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weekly notes - May 10th 2019
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS— O or: May 10,2019 TO: City Council Membe FROM: Eric Johnson,City min Zoning and Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. d+ 2. Staff did meet with a Arm called Sustainable Safari about the development of an indoor small mammal zoo 1 park.Some information is enclosed.This is Julio,the red kangaroo—> 3. The City did get a visit from someone interested in the bus garage properly for use as a grinding/wood chip manufacturer. While some re-use would be positive,we are told that the OUTSIDE GRINDERS are operated from 1,200 HP diesel engine and that run at 120 decibels,plus the engines themselves. So, at face value...this would not be compliant with the City's Industrial code. More information is needed,but be aware of the major noise and fume impacts that could result. I cannot imagine it would be well received. 4. Canvas Health is exploring the redevelopment of their site at the SW comer of 65e Street(Orleans)and Panama Ave.This would include a new clinic new and new transitional housing.They would seek a detachment of two parcels from OPH into Stillwater. I have enclosed the rough site plan and local map.Of course,this is early in the process and OPH might have some lands it might want detached from Stillwater —such as at the north end of Lookout Trail;we will have to see if Canvas health decides to move forward.Also,access to the small residential street—Ozark Ave.(on the west)should be prohibited if such a redevelopment occurs. 5. Enclosed is the copy of the letter from MNDOT as it relates to Lookout Trail;we will exhume the MOU Adam Josephson and I were working on some time ago. Chief DeRosier has supplied the April 2019—Police Activity Report note the weather warning siren located at the City Hall site was found to be faulty in a recent test;please see the enclosed email from the Chief. Ma or McComber Provided 1. MAOSC Federal Legislative Update for April 2019&MASOC State Newsletter for 516119 2. Lockridge Grindal Legislative Update for 516(Lockridge Grindal is the City's hired lobbying firm) 3. NLC Weekly for 517119 4. METRO CITIES news for 513119 5. Conversations in the Valley for 5115119&Information on Business Development Sessions. Council Member Dougherty shared an invitation for the Summer Miner-Tourism IGckoff Event 5/18119—See enclosed. Please let me know if you have any questions•651.253.7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 47 Mr. Eric Johnson 4/30/2019 City Administrator Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Thank you for taking my call today and for discussing with me-my business plans. For the last 5 years I've been working with the Mall of America to bring the first fully indoor zoo to life. MOA has granted me an LOI and a location but I have been unable to attract the proper funding source so have to start looking elsewhere for a simpler less expensive version of my vision. Sustainable Safari is my Non-profit 501(c)(3)and Cock-A-Doodle Zoo is a Limited Liability Corp. Each has its own messaging and delivery system. But the basics are simple for this letters purpose. I am seeking concept/zoning permission from Oak Park Heights to start talking to local landlords to bring my zoo concept indoors to one of the vacant buildings(Goodwill, Herbergers, 13435 60'h)within the city retail zones.The zoo will focus on small fauna of the world.The list is large but example animals are: Kangaroo, Coatimundi, Kinkajou,Wallaby, Lemur,Tortoises, Muntjac Deer, Patagonian Mara,and Farm Animals. III offer guests many hands on options through a traditional style petting zoo,hand feeding Lemurs, interaction with Ant-Eaters or Sloths. Our MOA version had many uses of technology through virtual and augmented reality,this is still part of the vision, but at a later date. I have not begun any conversations with any available building owners to seek their interest in this concept.When I approached the MOA their first question was what does Bloomington have to say?So I'm starting with you first. My current businesses are based in Scandia where I've lived for 22 years, I've been running Cock-A- Doodle Zoo since 2009. Currently I do approximately 200 shows a year for all different venues. Daycares, Libraries, Renaissance Fair,County and City Festivals and senior living centers. I am licensed by the following Government entities: United States Department of Agriculture(#41-B-0238)since 2002 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Minnesota Board of Animal Health Professional Member of American Zoo and Aquarium Association My Board of has 3 retired or former Como Zoo employees with 70 years'experience. This is a beginning request to seek basic permission and/or requirements to open up dialog with you and land owners. Once a proper place is located a farther discussion can begin for permitting, parking and signage. Thanks again, Robert Pilz (651)492-0230 2 of 47 p PO � oY o C a 1 pull MillF N^ c, f P n a" 1 �r m n v c m l w 111 l , I' FDA S1331IN3MV S3(IVOHH MYW833 dmVZO4Rm Z ua{jdp HDV3H SVANd3 6 z LU LU Q c� x LL Z w z x d Q s g ¢ x m 3m OIL W mLU z Q � Zm � � � avai - ki 61 VII ta- r F- y C W 0 3 o o g w m U c i z Qa Z +L }Z $ � UU L OF Z LL L N z LL, �� � W G „.. ; o CS J n1 p Z ..o Z W S LU �3 z m 4 of 47 DEPARTMENT O F Metropolitan District 1500 West County Road B-2 TRANSPORTATION Roseville,MN 55113 May 3,2019 Mayor McComber City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re, Lookout Trail Dear-, Mayor and City Councilmembers Commissioner Anderson Kelliher asked me to respond to your March 281h letter concerning the poor condition of Lookout Trail. I recently drove Lookout Trail and it has gotten considerably worse since last fall. I talked to our maintenance office about the condition,they have placed about 18 tons of hot and cold mix patching material on the road this spring and will get out there again to fill the new batch of potholes This has been a particularly difficult spring for potholes and our crews have been hard at work addressing highways,frontage roads and state owned roads like Lookout Trail. They were not able to commit to a time period but thought it should be within the next few weeks. Mn DOT is willing to provide funding to the city to reconstruct Lookout Trail. Reconstruction of the roadway would address pavement and drainage needs, provide a long-term upgrade to the road and add the trail improvements that the city desires. MnDOT's funding for the road upgrades would be with the requirement that the city assume ownership and maintenance responsibility for Lookout Trail. I have provided an MOU to the city outlining the Issues around a turnback. I have indentified funding that could allow the turnback to occur in state fisal year 2020(July 2019 to June 2020)if the city and state can come to agreement on terms. The turnback would provide funding to the city,the city would take over ownership of the road and would take the lead on having the road rebuilt Thank-you for the city's willingness to consider a turn back of Lookout Trail from the state to the city [will continue to work with your staff on resolving the details of a turn back. Sincere)}}y, Adam Jo phson MnDOT l=ast Area Manager An equal opportunity employer 5 of 47 City of oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone 651 439-4439•Fax 651 439-0574 Manch 28h,2019 Margaret Anderson Kelliher,Conunissioner 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/Sceme 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 recentlyplaced 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. VKind; a s, ,e .��,. Council em Carly Johnson 6. Moy�� ary 1 cComber Council Member Mike Liljegren Councif'Megm—beirg5e6 Dough Council Mem r Mike Runk 6 of 47 Wyay'^sM,� Paf)N1L4=0 fU* u 1 f A fm .