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weekly notes Feb 22nd 2019
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: February 22nd,2019 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Zoning and Development Items: 1. A Conditional Use Permit application was received from the Holiday Store,looking for approvals for outside sales, related to the REDBOX.This will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in March. See the enclosed letter from Scott Richards commenting about the process for their request. 2. The Panera site development did seek some clarifications to their signage plans relating to the use of pylon signs—where reatilers may advertise on both sites-the Panera and the multi-tenant site.See the enclosed memo from Scott Richards. 3. See a copy of the code enforcement letter from the City Building Official—for 13435 60th Street—peeling siding. 4. This past week,the Commissioners on the BCWD expressed an interest in receiving comments and input on their current rules from local governments.This BCWD Meeting was attended by Council Members Runk and Johnson.To respond to such request,Council Member Runk reached out to BCWD Commissioner Klayton Eckels for more information as to what they might be seeking.Council Member Runk and I met with Klayton Eckels on 2/22.It was concluded that perhaps a letter from the City outlining that the BCWD might instead consider independently investigating,through a separate consultant (Not EOR)as to what other districts are doing and/or how MIDS might compare to their current rules. Recall, MIDS is the alternative storm water management standard that the City has adopted in the MSCWMO areas. Staff will be preparing this letter to the BCWD early next week.We understand these issues are going to be part of their continued discussion at the BCWD 2/27/19 meeting. Other Items • Per the Council directive, an RFP has been issued for Lobbying Services, see enclosed. It has been distributed to a number of firms and individuals. Hopefully we can attract a firm that can aid the discussion. • The City has not received any further information from the City of Oak Park Heights City of Bayport related to their justification for a service Billings received from Bayport billing being greater than the Contract agreement which OPH allows up to a 3% budget increase. Upon some further Year jBillableBudget %Change 113illed and Paid %Change outreach,we inquired of Bayport if OPH should simply pay Base year 2015 $ 428,714.00 0.00% $ 224,238.00 0.00% our estimate at this time and perhaps the rest of the y conversation can proceed later as we do not want to 2016 $ 442,049.00 3.11% $ 230,371.00 2.74% suggest a breach of contract from the OPH side. 2017 $ 457,243.00 3.44% $ 241,689.00 4.91% Accordingly, staff will make a payment to Bayport based 2018 $ 467,200.85 2.18% $ 249,795.00 3.35% on the amounts we believe are more accurate relative to From Bayport Invoice 2019-001 20191$ 503,302.00 7.73% 272,149.00 8.95% the terms of the Agreement of about$260,206 annually, NOT the $272,149. In total the differences are about 10PHPAYMENT-Per Agreement 2019 $ 481,216.00 3.00% $ 260,206.00 4.17% $12,000.00 annually. • METRO CITIES NEWS for 2/22/19 Mayor McComber provided: 1. MAOSC Legislative update for 2/19 and Federal Update 2. Chamber of Commerce-Community Showcase-Information. 3. Chamber of Commerce—Toast&Topics for 2/25/19 4. Information;"Officials Opposed to Heavier Trucks" Please let me know if you have any questions-651.253.7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 28 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 66303 Phone: 763.231.5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPCTPC§PlanningCo.com February 20, 2019 Jim Moldaschel Holiday Stationstores 4567 American Boulevard West Bloomington, Minnesota 55437 RE: Oak Park Heights Holiday Stationstores — Amended Conditional Use Permit for Outdoor Placement of a Redbox— 5997 Osgood Avenue North FILE NO: 236.02 — 19.01 Dear Mr. Moldaschel: The City is in receipt of your application materials submitted on February 14, 2019 for the outdoor placement of a Redbox at the Holiday Superstore, 5997 Osgood Avenue North, Oak Park Heights. The application consists of an Amended Conditional Use Permit to change the original conditions of approval which would prevent the outdoor placement of the Redbox. With this letter we are notifying you that the application is not complete. The City will deem it complete with receipt of the following items by February 27, 2019: 1. A parcel search obtained from Washington County of all properties located within 500 feet of the exterior boundaries of the property. 2. Pictures of a Redbox and the location it will be placed at the store. If the application materials are submitted as requested, the Planning Commission would consider the application at a meeting scheduled for March 14, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council chambers. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 15.99, Sub. 3(f), the City of Oak Park Heights is herewith extending the period of time for agency/city review of the application for an additional 60 day period (for a total of 120 days from the date of a complete application) inasmuch as the City has determined that additional research and study by the City staff relative to the complexity of the project as proposed will be required. Please contact me at 952.221.0547 with any questions you may have. Sin rel , D. Richards— ity Planning Consultant to the City of Oak Park Heights PC: Eric Johnson, Julie Hultman 2 of 28 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone;763.231.5840 Facsimile:763.427.0520 TPCTP0§P1ann1ngCo.com MEMORANDUM TO: Eric Johnson FROM: Scott Richards DATE: February 20, 2019 RE: Oak Park Heights . Ridgecrest Oak Park Heights Planned Unit Development—Signage Clarification — 13535 60th Street North TPC FILE: 236.02 — 18.03 With submittal of the signage plans for Panera Bread, I have had further opportunity to review the sign plans and the approvals that were granted. The City Council on June 26, 2018 approved the Planned Unit Development for the development that would include a Panera Bread and a multi-tenant retail building. One of the conditions read: 11. All signs shall be designed to comply with Zoning Ordinance requirements for size, number, placement, and internal illumination. The freestanding signs shall be limited to one per lot, unless designed as a monument. As part of the Planned Unit Development approvals, the City granted two freestanding signs, each being a maximum of 300 square feet in size and no more than 20 feet in height. As indicated above, to achieve these allowances, the freestanding signs need to be limited to one per lot. The current plans indicate signs that are compliant with these requirements. Additionally, the developers have requested that the sign boards on the two freestanding signs be allowed to advertise the businesses of either lot. This is allowable because of the flexibility granted through the Planned Unit Development approvals. This is also consistent with the approvals granted to other multi-tenant, multi-ownership developments. Pc: Trent Mayberry Julie Hultman 3 of 28 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Phone:651.439.4439 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Fax:651.439.0574 February 14,2019 Eric Osmundson Osmundson Land Co LLC 5021 Vernon Ave.S.,#128 Edina, MN 55436 Re: 13435 6011 St. N.,Oak Park Heights—Building Exterior Condition Maintenance Request Dear Mr.Osmundson: There is siding missing from the backside of the building entry. I was in the area this past week and observed that additional siding is coming off in the same area. City Ordinance requires building exterior maintenance so that it remains in goad condition. Please coordinate replacement of the siding material and damaged weather wrap so that the building envelope is closed and protected. Please complete the above maintenance request as quickly as possible; however, no later than March 14, 2019. Also, once the weather warms and exterior painting/cleaning is possible, please arrange to have the former store name removed from the rear of the building and at the freestanding sign to the front yard area. Your prompt attention is appreciated. I welcome you to contact me with any questions you may have or to discuss the situation. I have included a photo of the area in need of siding repair. Sincerely, PLANNING&CODE ENFORCEMENT 3 Jul! H Itman Bui ding Official Eric Johnson, City Administrator 4 4 of 28 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS