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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - August 31 2018 CITY OF O TS—WEEKLY NOTES for: August 31st,2018 TO: City Council embersWStaff FROM: Eric Johnson, ity Adm Zoning and Development hams: 1. No new applications have b received 2. Grading permits have been issued for the Palmer Station development. 3. An enforcement letter has been sent to Wal-Mart related to special event signage.On a related note,Wal-Mart has responded to the City's request for a roadway easement, indicating that they are seeking final sign off once construction plans are draw. This is not possible as the City will need to have deep assurance that it can build the road before it moves forward with such design,engineering and the petition for other funding from other sources.Alternative language has been presented to Walmart and we are awaiting a response, but in short essentially requires the City to build any roadway-wholly consistent with any concept plan. Such language is enclosed and as sent to our contact in Bentonville,Ark. 4. The City has responded to Bayport's request to review their proposed Comprehensive Pian;Stafrs review found no major issues and a letter was sent indicating that there are'no comments"at this time. 5. A zoning letter was provided for the Super America located on 60th Street;we understand a re-financing may be occurring. 6. The Development Application for the School District—lacrosse Storage Building has been deemed complete under MN STAT 15.99; this matter will be on the Sept 131h Planning Commission meeting. Other Items: There seems to be a consensus that the City Entrance Stone will look like the image to the right, The City has provided the required Resolution and a general plan and is wu OAK PA , hk awaiting feedback from MNDOT. Enclosed is the site map and depiction where it 4 1-1 ". 1,G H . generally will be placed. • The City Council requested that a letter be sent to Washington County encouraging the installation of addition pedestrian enhancement on CSAH 26-see enclosed. — • The City received a kind EMAIL from a former resident-Char Plattner. Mayor McComber provided: 1. MAOSC-August Federal Update. 2. Lower St.Croix Management Commission—Agenda for 8130118 3. NLC Federal Advocacy Update for 8128118 4. MNDOT Update on the Upper Loop Trail—SCRCP 5. METRO CITIES news for 8130118 6. NLC Weekly—Opioid Crisis 7. Information from Community Action 8. Executive Summary from the MN Housing Task Force 9. MNDOT-Summary of the Local Road and Bridges Highway Fund. 10. Several Documents from LMC-Local Economies Committee—Are here At City Hall Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 54 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N. Phone:651.439.4439,Ext. 1105 P.O.Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Fax:651.439.0574 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com August 27,2018 Mr. MannyAkomaning, Manager Wal-Mart Supercenter#1861. 5815 Norell Ave. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re: Special Event Signage (Banners) &Outdoor Garden Center Lights Dear Manny, We have spoken on several occasions regarding special event signage placement and permit requirements. There are banners and other advertisement items to the exterior of Walmart presently. These banners and other displays do require a special event permit from the City as per City Ordinance. There is no charge for the permit; however,the store is limited to 50 display days per calendar year. I have enclosed Special Events Ordinance 401.15.G.8 for your review and an application for your use. Lastly,there remain light fixtures at the outside garden center that are non-compliant to-City Ordinance 401.15.B. for outdoor lighting. These are the fixtures that have been Installed directly over the display areas. Commercial outdoor lighting fixtures (luminaire) are required to comply with the performance standards outlined in Ordinance Section 401.15.B.7.f.2 as to shielding, intensity, height, location, hours of operation and glare. For those shields placed over the plantings at the garden center,the sides of the interior of the-lens could be painted to effectuate full cut off as has been done before in this area. Ordinance 401.15.6. and Ordinance definitions sections related to lighting and shielding(with diagrams) have been enclosed for your review. Remove all exterior Dlaced s ecial event si na a and-displays or obtain a special event Permit for their display and correct li htin at garden center so that they are full cut off shielded In compliance with Cit Ordinance Prior to Monday, September 10 2018.A compliance inspection will be made after the 10'of September. 2 of 54 Your prompt attention to the above requests is appreciated. I'd be happy to meet you to discuss the above requests if you feel that would be helpful. Please contact me immediately to discuss any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment to discuss them. Sincerely, PLANNING &CODE ENFORCEMENT Jul' . Hultman Bu I ng Of ficial Enclosures "c: Eric Johnson, City Administrator 3 of 54 WALMART PROPOSED: "Wal-Mart reserves the right to approve, prior to commencement of any construction by City of any improvements an the Property, City's: (1) site plans (N) utility plans (iii) grading plans including stormwater management,(iv)erosion and sediment control plans including rock construction entrances (to be in place prior to any construction),silt fence(to be in place prior to any construction)and other erosion controls required as required for the wank on the Property ("Development Plan). Sold Development Plan is to be prepared by certUled/licensed architects and/or engineers. Wal-Mart shall have thirty(30) days after receipt of the Development Plan from Purchaser to approve or disapprove the Plans." CITY RESPONSE: The City represents that it shall construct such roadway consistent with two-dimensional Concept Layout as found in Exhibit . Prior to any construction,the City shall provide final construction drawings to be issued by the City Engineer to Wal-Mart which shall generally consist of: (i) site plans(ii) utility plans (iii) grading plans including stormwater management; (iv) erosion and sediment control plans including rock construction entrances(to be in place prior to any construction),silt fence(to be in place prior to any construction) and other erosion controls required as required for the work on the Property ("Development Plan"). Said Development Plan is to be prepared by certified/licensed architects and/or engineers. Wal-Mart may have up to fourteen(14)calendar days after receipt of the final construction drawings from the City to comment such drawings and may request alterations to the layout from the City for those items that are materially and significantly inconsistent with the Concept Layout; if the City Engineer concurs with Wal-Mart that certain elements do materially and significantly deviate from the Concept Layout,the City shall be responsible to implement corrective,action as determined by the City Engineer or the City may cancel this easement agreement. 4 of 54 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 28th,2018 TO: Sara Taylor,City Planner via email only stavlor(ftibavgort.mn.us FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator ISE: Comprehensive Pian Update—July 2018 Dear Sara: At this time,the City does not have comments regarding the Comprehensive Plan Update—July 2018. Thank You Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc:Weekly Notes 5 of 54 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 Nt,201 S ANDEAVOM. ATTIC• Lynn Wigton c/o McGuireWoods LLP 260 Forbes Avenue,Suite 1800 Pittsburgh,PA 15222 RE:Zoning Letter—SITE—Super America Dear Ms.Wigton: Per our discussion, you have requested that the City issue a"Zoning Letter"regarding zoning at the above property and various compliance status updates. Unfortunately, the City cannot provide the data you request. In order to achieve these answers,a full compliance audit must be completed and would be at the sole expense of the requesting party. If you wish the City to proceed with such an audit, we require cash deposit if$10,000 and completion of required applications.We can set up a meeting to kick that process off. In lieu of this,the City can make the following known: 1. At this date and time, the City is not aware of any material defects at the site related to zoning or non-compliance issues or that have immediate compliance violations pending. However, we cannot guaranty that there are in fact no violations and these conditions can change daily. 2. The site is zoned B-2—general business. The zoning code can be found on the City's website— as well - as all related City ordinances that relate to such land-uses. While the City believes the information conveyed herein is accurate, the City reserves the right to amend, append, delete or revise the language or the contents of this communication as appropriate and at any time. This letter may not be interpreted or applied as a formal approval or authorization by the City w for any purpose(s). A formal development application and subsequent determination by the City is required for construction activities, change in land uses,etc. This letter is not a release from any current or future obligation on the part of the developer or owner of this property. Thank You Eric Johnson City Administrator Cc: Kevin Sandstrom,City Attorney 6 of 54 MMM-- Adift 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Em Anoka, MN 55303 ir Phone: 783.23 i.6840 Facsimile. 