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weekly notes - April 5th 2019
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WE N TES r: April/51, 2019 TO: City Council Members Sta FROM: Eric Johnson,City A min' or UPCOMING MEETINGS LIST THROUGH 6125119 Zoning and Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received.Staff has had contact regarding a possible expansion of the Pony Express Car wash and an Amended Home Occupation Permit related to CATS; 2. Enclosed are two notices for site correction/sign compliance issues as issued by the City's Building Official. 3. A group has sought to remain in Autumn Hills Park overnight on June 23rd—related to a Ham Radio Field Day—See the enclosed communication and permission granted. Other Items • 1 have enclosed a copy of the communication to be sent to MNDOT Commissioner Kelliher regarding Lookout Trail,this has bee fully executed and sent. • Enclosed is the resolution and communication related to Comprehensive Transportation Funding as passed by the City Council. It is being sent to Gov.Walz and our local legislators. • March Police Report from Chief DeRosier.&Information on the City's 1st Siren Test for 2019;Some Repairs are needed. • On Monday I attended a Washington County meeting related to their early scoping and planning for a possible re-routing of the south frontage road behind the Carbone's building.This may be a 2020 project.At this time,they have not secured any right-of-way from Andersen Windows and preliminary engineering is only just beginning.It would appear the City has little/no utility infrastructure in this area;and the County and MnDOT would NOT be seeking the City to assume this roadway once complete.Lastly,at this time a full signalization of this new roadway at Osgood Ave.would not be installed immediately.I am unsure when the next meeting may be,but likely in a couple of months. • Information on the METRO CITIES annual meeting—4/24/19&Metro Cities News for 4/5/19 Mayor McComber provided: 1. CUC Legislative Updates for 4/5/19 2. MAOSC Legislative Update for 4/1/19 3. MAOSC Federal Update for March 2019 4. METRO CITIES News for 3/29/19 5. NLC Weekly for March 30th,2019 6. City Safewise Report 8th Safest City in MN. 7. MN Dept of Commerce—Information on Energy Assistance. Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 44 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL & COMMISSIONS MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2019 Tuesday,April 9 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Wednesday, April 10 5:00 p.m. City Council Teambuilding Session (Conference Room) Thursday, April 11 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday,April 15 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday,April 23 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Thursday, May 9 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday, May 14 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday,May 20 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday, May 28 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Thursday, June 6 4:30—6:30 p.m. Party in the Park (Brekke Park) Thursday, June 13 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday, June 17 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Tuesday, June 25 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) POLICY NOTE: Items in red are expected to be SOCIAL EVENTS in nature and not an of.ficial City Council meeting. No official action or discussion may be undertaken by City Council Members who may attend such events. The City is listing such events so as the public is generally aware that there may be occasions when City Council members may desire to attend functions that are purely social-events. 2 of 44 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Phone:651.439.4439 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Fax:651.439.0574 April 5, 2019 Marco Polo Inc. c/o WFB/SAO 555 S. Flower St. FL 10,TRE 92477 Los Angeles,CA 90071 Re: Sign Maintenance @ 5920 Neal Ave. N.,Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Property ID 06.029.20.11.0021 To Whom It May Concern: The above reference property has been vacant since May, 2013. Periodically, the City has had to reach out to you with regard to maintenance items needing attention. I am writing you today, regarding the directional and pylon signage at the site. None of the signs are the site are in good condition. The dark facing applied to them has faded or peeled off and the directional signs at the entry and exit areas are showing neglect—one is leaning.These must be addressed immediately. When businesses go "out of business", signs are to be removed or totally covered as established by City Ordinance 401.15.G.15.c. These signs were initially covered but continue to become weathered. This ongoing status and the condition, along with the posts in stages of leaning is creating a nuisance and needs to be addressed. Some examples of the site signage condition are attached for your convenience. This letter serves as the City's attempt to address the dilapidation of the signage at 5920 Neal Ave. N. and requires that the signs be maintained so that they are in good, safe structural condition and that the faces are fully darkened so that the former business entity signage is not observable. In light of the time this building has been vacant,you may wish to consider removing the entry and exit signs. Please have the signs corrected and/or removed no later than Thursday,April 18, 2019. If you would like to discuss this request kindly contact me immediately. Should no action be taken, that addresses these issues, the City will seek further action including but not limited to citations and withholding of all other permits. Sincerely, PLANNING&CODE ENFORCEMENT u ie ultman Buil Ji g Official Zc: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Building Department Direct Dial:651.351.1661 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com 3 of 44 TREE CITY USA City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N. Phone:651.439.4439 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Fax:651.439.0574 Photos: Taken April 3, 2019 jr Close Up of Depreciated Panel on Pylon Sign err` w ; a , y - Depreciated and Leaning Entry(Drive Thru)&Exit Directional Signs @ Neal Ave. Building Department Direct Dial:651.351.1661 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com 4 of 44 TREE CITY USA H City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd.N.. Direct: 651.439.4439 Ext. 1105 P.O. Box 2007 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 Fax:651.439.0574 April 2, 2019 Russell&Jacquelyn Patrick 5737 Peller Ave. N. Oak Park Heights, M 55082 Re: General Yard Maintenance&Temporary Structure Removal Dear Mr.& Mrs. Patrick: Last Fall, a permit was issued to you for an addition to your garage. While the project has not been fully completed for final inspection, it largely constructed and capable of housing stored items. If you are ready for final inspection of the structure, please contact me to schedule the inspection. The condition of your yard with it various piles of earth materials and other accumulations is currently in violation of sections 1109.3 E,and I of City of Oak Park Heights Nuisance Ordinance 1109. A complete copy of this ordinance is enclosed. With this letter you are directed to have the yard areas cleaned up by removing items stored to the outside yard and disposing of them or placing them to the garage interior.Additionally,the temporary structure that is on the property is in a state of disrepair and needs to be removed,and its contents placed to enclosed storage or disposed of. This serves as the City's first request for nuisance abatement compliance. Please clean up the yard and remove the stockpiles of earthen materials and other items and remove the temporary structure and relocate items to an enclosed structure or dispose of them no later than Monday, May 6,2018. The City's Spring Clean-Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 4.2019. A site visit will be made to verify compliance. If you have any questions as to what is being requested or would like to visit to discuss the situation, please contact me immediately. I am happy to help where I am able to. Sincerely, PLANNING &CODE ENFORCEMENT Ju i Itman,C.B.O. Enclo res c: Eric Johnson,City Administrator(wo Enclosure) Property File 5 of 44 ,f City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 of 1 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 4/5/19 Stillwater Amateur Radio Association C/O Mr. Robert Jensen 706043 rd Street N. Oakdale, MN 55128 VIA EMAIL ONLY: WOGAF@radioham.org RE: OVERNIGHT OPERATION—6/23 to 6/24 SARA Field Day Dear Mr.Jensen: We have had a chance to discuss the request you express in your letter dated 3/31/19 where you seek to allow SARA individuals to stay overnight in Autumn Hills Park to continue their radio operations as part of the SARA/ARRL Field Day Event slated for Sat.June 23rd—1 pm to Sun June 24th-4 PM. We understand that bands can become more active at night. Further, SARA and other Ham operator organizations are usually participants in SKYWARN, ARES& RACES which serve the public interest during emergencies and maintaining these skill sets with Field Day is of value. Accordingly, at this time the letter provides to SARA the permission to allow UP TO Six (6) individuals to remain in Autumn Hills beyond its normal closing hours for the sole purposes of operation of the radios. Of course, please remind your members this must be a quiet use,very low lighting and un-disturbing to the surrounding neighbors and SARA would be responsible to ensure all activities and participants are consistent he expre ed permissions and all other Park rules. Plea et m kno if u have any questions. incerely, ri y A strator Cc: Weekly Notes More information on ARES-RACES and SKYWARN can be found Here: http://www.arri.org/ares-races-fag https://www.weather.gov/skywarn/ 6 of 44 RECEIVED Robert Jensen �Q19 7060 43rd St N Oakdale,MN 55128 612-802-2269 City of Oak Park Heights WOGAF@radioham.org NA PM March 31, 2019 Eric Johnson City Administrator 14168 Oak Park Boulevard North PO Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007 Dear Mr Johnson, Thanks for your interest and continued support of the Stillwater Amateur Radio Association (SARA). Oak Park Heights has been a wonderful partner for us over the years as we participate in the annual ARRL Field Day event. Autumn Hills Park has been a wonderful venue for us and we look forward to being there again this year. Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio. The Field Day event runs continuously from 1 pm on Saturday June 22 to 4pm on Sunday June 23 and we currently have the shelter reserved. In past years, our group has operated during portions of this period, during normal park operating hours. This year, we would like to increase our operation to the full period of the event. Thus,we are seeking permission to be in the park during the overnight hours. Accommodation we are requesting is to remain on park grounds, including the outdoor portion of the shelter, during normal park closed hours. We would not be seeking access to indoor shelter facilities during this time period, and would plan to lock the facility at closing time Saturday evening, and access the facility at normal opening time on Sunday morning as we have done in past years. During the overnight hours, we would have a small group (4- 6)-of people who would continue to operate the same radio stations that had been operating throughout Saturday. The only significant change for our operation from past years is that we would not be disassembling our radios on Saturday evening 7 of 44 Thanks for considering this request. Please let us know if we can provide any further information. Regards, Robert Jensen Vice President Stillwater Amateur Radio Association 8 of 44 AMIENL- s City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 March 28th,2019 Margaret Anderson Kelliher,Commissioner Minnesota Department of Transportation Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Blvd--Mailstop 100 St.Paul,MN 55155-1899 RE: Request for Reconstruction of Lookout Trail. Dear Commissioner Kelliher, The City Council of City of Oak Park Heights would like to bring to your attention the condition of a MNDOT roadway located in our City entitled Lookout Trail. (See the enclosed location map). This State owned and operated roadway is in a dreadful and patently unsafe condition and is in need of immediate reconstruction. Not only does Lookout Trail serve local traffic,but is also the primary means of accessing the St. Croix River Bridge Historic/Scenic Overlook. Local motorists, school buses. and even pedestrians walking to the State owned and operated Overlook all must navigate this roadway with extreme caution or they will severely damage their vehicles or injure themselves on the failing surfaces.A cursory look at the enclosed images demonstrates these issues.While MNDOT has recently placed some cold-patch,there still are massive craters,crumbing curbs and failed drainage systems on this roadway-all of which will continue to worsen. We of course understand and appreciate that there are always many roadway funding needs, however this roadway has abjectly failed and we would ask that MNDOT take immediate and emergency steps to reconstruct this roadway in 2019. To possibly aid in this effort and to remove this long-term roadway burden from the State, our City has communicated to MNDOT Staff about the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding where the City would be willing to assume this roadway from the State,if and when complete funds are allocated to reconstruct this roadway and add a needed trail way.We hope such an MOU possibility and funding can achieved and perhaps is a matter your office could support and provide further assistance to get a project moving forward. We very much appreciate you taking the time to review and consider the matters we present.Please let us know if you have any questions. V, Kindqeg ds, � Council em er Carl- ti� Y Johnson Maio ary McComber Council Member Mike Liljegren �ouncirMgemSber Zd&Doughe Council Mem r Mike Runk 9 of 44 Sunnyside Port-Sunnyside Club 0 C Scenic Overlddk nr� a i 9s G Si%fair Crossing CM) stranr ' 3Y' k "r. i f y . b .QL o _ ,fir• _ -mall I i 10 of 44 _ � z �1 -1 "e p _ e oft fir e •` y. Y CIO( . un, 'Mm i �Q ca m � K' City of Oak Park Heights Page 1 of 1 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 April 3rd,2019 Governor Tim Walz 130 State Capitol 75 Rev Dr.Markin Luther King Jr.Blvd. St.Paul,MN 55155 Senator Karin Housley, Minnesota Senate-District 39 95 University Avenue W. Minnesota Senate Bldg.,Room 3217 St.Paul,MN 55155 Representative Shelly Christensen Minnesota District 39 B State Office Building St.Paul,MN 55155 RE: Comprehensive Road Funding Dear Governor Walz, Senator Housley and Representative Christensen: The City has adopted Resolution 19-03-20 that offers its support for Comprehensive Road and Transit Funding-please see the enclosed document.We of course acknowledge there are many challenges but also many opportunities to improve our shared transportation systems and this Resolution outlines some of those issues. If we can answe y questions or provide any further information please let us know. nd re s, Eric hnson Ci Administrator 12 of 44 RESOLUTION 19-03-2 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING COMPREHENSIVE ROAD AND TRANSIT FUNDING WHEREAS,all Minnesota communities benefit from a sound,efficient,and adequately funded transportation system that offers diverse modes of travel;and WHEREAS,the integrity of Minnesota's transportation infrastructure is dependent upon long- term planning and ongoing maintenance, both of which require dedicated and sustainable revenue sources;and WHEREAS,current funding for roads,bridges,and transit systems across all government levels in Minnesota is inadequate,and this under-investment diminishes quality of life for Minnesota residents and hinders Minnesota's progress as a national business,economic,and civic leader; and WHEREAS,Minnesota's transportation system is failing to meet the capacity needs necessary to sustain population growth and promote economic development;and WHEREAS,many rural roads are not built to modern safety standards and are not meeting the needs of industries that depend on the ability to transport heavy loads;and WHEREAS,insufficient state funding has delayed regionally significant road construction and reconstruction projects across Minnesota;and WHEREAS,transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvement costs significantly contribute to rising property taxes;and WHEREAS,for every one dollar spent on maintenance,a road authority—and therefore taxpayers save seven dollars in repairs;and WHEREAS,Minnesota contains over 141,000 miles of roadway,and over 22,500 miles—or 16 percent--are owned and maintained by Minnesota's 853 cities;and WHEREAS,almost 85 percent of all municipal streets are not eligible for dedicated Highway User Tax Distribution Fund dollars;and WHEREAS,the more than 700 Minnesota cities with populations below 5,000 are ineligible for dedicated Highway User Tax Distribution Fund dollars, but have benefitted from the creation of the Small Cities Assistance Account;and WHEREAS,city streets are a separate but integral piece of the network of roads supporting movement of people and goods;and WHEREAS,existing funding mechanisms,such as Municipal State Aid(MSA),property taxes, and special assessments,have limited applications,leaving cities under-equipped to address growing needs;and WHEREAS,city cost participation in state and county highway projects diverts resources from city-owned streets;and WHEREAS,maintenance costs increase as mad systems age,and no city—large or small—is spending enough on roadway capital improvements to maintain a 50-year lifecycle;and 13 of 44 a " WHEREAS,cities need greater resources,including an additional dedicated state funding source for transportation.and flexible policies to meet growing demands for street improvements and maintenance. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF Oak,Park Heights that this Council requests that the Minnesota Legislature pass and Governor Tim Walz sign a comprehensive and balanced transportation funding package that permanently increases dedicated funding for transportation;and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council defines a comprehensive and balanced transportation funding package as an initiative that permanently increases dedicated funding for stage and local road and transit systems in Greater Minnesota and the Metropolitan Area. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Council requests an omnibus transportation funding bill that provides additional dedicated state funding for city streets;including funding that can be used for non-MSA city street maintenance,construction,and reconstruction. This Resolution is hereby adopted by the City Council for the City Of Oak Park Heights on March 261,2019. Signed: Mayor AOry McComber A est: f r CIC Inson, City dministrator 14 of 44 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., P.O. Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 April 2,2019 To: Eric Johnson,City Administrator From: Brian DeRosier,Chief of Police Subject: Police Activity Report—March 2019 This overview report is the activity of the Oak Park Heights Police Department during the month of March 2019. Officers responded to and generated 2,341 calls for service in the City of Oak Park Heights during the month. The department responded to many incidents during the month. This is a summary/sampling of some of the cases we responded to and investigated: 1. Arrested female on narcotics warrant, possession of syringe/suspect narcotics,and theft. 2. Cited suspect for speed 90 in 60mph zone 36 @ SW Blvd. 3. Welfare check of male. He was found laying on floor after officer climbed through 2"d floor window to gain access. 4. Arrested suspect with Dept.of Corrections Warrant out of WI who was hiding in hotel room under assumed name. Found in possession of drugs and stolen credit cards. S. Arrested suspect in a stolen vehicle from St Paul while owner was using live tracking feature on their cell phone. Suspect was also felon in possession of firearm. 6. Suspect charged after incident with stolen vehicle and false information to police. 7. Investigated rollover crash in the SW High School parking lot. Suspect teen careless driving. 8. Responded to male endangering himself and others on the bridge trying to catch a possum which walked out onto the bridge. Male was chasing animal around with a bag. Monitored flood predictions during month. Only minor affect expected in the city at the marina, MN treatment facility,and Excel who had all taken individual preventative measures. No public infrastructure affected. PW took preventative measures with storm sewer in marina area. We provided security for Andersen Windows at their stock holder meeting. They were invoiced for the costs. 15 of 44 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., P.O. Pox 2007 Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 1 along with Sgt's Givand and Vierling met with the Boutwells emergency manager to review the facility and their incident plans. I wrote and implemented sexual assault investigation policy. The policy is in line with past practice but is a formal policy reflecting the practice and guidance for officers. There has been and are expected to be further legislative and POST mandates in this area in the future. I along with Sgt's Givand and Vierling met with representative of a security provider that supplies banks, pharmacies,and other retailers in the city with GPS tracking devices in the event of robbery. This provides us with the ability to track the suspects live at the time of theft with a mapping application that is available on our squad car computers. We will also have a device to use for the PD in proactive enforcement efforts such as package thefts,thefts from construction sites, bike thefts etc. Met with the city attorney's office who has put in place electronic receipt of digital evidence. This allows us to transfer video, photos,documents etc.electronically to them rather than having to burn the data to DVD's. We are now 100%electronic with the City Attorney's Office. We provided a tour to local scout troop. There were several SWAT callouts during the month in other jurisdictions. All handled without incident. We had 7 days during the month where we were at full staff due to vacations,sick leave and training. Officers attended training courses during the month: 1. All Officers received training on child protection issues. 2. Inv. Paradise attended refresher training on restraining"edp"students. 3. Sgt Givand,Vierling and Inv. Paradise attended refresher training on sexual assault interviewing. 4. Entire department received live scenario use of force/escalation/de-escalation incidents. 5. Officers Hicks,Schroeder, &Tennessen attended field sobriety training as the"suspects".They drank to provide themselves the experience of reaching a known level of alcohol and the impairment effects for their knowledge when enforcing alcohol related incidents. They were tested by other officers receiving the field sobriety testing training. Chief DeRosier 16 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Brian DeRosier Sent: Wednesday,April 3, 2019 1:49 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Re:Siren Tests We had the first official weather siren test of the season today.The siren at 615*& Lookout is blowing but not spinning so I have placed a service call. No estimated time for repair yet. Brian DeRosier Chief of Police/Emergency Manager Oak Park Heights Police Dept. 14168 Oak Park Blvd No. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 651-439-4723 Those that have the ability to right a wrong,have the responsibility to. 17 of 44 1 CM METRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities March 25, 2019 Eric Johnson, City Administrator City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-6476 Dear Eric: Each year Metro Cities hosts an Annual Meeting at which city staff and officials have an opportunity to connect with peers from other metropolitan area cities, hear from notable speakers, and elect members and officers to the Board of Directors. This year's Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday,April 2411 at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, beginning at 5:30 pm. Our guest speakers this year are Briana Bierschbach of Minnesota Public Radio and Peter Callaghan of MinnPost, who will share their insights and perspectives on state politics and the legislative session. Please see the attached flier for details, including the nominations for the Board of Directors. We have included a copy to post for city staff, as well as copies for your elected officials. Please note there is no cost to attend; we simply ask that you RSVP by April 12th We look forward to seeing you on April 24t'! Sincerely, Patricia Nauman Executive Director Metro Cities 145 Lln4M#Ave W• St.Paul,MN 55103-2044 0 Phone(651)215-4000 0 Fax(651)281-1299 9 www.MetroCitiesMN.org 2019 Metro Cities An, ua ee i * 9 I4'editesday, April 21 201-15 5.34 pm - Social Hour with Ligl-+- - �' ° ����� � 9 r k 6:34 pm - Guest Speakers 7:00 pm - Metro Cities Business Meeting {Board Guest Speakers Briana Bierschbach, Political Reporter, MPR News Briana Bierschbach is a veteran political reporter who coN,ers state politics grad campaigns with Minnesota Public Radio and has previously worked for the Associated Press, Politics in Minnesota, and MinnPost. Ms. Bierschbach was named a top Minnesota political journalist by the Washington Post and was the Society of Professional Jour .alists° 2015 Young r, Journalist of theYear. She also teaches a cr,ur-se in state governing at the University of Minnesota's 1-1um6'rr•ey School of Public Affairs. ■ • . y Peter Callaghan, Political Reporter, MinnPost Peter Callaghan is an experienced political journalist who covers r, state government foam MinnPost. Mr. Callaghan previorrsly covered public policy and politics at newspapers in Washington state as well as the Associated Press in Idaho. Mr. Callaghan has also worked at the News Tribune in Tacoma, where _u was at various times a political reporter; state house reporter; editorial page columnist, ,and Iota ;,aluninist. rr r r r r • • 1 This is a grea rr cities d elect membersand officers to the Board. Both elected officials and welcomestaff are r r i but please RSVP by April r Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or r r r - r Metro Cities News 4/5/19 Page 1 of 5 CMETRO CITIES Member Login 8 c;a-^-c p4 politan MuiftiaeG3es Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the Wog Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 4/5/19 by.Kimberly Ciarrocchi I Wed Apr 24,2019 category:Newsletter Metro Cities Annual Meetino Cetepo,y:Mmn!Meetino Thu Apr25,2019 Apr I MAMA Luncheon 05 In This Issue: CategoryMAMA View Full Calendar Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! Third Committee Deadline Approaching Announcements House Capital Investment Committee Discusses Bonding Proposals Senate Transportation Hears Part of Governor's Transportation Budget The 2019 Metro Cities Annual House Transportation Bill Meeting is a great opportunity to Senate.House Release Housing Budget Proposals connect with your peers from House and Senate Jobs Bills other member cities and elect Contractor Bili Awaits Floor Action members and officers to the Board of Directors.This year's MinnPost Minnesota Cities Population-Size Bracket Quiz event will be held at the Como Bills of Note Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Room on Wednesday,April 24th.Both elected officials and staff are welcome and encouraged to attend!This year's speakers will Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! be Briana Bierschbach of Minnesota Public Radio and Peter Mark your calendars and RSVP today for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!This year's event will be held Callaghan of MinnPost. on Wednesday,April 24 at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium. 5:30 pm-Social Hour We're pleased to announce that this year's speakers are Briana Bierschbach of MPR News and Peter 6:30 pm.Guest Speakers Callaghan of MinnPost.The evening will start with a social hour,followed by our guest speakers,and 7:00 pm-Metro Cities Business will wrap up with a brief business meeting to elect members and officers to the Board of Directors. Meeting(Board Elections) All member city staff and elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend.There is no cost but There is no cost for elected we do ask that you RSVP by April 12 If you plan to attend.Click'o-,7 to view the event flyer. officials and staff of member titles to attend,but we do ask that PLEASE NOTE:Postcards went out this week that stated in error that the meeting is on Thursday, you RSVP by April 12th to Kimberly either via phone(651- however,the meeting is on Wednesday.Our apologies for the confusion-we hope to see you all on 215-4000)or Wednesday,April 24! View full flyer For questions or to RSVP,contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or kimberiv(glmetrocitiesmn.org_ Third Committee Deadline Approaching The legislative schedule has been robust as the Legislature approaches its third committee deadline for finance related bills.Ommibus bilis across areas of the state budget have been released and debated and public testimony taken.Metro Cities is monitoring and responding to provisions in several omnibus bills,including jobs,housing,environment,transportation and taxes.The House Taxes Committee will release its omnibus tax bill on Monday morning,April 8,with a walk-through and public testimony on Tuesday and consideration of committee amendments on Wednesday. 20 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view--entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 4/5/19 Page 2 of 5 Our Tweets House Capital Investment Committee Discusses Bonding Proposals Tweets by @MetroCitiesMN The House Capital Investment Committee met this week to prioritize projects for a possible bonding bill.On Tuesday,Chair Murphy asked committee members(and audience members)to get in groups ,Wit Metrocities and create a$875 million bonding proposal.The Chair collected the proposals for consideration.Metro @MetroCitesMN Cities is advocating for$10 million for metro area inflow-infiltration mitigation through a capital Senate Ag&Housing committee appropriation. budget also includes$30M for broadband.#mnleg Historically,capital investment bills are appropriated in even numbered years,however,the Legislature Apr 3,2019 has passed capital investment bills each session for the last several years.Representative Urdahl,the minority lead,expressed reticence for a capital investment bill in this odd numbered year. Metro cities @MetroCitiesMN Governor Walz has recommended a$1.27 billion bonding bili this year. Senate Ag&Housing committee passes budget which cuts Challenge Program by$3.5M and Was not fund state match for Senate Transportation Hears Part of Governor's Transportation Budget local housing trust funds. Includes$1.5M forwo*Force This week the Senate Transportation Committee heard SF 21,,0 that includes revenues proposed in the homeownership program.Amnleg Governor's transportation budget recommendations.These include a proposed 20 cent gas tax Apr 3,2019 increase,registration tab changes and Motor Vehicle Sales Tax(MVST)increases.The Governor's proposed 1/8 cent sales tax for metropolitan regional transit was also added by amendment.To view the governor's full transportation budget bill,click ,ere. embed Mew on Twitter Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Metropolitan Council Chair Nora Slawik testified in support of the Governors recommendations.Committee Chair Scott Newman selected a small number of transportation advocates to testify,with others asked to provide written testimony, including Metro Cities and other city organizations.Some committee members expressed concern at the lack of public testimony and the Chair's decision to consider only a portion of the Governor's transportation budget bill.The bill failed on a roll call vote of 9-6,with one senator abstaining.For more information on the Governors Transportation Budget,click Metro Cities supports a comprehensive,multi-modal transportation system and supports stable and enough statewide transportation funding and expanded local tools to meet the street and transit system needs of the region and local systems.Metro Cities has stated its support of the Municipal State Aid Street funding,funding for transit operating and capital costs,and the funding allocation for Metro Mobility included in the Governor's proposal,and provided a letter to the committee stating the organization's positions. House Transportation Bill The House Transportation committee has released and completed work on an Omnibus Transportation Bill,HF1'F"-Homstein.The committee began with an overview of the bill,followed by public testimony earlier this week.The bill includes a 20 cent increase to the gas tax that would be phased in 5 cents per year over four years and would generate$612 million over the biennium.The bill also makes changes to the vehicle registration tab depreciation schedule to generate$480 million over the biennium,as well as an increase to the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax(MVST)from 6.5%to 6.875%that would generate$88 million for the biennium for transit.These increases would also provide$473 million for the biennium to the Municipal State Aid(MSA)system and is$53 million over base funding.$300 million for Corridors of Commerce are also included in this bill.Revenues generated by auto parts sales tax and rental tax that were statutorily dedicated to transportation last session are reallocated to the General Fund in this bill,and account for$351 million in revenues for this biennium. In addition to the new funding from MUST,the House bill includes additional new funding for transit. The bill proposes a new Twin Cities Metro area transportation sales tax that will generate$395 million per year.These funds would be appropriated to the Metropolitan Council and be split evenly between the regional transit system and the Transportation Advisory Board(TAB).The TAB would be directed to distribute 30%to transit,30%to roadway grants,and 10%to non-motorized grants,and could allocate the remaining 30%to the three modal types.The bill also includes a provision to fund Metro Mobility through the general fund,which would provide$150 million over the biennium. The bill calls for a reallocation of Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax(MVLST)funds and would now allocate 75%of these funds to metro counties,including Hennepin and Ramsey.Hennepin would receive an amount based on 20%of its population,while Ramsey would receive an amount based on 21 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view—entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 4/5/19 Page 3 of 5 35%of its population.This provision also dedicates 15%of MVLST revenue to the Small Cities Assistance account,which is an amount of$21 million for the biennium. This legislation also allocates$10 million for reimbursements to deputy registrars for costs incurred due to the MNLARS rollout and includes an increase to filing fees.A policy change is included that will allow cities to change speed limits on residential roadways.Residential roadways would now mean a city street or town road that is either less than one-half mile in total length,or in an area zoned exclusively for housing