LOBBYIST—MINNESOTA LEGISLATURE—2019 SESSION Summary: The City of Oak Park Heights (Senate Dist. 39 / House Dist. 39B) is seeking the services of a Consultant that/who is a licensed,professional lobbyist to advocate and pursue legislation related to the securing of funds for the City's Norell Ave/STH 36 Frontage Road Realignment Project, (the"Project"). This Project seeks to re-route the State-owned frontage road away from the STH 36 main line thereby reducing congestion and improving safety;a design layout is attached. The Total Project Cost is estimated to be$2,232,783. To date, the City has secured approximately $644,000 from MNDOT- Local Agreement Program and the City expects to provide an additional$794,392,leaving a GAP of$794,392 that remains unfunded. The City would like to pursue this unfunded portion from the State of Minnesota during the 2019 Legislative Session. PROJECT FUNDING MNDOT-Local Agreement Program $644,000 City of Oak Park Heights $794,392 GAP -UNFUNDED $794,392 TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $2,232,784 The City has sought support from Sen. Karin Housley and Rep. Shelly Christensen, both of whom have expressed a commitment to support / sponsor a funding bill in the amount of $794,392; conceptual bill language has been provided and is attached to this RFP.The City believes that at this time the engagement of a consulting lobbyist to further pursue this legislation is warranted and we are seeking such services through this issued RFP. If your firm is interested in providing these lobbying services,please supply the following information to the City as soon as possible: 1. Provide summary information about you and/or your firm as it relates to lobbying services,related experience and the specific lobbyist that would be assigned 2. Provide a short summary of how you might engage and pursue support for this Project with the Legislature during the 2019 session.Please comment on the likelihood of success. 3. Provide at least TWO municipal references where a similar project was pursued by you or your firm.Also,provide a listing of other organizations for which these types of services are provided and any immediately known"conflicts of interest"that may be applicable. 4. Provide a document that clearly outlines your proposed Rates/Fees/Reimbursables. A final agreement with the selected firm would be necessary that incorporates any final costs/fees_Such Agreement would also include a provision that requires the selected firm or consultant to promptly outline a strategy that would be used to pursue the 2019 legislative priority outlined herein. Please provide the information requested not later than 3 PM,March 4',2019 to: Eric Johnson,City Administrator via email only- eaiohnsonnir,cityofoaknarkheisbts®com. Please call Eric Johnson, City Administrator at 651-4394439 for questions about the Project and/or how to best respond to this RFP.A complete Project Scope is also available for review. City of oak Park Heights of 3 RFP-Lobbyist Services 5 of 28 Norell Ave/STA 36 Frontage Road Realignment Project:Design Layout I 0.7 i A Ilk Ilrt L MF y" I mf N mw City of Oak Park Heights 2 of 3 RFP-Lobbyist Services 6 of 28 Conceptual Bill Language: A bill for an act lating to capital investment; appropriating money for street and highway ntersection improvements in the city of Oak Park Heights; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds. E IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MIlVNESOTA: Section 1; OAK_PARK HEIGHTS: STREET AND HIGHWAY INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS, Subdivision 1. Appropriation. $794,392 is appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to e commissioner of transportation for a grant to the city of Oak Park Heights to re-align and construct approximately one-half mile of 601 street,(a State Frontage Road), lying south of State Highway 36 at Norell Avenue including the installation of a roundabout,off-street trails d sidewalks; and to design, engineer, and construct public safety improvements, utility relocations and connections,trail connections to existing facilities,Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant facilities, and landscaping and stormwater management. This appropriation does not require a nonstate contribution. Subd. 2. Bond sale. To provide the money appropriated in this section from the bond proceeds fund,the commissioner of management and budget shall sell and issue bonds of the tate in an amount up to$794,392 in the manner,upon the terms,and with the effect prescribed y Minnesota Statutes, sections 16A.631 to 16A.675, and by the Minnesota Constitution, article X1,sections 4 to 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment. City of Oak Park Heights 3 of 3 RFP-Lobbyist Services 7 of 28 Metro Cities News 2122119 Page 1 of 7 METRO CITIES Member Login I= ®4 Association of Metropolitan Munlapelities Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the bing Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 2122119 by:Kimberly Clarrocchi Tnu Feh 29,1111, category:Newslelle MAMA Luncheon category.MAMA EE.Thu Mer2l,2079 Feb r!Metro CNles Board of Directors 22 In This Issue: Meeting Category.Metro Chita Baatd If Dill—a Governor's Budget Tba Mar za mts MAMA Luncheon Taxes Category:MAMA Transportation I--A"'-' Regional Parks Annual Meetin Water Cawgary;Annual Meetltg DEED-Jobs and Economic Development View Full Calendar Housing Jobs Funding Bill for MIF.JCF.Redevelopment Heard in Senate Bill to Repeal Local Government Salary Cap Receives Informational Hearing Announcements Metropolitan Council Governance Bill Advances in House Metro Cities'2019 Legislative MNLARS Funding Bill Advances in House Policies were approved by the full HQu$g.Iransportation Field Hearings Scheduled membership at the Policy Transportation Bills of Interest Adoption Meeting on November Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! 241h,2018 at Brookview Golden Valley.Click here to view the 2019 Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings Legislative Policies. Metropolitan Council Planit N Ws Bills of Note Our Tweets Tweets by @MetroCidesMN Governors Budget JWP5 Metro Cities @MetraCitiasION Governor Walz formally released his budget on Tuesday,February 19th,as required by law.The budget House Transportation Committee is meeting in 5t Cloud to hear city recommends$2 billion in general fund spending and$1.2 billion in new revenues and proposes to street Funding bills.To watch. spend$49.5 billion over the next biennium.Identified priority areas in the budget include education, govlv.=louddty.com/cablecasta health care,transportation and community investment: The budget recommendations of interest to Metro Cities are outlined below.Metro Cities staff will be monitoring and responding to budget proposals as they are considered legislatively.Legislative rules Metro Cities mandate that any bills necessary to implement a governor's budget must be introduced within 15 @MetrocitiesMN calendar days from the release of the budget recommendation.That deadline would be March 6th, Cmnhousing Commissioner 2019. Jennifer Ho,in Senate Housing cmte,highlights Walz budget Taxes items supported by Metro Cities, Governor Wali s budget includes two areas identified in Metro Cities'2019 legislative priorities, including Increased funding for flepble Challenge Program and Including simplifying the construction materials sales tax exemption and a$30 million increase in Local state match for local housing trust Government Aid. funds.#mnleg The budget also reinstates the angel investment credit for$20 million and reinstates the statewide property tax inflator.The budget also recommends lowering the occupancy requirement from 15 to five years for the Senior Property Tax Deferral program. 