Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - April 19th 2019 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—wvzY for: April 19m,2019 TO: City Council Mem rs&St FROM: Eric Johnson,Ci Admi trato LISTING OF UPCOMING MEETINGS through 13119 Zonino and Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. has however responded to the Central Automotive and Taco Bell applications; these again will be reviewed by the Planning Commission in May. 2. Some further discussions were held with the Cushman-Wakefield firm—who represents the land-owners—of the land the City is seeking to acquire for the Norell Ave. Frontage road re-route. In short, these owners are not terribly eager to allocate such an easement to the City and they have asked for a further traffic study of the estimated traffic volumes on the road once it would be re-routed.Their engineer from WESTWOOD Inc.is to prepare a proposed scope for such a traffic study,once we have that scope, we will seek STANTEC to perform this work. I will provide some further comments at the 4/23 Worksession, but this is the key issue. 3. A second notice was sent to a property related to a CAT running at large. See Enclosed. 4. This past week I did attend the LMC-Loss Control Session at the U of M campus.One interesting point of note is that the City is or will be expected to comply with vary large and complex ADA tools as it relates to its websites/Facebook, etc. Frankly, I am unsure where to begin with this matter and I have asked if the LMC would develop model ordinance and/or policy compliance tools. Just be aware of the matter for now. Mayor McComber provided: 1. NLC Weekly for 4/15/19 2. MAOSC Action Alert for 4/15119 3. METRO CITIES News for 4/12 and 4/18 4. Save the Date—St.Croix valley Prayer Breakfast for 5/2/19 5. MERO CITIES Annual Meeting Reminder—4/24/19 Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 trail Anytime. 1 of 23 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL & COMMISSIONS MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2019 Tuesday,April 23 5:30 p.m. City Council Worksession (Conference Room) 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting (Council Chambers) Following Council Economic Development Authority Meeting Meeting (Conference Room) Friday,April 26 4:30—6:00 p.m. Minnesota Mayor's Association Social Hour (Water Street Inn, Stillwater) Saturday, April 27 1:30 p.m. Minnesota Mayor's Association Trolley Tour (Water Street Inn, Stillwater) Thursday,May 2 7:30 a.m. St. Croix Valley Prayer Breakfast (Oakridge Church, Stillwater) Thursday,May 9 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting (Council Chambers) Monday, May 20 6:00 p.m. Spring Parks Walkthrough and Tree City USA Ceremonial Tree Planting (Autumn Hills Park) 7:00 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) POLICY NOTE: Items in red are expected to be SOCIAL EVENTS in nature and not an official City Council meeting. No offdcial 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 23 TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N,Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone:763.231.5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPC§PlanningCo.com April 17, 2019 Dave Triemert 14661 60th Street Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082 RE: Oak Park Heights— Central Automotive— Osgood Avenue/59th Street North FILE NO: 236.02— 19.04 Dear Mr. Triemert: The City is in receipt of your application materials submitted on April 9, 2019 for construction of an auto repair facility at the comer of Osgood Avenue and 59th Street North. The application consists of requests for a Conditional Use Permit for allowing auto repair in the B-2 District, a Final Plat and site plan/Design Guidelines review. With this letter we are notifying you that the application is not complete. The City will deem it complete with receipt of the following items by April 24, 2019: 1. The landscape plan needs to be updated so that the plant schedule corresponds with the planting plan. 2. Provide lighting fixture specifications for all the exterior lighting to be used on site. 3. Provide trash enclosure elevations. 4. Provide a Final Plat for Outlot A. 5. Provide the purchase agreement for the property so that park dedication fees can be determined. 6. Are there plans for a freestanding sign on site? 7. Will all tire storage be handled inside the building? The City will not allow tire storage within a trailer. 8. Provide a building material sample board. This is not required until the Planning Commission meeting. We would invite you and your representatives to a staff meeting on April 24, 2019 at 10:30 AM at City Hall to discuss these issues and address any questions you may have. If all the application materials are submitted as requested, the Planning Commission would consider the application at a meeting scheduled for May 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council chambers. 3 of 23 Dave Triemert Page 2 Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 15.99, Sub. 3(f), the City of Oak Park Heights is herewith extending the period of time for agency/city review of the application for an additional 60-day period (for a total of 120 days from the date of a complete application) inasmuch as the City has determined that additional research and study by the City staff relative to the complexity of the project as proposed will be required. Please contact me at scott@planningco.com or 952.221.0547 with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Scott Richards ity Planning Consultant to the City of Oak Park Heights The Planning Company LLC c: Eric Johnson, Julie Hultman 2 4 of 23 TPC3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 Anoka, MN 55303 Phone:763.231.5840 Facsimile: 763.427.0520 TPC§PlanningCo.oom April 17, 2019 Brian Davies 5425 Boone Avenue North New Hope, MN 55428 RE: Oak Park Heights—Taco Bell —Amended Conditional Use Permit and Design Standards/Site Plan Review— 14529 60"' Street North FILE NO: 236.02 — 19.05 Dear Mr. Davies: The City is in receipt of your application materials submitted on April 9, 2019 for the remodel of the Taco Bell at 14529 60th Street North in Oak Park Heights. The application consists of a request for an Amended Conditional Use Permit and Design Standards/Site Plan review. With this letter we are notifying you that the application is not complete. The City will deem it complete with receipt of the following items by April 24, 2019: 1. Provide an additional check of$1,000.00 for escrow. 