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weekly notes Feb 15th 2019
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: February 15th,2019 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Zoninq and Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. Other Items • The City did receive a response from Washington County answering some of the policy questions posed in November 2018 relating to the Manning and STH 36 project;while not all questions were clarified,they do note that they are not anticipating to seek funds from the City for this Project(They mention the seeking of funds for any 58th Street road extension, but this too would be a major funding hurdle for any party in the future). I have enclosed the City's initial letter and the response. • The consulting firm hired the BCWD(the Freshwater group)did provide a summary of the meeting held in Dec 2018 that engaged the BCWD rules and approaches. This appears to be the final version of this document so we will need to see how this moves forward with rule changes. • The City received a thank you from a Boutwell's Resident Ray Hunder for keeping its trails cleared. See Enclosed. Mayor McComber provided: 1. METRO Cities news for 2/8 and 2/15 2. MAOSC Legislative update for 2/11 3. NLC Weekly for 2/16 and Federal Advocacy Update for 2/14 4. Chamber Invitation for 2/21/19 Afterhours Networking 5. Letter from various Municipal Groups to Legislators discussing Development Fees. Please let me know if you have any questions-651.253.7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 44 0. 1 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 November 30,2018 Ms. Molly O'Rourke,County Administrator "'"alsoviaemail IIv.ORourketaco.washinutDn.mn.us— Washington County PO BOX 6 Stillwater,MN 55082 RE: Manning&STH 36 Interchange Funding Dear Molly, Our City Staff has participated in some of the continuing discussions related to the Manning and STH 36 interchange project with County Staff and other local parties. This is part of the Local Advisory Team (LAT) process. I would offer that your staff has done a fine job of outlining the layout issues.What has been outlined from a layout standpoint would seem roughly plausible as all parties can comprehend the issues and the geometric complexities. Aside from the above, the discussion over the past months has not meaningfully engaged the funding elements. However,this past week,County Staff has expressed that the County WILL seek$5,000,00 in local cost contributions for this project and ONLY will petition the State Legislature for up to $10,000,000. With total project costs of $21,000,000-$25,000,000 being estimated at this time we are unclear of the funding capacities and where the funding is expected to be derived. As you likely appreciate,the local amounts as suggested by County Staff is not insignificant and fundamentally asks local governments to subsidize through its tax levies a regional project for STATE AND COUNTY infrastructure.Recall, the cities and townships surrounding this area are not specifically seeking this improvement; while all have been supportive of the LAT process the needed infrastructure that is to be constructed fundamentally benefits the STATE, the entire community and region.Therefore,a local cost contribution and in this magnitude is perplexing,...and perhaps unrealistic. Further, the LAT has also been advised that Washington County will be seeking formal letters of support and/or potentially commitments of Municipal Consent for this project in the coming months.Naturally we have some questions needing answers in advance of any formal request for further project support and we are hoping you could help facilitate such inquiries: 1. As this is a REGIONAL project, benefits are not specific nor attributable to a local unit of government nor its population;we request that the County outline how this project justifies a local cost contribution that identifies specific benefits to each jurisdiction and how these benefits are distinct from those who are not requested to provide funding.We are asking to be provided well-defined and cogent differences that can demonstrate clear rationale for significant local funding versus those the County would not seek funding from. In other words, how would a "local" city resident specifically benefit more than a resident who resides in an immediately adjacent township that would not be asked to contribute? 2. Commentary related to Economic Development matters is briefly noted in the report,yet what the report lacks is a definition of what"economic development"actually is.As we understand ED, it is a positive, clear, NET fiscal expansion of a local tax base and/or a fundamental, clearly defined creation of employment at a living wage for our community. Neither of these are being clearly defined nor are practically foreseeable and is not 2 of 44 a basis for local subsidy without a more defined study.We would ask that this section be edited further. We would also ask that the Director of Economic Development for the Washington County Community Development Authority be engaged so that their staff may review and possibly comment on the complexities and realities of these quadrants and that such comments be included in the study. I am unsure if they have been engaged to date,but it does not appear to be the case. 3. There are times of considerable back-ups along STH 36 and that is exacerbated if not caused by the signalizations along such route.We would like to be provided a clear analysis that if Manning is altered to an interchange,what will be anticipated the down-stream (eastbound)impacts. If the"back-up"is simply going to be shifted eastwardly into our commercial areas,then this can give us some pause without a Plan of action to address this.So,we would ask the County to provide some analysis to this question at this time. 4. How has the currently suggested $5,000,000 "local costs" amount been determined? And, what are the proposed allocations to each proposed local unit and how will that be determined? These are seminal questions in need of some clear responses. Please note.this project area is not located within Oak Park Heights borders and to date the City has not been approached with a meritorious plan for annexation,nor any realistic plan for development that may also seek such annexation. 5. Why would the County not seek a complete funding package from the State Legislature for this project as it fundamentally addresses a STATE Trunk Highway issue? 6. The funding parameters as they have been explained to date 2019 Legislative Funding Request $10,000,000 (outlined here >) has a large gap MET COUNCIL-Federal So1blabon: $7,000.000 11n F�d�: $5-00Q.000-$8x106 U(lt1 and does NOT include dollars Total Pried Casts_ $21,0W,000b$25000,000 from the Washington County LEVY. Instead,it seeks a large local subsidy for infrastructure that is wholly REGIONAL in nature. It has been expressed on several occasions throughout the LAT process that it is the County's desire to create a County Highway of some form, linking Manning Ave.to County Hwy 14 and this Project would assist that goal.Accordingly,the allocation of County Levy funds is the equitable methodology for a Regional project of this type where the primary beneficiaries are the State and the County entities. If other State or Federal funds cannot be acquired, if it could be explained from the County's perspective how the allocation of County Levy dollars is not appropriate compared to local requests? If the County will be requesting a position of support for the project-without a local financial contribution request-I would believe that our City would give prompt consideration to that and has provided that in the past for other grant applications.However,if there is a funding element tied to such request then such support will likely be presented with some complexities. These are vital questions that we seek answers to and in advance of a formal request for further support that may come in 2019 or beyond. I believe that the adjacent cities of Grant,Stillwater, Lake Elmo and Town of Stillwater would have similar financial concerns,their own collateral land use questions and similar questions might be raised by them as well. We appreciate your assistance to help better understand such complex matters and look forward to finding out more. Sincerely, 409�1— Eric Johnson City Administrator 3 of 44 Public Works Department WashingtonDonald J.Theisen P.E. ' CountyDirector Wayne H. Sandberg, P.E. Deputy Director/County Engineer February 4, 2019 Mr. Eric Johnson, City Administrator City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 TH 36 and Manning Avenue Interchange Dear Eric: Thank you for your letter dated November 30, 2018 to County Administrator Molly O'Rourke. I am responding on her behalf. This project is critical to the health, safety, and economic viability of our region. This was reinforced by the more than 100 residents that attended our project open house on January 16, 2019. They overwhelmingly expressed concern for highway safety at this location and support for an interchange improvement. Any project of this magnitude has complex delivery issues. The project designs being contemplated will increase corridor safety, ensure long-term mobility along Highway 36, and provide more convenient and safer access to and from Highway 36 for local traffic. This convenience and safety will be further enhanced by a future County road connection from the interchange to the current intersection of Stillwater Blvd and 58tt' Street in Oak Park Heights. This important connection, while not a part of the interchange project, will be planned for in the interchange design. The project will drive economic development in this area. There is currently over 100 acres of developable land directly adjacent to this interchange, and.additional developable land in close proximity. Current barriers to full development of this land.include access to utilities, access to transportation, and fully identifying the footprint of this interchange to determine land available to develop. This project will be a catalyst to address all three of these issues. We are working with our County Development Agency (CDA) staff as needed with development issues. Washington County has taken a leadership role for several years in delivering this project. Data shows the current traffic signal is inadequate from capacity and safety perspectives. Our desire and urgency is to expeditiously deliver this project. As with all county projects, we work to engage and involve our local communities. We do this to obtain input on the design, work through anticipated impacts, and discuss local participation. Since none of the work for the interchange is within the City of Oak Park Heights, it is not anticipated the City will have local costs for the interchange project. The County is contributing significantly to this project. As the lead agency, we are investing time and expense into project development and plan a capital investment of$6M in County 11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-9573 Phone: 651-430-4300 • Fax: 651-430-4350 • TTY: 651-430-6246 4 of 44 www.co.washington.mn.us Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer Page two Letter to Eric Johnson February 4, 2019 State Aid Highway funding. We are leading a legislative effort to obtain $15M from the State and have already obtained $7M in federal funding. The cost share for local jurisdictions for the interchange are estimated to be around $3 million. This number can change based on the final design and right of way needs for the project. As noted above, none of this local cost share is expected to fall to the City of Oak Park Heights. It is possible that the City of Oak Park Heights could incur costs as part of the future road connection to 58th Street. This is separate from the interchange project and is not part of our 2019-2023 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Our current efforts to design the interchange are mindful of this future connection, ensuring that the interchange design is fully compatible with this road and can serve traffic from new development in this area. We do look for and ask for the support of the City of Oak Park Heights for this interchange project and a future south road connection project. I'll reiterate that the solutions here are complex and not easily captured in a written correspondence. If you have additional questions or concerns about this or any other capital project, we would be happy to meet with you to review and discuss. I appreciate your support thus far for this critical project. We look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Don Theisen Public Works Director c: Gary Kriesel, Commissioner Fran Miron, Commissioner Molly O'Rourke, County Administrator Wayne Sandberg, County Engineer/Deputy Director Frank Ticknor, Design Engineer 11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082-9573 Phone: 651-430-4300 • Fax: 651-430-4350 • TTY: 651-430-6246 5 of 44 www.co.washington.mn.us Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer Stakeholder Input Summary December 12, 2018 Workshop Prepared by FRESHW TER 2424 Territorial Road Suite B I Saint Paul, MN 55114 1 freshwater.org t 6 of 44 inr� . � e Within the Brown's Creek watershed,cities, developers,and watershed staff are all working in their respective roles to improve the community.When efforts from those roles run counter to each other, conflict can arise,and recent watershed district rules changes resulted in new tensions. Recognizing the value of partnerships, Brown's Creek Watershed District(BCWD)invited Freshwater to host a workshop to discuss the challenges, understand impacts,and uncover options to address challenges and move forward. The workshop was held on Wednesday, December 12,2018 in Stillwater. It was attended by 41 individuals representing cities,development companies,counties,and the watershed district.This participant makeup was chosen so that all participants in the system would be involved in naming the challenges and the opportunities.A full list of participants is available upon request. Freshwater opened the workshop with brief remarks regarding variations in runoff management strategies across the metropolitan area and that,when tensions pop up,they have a history of getting ironed out. Karen Kill of BCWD was then asked to share the philosophy behind their water management strategy and briefly highlight the rule change that took place.With that grounding information, Freshwater then led the participants through an interactive exercise consisting of two questions discussed in small groups: 1. What challenges do you encounter in responding to water management requirements? 