753.427.0520 TPC@PlanningCo.com August 29, 2018 Ricky Michel 1875 S. Greely Street Stillwater, MN 55082 RE: Oak Park Heights Stillwater Area High School Lacrosse Equipment Storage Building 5701 Stillwater Boulevard North FILE NO: 236.02 18.07 Dear Mr. Michel: The City is in receipt of the additional application materials submitted on August 29, 2018 for an amended Conditional Use Permit for the addition of a lacrosse equipment storage building at the Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Boulevard North. The City has now deemed the application complete. The Planning Commission will consider the application at a meeting scheduled for September 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council chambers. Please contact me with any questions you may have at 952.221.0547 Sincerely, Sincerely Scott D. Richards, AICP — City Planning Consultant to the City of Oak Park Heights The Planning Company LLC C: Eric Johnson Julie Hultman 7 of 54 h P a r du `Y" 1 � r i 5 �i �i a d n A � R l.l�t F e , e Century power Sign a z 9 of 54 �a From: Phelps, Daniel(DOT)<dan.phelps@state.mn.us> Sent:Wednesday,August 29,2015 9:13 AM To: Eric Johnson<eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com> Subject: RE: monument sign in STH 36 corridor Of course. Dan 3 10 of 54 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 30t' 2018 Mr. Gary Kriesel County Commissioner—District 3 Washington County PO BOX 6 Stillwater,MN 55082- 6132 RE: Pedestrian Crossing—CSAH 26 Dear Commissioner Kriesel: Thank you again for discussing our City's concerns with the pedestrian crossing area located just to the east of the Holiday Gas Station - along CSAH 26 as shown in the attached images. Please note that our City Council continues to maintain that the pedestrian safety conditions in this area are in need of immediate enhancement; such as the installation of additional roadway markings, additional signage or perhaps some form of user-initiated flasher device or other tools to make pedestrians more visible to motorists. At this time, motorists do not appear to have adequate visibility of this pedestrian crossing from either direction due to the curvature of such roadway. And, as the speed Iimit has just recently increased from 30 MPH to 40 MPH vehicles are traveling even faster than before. The 20 MPH Yellow Signs within the curved areas are appreciated, these are routinely ignored and may be un-enforceable from a traffic management/legal perspective- While County staff has responded to our inquiry about the issue and has committed to continue to examine the matter, any input or action you might be able to take to improve these conditions would be valued. 4jRegjaromber Cc: Molly O'Rourke, County Administrator Weekly Notes 11 of 54 T.4. 76 W.B. O az xxarw +a no.runt as71, •. R'j6iEl�S7'dr31'.'dxrit�C.�srrFx m 7p rg T MT r Y w Ilea T 77clans, SNKa 7s FNr xlrnlxriTc tr asE sxm q sxtx xcr.n. © IMT F.SM W T F w fax XTanx- T.H. 36 E.B Pod BBt►7ast Ramps _ M M LIDA 'r it fkA S MA 11- r S7A, -- --4*' —Ar i - - �� ... +q•]Ilr 7 17.5 Xw 1`C.S.A.N 26 ,W(M I IV MUM) — � I.a� _ i -• sw as �•' _^____^ f f 1i kk I! 3 M y. 'Cx f 12 of 54 Eric Johnson From: Jennifer Pinski Sent: Tuesday,August 28,2018 1:53 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: FW: Utility Account Letter See the nice note below from a former resident. She just moved away after 30 years of living here. From:WINDOWS LIVE<char0823@msn.com> {�- Sent:Tuesday,August 28,20181:50 PM To:Jennifer Pinski<jpinski@cityofoakparkheights.com> Subject: Re: Utility Account Letter Good afternoon Jennifer, Want to thank you for getting this letter off in such a timely matter its very much appreciated. Also at this time I'd like to thank everyone at the city of Oak Park Heights for all their support through the last 30 years, the service from all departments have been outstanding and I appreciate each of yours for what you've done. It saddens me to leave such a wonderful City but it was time for me to move on as my home was much too large and the yard work was a lot even though I enjoyed the flowers and being outdoors I could not give it the time it deserved. Thanks again and best wishes to all of you. Sincerely, Char Plattner Get Outlook for Andr From: Jennifer Pinski Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 10:24 AM Subject: Utility Account Letter To: charO823amsn.com Per your request, I have prepared and attached a letter indicating your account was paid in full and was in good standing with the City of Oak Park Heights. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jennifer Pinski, CMC City of Oak Park Heights 651-439-4439 1 13 of 54 MAOSC AUGUST FEDERAL UPDATE MAOSC Federal_Enaaaement Activities MAOSC is actively engaged with Federal lawmakers. Most recently,the MAOSC engaged in relation to the proposed Streamline Small Cell Wireless Act(S. 3157)currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. With approval by the Board of Directors,MAOSC President Mary McComber sent a letter in July to the entire Minnesota Congressional delegation opposing several provisions that are currently included in the bill. Specifically,MAOSC objected to short local application deadlines and compensation regulations proposed in S. 3157. The letter expressed that small cities depend on small staffs and volunteer council members who meet far less often than routine operations in larger cities; so that mandating quick approval of small cell wireless applications would be burdensome. In addition, the letter explained how the legislation would effectively eliminate the ability of small cities to recover ongoing costs associated with using public property for mounting. Negotiations that included MAOSC at the state level have previously achieved a comprehensive approach to small cell wireless in 2017 that already addresses these regulatory issues in Minnesota. MAOSC encourages federal policy to include an incentive approach to ensure equal opportunities for underserved communities rather than the penalty approach that is more suited to high-population areas. Washinaton,D.C.visit Regulation of Small Cell Wireless will be among the several topics discussed when the MAOSC delegation visits U.S. Senate and House officials from Minnesota Sept. 5-7 in Washington, D.C. Another important topic under discussion at the state and federal levels is Housing—with MAOSC especially active in regulatory changes and financial incentives to encourage both market and subsidized Workforce Housing in small cities in coordination with employers. MAOSC Board member Jonathan Smith has been especially active on the Housing front as Perham city administrator.He'll be sharing his perspectives with the Minnesota Congressional delegation on the MAOSC trip to the nation's Capitol. If you have particular federal concerns affecting Small Cities you'd like brought forward during our DC visits,please share your ideas with me(email Jill Sletten at 'sly euen(7a des ettengann.com). Conaressional Schedule Congress faces a short calendar and long list of legislative items left to complete this year. Several of those items have a Sept. 30 deadline, including fiscal 2019 appropriations,the farm bill,and the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. Other major bills that could be considered include proposals to address the opioid crisis, authorize water infrastructure projects, and a second round of tax legislation. In addition to this and other legislation,the Senate will begin the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh on Sept. 4. The House is scheduled to return on Sept.4 from their annual August recess, leaving the House with 11 legislative days scheduled before the end of the fiscal year. The Senate is currently in session and has more than 20 days currently scheduled before the end of the fiscal year. 14 of 54 United States Senate Appropriations: Lawmakers are working to pass as many spending bills as possible before the end of the Fiscal Year on Sept. 30. The Senate recently passed a four-bill appropriations package during the week of July 30 containing fiscal 2019 funding for the Interior-Environment, Transportation-HUD,Agriculture, and Financial Services measures. The vote on the appropriation minibus was 92-6. In addition to the spending package the Senate passed this week, it has already passed the Military Construction-VA, Energy and Water and Legislative Branch appropriations. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY)has stated recently that the Senate aims to pass nine of its 12 appropriations bills by the end of August. That would leave the Homeland Security, Commerce-Justice-Science and State-Foreign Operations bills until later, possibly until after the November midterm elections. Senate leaders believe that the most challenging part of this plan will be is reconciling the differences between the House and Senate spending bills. While the Senate has advanced all of its spending bills out of its committees with bipartisan support,the House has taken a more partisan approach. Appropriators will have to settle on common top-line spending figures for the bills and debate the policy riders that have been included before these measures can be signed into law by the President. In addition,the President has indicated he is considering vetoing spending legislation to temporarily shut down the federal government if the $5 billion he has requested for a border wall and fencing is not included in the appropriations bills Congress passes. In the event that the President did follow through on this threat to shut down the government, Senate Leaders have said Congress may have enough support to override a veto,but that remains to be seen. It takes a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override a veto. Opioids Crisis: The Senate could seek to pass a massive package of measures to address the nation's opioid epidemic as soon as August, but the effort faces political and policy hurdles. The heads of three Senate committees, led by Sen. Lamar Alexander(R-TN)and Senator Patty Murray(D-WA), are currently working to stitch together opioids legislation their panels approved earlier this year. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY)has also said the Senate could still take up an opioids legislative package as early as August but has not made promises on the exact timing.The Senate has a large number of items on its agenda through the end of September including additional spending bills and Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings. These issues could potentially push back the opioids package until after September. The House already passed a large opioids package,which included more than 60 bills, in June. It is likely that if the Senate passes an opioid legislative package,it will have major differences from the House version,requiring either the two chambers to agree on a conference version or the House to pass whatever the originally Senate approves. Water Resources Development Bill: A number of Senators, led by Sen. Marco Rubio(R-FL) and Sen.Bill Nelson(D-FL), sent a bipartisan letter in August urging Senate Leaders to move forward on the bipartisan Water Resources Legislation(S. 2800)which has recently hit a few speed bumps as it progresses through the Senate. The legislation won approval from the Senate Environment and Public Works committee in June on a unanimous 21-0 vote,but action has yet to be scheduled in the full Senate. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair 15 of 54 John Barrasso(R-WY) said recently that he wants to move on the water infrastructure bill as soon as possible. Along with other pending legislation, it may be difficult to schedule the water infrastructure bill with various other items expected to be on the Senate calendar this fall.And if the Senate passes its version of the legislation,the two chambers will have to reconcile any differences before a final bill can be sent for President Trump's signature. The House cleared its own version of the water resources bill (H.R. 8)earlier this month on a 408-2 vote. Congress typically passes a water resources bill every other year. These bills contain lists of which projects the Army Corps of Engineers can proceed on,and also often include significant changes to water policies. Prior to 2014, Congress had passed only one water-resources bill in 14 years. Lawmakers on the committees that handle infrastructure in both the House and the Senate have frequently expressed a desire to get the water resources process back on track. FAA Reauthorization Vote: The Senate has stalled in recent weeks in negotiations over the amount of floor time and scope of amendments allowed to be offered in order to bring up its Federal Aviation Administration(FAA)Reauthorization Bill (S. 1405). Senate staff is still working through these amendments to the bill before taking up the legislation on the Senate floor. The bill would require some scarce Senate floor time ahead of the midterms to deal with a handful of the amendments. Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune(R-SD) said recently that the Senate may yet hold a vote before Labor Day. The deadline for the current FAA authorization is Sept. 30, 2018. United States House of Representatives Farm Bill Conference: The House and Senate have both agreed to the motion to go to conference with the House on the 2018 Farm Bill after both Chambers passed their own version of the legislation. The House has appointed 47 conferees to the Farm Bill conference committee, including the House Agriculture Committees ranking member Collin Peterson(D-MN)and Congressman Tim Walz(D-MN). The Senate appointed 9 conferees to the Farm Bill conference committee, including members from several different committees to work on their respective issues contained in the measure. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY) said that he would like to see a report done shortly after the Labor Day weekend and before the current authorization expires on Sept. 30. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders from both parties said they would try to meet this timeline set by Majority Leader McConnell. The Senate voted 86-11 to pass its farm bill, which didn't include the sweeping changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)work requirements that the House version carried. The House- Senate conference committee will now have to iron out the differences to arrive at a bill both chambers can agree on. If the two chambers are unable to meet the September deadline to finish a new farm bill some lawmakers have said they will need to resort to a temporary extension of the current law. Committee Infrastructure Proposal: House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Bill Shuster(R-PA)released his infrastructure legislative framework at the end of July. The bill calls for significant federal investment in infrastructure projects and grant programs through at least 2021. It also includes billions of dollars in grant funding, as well as trillions in appropriations for projects of national significance,though funding numbers,along with the rest of the proposal,are subject to change.The draft also calls for the Secretary of Transportation to award grants for national infrastructure projects,with 30 percent of the money allotted toward 16 of 54 projects in rural areas. Chair Shuster indicated that this discussion draft does not represent a complete and final infrastructure bill and that it is meant to reignite discussions amongst his colleagues. Notably,the proposal included provisions to raise the gas tax by 15 cents,the diesel tax by 20 cents, and then to eliminate the tax by 2028. Chairman Shuster would replace the gas tax with new user fees to fund the highway fund. President Trump has previously voiced support for using a gas tax hike to pay for infrastructure projects. While the President said in February that he'd favor a 25-cent increase, Chairman Shuster's plan only calls for a 15-cent boost. The Highway Trust Fund is estimated to become insolvent in 2020, according to the Congressional Budget Office.But with the deadline to reauthorize highway and transit programs and without funding streams specifically identified some Members have said that they believe the infrastructure draft will face a steep uphill climb to passage in this Congress. Tax Cut 2.4: House Ways and Means Committee Chair Kevin Brady(R-TX)said that he is planning on unveiling new tax cut legislation this August,with the hopes of passing it before the November Midterm Elections.The Chairman indicated that the legislation will include a package of bills,the centerpiece of which will be a proposal to make some individual and business tax cuts permanent. Tax provisions that could be part of the package include extending the child tax credit and increasing the charitable contribution deduction limitations. Chairman Brady said drafts of the legislative proposals will be circulated in the House and a legislative outline of the bills will hopefully be released soon after the House returns from its August recess. Passing a second tax bill has remained a top priority for House Leadership. In the Senate,however, Members have indicated little interest in taking up such legislation before the elections. Chair Brady unveiled a broad outline for their next phase of tax code changes,which steered clear of correcting technical mistakes from last year's overhaul. The two-page outline seeks to make cuts for individuals and some business owners permanent. The proposal would make changes to retirement savings accounts, including creating a new universal savings account and allowing families to access retirement accounts without penalties when welcoming a new child. The framework also expands the uses for money in 529 education accounts. And it would create special tax breaks for startups.Brady has since been holding listening sessions with House members in the Majority to gather feedback throughout August. While House Speaker Paul Ryan has pledged to vote on the legislation, Senate Majority Leader McConnell has only said he'll consider it. The tax 2.0 plan faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it would need the support of at least nine members of the Minority to pass. White House&Administration Waters of U.S.Rule: A federal court in South Carolina reinstated an Obama-era rule on August 16 that defined which waterways are covered by Clean Water Act regulations for the 26 states where district courts have not halted the regulation.The United States District Court in South Carolina ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)had not followed the rule- making procedures by failing to give an adequate public notice and comment period as stipulated under the Administrative Procedure Act(APA). This decision invalidated the Trump Administration's attempt for a two-year nationwide delay of the rule. 17 of 54 The action means the `Waters of the U.S.' rule, commonly referred to as WOTUS, is in effect in more than half the country including Minnesota,but remains stayed in 24 other states because of action in two other federal courts. In February,the EPA and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers delayed the 2015 Clean Water Rule and at the same time began rewriting the rule. The Justice Department has said that it is reviewing the decision. Separately,the EPA said in a statement it and the Army Corps of Engineers will review the order as the agencies work to determine next steps.An appeal of the decision is likely. Farm Aid Plan: The Trump Administration announced a proposal that would provide $12 billion to ease the impacts of retaliatory tariffs on farmers until a more permanent solution can be reached to the trade dispute. The Agriculture Department(USDA)announced it will earmark as much as$12 billion for programs to help farmers hurt by the tariffs that trading partners have imposed on the U.S. in response to the Administrative tariffs on steel, aluminum and other products. The USDA said in a press release that the total is in-line with the estimated$11 billion impact of retaliatory tariffs on U.S.agricultural goods. The USDA's plan is to use three different programs authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to assist farmers by providing incremental payments,taking unexpected surpluses of affected commodities,and working to develop new export markets. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said that this is meant to serve as a short-term solution that will give President Trump time to craft long term trade deals. While House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Conaway(R-TX)was supportive of the Administration's plan,the proposal drew significant criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle,who said the White House should be working instead to settle the trade dispute. Ke U corrin Dates Sept 4,2018 House of Representatives Reconvenes Sept: 30, 2018 FAA Authorization Expires Farm Bill Authorization Expires Federal Fiscal Year Ends Nov 30,2018 Select Committee on Pensions Report Conclusion The LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN Federal Relations Group will continue to work diligently on behalf of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities and with the members of the Minnesota Delegation on the aforementioned issues and report back with updates.Please do not hesitate to contact us at(202)544-9840 if you have any questions, or if you would like an update on any area of interest not discussed in this article. 