that is not a collector or arterial street. Metro Cities testified in support of provisions Included in the legislation and supports the increased funding to Municipal State Aid(MSA),dedicated funding to the Small Cities Assistance account, regional transit funding increases,and funding for deputy registrar reimbursements. The bill was passed on a vote of 11-5 and was moved to the Ways and Means Committee with a recommendation it be referred to the Tax Committee.To view the bill spending spreadsheet,click To view a spreadsheet illustrating impacts to MVST,Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax&Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Sales Tax,click Senate,House Release Housing Budget Proposals The House's proposed budget for housing passed the Housing Committee this week.The bill spends $26 million more in housing than the 201 B-19 budget Change items from the 2018-19 state budget include: • $4 million increase for the Challenge Program; $7 million in state matching dollars for investments in local housing trust funds; • $2 million for the workforce homeownership program;and • changes to priorities for how the state awards tax exempt bonds The Senate housing budget also passed out of the Senate's Housing committee,with no changes in overall housing spending.Change items from the 2018-19 budget include: $3.5 million cut to the Challenge Program; $5 million for manufactured home park infrastructure; $500,000 for housing infrastructure grants; $1.5 million for the workforce homeownership program; • $1 million cut to the affordable rental investment fund; • $1 million cut to the rental rehab loan program; consolidation of homeownership capacity grant programs and$1.3 million cut;and • removing MN Housing's 31%tax exempt bond set-aside for single family housing down payment assistance. Metro Cities provided comments to both bills,noting current city action around planning for current and future housing needs,local investments and policy changes to support investments in housing,and support for additional state funds to meet locally-identified needs.Both bills will be heard by finance committees next week before floor votes. Other state investments In housing await action by the Taxes committees(state tax credit contribution fund)and Capital Investment committees(housing infrastructure bonds and general obligation bonds). Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or charlie p0metrocitiesmn.or;,with any questions. House and Senate Jobs Bills The House Jobs Committee passed its DEED budget this week.It includes cuts to both the Minnesota Investment Fund and Job Creation Fund. Under the base budget,MIF would be funded at$25 million in FY20-21 and JCF at$16 million.The House bill,as amended,funds MIF at$13.9 million and JCF at$13.5 million.$2 million from the MIF appropriation would be dedicated to a paper mill project in Duluth.The redevelopment grant and demolition loan program did not receive proposed funding.Metro Cities testified to the importance of all three programs to jobs and local tax bases. The Senate Jobs Committee released its proposed budget Friday,April 5.It includes the base funding levels for MIF($25 million)and JCF($16 million),with three projects receiving$3.1 million in direct appropriations under the MIF budget.There are no direct appropriations for the redevelopment grant 22 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 4/5/19 Page 4 of 5 and demolition loan program,however,bill language allows MIF funds to be transferred internally at DEED to fund redevelopment grants.The committee will hear testimony on the bill April 8. The Senate jobs bill also includes the '_:jr oreemotion language that would prohibit local governments, including cities,from enacting ordinances that set local minimum wages,require paid or unpaid leave time,or provide for employee scheduling requirements.Metro Cities'policies generally oppose efforts to undermine or preempt local authority and testified against this legislation earlier this session. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or chariie metrocitiesmn.oi with any questions. Contractor Bill Awaits Floor Action The Senate version of a bill, Kiffmeyer,prescribing a process for applicants to receive an estimate of costs from a city contractor was amended and received approval by the State Government Finance Committee on April 4.Both bills now have identical language prescribing the process for applicants and cities.Metro Cities does not believe the bill is necessary as the process prescribed in the legislation is not prohibited and is practiced at the local level.The Senate and House bills have passed committees and awalt floor votes in both bodies. MinnPost Minnesota Cities Population-Size Bracket Quiz It may be too late to fill out a March Madness Bracket,but you can still fill out MinnPost's population-size bracket guiz!Just for fun,Minnesota's sixty-four most populous cities are squared off in a single elimination tournament bracket.For each pairing,click the city you think has the larger population.The correct answer will be revealed and the city with the higher population"advances"to the next round.Good luck! Bills of Note HF 2765.Brand:Bill amends certain requirements governing the corridors of commerce program and appropriates$300,000,000 to the program. HF 2767•Hausman:Bill adds the use of housing infrastructure bonds for housing stabilization projects, authorizes bonds and appropriates money. HF 2770.Daudt:Bill increases local government aid payments to cities discontinuing operation of municipal liquor stores and requires municipal liquor stores that were established before 2019 to seek voter approval to continue operations. HF 2786.Hornstein/ ,Pappas:Bill appropriates money for transportation management organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. HF 2793.Sandstede:Bill allows a municipal utility modification without approval of voters HF 2808•Elkins:Bill appropriates money for grants to cities to improve website accessibility. BE2M%Youakim:Bill provides additional financing of metropolitan area transit and paratransit capital expenditures. SF 2758.Newman:Bill modifies motor fuels tax,vehicle registration tax,and motor vehicle sales tax. SF 2777•Cwodzinski:Bill requires property tax statements to separately list property taxes attributable to each special taxing district. SF 2705•Chamberlain:Bill amends the requirements for imposition and use of local sales and use taxes.The bill says that cities can only disseminate information about a new tax if It includes a detailed description of capital projects that will be funded with the tax. Share this post: Metro Cities(Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) y� 145 University Ave W.Suite 126 St.Paul,MN 55103 651-215-4000 Back to top 23 of 44 haps://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 4/5/19 Page 5 of 5 P—ed by Q dada 24 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 4/5/2019 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Friday,April 5, 2019 1:37 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:CUC legislative updates-April 5, 2019 For weekly notes ----Original Message---- From: Shane A. Zahrt<SAZahrt@flaherty-hood.com> Sent: Fri, Apr 5, 2019 1:33 pm Subject: CUC legislative updates-April 5, 2019 CUC members: Below are two important updates from the Capitol on CUC issues. CUC Host Community Grant Program amended into Senate Energy Omnibus Bill Many of your communities passed resolutions earlier this month in support of SF 1888/HF 1919, CUC's initiative which would create the"Community Energy Transition"grant program. The program would be administered by DEED and would allow host communities to apply for grants to assist them in responding to the impacts of plant retirements. While it took some time for the proposal to gain traction at the legislature, we were eventually able to obtain a hearing on the bill in the Senate Energy Committee on March 21 at. Oak Park Heights Mayor Mary McComber and Becker City Administrator Greg Pruszinske testified in support of the bill at that hearing. While the hearing was generally positive, the bill was not initially included in the Senate's Omnibus Energy Finance bill when the omnibus bill was rolled out earlier this week. However, with the help of Senator Andrew Mathews, Senator Karin Housley, and Senator Dave Osmek,we were able to keep the prospects for the program alive by amending it into the omnibus bill, SF 1632, although at a lower appropriation amount. You can find the latest version of the bill by clicking HERE. The relevant language is at lines 37.10 through 40.17. We still have work to do to ensure that all communities can benefit. The language of the amendment that was adopted would limit eligibility for the grants to communities within Xcel Energy's service territory. The bill will soon head to the Senate Finance Committee,where there is an active effort to amend the bill once again to ensure that all host communities are eligible to participate.We will keep members posted as this bill proceeds. CUC's Administrative Process Reform Bill—CUC member requested next week As members are aware, we are also actively working on SF 1901/1-117 1856, which would make changes to the Department of Revenue's administrative appeals process for state assessed property in hopes of making that process more accessible to local governments.We have asked the Department of Revenue to convene another meeting to discuss next steps, and they have offered April 10th, 11th,or 12th to discuss next steps. For CUC members that have been involved in that discussion, please let me know if you have a preference as to which date would be preferable to you. Thank you Shane A. Zahrt Attorney/Lobbyist Flaherty&Hood, P.A. Office: (651)225-8840 Cell: (651)295-1123 Fax: (651)225-9088 1 25 of 44 MAOSC Legislative Update—April 1,2019 Second Legislative Deadline The second policy committee deadline passed last Friday, March 29. House and Senate spending targets were announced,and the outlines of major tax and finance legislation began coming into clearer view as omnibus bills are put together.The deadline for the money bills to pass out of committee is April 12.Spring break April 13-22 will empty the legislative chambers and committee rooms, followed by lengthy daily floor sessions as May 20`h looms for the constitutional deadline to adjourn the 2019 session. New Gold Sponsor.