� r' 4 W 4 cry my R r J � 5t cma Dossirm ,� St�n� �1 w 'rY T Y g.t. Deer"' �n It all,ro � tea NAjry'III1J� ' r �s '�Y�y� x4 gI N1R -7 of 47 L, • a tl W r : e" , v r a WF ., ♦'F�r� "r/ q 4� ��i may_. d�A Oo r A I t yh4' a ne s 8 of 47 CITY OF OAK PARD HEIGHTS e POLICE DEPARTMENT 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N., P.O. Box 2047 ; Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 May 8, 2019 To: Eric Johnson, City Administrator From: Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police Subject: Police Activity Report—April 2019 This overview report is the activity of the Oak Park Heights Police Department during the month of April 2019. Officers responded to and generated 2,254 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 suspect passing counterfeit$20 bills and possession of meth. 2. Responded to complaint of male dropping his pants,yelling,and hitting playground equipment in park. 3. Issued citation to juvenile for texting after they were sitting next to officer at stop light,then did not notice officer following with red lights on. Suspect stopped in parking lot of school after suspect stopped on their own and continued to text oblivious that officer was now standing next to the car. Student argued to the officer they were not texting and now they were late for school and the officer was violating their rights to an education........ 4. Arrested 2 persons in a stolen vehicle out of St Paul along with their warrants. 5. Arrested male for MJ Oil. Not first arrest. Suspect was on school bus. 6. Arrested adult male for possession of MJ oil and no driver's license. 7. Arrested male for tampering with motor vehicle. Suspect just released from WC jail and not from area with no way home. 8. Investigating theft of pull tab gambling money left in trunk of unattended vehicle in bar parking lot. 9. Recovered stolen vehicle being tracked by GPS. Suspect male arrested with vehicle and meth. 10. Cited suspect male for hit and run accident after hitting gas station wall and then trying to pretend it was not him..... 11. Recovered$1,300 cash for victim of scam who mailed$out of state. USPS notified and interrupted delivery of the cash. 12. Recovered a stolen vehicle out of Forest Lake with 2 suspects. 9 of 47 �� -__TY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS � POLICE DEPARTMENT -00 ������ ���� Park Blvd. N. P.O. � �0��7 � ^�=^^ ~~==- � =^�����v^�. ��., � �� ��^�� ^u^�^^� ���� � , �� ���T ��Q�� ��"m� � wua. u� 8, ����� ~,./wp^� 13. Issued numerous warnings tmjuveniles involved |nNERFwars. 14. Issued citation to motorcycle driver for reckless driving between lanes of traffic,speeding, no insurance. 1S. Arrested suspect male stealing cash off counter mtbar. Male just released from VV[Jail and not from area with noway home. Tobacco compliance checks ofretailers completed. No violations. We collected appx.25lbs of prescription drugs at national take back event in which we had officers stationed atBmutwcUsfor 4hrs.—open tmall public. Lookout tower weather siren was repaired and isoperational again. VVeprovided off duty officer for SVVAHSdance. We had 9 days during the month where we were at full staff due to vacations,sick leave and training. We had 6 vehicles that had been forfeited on for drugs or alcohol which were sold at state auction. Groosanomuntbcfomedbtributionstnthestate1O%orcounty3O9&forthmir"cut"andfeescoxerinQour tow bills ofapproximately$3OOea.vehicle, along with other expenses,was$GiS47.00. Once distributions and expenses are deducted the balance will be placed into dedicated forfeiture account. This is nearly a years'worth of forfeitures that had been held for the spring auction. Officers attended training courses during the month: 1. All Officers received training on firearms laws. 2. Officer Wynia gave a presentation at SOTA conference for SWAT officers on explosive breaching. 3. /,Sgt G|vmnd'and Sgt V1mrUngattended the LMC training conference. Ch|efDeRouier 10or4r Eric Johnson From: Brian DeRosier Sent: Monday, May 6,2019 1.12 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: RE:Weather Siren -City Hall location The weather siren here at city hall did not sound during the last test. Repair order has been submitted. Tower at Lookout has been repaired and is working properly. 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. s 11 of 47 MAOSC APRIL 2019 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CONGRESSIONAL SCHEDULE Congress was out of session April 15-26 for a two week spring break following three weeks of legislative business in Washington. in the month of April, Lawmakers have been immersed in work on the federal budget and appropriations process in addition to House and Senate committees continuing to delve into issues ranging from health care and infrastructure spending to tax code updates and a higher education reauthorization. A number of other priorities have also received attention on the Hill,notably the deployment of the so-called"nuclear option"in the Senate, aimed at speeding the confirmation process of presidential nominees. U. S. SENATE Senator Smith Introduces Bills to Strengthen Rural Broadband and Health Uare Earlier this month, Senator Tina Smith(D-MN)helped introduce a pair of bipartisan bills to expand investments in rural communities: one designed to help improve rural broadband,and one to improve rural health care. The first bill, the Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands(RURAL)Act(S. 1032), would correct a mistake in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(Pub.L. 115-97)that put the tax-exempt status of co-ops at risk if they receive government grants to expand broadband or to recover from a natural disaster.The second bill,called the Rural Health Clinic Modernization Act(S 1037), would update the regulations that govern Minnesota's nearly 100 Rural Health Clinics. It would expand the ability of physician assistants and nurse practitioners to provide care in rural clinics and improve the ability of rural clinics to offer tel ehealth services. Senator Klobuchar Introduces Bills to Invest in Rural America Senator Amy Klobuchar has helped to introduce two bipartisan bills in the last month aimed at helping rural American communities. The first bill,the Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy(EASE)Act(S. 1183)would assist rural communities and rural electricity cooperatives overcome the barriers to renewable energy storage and grid improvements by providing access to relevant resources and expertise.The second bill introduced by Senator Klobuchar is aimed at increasing the number of doctors practicing in rural America. The Conrad State 30& Physician Access Act(S. 948)would allow international doctors to remain in the U.S. upon completing their residency under the condition that they practice in underserved areas, including rural communities. At Fiscal Midpoint, Lawmakers Warn Stopgap Measure a Possibility April 1,2019 marked the midpoint of the fiscal year for 2019. With federal spending negotiations off to such an unusually slow start,top appropriators are already warning they may need a stopgap measure to avoid a shutdown. Lawmakers' goal of an early agreement to raise spending caps under the Budget Control Act(BCA), which would provide a common set of top-line spending figures for appropriators in both chambers,now seems unlikely. That means appropriators in the House and Senate will likely mark up bills that add up to different figures. As the fiscal year funding deadline approaches at the end of September,negotiators will have to reconcile potentially broad differences over defense and domestic spending levels, as well as the myriad smaller differences within all 12 bills in order to avoid a stopgap spending measure. Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Oppose USDA's Proposed SNAP Changes A bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter in late March regarding the Department of Agriculture's plan to toughen work requirements for recipients of government food assistance,stating it should be withdrawn. Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow(D-MI),along with 46 other lawmakers of both parties, sent the letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, specifically in opposition to his proposed rule to eliminate statewide waivers from work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP) unless a state qualifies for extended unemployment benefits. "This proposal ignores the intent of Congress,would worsen hunger in this country,and would do nothing to help increase stable,long-term employment or move individuals to self-sufficiency,"the letter to Secretary Purdue stated. 