18 of 54 LOWER ST. CROIX MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA August 30, 2018 Stillwater Public Library 10:00am- 12:00pm Margaret River B 224 Third Street North Stillwater, MN 10:00am - 10:1Sam Welcome and Introductions Keith Parker, Chair/Central Region Director MN DNR 10:15am- 10.30am Stillwater No Wake Zone Proposal Summary Tom McCarthy, Stillwater City Administrator 10:30am- 10:45am Explanation of Decision Making Process Keith Parker, Central Region Director MN DNR Juliet Galonska, St. Croix National Park Service Superintendent Dan Baumann, Secretary's Director Wisconsin DNR 10:45am -11:00am BREAK 11:00am - 11:30am Public Comments 11:30am - 12:00pm Additional Agency Updates Juliet Galonska, St. Croix National Park Service Superintendent Dan Baumann, Secretary's Director Wisconsin DNR Jennifer Sorenson, Area Hydrologist Minnesota DNR 12:00pm Adjourn 19 of 54 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday,August 28, 2018 8:48 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Federal Advocacy Update:Week of August 28,2018 For weekly notes -----Original Message---- From: National league of Cities<advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tue,Aug 28, 2018 5:15 pm Subject: Federal Advocacy Update:Week of August 28,2018 If this message is not displaying properly,please view the online version C30M Federal Advocacy Update In This Issue - Senate Passes Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill in Third Minibus Package - NLC Releases New Guide on How to Plan for Small Cell Wireless Infrastructure - NLC Submits Comments on New Risk Management Proposed Rule - FCC Issues Notice for New BDAC Disaster Response Working Group - Administration Proposes Rulemaking to Revise Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Economy NLC Joins Opportunity Starts at Home Housing Campaign EPA Proposes Clean Power Plan Replacement Treasury and IRS Propose Rulemaking on State and Local Tax Credits Senate Passes Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill in Third Minibus Package S#ephanie Martr"nez-Ruckman, 202.626.3098 i 20 of 54 On August 23, the Senate approved, in a 87-5 vote, H.R. 8167, which includes both the Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bills. This $857 billion package accounts for two-thirds of the federal government's funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 and represents movement of 9 of the 12 annual appropriations bills by the Senate. These bills have been contentious in the past and the Labor-HHS bill, in particular, hasn't passed a vote through regular order since 2007. The Labor-HHS bill is largely good news for cities, with an increase in funding towards fighting opioid abuse, an increase in funding targeted at apprenticeship training programs, as well as a slight increase for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill also provides level funding for important programs previously suggested for elimination by the president's FY19 budget proposal including the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the LIHEAP program, among others. When the House and Senate return from recess in September, they will need to work to conference the spending bills over 11 working days before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. While there have been threats of a shutdown by the president, the Senate has been hard at work to prevent this from occurring. It is expected that there will likely be a continuing resolution for the three remaining spending bills, including the Homeland Security bill that includes partisan conversations over funding for immigration reform including a U.S.-Mexico border wall. NLC Releases New Guide on How to Plan for Small Cell Wireless Infrastructure Angelina Paneitied, 202.626.3196 On August 27, NLC released a new small cell wireless municipal action guide for city leaders. Small cell wireless infrastructure, which is increasingly important for wireless broadband deployment and smart city technology, has traditionally been guided by federal and industry interests, as opposed to local needs. 2 21 of 54 The "race to 5G" and small cell wireless infrastructure deployment present new challenges and opportunities for cities. Unlike traditional cellular equipment which is placed high up on single cell towers, small cell technology requires many equipment installations clustered closely together. Cities must balance the business interests of wireless providers eager to densify their networks with the management of increasingly crowded city streets and sidewalks. This action guide outlines what small cell wireless infrastructure is and how it fits within a city. It also highlights some of the opportunities and pitfalls that come along with it, and how to adapt city processes to reflect the evolutions in wireless technology. In addition, the guide addresses the rapidly changing laws governing local oversight of small cell infrastructure, which have been shifting in state capitals and in Washington, D.C. Cities have faced increased preemption of their review processes, fee structures, and negotiations with wireless providers as companies seek ways to reduce their deployment times and costs. This guide explains small cell infrastructure and related policy issues in clear terms so that city leaders can thoughtfully plan for small cell deployments in their communities. The guide profiles five U.S. cities — Boston; Lincoln, Neb.; San Jose, Calif.; Raleigh, N.C., and Tempe, Ariz. — and their diverse approaches to small cell wireless infrastructure deployment. The guide includes six major recommendations for city leaders: 1. Gain a full understanding of the technology and important safety considerations. 2. Articulate your city's priorities for accommodating this technology. 3. Create clear policies for permit review that let both city staff and industry applicants know the expectations. 4. Develop a template right-of-way access policy/agreement, as well as a city pole attachment agreement. 5. Think through in advance any beneficial items the city could negotiate with industry in exchange for use of the right-of-way — if allowed by state law. 6. Give careful consideration to fee structures. To read the full report, visit nlc.orglsmallcell. 3 22 of 54 NLC Submits Comments on New Risk Management Proposed Rule Carolyn Berndt 202.626.3101 On August 23, NLC submitted comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule on Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act. Under this proposed rule, the Agency suggests changes to the final Risk Management Program Amendments rule issued on January 13, 2017. The Risk Management Rule applies to facilities that use regulated toxic and flammable hazardous substances, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, and requires coordination with local emergency responders. The proposed rule addresses many concerns, such as costs to local governments both as owner and operators of water and wastewater treatment facilities and as first responders, as well as vague and unworkable definitions, that NLC raised with the previous rule. In addition, the proposed rule would eliminate requirements around third party audits and root cause analysis for accidents and near misses, while maintaining with modification provisions around local emergency coordination, emergency response exercises and public meetings. The Agency intends to finalize the proposed rule by early 2019. A fact sheet and summary presentation are available for more information. FCC Issues Notice for New BDAC Disaster Response Working Group Angelina Panettied, 202.626.3196 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a public notice soliciting nominations for a new working group within its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC). The Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group was announced by FCC Chairman Pai during the July public meeting of the BDAC, and is charged with "making recommendations on additional measures 4 23 of 54 that can be taken before a disaster to improve resiliency of broadband infrastructure, strategies that can be used during the response to a disaster to minimize the downtime of broadband networks, and actions that can be taken to restore broadband infrastructure during disaster recovery." The FCC is seeking applicants from a number of categories, including local governments, particularly first responders, emergency managers, emergency planners, local network managers, and risk management staff, as well as community organizations involved in emergency management. The public notice observes that the time commitment for participation will be substantial, although the majority of the work will be conducted online or via conference call. Also, please note that the notice does not indicate that working group appointees will be voting members of the full BDAC. Applicants may not be registered federal lobbyists, but they may be nominated to represent a group or organization, such as a city, local public safety entity, or state municipal league. All applications must be submitted by email to the FCC including the information listed in the public notice no later than September 7, 2018. If you or a local official you know plans to apply for the BDAC Disaster Response and Recovery Working Group, please email Angelina Panettieri at 2gn21ieri@n1c.orq so that NLC can write a letter in support of your nomination. For more information about the BDAC, and previous concerns NLC raised about this body, visit NLC's blog, CitiesSpeak Administration Proposes Rulemaking to Revise Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Economy Carolyn Berndt, 202.626.3101 On August 2, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a proposed rule to amend existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks and establish new standards, covering Model Years 2021 through 2026. 5 24 of 54 In 2012, the agencies worked together to develop CAFE and carbon dioxide standards for Model Years 2017 and beyond. Under that rulemaking, EPA set carbon dioxide standards for Model Years 2017-2025, while NHTSA set final CAFE standards for Model Years 2017-2021 and put forth "augural" CAFE standards for Model Years 2022-2025. This proposed rule would revise the 2012 rule. Specifically, the proposed rule would: • Retain the Model Year 2020 CAFE and carbon dioxide emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks through 2026. • Withdraw the California Waiver that allows the state to set its own standards for greenhouse gas emissions and zero emissions vehicles. Twelve other states plus the District of Columbia have adopted the California standards. The 2012 rule required EPA to issue a Final Determination by April 1, 2018 on whether the greenhouse gas emission standards for Model Years 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles remain appropriate. EPA's Final Determination issued earlier this year found that the current greenhouse gas emissions standards for Model Years 2022-2025 are based on outdated information, that the current standards may be too stringent, and that they should be revised as appropriate. Earlier this year, over 60 local officials joined with state leaders to voice strong opposition to EPA's Final Determination to weaken the clean car standards, declaring, "We strongly support the current federal standards for a modern vehicle fleet agreed to in 2012 by the automotive industry, the federal government and the State of California." The agencies are accepting comments on the proposed rule through October 2. Comments can be submitted through the Federal Register, Docket ID EPA-HQ- OAR-2018-0283. NLC is reviewing the proposed rule and will submit comments. Any city wishing to submit comments is encouraged to do so and should forward a copy to Carolyn Berndt at berndt(a-nlc.org. 6 25 of 54 NLC Joins Opportunity Starts at Home Housing Campaign Michael Wallace 202.626.3025 On August 16, the National League of Cities (NLC) announced that it had joined the steering committee for the "Opportunity Starts at Home" campaign, a multi- sector initiative focused on advancing federal solutions that address housing affordability. As a top priority for city leaders, NLC has long advocated for a federal partnership that works with city leaders to expand housing availability, provides rental assistance to low-income and vulnerable communities, and ensures that all residents have the opportunity for safe, decent and affordable housing. This campaign will provide NLC with new opportunities to advocate for these long- held priorities. This steering committee is unique among housing advocates as it consists of organizations that, like NLC, are not primarily housing associations or interest groups. As campaign director Mike Koprowski explained, "When people lack access to decent affordable housing, it negatively impacts their health outcomes, educational attainment, and ability to climb the economic ladder. That's why leaders from a range of sectors —from healthcare to education to civil rights — are coming together to build a broad movement to make affordable homes a top national priority." NLC is enthusiastic about continuing to elevate its voice on this important issue. To learn more about this new initiative visit NLC's blog, CitiesSpeak, EPA Proposes Clean Power Plan Replacement Carolyn Berndt, 202.626.3901 On August 21 , the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing coal-fired electric utility generating units and power plants. The Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule replaces the 2015 Clean Power Plan. In 2016, the Clean Power Plan was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court and has not gone into effect. 