- Oberloh ponsor.Oberloh&Oberloh,Ltd. MAOSC is pleased to welcome Oberloh&Oberloh,Ltd.certified public accountants as a new Gold Sponsor.Located in Redwood Falls,the firm was established in 1986 and has experience in auditing,governmental auditing,taxation,management advisory services and accounting services.The firm has been auditing local governments and performing single audits since 1986. Dennis and his daughter Sara Oberloh are partners,and both are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)and the Minnesota Society of CPAs.Dennis graduated from Mankato State(now Minnesota State-Mankato)and became licensed with the state Board of Accountancy in 1981.Sara is a graduate of St.Cloud State University with a BS in Accounting,and the University of Phoenix with an MS in Accounting.Full time with the firm since 2002,Sara became licensed in 2018. Oberloh&Oberloh is committed to achieving the highest quality audit possible.The firm receives a Quality Review every three years performed by Brady Martz&Associates,P.C. For more information,please visit: www.oberlohcoa.com MAOSC Board to meet April 12 The MAOSC Board of Directors will be meeting at the Oak Park Heights City Hall,14168 Oak Park Blvd.N,Oak Park Heights, MN 55082,at Friday,April 12,10 am.The major item on the agenda will be review of the Request for Proposal review and interview process for Contract Services.The meeting is expected to continue into the early afternoon after a lunch break.As always, representatives of MAOSC member cities are welcome and encouraged to attend this important meeting. Please contact Interim Director John Douville at MAOSC.2019(Mgmail.com if you are planning to attend. MAOSC seeks Board applicants Applications to fill current MAOSC Board of Directors vacancies are now being accepted.Applications will be considered at the April 12 Board meeting.Applicants are urged to indicate their willingness to serve as a Board Director as soon as possible.With one of the vacancies designated as At-Large,any interested MAOSC member from across the entire state is eligible for an open seat,as well as two specific regions in need of Board representation. The specifics related to all three Board vacancies,including the regional seats service territories and length of term are listed here: https://www.maosc.ors/index.aso?SEC=7E7B2839-6BD1-4666-AOAE-B71412354A30&Tvi3e=B BASIC To be eligible for election and to serve as a Director of the MAOSC,a person shall be an elected or appointed official of a member city,or working with a regional group of cities where at least one(1)of the cities is a member of the MAOSC.At least one year of experience serving your current member city is strongly preferred. Please contact Mary McComber for more information by calling her at 651-351-7879,or via email at marvmccombe[agol.com. House LGA-property tax plan The$30.6 million annual increase in Local!Government Aid (LGA)proposed by Governor Tim Walz is included in the House Property Tax Division proposal amended to HF 2348(Loeffler DFL-Minneapolis).As currently proposed,the LGA hike would not include substantial changes in the formula calculations.However,proposals to broaden LGA eligibility taken from existing benefitting cities and other possible formula changes are expected to be considered by the division or full House Taxes committee. 26 of 44 Another major component of Division report would expand the current 40 percent Agricultural School Building Bond credit to 70 percent of levy,costing$30 million in FY 2020-21 and more than$81 million in the following biennium.The property tax relief to stressed farmers across the state would tangentially impact cities located in school districts with major agricultural components by providing some overall property tax rate relief. Several regional and local provisions that benefit specific member cities are included in the Division report.Cities with border city enterprise zones receive an additional$1 million annually for tax reductions,allocated on a per capita basis.Authority for local sales tax increases are provided to Avon,Perham and Scanlon,among other communities.A grant and tax abatement related to the 2018 fire in Mazeppa also is included in the proposal. The work of the House Property Tax Division is expected to wrap up today(April 1)after consideration of amendments,and the division report will then move to the full Taxes Committee for further consideration. Amended HF 2348 summary: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/docsJ261199f7-4f4f-48e0-9041-22e4e8a0dlb6.ndf Increase in LGA city run,as proposed: https:/Iwww.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/issinfo/Isa20h2348DEl.r)df Residential Speed Limits When it comes to speed limits in city residential neighborhoods,the times may be changing.For several years,a variety of bilis giving municipalities greater flexibility on residential streets—or side streets in common parlance—have been debated and typically shot down.MnDOT has consistently argued for continuing statewide uniformity,and insisted on speed studies on more heavily traveled arterials when local pressure for reducing speeds have forced consideration.Those speed studies rarely recommend a reduction,and on occasion have resulted in posting higher speeds to ensure more uniform speeds in the traffic flow. This year,MnDOT has watched closely as two differing measures related to local control over residential speeds have received hearings,but the department's opposition has been less vocal. HF 1777(Elkins DFL-Bloomington)would expand the limited "residential roadway"definition eligible for local changes to be expanded considerably applicable to streets zoned entirely as residential that are not a connector or arterial street.The bill has uncommon support out of the gate with 18 House co-authors. A somewhat different approach aimed toward a similar goal is contained in SF 2154(Dibble DFL-Minneapolis),which was amended and discussed thoroughly in Senate committee last week.As amended,the bill would only apply to first class cities-Minneapolis,St. Paul, Rochester and Duluth—all having indicated strong support for allowing local decisions over the side streets speed limits.After some discussion about the potential to broaden the change to statewide rather than only the four largest cities,the committee held over the bill for further consideration in the omnibus bill.Further debate is expected. If a change providing more local control is approved,cities very likely will need to post signs when making any change from the standard state 30 mph residential speed limit,and significant efforts to publicize changes would be necessary. Crime forfeiture bill moves Striking a balance between due process for return of forfeited property seized in criminal activities and ensuring public safety has prompted substantial debate and proposals for reform.Currently,the state provides for an administrative forfeiture process that opponents have characterized as penalizing too many mostly poor citizens who are not involved in crimes that have resulted in forfeiture of cash or property.Criminal forfeiture with stronger limits on sharing proceeds locally and elimination of administrative forfeiture is proposed in SF 2155(Newman R-Hutchinson)and HF 1971(DFL-St.Paul).Both bills have an initial approval in their respective Judiciary committees,and are now under consideration in the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees. Strong opposition to the bills has been expressed by law enforcement agencies,and MAOSC is among city groups voicing concerns. MAOSC submitted written testimony last week to the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee: "Consistent with our 2019 Safe Communities policy platform,MAOSC would like to make the committee aware of our public safety and administrative concerns regarding SF 2155.MAOSC respects appropriate due process that provides local law enforcement the ability to remove a criminal's access to the instrumentalities(i.e.either cash or real/personal property),to prevent the perpetuation of repeat and serious crimes impacting public safety of the public...MAOSC represents cities under 5,000 that have extremely limited staff and legal contracting time available to devote to the additional administrative aspects envisioned within this legislation,"MAOSC testified."We urge you to support a fair approach that strikes an appropriate balance between private property concerns and the essential responsibility to protect the public's safety." 27 of 44 Election security deal still evasive Minnesota was the only state not to access federal grant dollars from 2018 intended to help with election cyber security.The state still can't access the Help America Vote Act(NAVA)funds as the House and Senate conference committee on HF 14 has not reached an agreement since convening nearly a month ago. The House version of the bill would provide the full$6.6 million available for cyber security in the current fiscal year.The Senate version meters out only an initial$1.5 million,and requires the Secretary of State to develop a report on possible inactive voters who registered on Election Day and potentially were not eligible to legally vote.Both versions of the bill would retroactively credit state expenditures on election security efforts to meet a required 5 percent state match. htt[)s:/Lwww.house.leg-state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/13718 Shadow over child care efforts Easing the child care shortage and high prices,grant programs that pay for construction,renovations and other costs of child care providers across the entire state appear to be a priority for legislators this year.Complicating the process are allegations of fraud that led to inconclusive determinations by the Legislative Auditor in a report released last month.Some fraud in the Child Care Assistance Program(CCAP)has been charged by prosecutors,but the extent of the problem is not easily determined. The efforts to bolster state child care opportunities have been somewhat overshadowed by the greater emphasis on anti-fraud measures. Revisions to the original budget submitted by Gov.Walz scaled back new CCAP funding in FY 2022-23 from$90.6 million to a still-substantial$51 million.The governor also supports some measures to prevent and investigate child care funding fraud. Access to childcare and lack of affordable housing in many small cities across the state are paired as"Workforce Essentials" in the MAOSC legislative platform. Legislative Auditor's report:https://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/sreview/ccap-S)df https://www.minnoost.com/eood-iobs/2019/03/how-the-ccao-fraud-report-is-shaping-the-debate-over-addressing minnesotas child-care-shortage Mayors group to meet April 26-27 Economic development for the 21st century is the forward-looking theme for the Minnesota Mayors Association(MMA)2019 Annual Conference set for Stillwater and Oak Park Heights April 26-27. Hosted by MMA President Mary McComber,the conference will tackle the emerging questions of how do an evolving economy,need for new skills and the childcare shortage impact Minnesota cities?Registration is now open for the conference with availability for regular attendees,first-time attendees,guests of attendees and sponsor patrons. For more information,see:https://www.Imc.ore/page/1/2019MMA.4sp?ssl=true -END- 28 of 44 MAOSC MARCH FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE: Congress remains in session this week following a busy legislative schedule in late February and March. Three significant developments highlight this recent legislative period.A major public lands package called the Natural Resources Management Act passed on March 12 (analysis below).Both houses and parties in Congress rebuked President Trump's National Emergency Declaration. And work on fiscal year 2020 appropriations is underway with a compressed calendar due to the government shutdown. Committees have begun to analyze major policy priorities including lowering drug prices, investing in infrastructure, and raising the federal government's budget caps. UNITED STATES SENATE: Major Conservation Bill Signed Into Law President Trump signed the Natural Resources Management Act into law last month, capping a bipartisan effort to update the nation's public lands laws that had spanned multiple Congressional sessions. The law was praised by Congressional Leaders on both sides of the aisle as a historic investment in American natural resources.The law's most prominent feature is a permanent reauthorization of the popular Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The bill also included provisions to reroute and extend the North Country Scenic Trail and resolve a land management issue in Voyageurs National Park,priorities of Minnesota lawmakers led by Senator Amy Klobuchar(D-MN). The Natural Resources Management Act passed the House by a vote of 363-62, and the Senate by a vote of 92-8. Negotiations Underway for Child Nutrition Reauthorization House and Senate lawmakers are beginning work on a child nutrition program reauthorization bill,the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture,Nutrition,and Forestry Committee said. "We're just at a point where we're just beginning the conversation," Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)told reporters in March. Child nutrition programs,which include the federal school lunch program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC,have not been reauthorized in nearly 10 years. UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Budget and Appropriations Process Underway following earlier delay Due to the government shutdown in the early part of the year,the federal budget and normal appropriations process has only recently started. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate released their Budget proposals for Fiscal Year(FY) 2020.The budget proposals for FY2020 set out the total amount of discretionary spending that can be allocated to domestic and defense programs by Congressional Appropriators. The main conflict over the current budget is regarding the current budget caps,put in place under the Budget Control Act(Public Law 112-25),which without a bipartisan agreement to raise the caps, would significantly limit total domestic and defense spending in FY2020. Senate Budget Chairman Mike Enzi's (R-WY)budget proposal calls for a 9 percent cut to non- defense discretionary spending, leaving it at the spending cap level of$542 billion. That's down 29 of 44 from the current level of$597 billion. The Senate Budget Committee passed its version of the proposal in late March. While the resolution lists the Budget Control Act spending levels, Chairman Enzi has said on a number of occasions he expects a deal to raise the caps to significantly higher levels. House Budget Chairman John Yarmuth's(D-KY)budget proposal would raise the budget caps under the Budget Control Act(Public Law 112-25). The proposal to raise the budget caps takes the place of a full budget resolution for fiscal 2020,which Chairman Yarmuth declined to pursue after struggling to gain a consensus in his Committee around spending levels.House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey(D NY)urged her colleagues to support the measure, saying it would provide a reasonable framework for appropriators to start work. President Trump's fiscal 2020 budget request called for the caps to stay in place. Under the proposal, lawmakers would use$174 billion in contingency funds to provide$750 billion in defense spending,while cutting nondefense spending by 9 percent. Earmarks Not Returning for the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Cycle After months of publicly considering the idea to bring back earmarks to the appropriations process, leadership in the House of Representatives decided against the change.Although the return of Congressionally Directed Spending had the support of the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, as well as the leadership of the House Majority,the move was ultimately avoided in March.House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey(D- NY)wrote that"unfortunately,there is currently not the necessary bipartisan, bicameral agreement to allow the Appropriations Committee to earmark," in a letter to her colleagues. Earmarks,which allow Members of Congress to direct spending to specific projects, often in their own districts,have been informally banned in the House since 2011. House and Senate Explore Funding Options for Infrastructure Package In March,the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing exploring federal revenue options to improve America's infrastructure, featuring testimony from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO). In his opening remarks, Chairman DeFazio emphasized the significant role the Ways and Means Committee plays in passing a comprehensive infrastructure bill and advocated for a number of revenue-boosting tools including raising the federal gas tax.Ranking Member Graves later stated that the federal gas tax is outdated and is no longer a viable long-term solution. Instead, Graves endorsed legislation to implement a`Vehicle Miles Traveled'program,which would be a federal pilot program exploring the implementation of fees based on miles traveled. In the upper chamber, Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY), who is most likely to lead the push for a public works bill in the Senate, said a broad infrastructure package is not his top priority in the coming year. The Chairman said"Number one is highway infrastructure." Senator Barrasso said he is instead focused on a surface transportation reauthorization bill. "We're talking basically highway infrastructure,roads, bridges, highway,"he said. The Ranking Member Tom Carper(D-DE) said the Committee will approve a public works package by July 2019. The current surface authorization legislation, referred to as the FAST Act, expires at the end of 2020. Senator Carper said the Committee will hold hearings on draft legislation this spring. Senator Carper and Chairman Barrasso are currently gathering input from other senators to help in advance of drafting the bill. 30 of 44 Congressman Peterson Introduces Bill to Support Sole Community Hospitals Congressman Collin Peterson(D-MN-07) introduced a bill last month to support hospitals in small cities and rural areas across the country. The Rural Hospital Frontier Fairness Act would provide Sole Community Hospitals with increased funding to hire staff and expands the 340b Drug Pricing Program to help these facilities afford medications. Congressman Peterson, along with the bill's Republican co-sponsor Scott Tipton(R-CO), introduced the same bill in the 115'' Congress but garnered little support. The Rural Hospital Frontier Fairness Act has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well the Ways and Means Committee where it awaits review. "This legislation will help several Minnesota hospitals attract and retain needed staff,"said Congressman Peterson. "Moreover,they can use their savings from the 340b program to expand their facilities, offer new services, or in many cases, simply keep their doors open." Congresswoman Craig Introduces Bill to Address Water Pollution Congresswoman Angie Craig(D-MN-02) introduced a bill in late February to reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Congresswoman Craig's Local Water Protection Act would reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency's successful Section 319 Grant Program and increase the grant funding level to$200 million per fiscal year. Section 319 grants can be used by state and local governments for technical assistance, financial assistance, education,training,technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and has already received a hearing. The bill is cosponsored by Congressman Brian Mast(R-FL).Previous Section 319 have been used by a number of Minnesota local governments to reduce nonpoint source pollution in recent years. WHITE HOUSE AND ADMINISTRATION: President's Budget for Fiscal Year 2020 Released Following Month-Long Delay President Trump released his fiscal year 2020 budget proposal on March 11,requesting increases to defense spending and $8.6 billion for border fencing while proposing a 9 percent cut to non- defense discretionary spending and trillions of dollars of cuts in the next decade to mandatory spending including Medicaid and Medicare. The full details of the budget were released by the White House on March 18. Selected highlights from the budget are cited below: • Investments in Rural America: USDA's Rural Development branch is targeted for a 12 percent cut, with a number of rural housing and economic development programs being completely cut. That includes funding for home repairs or direct home ownership loans for low-income families; initiatives to help farm workers find housing; and programs to preserve affordable housing in rural areas and help low-income residents pay rent. • Addressing the Opioids Crisis: One area where the proposed budget increases federal funding is for programs addressing the opioids crisis,a priority of rural governments across America.President Trump has recommended $25 million in new funds to address the opioids crisis and$2.1 billion in new funding for health center programs and public health research. White House Announces New American Broadband Initiative The White House,the Department of Agriculture(USDA), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced last month the American Broadband Initiative, a coordinated federal interagency strategy to increase broadband access.A 31 of 44 report released by the USDA includes recommendations that fall into three major categories: streamlining federal permitting processes for broadband infrastructure,using federal property to lower the cost of broadband deployment, and maximizing the effectiveness of federal broadband funds. Rural places, many of which are located in and around the approximately 30 percent of American lands owned by the federal government, are often the communities with the least access to broadband. These places are the primary focus of the report and proposal. Several agencies are expected to initiate rulemakings during 2019 to fulfill the goals of the American Broadband Initiative. Supreme Court to Review Trump Administration's Census Citizenship Question In January, a U.S.District Court in New York ruled that the Trump Administration's move to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census questionnaire violated federal law. The U.S. Supreme Court has now agreed to hear the Administration's appeal before the end of June, when the Census Bureau must start printing questionnaires for next year's count. Earlier this year,the National League of Cities(NLC)joined a large group of bipartisan voices, including state and local governments,to express concerns about the way in which the question was added and its expected impacts on census participation. Opponents of the added citizenship question believe the question will result in fewer people self-reporting, increasing the need for costly non- response follow-up, and ultimately resulting in a lower quality count. KEY UPCOMING DATES July 26-September 9,2019 House Summer Recess August 2-September 9,2019 Senate Summer Recess 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 N ::?X.?i.rror_ `No c k lqNN,c o rrr if you have any questions, or if you would like an update on any area of interest not discussed in this article. 32 of 44 Metro Cities News 3/29/19 Page 1 of 5 CT METRO TIES Member Login 69ltapdkan MunldpdMies Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the bldg Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 3/29/19 by:KimberlyCiarrocchi weaApr2a2o19 category:Newsletter I Metro Cities Annual Meetino c.tegoxAnnulMe ina Thu Apr 25,2019 Mar MAMA nch on 29 In This Issue: Category MAMA View Full Calendar House and Senate Set Overall Budget Taraets House PropeM Tax Division Releases its Report Announcements • Proposed Local Qption Sales Tax Requirements Senate Hears Inflow-Infiltration Bill for Private Proper Mitigation The 2019 Metro cities Annual City Contractor Bill Meeting is a great opportunity to connect with your peers from • Senate.House Consider State Match for Local Housino Trust Funds other member cities and elect House.Senate Release Housing Policy Bills members and officers to the Senate Transportation Hears Bills Related to Suburban Transit Board of Directors.This year's Interactive Television Bill Passes to Senate Floor event will be held at the Como Paid Family and Medical Leave Park Zoo and conservatory In the • EYENT:Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Community Engagement Session Bullard Rainforest Room on Wednesday,April 24th.Both • Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meetinal elected officials and staff are Bills of Note welcome and encouraged to attend!This year's speakers will be Briana B!erschbach of Minnesota Public Radio and Peter Callaghan of MinnPost. House and Senate Set Overall Budget Targets 5:30 pm-Social Hour 6:30 pm-Guest Speakers 7:00 pm-Metro Cities Business The House and Senate this week released general budget targets that will set the parameters for Meeting(Board Elections) spending decisions across the state's budget areas.The Governor released his budget recommendations in mid-February,and