8 of 28 https:l/www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2122/19 Page 2 of 7 Metro Cities will provide further information,including an LGA spreadsheet that outlines increases by city,once it is available. We will cover transportation and transit tax provisions in a separate section of this newsletter. Transpnrfatfon The Governor's transportation budget includes a number of revenue raisers and appropriations for both roads and transit,including: A 20-cent gas tax increase phased in over two years and indexed for inflation beginning in FY 2023,estimated to generate$6.5 billion over 10 years; An increase in registration taxes(license tabs)from 1.25 percent to 1.5 percent,increasing the base fee from 810 to$45 and modifying the depreciation schedule,estimated to generate$4 billion over 10 years; An increase in Municipal Street Aid(MSA)to$113.72 million or$74.1 million over base funding, with funds covered by gas and registration taxes.To view municipal recipient funding changes, click here. An increase in the motor vehicle sales tax(MVST)from 6.5 percent to 6.875 percent that raises $300 million for roads and bridges over 10 years and generates an additional$28 million in FY 20- 21 and$38 million in FY 22-23 for metro area transit; Authorization of$2 billion in trunk highway bonds over eight years starting in 2022; Returning auto parts sales and car rental taxes that fund the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund (HUTDF)back to the General Fund,and funds for HUTDF replaced by the gas tax increase; An additional$37.67 million for MNLARS; $11.7 million to advance Connected and Automated Vehicles policy,planning,testing,and implementation; An 118 cent sales tax levied in the seven-county metro area.Funds would be used to maintain and expand the regional bus and transitway system,and; An increase to the motor vehicle sales tax(MVST)from 6.5 to 6.875 percent to generate an Rririitinnni OR miliinn in FV 90-91 Rnri CIA million in FY 99-9A fnr mptrn trwneit F inrlinn is proposed to eliminate a$53 million structural deficit in the regional bus system and pay for 10 planned Bus Rapid Transit(BRT)lines as well as 150 electric buses. There is no funding for the Small Cities account,or creation of a Large Cities account to address local road needs,in the budget. The Governor's budget also proposes to address the current$36 million Metro Mobility deficit by funding Metro Mobility separately.The Governor also recommends changes to state laws to allow the Metropolitan Council and the Department of Human Services(DHS)to share rider Information for the purpose of obtaining federal funds. The Governor's proposal increases the Metropolitan Council's bonding authority by$92 million for transit capital improvements with bonds repaid by the increase in the Metro Area Transit Tax. Reglona/Panics The budget recommends that 40 percent of the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund be allocated to the Metropolitan Council for grants to regional parks.This would be an amount of$40.6 million for the biennium and would bring funding to 10 metro regional park agencies,with a purpose of advancing the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan.The proposal also includes$2.5 million from the general fund and $6 million from lottery-in-lieu of taxes funding for operations and maintenance funding for the Regional Park System. (Yater The Governor's budget includes funding for various water related needs in the metropolitan region, including$1 million in Clean Water Funds for the Metropolitan Council's Water Demand Reduction Grant Program.These funds would be passed through as grants to municipalities to support water demand reduction measures. The plan also recommends$2 million in Clean Water Funds to the Metropolitan Council's Water Supply Sustainability Program,which supports local projects that address drinking water supply issues,local wellhead protection plans,and preventing degradation of groundwater supplies. DEED—Jobs and Ecronom/C Development Under the Governor's budget,there are no changes to funding'for the Minnesota Investment Fund(MIF) or Job Creation Fund(JCF).MIF was funded at$25 million for the 2018-19 blennium and would remain at that level under the Governors budget.JCF was funded at$17 million in 2018.19 and the base budget would fund it at$16 million in 2020-21.Metro Cities is supporting a bill that would fund both MIF and JCF at$21 million each in the next biennium. 9 of 28 hUps://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option7--com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2122119 Page 3 of 7 The Redevelopment Grant Program does not receive an appropriation in the Governor's budget.Metro Cities supports House and Senate bills that fund the Redevelopment Grant Program and Demolition Loan Program at$12 million for the biennium. The Governor's budget re-authorizes$20 million($10 million each year)in funding for the Angel Investor Tax Credit that supports startup companies.These funds provide a tax credit to investors or investment funds that put money into early stage companies focused on high technology,a new proprietary technology,or a new proprietary product,process,or service in specified fields.The program was funded at$15 million in calendar years 2015 and 2016,$10 million in calendar year 2017,and was not funded in 2018. A separate bill supported by advocates of the Angel Investor Tax Credit was heard in the Senate Jobs committee February 20.SF 788.P.Anderson,would authorize$20 million per year for the program and remove the sunset.The bill was passed to the Senate Taxes committee. The Governor's budget proposes$70 million for the Border to Border Broadband Grant Program in Minnesota. A new program,called the Minnesota Innovation Collaborative(MIC),would receive$9 million in the biennium.The MIC pilot program would support a series of new initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of startup companies. Housing The Governor's budget recommendation for Minnesota Housing includes funding Increases of$28 million.Included are a$10 million increase($5 million per year)for the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program and a$2 million match for city and regional local housing trust funds in FY 2020,both supported by Metro Cities. The Challenge Program provides Minnesota Housing with flexible funds to meet local community- identified needs and priorities.Another bill scheduled to be heard in the House Housing committee Fphn iary 97 wrnJri fund the nrnnram at R??495 millinn in hath FV 9n96 and FV 9n91.Challanne was funded at$14.925 million in both FY 2017 and FY 2018. The Governor's budget includes a$1 million increase in the rehabilitation loan program that helps seniors age in place and$11 million in funds to increase home stability.The Governor also previewed his housing bonding bill,calling for$120 million in housing infrastructure bonds to fund privately owned housing and$30 million in general obligation bonds for public housing preservation and rehabilitation. Jobs Funding Bill for MIF,JCF,Redevelopment Heard in Senate State funds critical to local economic development growth were debated in the Senate Jobs committee on February 18. FS 1076.Utke,Includes$21 million for the Minnesota Investment Fund,$21 million for the Job Creation Fund and$12 million for the Redevelopment Grant Program. Metro Cities testified in favor of the bill,noting economic development occurs at the local level and may include zoning and land use changes,infrastructure support and public financing.When state support Is needed for existing business expansion or new business development,MIF and JCF provide flexibility to companies who may want access to cash up front in the form of a MIF loan,or a JCF grant once capital investment and job creation markers are met.The redevelopment grant program and demolition loan program help put properties back on the tax rolls by reinvesting in previously developed sites. A representative from Uponor,a Finnish company with a presence in multiple Minnesota locations, testified how local and state support convinced the company to expand.Additional testimony from the Economic Development Association of Minnesota shared support for all three programs. The House Jobs committee is expected to hear the companion bills in the next couple weeks.Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-2154001 or charl'e metrocitiesmn.oro with any questions. Bill to Repeal Local Government Salary Cap Receives Informational Hearing HF 703,Masin,that would repeal the statutory local government compensation cap,received an informational hearing in the House Local Government Subcommittee this week,with testimony provided by the League of MN Cities and local elected officials including Lakeville City Councilmember Luke Hellier.Metro Cities'policies support allowing local governments to set the terms of employment of local government employees,including compensation and benefits and the organization provided a letter of support to the committee.While state laws governing the local government salary cap provide 10 of 28 https://www.metrocitiesmn.orglindex.