7 26 of 54 The ACE proposed rule takes a narrower approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions than the Clean Power Plan. It focuses on making individual plants more efficient---- a move that would achieve far shallower reductions compared to the Clean Power Plan, which sought to cut emissions across the power sector. The proposed rule would also give states more leeway in how they meet the more modest climate goals. Specifically, the proposed rule would: • Provide states with a list of"candidate technologies" that can be used to establish standards of performance and incorporate into their state plans. States will have three years from date of finalization to prepare and submit a plan that establishes a standard of performance. The proposed rule does not set a standard of performance, but rather give states the flexibility to design a plan to achieve emissions reductions at the source. • Revise the New Source Review to allow for an hourly measurement of emissions as opposed to an annualized accounting. The New Source Review program aims to protect air quality when factories, industrial boilers and power plants are newly built or modified. Under the program, a state permit is required for any new facility or to renovate an existing facility if it will lead to an increase in annual emissions. The proposed change would apply only to power plants. It is significant because with the hourly accounting power plants can more easily show efficiency gains and therefore fewer sources will trigger the New Source Review requirements. In May, NLC submitted comments to EPA on a proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power Plan, as well as an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit input on a replacement. In the letters, NLC raised concerns with the process the Agency is using to repeal and replace the Clean Power Plan, urging the Agency to move forward in a more deliberative and subsequent manner, rather than concurrently. In rulemaking and litigation, NLC supported the Clean Power Plan as a means of nationally reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the growing negative impacts of climate change on cities. NLC continues to urge the s 27 of 54 Administration to support and partner with cities in addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EPA plans to issue a final rule in early 2019. The agency will accept comments on the proposed rule for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. NLC is reviewing the proposal and will likely submit comments. Any city wishing to submit comments is encouraged to do so and should forward a copy to Carolyn Berndt at berndt =nlc.org Treasury and IRS Propose Rulemaking on State and Local Tax Credits Brian Egan, 202.623.3107 Yesterday, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Contributions in Exchange for State and Local Tax Credits that would limit the deductibility of state and local charitable contributions. The proposal comes as several states have recently authorized or expanded some state charitable tax credit programs in the wake of the $10,000 cap to the state and local tax (SALT) deduction included in last year's tax reform package. Several states — mostly in the Northeast and on the West Coast — have authorized or are considering authorizing the creation of state and local "excellence" funds. These programs are public charities that fund police, education and other public services. In exchange for a donation, the statellocal government would offer the donor an accompanying tax credit — sometimes close to a dollar for dollar match — to reduce state/local tax liabilities. Unlike SALT, the charitable donation deduction still has no cap, so the donor can continue to deduct an unlimited amount of charitable contributions on their federal income tax returns. Under this new proposal, taxpayers would need to subtract the value of state and local tax credits from their federal charitable deductions on tax returns if the state and local credits are worth more than 15 percent of the value of the contribution. For example, if a $1,000 donation comes with a $600 state/local credit (a 60 percent credit), the taxpayer will now only be able to write off $400 worth of the s 28 of 54 contribution. The proposal will not change the value of federal charitable deductions that are coupled with state/local deductions. In the lead up to the notice, there was speculation that the proposal may include a carve out for other state tax credit programs, such as school vouchers, but this was not the case. The 45-day comment window will close on October 11. The IRS plans to hold a public meeting on November 5 at 10:00am. NWIMAL Lic- LBAVA I, 9 h You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences. This message was intended for: marymccomber0gol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Higher Logic io 29 of 54 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Friday,August 31, 2018 11:10 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Stillwater's Upper Loop Trail open for bicycles and pedestrians! FYI ----Original Message-- From: MnDOT<mndot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Fri, Aug 31, 2018 10:44 am Subject: Stillwater's Upper Loop Trail open for bicycles and pedestrians! Having trouble viewing this email?view it as a Web page MDEPA* RTmENT OF TRANSPORTATION Stillwater's Upper Loop Trail open for bicycles and pedestrians Although Stillwater's Upper Loop Trail along the east side of Hwy 95 has opened to bicycle and pedestrian use, several weeks of work remain to complete the project in Minnesota.The new Upper Loop Trail,which begins south of the Oasis Cafe and ends at the St. Croix Crossing, is part of nearly five-mite loop trail in Minnesota and Wisconsin.With completion of work on the Stillwater Lift bridge next summer,the trail system will connect Houlton, Wis. and Stillwater, Minn. The lift bridge is z being transformed into a bicycle-pedestrian crossing of fA the St. Croix River. It will continue to operate as a lift e - bridge to serve river traffic. t 30 of 54 Tasks remaining along the Upper Loop Trail this fail include additional landscaping, installation of protective . railing along a portion of the trail and completion of concrete pads at the base of new interpretive signs. And t you are reminded to stay on the paved trails and out of - any landscaped areas recently seeded for new grass along both the Upper and Lower Loop Trails. Note: The Upper Loop Trail may be closed at times o .° w during final work. You will need to use the Lower Loop Trail at those times. 'Vt' ;V" View maps of available parking and loop trail access in both states on the St. Croix Crossing project page_ More about this project Work along Hwy 95 consisted of constructing the Upper Loop Trail portion in Minnesota along with installation of new drainage structures beneath Hwy 95 near the Oasis Cafe and completing landscaping stemming from the St. Croix Crossing project. While construction of the loop trail system in both Minnesota and Wisconsin continues this fall please stay out of construction areas as there are a large number of construction vehicles, uneven terrain, excavation, drop-offs and other unsafe conditions that pose a risk to anyone who does not belong in the work area. In addition, those who are not working in the project area could be cited for trespassing. Your cooperation is appreciated to keep everyone safe during construction in both states. Visit the Hwy 95 project website for more details about the Minnesota Upper and Lower Loop Trails. For updated road condition information, call 5-1-1 or visit: www.511mn.org. MnDOT • mndot.gov Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation: 11141 In iu MnDOT'sSocial Media Hub>> SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions I Unsubscribe All I Help z 31 of 54 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Pagel of 3 CM- - ETRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Search 1 GO Metro Cities News August 30, 2018 Newsletter Archive Metro Cities Communications Survey Have ywMaid Melatest7 Follow us on Twit r.f Watch your inbox!As part of a �►>tai�___ r communications audit, Metro Cities will '� - send an online survey early next week to ask for your feedback on our ;"ewki� communication vehicles (newsletter, website, social media, etc.). Your participation is important as it will help us to improve our communications to you! Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to complete the survey. wrlr Questions or comments? Contact Kimberly at kimberiYO-metrocitiesmn.' or 651 215-4004. I @WAN& Metro Cities Policy Committees Update s Metro Cities' policy committees will hold a,rt, final meetings the week of September 10th. The Transportation and General "mob Government Committee will meet on Monday, September 10th from 9:00 am— �a1ri■�r 11:30 am. Judd Schetnan from the Metropolitan Council will speak on the In CurrentlArchived status of the Council's transit deficit. The Newsletters: Housing and Economic Development Committee will meet on Wednesday, Archives September 12th from 1:00—3:30 pm. Packets will be emailed to committee 32 of 54 h4s://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3AO-1B97-4... 