12 of 47 The comment period on the rule ended on April 2. In February, Secretary Perdue said that the USDA will likely proceed to a final rule soon after the comment period ends. President Trump Asks Senate for a New Health Care Plan President Trump has asked a group of U.S. Senators to create a health-care plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA),as the Administration seeks to have the law invalidated in court. Senate Majority Members John Barrasso (R-WY),Bill Cassidy(R-LA) and Rick Scott(R-FL)are developing the plan, President Trump indicated in March. President Trump's Chief of Staff said the Trump Administration plans to send a short summary of its health care "principles"to Congress as the basis for potential legislation. This announcement followed a notice from the Justice Department that it has shifted its position on a Texas legal challenge to the ACA, in which it previously sought to have only parts of the ACA declared unconstitutional, declaring in a court filing that it now wants the entire law thrown out.The federal judge hearing the case ruled last year that the law is unconstitutional because of changes Congress made in 2017. Senate Moves to Speed Up Presidential Nominations Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY)deployed the so-called"nuclear option"in early April by changing the chamber's rules to speed approval of various nominations to administration and judicial posts."It is time for this sorry chapter to end,"he said,noting the new rules will apply to nominees recommended by the future Presidents. Leader McConnell's effort will increase the rate at which the Senate can vote to confirm or reject nominees, but this change is unlikely to fully clear the confirmation logjam due to the sheer number of positions yet to be filled. Further,the expedited process will not apply to all nominations,with Supreme Court and Cabinet nominees being exempt from the rules change. U. S.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congresswoman Craig's Bill to Address Water Pollution Passes House Congresswoman Angie Craig(D-MN-02)was successful in getting her water pollution bill through the House of Representatives this month. In late March,the Local Water Protection Act(H.R. 1331)was sent to the House floor by a voice vote of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.On April 8,the bill was passed by the full House on a vote of 329-56. 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 is cosponsored by Congressman Brian Mast(R-FL-18). Previous Section 319s have been used by a number of Minnesota local governments to reduce nonpoint source pollution in recent years. Congresswoman Craig Cosponsors Bills to Help Expand Rural Mental Health Resources Congresswoman Craig has cosponsored several bills in the House that seek to expand rural mental health treatment resources.Among the bills she has cosponsored,the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act(H.R.1767)would extend and expand funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which house programs that improve access to community mental health services. Finally,the Mental Health Telemedicine Expansion Act(H.R. 1301) seeks to make it easier for older adults to obtain mental health care in their own home. The Medicare Mental Health Access Act 884 would allow psychologists to practice under the definition of`physician.' In addition,Congresswoman Craig joined a letter addressed to the House Appropriations Committee requesting they fully fund the Farm Ranch and Stress Assistance Network,a program authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill to provide mental health resources specifically for farmers and ranchers. Appropriators to Start Work without Spending Caps Deal House appropriators will forge ahead with fiscal 2020 spending bills without a firm agreement among House Democrats on top-line spending levels, after the House Majority could not reach an agreement over a measure that would have raised spending limits. The House declined to vote in April on a measure by Budget Chairman John 13 of 47 Yarmuth(D-KY)that would increase the caps under the Budget Control Act. That measure, aimed at avoiding the steep spending cuts required under the law, would have served as an agreement on the basics of defense and nondefense spending,aiding the appropriations process. However,divisions among the House Majority have undermined support. On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY)indicated talks have begun among his staff, Speaker Nancy Pelosi's(D-CA)staff and the White House on a two-year deal on budget caps to clear a path for appropriations. Senate appropriators, like their counterparts in the House,are expected to begin work on their spending bills before a budget deal is reached.Also on the 2019 Congress fiscal agenda is the debt limit, which will need to be increased by the end of September. House Majority Seeks Vote by July on $2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Congressional Democrats are laying the groundwork for a broad infrastructure package that could reach$2 trillion in new investment,and they are hoping to make it a bipartisan push with a House vote prior to the August Recess. House and Senate Democratic Leaders met with President Trump during the last week of April to discuss moving forward on an infrastructure deal. Democratic Leaders said this week that they agreed with the President on aiming for a$2 trillion infrastructure plan,while leaving open the pivotal question of how to pay for it. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer(D-NY)said they agreed to meet with the President again in three weeks to discuss revenue sources for such an ambitious infrastructure plan. While a Iarge infrastructure package is a priority for House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio(D-OR),his Senate counterpart, Environment and Public Works Chairman John Barrasso(R-WY),is focused on a surface transportation authorization bill that will concentrate on roads,highways and bridges. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell(R-KY)has said that President Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi must reach an agreement on a credible way to pay for any infrastructure plan that will succeed in his chamber. House Tax Panel Prepares for Analysis of 2017 Tax Bill Chairman Richard Neal(D-MA)of the House Ways and Means Committee held the first of what could be many hearings on the tax overhaul of 2017. Chairman Neal has said repeatedly he wants to re-examine the tax law,while Senate Democrats have called for an outright repeal of the law. The State and Local Tax(SALT)deduction, which the 2017 law capped at$10,000 for federal returns was discussed at the hearing,however Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley(R-IA)has said that he is not interested in any legislative changes. Lawmakers Circulate Letter in Favor of PILT Funding House and Senate champions of the Payments In-Lieu of Taxes(PILT)program have been circulating letters calling on Congressional Appropriators to provide full-funding in FY 2020. Without congressional action, local governments across the country face the expiration of critical financial offsets for untaxable federal lands within their jurisdiction. These local governments depend on PILT payments from the federal government to provide critical health, education, cultural and emergency services to their residents and federal lands visitors. WHITE HOUSE &ADMINISTRATION HHS Announces Second Round of Funding for State Opioid Response Grants The Department of Health and Human Services(HHS)announced on March 20 a second installment of$437 million in funding for the two-year Opioid-State Targeted Response(STR)grants first authorized in 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act.Combined with the$933 million in continuation funding to be posted later in 2019,Opioid-STR grant funding to states will total approximately$1.4 billion for FY 2019,a nearly$500 million increase above FY 2018 funding for the program. Administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration(SAMHA),Opioid-STR grants are formula funds awarded to states,territories and jurisdictions to support the expansion of addiction treatment and recovery activities,with the aim of reducing unmet treatment needs and opioid overdose deaths. Specifically,Opioid-STR 14 of 47 grants provide funding for states and other jurisdictions to identify gaps in current treatment