2. Provide pictures of all four sides of the existing building. 3. Provide an inventory of the existing signs on site with dimensions. Will there be any changes to the freestanding sign? 4. All light fixtures need to be designed as full cut off. Decorative light fixtures may be used if the light source of fully shielded. 5. Provide the square footage of the dining/service area and the kitchen area to verify parking. 6. Update the plant inventory to include all existing trees. Verify tree sizes to determine the correct diameters. 7. Provide a location for a bike rack. 8. Provide a building material sample board. This is not required until the Planning Commission meeting. We invite you and your representatives to a staff meeting on April 24, 2019 at 10:00 AM at City Hall to discuss these issues and address any questions you may have. If all of the application materials are submitted as requested, the Planning Commission would consider the application at a meeting scheduled for May 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council chambers. 5 of 23 Brian Davies Page 2 Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 15.99, Sub. 3(f), the City of Oak Park Heights is herewith extending the period of time for agency/city review of the application for an additional 60-day period (for a total of 120 days from the date of a complete application) inasmuch as the City has determined that additional research and study by the City staff relative to the complexity of the project as proposed will be required. Please contact me at scoff@planningco.com or 952.221.0547 with any questions you may have. Sincerely, JJ6 Scott D. Richards— City Planning Consultant to the City of Oak Park Heights The Planning Company LLC c: Eric Johnson Julie Hultman 2 6 of 23 IM City of Oak Park Heights Page Iof1 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 a Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 April 15`3 2019 TO: Ms.Mary Donahue(Second NOTICE) Tennant of 5716 Penfield Ave. ***Hand Delivered*** Dear Sir or Madam: The City has received complaints that you may have cats that are being let loose outside and which then leave your property and go upon others lands where they are causing a disturbance.For you use,enclosed is the City's 601 Ordinance that regulates the keeping of DOGS AND CATS.We would ask that you review the document,but take special note of 601.11 A. 601.11 Running at Large Prohibited A. No person shall allow a dog or cat to run at large at anytime.All dogs and cats gf"the premises of the owner must be under restraint by leash,designed for that type of animal,affixed to the animal's collar and held by the owner or other person entrusted to have custody of the animal offthe owner's premises.Every owner or custodian of a dog or cat must exercise reasonable care and take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property,and animals from injuries or damage which might results from the dogs behavior,regardless of whether such behavior is motivated by playfulness or ferocity. At this time,if you are letting cats outside,they must be on a leash.Or,alternatively they should not be let outside.Either one of these solutions likely would address the issue.The City has not initiated the 601.13 process related to Nuisance Animals and the related enforcement process,as we hope this letter will suffice to address the issue. I am happy to take call about this matter if you have any questions. 651-439-4439 IIII Kind Regards 1 a e. w Eric Johnson, City Administrator +� Cc: Owner,Erica Carpenter �Sp aP[MtPmk I�hh w ���'""'bn'• w WB".S.Y1-1 7 of 23 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Saturday,April 13, 2019 6:43 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Helping Cities Find Equitable Ways to Assess Fines and Reform Fees For weekly notes -----Original Message---- From: National League of Cities<news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Sat, Apr 13, 2019 6:01 am Subject: Helping Cities Find Equitable Ways to Assess Fines and Reform Fees rev,in browser NATIONAL NLC OF a R a �d Helping Cities Find Equitable Ways to Assess Fines and Reform Fees 8 of 23 Cities frequently miss key opportunities in their current approaches to fines and fees – residents who are unable to pay fines and fees often struggle with other debt and financial burdens and may not be aware of financial empowerment services available to them in their communities. Is Rent Control Available to Your City? Most economist point out that rent control helps in the r short term but may lead to long-term problems by barring new landlords from entering the market and forcing existing owners to exit the market, shorting supply. Why Timbs v. Indiana Won't Have Much Impact Timbs v. Indiana has received a lot of attention because it deals with a controversial subject--civil asset forfeitures. But as a practical matter this case is unlikely to have much of an impact. NLC Resource: Starting a Youth Council Youth councils or youth advisory boards can provide an effective way to engage youth in city government. This guide offers the basics for forming a youth council in your city, as well as examples of the way different cities have configured their councils. News Trump Says the U.S. is 'Full'. Much of the Nation Has the Opposite Problem New York Times—April 09, 2019 For the Housing Crisis, Cities and States Need Each Other Governing—April 08, 2019 Is the conversation around cities' technology use shifting? i 9 of 23 Fast Company —April 04, 2019 Announcements Webinar: Strategies for Data Governance Looking for strategies to improve how you get input from your residents? Register for the Data Governance webinar on April 18. Learn from Wisconsin Mayors Timothy Hanna of Appleton and Paul Esser of Sun Prairie how they maximized online tools and big data to gather feedback and reflect community wishes in nuhlic nroiects_ Register now. New Grant Opportunities HomeServe USA, the parent company of Utility Service Partners - the program administrator of the NLC Service Line Warranty program, has launched its Caring For Community Initiative, a grant program for municipalities and non-profits to support community-based projects. The grant program is intended to support existing or new programs that support residents. Priority will be given to projects that focus on aging in place, homeless or disabled veterans, low income