8/31/2018 Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 2 of 3 members next week. Please note that the Municipal Revenues and Metropolitan Agencies Committees will not hold third meetings. Members of these committees will receive updated information next week. Metro Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census Metro Cities has been asked to pass along notice of a Metro Local Governments Roundtable regarding the 2020 census. The purpose of the meeting is to promote awareness and participation in the 2020 Census. The meeting is being organized by the Twin Cities Research Group and MN Council of Foundations and will be convened by Todd Graham, principal demographer at Metropolitan Council, and Karen Moe, community relations deputy director at City of Minneapolis. Details of the meeting and registration information are below. Friday, September 7, 2098 92:00— 9:30 pm Ramsey County Library-Roseville 2980 Hamlin Avenue North, Roseville, MN 55913 Topics include how local government efforts fit with the Census Mobilization Partnership, Complete Count Committees, State Demographer, and Census Bureau outreach, Complete Count Committee updates, tips and experiences in organizing and project managing Complete Count Committees. To register contact Todd Graham at ��s(3dd.oraham(&-metc.state.mn.ut,-. The Metro Cities staff wish you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekendl 33 of 54 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3A0-1B97-4... 8/31/2018 Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 3 of 3 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 145 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone 651-215- 4000 Fax 651-281-1299 Website fvww.MetroCitiesMN.org Home I About Us I Metro Cltles M,embens I BOOM of Dlreders I Legislature I Metropolitan Council I Metro Cities Task Force Report on Metropolitan Governance I Press and Publications I Legislative Policies I Policy Com_m_ittees I CurrenifArahived Newsletters I Metropolitan Area Management Association IMAMAI I Questions.Comments or Suaaestions I Staff I Unks and ftilgWloneI Upcoming Metro Cies Events I COMMOM and Meednas Prwerad 6� Printer-friendly Version 34 of 54 hos://www.metrocitiesmn.org/i adex.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b373 8C3AO-1 B97-4... 8/31/2018 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Saturday,August 25,2018 7:51 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: How Fort Wayne is Facing the Opioid Crisis For weekly notes --Original Message----- From: National League of Cities<news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Sat, Aug 25, 2018 6:01 am Subject: How Fort Wayne is Facing the Opioid Crisis View in BUTEP NLCI SUMMIT - NATION. I�WTA . usrsemn " Nl _ . ve wr Wr e k1 35 of 54 40 eA How Fort Wayne is Facing the Opioid Crisis The second largest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne is experiencing momentum across its housing market and employment sector. But for Mayor Tom Henry, the rising toll of opioid overdose deaths remains a top concern. As part of an unconventional strategy against addiction, Fort Wayne has filed a public nuisance suit against opioid distributors — along with launching a new task force and investing in traditional rehabilitation approaches. NLC Cities of Opportunity Pilot Promotes `Healthy People, Thriving Communities' ►` As part of a new initiative for healthier communities, 12 I- L pilot cities will convene this October in Atlanta to advance their work together. We're Committed to Data and Evidence z 36 of 54 In partnership with Results for America, NLC will offer a first-of-its-kind workshop series on foundational data practices for better municipal governance. For Cities, Opportunity Starts at Home It doesn't seem to matter how well the national economy is performing — economic development is never far from the minds of city leaders. News National League of Cities Launches Data Education Partnership Route Fifty—August 23, 2018 Sacramento – Urban Region, Rural Economic Driver CitiesSpeak—August 21, 2018 Congress, States and Cities Are Not Doing Enough Today to Fix Our Infrastructure The Hill—August 22, 2018 Powering Summer Learning Across the Country CitiesSpeak—August 21, 2018 NLC Targets Political Opposition to Federal Housing Assistance by Joining Campaign Route Fifty August 19, 2018 3 37 of 54 Announcements We're pleased to announce that we're launching our first call to action for the City ',inovation Ecosystems program. The program, which was started earlier this year, supports cities looking to foster local innovation, entrepreneurship and STEM learning opportunities. We are actively inviting municipal public and private sector leaders with a vision for developing a modern local economy to learn more and apply by October 9. Events Nov. 7-10 City Summit 2018 (Los Angeles) Job Postings Village Manager— Tequesta, Florida City Manager-- Burleson, Texas City Traffic Engineer--- Madison, Wisconsin NI Im- OWF C"n EM GIWAW M You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences This message was intended for: marymccomber(cDaol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by jigher Logic 4 38 of 54 ' u Y S�BVIMER STRAIGHT TALK ' &VaOtngfori Counties A HEALTHY HOME MAKES YOU HEALTHIER Kim Y's children now live in a healthy home because of caring people like you who champion the work of Community Action. But sadly, not very many months ago, that wasn't the case—Kim's family was really suffering. For a moment, imagine that you are Kim before connecting with Community Action.All three of your kids have severe asthma, including your youngest son who was diagnosed at only 18 months of age. Moreover,the mold problems that you recently discovered in your apartment building only make their asthma worse.And finally,to add insult to injury, - *c you have a landlord that will neither adequately address the mold issue nor let you out of your lease.This was Kim's exasperating reality. Fortunately, Community Action was able to successfully intervene on the family's behalf.When Kim's Early Head Start(EHS) Home Visitor and other EHS support staff secured medical documents, including Asthma Action Plans,from the family's pediatrician,the landlord was forced to release Kim Visitors assess the safety of all homes that they work in. and her kids from their lease agreement,enabling them to Healthy homes lead to better health outcomes for the relocate to a safe, healthy home. children and families that EHS serves."When first entering an EHS home,the Home Visitors look for signs of lead, mold, Kim's story is not unique.To truly impact a child's future pests,and other potential contaminants,while executing a for the better, Community Action's EHS Home Visitors are comprehensive Home Safety Checklist designed to identify compelled to provide comprehensive support to families and address issues of concern related to poison,fire/ in their caseloads including:education, nutrition,and burn,window treatment, crib,toy and play,vehicle,and developmental health services,as well as, housing support general safety.And,when landlords fail to attend to their and consumer advocacy.As Leigh Arbes(RN; PHN), responsibilities, EHS staff members work with local Fire Community Action's EHS Nurse notes that, "Our Home Marshalls, Ramsey County Child and Teen Check-Up,and other partners and resources to ensure-the health and safety of all occupants in the home. "Before, Adidn't/r-nuw where to Today, Kim is deeply grateful for the advocacy work of tura or what to do But now all may Community Action's EHS team,as well as public and private funding that make the agency's life-changing work possible. chilcf,`�7'i7 feel much better n "Before, I didn't know where to turn or what to do. But now —Kim Y., CommunityAction all my children feel much better."Additional contributions to Early Head Start parent Community Action's Head Start Fund will create a brighter f mire fnr even more families like Kim's, please consider making a gift today. 39 of 54 AWORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In his 1960 essay MhAvenue, A STABLE HOME CREATES Uptown,the legendary author, activist,and social critic James A BRIGHTER FUTURE Baldwin wrote, "Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows Where do you turn when it appears that all hope is lost? how extremely expensive it is to be Fortunately,Ayana H.was able to turn to Community Action. poor."While Baldwin was primarily When Ayana found herself without a job and without reliable reflecting on how poor people transportation to support a job-search, both of which threatened often pay more for lower quality her ability to pay her rent,Ayana's hope was certainly in short goods and services,numerous supply.But all wasn't lost because Community Action could help. thinkers including New York Times Op-Ed columnist Because our supporters ensure that federal,state,and private Charles M.Blow,have expanded this concept calling us to donations provide critical resources,staff members can restore hope acknowledge"the extreme psychological toll of poverty." and direct participants toward a path to economic empowerment. In recent years,there have been many research studies Ayana had exhausted her emergency assistance and she and her that confirm the psychological impact that living in poverty two kids were at risk of losing their home of three years when she has on individuals and families regardless of race,gender, was referred to Community Action's Family Homeless Prevention or age.Consider the stress related to having to choose and Assistance Program(FHPAP). Through the program Ayana between buying food,paying the rent and utility bill, received much needed rental assistance that helped her avoid meeting childcare expenses,or purchasing prescription eviction and rebuild her faith in her family's future. medications.The stress caused by these sorts of decisions plays havoc with the emotional,physical,and spiritual After stabilizing her housing,through what she calls the"opportunity wellness of millions of Americans every day. of a lifetime,"Ayana found temporary employment with the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee,where she worked ten hours a day,every Today in the U.S.,the life expectancy of low-income people is 10 to 15 years less than average.Too many of our day,fortwo-and-a-half weeks.This enabled her to put money in savings, get back on track with her rental payments,and purchase some work neighbors are forced to find more than one job which often clothes for her new full-time job at a call center in Woodbury. includes physically demanding work with long hours and little pay.Others among us live in substandard housing, In reflecting on this experience,Ayana says that"Community Action can't find or afford nutritious food,lack access to quality was there for me when I needed it most.I feel so fortunate that they healthcare,and are relegated to under-funded schools. were here to help me as well as others who just need a hand up in order to get back on their feet.I'll never forget how great this has And this is why the work that we do together through made me feel." Community Action,supported by you—our funders, volunteers,project partners,and concerned citizens—is so You can support more families like Ayana's as they chart their course to