2. What strategies can be used to overcome these challenges and enhance resource protection? By using open-ended questions,a wide range of comments could be received.Comments included in the analysis for this report were written by participants themselves,and maintained verbatim throughout the analysis.Methodology is presented at the end of this document for reference. In reviewing the comments,two major areas of challenges and strategies emerged—comments focused on the interpersonal relationships surrounding implementation of rules,and comments dealing specifically with the rules themselves. Both emphasized the importance of collaboration and flexibility, an additional set of themes that will be noticed in the report. In reviewing the comments and writing this report,Freshwater was careful to not apply their own lens or bias.This report should be taken not as Freshwater's opinion,but rather a narrative of participant comments.That said, Freshwater used a decidedly solution-oriented approach in writing this report, recognizing that where things currently stand is causing discomfort for all involved, and resolving that discomfort is needed. Contents Improving Interpersonal Relationships Page 2 Regarding the Requirements Page 3 Summary of Recommendations Page 5 Methodology Page 6 1 7 of 44 IMPROVING INTERPERSONAL Regardless of the rules or the role each person has, having and maintaining positive relationships is vitally important.Where participant comments extended beyond rules,they focused on the more human elements of government affairs–namely communication,collaboration,and trust. Many of the recommendations to add clarity and flexibility as described under"Regarding the Requirements" below could go a long way to address interpersonal challenges as well,but opportunity exists to move even further beyond just making changes in regulations and paperwork. In discussing challenges, many participants focused on delays resulting from the design and approval process—delays that result in real impacts to time and cost.Additionally,participants felt that there was a relationship of command and control instead of true partnership between the Watershed District and cities and developers. Participants identified several possible strategies to address these challenges: ➢ Meet early. As new projects are being conceived, having city staff, developers,and BCWD staff meet to discuss site "Collaboration between conditions and opportunities can provide the chance cides/watershed to work in for all to set shared goals for the site,creatively think concert on new development" through ways to meet them,and get everyone moving in the same direction from the beginning. While governmental regulations still apply,this necessarily transitions BCWD staff from what for many feels like an external review role to a more integrated and proactive resource role, removes much of the opportunity for surprises,and should reduce the potential for back and forth and project timeline extensions. ➢ Meet often. "Have multiple meetings with WD Even when a common goal is in place and applicable depending upon#of submittals so regulations have been discussed in the beginning, potential issues/concerns/misunderstandings exists for unexpected changes or oversights. Meeting often can be clarified and addressed during a process can allow for collaborative problem solving and guidance when surprises do occur. Here,flexibility and earl)" established trust will help in identifying workable solutions and catching issues before an application gets to the review stage. ➢ Build relationships outside of formal processes. Through periodic check-ins as well as pre-concept or early meetings,there is opportunity to build relationships during times of lower stress for when strong relationships may be needed in times of higher stress.Additionally,a challenge in building positive relationships between the watershed district and residents is that many don't know that one exists or why.The Watershed District should find ways to increase visibility and direct communication with residents,such as through regular articles in city newsletters. 2 8 of 44 Unsurprisingly,given that a rule change served as the main impetus for the workshop,the majority of the challenges shared were in reference to perceived lack of clarity or flexibility in the requirements, which participants say is resulting in very real increases in costs and time needed for projects to move forward.As flexibility and clarity are two different components of the challenges with the requirements, they are discussed individually below. Alternatives and flexibility are desired In reviewing the comments about pre-settlement requirements, it is clear that stakeholders feel as though they are backed into a corner without workable options to move forward.There are three overarching sources of this feeling: • Awareness of other standards besides pre-settlement that are used elsewhere,where off- ramps,approved alternatives, and regional approaches are allowed. • The extent of extra cost incurred to be in compliance with infiltration requirements. • Times when pre-settlement infiltration requirements are running counter to MS4 permits or DWSMA requirements. Participants feel that,without alternatives,design constraints or future maintenance requirements can sink or undermine a project when there isn't enough land available to meet the requirements.This is more pronounced for redevelopment,where existing site conditions can make increased infiltration more difficult and costly.The amount of design needed to demonstrate the need for a variance is felt to be extensive,adding to the cost of and time required for a project.Without opportunities to appeal,the appearance of inflexibility increases. To address these concerns,the followina strategies were offered by participants: ➢ Offer alternatives or off-ramps earlier in the design and approval process. Allow for the opportunity to pursue approved alternatives when circumstances require it. MIDS was referenced several times, is accepted elsewhere,and many "Development of an alternative participants felt it could serve at least as a reasonable starting compliance framework if it still point.Along with the guidance tools described in the next provides resource protection" section,clearly indicating when an alternative could be considered can save time and money. ➢ Provide for the opportunity to protect the resource on a regional basis. Whether it is moving beyond a parcel-by-parcel approach for infiltration or allowing for banking, a regional approach can add some additional flexibility.This type of approach could allow for economies of scale,as well as address parcels with significant challenges. ➢ Offset higher costs for compliance. Many of the recommendations will already lower costs simply by reducing time and unexpected needs for contract extension.Several participants also proposed offering cost-sharing or"cost caps"for projects where requirements surpass industry standards and the only options available are significantly more expensive. 3 9 of 44 Increased clarity is desired In discussing lack of clarity,participants noted that a clear understanding or description of the rule and a clear understanding of how the rule impacts stakeholders is missing. In part,this may stem from different jurisdictions using different requirements as well as from local requirements changing.Three outcomes of this lack of clarity that participants are experiencing are: • Uncertainty about how to meet requirements,or when you reach compliance. • Different staff and decision-makers using the same rule and coming to different conclusions. • Difficulty in communicating what is needed,especially with residential applicants that may be less familiar with technical language. All stakeholder groups(BCWD,developers, inspectors,etc.)could benefit from increased clarity, resulting in increased understanding,consistency in enforcement,and a smoother application process. Participants offered several creative options to explore that not only increase clarity but add transparency and trust as well: ➢ Share the why. By providing background and context on what is being "Need easy to use and protected and why in plain language, it could be understand—resources to walk easier to understand the reason for rules and rule people through the rules and changes,as well as how rules could impact different app.process" projects.This could help to remove early surprises, especially for residential applicants not as familiar with established processes. ➢ Increase the accessibility of guidance and information. Whether it is online YouTube videos,step-by-step guides,or in-person meetings early in the design process, providing additional guidance could help add clarity and make sure crucial steps are not missed.Setting this guidance can also help ensure that all staff and decision-makers have a shared understanding of requirements and process,and that they're able to communicate that with applicants. ➢ Enhance communication about opportunities to provide input. While ensuring compliance with legal requirements about public notification, BCWD could integrate the above two recommendations with enhanced outreach and communication about input opportunities.Context and additional information, in addition to ensuring potentially interested parties have seen proposed projects or rule changes,could simultaneously increase awareness of what is being proposed and increase the number of responses received.This increased dialogue about what is on the table sets the stage for beneficial refinements. 4 10 of 44 Participants representing cities,development companies,counties,and the watershed district built on conversations about challenges to identify several strategies for consideration by the BCWD Board.This document does not contain a specified list of next steps or detailed recommendations,as how to implement these recommendations still needs to be explored.What is included in this document was generated by the participants,and should be considered as a guide and reference point for how work can progress,and how all participants can support that progress. 1. Offer alternatives or off-ramps earlier in the design and approval process. 2. Provide for the opportunity to protect the resource on a regional basis. 3. Offset higher costs for compliance. 4. Meet early. S. Meet often. 6. Build relationships outside of formal processes. 7. Share the why. 8. Increase the accessibility of guidance and information. 9. Enhance communication about opportunities to provide input. It bodes well for the future of relationships and water resource nrotection in the Rrnwn's CrPPk watershed that the December 12 meeting was held in the first place,and that 41 individuals came and candidly provided input in the spirit of cooperation.Precisely how to integrate the recommendations from this report into BCWD operations is up to the board and staff, but moving forward will take everyone who was in that room as well as those unable to be there. 5 11 of 44 111 As mentioned above,all participant responses were recorded by the participants themselves,and then transcribed and analyzed by Freshwater. Nearly 300 comments were collected,and each was treated as an individual piece of data.To make sense of all the data and develop a single narrative,qualitative analysis was used to identify major themes in the responses for each of the management approaches. The following four steps outline the process used: Step 1:Participant response coding Coding is the process by which a comment's intended focus is identified, resulting in themes which emerge from review of all comments. For example,the comments"Priority of water issues often trumps all others"and"Pre-settlement is too restrictive" both received the code(or category)of"Inflexibility",whereas"Understanding the intent of the requirements"and"Asking about alternatives that could be acceptable and not getting direction"were coded as "Communication challenges".As each table already categorized the comments in front of them, the original category was included with the analysis to better understand the comment.The process of identifying themes continues until every comment has been reviewed. Step 2:Sorting the data Based on the themes,the data under each management strategy were sorted so that similar comments appeared next to each other. Before moving on to the next step,the themed groupings are carefully reviewed to ensure cohesiveness within each theme and distinctiveness between themes.A complete listing.of the comments sorted by themes is available in a separate document. Step 3:Summarizing the data The now-sorted information was summarized to provide a narrative for each theme. By summarizing by theme,a clear narrative of each could develop,capturing the nuance of the individual comments as well as the input of the group as a whole. Step 4:Writing the report With each theme under each question summarized,the different parts were stitched together to provide a full picture of the input received. 