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view-entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2122119 Page 4 of 7 for a waiver process,the process is highly cumbersome and produces arbitrary and unpredictable results. The bill does not have a Senate companion at this point.Questions?Contact Patricia Nauman at 651- 215-4002 or email patricla(@metrocitiesmn.org. Metropolitan Council Governance Bill Advances in House A bill that would modify the Metropolitan Council's governing structure passed the House Local Government Subcommittee this week.The bill,HF 192,as amended,would provide for staggered terms for Council members and modify the size and makeup of the statutory nominating committee to Increase the committee to 13 members,with 5 appointed by a governor,five city officials appointed by Metro Cities,and 3 county officials appointed by the Association of MN Counties.The bill adds public notice requirements and a public comment period and requires a governor to provide an explanation to a nominating committee if he or she does not appoint from the list of identified finalists recommended by the nominating committee. Metro Cities supports the bill's provisions including staggered terms,an expanded nominating committee with a majority of local officials that has city officials making up the majority of local official committee appointments,as well as public notice and comment period requirements. There was no opposing testimony to the bill and it was passed and referred to the House Government Operations Committee.Questions?Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or ;,61,.,:i 6ZV--,i -Oil, MNLARS Funding Bill Advances in House A bill to address funding needs for the MN Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS)was passed by the House Transportation Committee and Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee.HF 861 Hansen,appropriates$15.7 million to the Department of Public Safety(DPS)for the continued development and improvement of MNLARS.Of these funds,$6.768 million would be for ongoing MNLARS motor vehicle software work$5.5 million for work on the drivers'license system,and 3.472 million for Driver and Vehicle Services(DVS)staffing.DPS stated that there is currently a lack of staffing to respond to customer inquiries. Transportation Committee members urged DPS to make sure fixes are focused on making the system easler to use for deputy registrars.Governor Walz has included an additional$37.67 million over the biennium for MNLARS. The bill was amended to add$10 million for reimbursements to deputy registrars from the general fund. According to the bill,by accepting reimbursement,a deputy registrar agrees to stay open for at least 12 months after receiving payment and waive any state liability related to MNLARS.The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Ways and Means Committee on Monday. House Transportation Field Hearings Scheduled The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee will be conducting several field hearings away from the Capitol,with three hearings in the metro area.The committee will take public testimony on transportation-related Issues for these areas.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 Tuesday,March 5,7:00—9:00 pm Savage City Hall 6000 McColl Drive Savage,MN 55378 11 of 28 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2/22/19 Page 5 of 7 Transportation Bills of interest Three bills related to city street funding have been introduced and await legislative consideration. HF 1288.Elkins/SF 1269•Carlson would provide funding for city streets through the Small Cities Assistance program and the creation of a Large Cities Assistance program by a$10 surcharge on vehicle registration and title transfers.This legislation has not been scheduled for a hearing.Metro Cities supports this legislation. HF 1095•Elkins/SF 1271•Senjem would allow municipal street improvement districts.This bill would grant cities the authority to charge a fee and dedicate the revenue generated to street maintenance. This legislation has not been scheduled for a hearing in either the House or Senate.Metro Cities supports this legislation. HF 780.O'Driscoll/SE]9$L Howe calls for the creation of a local cost share assistance account within the Local Road Improvement Fund.These funds would be awarded to qualifying cities and would qualify as a local funding match when cities partner with the state on a road construction project.The bill also allocates$50 million each for the Local Road Improvement and Local Bridge Replacement funds.This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Transportation Committee Friday,February 22. Metro Cities supports this legislation. 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. For questions or to RSVP,contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or k!mberlvrametrocitiesmn.org. 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 at, 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 Cities'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)r6sum6 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 C!arrocchi at kimberlyOMetrocitiesmn.ora.The deadline for application is Monday,March 4th,2019.if you would like additional information,please contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or patriclaaa metrocitiesmn.ora, Metropolitan Council Planit News The Metropolitan Council periodically issues Plan It News Blasts that provide resources,updates and answers to FAQs for comprehensive plan reviews and amendments.This month's update included a podcas discussing renewable resources,the council's handbook for local planning and updates for their regional Climate Vulnerability Assessment(CVA)project website. The most recent News Blast also noted two upcoming events: 12 of 28 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cpm dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2122/19 Page 6 of 7 Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Communities Thursday,February 28,8:00am-1:00 pm New Brighton Community Center 400 10th St NW,New Brighton MN 55112 Register Here Minnesota Women in Public Finance Wednesday,March 20,2019,11:30am-1:00pm Dorsey&Whitney Register Here Bills of Note HIF 68 Kotyza-Witthuhn:Bill reauthorizes Angel Investor Tax Credit and appropriates$20 million per year. F 1275 Garafalo:Bill modifies the procedures for placing candidates on the ballot at a presidential nomination primary. HE 1280 Becker-Finn:Bill allows two or more political subdivisions to establish a special taxing district to provide fire protection or emergency medical services in the district. HF 1288,Elkins:Bill establishes a larger cities assistance account for transportation purposes. HF 130B.Hansen:Bill appropriates money for wastewater infrastructure improvements in West 5t.Paul. 1319 Bahner:Bill appropriates money for local road connections related to the highway 610 project in Maple Grove. HF 1328.Bahner:Bill provides for automatic voter registration of applicants for a drivers license, instruction permit,or identification card. HF 1339,Ecklund:Bill appropriates$10 million for the biennium for shade tree replacement,including for trees that have been impacted by Emerald Ash Borer. HF 1358,Elkins:Bill appropriates$200,000 over two years from the general fund to the commissioner of administration to be used for grants to cities to improve website accessibility. HF 1364.Runbeck:Bill requires consultation with and approval by affected municipalities before approval or implementation of a change in services provided by an ambulance service. HF 1372.Long/SF 1410.Kent:Bili allows voters to join a permanent absentee voter list,requiring ballots to be sent before election to voters on permanent absentee voter lists. HF 1401•Howard:Bill provides funding for Minnesota Housing. HF 1402•Howard:Bill appropriates$10 million in state matching funds for local and regional housing trust funds. HF 1409.Torkelson:Bill requires verification software in contracts related to the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS)and requires a report to the legislature. HF 1434.Vang:Bill Increases the local government aid appropriation. HF 1438 Dehn:Bill establishes a prohibition on the presence of firearms at a polling place and provides criminal penalties. HF 1439•Dehn:Bill provides free public transit on election day. HF 1440•Christensen:Bill authorizes towns in a metropolitan county with fewer than 2,000 registered voters to conduct elections by mail. HF 1447 Tabke:Bill appropriates$6 million for replacement transit service providers in the metropolitan area in grants in amounts specified by the Suburban Transit Association. HF 1466,Fischer:Bill requires the Metropolitan Council to provide a minimum level of service between downtown St.Paul and