housing and residents, and park accessibility improvements. Applications for the first two $25,000 grant awards are due by Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Learn more. Last Days to Register! Webinar: Leading For Inclusion & Action – Facebook For The Local Elected Official Have you been working to improve inclusion and engagement in your community? NLC University is partnering with Facebook to find visionary city leaders like you to join a special advisory cohort. Cohort participants will help Facebook create new online tools, receive training on best digital practices from their experts and have the opportunity to apply for a site visit. Please register by April 15 to join. The first webinar will be on April 24. Events May 30 - June 1 Large City Council Presidents Convening (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 3 10 of 23 November 20 - 23 NLC 2019 City Summit (San Antonio, Texas) Job Postings Director of Public Works -- City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania City Forest Officer -- City of Lost Angeles, California Assistant County Manager -- Gaston County, North Carolina NWIDNAL LEMM�Nli`z_ �aumvnfcnm 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 11 of 23 MAOSC Action Alert—April 1S,2019 Contact Legislators on Spring Break More than ever,please find time in the next week to reach out to your local state senator and House member during the current legislative break,extending until April 23,to speak up for your priorities on behalf of your community and all small cities.As you will see in the explanation below,Small Cities could finally achieve a lasting solution to funding streets with an increase,or could potentially end up with no funding at all. MAOSC made unprecedented progress already this year not only due to concerted efforts in St. Paul, but also through persuasive testimony and written statements from member cities at field hearings across the state! The best opportunity to achieve stable funding likely will require negotiation in good faith, reaching a compromise to bridge the partisan divide.Gridlock and a"lights on"solution could result in no funding for small cities based on the status quo. Dedicated Streets funding at last? For the first time in legislative history, Small Cities has base funding in the House Omnibus Transportation Bill now heading to the House floor.Sourced from the Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax(MVLST)which is a Special Revenue fund, the Small Cities Streets Account are included in the base budget projected to grow steadily.Streets Account funding increases by more than 28 percent to$10.26 million in FY20,compared to$8 million in FY19.The allocation is projected to continue growing by nearly 7.5%in FY21 to$11.025 million, based on the House legislation. The Senate Transportation Committee had no new dollars to spend, but a very small appropriation was provided and also is included in the base—matching House support for base funding. However,the Senate appropriation of$750,000 for FY2020-21 is a cut of more than 95%compared to the one-time allocations paid out in 2017 and 2018. The worst-case scenario would likely play out if no agreement can be reached between the Legislature and the Governor in final negotiations over the next month.Due to no current budget base funding for Small Cities Streets,gridlock would likely result in zero dollars allocated based on the status quo.Please urge your legislators to reach a fair and balanced budget compromise) The FY19 distribution of$8 million to Small Cities Streets is posted below. By adding 28%to your city's distribution,you can calculate a rough estimate of the projected FY2020 amount contained in the current House plan,subject to more precise recalculation later: httos://files.constantcontact.com/3ab79aOb101/88d6O3da-70a6-4749-92df-58e58clb82df.odf LGA,Broadband differences Other key funding provisions of interest to Small Cities are taking shape.The House has proposed increasing Local Government Aid(LGA) by$30.6 million,including relatively minor adjustments in the distribution formula.The Senate Republican majority has not yet unveiled a specific tax plan that would include possible LGA changes. One-time funding for border-to-border Broadband is provided in both the House and Senate plans. (The House originally included budget base funding,but now is aligned with the Gov.Tim Walz proposal limiting the request to one- time funds in both FY 2020 and 2021.)The House and Gov.Walz propose$70 million compared to$30 million in the Senate plan.Broadband also is not in the base budget,so failure to negotiate an FY 2020-21 budget deal could eliminate funding entirely. Please urge your local legislators to finish their major work and negotiate a fair deal. -END- 12 of 23 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 1 of 8 CMETRO IES Member Login e etrwailan Muniripe0bs Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Return to the biog Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 4/12/19 by:Kimberly CiarrocchiIwed Apr 24,2019 category:Newsletter Metro Cities Annual Meeting CmgnrY Annual Meeting Thu Apr m 2019 Apr Q 12 In This Issue: °•"g°ry.MAMA View Full Calendar • .IOill art;at menu UILWIS wttwal Meeting! Legislature to Recess-Take Time to Touch Basewith Your Leaislators Omnibus Tax Bilis Announcements • lyses Loc2l Sags Tax Reguirements The 2019 Metro Cities Annual Omnibus Transportation Bills Meeting is a great opportunity to tonnes with your peers from Senate other member cities and elect House members and officers to the Board of Directors.This year's Housing Bills event will be held at the Como Economic Develogment and Workforce Development Bills_ Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Private Consultant/City Contract Bill Bullard Rainforest Room on Elections Wednesday,April 24th.Both • Environment elected officials and staff are Legacy Finance Bill welcome and encouraged to attend!This year's speakers will Capital Investment be Briana Bierschbach of eaional Solicitation Applicant Notice Minnesota Public Radio and Peter EVENT:Connected Automated Vehicle Planning Work;;hoo Callaghan of MinnPost. Metropolitan Council Planit News Bills of Note 5:30 pm-Social Hour 6:30 pm-Guest Speakers 7:00 pm-Metro Cities Business Meeting(Board Elections) There is no cost for elected officials and staff of member Join Us at the Metro titles Annual Meeting! cities to attend,but we do ask that you