6 12 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Andrew Kegley Sent: Friday, February 15, 2019 5:28 PM To: Ray Hunder Cc: Eric Johnson Subject: Re:Walking Trail Walkings Thanks Ray, I lVV% I'll pass along your gratitude to the crew.Your positive feedback is appreciated. r Andy Kegley, Public Works Director Oak Park Heights On Feb 15, 2019,at 3:52 PM, Ray Hunder<r hharso�>wrote: Andrew, Thanks again for plowed trails that I have been able to walk every day during all these snowy and blustery days. Ray a. 13 of 44 Metro Cities News 2/8/19 Page 1 of 5 CCILE TRO TIESMember Login p4 aUgpdRen MunicipaWes Home Metra Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the blog Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 2/8/19 by:Kimberly Ciarrocchl Thu Feb21,2019 Category:Newsletter Metro Cities Board of Directors Meetino cAtegery:Metro cRiee eo.ni orotore FebR.._.._.........:Mee_Cki Thu Feb 28,201g 08 In This Issue: -I-qaQbLQn Category:MAMA iThuM.21.2019 • futetr i,r.Iit,�n Councilrv�rni�azirlgl::omrriltlt:Y ScneduPt House.Senate to Discuss City Residential Development Fees Mgtr2ties Board of Directors et n Metropolitan Governance Bills Receive Hearing Category:Metro Cities Board of Oincron • Bili to Modify Remote Meeting Law Passes to House Flooruric — --- _.,___.._.__ ._.-...__._.._. House Committee Di,�ssga Emerald AshBorer Thu Mar 9 MAMA LLuncheon Distractprivina Legis! i n Category:MAMA Secretary of State Announces BWSR Openine wed Apr 24,z-,' • Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! Metro Cities Annual Meeting Bills of Note Category:Annual Meeting View Full Calendar Announcements Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Schedule Metro Cities'2019 Legislative Policies were approved bythe full The nominating committee to recommend members for the Metropolitan Council will continue meeting membership at the Policy next week to interview applicants for the Metropolitan Council.Applicants selected for interviews are Adoption Meeting on November 29th,2018 at Brockview Golden being given five minutes to answer questions on issues of specific interest to the applicant,how and Valley.Click to view the 2019 what amount of engagement the applicant will conduct with his or her district,and how the applicant Legislative Policie& has worked to advance equity in his or her district or community.See r for a list of nominating committee members and applicants identified for interviews. Date Council Distri Location ime Feb.1111,12,13,14 Metropolitan Council :00 pm Feb.1 ,4,15,16 Savage City Hall 6:00 pm Feb.13 5,6,7,8 Minneapolis Urban Leagu :00 pm House,Senate to Discuss City Residential Development Fees The House and Senate Housing Committees will take testimony and discuss local roles in residential development next week,following release of a report authored by Housing First,which represents builders.The committees will review residential development ordinances,fees,building codes, residential infrastructure and the builders report. hwsineaffordabili*`-- -19 Cities'roles in housing include land use and zoning,subdividing land,planning for environmental regulations,and sewer and water and parks infrastructure.Cities also determine how to pay for growth and new development.In the metro,all cities have recently updated their land use guidelines for residential growth through their local comprehensive plan updates that in part address statutory requirements for affordable housing and density. The builders'report frames the current prices of new housing construction in Minnesota,compared to two other markets,as being due to fees and regulations uniqueto Minnesota.While the report 14 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesnm.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/8/19 Page 2 of 5 acknowledges that one third of new housing construction costs less than$325,000,the report uses our Tweets homes costing almost$400,000 for its review and conclusions. Tweetsby The report may spur legislation this session.Metro Cities policies recognize that cities respond to @MeuocltlesMN residential development needs to support a range of housing that meets the needs of current and future residents.New infrastructure responsibilities are paid for in a variety of ways.Cities determine what Metro rnies R- works best for the local community,with some cities choosing a"growth pays for growth"policy while Metropolitan Council others subsidize critical infrastructure build-out with other revenues. QMetCouncilNews Interviews for council members While the report singles out local,regional and state fees,it does not recognize other,larger residential for all 16 Met Council districts development cost drivers such as the tight labor market and increasing costs of construction materials. have been completed.The nominating committee will send The report also uses limited comparisons-nine cities in the Twin Cities metropolitan region are three recommended candidates compared to Hudson,Wisconsin and unnamed Chicago suburbs. for each district to @GovTimvYalz.We will publicly No legislative proposals specifically responding or relating to the report have been introduced at this share those names when they're point,but the builders'report includes several recommendations.These include reviewing existing new available. housing regulations and policies through a cost lens,addressing the racial disparity gap in r homeownership rates,exploring opportunities in homebuilding innovation,and supporting the use of � common language among cities. —— - Metro Cities will respond to any legislative proposals in a manner consistent with its policies and will provide updates on this issue as hearings take place.Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at Feb 14,2019 charlGeMmetrociteesmirl.oEg or 651-215-4001 with any questions. Embed Yew on Twitter Metropolitan Governance Bills Receive Hearing Two bills modifying the governance of the Metropolitan Council were heard in the House Local Government Subcommittee this week.HF 370,Fischer,and HF 192,Masin,were heard and laid over for further consideration by the subcommittee at a future date.HF 370,Fischer contains language initiated by Metro Cities in 2018 and includes staggered terms as well as modifications to the process for nominating members for appointment to the Metropolitan Council to make the process more transparent and accountable and allow for additional input by local officials on the statutory nominating committee.The bill expands the nominating committee from seven to 13 members,with six members appointed by a governor,four local officials appointed by Metro Cities and three county officials appointed by the Association of MN Counties.The bill provides a 21-day public comment period and requires a governor to explain in writing any rejected finalists recommended by the nominating committee.HF 192 also provides staggered terms and includes a 14-day public comment period as well as an expanded nominating committee to 13 members,with seven appointed by a governor,three city officials appointed by Metro Cities and three county officials appointed by the Association of MN Counties.Metro Cities testified in support of HF 370,Fischer at the hearing this week. Please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or with any questions. Bill to Modify Remote Meeting Law Passes to House Floor A bili to make modifications to the open meeting law has passed to the House Floor. Koegel was heard in the House Government Operations Committee and would allow for two exceptions to current law governing public meeting participation by interactive television.Under current law,members of a body who participate by interactive television must do so from a remote location that is open to the public.The first exception would allow for members of a body who are in the military and are participating in a required drill,are deployed,or are on active duty to participate from a non-public location.The second exception would allow for members of a body who have been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid public spaces for medical reasons.The bill also stipulates that the meeting minutes for the meeting reflect which members were participating by interactive television and why the member Is participating in this manner. House Committee Discusses Emerald Ash Borer Staff from the MN Department of Agriculture(MDA),Minnesota Pollution Control Agency(MPCA),and Department of Natural Resources(DNR)provided an overview of the Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)invasion to the House Environment Committee.Many hoped that the'polar vortex'would kill off the EAB,but the MDA explained that the cold weather does not provide a complete cure and that remaining EAB will rebound quickly. 15 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/8/19 Page 3 of 5 The agencies believe cities and towns are at the forefront of this issue.Cities need the resources to inventory their community forests,make management plans,treat and remove ash,plant diverse replacement trees,educate residents,and help homeowners with removal.Trees provide benefits to cities through stormwater mitigation and reduction of coaling costs.For more information on EAB,click .Metro Cities supports state funding to assist cities with EAB mitigation. Distracted Driving Legislation The Senate Judiciary Committee discussed the Issue of distracted driving in two hearings this week. The first bill(SF 91,Newman/HF 50,Hornstein)bans the use of cell phones while driving and includes a hands-free mode exception.The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association supports this bill because peace officers often struggle to enforce current texting while driving restrictions and the bill provides greater clarity for enforcement.The bill was re-referred to Senate Finance Committee. The second bill(SF 75,Osmek/HF 104,Dettmer)increases penalties for distracted driving.The bill Increases the penalties for the first three violations and includes a 30-day suspension on the third offense.The bill was re-referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Secretary of State Announces BWSR Opening The Secretary of State's office has posted an opening on the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).The opening is for an elected city official in the seven-county metro area.BWSR oversees and coordinates the water and soil resources management activities of local units of government including counties,Soil and Water Conservation Districts,and Watershed Districts through approval of local plans,administration of state grants,cost-sharing contracts,performance evaluation,and administrative appeals and hearings.Programs under the purview of BWSR include RIM Reserve,local water planning and implementation,Wetlands Conservation Act,soil conservation,riparian buffer protection,and Legacy Amendment programs and projects.Interested candidates can find more information .For more information on the BWSR,click Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! Mark your calendars and save the date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!This year's event will be held on Wednesday,April 24th at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium.The evening will start with a social hour,followed by a guest speaker,and will wrap up with a brief business meeting to elect members and officers to the Board of Directors. All member city staff and elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend.More information and details will follow. Questions?Contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or kimberly metrocitiesmn.orm Bills of Note: HF 635.Hansen:Bill appropriates funds for the continued development,improvement,operations and deployment of the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS). HF 644•Nash:Bill requires the hunting and fishing website to provide voter registration information on their website. HF 651.Hansen:Bill authorizes the city of West St.Paul to impose a local option sales tax. HF 6,U Lillie:Bill appropriates$8.6 million for regional parks and trails. HF 654•Persell/ ,Ruud:Bill appropriates funds for matching grants for parks and outdoor recreation areas,as well as trail connections. HF 655•Cantrell:Bill authorizes tax increment financing districts in the city of Burnsville. HQ/ ,Heinrich/ Hoffman:Bill appropriates money to construct additional lanes on a segment of U.S.Highway from Coon Rapids to Anoka. HF 670•Freiberg:Bill gives tax exemption to cities for construction materials. HF 671•Lee/Sf ,Chamption:Bill authorizes the use of special tax increment financing rules for the North Washington Industrial Park Redevelopment Project Area. HF 677•Huot:Bill authorizes mail balloting in any town or any city with fewer than 400 registered voters. HF 691•Quam:Bill credits surcharge on vehicle parking violations to the highway user tax distribution fund. 16 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/8/19 Page 4 of 5 HF 701.Elkins:Bill provides for staggered terms on the Metropolitan Council. HIF 70 ,Swedzinski:Bill expands exemption for motor vehicle purchases by local governments for road maintenance. HF 736•Torkelson:Bill allocates state general sales tax revenue related to motor vehicle repair to funds roads. HF 737•Torkelson:Bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allocate state general sales tax revenue related to motor vehicle repair to exclusively fund roads. HF 755.Cantrell:Bill allows towns and statutory cities to establish a fire protection district for the provision of cooperative fire services. HF 779•Swedzinski:Bill includes a construction equipment exemption for local government