a revised set of budget recommendations last week,following There is no cost for elected the February Budget Forecast,which anticipates a lower budget surplus than had been expected last officials and staff of member November. cities to attend,but we do ask that you RSVP by April 12th to The overall target numbers provide general contours of state tax and spending parameters,and sets Kimberlyeither via phone(651- "net"target numbers for each budget jurisdiction.Because the budget jurisdictions are different in each 215,4000)or e^ body,a strict comparison of targets between the House and Senate is speculative.Specifics by budget View full flyer jurisdiction—taxes,health and human services,education,et al—will be determined by decisions made in the legislative fiscal committees over the next few weeks. Overall,the House budget targets increase FY 2020-21 general fund net spending by$1.6 billion compared to the forecast,while the Senate targets increase FY 2020-21 general fund net spending by $975M in FY 2020-21 compared to the forecast.The Governor's budget increases FY 2020-21 general fund net spending by$1.3 billion compared to the forecast.Additionally,the Governor's budget increases net general fund revenues In FY 2020-21 by$1.0 billion,and the House increases net general fund revenues in FY 2020-21 by$1.2 billion.The Senate has not proposing any revenue changes in FY 2020-21. House Property Tax Division Releases its Report 33 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view--entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 3/29/19 Page 2 of 5 The House Property Tax Division released its report,HF 2348 Loeffler on Wednesday and heard public our Tweets testimony of the bill's provisions on Friday.The bill increases various aids and credits and new spending of$147 million.The bill contains funding for Local Government Aid and the homestead credit Tweets by refund,and contains new requirements for local governing bodies seeking local option sales tax special @MetrocifiesMN laws.Metro Cities has provided a summary of the proposed changes to local option sales tax laws in this article and is seeking feedback. JMMetre cities @MetroCkiesMN The bill contains a number of provisions of interest to Metro Cities.The organization provided Senate Ag&Housing committee supporting testimony for the following provisions in HF 2348:increase in Local Govemment Aid(LGA) budget also includes$30M for broadband.#mnleg of$30.5 million,increases in the homestead credit refund and renter's credit program of$44 million,an extension in the sunset of aid by the state to local governments for their PERA(Public Employees Apr 3,2019 Retirement Association)contributions and allowing cities to use the property tax levy for local historical societies. �" Metro Cities @MetmCitiesMN The distribution of LGA under the bill can be found and the bill's language and summary can be Senate Ag&Housing committee found HFRF and IAF' passes budget which cuts Challenge Program by$3.5M and does not fund state match for The bill authorizes a number of local option and lodging sales taxes,including for the metropolitan local housing trust funds. cities of Excelsior,Plymouth,St Paul and Minneapolis,and provides specific local government aid(LGA) Includes$1.5M forworldorce appropriations for a number of cities including West Saint Paul and Lilydale. homeownership program.#mnleg Proposed Local6pt/on Sales TaxRequiremenrs Apr 3,2019 Article 3 of HF 2348 proposes to modify requirements for authorizing local sales tax special laws by _... requiring a more detailed local resolution outlining projects to be funded by the tax,limiting the number Embed view on Twitter of projects to five,requiring more information to be submitted regarding costs,and requiring documentation of a project's'regional significance'.The bill requires documentation of the share of economic benefit of projects to persons or businesses outside the jurisdiction,and requires the amount of revenue that would be used for each project as well as the estimated time needed to raise needed revenue to be provided. Under the bill,legislative authority for the local sales tax would be required before voter approval is obtained,with the requirement that if the legislation authorizes more than one project,there must be separate questions to approve revenue for each project.Any project not approved by voters could not be funded with the tax revenue,and the termination date for the tax in the authorizing legislation for the tax would be required to be proportionately reduced. The bill allows cities that passed a local sales tax referendum in the 2018 election that did not receive authority this year,to seek authority without an additional referendum provided the governing body meets the local resolution requirement and projects in the resolution do not conflict with the original referendum. Metro Cities'policies support allowing cities to impose a local option sales tax for public improvements without the need for special legislation.The organization does not have a specific policy that applies to the proposed requirements,and is seeking feedback and input from city officials on the proposed language.The language on these requirements Is on pages 62-64 of the bill and is discussed on pages 16-18 of the summary.Please provide any thoughts or comments to Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or ricia metrocotiesmi, Senate Hears Inflow-Infiltration Bill for Private Property Mitigation The Senate Environment Committee this week heard -Rest,that would appropriate$5 million from the Clean Water Fund for inflow-infiltration mitigation on private properties in the metropolitan area.Metro Cities provided supporting testimony for the bill,along with Ryan Schroeder,City Manager for the city of West Saint Paul.Metro Cities supports this funding as well as a capital appropriation for inflow-infiltration mitigation efforts on local public infrastructure.The bill was laid over for possible Inclusion in an omnibus bill.Funding from the Clean Water Fund for private property 1/1 mitigation is proposed to be funded in the House Environment Finance Committees bill at$1.39 million. Questions?Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or oatricla0metrocltiesmn.oro. City Contractor Bill Legislation that would set a process in law for requesting city contractor cost estimates was heard in the House Local Government and House Government Operations committees. 34 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view entry&yeaz... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 3/29/19 Page 3 of 5 The amended bill,HF 823-Nelson,still allows an applicant to receive a cost estimate prior to a city reviewing an application for a permit,license or approval related to real estate development or construction.The language explains how the 60-day review clock would not begin until the city has received the estimate,received the application review fees,received a signed acceptance of the cost estimate,and received a signed statement that the applicant has not relied on the estimate of fees in its decision to proceed with the final application. Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities pointed out that the legislation is not necessary because an applicant can currently request a cost estimate under existing law.The bill's proponent, representing a telecom company and builders'association,argued for greater transparency. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or charlie metrocitiesmn.rri°y with any questions. Senate,House Consider State Match for Local Housing Trust Funds Cities with local housing trust funds could receive a state match under a bill debated by the House and Senate Housing committees this week. i Vuc—Howard and —Lang both propose a$10 million state appropriation to be distributed to the local housing trust funds.Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities proposed amendment language,adopted in the House,that would prescribe Minnesota Housing to work with cities on a match distribution process that would work for local communities.The bills were laid over and may be included In a future funding blll. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or with any questions. House,Senate Release Housing Policy Bills The House Housing Committee released its that includes a number of changes to the state's tax exempt bond priorities,including preference for projects serving lower incomes and removing the May 15 waiting period for senior housing applications.The bill also includes modifications to manufactured home park sales and the relocation trust fund.Publicly financed housing would have to maintain affordability for 30 years.Landlord and tenant provisions also include modifications to leases and expungements. The Senate housing„...:_ also includes changes to the states tax exempt bond priorities as well as modifications to the Challenge Program.Under the bill,"Housing needs of the local work force”means one or more businesses located in the project area or within 25 miles of the area that employs a minimum of 20 full-time equivalent employees in aggregate and have provided a written statement to the local housing authority indicating that the lack of available housing has impeded their ability to recruit and hire employees.The new language is a Senate response to the Office of Legislative Auditor program evaluation of the Challenge program which recommended a more robust definition of'iocally identified housing needs'and'needs of the local work force'. Senate Transportation Hears Bills Related to Suburban Transit The Senate Transportation Committee heard and laid over two bills related to funding for suburban transit providers.SF 208;1-Osmek,would make a minimum state transit distribution amount of.35% from the amount allocated for transit from the motor vehicle sales tax to suburban transit providers. This provision was added in the 2017 session and was set to sunset this year.The committee also heard SF 2223 Osmek which would allocate$6 million to the Metropolitan Council for grants to projects determined by the Suburban Transit Association.Eligible projects would provide transit service modernization and enhancements and could Include operating and capital costs.Both bills were laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.Metro Cities policy supports state sources of funding for all regional transit providers. Interactive Television Bill Passes to Senate Floor =_21L1-Jasinski,a bill that makes changes to open meeting laws related to interactive television,was passed by two Senate committees and awaits action on the Senate floor.Under current law,a member of government subject to open meeting law,including city governments,may attend meetings via interactive television if the location that the member is participating from is open to the public.The Senate version of the bill would allow members to be exempted from this requirement up to three times 35 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 3/29/19 Page 4 of 5 per year if they are serving in the military and are deployed or are on active duty.The House version of this bill passed last week on a 125 to 1 vote. Paid Family and Medical Leave The House Paid Family and Medical Leave bill had its fourth and fifth committee hearings this week. The bill(HF 5-Halverson)would create a family and medical benefit insurance program administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development that would partially reimburse wages lost when workers take leave to address family or medical Issues.Modeled after Minnesota's unemployment insurance program,this program would mandate 12 weeks of medical leave with partial wage replacement and/or 12 weeks of family leave for maternity,paternity,bonding and caregiving purposes.Employers would be charged a yearly premium with the ability to charge up their employees up to 50 percent of the premium amount.Employers could