RSVP as soon as possible to Metro Cities'Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday,April 24 at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory Kimberly either via phone(651- in the Bullard Rainforest Auditorium,starting at 5:30 pm.We're pleased to announce this year's 215-4000)or email speakers are Briana Bierschbach of MPR News and Peter Callaghan of MinnPost.The evening starts Vlewfull flyer" rg 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.This is a fun event,and good opportunity to network with other city colleagues throughout the metropolitan area. All member city staff and elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend.There is no cost,but we do ask that you RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend.Click to view the event flyer. PLEASE NOTE Postcards went out previously that stated in error that the meeting is on Thursday, however,the meeting is on Wednesday.We hope to see you all on Wednesday,April 24! For questions or to RSVP,contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or kimberlyQmetrocit!esmn.org. Legislature to Recess—Take Time to Touch Base with Your Legislators 13 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 2 of 8 Today marks the third legislative committee deadline,which applies to omnibus appropriations bills, Our Tweets and House and Senate finance committees have been meeting at full speed this week to process bills. Below are updates on the status of bills and provisions of interest to Metro Cities.Legislators will Tweets by recess next week for Easter and Passover,returning to the Capitol on Tuesday,April 23rd. @MeuociuesMN The recess offers an opportunity to connect with your local legislators on issues of importance to cities. mill Metro Clues Metro Cities encourages city officials to review the status of items in this newsletter and to take the @MetroCitiesMN opportunity to touch base with legislators on these items and issues of specific local interest to your House ways and Means city,whether it is to thank legislators for including a provislon(s)in a bill;or to encourage them to Committee passes HF 2125- Marquart,omnibus tax bill,on a continue working on/support specific items as the session progresses.Please contact Metro Cities if vow vote,to the floor. you need information on how to contact your legislators. Apr 12,2018 When the Legislature returns to the Capitol,the processing of bills will continue,as well as negotiations on setting the state's budget.There are significant differences between the bodies on many omnibus Metro cities appropriations bills that will set the stage for overall budget negotiations,as the Legislature and @MetrocltlesMN Governor work to pass a budget by the Legislature's May 20th required adjournment.Stay tuned for House ways&Meana Commiaee hears omnibus further updates. veterans,state government,and tax bills. Omnibus Tax Bills The House omnibus tax bill, "25-Marquart,had its final committee stop in the House Ways and Means Committee today and passed to the House floor.The Senate has not released an omnibus tax Embed view on Twitter bill.Tax bills are not subject to the third deadline. The bill raises revenues and provides tax cuts through various provisions.HF 2125 also expands programs for direct property tax relief and increases aids to local governments and modifies requirements for local sales taxes.The bill modifies the collection and remittance of sales taxes for remote sellers and marketplace providers following the Supreme Court Wayfair case. Metro Cities supports the following provisions in HF 2125: Extension of a sunset of PERA aid paid to local governments(see for aid amounts to metro local governments). Local Government Aid increase of$30.5 million(see for distribution of aid under HF 2125). Increases to the homestead credit refund and renter's credit refund that provide direct property tax relief to homeowners and renters. Allows a city to fund a historical society through its property tax levy. NewLoca/Sa/es Tax Requirements HF 2125 modifies laws for establishing local option sales taxes.Specifically,it requires a more detailed local resolution on projects,limits projects to be funded with the tax and requires more specificity on project costs as well as documentation of a project's regional significance.The bill also stipulates that voter approval is sought only after legislative authority for the tax has been granted and requires voters to approve each project to be funded in a separate ballot question.The bill would reduce the legislative authority for any project that does not have referendum support.The bill does allow cities that passed a local sales tax referendum in 2018 that was not granted legislative authority in 2019,to seek the authority without an additional referendum provided that new resolution requirements are met,and projects do not conflict with the original referendum. Metro Cities'policies support general local sales tax authority for local governments,and policies do not speak to these specific provisions.Metro Cities welcomes feedback on these provisions,and anticipates that this subject will be considered through the organization's policy development process this summer. The House tax bill contains specific local provisions for the following metropolitan area cities: Additional LGA payment for city of West Saint Paul at$920,000 per year for five years, One-year LGA payment to city of Lilydale for$275,000, Modifications to lodging taxes for cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, New local lodging tax for city of Plymouth, Local sales tax authority for city of Excelsior, Retroactive sales tax exemption for wastewater facility materials for city of Elko New Market, Modifies 2008 TIF(tax increment financing)law for city of Bloomington, TIF pooling authority and redevelopment TIF district creation for city of Edina, Special TIF law provisions for city of Champlin, Creation of redevelopment TIF district for city of Minneapolis, TIF law modifications on use of increment for city of Roseville,and 14 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view--entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 3 of 8 Creation of redevelopment TIF district for city of Burnsville. Questions?Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or paincia metrocitiesmn.org. Omnibus Transportation Bills Senate The Senate omnibus transportation omnibus bill,( -Newman),passed two committees this week and awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill provides base funding for Municipal State Aid(MSA),County State Aid Highway(CSAH),and regional transit.MSA would receive$420 million,CSAH would receive$1.6 billion and transit would receive$179 million.The bill provides ongoing funding for the Small Cities Assistance Account,with $250,000 in the first year and$500,000 per year in following years. The legislation includes an increase to the electric vehicle surcharge from$75 to$200 as well as a $100 surcharge on hybrid vehicles and levies a tax of 5 cents per kilowatt hour for electric vehicle charging stations and would direct these funds to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund(HUTDF). The legislation expands Metro Mobility service to all areas within the existing statutory transit taxing district and includes a provision to allow the Metropolitan Council and Department of Human Services to share data on riders to more efficiently provide Metro Mobility and other transportation services. Metro Cities testified in support of the inclusion of ongoing Small Cities Assistance funding.Staff expressed support for increases to state funding for transit and street funding and testified in opposition to a provision that would eliminate future state funding for light rail transit lines. The Senate bill contains a provision that would allow all cities to establish speed limits on local city streets.Metro Cities no longer has a specific policy position on speed limits. During last year's policy process,after discussions by a subcommittee of the Transportation and General Government Committee and subsequent consideration of the issue by the policy committee, the policy language on speed limits was recommended to be removed due to divisions among city officials on what the organization's position should be. Nouse The House omnibus transportation bill,( -Hornstein)passed the Ways and Means and Taxes Committees and awaits action on the House floor.The House bill authorizes$2 billion in trunk highway bonding,increases the motor fuels tax rate to 45 cents per gallon,increases the motor vehicle sales tax rate(MVST)from 6.5%to 6.875%and modifies the distribution of MVST revenue,with 57%going to the highway use tax distribution fund(reduced from 60%)and 43%going to transit(an increase from 40%). The bill also directs the Metropolitan Council to impose a 0.5%transportation sales tax in the metropolitan area.Fifty percent of the transportation stability sales and use tax'would be allocated for transit purposes and fifty percent would be allocated to the Transportation Advisory Board(TAB)for grants to transportation projects. The Taxes committee debated the legislation's increases to several taxes dedicated to transportation. There was also debate between the MnDOT commissioner and legislators about the use of the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund(HUDTF)and making sure that these funds are for the maintenance of the road and bridge system only.Under the Minnesota Constitution,gas tax proceeds and a portion of the motor vehicle sales tax are dedicated to the HUTDF and restricted to funding road and bridge projects. Metro Cities encourages city officials to communicate with their local legislators on the need for funding for local transportation infrastructure needs.Proposals to increase Municipal State Aid,Small Assistance funding and transit funding are receiving consideration,and are supported by Metro Cities. The League of MN Cities has created a resolution for cities to use to express support for comprehensive transportation funding that can be found .Metro Cities encourages city officials to consider passing a resolution to express support for state funding for transportation. Please contact Steven Huser at rteventubmetre,itla-smp if you have questions regarding this resolution,or let us know If your city has already passed a resolution. Housing Bills There are competing funding levels and priorities for housing related proposals among the House, Senate and Governor.The House and Governor propose$26 million in new general fund appropriations 15 of 23 hos://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=corn dailyplanetblog&view--entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 4 of 8 in FY20-21 to support programs administered by Minnesota Housing.The Senate omnlbus housing bill keeps overall housing funding flat and moves funds from existing programs to fund other specific program priorities.The Senate housing bill is -Westrom and the House housing bill is —Hausman. The House increases funds for the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program by$4 million,for a total of$25.8 million in FY20-21,while the Senate bill reduces the program by$3.5 million. Governor Walz is recommending a$10 million Increase. Language in the Senate bill provides new Challenge Program definitions of"locally identified housing needs"and'housing needs of the local workforce.""Locally identified housing needs'means housing for work force as supported by the local municipality,housing redevelopment authority,economic development authority,or other political subdivision responsible for housing.'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.Metro Cities supports the existing flexibility of the Challenge Program and an increase in state funds,to meet local needs. The House bill includes state matching funds for local housing trust funds with a one-time$7 million appropriation,with Governor Walz's recommendation at$2 million and no funds in the Senate bill. Metro Cities supports matching funds and worked on language to ensure city input into how the agency would distribute these funds if they are adopted this year. The Workforce Homeownership Program,under which cities would be eligible applicants,is funded at $2 million in the House,$1.5 million in the Senate,and not funded in the Governor's budget.The Senate bill proposes cuts to the affordable rental investment fund and rental rehab loan program for small landlords.The Senate also combines three homeownership programs(capacity building grants, homeownership education counseling and Build Wealth MN)and creates a new single program with a collective cut of$1.5 million. The Senate bill removes Minnesota Housing's 31 percent set aside for homeownership in tax exempt bond authority.This would mean Minnesota Housing could not use tax exempt bonds for homeownership assistance(at