units. HF 780 O'Driscoll:Bill establishes a local cost-share assistance account within the Local Roads Improvement Program and appropriates$100 million for the Local Roads and Bridge programs. HF 781.O'Driscoll:Bill appropriates$20 million for the biennium for the Small Cities Account for transportation purposes. HF 788.Carlson,L.:Bill establishes a noise barrier maintenance account in the trunk highway fund. HF 816.Mann:Bill appropriates money for Lakeville sanitary sewer lift station. HF 817.Mann:Bill appropriates money for clean water infrastructure in Lakeville. HF 823•Nelson/SF -%Koran:Bill would codify a process for cities and other local governments when hiring private consultams. HF 846•Elkins:Bill establishes a local cost-share assistance account in the Local Road Improvement Program. H R'-',Stephenson:Appropriates funds for workforce training for hard-to-train individuals. HF8, ,Robbins:Changes the payment of certain court fines and fees from the state general fund to counties. HF 859,Gunther:Appropriates$22.4 million in both 2020 and 2121 to Minnesota Housing for the Challenge Program. HF 860•Freiberg:Bill provides for additional financing to parks,trails,and recreational facilities for local units of government by special fees. HF 861,Hansen:Bill appropriates$12.2 million for the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS)and Driver and Vehicle Services and requires a report to the MNLARS Legislative Oversight Committee. HF 875•Fischer:Bill makes modifications to the Clean Water Legacy Act and provides for coordinated watershed management. HF 877 Klevorn:Bill authorizes a local lodging tax for the city of Plymouth. HF 884,Schultz:Authorizes value capture revenue for the affordable workforce and homeownership development program.Also adds cities as eligible grant and loan recipients. HF 896•Sauke:Adds manufactured home parks as eligible areas under Housing Improvement Area statute. HF 917•Hertaus:Bill allows for early termination from the metropolitan agricultural preserves program. SF 771.Klein:Bill provides a onetime and temporary increase in payment to the city of West St.Paul. SF 813.Little:Authorizes a Minnesota State Building Code Stakeholder Group to recommend building codes that should be repealed. SF 816.Newton:Bill appropriates funds for high-speed passenger rail from Minneapolis to Duluth. SF 819•Klffineyer:Bill amends the calculation of vehicle registration tax by basing vehicle value by purchase price. Utke/ 7 5101 ,Grossel:Bill prohibits municipal Identification cards for undocumented immigrants. Newman:Bill prohibits the use of trunk highway funds for bicycle lanes. Newman:Bill requires low-occupancy vehicles to pay a fee for using MnPASS lanes and repeals a MnPASS lane rulemaking exemption.The bill also requires MnDOT to issue a request for information relating to the operation of MnPASS lanes by a private operator and requires a report to the Legislature on the findings. ar,13,Senjem:Bill requires certain use of verification software in contracts related to the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS)and requires a report. SF 917.Little:Authorizes$5 million in housing infrastructure bonds for senior housing. SF 928 Howe:Bill modifies certain conditions on water appropriations and wells and requires the DNR to provide economic impacts of imposing a groundwater management plan. F 995 Jasinski:Bill appropriates all funds from the motor vehicle title fee to be allocated as reimbursements to deputy registrars.The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy. Share this post: 17 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 1 of 8 C TRO TIESMember Login g S+:a,r1+„r,sdir ®Q taWpdMan MwftpaWn Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the blog Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 2/15/19 by:Kimberly Ciarrocchi Thu Feb 21,2019 Category:Newsletter Metro Cities Board of Qirectors Meeting category:Metro Cities Board of Directors Feb _...�_........_........_.........._._ Thu Feb 28,2019 15 In This Issue: MAMA Luncheon Category:MAMA Thu Mar 21,2019 Metropolft�t�unciLNominatina Committee Submits Finali57S etr 'ties Board of Directors • 11tINLARS Bill Receives Hearing in House Transportation Committee ee' OLA Special Review on MNLARS Released Category:Metro shies Boa d of Directors Metro Mobility Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee Thu Mar 20,2019-1,---,--- House Transportation Field Hearings Scheduled MAA''i r•rr:a MrDQ1 Acceptiing Local Road Improvement Program Applip Ucim Through March 1st ' Category:MAMA Metropolitan Council Concurs with Regional Solicitation Projects wed Apr 2a,2019 Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation Bills Receive Hearings I Metro cities Annual Meetlno State's January Revenues Lower Than Anticipated Category.Annual Meeting Legislature and Governor Set Finance-Related Deadlines View Full Calendar Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meetingi Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings Elections Bilis Announcements • Construction Sales Tax Exermytion Bills Metro Cities'2019 Legislative House,Senate Committges Discuss Residential Development Fees Policies were approved by the full • Met Council Reports on Affordable Housing Trends in the Metro Region membership at the Policy Livable Communities Fund Distribution Plan Approved by Met Council Adoption Meeting on November EVENT:2019 Economic Development Day at 1bg CaRkol 29th,2018 at Brookview Golden EVENT:Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities valley.Click to view the 2019 Bills of Note Legislative Policies. Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Submits Finalists The Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee completed interviews this week of applicants to the Council and submitted its list of finalists to Governor Walz for consideration. The nominating committee,as required by state law,identified .The Governor must appoint members to the Council by March 6th.Metro Cities will post additional information as it is received. MNLARS Bill Receives Hearing in House Transportation Committee A bill that would reimburse deputy registrars for costs incurred due to the troubled rollout of the MN Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS)was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill by the House Transportation Committee. -Hansen allocates$11.7 million from the general fund to help deputy registrars defray costs they incurred due to the burden of MNLARS system failures.The bill also allocates$11.7 million to the Department of Public Safety(DPS)to continue the work necessary to fix the system.MN IT Services(MNIT)and DPS have stated that without additional funds before March, work to improve the system will be delayed. Metro Cities staff testified in support of this legislation. 18 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblogkview=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 2 of 8 Our Tweets OLA Special Review on MNLARS Released Tweets by The Office of the Legislative Auditor(OLA)released a Special Review titled"Factors That Contributed to @MetroCitiesMN MNLARS Problems"this week.The review was performed in response to the July 2017 release of the Metro Cities Retweeted MN Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS)by Department of Public Safety(DPS)and MN IT Metropolitan Council Services(MNIT),with a goal of determining what factors contributed to the MNLARS project's troubled ad @MetCouncilNews history and rollout. Interviews for council members for all 16 Met Council districts The review identified several factors contributing to the unsuccessful release of MNLARS and identified have been completed.The a lack of sufficient oversight and governance of the project.The review also found that the project has nominating committee will send cost$106 million from 2008 to 2017.The review did not identify a lack of funding as playing a role in f three recommended candidates for each district to the failures of the system. @GovTimwalz.We will publicly share those names when they're The review focused on the vehicle portion of the system released in 2017.The OLA reviewed project- available. related documents and interviewed or corresponded with approximately 60 state employees, contractors or stakeholders.The OLA provided a comprehensive look at events and decisions related to MNLARS. Legislative Audit Commission members,who are House and Senate Legislators,expressed their apologies and shared frustrations with the public regarding the unsuccessful rollout.The members also Feb 14,2019 heard from the new DPS Commissioner and MNIT Acting Commissioner on updates to how work is being conducted now.To view the Special Review,click Embed view on 1Witter Metro Mobility Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee A bill to improve data sharing between the Department of Human Services(DHS)and the Metropolitan Council to create efficiencies in the Metro Mobility program was passed by the Senate Transportation Committee.SF 695.Hall would allow DHS and the Met Council to share data on elderly and disabled individuals so that the agencies can find efficiencies in how rides are delivered.The bill also expands the Metro Mobility service area to any area that pays into the transit taxing district.This expansion would include the cities of Lakeville,Ramsey,Maple Plain,Forest Lake,and Columbus.The bill was passed to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.Metro Mobility currently faces a$36.5 million budget shortfall and efficiencies in service delivery could Improve the financial situation of the service. Metro Cities supports funding levels adequate to meet the needs of Metro Mobility. House Transportation Field Hearings Scheduled The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee will be conducting several field hearings away from the Capitol.So far,two of these field hearings will be conducted In the metro.The committee is welcoming public testimony on transportation-related issues for these areas.Those that wish to provide testimony to the committee may do so by contacting the committee administrator John Howe by email at John,Howe@house.mn Meeting information is below. Tuesday,February 26 6:00—8:30 pm North High School Auditorium 1500 James Avenue North Minneapolis,MN 55411 Friday,March 1 9:00 am—Noon Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine,MN 55449 MnDOT Accepting Local Road Improvement Program Applications Through March 1st WDOT has announced a new solicitation for the Local Road Improvement Program(LRIP).MnDOT has stated the goal of this solicitation is to generate a list of eligible projects for future grant funding.The 19 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entrv&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 3 of 8 last solicitation was conducted in 2017,and awards from a$35 million bonding allocation in 2018 were based on that solicitation. For more information and to access the application form,click .The completed application form must be submitted electronically to saltIIhelo.dotra 9A1g.mn.us by March 1.Cities that applied in 2017 do not need to resubmit,unless there have been project changes. Metro Cities policy supports state funding for the LRIP and encourages all members with eligible projects to apply. Metropolitan Council Concurs with Regional Solicitation Projects The Metropolitan Council concurred with the Transportation Advisory Board(TAB)-approved Regional Solicitation projects at their meeting on Wednesday.The Regional Solicitation is the method by which federal transportation dollars from the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program are allocated within the metro area.The funding was distributed among roadway,transit and travel demand management,and bicycle and pedestrian projects. A total of$199.75 million in total projects was approved.Of this amount,$109 million went to roadways,$52 million went to transit and travel demand management projects,and$31 million went to bicycle and pedestrian projects.$4.585 million was also approved for two unique projects,with$4 million going to a car share project in St.Paul and$585,000 for the Regional Travel Behavior Inventory. To view selected projects,click Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation Bills Receive Hearings Bills to assist metro area cities with inflow-infiltration(1/1)mitigation that are supported by Metro Cities were heard in three House committees this week.HF 582-Hansen,which provides a$10 million capital appropriation for grants to eligible metro area cities for 1/1 mitigation on local public infrastructure,was heard in the House Water Division and House Capital Investment Committee this week.HF 266- Freiberg,which provides$5 million from the Clean Water Fund to assist with private property 1/1 mitigation,was heard by the House Environment Committee at its meeting this week,held at the Dodge Nature Center in West St Paul.Bills were laid over for further consideration. Thank you to Newport Mayor Dan Lund and West St.Paul Mayor Dave Napier,as well as Wast St.Paul City Manager Ryan Schroeder and Public Works Director Ross Beckwith,for providing testimony this week.The bills have not yet been heard in the Senate.Metro Cities has consistently initiated bills to provide capital funding for 1/1 mitigation and secured$1 million from the Clean Water Fund for private property VI mitigation in 2013.Metro Cities is advocating for both bills this session. State's January Revenues Lower Than Anticipated The State's Revenue Review for January,issued by the Office of Management and Budget(MMB), shows net general fund revenues for January at 10.796,or$272 million,below what was forecast. Individual and corporate income tax receipts came in at levels lower than anticipated for January.Year- to-date receipts for FY 2019 are 2.8%,or$374 million,below forecast.As with any monthly update, MMB emphasizes that variations must be interpreted with caution as collection rates may vary depending on a range of factors.The next complete budget forecast will be released in late February. Click`fere for the January Revenue Review. Legislature and Governor Set Finance-Related Deadlines This week Governor Walz and legislative leaders announced legislative finance-related deadlines that will follow the regular committee related deadlines.The additional deadlines are as follows:May 1 st, finance bills must be passed off the floor and conference committees appointed;May 6th,finance committee chairs will have fiscal targets;and May 13th,conference committee reports are due for return to their house of origin.These deadlines are in addition to the annual committee deadlines.For 2019 these are:March 15th,committees must act favorably on bills in their house of origin;March 29th, committees must act favorably on bills that met deadline in the other body;and April 12th,committees must act favorably on appropriations and finance bills. 