activities and capacity, expand access to medication-assisted treatment therapies, and advance substance misuse prevention in coordination with federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). USDA Announces Technical Assistance Workshops for ReConnect Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced six regional ReConnect Technical Assistance Workshops, including a May 15-16 meeting in Alexandria,Minn. These workshops are designed to give applicants a stronger understanding of the application process and program requirements,They will provide stakeholders with information about the funding opportunity announcement released in December 2018,as well as specific details regarding the technical,financial and program management requirements. The ReConnect Program offers loans, grants,and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America without sufficient access to broadband. The awards made under this program bring high-speed broadband to rural areas,enable technologies critical to rural communities, and fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. Pre-registration for the event is required. To register, please visit this following link: Reaister for the Alexandria,Minnesota workshop to be held May 15-16 2019 Supreme Court to Rule on Groundwater Pollution under the Clean Water Act The U.S. Supreme Court will consider limiting the reach of the Clean Water Act,agreeing to hear a case from Hawaii centering on treated wastewater that ends up in the Pacific Ocean. At issue is whether a federal permit is required to discharge pollution that travels underground before emerging in an ocean,river or other major waterway. Lower courts are divided on the issue. In the Hawaiian case,a federal appeals court said Maui County needs a permit to continue disposing of water through underground wells at a treatment facility. Environmental groups led by the Hawaii Wildlife Fund sued Maui County in 2012, saying decades of discharges from the facility have devastated once-pristine coral reefs. The Court will hear and rule on the case during its next term, which begins in October 2019.A certiorari stage amicus brief joined by the National Association of Counties,the National League of Cities and others argues in support of the County of Maui,counters the environmental ruling of the Ninth Circuit. KEY UPCOMING DATES July 26-Sept.9,2019 House Summer Recess August 2-Sept.9,2019 Senate Summer Recess Oct. 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 Sma1l Cities and with the Members of the Minnesota Delegation on the aforementioned issues and report back with updates. Please do not hesitate to contact Vince Spinner at either(202)544-9840 or vmspinner@locklaw.com if you have any questions, or if you would like an update on any area of interest not discussed in this article. 15 of 47 MAOSC State Newsletter—May 6,2019 MnLARS system to be scrapped The new independent expert review of the troubled Minnesota Licensing and Registration System(MnLARS)has Gov.Tim Walz and legislative leaders in agreement to scrap the existing system. Initiated by the governor's executive order in February,the study released on May 1 indicates that additional expenditures to establish a new system beyond the cost of a fix existing system will be needed over the next four years(but projected costs subsequently will be reduced). How the new system will be paid for(general fund,HUTDF,bonding)is uncertain—and might have a tangential impact on funding for Small Cities Streets Assistance. Compensation for the additional costs already experienced by deputy registrars remains another complicating factor in the current global budget negotiations. The independent expert study outlined benefits and minimizing risks associated with its recommendation: • Rapid procurement of a packaged software solution(at a further negotiated price)which requires minimal custom development from a vendor that offers ail aspects of development, CIA,stakeholder involvement,training,implementation and on-going upgrades and support MnLARS development freeze as of June 2019 and maintenance of a nominal staff to address bugs during the implementation of the replacement product DP5 ownership of the project as the subject matter expert that drives to enable expected results of the selected vendor,provides back-office functions and supports Stakeholders • Mn.IT partnership with DPS on technical aspects such as data integration and the setup of infrastructure and peripheral devices • DPS and Mn.IT collaboration on staffing functions such as user acceptance testing,and critical acceptance function working with the vendor. Report: httas:/Idns.mn.sov/divisions/dvs(forms-documents/Documentsrndeoendent-expert-review-of-mniars.adf News: httr)s://www.twincities.com/2019/05/01/mniars-should-be-scrapped-experts-say/ Nonprofit HMO assets resolution A proposed Nonprofit HMO conversion of assets resolution will be considered for approval by the MA05C Board at its meeting Tuesday(May 7). Brought forward by MAOSC Vice President Tim Burkhardt,the resolution seeks protections when nonprofit health maintenance organizations(HMOs)convert to for-profit status,safeguarding against potential negative financial and health care impacts on state residents who contributed to the current estimated$6.7 billion nonprofit HMO reserves. The pro-rata share of estimated HMO financial reserves put at risk for residents of small cities(population 5,000 and under)totals more than$800 million.The stand alone bill addressing HMO assets conversions is HF 533(summary).The issue is likely to be considered in the HHS conference committee-HF 2414. Proposed resolution: https://files.constantcontact.com/3ab79@Ob101/c655ed3O-7319-4al6-84aa-5912f5bO7c7fi Pdf https:l�www.twi ncities.com/2019/04/23/el Lison-lawmakers-say-for-profit-in surers-cou I d-raid-minnesota-reserves http:/f www.startribu n e.com/prevent-corporate-raids-on-treasuries-of-m i n nesota-s-nonprofit-health-Di ans/508827742 Conference committees get underway We are approaching the crucial time in the session as floor action on the major omnibus bills has been completed,and most of the major conference committees have been named.Productive work in conference committee will commence when the global targets agreed upon by the Governor,House and Senate leaders are announced—with the informal deadline set for today(Monday,May 6). It will be tremendously helpful If members contact any listed conferees who-represent your city,reminding them c f the local community needs relevant to the particular issues under consideration in conference committee. Of particular interest to MAOSC members is the make up the Transportation conference committee where Republican senators Newman,Jasinski and Rarick have a total of 21 MAOSC member cities in their districts. Republican House Transportation lead Torkelson,a supporter and chief author of sustainable Small Cities Streets Assistance funding legislation,has seven member cities in 16 of 47 his district. If your community is represented by any of the transportation conference committee conferees,please call or email your legislator to voice support for stable,long-term Small Cities Streets funding in the next few days when the key funding decisions will be made.Your personal contact can make the difference. Major issues to be considered,and provisions of special interest to small cities,are included in the listing below. Conference committee co-chairs denoted in bold;minority party conference committee members are denoted with an asterisk Transportation—HF 1555—Streets funding, MnLARS, Local Bridge program,greater Md and metro transit: House conferees: Hornstein,Koegel,Tabke,Richardson,Torkelson* Announced Senate conferees(formal appointment coming): Newman,Jasinski, Hall, Rarick and Dibble* Taxes-HF 2125—Local government aid(LGA), local sales tax options,state property tax assessments(utilities,etc.),4d housing property class rate, reduced income taxes,school bond—agricultural tax credit, partial federal tax conformity: House conferees: Marquart,Loeffler,Lislegard,Gomez,Davids* Senate conferees: Chamberlain,Senjem, Dahms,Howe,Rest* Jobs—HF 2208—Wage and benefit requirements and pre-emption,child care and community prosperity grants,broadband,various energy grant programs,retainage: House conferees: Mahoney,Wagenius,Stephenson,Long, Hassan