the Maplewood Mall Transit Center. HF 1492,Halverson:Bill permits individuals who are at least 16 years of age to preregister to vote. HF 1507.Stephenson:Bill raises the Minnesota Investment Fund grant limit from$1 million to $2,000,000 for projects with at least$25,000,000 in capital investment and 150 new employees. HF 1510•Runbeck:Bill makes modifications to the Metropolitan Council financial reporting requirements related to transportation and calls for the creation of a new revenues and expenditures forecast report. HF 1533 Olson:Bill earmarks$2 million from the Minnesota Investment Fund to a paper mill project. HF 1550.Becker-Finn:Bill extended the amount of time the city of Roseville may expend increment captured within the hazardous substance subdistrict. HF 1556,Elkins:Bill makes changes to the airport zoning requirements and allows cities to HF 1563,Richardson:Bill provides a construction exemption for a fire station in the city of Mendota SF 1320.Rest:Bill increases the number of days during which in-person absentee voters may deposit a ballot in the ballot box. $F 1321 Rest:Bill allows local governments to require write-in candidates to request votes for the candidate to be counted. FS 1323.Abeler:Bill appropriates money from the general fund to the Metropolitan Council for grants to 13 of 28 https://www.metrocitiesnm.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view--entry&yea... 2/22/2019 Metro Cities News 2/22119 Page 7 of 7 operate and maintain metropolitan area regional parks. SF 1326.Draheim:Bill appropriates money to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the challenge grant program. SF 1327.Isaacson:Bill makes appropriations for the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS)and certain reimbursements to deputy registrars. SF 1336•Howe:Bill appropriates$100,000,000 in fiscal year 2020 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for deposit in the border-to-border broadband fund account. SF 1362•Abeler:Bill modifies the highway-rail grade separation project in the city of Ramsey. SF 1365.Relph/HF 1480 Hausman:Bill appropriates money from the parks and trails fund to the Metropolitan Council for a grant to Ramsey County to design and construct a competition and winter recreation area. SF 1368 Housley:Bill modifies expiration of metropolitan agricultural preserves.Under this bill an agricultural preserve expires immediately when a state agency or other governmental unit purchases the property or obtains an easement over the property for the purpose of creating or expanding a public trail or public park. FS 1381.Limmer:Bill appropriates money for local road connections related to the highway 610 project in Maple Grove. SF 1402,Torres Ray:Bill authorizes the Metropolitan Council to finance private infrastructure improvements to reduce inflow and infiltration in the regional wastewater collection system. SF 1440.Dehn:Bill appropriates money from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for redevelopment grants and demolition loans. SF 1458•Ingebrigtsen:Bill prohibits a mayor,city council,county board,of chief law enforcement officers from disarming a peace officer who is in good standing and not currently under investigation or subject to disciplinary action. 1485 Isaacson:Bill extends the amount of time the city of Roseville may expend increment captured within the hazardous substance subdistrict. SF 1491.Kent:Bill appropriates money for an Interchange at Highways 94,494,and 694. SF 1493.Newton:Bill appropriates money for safety improvements and an engineering evaluation on a segment of the marked Trunk Highway 47 corridor in Anoka County. SF 1504•Lang:Bill would allow concealed weapons on city property. SF 1507.Draheim:Bill establishes an unserved areas broadband development pilot program. SF 1519.Klein:Bill appropriates money for wastewater infrastructure improvements in West St.Paul. SE 1552 Laine:Bill provides for payment of city charter commission expenses. SF 1566•Nelson:Bill modifies provisions related to electronic voting systems,permitting alternative ballot style. SF 1570.Limmer:Bill authorizes the city of Rogers to impose a local sales and use tax and excise tax for a series of projects. SF 1577 Draheim:Bill appropriates money to the Housing Finance Agency for housing programs, including$10,000,000 to Local Housing Trust Fund grants. SF 1589.Rarick:Bill includes a sales tax exemption on construction materials for titles. $E 1597.Pappas:BIII provides for earned sick and safe time. Share this post: Metro Cities(Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) 145 University Ave W,Suite 125 St.Paul,MM 55103 651-215-4000 Back to top powered by W NeanberilidM 14 of 28 https://www.metrocitiesnm.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view-entry&yea... 2/22/2019 MAOSC State Budget&Legislative Update—February 19,2019 Tragedy for Nevis,Akeley Our sympathies go out to family,friends and the entire neighboring Small Cities communities of Nevis and Akeley where tragic events took place last week.Two women from Akeley died from gunshot wounds stemming from an incident at a Nevis home day care center.A subsequent chase involving sheriff's deputies included injury to one of the officers,ending when the suspect man from Nevis apparently committed suicide. htts: www brainerddis atch. m news crime-and-courts 4572488-authorities4denti -three dead-nevi's-shootin Walz budget recognizes Small Cities Many of the essential needs of small cities are recognized in the FY 2020-21 budget proposed Tuesday by Gov.Tim Walz. New investments are organized under three areas:Community Prosperity,Education and Health Care. In explaining the need for a phased in 20-cent gas tax hike,Walz referenced the successful distiller Far North Spirits located on a gravel road near member- city Hallock,desperately in need of local road improvements to get its much-sought-after product to market. Portions of budget proposal rely on a passing substantial 2019 banding bill which is likely to focus broad attention on unmet road and water infrastructure,higher education facilities and housing. Of particular interest to Small Cities,the Walz FY 2020-21 budget proposal includes: Local Government Aid restoration-$30 million yearly • Roads funding—20-cent phased gas tax increase,then indexed;vehicle registration tax increase from 1.25 to 1.5%, motor vehicle sales tax increase from 6.5 to 6.875%-to fill in$6 billion funding gap over the next 10 years Broadband expansion-$70 million for the biennium • Community Prosperity Opportunity Grant program-$2 million • Affordable Housing preservation and expansion-$120 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds,$30 million in low- income housing bonds for preservation,Rehabilitation Loan Program(geared toward seniors)-$1 million increase • Child Care Assistance-$44 million increase,Childcare Economic Development Grants—up to 2,400 new child care slots While the budget proposal provides the blueprint for negotiations with lawmakers who set the budget in the final weeks of session,adjustments from the Walz administration are likely to come sooner than later when the February forecast is released, expected on Feb.28.Minnesota Management and Budget(MMS)Commissioner Myron Franz has cautioned that sluggish revenue collections since the November forecast could put a serious dent in the proposed new allotments.At the same time, Gov.Walz indicated that safeguards built into the budget could minimize the adjustments necessary to the proposed plan. MAOSC Board meets Thursday MAOSC members are encouraged to attend the MAOSC Board of Directors meeting set for Thursday,Feb.21,1:30-3:30 pm,at the League of Minnesota Cities offices located at the corner of University Ave.and Rice St in St.Paul.This is a key meeting for our organization as we plan for our future,and consider new applicants to join the Board of Directors. We look forward to seeing MAOSC member city officials tomorrow at the Legislative Reception hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities(LMC),involving MAOSC and other city groups 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. 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 983 Elkins:Allowing cities to adopt ranked-choice voting. HF 1095 Elkins:Vehicle registration(tab)fee increase. 