20 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 4 of 8 Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! Mark your calendars and save the date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!This year's event will be held on Wednesday,April 24th at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium.The evening will start with a social hour,followed by a guest speaker,and will wrap up with a brief business meeting to elect members and officers to the Board of Directors. All member city staff and elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend.More information and details will fallow. Questions?Contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or mbr mmFuanesmmuio. Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings Due to term completions,there will be openings on the Metro Cities Board for terms starting on July 1 st, 2019,and the organization is seeking interested candidates. The Metro Cities Board of Directors is comprised of 19 city officials,elected and appointed,from throughout the region.The Board is responsible for overseeing Metro Cities'budget,strategic plan and legislative priorities.It also makes appointments to the Metropolitan Council Transportation Advisory Board(TAB),Technical Advisory Committee(TAC)to the TAB,and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Board.The Board generally meets the third Thursday of each month,with October meetings held on the second Thursday.Members are elected at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting and serve two,two- year terms.Metro Citles'bylaws require that the slate of Board members be balanced regarding geography and city population. Candidates are asked to provide a(1)cover letter,(2)resume and(3)completed application form Candidates may also provide letters of reference.A Nominating Committee will meet in March to make recommendations on candidates for election by the membership in April. Applications can be submitted to Kimberly Ciarrocchi at kimbedy@metrocitiesmn.org.The deadline for application is Monday,March 4th,2019.If you would like additional information,please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or patricia(@metrocftlesmn.org. Elections Bills The House Subcommittee on Elections heard elections bills and passed 0(Dehn),which proposes to amend state law to stipulate that a felon's voting rights are only lost during their period of incarceration.The author argued that disenfranchising people with a felony unfairly penalizes communities of color and runs counter to efforts to reduce recidivism.The Secretary of State Steve Simon,Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman,the city of St.Paul,and people with felony records were among those who testified in support of the bill.The League of Minnesota Cities also testified in support of this bill,arguing it would eliminate confusion for election judges.The bill is headed to the House Government Operations Committee. Construction Sales Tax Exemption Bills Hi=670(Freiberg)and 1Vif 779(Swedzinski),which would exempt Minnesota cities from paying sales tax on construction materials,were heard in the House Taxes Committee.These bills are initiatives of LMC and are supported by Metro Cities.The committee discussed a third bill,HF 702(Swedzinski),which would expand the existing motor vehicle tax exemption for town purchases of road maintenance vehicles such as snow plows and dump trucks to include purchases of these vehicles by other local governments.This bill would only cover vehicles that assist in local road repair.All three bills were laid over for possible inclusion in the tax omnibus bill. House,Senate Committees Discuss Residential Development Fees The housing committees in the House and Senate on Wednesday heard from cities and builders on cost inputs for new residential development.The hearings were spurred by a recent paper commissioned 21 of 44 haps://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view--entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 5 of 8 and authored by the Twin Cities builders'association,now titled Housing First Minnesota.See. week's newsy for additional information. The committees heard from the Department of Labor and Industry,the state agency responsible for developing state building codes,a representative from the state architects'association,several builders from across the state,and city officials.Metro Cities thanks the City of Hugo and City of Lakeville from the metro area,and City of Austin and City of Cambridge from greater Minnesota,for providing detailed information on how cities work with residential developers and builders to support a range of community housing needs.City officials explained how a key component to these relationships and housing development planning is how to pay for the critical infrastructure this new growth requires. City testifiers highlighted their local experiences working with developers to fund streets,sewer and drinking water infrastructure.Metro Cities recognizes cities establish fee structures for residential development to cover the costs of growth and corresponding needs for public infrastructure and supports those decisions being made at the local level. A bill to initiate a legislative group to study several issues related to home ownership and housing affordability was introduced this week. JF 1208(Carlson-Bloomington)and� (Draheim- Madison Lake)would establish a Legislative Commission on Housing Affordability which is charged with studying issues relating to housing affordability,existing and future government regulations impacting housing affordability,and access to homeownership.The commission would have three duties:research and analyze emerging Issues negatively affecting housing affordability and homeownership access,especially with regard to first-time home buyers and socially and economically disadvantaged buyers;review and provide the legislature with research and analysis of policies to reduce the homeownership equity gap;and review and make recommendations on legislative and rulemaking proposals positively Impacting personal housing affordability,access to homeownership, and other related barriers to homeownership. Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities will continue to monitor legislation related to these issues.Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or charlie metrocitleaam gra with any questions. Met Council Reports on Affordable Housing Trends in the Metro Region The Metropolitan Council released a new, on new affordable housing added in the seven-county Twin Cities region in 2017.The report found 28.4 percent of the region's households were housing-cost burdened in 2017 and the largest racial disparities in homeownership rates are between white households and households of color. The highest production of affordable units were developed in Saint Paul(575 units),Minneapolis(241 units),Spring Lake Park(194 units),Apple Valley(190 units),Brooklyn Center(158 units),and Columbia Heights(148 units).Affordability is defined as housing units that low-income households could pav for with up to 30 percent of their monthly income.Low-income households are defined as having incomes up to 60 percent of area median income(AMI).Of the 1,731 affordable units added in 2017,multifamily units remained the predominant housing type(at 98 percent)and most(77 percent)affordable units were priced at 50-60 percent AMI.25 were single family detached and zero affordable townhomes were built. The report also highlighted the net loss of 1,251 of the region's affordable units between 2011 and 2017.The loss of affordable units can occur after the sale of a property or when Income restrictions expire. Livable Communities Fund Distribution Plan Approved by Met Council The Metropolitan Council approved the '19 Fund Distrihution Plan Wednesday.The approved plan followed debate and discussion at several Community Development Committee meetings as well as feedback from several cities and Metro Cities. The plan authorizes$21.4 million in funding for 2019:$7.5 million for the Livable Communities Demonstration Account(LCDA);$5 million for the LCDA-Transit Oriented Development(TOD)category, including$500,000 for pre-development;$2.5 million for the Local Housing Incentives Account;$5.9 million for the Tax Base Revitalization Account,including$250,000 for site investigation grants,and $500,000 for the TBRA Seeding Equitable Economic Development category. 22 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.orglindex.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 6 of 8 Several changes were made in the 2019 plan.The separate TBRA-TOD category was eliminated,and those funds were rolled into the broader TBRA funding category which will still include TOD-eligible areas.Other changes include higher scoring opportunity for jobs,engagement,and design in both the LCDA and LCDA-TOD categories;modifying eligibility for land acquisition in LCDA and LCDA-TOD to focus on affordable housing and jobs projects that are accessible to low-income and underserved populations;and more support for small jobs projects in TBRA. Additional guidance will be released when each funding round becomes available.Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or with any questions. EVENT:2019 Economic Development Day at the Capitol Metro Cities,the Economic Development Association of Minnesota(EDAM),Minnesota Brownfields, Small Business Development Center,and County Economic Development Officers are partnering on an event at the Capitol. Tuesday,February 26,2019 9:00 am-12:00 pm Room 300 North State Office Building,100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd St.Paul,MN 55155 Join Metro Cities and economic development officials from across the metro region and state to get involved in the state legislative process and advocate for economic development funds and tools.City, county,state and private sector officials are coming together to demonstrate the Importance of local tools to address housing,economic development and community revitalization.It will be a great opportunity to meet with lawmakers and network with your peers across the state.You will be able to visit with your lawmakers and legislative leadership.Metro Cities members may register rot tree EVENT:Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities Registration is open for a February event that will present models for cities to support affordable homeownership opportunities.Cities will be able to connect with similar communities and learn how to support or expand affordable homeownership opportunities.Community land trusts,manufactured home park preservation and cooperative models will be covered.The event is sponsored by Grounded Solutions Network and the Metropolitan Council. mistration informai n. Thursday,February 28,2019 8:00 am—1:00 pm New Brighton Community Center Bills of Note a Hansen:Bill provides a onetime local government aid adjustment for the city of Lilydale. Becker-Finn:Bill provides for automatic voter registration of applicants for a driver's license, instruction permit,or state identification card. HF 954•Xiong,J./SF 10( ,Jasinski:Bill appropriates funds for a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities for workforce readiness,employment exploration,and skills development for youth ages 12 to 21. Murphy:Bill provides additional local government aid adjustments. Gomez:Bill allows individuals under the age of 18 to vote at a primary election if they are otherwise eligible to vote and will be 18 in the general election. ,Elkins:Bill allows cities to adopt ranked-choice voting,establishes procedures for adoption, implementation,and use of ranked-choice voting. HF 1008.Elkins:Bill increases vehicle registration fees. FH 1009.Marquart:Bill creates an open appropriation from the general fund to the public safety officers benefit account providing for reimbursement for continued health insurance coverage. ,Hertaus/SF 1147 Osmelc Bill increases the city population requirement to qualify for exemption from certain temporary license issuance restrictions to 10,000. ..Elkins/ Senjem:Bill establishes procedure for creating municipal street improvement districts. ,Bernardy:Bill modifies provisions related to electronic voting systems,permitting alternative printed ballot styles. 