critical to the health and well-being of our communities. I financial independence by making a contribution to Community Action. call on all of us to embody the spirit of Dr.Martin Luther King,Jr,who proclaimed "I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for a. their bodies,education and culture for their minds,and , dignity,equality and freedom for their spirits." Indeed. , ' � v A✓ - In Clarence Hightower, Ph.D. 40 of 54 VICGOUGH A COMMUNITY 'ARTNER IN ACTION crucial element allowing CommunityAction Partnership of Ramsey ' Po Washington Counties to fulfill its mission is the dedication of tizens like you,as well as,the many contributions of local companies "McGough is proud to support the work A community partners.McGough,a Roseville-based company, of Community Action as it partners with with 62 years of construction and people to huilc'stronger communities building management for generations to come." service to the Twin — Keith Schuler,McGough Cities area is the Executive Vice President of Finance perfect illustration of this truth.In many different ways McGough shares Community Action Executive Director Dr.Clarence Hightower calls the company's time, McGough "a model of responsive,trustworthy,and compassionate talent,and treasure corporate citizenship."To learn more about McGough and its with our agency and indelible impact in your community,visit www.mcgough.com. the communities we serge.Without a doubt,Community Action is stronger because of McGough. Community Action Partnership of Ramsey iota courtesyafMcGaugh ty p y addition to providing affordable facility maintenance to our &Washington Counties partners with I different sites throughout Washington and Ramsey counties, people to overcome poverty through cGough's lead annual gift to Community Action makes it service,education,and transformation. )ssible for the agency to invest in new initiatives so that it Our programs include: n be even more effective in helping people manage their ENERGY ASSISTANCE w-income lives. in addition to this much-needed unrestricted ENERGY CONSERVATION iancial investment McGough lends its leadership expertise,with e company's Executive Vice President of Finance, Keith Schuler, AFFORDABLE HOUSING rving on Community Action's Board of Directors.According to FOOD SUPPORT cGough Chief Operating Officer Brad Wood, "McGough is proud support the work of Community Action as it partners with -ople to build stronger communities for generations to come." a HEAD START ch sentiments are likely no surprise to the local community;in o EARLY HEAD START clition to quality craftsmanship,construction expertise,and project velopment, community outreach is part of McGough's corporate Iture. Founded in 1956 by Peter McGough and his six sons,the . INCREASING INCOME mpany's desire to share its success in the service of others is , BUILDING ASSETS tong its core principles.Recognized by Keystone Partners as a - ENGAG[NG COMMUNITY op Philanthropic Company", McGough supports nearly 200 3anizations through financial donations and volunteerism. 41 of 54 4 a��� 4� I . !illi A, i I + I� A til �a 1 is I Svc I� HELP YUUR Assist ®n a one-time ®r ongoing basis. Volunteer alone, with a friend ®r in a group. Internships are available, too. For information contact:volunteers@caprw.org or call 651-603-5979. More details online at www.caprw.org/volunteer This document can be made available in alternative formats by calling 651-603-5923 (voice)or via TTY through the Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529. 9K I Printed on 30%recycled paper. r A — v e Wy w". .A 44 of 54 Executive Summary Where we live matters; it is connected with every aspect of our lives. Success in life starts at home for all ages and all people.When we have safe,secure places to live,parents earn more,kids learn better,health and well-being improve,communities prosper,and we all thrive. We all thrive when families have a decent place to lay their heads at night—whether they are renters or homeowners.A stable home anchors the ladder for future success. • We all thrive when we can live near our place of work, reducing the time and expense of commuting and leaving more time for community, health and family. • We all thrive when our children have a secure home. Research indicates that kids are more likely to succeed in school and have better job prospects in the future when they don't suffer the stress of wondering where they will sleep. We all thrive when those of us who need health care resources can be supported where we live. People with secure homes can more consistently access the care they need. We all thrive when Minnesotans have strong pathways to building wealth through homeownership. Homeowners can build and pass on wealth,which can help break a cycle of poverty and generate resources to invest throughout the community. We all thrive when we ensure our seniors are integrated into our local communities and can choose a place to live that meets their physical,cognitive and social needs. The smartest investment we can make in our state's future is securing a foundation of strong communities and stable homes for all Minnesotans. In Minnesota,we enjoy vibrant communities and a dynamic economy—built on livability and affordability—that give us a strong competitive advantage,nationally and internationally.Our local businesses attract dedicated employees,our colleges and universities recruit high-caliber talent,and our towns and neighborhoods boast strong and welcoming communities. Our homes are the foundation of our flourishing communities;they fuel the engine of our economy. No one thrives if we price out young adults who have the talent and skills to strengthen our businesses. No one thrives if businesses leave the state because they can't attract and retain a workforce. No one thrives if families struggle to put a roof over their heads.The more Minnesotans who succeed,the more Minnesota will thrive—and we have proven that we have the will,the creativity,and the solutions to do so. 45 of 54 We need to act now.Times have changed,and we must adapt to sustain our momentum.The affordability of homes in Minnesota, relative to our ability to pay for them,has been declining for years as rising costs for homes,transportation, health care,education and other basic goods,outpace the increase in average incomes.We haven't built enough to keep up with demand over the last decade,which means we have more families trying to secure the same number of homes.This unmet demand drives up home prices for everyone, renters and buyers.We need to be intentional and proactive in how we respond to a changing economic landscape. ---- PRINCIPLES OF A RESILIENT HOUSING ti �t .q The task force began by identifying six overarching"Principles of a Resilient Housing System"which it used in evaluating all input and potential recommendations. • Fair and equitable access to safe,quality,stable housing for all families and individuals is critical for success in education,health and economic stability,and disparities resulting from differences in race, ethnicity, income and location must be addressed. • A full range of housing choices is a fundamental characteristic of strong and healthy communities and an economically prosperous Minnesota. • Effective partnerships between public, private and non-profit sectors are essential for healthy housing markets. • Focus limited public resources on those segments of the housing market not well-served by the private market alone. • Housing stability for some families and individuals may require supports,like access to job training, education,child care,transportation and health care,which are connected to housing that is affordable. • Solutions must have the flexibility to meet the market realities of communities with varying needs. 46 of 54 Housing Task Force goals and recommendations:A road map for Minnesota to succeed. Ensuring a strong Minnesota for years to come requires action on a number of fronts.The Task f=orce recommends 30 ways to sustain and improve Minnesota's housing,organized under six goals.The goals identify where to go and the recommendations show how to get there.Some of the recommendations can be acted on quickly and others will take more time.Some require many partners to advance and others can be done with a few key stakeholders.They range from statewide efforts to local solutions based on need, and provide a suite of actions to address our varied housing needs that can be used to provide stable homes for all Minnesotans. Here is an overview of the goals and recommendations,which the report describes in detail. Goal#'l:Commit to Homes as a Priority i Create a broader and stronger public commitment to the urgentneed for more homes thatare more affordable to more Minnesotans. Like roads and bridges,homes are building blocks—assets that will be around for decades.By investing in our homes,we improve outcomes in education,health,and economic opportunity.Homes are our starting place. 1.1 Launch a public-private partnership to forecast demand,set goals and measure progress. 1.2 Create dedicated, permanent funding sources for affordable homes in addition to current funding sources. 1.3 Invite all Minnesotans to recognize homes as a central and critical part of the economic and social well- being of all residents.and communities in Minnesota. Goal#2:Preserve the Homes We Have Keep the homes we already have,especially those that are most affordable. Let's begin by securing our existing assets.The most cost-effective way to provide homes that are,affordable for Minnesotans is to maintain and preserve the homes and apartments we already have. 2.1 Expand and streamline existing rental rehabilitation programs to preserve critical rental assets. 2.2 Incentivize private-market owners to keep rental units affordable to fow-wage families by using targeted support from local and state government. 2.3 Support and expand existing home-rehabilitation tools and programs at the state and local levels to serve more homeowners who need to make improvements. 2.4 Substantially increase support for rehabilitation of public housing, much of which is experiencing notable deterioration. 