apply to substitute a private plan if that plan provides the same rights,protections,and benefits as the state plan. The bill has progressed in the House and has now been re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. The Senate companion has not received a hearing and it is not expected that the Senate will take up the issue this session. EVENT:Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Community Engagement Session Metropolitan Council staff are partnering with four community engagement practitioners to host a workshop for :able Commij applicants.The 1995 Livable Communities Act(LCA) funds community investments that revitalize economies,create affordable housing,and link different land uses and transportation.A panel will discuss community engagement strategies and small group discussions with the facilitators will follow.A light breakfast from EI Burrito Mercado will be provided. Session One Thursday,May 2,9:00 am-11:00am Neighborhood House 179 Roble St E Saint Paul,MN 55107 Register Here by Friday,April 26 Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! Mark your calendars and RSVP today for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!This years event will be held on Wednesday,April 24th at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium. We're pleased to announce that this years speakers are Br!ana B!erschbach of MPR News and Peter Callaghan of MinnPost.The evening will start with a social hour,followed by our guest speakers,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.There is no cost,but we do ask that you RSVP by April 12th if you plan to attend.Click here to view the event flyer. For questions or to RSVP,contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or kimberty(glmetr,�,citiesmn.orc. Bills of Note HIF 2681,Long:Bill requires retail municipal utilities to provide a customer with access to their energy usage data. HF 2686,Pierson:Bill establishes a grant program to clean up contaminated tax-forfeited property. HE 2698•Albright:Bill,which may be cited as the"Minnesota All-Government Bond Act,"provides an alternative general system to issue state and local debt obligations in lieu of the direct issuance of bonds by subdivisions. F 2703 Masin:Bill modifies the metropolitan area distribution formula for certain grants from the parks and trails fund. HF 2704 Murphy:Bill appropriates$25,000,000 to the Met Council.This appropriation includes $5,000,000 for grants to cities within the metropolitan area for capital improvements in municipal wastewater collection systems to reduce inflow and Infiltration and$20,000,000 for bus and express bus development.The bill also Includes$40,000,000 for grants to eligible municipalities under the water infrastructure funding program and$22,000,000 to eligible municipalities under the point source 36 of 44 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view--entry&year... 4/5/2019 Metro Cities News 3/29/19 Page 5 of 5 implementation grants program. HF 24 ,Torkelson/SF 2733•Jasinski:Bill appropriates money for local roads and bridges. SF 2643.Pratt:Bill puts local elected officials on the Metropolitan Council and eliminates the Transportation Advisory Board.The bill includes staggered terms for council members. SF 2648.Tomassoni:Bill allows a public utility commission to modify the utilities without obtaining approval of the voters. 26 2,Latz:Bill allows for the use of state transit funds to operate Southwest LRT. SF 2653"Marty:Bill appropriates money for a grant to the city of St.Paul to create college savings accounts at birth and requires a report. SF 2716•Carlson:Bill clarifies prohibitions on soliciting at or near a polling place. F, ,Carlson:Bill authorizes the opening of additional polling place locations for voting by absentee ballot for fewer than 46 days. SF 2739•Draheim:Bill changes state broadband definitions,eliminating"wire-line"language for underserved and unserved areas. Share this post: Metro Cities(Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) y 145 University Ave w,Suite 125 St.Paul,MN 55109 651-2154000 Back to top A powered by Q"Willistro is 37 of 44 Mips://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&year... 4/5/2019 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent Saturday, March 30, 2019 6:20 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Five Ways to Prepare Your City for Next Year's Census For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League of Cities<news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Sat, Mar 30, 2019 6:01 am Subject: Five Ways to Prepare Your City for Next Year's Census View in browser. Now— the WeekIv ITI @f r/Nld ql II n 7 " I1 0 Y� iU R91�1 t►C Fp iir I , ie e�y,��it 4 a 1➢: n Win_ •— � � „µ "« ,-. .�:�,� Five Ways to Prepare Your City for Next Year's Census 38 of 44 As of Monday, the 2020 Census is just one year away. Now is the time for cities to lay the groundwork for a successful census. Small steps your community takes today can go a long way in ensuring it is accurately counted next year. Why the 2020 Budget Debate Indicates More Challenges for Cities The cost of emergency measures and economic losses associated with the shutdown exposed a growing number of fiscal challenges. FN ' ' Reversing the Residual Effects of Redlining While systemic barriers still exist, local governments can :00 play a pivotal role in reversing the effects of historical redlining and creating opportunity for their residents. Leadership Academy: An Opportunity for City � * ` Leaders to Connect Children to Nature This program will help city leaders leverage existing city goals and mandates related to health and wellness, parks and green space access, education, out-of-school time, resilience and equity, among others. News NLC report: Cities, states need better cooperation to solve the housing crisis Smart Cities Dive — March 26, 2019 What the Rise in Renting Means for Cities Governing—April 2019 z 39 of 44 Former offenders already face huge barriers. Housing shouldn't be one of them Washington Post— March 25, 2019 Announcements Get Plugged into NLC's Local Census Preparedness Network Different communities have different levels of need for census preparedness, but tasking one lead person can help ensure communication in your city is clear and efficient. Make sure your census contact is plugged into NLC's Local Census Preparedness Network by completing our survey or forwarding this to your community's census contact. Call for Proposals I City Summit 2019 Have you discovered innovative ways to solve or mitigate challenges for your community? Showcase your area of expertise at City Summit 2019 in San Antonio, Texas November 20-23. This is an opportunity to share best practice examples with more than 4,000 city leaders nationwide. Proposals will be used to structure the educational content for workshops and panel presentations. The deadline is Friday, April 19 — apply here. Learn more about City Summit here. Webinar: Expanding Solar Participation through Community Solar Embracing community solar is a great way to promote equity and achieve your city's climate and energy goals. Please join NLC for a webinar on April 4 to learn how your community can benefit. Register Here. Events November 20 - 23 NLC 2019 City Summit (San Antonio, Texas) Job Postings Accounting Manager -- City of San Marcos, California City Manager-- City of Port Arthur, Texas Assistant City Manager -- Missouri City, Texas 3 40 of 44 NATXNWL HLCOFCMIS LEAGM 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 41 of 44 Eric Johnson From: Mary McComber Sent: Wednesday,April 3, 2019 8:57 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: FW: News Alert:Oak Park Heights Ranked as the#8 Safest City in Minnesota in 2019 SafeWise Report Eric, For weekly notes Mary From: Krystal Rogers [krystal.rogers@safewise.com] Sent:Tuesday,April 2,2019 2:21 PM To: Mary McComber Subject: News Alert:Oak Park Heights Ranked as the#8 Safest City in Minnesota in 2019 SafeWise Report Good Afternoon Mary, SafeWise just released its annual 20 Safest Cities in Minnesota report for 2019. Oak Park Heights ranked as the#8 safest city in Minnesota.Congrats! Here's a link to the full report: https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-minnesota/ Reply YES to this email and we will send you a free,Safest Cities in Minnesota badge and press release to display on your website or press page.You can also send us why you love your city and we will post about it on our social pages. In related news,for the first time, SafeWise has also released its State of Safety in the United States<https://www.safewise.com/state-of-safety/>report.The report examines the attitudes and concerns of 5,000 US residents about safety across six categories-from concerns about violent and property crime to environmental and workplace safety. To see how Minnesota-area residents feel about their safety,check out the full State of Safety report here: https://www.safewise.com/state-of-safety/mn/ Many cities hold ceremonies to recognize their most stand-out police officers,city officials,and neighborhood watch leaders, resulting in some great positive media coverage! [https:Hi.imgur.com/e458g6F.png] Feel free to reach out with any questions. Thanks! Krystal About SafeWise:SafeWise is the leading resource for all things safety and security.We are real people seeking the best products to help you live your safest,smartest life.Guided by our Buy Smart, Live Safe philosophy,we figure out how things work and whether or not they're worth your money.At SafeWise,we believe simpl!fying home security and safety helps bring peace of mind to you and your family. i 42 of 44 The Energy Assistance Program/Minnesota.gov Pagel of 2 E R C E DEPARTMENT Low Income Energy Assistance Program The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income- qualified households. EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grants are: • For renters or homeowners For households with income at or below 50 percent of the state median income • Based on energy cost, household size, and income • N Apply Application Deadline Applications must be received or postmarked by May 31, 2019 for EAP benefits for the 2018-2019 program year benefits.Applicants received after May 31 may be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program, local funds, referrals, advocacy, etc. Applications denied due to the end of program year will automatically receive an application for the next program year. Apply directly with the EAP provider serving your county or tribe. 1. Find Your EAP Provider(/commerce/consumers/consumer-assistance/enerey- assistance/eap-arovider.isp) 2. Contact your EAP provider and have them send you an application. 3. Mail your completed application to your EAP provider. 4. For help finding your local EAP provider, call 1-800-657-3710. View the EAP eligibility guidelines Sample Applications Please mail your application to your local Energy Assistance Programprovider back to top 43 of 44 https://mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp 4/5/2019 The Energy Assistance Program/Minnesota.gov Page 2 of 2 o English Application (https:Hmn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/application- english.pdf) (.pdf) • English Application (https:Hmn.aov/commerce-stat/pdfs/application-en Ig ish- fillable.pdf)-fillable (.pdf) • Spanish Application (https://mn.g_oWcommerce-stat/pdfs/application- sspanish.pdf) (.pdf) • Large Print Application (https://mn.gov/commerce-stat/pdfs/application-large- rint. d (.pdf) • O Services Services may include: o Payment of energy bills • Help with utility disconnections or fuel deliveries. o Education on efficient and safe use of energy. o Advocacy with energy suppliers and human service providers. o Repair or replacement of homeowners' broken heating systems. • 0 2019 Maximum Energy Assistance Program Income Guidelines back to top J 44 of 44 https://mn.gov/commerce/eapjsp 4/5/2019