23 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view—entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 7 of 8 HF 1101.Brand/ j=Eken:Bill increases the appropriation for local government aid. HF 1102•Lislegard:Bill increases the appropriation for local government aid. HF 1109,Drazkowski:Bill establishes a procedure for provisional balloting. HF 1119•Becker-Finn/SF 111 Isaacson:Bill allows liquor to be sold at a Roseville golf course. FH 1123•Bahner:Bill allows voter electronic signatures during elections for purpose of electronic rosters. HF 1124"Morrison:Bill appropriates money from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council to operate and maintain metropolitan area regional parks. FH 1137.Kresha:Bill appropriates$100,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 to the border to border broadband fund account. HF 1139,Dehn/SF 117r Anderson,B.:Bill prohibits the annexation of a designated area by means other than those identified in an orderly annexation agreement and prohibits annexation of the designated area by nonparties. HF 1141"Sandell:Bill appropriates money to study managed aquifer recharge and requires a report. HF 1146,Dehn/ srS 71 Z,Franzen:Bili establishes a mileage-based user fee pilot program and requires a report. F 1147,Dehn:BIII allows voters to be absent from work to vote in person on elections day. HF 1163•Marquart:Bill increases aid appropriations to cities. HF 1180,Vogel:Bill allows cities to require by resolution that a candidate for local elective office if the candidate wishes to have their write-in votes counted. HF 1184,Koegel:Bill appropriates$12,000,000 over two fiscal years from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for redevelopment grants and demolition loans. HF 1185•Claflin:Bill appropriates 21,000,000 for the Minnesota job creation fund. HF 1193.Elkins:Bill modifies the special TIF authority for Southeast Redevelopment Project Area in Edina. 11 7 Lesch:Bill prohibits access by a government entity to electronic communication held by a service provider or other third party unless certain procedures are followed. HF 1218•Lesch:Bill increased the authorized local lodging tax rate for the city of St.Paul. HF 1239•Wagenius:Bill directs the commissioner of health to test for contaminants in certain surface water used as drinking water,requires identification and Implementation of source water protection 'strategies,directs the commissioner of health to adopt health risk limits for certain substances and requires reports. F 1255 Wagenius:Bill authorizes cities to adopt certain pesticide control ordinances. F 1019 Lang:Bill appropriates money from the outdoor heritage fund and provides matching grants to' local governments for enhancing,restoring,or protecting forests,wetlands,prairies,or habitat for fish, game,or wildlife. SF 1040•Rest:Bill authorizes local lodging tax forthe city of Plymouth. FS 1043•Koran:Allows shareholders of manufactured home park cooperatives to include a portion of ground lease payments when filing for the homestead credit state refund FS 1058•Dziedzic:Bill gives$200,000 over two years to the commissioner of administration to be used for grants to cities to Improve website accessibility. Miller:Bill expands the exemption for ambulance and firefighting equipment. Cohen:Bill appropriates money to remove and replace the Third Street/Kellogg Boulevard bridge in St.Paul. Fs 1081.Howe:Bill established a local cost-share assistance account,appropriating money for local roads and bridges. Howe:Bill appropriates money for the small cities assistance program. Fs 1088.Little:Bill provides for staggered terms in Metropolitan Council. FS 1089•Rest Bill provides for additional financing of parks,trails,and recreational facilities for local units of government by special fees. FS 1092•Newman:Bill appropriates money for the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS)and Driver Vehicle Services. SF 1093"Newman:Bill expands uses of appropriations for corridors of commerce program for projects already selected. SF 1103•Lltke:Bill requires law enforcement officers to record the country of citizenship and immigration status of people who are arrested for felonies. SF 1109•Hoffman:Bill establishes grants to address PTSD among firefighters. SF 1124•Senjem:Bili increases vehicle registration fees and deems issuance of duplicate certificates by deputy registrars and expedited service. SF 1135.Bakk:BIII adjusts local government aid. SF114 Osmek:Bill defines light rail transit and streetcars,prohibits the use of state funds for operating costs of future light rail lines,creates a new definition of operating costs for purposes of state share of light rail operating costs,and prohibits the use of state funds for capital costs of light rail. F 1156.Wiger.Bill requires the Metropolitan Council to provide a minimum level of service between 24 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view—entry&yea... 2/16/2019 Metro Cities News 2/15/19 Page 8 of 8 downtown St Paul and the Maplewood Mall Transit Center. SF 1157.Dziedzic:Bill eliminates the state preemption of the first-class pesticide control ordinances. SF 1161,Clausen:Bill authorizes municipalities to enter a fire protection district. SF 1172•Lang:Bill permits carrying of a gun on city property. SF 1173,Matthews:Bill prohibits cities.from increases a present excise tax or impose a new tax on containers. SF 1183 Little.Bill provides campaign finance regulation for elected Metropolitan Council members, establishes process to fill a vacancy,and provides for staggered terms. SF118 Little:Bill modifies allocation of motor vehicle lease sales tax revenue by removing the Minnesota state transportation fund and the highway user tax distribution fund. SF 1189.Little:Bill provides for automatic voter registration of applicants for a driver's license, instruction permit,or identification card. SF 1205•Little:Bill authorizes towns in a metropolitan county with fewer than 2,000 registered voters to conduct elections by mail. _1, ,Howe:Bill establishes a local cost-share assistance account within the Local Road Improvement Program,available to cities. SF 1269.Carlson:Bill establishes a larger cities assistance account and funds the account by dividing a $10 surcharge on vehicle registration between the Small and Larger Cities accounts. FS 1272.Rest:Bill allows cities to impose a local sales tax if certain requirements are met including a referenda SF 1279•Jasinski:Bill establishes a local cost-share assistance account and appropriates$100 Million to both the Local Road and Local Bridge Improvement Programs. Share this post: Metro Cities(Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) 145 University Ave W,Suite 125 St.Paul,MN 55103 651-2154000 aacictotop A Paswed hy' 25 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view—entry&yea... 2/16/2019 MAOSC State Newsletter&Legislative Update—February 11,2019 Short,busy week upcoming This is the time of year when the action at the State Capitol switches into high gear. Next week will be an especially busy time. Most cities will be closed next Monday,Feb.18 for Presidents'Day.However,legislative activities carry on for the day.We will deliver the weekly MAOSC Legislative Update on Tuesday,Feb.19—as soon as we can prepare a report on the Governor's Biennial Budget to be released that day.We'll focus our attention on the key parts of the proposed budget that are priorities for Minnesota's small cities. We hope to see MAOSC member city officials at the Legislative Reception hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities(LMC)and involving other city groups including MAOSC on Wednesday, Feb.20,5:30 to 7:30 pm,in the State Capitol Rathskeller.The event is held in conjunction with the 2019 annual LMC Legislative Conference set for Feb.20-21. Registration begins at 3:30 pm and a variety of breakout sessions are scheduled starting at 4 pm.So,you might want to come for those,and avoid rush hour! https://www.imc.org/page/l/2019LeelsiativeConference.'so In addition, MAOSC members are encouraged to attend the MAOSC Board of Directors meeting set for Thursday,Feb.21,1:30- 3:30 pm,at the nearby League of Minnesota Cities offices located at the corner of University Ave.and Rice St.This is a key meeting for our organization as we plan for our future,and consider new applicants to join the Board of Directors. For MAOSC members who plan to attend,or are interested in getting more information,please contact James Robins by calling or texting him at 612-597-0214,or via email at inr@JamesRobins.com. Transportation funding—a priority Advocates for Minnesota transportation funding gathered near the State Capitol last week for their annual visit,but they weren't at all troubled by the absence of Gov.Tim Walz-who was testifying at U.S.House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing in the nation's capital."In Minnesota,we'll propose a comprehensive transportation package addressing all modes of transportation to improve the lives of Minnesotans,"Walz stated at the Washington,DC hearing,noting how he had campaigned on investing more in infrastructure last fall. MAOSC is a member of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance(MTA),host to the well-attended conference-despite the day- long snowfall Thursday.The tone was upbeat,and MnDOT commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher fanned the enthusiasm by promising that the Walz state budget will include a substantial new investment in multi-modal transportation,with the increase coming from dedicated funding sources."We have a governor who wants to sign that legislation,"the commissioner said. She encouraged the attendees to contact legislators and local media in the effort to pass the transportation funding package. Technology on the Roads This might be the big year for"technology on the roads"at the legislature.When it comes to issues such as allowing for autonomous vehicles(AV)on the road and"hands-free"cell phone legislation,Minnesota has been slower than other states to take major action.Other significant roadway safety issues are also attracting a lot of attention,including proposals for increased penalties for"texting while driving"and measures to improve"Work Zone Safety"on the roadways.Of particular concern is the spike in state traffic-related deaths,up 22 from to 380 in 2018. The MTA conference included a segment on Autonomous Vehicle Technology where MnDOT's Jay Hietpas noted that 29 states have moved forward on the many complex issues surrounding AV on the roads. Minnesota is most likely to seek out a middle approach somewhere between the"wide open"authority for use in Arizona compared to the"highly restricted"use allowed in congested California,Hietpas commented.A late-2018 state study concludes,"If Minnesota doesn't take any action to anticipate CAV technology,it will miss a critical opportunity to use technology for the benefit of Minnesotans and businesses.Failure to take action could jeopardize safety,impose additional infrastructure costs,increase congestion,lose business and economic development opportunities,displace workers,negatively impact public health,and even further increase equity disparities." As for Hands-free legislation,bills are already moving through legislative committees. HF50,sponsored by state Rep.Frank Hornstein(DFL-Mpls),would expand an existing prohibition on using wireless communication devices while driving to outlaw 26 of 44 handheld cell phone calls and general use of mobile devices by motorists behind the wheel.The House bill has cleared its first committee hurdle,and its Senate companion already successfully passed out of two committees. Autonomous vehicles report: http://www.dot.state.m n.us/automated/docs/Governor's%20Advisorv%20Council%2OConnected%20and%2OAutomated%2OVehicies%20Exec utive%20R....pdf Hands-free: https://www.house.lex.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13485 Key bill introductions Major 2019 bill introductions of interest to Small Cities are regularly posted as part of our weekly Legislative Update. Legislation of interest to MAOSC member cities introduced recently includes: HF 635 Hansen:MnLARS—funding for continued improvements. HF 736 Torkelson:Sales Tax—motor vehicle repair funds reallocation. HF 737 Torkelson:Constitutional Amendment-Sales tax on motor vehicle repair reallocation to fund roads. HF 846 Elkins:Establishes a local cost-share assistance account within the Local Roads Improvement Program. SF 986 Dahms:Increasing aids to cities(LGA)and counties(LPA). SF 1081 Howe:Establishing transportation local cost-share assistance account,appropriations and G.O.bond authorized. SF 1082 Howe:Small Cities Assistance(Streets)-$10 million annually appropriated for FY 2020-21. SF 1092 Newman:MnLARS—appropriation increase from general fund,new report required. Water project bonding bipartisanship Good news for the funded water infrastructure projects now held up in litigation. We've already reported about the late-2018 legislative session$98 million raid from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund(ENRTF)to fund mostly wastewater treatment projects in small cities—and the legislative efforts this year to avoid further litigation delays and convert the high-cost appropriation bonds to conventional general obligation(G.O.)bonds. More headway on resolving the problem has surfaced in the past week. The news comes from a rather odd place—the aforementioned Minnesota Transportation Alliance conference where two key leaders expressed strong support for converting the bonds and resolving the issue.