or below-rate home mortgage loans,down payment assistance to first- time homebuyers).Instead,the funds would be used to provide funding for affordable multifamily units. The Senate bill also includes policy language directing Minnesota Housing to evenly split the agency's resources between the metro region and greater Minnesota.The agency responded that it strives for geographic balance but requires flexibility to respond to unique or specific financing opportunities. Senate policy language requires Minnesota Housing to give priority to projects in communities with lower infrastructure costs.How this would be determined is not defined in the bill.The bill also appropriates$500,000 for a pilot program to provide grants to municipalities for up to 50 percent of the costs of infrastructure that would otherwise be required to be paid by the developer for new homeowner-owned housing developments that are affordable to households with an income of up to 130 percent of area median Income.The grants would be limited to 16 housing units in the municipality and a maximum of$10,000 per housing unit. Manufactured housing would now be eligible,under the Senate bill,to receive Challenge Program funds and housing infrastructure bond funds.The Senate also funds$2.5 million for manufactured home park infrastructure grants,a new gram program. The House tax bill includes a 4d property tax classification affordable housing report.It would require the Department of Revenue to consult with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the Department of Human Services to produce a report on 4d property tax classification.Metro Cities'policies support the 4d tax program to preserve and increase affordable housing. The House bonding bill includes$30 million in general obligation bonds to preserve and rehab existing publicly owned housing as well as$120 million in housing infrastructure bonds/appropriations bonds to fund new construction and preservation of privately-owned housing. A proposal to establish a new state tax credit to spur private contributions to local housing needs has been considered in the Senate and House.Metro Cities supports this initiative. The Senate State Government bill includes language establishing a new Legislative Commission on Housing Affordability.With a recently completed housing task force and plethora of regional and statewide conversations on a wide range of housing issues,including housing theirs affordable for a range of Minnesotans,Metro Cities does not believe a new commission Is necessary. 16 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view—entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 5 of 8 Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or harlie@metrocitiesmn.org with any questions. Economic Development and Workforce Development Bills Three key economic development programs actively supported by Metro Cities are funded at various levels In the House and Senate Jobs bills.The Minnesota Investment Fund(MIF)is funded at$25 million in Senate,with direct appropriations totaling$3.1 million coming from that amount.The House funds MIF at$13.9 million with one$2 million direct appropriation coming from that amount The Job Creation Fund(JCF)Is funded by the Senate at$16 million and$13.5 million in the House.The Governor funds MIF at$25 million and JCF at$16 million.Metro Cities supported legislation that funded MIF and JCF at$21 million each,totaling the$42 million appropriated to the collective funds in FY18-19.The Senate Jobs bill is —Pratt and House Jobs bill is. —Mahoney. The Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Program,also supported by Metro Cities,does not have a line item in any proposal.The Senate bill includes language permitting DEED to transfer funds from any MIF balance to the redevelopment grant program.Metro Cities supported legislation funding the redevelopment grant program at$12 million. The Angel Investor Tax Credit is funded in the House tax bill at$20 million in FY20-21.The tax credit had sunset and needed new authorization and funding to continue.The Senate tax committee heard the angel tax credit bill and It may be included in the Senate's omnibus tax bill,released later in April. The Senate funds the statewide border-to-border broadband grant program at$30 million,the House funds it at$70 million and Governor Walz at$70 million for FY20-21.Governor Walz issued an gxecutive r authorizing the Governor's Broadband Task Force.It will be made up of 15 members,meet at least ten times per year,and issue an annual report The House and Senate bills also fund several workforce development programs,including the Job Skills Partnership and targeted programs to meet emerging workers.Workforce programs are funded through two accourrts,both the general fund and workforce development fund which is paid directly by employers. Metro Cities has advocated for the DEED program funding and provided testimony to this effect at multiple committee hearings. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215-4001 or charlie metrocitiesmn.-.,,with any questions. Private Consultant/City Contract BIII —Kiffineyer,which prescribes a process for applicants to receive an estimate of costs from a city contractor was heard in the Senate Rules committee April 11.The committee stop was procedural as the bill was considered a"late bill"in not having met the policy committee deadline.The bill was passed out of the Senate Rules Committee and was sent to the floor.The House companion bill is identical and awaits action on the House floor.Proponents have argued that the bill provides needed transparency in these processes.