Senate conferees: Pratt,Dahms,Osmek,Housley,Simonson* Health&Human Services(HHS)—HF 2414—Provider tax continuation,nonprofit HMO reserve assets conversion,hospital and nursing home reimbursements,reinsurance: House conferees: Liebling, Moran,Schultz, Halvorson,Hamilton* Senate conferees: Benson,Abeler,Utke,Jenson, Marty* To monitor conference committees,and review supporting materials,see: https://www.leg.state.mn.us/lea/cc/ Women in City Government awards Minnesota Women in City Government(MWCG)recognizes exceptional and distinguished appointed and elected officials who have made a significant impact on city government.To nominate someone for this award,please complete the form below and submit it to the Minnesota Women in City Government with supporting documentation. Nominations are due by 4:30 pm on Friday,May 24,2019. Nominations will be reviewed by the Minnesota Women in City Government Board and will be announced on June 27th at the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth.dominations are accepted via e-mail the MWCG Board at mnwomeningovt@gmail.com. htt s: files.constantcontact.com/3ab79a01,101 dO6dOaf5-0874-406b-877a„cbledfl5fcfc pdf -END- 17 of 47 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Monday, May 6,2019 11:08 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:This Week at the Minnesota Legislature-May 6,2019 For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Lockridge Grindal Nauen <legalert@locklaw.com> To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Mon, May 6, 2019 10:09 am Subject. This Week at the Minnesota Legislature-May 6, 2019 Government Relations LocKRIDU GRUNDAL trt Grindal, H. Theodore Partner - Last Wednesday marked the deadline agreed upon by Governor w; Walz, the DFL-controlled House, and the Republican-controlled Senate for all major budget bills to be passed off their respective floors and for conference committee members to be named. Rebecca J. i(anninen Partner The next agreed-upon deadline is scheduled for today where all fiscal targets must be provided to chairs of conference committees on major finance bills through joint agreement by the governor, House DFL leadership, and Senate Republican leadership. Conference . committees then will focus their efforts this week on reconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bills while meeting the budget target jointly assigned by leadership. The next deadline is Monday, May 13, where conference committee reports must be passed out of their respective conference committees and sent to the house of origin. After that, each chamber 18 of 47 Daniel G. Larson has a week to debate and vote upon the conference reports of Government Relations omnibus budget bills as the 2019 Legislative Session is scheduled to conclude on Monday, May 20. VW 5&AAM The members of the House and Senate listed below have been assigned to following conference committees: Taxes Amos A. Briggs Government Refouons Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) Senator Dave Senjem (R-Rochester) Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) 9 Senator Ann Rest(DFL-New Hope) Representative Paul Marquart(DFL-Dilworth) Peter H.Glossing Representative Diane Loeffler(DFL-Minneapolis) Associate I Representative Dave Lislegard (DFL-Aurora) Communications& Representative Aisha Gomez(DFL-Minneapolis) Grassroots Advocacy Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) E-12 Education Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) Senator Bill Weber(R-Luverne) Angie A.Hasek Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) Communications& Senator Chuck Wiger(DFL-Maplewood) Grassroots Advocacy Representative Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) e Representative Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) Representative Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul) Representative Julie Sandstede(DFL-Hibbing) Representative Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) Ann T. Lenczeivski Health &Human Services Government Relations Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) Senator Jim Ahaler(R-Anokal Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) Senator Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) Senator John Marty(DFL-Roseville) Representative Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) Ian G. Marsh Representative Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) Goverrimeni Reiations Representative Jennifer Schultz (DFL-Duluth) Representative Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) Higher Education Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth) Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) Senator Scott Jensen (R-Chaska) 2 19 of 47 Nathaniel C. Mussell Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) Partner Senator Greg Clausen (DFL-Apple Valley) ,. Representative Connie Bernardy(DFL-New Brighton) Representative Laurie Pryor(DFL-Minnetonka) Representative Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead) Representative Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth) Representative Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Fails) Jessica E. Lindeen Governm w RiDlations Judiciary& Public Safety Senator Warren Limmer(R-Maple Grove) Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) Kara Ost Rrman GovemrmE :.,; Relations Representative Carlos Mariani(DFL-St. Paul) Representative John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) y Representative Kelly Moller(DFL-Arden Hills) Representative Dave Pinto (DFL-St. Paul) Representative Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) Jobs&Energy Cullen D.Sheehan Senator Scott PrattR-Prior Lake Government Relations ( ) Senator Gary Dahms(R-Redwood Falls) Senator Dave Osmek(R-Mound) Senator Karin Housley(R-St. Mary's Point) IIS Senator Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) Representative Tim Mahoney(DFL-St. Paul) Representative Jean Wagenius (DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) Representative Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Hodan Hassan (DFL-Minneapolis) Transportation Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) Senator John Jasinski(R-Faribault) Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) Senator Jason Rarick(R-Pine City) Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park) Representative Brad Tabke(DFL-Shakopee) Representative Ruth Richardson (DFL-Mendota Heights) Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) Environment&Natural Resources 3 20 of 47 Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) Senator David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm) Representative Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) Representative John Persell (DFL-Bemidji) Representative Peter Fischer(DFL-Maplewood) Representative Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville) Representative Nathan Nelson (R-Hinckley) State Government Finance Senator-Mary Kiffmeyer(R-Big Lake) Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) Senator Andrew Matthews (R-Milaca) Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan) Representative Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) Representative Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) Representative Rob Ecklund (DFL-International Falls) Representative Ray Dehn (DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) Agriculture& Housing Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) Senator Bill Weber(R-Luverne) Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) Senator Rich Draheirn (R-Madison Lake) Senator Kari Dziedzic(DFL-Minneapolis) Representative Jean Poppe (DFL-Austin) Representative Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul) Representative Gene Pelowski (DFL-Winona) Representative Samantha Vang (DFL-Brooklyn Center) Representative Bob Gunther(R-Fairmont) Minneapolis Washington D.C. alsmaook Simae 2200 1,11AR 2 10 SUM 200 10%N shing,400 Fktrc S 415.fod,Slreer NE 18 15 ;(th-;�Tfer cite-at MIneloodlis• NN 01-21%4 WA$h(rdgt�O 0 C:. 