15 of 28 SF 1068 Miller:Sales tax exemption for ambulance and firefighting equipment. SF 1269 Carlson:Small Cities Assistance(Streets)-$10 tab and title transfer surcharge divided equally with Larger Cities. SF 1272 Rest:Cities allowed to impose local sales tax if referendum passes. SF 1279 Jasinski:Local cost-share assistance account established,$100 million bonding appropriation. SF 1305 Eken:Rates adjustment to aids to cities(LGA),future inflation indexed. Transportation hearings scheduled Excellent opportunities to voice your support for stable state funding of Small Cities Streets and other transportation needs are coming up soon.The Minnesota House Transportation Finance and Policy Division,chaired by Rep. Frank Hornstein(DFL- Minneapolis),has scheduled two greater Minnesota and two Twin Cities area field hearings where public testimony will be taken. • Friday,Feb.22 at 12 noon-3 p.m.-St.Cloud City Hall,400 2nd St.& • Tuesday,Feb.26 at 6-8:30 p.m.-North High School,1500 James Ave.N.,Minneapolis. • Friday,March 1 at 9 a.m.-12 noon-Blaine City Hall,10801 Town Square Drive NE. • Friday,March S at 12 noon-3 p.m.,Mankato City Hall, 10 Civic Center Plaza. Legislation that will impact the Small Cities Assistance Account for streets,as well as local cost-share funding will be discussed at the Friday, Feb.22 hearing in St.Cloud.Your participation in this first hearing this week will be especially helpful in making lawmakers aware of the transportation needs in small cities. For officials from our member cities who would like to testify or submit testimony, please contact James Robins by calling or texting him at 612-597-0214,or via email at PJamesRobins.com.He can help with your preparation,and is working with committee staff to nrovide for MA(p5C memher narticination, MnIARS struggles get attention The Legislative Auditor released its report regarding the struggles with the rollout of the Licensing and Registration System (MnLARS).The study concludes: "Ultimately,the Minnesota Department of Public Safety(DPS)and Office of Minnesota information Technology Services(MNIT)must share the blame for the system's deficiencies.The project's total amount of funding(more than$100 million)and time(nine years leading up to the 2017 release)should have been sufficient to successfully complete this project. Many factors—rather than a single person or a single decision—contributed to the system's unsuccessful release.The problems started early,when agency officials initially selected a private vendor to build the system." With blame broadly assigned,the report could help diffuse the extensive finger-pointing that accompanied negotiations a year ago.How the system moves forward with needed improvements,and provides for reimbursements to burdened business partners such as deputy registrars and the general public for instances of over-billing remains to be resolved by the legislature and the Walz administration.Action is expected in two House committees today and tomorrow(Feb.19-20)on ,authored by Rep.Rick Hansen(DFL-South St.Paul).The bill as proposed would allocate$12.268 million from the general fund to system improvements,as well as$3.472 million from the general fund to compensate business partners and the public. httas:/Lwww.auditor.lex.state.mn.us/sreview/mniarsfactgg.odf Housing costs counterpoint MAOSC works closely with other city groups to foster better public understanding on a wide variety of complex policy topics.This week MAOSC President Mary McComber joined in with other city organization leaders to clarify the responsibilities of cities in new housing developments.The opinion piece"Why fees are a necessary part of housing development"published Monday in the StarTribune newspaper is a counterpoint to an opinion issued by the builders'group now known as Housing First Minnesota. In part,the counterpoint explains: 16 of 28 "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." Among the major state policy goals advocated by MAOSC this year,meeting the affordable housing needs of workers and families calls for a combination of targeted grants and loans for market-rate and subsidized housing,as well as greater regulatory flexibility to help alleviate the housing shortage and hold down costs. httwww.startribune.com counte int-wh -fees-are-a-neces art-of-h usin -develo meat 5059] 82 GreenCorps hosting deadline Minnesota GreenCorps is now accepting applications from organizations interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member for the 2019-2020 program year.Several MAOSC cities have participated in the GreenCorps efforts,assisting their communities in conservation,pollution reduction,community readiness and outreach,and a wide variety of green infrastructure innovations. The MPCA pians to place up to 42 full-time members with various host sites across the state. Members serve approximately 40 hours a week for 11 months from September 2019 through August 2020.Applications from eligible organizations interested in hosting Minnesota GreenCorps members are due by 5 pm on March 22,2019. Please direct all questions about the application process to rnnareencoras.oca@state.mn.us -END- 17 END-17 of 28 MAOSC FEBRUARY FEDERAL UPDATE CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE The first month and a half of the 116`h Congress has largely been occupied by the partial government shutdown and the ensuing negotiations that successfully averted a second funding lapse. That said, it has not been an unproductive time in Washington,with a number of bills working their way through Capitol Hill and the Administration continuing to move forward in a number of policy areas. Congress is in recess this week,but many are already preparing the debate over the debt ceiling, set to expire March 1, to occupy the House and Senate upon their return.A number of a high-profile hearings, including those on the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to lead the EPA, are expected in the coming weeks as well. U.S. SENATE Conservation Bill on the Verge of Being Reauthorized The Senate passed a bipartisan public lands package Feb. 12 that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47), sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R.-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), included more than 100 public lands, natural resources, and water bills, and passed the chamber by a vote of 92-8. The House is likely to take up the Senate-passed measure and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has said he expects it to pass. The measure would resurrect the popular conservation fund, which expired Sept. 30, 2018, and make it permanent; thus avoiding the need to reauthorize it in the future. The expiration has meant local communities can't access funds for future community parks, bike trails, and hiking trails. It also has brought to a halt the addition of parcels to expand national parks. The legislation includes Minnesota-specific provisions to reroute and extend the North Country Scenic Trail and resolve a land management issue in Voyageurs National Park. U.S.HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES Bill Introduced to Overturn Controversial FCC Small Cell Rule Representative Anna Eshoo D-CA) introduced legislation last month to overturn the FCC's September order preempting local authority over small cell wireless infrastructure. While the bill, the Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Empowering Local Communities Act of 2019 (H.R. 530), would not preclude future FCC or congressional preemption of cities on wireless infrastructure, it would halt the FCC's preemption order. The bill also complements ongoing efforts to overturn the FCC order in federal courts, and the investigation by congressional leaders into alleged attempts by the FCC to thwart that litigation. Representative Eshoo is currently leading the effort to gather cosponsors for her bill, especially from the other side of the aisle. The bill has yet to be cosponsored by any members of the House minority and has not been introduced in the Senate. It has been endorsed by the National League of Cities, the National Association of Counties, as well as a number of other organizations that focus on municipal priorities. 18 of 28 'Earmarks' Potentially Returning to Capitol Hill The return of Congressionally Directed Spending, better known as "earmarks," to Washington appears likely, with their potential reintroduction bearing huge implications for the appropriations process. House Appropriations Chair Nita Lowey (D-NY) as well as Rules Committee Chair Jim McGovern (D-MA) have both signaled that they are supportive of earmarks making a return. While such a change would also have to be approved by the Senate, it is not seen as likely for this to be an impediment. The return of Congressionally Directed Spending would mean that lawmakers could direct money to specific projects in their districts, as opposed to delegating such authority to the Administration. The potential for cities in Minnesota to take advantage of this change is significant. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D), Minnesota's lone Member on the Appropriations Committee, is the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior. The change would take place during the appropriations process, which begins in the House of Representatives in the spring following the release of the President's budget. WHITE HOUSE &ADAHNISTRATION President Trump Signs Deal to Avert Shutdown and Order Declaring National Emergency President Trump signed a spending bill last week that will ensure the federal government remains operational through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2019. Concurrently with his signature of the measure, passed by Congress on the previous day, the President announced that he would be signing an Executive Order declaring a national emergency at the southern border. With the declaration, the President hopes to create a funding pool of$8 billion for a border wall, a significant increase from the $1.375 billion authorized by Congress for fencing. The declaration is expected to face immediate legal challenges. Congressional negotiators had been working since the end of the government shutdown on Jan. 25 on a compromise Homeland Security funding measure that would be able to pass both the House and Senate. Leaders of a conference committee announced an agreement in principle on Feb. 11 after talks had stalled over the number of beds allowed in migrant detention centers. The bill passed both chambers of Congress by wide margins. President Trump Calls for Border Wall,Bipartisanship in State of the Union President Trump covered a wide range of policy areas in his 82-minute State of the Union speech earlier this month, calling for bipartisan action on a number of his Administration's top priorities. The President touted the economic successes he has overseen during his first two years in office, calling it a historic boom, as well as the criminal justice reform bill, the First Step Act, that he signed into law last December. President Trump also defended his insistence on a border wall. The concluding section of his speech focused on a variety of national security issues, including his decision to withdraw from the INF Treaty with Russia, his upcoming summit with North Korean Chairman Kim, and America's recognition of the new president of Venezuela, Juan Guaido. Of particular interest to small cities were President Trump's calls on Congress to pass an infrastructure package that he could sign. The President's previous infrastructure proposals have all emphasized significant funding for non-urban areas throughout American. Many observers in Washington believe that an infrastructure bill could garner significant bipartisan support. House 19 of 28 Transportation and infrastructure Chairman Yeter DeFazio (D-OR) has indicated that the House majority will release their plan for such a package this spring. EPA,Army Corps Move Forward On WOTUS Rulemaking The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have announced that they will be moving forward with a revision of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS)Rule. The proposed rule, published on Feb. 14, seeks to reduce the scope of the Obama-era WOTUS rule, which expanded the numbers and types of water bodies that were deemed to be under the purview of the federal government. The proposed rule aims to help landowners better understand and easily identify which waters require a federal permit and give states more flexibility in managing their waters. 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. More Detailed Opportunity Zones Guidance Coming Soon From the IRS Over the last several weeks, a number of indications have emerged signaling that the final guidelines for the IRS' Opportunity Zones program will be released soon. In late January, a number of Members of Congress sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urging attention to the Opportunity Zone guidelines and outlining a number of priorities that Members believe should be central to the program. The IRS held a public hearing on the Opportunity Zones program on Feb. 14, drawing testimony from a wide range of stakeholders with specific policy recommendations for the IRS. These actions, in conjunction with the IRS releasing instructions for the processing Opportunity Fund certifications, have led many in Washington to believe that the next guidelines will be released by the end of March. "Opportunity Zone" is a designation created by the 2017 Tax Bill meant to spur growth in areas that have experienced under-investment in the wake of the Great Recession. The zones are selected by governors from a pool of low-income census tracts. Only a quarter of eligible tracts may be selected. Investors are then incentivized to direct funding to real-estate development, the seeding of new businesses, and the expansion of existing businesses in these areas via preferential tax treatment of capital gains. USDA Public-Private Partnership Accepting Applications for Rural Capacity Building The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Feb. 11 that it will begin accepting applications from rural communities seeking technical assistance through the Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) initiative. REDI is a new partnership initiative developed through the USDA's Rural Development Innovation Center to help build capacity in rural communities and create foundations for rural prosperity. Chosen applicants will receive free technical assistance to develop and implement rural economic development plans and projects. In order to participate in REDI, county and regional leaders are asked to form teams and apply. 20 of 28 This program and peer network will include hands-on, interactive training workshops, team mentoring, educational webinars and other interactive teaming opportunities. County and regional best practice case studies will also be developed to help other rural communities in America replicate strategies that make sense for them. Rural communities with 50,000 or fewer people are eligible to apply by April 5, 2019. The Rural Broadband Reconnect Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture 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 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. Single Family Housing Direct Area Loan Limits Effective Feb. 15,the USDA implemented new Area Loan Limits for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program. The new limits for Minnesota counties can be found on page 43-44 of the document released by the USDA,which can be found at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RD- SFHAreaLoanLimftMaR.p F KEY UPCOMING DATES March 1,2019 Federal Debt Ceiling Suspension Expires September 2019 Extraordinary measures to avoid debt ceiling estimated to run out October 1,2019 Fiscal 2020 begins with lower spending caps under current Budget Control Act CONCLUSION LOCKRIDGE GRINDAL NAUEN Federal Relations Group will continue to work diligently on behalf of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities and with the Members of the Minnesota Delegation on the aforementioned issues and report back with updates.Please do not hesitate to contact Vince Spinner at either(202) 544-9840 or vmspinner(a,locklaw.com if you have any questions, or if you would like an update on any area of interest not discussed in this article. -END- 21 of 28 COMMUNITY SHOWCASE 2019 - Apr 13, 2019 - Greater Stillwater Chamber of Com... Pagel of 3 Site Search tC Snuwnl MUBOR, v)MM OICE �� (https://www.facebook.com/GreaterStilLwaterCham ber) 8ridg'ag Nusnrsa d Commwa7y in Sign up forchamberNews COMM"N I �S"MeASLEteZgl�r)bgr-of cOommerce/) Veommunieation) 11�� (https://www.instagram.com/greatersti[Lwaterchamtsh&M-(fht�i Name:COMMUNITY Chamber Partners SHOWCASPAiffl4rLogin (/login) S h Dace Join Today! (/member/newmemberapp) J II 1- i n Event Sponsors: R 1A `!}wski Date:April 13.2019 CHAMBER Kid's Activity Area SPONSORS IflhiIJ0111 V UVIWr Time:moo AM- Autol Home I We I Buslnen 4:00 PM CDT For a FHEE wmboan Call Yodayr6si-499-0019 Website:Chamber website SHOWCASE „ www.greaterstiLLwaterchal,lual.wr r to Register Now 4 (https✓/greaterst![Lwaterchamber.com/events/register/294; Event Description: (htlpahVl6h.cb;:::vrs,`.iirou.°anCe.Co (http://%:, _ 'aixsoccer.org) Saturday, April 13 _mm Stillwater Area High School PAC The 2019 Greater Stillwater Chamber Community „ I Showcase returns on Saturday,April 13th,in its ' ! 