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,and has communicated this position to legislators. Elections An elections omnibus bill HF 1603 Dehn)was heard in the House State Government Finance Committee last Wednesday and is now part of the State Government Finance Committee's omnibus bill (.IF 1935 Nelson). Article 4 of the bill contains 15 new elections and voting provisions,including automatic voter registration;restoring voting rights for felons upon release from incarceration;ensuring access to a voter's political party choice at the presidential primary is not made publicly available;and appropriating federal money for the Help America Vote Act.The House version of the bill provides a credit to the Secretary of State for the 2018 HAVA Election Security Funds State Match,while the Senate version does not. The bill also has several provisions related to local government.It authorizes all local governments the option to elect local officials using ranked-choice voting and establishes uniform procedures and requirements for the conduct of these elections,extends the period for conducting a special election 17 of 23 hos://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 6 of 8 and reimburses local governments for the subsequent costs,and allows cities with fewer than 400 registered voters to use mail balloting.The bill also provides free transit on election day,but at this time it is unclear how this service will be funded. The House version was referred to Ways and Means.The Senate State Government Finance omnibus bill(SF 2227-Kiffineyer)was heard in committee Tuesday.The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. Environment The House Environment and Natural Resources Division released its omnibus bill last week 2Z .-Hansen).The bill contains$2 million for emerald ash borer(EAB)mitigation.The division approved an amendment last Thursday that clarifies$1 million of EAB funding is for grants to local units of government to develop community ash management plans.The grants cover up to 75%of costs and cannot exceed$500,000. The bill was heard in Ways in Means Wednesday and sent to the House floor.The bill was amended to include the omnibus environment and natural resources policy bill( '-""''-Persell).The two omnibus bills will be heard as one on the House Floor. The Senate omnibus environment bill( ,Ingebrigtsen)was heard Tuesday.The Senate Environment bill provides$199,000 in FY 2020 to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Mississippi Park Connection to work with Conservation Corps MN,local communities,and volunteers to address the loss of trees due to EAB,by planting 15,000 trees.These are not grants to cities and are limited to areas covered by the Mississippi Park Connection. Legacy Finance Bill The House Legacy Finance Division passed an omnibus bill Wednesday.The bill(if 653 Lillie)would grant$629.98 million over the biennium to the Clean Water,Parks and Trails,Arts and Cultural Heritage and the Outdoor Heritage funds.These dollars are constitutionally dedicated by the. AMen�m Of interest to and supported by Metro Cities,the bill includes$1.39 million in FY 2020 to the Metropolitan Council for metro area inflow and infiltration grants for private property owners.The bill also includes$3 million to the Metropolitan Council for water management.$2 million is appropriated to the Metropolitan Council's Water Supply Sustainability Program and$1 million is appropriated to the Water Demand Reduction Grant program for grants to local governments.The House Legacy bill will be heard in Ways and Means on Wednesday,April 24. The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee heard the Senate's omnibus Legacy bill( se cw Ruud)Wednesday.The Senate proposal does not include funding from the Clean Water fund for inflow infiltration mitigation.The bill does provide$2 million to the Metropolitan Council's Water Supply Sustainability program and$500,000 to the Water Demand Reduction Grant program for grants to local governments. Capital Investment The House Capital Investment Division released and adopted °i `"��^^^a����,a amendme to( Murphy)Tuesday.The Senate has not released an omnibus capital investment bill. The bill includes$8 million for metro area inflow and infiltration(1/1)mitigation assistance to local governments for public infrastructure,an initiative of Metro Cities.The bill also includes a$2 million appropriation to the city of Newport for 1/1 mitigation improvements. The bill includes$100 million for the Local Road Improvement program,and$100 million for the Local Bridge Replacement program,$30 million in general obligation bonds to preserve and rehab existing publicly owned housing as well as$120 million in housing infrastructure bonds/appropriations bonds to fund new construction and preservation of privately-owned housing.Metro Cities supports these provisions. The House Bonding bill will be heard in Ways and Means on Wednesday,April 24. 18 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 7 of 8 Regional Solicitation Applicant Notice Metro Cities received a notice from the Metropolitan Council for Regional Solicitation Applicants, provided below.The Metropolitan Council anticipates issuing its next Regional Solicitation package In February 2020.This notice was sent to alert applicants of three actions that may need to be completed to prepare for the Regional Solicitation. HiohwavFunctiona/Classification Changes-Ju/v 1-Dead/ine To qualify,a highway must be classified as either an A-minor Arterial or a principal arterial(non- freeways only)on the TAB-adopted functional classification map.Please refer to the existing functional classification map to determine whether your roadway's classification is correct.The resources for requesting a functional classification change can be found at runcuonat t,assr, S. Requests for a functional classification change must be submitted to°ens=""'' by July 1. ReoionalBigvc/e Transportation Network-Ju/v26-Dead/ine Inclusion on the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network is not required for an application to qualify for the Multi-Use Trails and Bicycle Facilities funding category of the Regional Solicitation.However. inclusion on,or connection with,the regional bicycle network is a key scoring element.Applicants wishing to request Regional Bicycle Transportation Network administrative changes should contact Steve Ein';.by July 26. RBTN Administrative Changes are defined as follows: 1. Alignment designations within existing RBTN corridors must follow within and along the corridor and run roughly parallel to the corridor centerline. 2. Minor corridor or alignment extensions are up to one-half mile long segments that provide missing connections to another alignment or corridor centerline,a regional trail,or an RBTN- included regional destination. 