(Many transportation advocates are encouraging lawmakers to put together an unusual budget-year G.O.bonding package that could include specific high-need road projects.)Although House DFLers had taken the lead on water infrastructure bond conversion legislation,key Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and House are now indicating that they support converting the bonds—Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka of Nisswa,and ranking House Capital Investment Committee member Dean Urdahl of Grove City.Gazelka said"we need a fix"for the water projects that have been held up by the ENRTF appropriation bonds,whether directly as soon as March, or at the end of the legislative session when a"small"overall borrowing package could come together.Urdahl chimed in later, saying,"We need to get this done."He stressed that it will take bipartisanship,including no less than six House Republican votes to reach the necessary 60 percent approval threshold to authorize G.O.bonds. Most of the work involved in providing state funds for local water infrastructure is handled by the Public Facilities Authority. PFA got a ringing endorsement of its operations from the watchdog Office of Legislative Auditor testifying in House committee last week."This is a rare OLA report in that it was very positive,"said Sarah Delacueva,evaluation manager with the Office of the Legislative Auditor."We found that PFA is doing a good job administering these programs and we did not make any recommendations to PFA for improvement." https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13562 27 of 44 Minnesota Association of Small Cities Shorts Minnesota Small Cities'Shorts "Small Cities'Shorts"are brief yet noteworthy items featuring MAOSC member cities and officials.Readers can submit potential Small Cities'Shorts or other feature ideas by emailing lames Robins at: inr@JamesRe wo wco . Chicago transplant Linda Steffens takes the helm at Fifty Lakes as mayor: https://www.brainerddispatch.comlcommunity/neoDie/4565633-faces steffens-brings-new-leadership-fiftvdakes When spring comes eventually,Crosslake will be celebrating the grand opening of a new dog park: ht tps://www.broinerddispatch.tom/news/4554952-crossiaker-progress-report-spring-will-see-grand-opening-dog-park A private foundation grant will allow Lewiston to purchase roadside speed monitoring signs: https//www winonadailvnews com/lifestvles/neiahbors/arant-will-allow-lewiston-to-purchase-speed-monitoring-signs/article ff99fe96-2cf4- 53fe-b534-f5ec6e1907ce.html veteran local firefighter Chris Norton was approved by the Nevis council as the new city fire chief: https://www.parkrapidsenterprise.com/news/4559674-nevis-welcomes-new-fire-chief Small business success story in Ada aims for more economical broadband access in the city: https://www.mornews.ora/story/2019/01/21/what-medieval-knights-small-minn-town-have-in-common With the departure of the city's licensed water treatment employee,Fulda is considering two proposals for a replacement: http://www.fuldafreepress.net/fulda-city-council-wastewater-treatment-future/ Senate Republicans get a buffer Republicans in the state Senate have expanded their single-vote majority to a more comfortable 35-32 margin.Third-term state Rep.Jason Rarick(R-Pine City)defeated Kerrick DFL newcomer Stu Lourey and John"Sparky"Birrenbach(Legal Marijuana Now) in the Feb.5 Senate District 11 special election.The seat was vacated by Tony Lourey who resigned after accepting the offer from Gov.Walz to serve as state Human Services commissioner.The unexpectedly large 956-vote margin(52%to 46%)came after a chilly,brisk four-week special election campaign. The district includes several mail-in only ballot precincts,but cold weather-related mail delays put the election night tally in some jeopardy for the affected rural voters.The margin of victory does not open up concerns in this instance,but lawmakers are likely to look closely at the potential for future problems related to mail-in balloting in the abbreviated special election campaigns. With Rarick departing the state House,another special election soon will be called for the open House 11B seat. https://www.dul uthnewstribune.com/news/government-and-politics/4566997-iason-rarick-w(ins-mi nnesota-senate-district-11-si)ecia I-election Rural child care provider shortage This year MAOSC has included improving Access to Child Care as part of our Workforce Essentials priorities,along with need for added Workforce Housing.First-term state Rep.Jeff Brand(DFL-St.Peter)has proposed HF422 which appropriates funds for sustainable child care in rural Minnesota. 28 of 44 The legislation sets up pilot projects funded at$3 million in grants to be administered by the regional Initiative Foundations.As proposed,the Initiative Foundations would work with local partners to provide low-cost training,professional development opportunities,and curriculum. https:/Iwww.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13540 Cold combats Emerald Ash Borer Emerald ash borers are planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their discovery in Minnesota later this year.The good news is there likely are far fewer of them left to celebrate after the extended extreme cold weather arrived late last month.Cities near the Twin Cities metro area,southeastern Minnesota,and near Duluth and Fairmont already have experienced substantial ash tree losses and the associated costs in dealing with the disease.The human efforts to halt the spread have limited effectiveness, but Mother Nature can—and likely has—dealt a swift and welcome blow. Minnesota researchers have established that when temperatures drop to around 20 below zero,about half of emerald ash borers,which burrow into ash trees during their larval stage,are killed.The mortality rate can reach 90 percent when the temperature reaches 30 below.The polar vortex certainly wasn't pleasant for humans,but the side effects could provide a bit more summer shade relief and less stress on cities'arbor expenditures for the years to come. https://www.twl ncities.com/2019/01/31/one-benefit-of-m innesotas-polar-plume-ash-borers-took-a-I ickinaf httt)s:/Iwww.mda.state.mn.us/egb https://m nag.ma Ps.a rcizis.com/aops/webapvviewerlindex.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9 Opioid crisis gets attention You might have noticed that a lot of media attention has focused in recent weeks on the state opioid crises.Dealing with the epidemic has drawn strong bipartisan support for some time now,but like so many major issues in the recent past,gridlock between the governor and legislature prevented meaningful action. Concerted lobbying efforts from the pharmaceutical companies also raised the contentiousness of the issue at the State Capitol last year. With so many high stakes health-care related issues to be addressed this year,we had assumed that activities would be part of end-of-session negotiations.Last week,Gov.Walz put in his claim against that assumption. "This thing needs to get to my desk sooner rather than later,"Walz said,encouraging pharmaceutical companies to help make the bills better."Now is the time for everyone who is interested,and anyone who cares about this issue,to get involved." The latest data available indicates that more than 400 people in Minnesota died of opioid overdoses in 2017.A year earlier fentanyl claimed the life of Prince.Walz has asked for"buy-in"from everyone involved,including the pharmaceutical companies that would have to pay up to$20 million yearly to rein in misuse and treat addiction.Perhaps sooner might just happen. httos://www.twincities.com/2019/02/05/drug-ma kers-walz-m n-legislature-bill-opioid-fee/ -END- 29 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 9:45 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Help Your Gig Workers File Their Taxes Right For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League of Cities <news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> "Sent: Sat, Feb 16, 2019 6:02 am Subject: Help Your Gig Workers File Their Taxes Right View in browser The Weekly Mw Help Your Gig Workers File Their Taxes Right 30 of 44 With tax season in full swing, cities can help ensure that more dollars end up in the pockets of these workers by sharing this toolkit, ultimately helping to create and sustain a healthy economic environment for all families in the city. Congressional Conference . • 1 Washington,DC • ■ STORIES, YOUR • ■ SOLUTIONS Why Now Is the Right Time for Congress to Rebuild with Cities Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti explains why L.A.— and cities, towns and villages across the country—is ready for a federal investment in infrastructure. Supreme Court to Review Census Citizenship aim Question In April the Supreme Court will hear argument in a case that will determine whether a citizenship question will appear in U„e a c7w or�.ck ren i s 'r here the 2020 census. To Portland, With Love This Valentine's Day, NLC asked six local leaders to write love letters to their communities. Here's why one Portland, Maine councilmember calls it an "honor and a privilege" to serve his community. News 2 31 of 44 Frequent Shutdown Threats Prompt State and Local Safeguards Governing — February 15, 2019 FCC rules on 5G cellphone upgrade spark antenna fight AP News— February 14, 2019 Little Rock seeks groups' aid in kid-feeding effort Arkansas Democrat Gazette — February 14, 2019 Announcements Webinar: Making Solar and Electrification Policies Mutually Beneficial If so, please join NLC for our March 5th webinar on what innovative communities are doing and how you can achieve more sustainable outcomes for your residents. Register here. America Saves Week is quickly approaching! From February 25 – March 2nd, ICMA-RC's financial planning professionals will answer some of the top questions asked about saving for retirement and provide resources and saving strategies to help you along the way. Learn more at www.icmarc.org or follow us on Facebook, Linkedln, andTw°itter. Events February 21 Digitizing Local Government Services (Washington, D.C.) Despite questions about its risks and practicality, blockchain technology is proving to be a promising tool for local governments. Please join experts from NLC, ICMA and GFOA in D.C. to hear the latest insights on this new and exciting technology on February 21 . Register here. March 10 - 13 Congressional City Conference (Washington, D.C.) Job Postings 3 32 of 44 Chief Financial Officer -- City of Charlotte, North Carolina Business Development Director -- City of Lubbock, Texas City Administrator -- City of Amity, Oregon 10 MM IftLEAMM105"F� M You may opt out of email communications from NLC at.any time. Update your communication preferences. This message was intended for: marymccomber@aol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Higher Logic 4 33 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 2:25 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: New NLC Member Benefit: Subscription to National Civic Review for weekly notes -----Original Message---- From: National League of Cities <news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent:Wed, Feb 13, 2019 2:02 pm Subject: New NLC Member Benefit: Subscription to National Civic Review If this message is not displaying properly,please view the online version. NLC C�T CMFS - Announcing a New NLC Member Benefit! The National League of Cities and the National Civic League have teamed up to provide NLC members with a brand new, exclusive membership benefit: free access to the National Civic Review. The National Civic Review is a quarterly journal with articles penned by noted thought leaders on the topic of civic engagement. Each quarter, the National Civic Review will bring you new strategies, advice and examples to help you make your community more inclusive, participatory and successful. This quarter's Review brings you stories about aentrification, new voting procedures, measuring civic engagement and more! Use code NLC19 to access the National Civic Review for free! 1 34 of 44 Equity: A Natural Next Step in City Evolution Y` There are many reasons why cities can be effective leaders of efforts to promote economic mobility and other equity initiatives. Cities can frame appropriate responses because they are close to the problem. Understanding Stakeholders and the Issues They Care About r, Understanding what local officials are trying to accomplish through stakeholder engagement is crucial to creating successful public planning and decision-making processes. We Need to Change How We Think About Gentrification �►. ' Gentrification is a hot political topic that is deeply emotional and personal to many, and when it happens, it happens very quickly. But the causes of gentrification are more complicated than may appear at first glance. THIS BROUGHT O YOU B► CMARC BUILDING Pi SECTOR RETIREMENT P SECURITY 54 a' x A a I�LEARN MORE NI W ril 35 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thursday, February 14,2019 6:11 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Federal Advocacy Update:Week of February 13,2019 For weekly notes ----Original Message---- From: National League of Cities <advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent:Wed, Feb 13, 2019 6:38 pm Subject: Federal Advocacy Update: Week of February 13, 2019 If this message is not displaying properly,please view the online version NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE ..:, CIT,,, Federal Advocacy Update In This Issue - State Municipal Leagues Build Relationships with New Congress - Senate Passes LWCF Permanent Reauthorization - NLC Launches Opportunity Zone Resources - Join Local Leaders: Innovations in Workforce Development Hill Briefing - USDA Extends Application Deadlines, Reschedules Webinars for Broadband Grant Program - EPA, Army Corps Move Forward on WOTUS Rulemaking State Municipal Leagues Build Relationships with New Congress Ashley Smith, 202.626.3094 During the week of February 4, more than 40 executive directors and local leaders from 19 state municipal leagues across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., for NLC's third annual state municipal league fly-in. i 36 of 44 A a Y ..n ro 9 c a.. a At meetings and a briefing on Capitol Hill, state municipal league partners and NLC staff advocated for NLC's top legislative priorities, including infrastructure investment, preventing