47 of 54 AN I COMMITTO PRESERVE HOMES HOMES WE HAVE HOMES AS A PRIORITY • 300,000 ri�ate a broader and stronger public 6 ■ rkirgerilreed for _ Minnesota has built a reputation of Like roads and bridges,homes are Let's begin by securing our existing livability and opportunity,with homes building Mocks--assets that will be assets.The most cost-effective way people can afford as a key ingredient. around for decades.By investing in To ensure our neighborhoods and to provide homes that are affordable our homes,we improve outcomes communities remain strong and in education,health,and economic for Minnesotans is to maintain and healthy,we need to use all the tools preserve the homes and apartments opportunity.Homes are our starting we already have. and innovation at our disposal to place. enable the private sector to build to meet Ole de-narr+ 1.1 Launch a 2.1 Expand and streamline existing 3.1 Position Minnesota as a national to forecast demand, rental rehabilitation programs leader in the advancement set goals and measure progress. to preserve critical rental assets. of housing innovation and 1.2 Create 2.2 Incentivize private-market technology. for affordable owners to keep rental units 3.2 Grow the pool of talent in homes in addition to current affordable to low-wage families Minnesota's building trades funding sources. by using targeted support from to enable the sector to meet 1.3 Invite all Minnesotans to local and state government. current and future demand. homes as a central and 2.3 Support and expand existing 3.3 increase the capacity of local critical part of the economic and borne-rehabilitation tools leaders to implement tools and social well-being of all residents and programs at the state solutions to address the home- and communities in Minnesota. and local levels to serve more affordability needs of their homeowners who need to make communities. improvements. 3.4 Expand the range of housing 2.4 Substantially increase support types across Minnesota for rehabilitation of public communities. Hnu_&iag,much of which 3.5 Create a statewide review panel is experiencing notable to evaluate regulations related deterioration. to building standards,land use, and environmental stewardship for their impact on housing affordability. 48 of 54 rPp- __'q 4 9 INCREASE ■ STABILITY AND SERVICES STRENGTHEN 'issist twice as many peopic ol i isk,of Build stronger links between whcre HOMEOWNERSHIP we live and the services we may need C reate pa t h ways to s u sta i n A[e increase-5, eviction5, afid heavy cost to I Ive sta. householdsremoving barriers for color. Vhen you lose your home,you lose your At some point in our lives,most of Our wealth and our retirement savings ommunity- -and the consequences us will need a helping hand.Many are concentrated in our homes. if this mayor life disruption can lastfor of us will be seniors who require Most Minnesotans want to own a lecades By doubling our investment assistance to stay in the place we've home,and everyone who can sustain i rental assistance,promoting voucher long called home Other Minnesotans cceptance,preventing displacement, have experienced trauma or need homeownership should offered the tools,coaching,and access cess to nd improving protections for renters, health services We can achieve better financing they need to make this ve can reverse this trend,so kids learn, outcomes in a more cost-effective way investment in their own future and in Parents earn,and communities grow when we coordinate services to meet our communities. tronger people where they live Enhance and expand state and 5.1 Provide a dependable stream of 6.1 Focus on increasing access to local rental assistance programs funding for social services that homeownership resources for to complement federal programs help households maintain stable the large number of income- that are too small to meet the homes. ready households of color who need. 5.2 Provide access to a full range want to buy. 2 Define and crackdown on of services for families and 6.2 Promote alteinative models predatory rental practices, individuals transitioning into of building wealth through including excessive evictions and stable homes before,during,and homeownership,such as poor condition of rental units. after the transition. community land trusts, 3 Strengthen protections for 5.3 Improve health outcomes and cooperatively owned housing renters in the private market. reduce costs for tenants by and manufactured home parks. 4 Increase the speed and flexibility developing better partnerships 6.3 Encourage employers and of emergency resources to between health care and foundations to support home prevent people from losing their housing providers. purchases. homes 5.4 Advance the Housing Supports 6.4 Increase funding for financial 5 Expand and enhance programs program for residents with education and counseling that help people navigate the disabilities by identifying nrorams that expand the systems to find homes and vital gaps and potential program capacity of households to pursue housing resources. enhancements to ensure homeownership. statewide coverage. 6.5 Expand mortgage products and 5 Incentivize the acceptance of rental assistance vouchers by 5.5 Expand programs and providers provide extra support to local the private market. who assist individuals in community banks to expand finding,securing,and retaining financing options. 7 Prioritize investments needed to achieve the goals in Heading affordable rental homes. 6.6 Expand available down- Home Together:Minnesota's payment assistant. programs. Action PlarftafRoevent and End Goal#3:Build More Homes Build 300,000 new homes by 2030,across all types,prices,and locations to stabilize prices and meet demand. Minnesota has built a reputation of livability and opportunity,with homes people can afford as a key ingredient.To ensure our neighborhoods and communities remain strong and healthy,we need to use all the tools and innovation at our disposal to enable the private sector to build to meet the demand. 3.1 Position Minnesota as a national leader in the advancement of housing innovation and technology. 3.2 Grow the pool of talent in Minnesota's building trades to enable the sector to meet current and future demand. 3.3 Increase the capacity of local leaders to implement tools and solutions to address the home-affordability needs of their communities. 3.4 Expand the range of housing types across Minnesota communities. 3.5 Create a statewide review panel to evaluate regulations related to building standards,land use,and environmental stewardship for their impact on housing affordability. y E Goal#4:Increase Hoene Stability Assist twice as many people at risk of losing their homes because of rent increases,evictions,and heavy cost burdens. When you lose your home,you lose your community—and the consequences of this major life disruption can last for decades. By doubling our investment in rental assistance, promoting voucher acceptance, preventing displacement,and improving protections for renters,we can reverse this trend,so kids learn, parents earn, and communities grow stronger. 4.1 Enhance and expand state and local rental assistance programs to complement federal programs that are too small to meet the need. 4.2 Define and crack down on predatory rental practices, including excessive evictions and poor condition of rental units. 4.3 Strengthen protections for renters in the private market. 4.4 Increase the speed and flexibility of emergency resources to prevent people from losing their homes. 4.5 Expand and enhance programs that help people navigate the systems to find homes and vital housing resources. 4.6 Incentivize the acceptance of rental assistance vouchers by the private market. 4.7 Prioritize investments needed to achieve the goals in Heading Home Together: Minnesota's Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. 50 of 54 Goal#5:Link Horses and Services Build stronger links between where we live and the services we may need to live stable lives. At some point in our lives, most of us will need a helping hand.Many of us will be seniors who require assistance to stay in the place we've long called home.Other Minnesotans have experienced trauma or need health services.We can achieve better outcomes in a more cost-effective way when we coordinate services to meet people where they live. 5.1 Provide a dependable stream of funding for social services that help households maintain stable homes. 5.2 Provide access to a full range of services for families and individuals transitioning into stable homes before,during,and after the transition. 5.3 Improve health outcomes and reduce costs for tenants by developing better partnerships between health care and housing providers. 5.4 Advance the Housing Supports program for residents with disabilities by identifying gaps and potential program enhancements to ensure statewide coverage. 5.5 Expand programs and providers who assist individuals in finding,securing,and retaining affordable rental homes. Goal#6:Support and Strengthen Homeownership Create pathways to sustainable homeownership, with a focus on removing barriers for households of color. Our wealth and our retirement savings are concentrated in our homes.Most Minnesotans want to own a home,and everyone who can sustain homeownership should be offered the tools,coaching,and access to financing they need to make this investment in their own future and in our communities. 6.1 Focus on increasing access to homeownership resources for the large number of income-ready households of color who want to buy. 6.2 Promote alternative models of building wealth through homeownership,such as community land trusts, cooperatively owned housing and manufactured home parks. 6.3 Encourage employers and foundations to support home purchases. 6.4 Increase funding for financial education and counseling programs that expand the capacity of households to pursue homeownership. 6.5 Expand mortgage products and provide extra support to local community banks to expand financing options. 6.6 Expand available down-payment assistance programs. The goals and recommendations of the Task Force are detailed in the following pages of this report. Each of the six chapters focuses on a goal and its associated recommendations,describing the context of the situation,what's working and what needs attention. Following the goal and recommendation chapters are a set of appendices that describe the Task Force and its processes.The appendices include an inventory of ideas gathered from the Call for Ideas hosted online in March,show the proposed recommendations that emerged from each work group prior to the Task Force settling on a refined list of 30 recommendations,and explain 5 of the housing goals highlighted in this report. 1u o. I h i i p a r r .......... 7"HIMSM-A& ,. "; �k Where we live matters in every way. Our homes are our foundati®n and our future. Every challenge we face—as individuals, as families, as communities---will be easier to meet when we all have a secure place to lay our head at night° when we make that fundamental 52 of 54 goal a reality for all Minnesotans, we will all thrive. '9 m 0 QyQ zo;LL r. E $L .°2 r m E'�s E'er$ � � 3� eEp w > MN C G ° � r.9 u a a O M N uC:, °d= dOE $ d Q . . . . W • _ ate °� O I!i d'c E V I O 7 E U C O M N N A co m co N m 51 R v a' n LL LL m N LL m n S if C N QQ Y 4 n LL LL O O N O C as vi moo' no $� m• a �J {r3- n5 % s" I l w } a� r W c '^ p+ W Cp w azm N M M r N m M M O O 0 N c L Y H .� _� O � 7 CC G •,�., L D �j y C co x N C 'CJ G C Y W qt c .65 LE $ in 1.' m G a U up -p ¢G� � 6 y� ��4E a5•• Y $ i � .7 c ��S �" �•� � � q $ E � � G al -ol 5 C3F S 6 $.z li w ii a.E:P a.