0W -d9!'O 04%enw4, rj se-50i T 612-339-6900 T r •gym. r$4a T 70 177'011717,W t 1Zw33 - i51 p W. 4 21 of 47 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2019 5:07 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Federal Advocacy Update:Week of May 7,2019 For weekly notes ----Original Message— From: National League of Cities<advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tue, May 7, 2019 3:47 pm Subject: Federal Advocacy Update: Week of May 7, 2019 If this message is not displaying properly,please view the online version Federal Advocacy Update In This Issue NLC Supports Commitment to Paris Agreement NLC Supports Bipartisan Transportation Alternatives Bill Ruppersberger Announces Violence Prevention Bill - First Infrastructure Negotiation Set $2 Trillion Federal Spending Goal Line House Adds NFIP Extension to the Disaster Assistance Bill - NLC Submits Comments Supporting PACE Programs - FDA Opens Comment Window on Cannabis Safety Standards EPA Seeks Feedback on Revising Clean Water Act Certification Process NLC Continues Push for BQD Threshold Increase SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in the Census Citizenship Case NLC Supports Commitment to Paris Agreement Carolyn Berndt, 202.626.3101 i 22 of 47 On May 2, the House voted 231-190 to prohibit the United States withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. The Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9), sponsored by Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis Chair, directs the president to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contribution under the Paris Climate Agreement. In a statement, NLC President Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, Indiana, said, "America's cities, towns and villages commend the House for reinforcing our nation's commitment to addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time— the changing climate and its impact on the health and resilience of our communities." In June 2017, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement. The agreement, which was supported by NLC and is signed by nearly 200 nations, was created to limit greenhouse gas emissions and combat rising global temperatures. NLC led the largest delegation of city leaders at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, where the climate agreement was adopted. To date, 250 cities have signed the We Are Still In declaration "demonstrating an enduring commitment to delivering on the promise of the Paris Agreement and America's contribution to it." The House vote comes as climate change has emerged as a key congressional priority and represents the first climate-related legislation Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) has brought to the House floor this Congress. The bill, however, is unlikely to come up for a vote in the Senate, and President Trump has issued a veto threat. NLC Supports Bipartisan Transportation Alternatives Bill Briitney Kohler, 20Z 626.3164 NLC supports the Transportation Alternatives Enhancements Act (S. 1 098) introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roger Wicker (R-MS). This 2 23 of 47 bipartisan bill improves on the highly successful Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), the primary federal funding program for bikeways and sidewalks to reduce traffic congestion, provide children with safe routes to school, and give communities more affordable transportation options. S.1098 also energizes the TAP program with common sense reforms: TAP will be able to grow if transportation investment grows, it improves local control to complete projects, and it provides communities with access to project support by both their state and non-profits. As Congress moves to reauthorize the FAST Act transportation bill this year, NLC supports strong increases to multimodal and collaborative programs like TAP, which provided $850 million to recipients in 2019. To keep reading and find out more about what this bill means for your community, click here to view the blog on CitiesSpeak. Ruppersberger Announces Violence Prevention Bill Yucel Drs, 202.626.3124 On May 6, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02) unveiled new legislation to expand hospital-based violence prevention programs across the country. The End the Cycle of Violence Act provides federal grants to hospitals that offer services to violent crime victims while they recover from their injuries. It is modeled on the Violence Intervention Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center's R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, where a staggering 20 percent of patients are victims of violence, usually stabbings and shootings. The bill, H.R. 2464, requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to select ten existing violence prevention programs to receive a $750,000 federal grant for expanding services or studying effectiveness. At the end of a 3-year pilot, each hospital will report its findings back to the federal government. The bill is cosponsored by Congresswoman Ann Kuster (D-NH-02). NLC believes that a comprehensive violence prevention strategy that pursues preventive efforts to minimize future violence is essential to help break the cycle of violence plaguing so many communities. NLC supports the End the Cycle of Violence Act to help health providers develop new and evidence-based programs 3 24 of 47 to reduce the potential for cyclical violence that often results from the trauma victims face in violent confrontations. NLC applauds Congressman Ruppersberger and Congresswoman Kuster for introducing legislation that provides additional resources to public health institutions to expand important violence intervention programs. First Infrastructure Negotiation Set $2 Trillion Federal Spending Goal Line Briffney Kohler, 202.626.3164 On April 30, congressional Democratic leaders went to the White House to meet with the president and his advisors to talk about the National League of Cities' top legislative ask—an infrastructure bill that rebuilds America in partnership with local communities. Emerging from the meeting, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer reported that it was "very constructive," with Senator Schumer saying, "It's clear that both the White House and all of us want to get something done on infrastructure in a big and bold way." White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders described the meeting as "excellent and productive" and said the president "looks forward to working together in a bipartisan way." Three key takeaways from the meeting for cities are: 1. a goal line of a $2 trillion dollar package was reached which aligns with the needs outlined by the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America's Infrastructure; 2. the president indicated that the prior White House proposal asking communities to provide a greater matching share than typical of federal program was not how they would necessarily want to move forward; and 3. some portion of broadband will be included in the package in addition to areas like transportation. Following the meeting, NLC President Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, Indiana released this statement: "The National League of Cities applauds President Trump and Democratic leaders for focusing on infrastructure. Now is the time to turn today's infrastructure discussion into action. We urge Congress 4 25 of 47 and the administration to build a bipartisan framework for legislation that funds and fixes our nation's infrastructure. Our message is clear: Every community deserves safe, reliable infrastructure that will support our country's economic future. Washington has procrastinated long enough. It's time to demonstrate leadership and put America's infrastructure needs first." From the Administration, both Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and lvanka Trump attended. Congressional Democratic leaders were joined by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (IL), Senator Patty Murray (WA), Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Senator Ron Wyden (OR), Senator Tom Carper (DE), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Representative James Clyburn (SC-06), Representative Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03), Representative Richard Neal (MA-01), and Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04). Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republican congressional leadership did not attend. There will be another infrastructure meeting in a few weeks "to discuss specific proposals and financing methods" and to determine the potential funding sources, and communities will be watching closely to see how these negotiations progress. House Adds NFIP Extension to the Disaster Assistance Bill Yucel Ors. 202.626.3 924 On April 9, the House introduced a new $17.2 billion disaster aid package, H.R. 2157. While the House is set to consider the bill this week, the Senate is still debating how much additional assistance Puerto Rico should receive. The impasse in the Senate is holding up billions of dollars in disaster aid to cities, towns and villages impacted by hurricanes, floods, wildiand fires, and other disasters since December. Senate Republicans latest offer includes an additional $300 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG- DR) funding for Puerto Rico. NLC believes that Congress should quickly pass the stalled disaster aid package, which is essential to help the cities, towns and villages that were devastated by natural disaster in 2018 and 2019 recover quickly, mitigate future risks, and improve local infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather in the long-term. 5 26 of 47 The House bill also includes language that would extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30, which is set to expire at the end of May. Once again, a four-month extension is necessary because the House and Senate have been unable to finalize legislation that would provide a long-term (five-years) reauthorization of the program. The previous law that reauthorized the program for five-years expired in September 2017. NLC is concerned that there is still considerable uncertainty about the fate of the NFIP and how the proposed reforms will impact flood insurance rates for primary, non-primary, and business properties. As Congress continues to consider these reforms to the NFIP, NLC is working to ensure the legislation protects the grandfathering of flood insurance rates, keeps flood insurance rates affordable, provides incentives to retrofit existing structures, and requires FEMA to utilize the best technology and methods available to improve the mapping process. To see what the House supplement disaster aid package provides, click here. NLC Submits Comments Supporting PACE Programs Carolyn Berndt 202.626.3109 On May 7, NLC submitted comments on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing. CFPB was soliciting information to help it better understand the unique nature of PACE financing. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law in May 2018, requires CFPB to develop rules in consultation with state and local governments that ensure consumers can pay their residential PACE financing obligations. NLC's comments focus on the importance of PACE programs to local governments by serving a public purpose and the unique nature of PACE as a tax assessment and local government authority. 6 27 of 47 PACE financing programs are an innovative local government solution to help property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements— such as energy efficient HVAC systems, upgraded insulation, new windows, solar installations, etc.—to their homes and businesses. The PACE program removes many of the energy efficiency and renewable energy retrofit barriers that otherwise exist for residential homeowners and businesses, particularly the high upfront cost of making such an investment and the long-term ability to reap the benefits of cost savings. This rulemaking is especially relevant to California, Florida and Missouri who have active residential PACE programs, along with other states that are considering similar programs. To date, 36 states plus the District of Columbia have passed laws enabling local governments to develop PACE programs, and 20 states have active PACE programs. As CFPB moves forward, NLC encourages CFPB to continue to engage in significant and meaningful consultation with local governments throughout the various stages of the rulemaking process to ensure PACE continues to benefit American homeowners and remains a viable financing tool for local governments. FDA Opens Comment Window on Cannabis Safety Standards Brian Egan 202.626.3107 and Yucal Ors, 202.626.3924 On December 20, 2018, the president signed the Farm Bill with a provision that legalized hemp—products derived from the cannabis plant with an extremely low THC content (less than 0.3% by dry weight). Now, in response to this change, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is soliciting comments for "data and information about the safety, manufacturing, product quality, marketing, labeling and sale of products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds." While many of the questions are targeted at the medical and scientific community, the notice poses several questions to which local input may be valuable. The FDA specifically seeks comments on what successful safety measures already exist at the state and local levels, and what additional measures are needed at the federal level to ensure public health and safety. The full request and submission portal 7 28 of 47 can be found here_ If you plan on submitting comments, or would like to learn how NLC participates in this comment period, please feel free to reach out to either Brian Egan (egan@nlc.org) or Yucel Ors (ors@nlc.org). EPA Seeks Feedback on Revising Clean Water Act Certification Process Carolyn Berndt, 202.626.3101 In April, President Trump issued Executive Order 13868: Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth to "[enhance] our Nation's energy infrastructure, including facilities for the transmission, distribution, storage, and processing of energy resources." The Executive Order directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review its regulations and guidance under the Clean Water Act Section 401, the Water Quality Certification program, to determine whether provisions should be clarified to "promote efficient permitting processes and reduce regulatory uncertainties that currently make energy infrastructure projects expensive and that discourage new investment." Section 401 of the Clean Water Act provides that no federal permit or license can be issued that may result in a discharge to waters of the United States unless the state or authorized tribe certifies that the discharge is consistent with water quality requirements or waives certification. In reviewing a proposed federal permit or licenses, states and authorized tribes have the option to grant the permit, grant the permit with conditions. deny the permit, or to waive their right to act. In recent years, two states have used this authority to deny a permit for high- profile projects---a pipeline in New York and a coal terminal in Washington. Additionally, Maryland recently approved the relicensing of a hydropower dam with the condition of limiting nutrient pollution into the Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, under the Executive Order, EPA is charged with issuing new guidance for federal permitting agencies and state and tribal authorities within 60 8 29 of 47 days (June 10) and to initiate a rulemaking to clarify Section 401 to allow for efficient permitting and increased regulatory certainty within 120 days (August 8). Consequently, EPA held a federalism consultation briefing with state and local government associations to gather information on how the agency can improve Section 401 certifications' substance (proper scope and information needs) and process (timing requests, various stakeholder responsibilities, and information coordination). EPA is accepting pre-proposal recommendations through May 24. Comments can be submitted online through Docket No EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0855_ NLC plans to submit recommendations in coordination with our state partners. NLC Continues Push for BQD Threshold Increase Brian Egan, 202.626.3907 Federal tax law typically prohibits commercial banks from deducting the interest costs incurred from holding municipal bonds in their portfolios. As a result, commercial banks traditionally do not purchase a large amount of municipal debt. The tax code does provide an exception to the rule. If an issuer (in this case a municipal issuer) reasonably expects to issue less than $10 million of debt in a year, it can elect to issue bank qualified debt (BQD), which banks can hold and still write