3. Minor alignment shifts must run within one-quarter mile of the initial alignment in core cities (Minneapolis&St Paul)or within one-half mile of initial alignment outside core cities;must run approximately parallel to the initial alignment;and continue to serve the destinations served by the initial alignment. lnterchangeAporoual-December 1-pea d/ine Applications for new or expanded interchanges in the 2020 Regional Solicitation will be eligible if the Metropolitan Council/MnDOT highway interchange request is submitted by Dec.1.The preliminary interchange approval process is described in the Transportation Policy Plan Interchange requests should be submitted to Michael Corbett with MnDOT Metro District. EVENT:Connected Automated Vehicle Planning Workshop The Metropolitan Council has invited Metro Cities members to attend a Connected and Automated Vehicle Planning Workshop.The workshop will be Monday,April 29th at the Met Council Chambers,390 Robert Street North,St.Paul MN. Participants will explore and provide feedback about how CAV and related trends could change transportation and life in Minnesota.The goal of this fast-paced workshop is to collect insight on how different CAV futures may impact people in Minnesota and develop approaches for the benefit of people across the metro and the state. To participate,please register at the eventbrite page. This workshop is targeted toward policy makers in the Twin Cities area.Another workshop for transportation and planning professionals is scheduled.If you cannot attend this workshop on April 29, you are welcome to attend the other workshop at the above registration link. For questions or more information,please contact Keith Mensah at keith.mensahAstate.mns or Tony Fischer at tony.fischermetc.state.mmus.. Matrnnnlitan rotenr--il Planit Nawe The Metropolitan Council periodically issues Planit News Blasts that provide resources,updates and answers to FAQs for comprehensive plan reviews and amendments.This month's update included a 19 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Metro Cities News 4/12/19 Page 8 of 8 oodcast discussing environmental reviews and two new free resources(e.g.Savin Watts and Dfoa6 and the Math Liaht Guide and Anal. The most recent NewsBlast also noted an upcoming event: Minnesota Solar permitting Training Workshop Wednesday,April 17,12:30 pm—3:30 pm Community Room at the Ramsey County Library 3025 Southlawn Dr,Maplewood,MN 55109 r Bills of Note HF 2831.Xiong,J.:Bill requires voting instructions and sample ballots to be printed in languages other than English. HF 2836 Hornstein:Bill establishes a Minnesota Green New Deal. HF 2837,Torkelson/SF 2826•Jasinski:Bill appropriates$400 million for the corridors of commerce program. FS 2798.Marty:Bill establishes a family benefit program to provide for family,pregnancy,bonding,and medical leave. SF 2807.Osmek:Bill modifies the city aid program to provide funding for cities that do not currently receive any funding. SF 2809•Senjem:Bill appropriates money for public housing rehabilitation and preservation and authorizes housing infrastructure bonds. SF 2810,Wiger:Bill establishes a rail infrastructure and economic development program. Share this post: Metro Cities(Association of Metropolitan Municipalities) iV 145 Univeraity Ave W.Suite 125 St.Paul,MN 55103 651-2154000 Back to top A powered by Q L<IMlh=MM 20 of 23 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php'7option=com_dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 4/19/2019 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thursday,April 18, 2019 6:16 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Metro Cities News 4/18/19 For weekly notes ---Original Message--- From: Metro Cities News <mcamm@memberclicks-mail.net> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent:Thu,Apr 18, 2019 3:05 pm Subject: Metro Cities News 4/18/19 ME TIES TRO Metro Cities News April 18, , . Metro cines Newer, 2019 Metro Cities Annual Meetinq Archives It's not too late to join us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting! The Archived issues of Metro meeting will be held next Wednesday,April 24 at the Como Cities News can be found Park Zoo and Conservatory in the Bullard Rainforest Room, on our website. Click here starting at 5:30 pm. to view the archives! We're pleased to announce this year's speakers are Briana - Bierschbach of MPR News and Peter Callaghan of MinnPost. The evening starts 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. This is a fun event, and good opportunity to network with other city colleagues throughout the metropolitan area. All member city staff and elected officials are welcome and encouraged to attend. There is no cost, but we do ask that you RSVP as soon as possible if you plan to attend. Click !sere to view the event flyer. PLEASE NOTE: Postcards went out previously that stated in error that the meeting is on Thursday, however,the meeting is on Wednesday. We hope to see you all on Wednesday,April 24! For questions or to RSVP, contact Kimberly at 651-215-4000 or via email. (View in web browser.) 1 21 of 23 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Monday,April 15,2019 3:44 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:2019 St.Croix Valley Prayer Breakfast For weekly notes and post -----Original Message---- From: St. Croix Valley Prayer Breakfast<SCVPrayerBreakfast@rvcc.info> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Mon, Apr 15, 2019 3:27 pm Subject: 2019 St. Croix Valley Prayer Breakfast Saint Croix ValleyIII Prayer Breakfast%"qWWFR Save the date! The Eleventh Annual St. Croix Valley Prayer Breakfast is May 2, 2019. It will once again be held at the Grand Ballroom in downtown Stillwater, MN. All the details will be emailed in the next couple of days, but tickets should be available by this weekend at your St. Croix Valley area church, or at Oakridge Community Church, 610 County Road 5 in Stillwater. Their phone number is 651-439-4882. Thank you for praying, and we will see you there for the National Day of Prayer. i 22 of 23 bo � .4 ;; � c a c Y •� y M U, d d s ed O O �] _ O r y 0 0 C N Ifo py ,� C N w > 0 1N L V -8 N eCd .d0 Y O y d G u u s tui O s V C N = TJ O N �' O ; O $ 'C •• ao y O 3 O � ; v' t • � C •• L N i fA `dc O G O C Q: i v u 22 O. y N e.N L N Z «C~. � N E d o o y 3U° O 'i° CLis aLi Vp "' G. O `o •''S'—' N •sR, °�' C C O V'dac �I C40 '0 c or � F" �v rCgx 2 � C � a C 0� > a' ms EE as ; � a Z o U � ppp w o0 y p o ��o a � � ~ f �m 0 c r t c N c ' eca =° a� 3 i •• •c '5i' :z � c v C 1 A o u, Z O O c m o = V c s D O �ce = L �+ y� aaoa }, � 'Noo �p] r � c � Ca� � + 0 "rte u N W a s b u y o 4-1 ce Fr a ed a M no AV u � � � 0 C ,Q C.b u CLL 1- 0LU i � ce$ i p O to .� � u P ; LLn n C N .1 0 C2 F a 43 u ` e O o 6� c eo o c W ^ N ac o cd � n- �Y1 O � �W e � � e CCF"y``JJ 16 p rn L, 0 v M C° :Em Y N .6 d 0 C C a°qit °a , D F=- 23 of 23