed to Serve on National League of Cities' Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee WASHINGTON —Oak Park Heights (MN), Mayor Mary McComber has been appointed to the I tion l Lee--2 of Cities (NLC )2018 Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS)federal advocacy committee.This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC's federal policy positions on issues involving transportation, including planning,funding, safety and security of public transit,streets and highways, aviation, railroads and ports.The appointment was announced by NLC President Mark Stodola, mayor of Little Rock,Arkansas. As a committee member, Mayor McComber will play a key role in shaping NLCs policy positions and advocate on behalf of America's cities and towns before Congress,with the administration and at home. "Serving on an NLC committee is one of the most effective ways for a local official to advocate for their community in Washington,"said NLC President Stodola. "I am thrilled to have Mary McComber join a team of local leaders from around the country working to craft our policy platform and to solve the most pressing challenges facing our communities." The leadership of this year's committee will consist of Chair Pam O'Connor, councilmember, Santa Monica, California;and Vice Chairs James McDonald, councilmember, Pinecrest, Florida; and Oscar Trevino, mayor, North Richland Hills,Texas. For more information on NLC's federal advocacy committees,visit: www.nic.oreiadvocacvicommittees. The National League of Cities(NLC)is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. 15 of 19 NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES 2018 Transportation and Infrastructure Services (TIS) Committee Roster Chair Vice Chair Vice Chair IMI Pam O'Connor Oscar Trevino James McDonald Councilmember Mayor Councilmember Santa Monica, California North Richland Hills, Pinecrest, Florida Texas Alabama Fred Richardson, Councilman, Mobile David Bradford, Mayor, Muscle Shoals Arizona Mark Mitchell, Mayor, Tempe Arkansas Michael Watson, Mayor, Maumelle California Sam Pedroza, Councilmember, Claremont 16 of 19 David Sander, Councilman, Rancho Cordova John McAlister, Council member, Mountain View Fred Strong, Councilman, Paso Robles Colorado Steven Douglas, Councilman At Large, Commerce City Wade Troxell, Mayor, Fort Collins, Fort Collins Florida Luis De La Cruz, Councilperson, Key Biscayne Michelle J. Gomez, Commissioner,Tamarac Joel Keller, Commissioner, Ocoee Linda Yates, Mayor, North Port Hazelle Rogers, Mayor, Lauderdale Lakes Idaho Elaine Clegg, City Council President, Boise Illinois William McLeod, Mayor, Hoffman Estates John Noak,Village President, Romeoville Karen Darch,Village President, Barrington Kentucky Cindi, Fowler, Metro Council Member, Louisville Maryland Michael Leszcz, President Laurel City Council, Laurel Jarrett Smith, Councilmember,Takoma Park Minnesota Jake Spano, Mayor, St. Louis Park Suzie Nakasian, City Council Member, Northfield Mary McComber, Mayor, Oak Park Heights William Droste, Mayor, Rosemount Mary Hamann-Roland, Mayor,Apple Valley Missouri James (Jim) Crain,Alderman, Grandview Bryant DeLong, Councilmember, Kansas City Dan Fowler, City Councilman, Kansas City 17 of 19 Nebraska Rodney Storm, City Administrator, Blair North Carolina Dan Besse, Council Member, Winston-Salem Ed Harrison, Town Council Member, Chapel Hill North Dakota Michael Brown, Mayor, Grand Forks Ohio Bruce Duke, Councilmember, Kettering Valarie J. McCall, Chief of Government, International Affairs and Communications, Cleveland Linda F. R. Omobien, Akron City Councilwoman-at-Large, Akron Glenn Otto, Councilmember At-Large, Huber Heights Oklahoma Scott Eudey, Vice Mayor, Broken Arrow Oregon Lou Ogden, Mayor,Tualatin Greg Evans, Councilor, Eugene Pennsylvania Theresa Lafer, Council Member, Borough of State College Texas Debby Bobbitt, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Rowlett Billy Williams, Councilman, Garland Kathryn Wilemon, council member,Arlington Mary Dennis, Mayor, Live Oak Brian Johnson, Mayor, Kennedale Bill McLendon, Councilmember, Hurst Richard Beverlin,Assistant City Manager, Galveston Virginia Sherri Neil, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Portsmouth Washington Kate Kruller, City Councilmember,Tukwila Peter Kwon, Counilmember, SeaTac 18 of 19 Wisconsin Robert Bauman,Alderman, Milwaukee 19 of 19