future federal government shutdowns and broadband expansion. Together, we ensured that federal decision-makers heard loud and clear that city advocates are ready to build local-federal partnerships that will help to move America forward. v awl l" t µ u 2 37 of 44 In their time on the Hill, state league leaders met with more than 45 congressional offices across 21 states, and built relationships with 23 newly-elected Members of Congress. For more on this event, visit NLC's blog CitiesSpeak. Senate Passes LWCF Permanent Reauthorization Carolyn Berndt, 202.626.3109 On February 12, the Senate passed a bipartisan public lands package that includes a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Natural Resources Management Act (S., 47), sponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), which includes more than 100 public lands, natural resources, and water bills, passed the chamber by a vote of 92-8. The LWCF was established as a visionary and bipartisan program in 1964 to create parks and open spaces, protect wetlands and refuges, preserve wildlife habitat, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance recreational opportunities for all Americans. The program's authorization lapsed last fall. In addition to a permanent reauthorization of LWCF, NLC supports full and permanent funding for the program, which is not addressed in S. 47. The Every Kid Outdoors Act is also included in the bill, which will support efforts to connect children to federally managed lands and natural areas. The bill codifies the U.S. Department of the Interior's Every Kid in a Park program that provides fourth graders free access to publicly accessible federal lands and waters. In 2013, NLC signed an Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the YMCA for the Let's Move Outside initiative to close the nature gap and support cities that enable young people to play, learn, serve, and work outdoors. Since then, through the Institute for Youth, Education and Families, NLC has provided technical assistance to cities across the country to connect children with nature, particularly low-income children and children of color. Cities have advanced strategies such as green schoolyards, youth stewardship and green career pathways, early childhood natural learning environments, and park activation. 3 38 of 44 The bill now heads to the House, where it could come up for a vote by the end of the month. NLC Launches Opportunity Zone Resources Erlan Egan Kyle Funk Michael Wallace Few issues have captured the attention of city leaders like "opportunity nes," but for many cities, towns and villages, there is more confusion than clarity. The opportunity zone program was created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide local and national investors with a tax incentive for investments made in economically distressed areas of the country. More than 8,700 census tracts were designated as opportunity zones across all 50 states for the next 10 years. Local leaders in communities with zones should familiarize themselves with how the incentive works and be aware of how the program could influence investment in their communities. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently working through the opportunity funds' rulemaking process in order to address outstanding investor questions. Opportunity fund investment will likely increase once rules are finalized. In the meantime, NLC compiled some frequently asked questions, a map of each designated zone, and a host of other external resources to help local leaders find answers to their questions. Visit our resource page to learn more and stay updated on NLC's continuing work on opportunity zones. Join Local Leaders: Innovations in Workforce Development Hill Briefing Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman, On February 14, the National League of Cities (NLC) will host Love Your Workforce: ,Local Innovations In Workforce Development, a briefing on Capitol Hill that will shine a light on the innovative workforce programs and services provided at the local level. We know that in order to attract businesses and grow economic vitality in communities, cities, towns and villages need a skilled workforce. Local leaders across the country are working closely with their 4 39 of 44 local workforce boards, community colleges, universities, and local service providers to ensure that their residents are trained and prepared to meet the growing needs of employers. As we look towards the future, and a potential federal infrastructure investment, an investment in workforce services is increasingly important to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of the sectors that build and maintain our roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and broadband networks. Join us to hear from Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage of Tempe, Arizona, and NLC's Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee Chair about the way in which Tempe is building their workforce pipeline. USDA Extends Application Deadlines, Reschedules Webinars for Broadband Grant Program Angelina Panettied The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on February 6 that it would extend the application deadlines for its Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) due to delays caused by the recent partial federal government shutdown. Initial application deadlines were pushed back until May 31, 2019, or later to allow applicants to seek assistance from USDA staff. The agency also announced a new resource guide for rural communities to help match broadband projects to grants, loans, and technical assistance available through USDA. The ReConnect Program, as previously reported, includes $600 million in new one-time grants and loans for rural broadband development, with a focus on connecting rural residences, farms, and anchor institutions. Qualifying communities will have populations of 20,000 or less and either lack an internet service provider completely or only have access to internet speeds of up to 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload. For more information on the program and to check for more upcoming technical assistance events, visit reconnect.usda.gov. 5 40 of 44 EPA, Army Corps Move Forward on WOTUS Rulemaking Carolyn Berndt Now that the federal government reopened after a prolonged partial shutdown, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are moving forward with an informational webinar and a rescheduled public hearing on the proposed rule on the Definition of"Waters of the United States" (WOTUS). The informational webinar is scheduled for February 14 from 3:30-4:30p.m. EST, and the public hearing will be held in Kansas City, Kansas, on February 27 and 28. The proposed rule is part of the agencies' two-step rulemaking process to rescind and revise the 2015 Clean Water Rule to clarify which waterbodies are federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule aims to help landowners better understand and easily identify which waters require a federal permit. The agencies proposed limits to where federal regulations apply and, as a result, give states more flexibility to determine how best to manage waters within their borders. Some states, however, have laws prohibiting them from enacting stricter rules than the federal government. The proposed rule defines six categories of waters that are federally regulated as "waters of the U.S." and eight categories of exclusions. The six categories that would be considered "waters of the U.S." are traditional navigable waters, tributaries, certain ditches, certain lakes and ponds, impoundments, and adjacent wetlands. Categories that would not be considered "waters of the U.S." include waters that are not included in the categories above. as well as features that are only wet during rainfall events, groundwater, certain ditches, prior converted cropland, stormwater control features, wastewater recycling structures, and waste treatment systems. The proposed rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, February 14. The agencies will take comment on the proposal for 60 6 41 of 44 days — until April 15. A pre-publication version of the Federal Register notice t supporting analyses, and fact sheets are available on thewebsite. he NNONAL -- _ OF Cn= i f l;l You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication Preferences. This message was intended for: marymccomber@aol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Hiaher Loaic 42 of 44 Brought to you by: CottageGrave CHAMBER OFCOMMERCE cattoge breve N&.part. St,Paul Pork lfastM4sArea o�crvexsacwa� CHAMBER Ofc Multi-Chamber w A, Business After Hours mnr OE COMMERCE Networking Event RIVER HEIGHTS MB Thursday, February 21, 2019 OF COM-9 HUDS N!; 5:00 pm-7:00 p m tX1A1MFR[1 ��� _.O" tq:xeat The Historic John R Furber Farm PRESCOir 7310 Lamar Ave. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Area Chamber of Commerce • Networking ACC • Entertainment 171NIIERtai ("iA n.tO, • Food, Prizes & More • No Cost,just bring your business cardso quWanamomw Join us for this exciting Multi-Chamber Business After Hours Net- A'BrITin working Event at the Historic John R Furber Farm,a beautiful farm- t ,# house that you will want to experience for yourself. 2 43 of 44 City development fees necessary to benefit new and existing homeowners A February Ss'Star Tribune story highlights a report recently issued by the statewide group representing builders, Housing First Minnesota,that takes aim at fees and regulations as key drivers of increasing housing costs. We believe that report unfairly exaggerates those drivers while minimizing others,such as market forces that are out of cities control like land cost and labor. The construction of any new housing development requires a successful partnership between private developers and city governments. Among other factors,that partnership is reliant on a clear understanding of,and cooperation with, established community standards and city ordinances. Fees charged to developers by cities cover important public infrastructure costs needed to serve the new housing development. When considering any new development in the community,city officials are responsible for making sure that all related improvements and amenities,such as a neighborhood park,are constructed according to city standards. City officials must consider and address the direct and indirect costs related to the development, such as funds to cover the costs of necessary infrastructure,and costs for professional services for review,approval,and inspection of development projects. Subdivision regulations developed by cities ensure that any new development or redevelopment meets the standards of that city for a safe and functional community for both new and existing residents.It is commonly understood that these regulations vary from city to city,depending on the development goals and plans of each one. For example,one city might value preservation of agricultural space in its overall plan,while another city chooses to emphasize the creation of affordable housing. Or,one city might prefer"cluster"developments,while another prefers large single-owner,one acre lots. Studies show that availability of amenities is among the top considerations when potential homeowners are considering purchase. State law allows cities to require by ordinance that developers dedicate a portion of land within the development to public uses such as streets,utilities,and parks and recreation facilities.Cities may require developers to pay a park dedication fee instead of dedicating specific land within the development for park or recreation.Other common charges include sanitary sewer and water hook-up and access charges. Such infrastructure and services may not be the most visible components of a new housing development,but they are vital linchpins to it. Cities assign costs for development in distinct and different ways,and most cities cover the costs of development by using a combination of development fees and city resources.For example,cities could choose to absorb the costs related to development into their budget and increase property taxes for existing residents and businesses.Or,cities could choose to pay for the improvements and recoup the costs by charging special assessments on new property owners. But the latter option does not cover all the necessary costs and it may be a disincentive for a new resident to purchase a home in the development.Or,as a last resort,cities could choose to not finance development improvements because they don't have the tax base to fund residential-development-related improvements,meaning the development would not occur. Each city has its own policies and practices that are intended to serve the local community's citizens and taxpayers. Financing development within a community is a partnership with various sources of revenue. Charging developer fees is a historically essential component of financing development infrastructure and amenities.Local governments are authorized by state law to be able to impose local fees so that new development pays its fair share of the costs of public infrastructure and public facilities needed to adequately serve the new development and to create functional,safe and desirable communities where we all want to reside. We all share in a goal to find the right balance that is fair to the developer,and equitable for our current citizens and taxpayers;we will continue to work with everyone involved to pursue this objective. Mary Gaasch,president,Metro Cities Jim Hovland,chair,Municipal Legislative Commission Ron Johnson,president,Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Mary McComber,president,Minnesota Association of Small Cities Heidi Omerza,president,League of Minnesota Cities 44 of 44