4th year as an event designed to connect local p businesses with the community! The Community arca I ill `' Showcase includes exhibitors from local businesses, e1rC S entertainment,Idds activities and demonstrations. A fun- (http://www.stiLtwater.kl2.mn.us) filled community&family event that you don't want to miss! Event SPONSORS Our goal Is to attract 5,000+locals from the east metro and the greater Stillwater area and remind them to Keep LAKE Fri MO BANK It Local! •�.- •.. . This family-friendly event is FREE to attend and will (http://www.takeetmobank.com) Include 120 local businesses PLUS: R E'M A X Great local entertainment throughout the day professionals • Delicious food from local restaurants Engaging and fun kid's area with lots of activities (https://www,professionals.net/) G`� ROYAL p UNioN Event Sponsorships are Available (http://rcu.org) Now! shilktater UNI."ood (haps://chambermaster.blob.eore.w!Lake Elma.•- iserfiles/Useff! Projected Attendance:5,000+attendees,25 volunteers, (http://www.bestversionmedia.com) sponsors,and staff Audience:Local-residents,businesses,organizations and community members ---------------------------------------- EXHIBIT AT THIS EVENT! 10 x S booth with full pipe and drape and 6 ft table &2 chairs $225 for Non Profit Organizations (http://wwwstiL[waterzephyrtheatre.org) $295 for Stillwater Chamber members 22 of 28 https:I/greaterstillwaterchamber.com/events/details/community-showcase-2019-29437 2/19/2019 COMMUNITY SHOWCASE 2019 -Apr 13, 2019 - Greater Stillwater Chamber of Com... Page 2 of 3 5 for non Chamber members* TRAVELIA Site Search 4 id(ing the Register Now button our registration form HERE h // vml ster.blob.com.windows.net/userfilggYO�er�1c ri/ss//File/ShoweaseEXHFlyer2019.pdf) JW'. nsbve a S cc""Airy {https://vOeR49&wterStillwaterChamber) Now Member Speciall Join the Chamber when you register to exhibit,and receive 10%off annual F:CK7RF R1 membership dues in addition to a sA��: v.linkedin. d. ter-Stillwater-chamber-of-commerce/) exhibitor fees! UM p://www.eckberglammers,com) O (https://www.instagram.corE(WM$Vfl4VNMF,hamber/)(https://twitter.com/StillwaterCOC) sereseese (/tA990-"Contact Us Vcontact) Join Today! Vmember/newmemberapp) F7 -7E .. .� 21 IN' (http://mybobcountry.com) 7VIi Location: Stillwater Area High School Pony Activity Center .a 5701 Stillwater Blvd N Wy Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 View a Map "PLEASE NOTE:Only one company may be (http://maps.google.com/maps? represented per booth space-NO sharing of ht-en&q-5701•Stillwater+Blvd+N 40ak+Park+Heights.+MN*55082) booths by multiple companies. NO REFUNDS vvlll be given once shove Date/Time Information: registration is processed. Saturday,April 13th,2019 Event Media: 10:00-4:00 pm Contact Information: Greater Stillwater Chamber 651- "` _ rt 439-4001 { Send an Email (mailto:communicationsegreaterstillwaterchamber.com? . , subject-COMMUNITY% 2oSHOWCASE%20%20201.9) ) Fees/Admission: _ Event sponsorships Available HERE * (https://chambemtaster.blob.core. Y window&neVusarRles/UssrFRes/c hambers/2e7/Flle/Showcase2oi9 --..-� Sponsorships.pdf) Vendor Booth Fees(ioxe booth (httpsJ/chambermaster.bLob.cc Includes pipe&drape and table): chamber Member Booth=$z95 Non-Chamber Member Booth.$435 Non-Profit Booth a$22g Limited booths whh electrldty access at a cost of$60 FREE to public to attend! Set a Reminder: Enter your email address below to receive a reminder message. Enter Email Address --Select Days Before Evenn -1 Back to Calendar 23 of 28 https://greaterstillwaterchamber.com/events/details/community-showcase-2019-29437 2/19/2019 COMMUNITY SHOWCASE 2019 -•Apr 13,2019 - Greater Stillwater Chamber of Com... 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(/member/newmemberapp) . °= UStrOWSkir Autos Home i Life i Business For a FREE consultation Insurance Agency Call Todatyi 651-439-0019 (hitp./lw m.oskow&kiinsurance.com) Bridging Business&Community Greater StiLLwater Chamber of Commerce a V zoo Chestnut Street East#zoo,StiLLwater,MN 55082 r (https://maps.googLe.com?q-200-Chestnut•Street•East•% �. 23204-StilLwater-MN•55082) CIMCCO 4httr,s://www.mnchamber.com/) �. 651-439-4001L(tet(651)439-4001) Assccunahr or [W WA P4Wi�f a :• t, 0 info®greaterstillwaterchamber.cam EXECUTIVES rt (mai Lto:info®greaterstillwaterchamber.com) I- a.f (http://www.acce.org/) (https://www.uschamber.com/1 (https://www.facebook.com/GreaterSt(LwaterChamber) (https://www.Li n ked in.com/company/greater-sti LLwater-cham ber-of- commerce/) O (https://www.instagram.com/greatersU[Lwaterchamber/) 0 (https://twitter•oom/Sti LLwaterCOCa a Copyright 2019 Greater StiLLwater Chamber of Commerce.ALl Rights Reserved.Site provided by LL.,:Intone 0 at ./r•,.•aw.a 10 VYI 1?ona corn - powered byi:;hamhr,MasterOIL,- www.0-iribi-rm,MmSoftware. 24 of 28 https://greaterstillwaterchamber.com/events/details/community-showcase-2019-29437 2/19/2019 0 )k v 4 ►mM E 41 If Colvw0a, Bnaging Businm & CADMMUMity JOIN US on Monday, February 25th, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. for our Toast & Topics Forum! z 25 of 28 Near from our State Senator and Representatives Senator Karin Housley Representative Shelly Christensen Representative Bob Dettmer Learn about their legislative platforms and 2019 goals. There will be an open forum with Q&A to follow. w �uwr" s u g, RESERVE ,your Seat Early! $20 Chamber Members; $25 non-members. Pre-Registration is appreciated, for food preparation &planning. A full breakfast buffet is included. Networking begins at 7:00 a.m. with the program start-time at 7:30 a.m. The event concludes at 8:30 a.m. The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host a quarterly educational offering, Toast& Topics, to provide our members and community the opportunity to attend briefings on relevant local topics featuring an expert speaker and/or panel. The public is encouraged to attend. 3 26 of 28 Event is held at the Lowell Inn 102 North Second Street, Stillwater, MN Copyright©2019 Greater Stillwater Chamber,All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Greater Stillwater Chamber 200 Chestnut Street East #204 Stillwater, MN 55082 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list kCWZhTER SILLWER AMBER. ofCC*pjutm WMI �. 00 0 a Wo ..s C, gedlh�t'Sr 27 of 28 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 1:46 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Add your name:Officials Opposed to Longer and Heavier Semi-Trucks For weekly notes --Original Message— From: Matthew Muir<mmuir@cabt.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tue, Feb 19, 20191:26 pm Subject: Add your name: Officials Opposed to Longer and Heavier Semi-Trucks Dear Mayor McComber, I am the Minnesota State Director for the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks,a national non-profit that works with local officials and law enforcement members from across the country in opposition to longer and heavier semi-trucks.As our name suggests,we aren't against big trucks-trucking is an essential part of our economy,and we partner with some of the largest trucking associations in the country.We focus on proposals that would increase size and weight,which would tip the balance between the needs of commerce and the realities of our infrastructure and public safety. The purpose of my message is to invite you to add your name to a list of over 1:.000 public officials who are opposed to federal attempts to increase the maximum weight limit for semi-trucks,as well as the length of double trailers.The list includes Mayors, County Board Members, Councilmembers and Public Works Directors from across the country who agree that heavier and longer trucks would pose severe setbacks to efforts to rebuild our infrastructure and create unique threats to public safety. If you'd be interested in adding your name to the list,simply reply saying"add my name". If you would like more information on the subject,I'd be happy to schedule a short 10-minute phone call to discuss the proposals. More infprmation on the subject cgn be found here In 2015,we successfully defeated proposals at the federal level that would allow for longer double trailers and heavier trucks.We were successful in our efforts thanks to the support of our state and national partners which include the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National Association of County Engineers and the National Association of Towns and Townships. Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if you have any questions. Matthew Muir 28 of 28