off most of the carrying costs. BQD is a useful tool for small communities who benefit from bypassing the traditional municipal bond underwriting process to sell their bonds directly to local banks. BQD issuers also typically reduce their borrowing costs by an estimated 26-40 basis points. Unfortunately, the $10 million threshold was set in 1986 and has failed to keep pace with inflation. NLC continues to push Congress to introduce and pass legislation that would raise the threshold to $30 million and index it to inflation. House champions are also expected to reintroduce legislation that would reinstate the tax exemption on advance refunding bonds sometime this month. If your community utilizes BQD, or has lost BQD status, please feel free to reach out to Brian Egan (egan@nlc.org) to learn how you can help advocate for a fix. 9 30 of 47 SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in the Census Citizenship Case Brian Egan 202.626.3907 On April 23, the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments in the Commerce v. New York case, which will decide the ultimate fate of the citizenship question in the 2020 Census questionnaire. While it is impossible to accurately predict SCOTUS rulings based on oral arguments alone, the sometimes tense debates revealed that the justices were largely falling along ideological lines. Four liberal judges drilled into the federal government on suspected violations to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and five conservative judges pushed the defendants on whether the Commerce Secretary truly had no due cause in choosing to add the question. Lisa Soronen of the State and Local Legal Center provides an excellent recap in her blog for CitiesSpeak. NLC remains committed to keeping local governments up to date on important decennial census information and key dates as we near April 1 , 2020. The Local Census Preparedness Network is just shy of 250 municipalities, but we can still grow! Please forward this email to the staff working to prepare your local government for the 2020 Census, so we can ensure your community is in our network. Sign up here. 4NWXWALOPCMM _ LEAGIN 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 10 31 of 47 Metro Cities News 513/19 Pagel of 7 C TRO IESMember Login 8 Searcn our site.. p4 eh9poglaa Maniopealea Home Metro Cities News About Us Meetings&Events Membership Advocacy Policies&Resources MAMA Reium to the bldg Upcoming Events Metro Cities News 5/3/19 by:Kimberly Ql»ascchi I 3,2f9 category:hiewsletteMoT eumement Cale9a,lc MAMA ' Thu Jun 29,2919 �-�..M.•..,�, ._... May Metro C9ies goard_af_Pirecters 03 in This Issue: Meeting Ca[agory:Metm Glen Board of Dinr�on 2m—n&LsjI1l&Eracgssed:Conference Committees and BuglgaE hieGotiations p n ThaJdn 27'2079 Tax Bills Metro CNles Breakfast Rthr g LMC Annual g nee • State Government 8111 Indude�Local Government 5aiary Cap Repeal and Ele�j2�Prgvisfans Transportation Bills _ Camgn7 Mceon9 mm Ju16.2019 Jobs&Workforce Development Bills Trensoottatlon&General Housing Bills GovernmentPoliUQommlttee LegacrY Elindino Bills,Funding for Metro Private Prooerty 0 and Water Sustainability Al Emerald Ash Borer Cata9my;Pdiry CwnmNtn Tu' Jd 9,2019 EVENT:Metropolitan Council Environmental Services(MQQ Wen House&Budget Warkshapr Municipal Revenues Policy 2.012 Metro Cities Policy Committees Committee#1 Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual ConferenQt v ra9arx Poftcm lmf View Full Calendar Omnibus Bills Processed;Conference Committees and Budget Negotiations Begin Announcements Its time to plan for 2019 Metro This week,the Legislature continued to process omnibus appropriations and tax bills,with bills now Cities Policy Committees!Metro passed off the floors of both bodies.Conference committees have been named for most omnibus bills. Crtles'policy committees annually See below for the membership of conference committees on bills of interest to Metro Cities,followed develop policy recommendations by legislative updates, based on input from member city representatives.Committees Taxes submit policy recommendations to the Board of Directors for House:Marquart,Loeffler,Lislegard,Gomez,and Davids review,modification and Senate:Chamberlain,Senjem,Dahms,Howe,Rest distribution to the general Transportation membership.The membership will meet in November,prior to the House:Hornstein,Koegel,Tabke,Richardson,Torkelson legislative session,to debate and Senate:Newman,Jasinski,Hall,Rariek,Dibble adopt Metro Cities'policies for the Jobs 2020 legislative session. Click to view the schedule for House:!Mahoney,Wagenius,Stephenson,Long,Hassan this summer and for the linkto Senate:Pratt,Dahms,6smek,Housley,Simonson sign up. Housing o House:Poppe,Hausman,Peloski,Vang,Gunther Senate:Westrom,Weber,Goggin,Draheim,Dziedzic Environment House:Hansen,Persell,Fischer,Becker-Finn,Nelson,M. Senate:Ingebrigtsen,Ruud,Eichorn,Johnson,Tomassonf State Government House:Nelson,M.,Freiberg,Ecklund,Dehn,Kiel Senate:Kiffmeyer,Anderson,B.,Koran,Matthews,Carlson 32 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3/19 Page 2 of 7 The House has a we6sits listing all bills in conference committee-There is also a page showing our Tweets conference committee detaij.,including side-by-side documents.Follow Metro Cities on Twitter OMetroCitie ?"r and bookmark these pages to see real-time updates of conference committee Tweets try meetings. ametromeaMN The link to budget tracking spreadsheets can be found here for the House and here for the Senate FM Metro Cities @MsbtCi1esMN Legislative leaders and Governor Walz have begun discussions to negotiate on the overall budget and Taxes Conference Committee conference committee spending targets.Most omnibus budget bills as well as the omnibus tax bills discusses'no cost or negligible between the bodies are vastly different in funding levels and priorities.As of this coming Monday,the ma'provisions in the tax bins. Legislature will have two weeks before it must conclude the regular legislative session on May 20th. tem Metro cines Tax BillsMatroCiGesN1N Taxes Conference committee convenes. The House and Senate passed omnibus tax bills last week and this week respectively.A Taxes Conference Committee was appointed for the bills on Wednesday and held a first,brief meeting this 2'`° morning.Non-partisan staff did a'walk through'of a spreadsheet showing differences among the House,Senate and Governor in tax related recommendations.Chairs noted the spreadsheet used this Moro clues @MetroCltiesl�M morning was preliminary,and side-by-side comparisons of the two tax bills were not made available this Jobs conference committee morning.The committee is scheduled to meet again on Monday to do a walk-through of side-by-side meets briefly to adopt modified language.Metro Cities will provide a link to the side-by-side comparison of the bills once it is available. language on retainage for public Of interest to Metro Cities in the Senate and House versions of HF 2125: Embed view on Twitter Local Government Aid increase-House bill(support). Expansion of direct property tax relief programs including the homestead credit refund and renters credit-House bill(support). Extending the PERA aid program to local governments-House bill(support). Allowing cities to fund local historical societies-Senate and House bills(support). Authorizing the establishment of special flre protection taxing districts-Senate bill(support). Creation of a housing tax credit/expansion of 4D classification-Senate bill(support). New requirements for local option sales taxes are included in both bills,with differences in the provisions.Metro Cities has asked for feedback from city officials but does not have a specific policy position on the proposed requirements.(See below for description of proposed requirements in the bills). NewRequrrementsfarLoca/OptionSales Taxes The House and Senate bills contain a number of city-specific provisions for local option sales taxes, special LGA appropriations and sales tax exemptions,and both bills contain new requirements for local option sales taxes.Under the House bill,cities would be required to provide a detailed resolution outlining and limiting projects to be funded and provide specific project costs and documentation of a project's regional significance.The House bill would also require voter approval to be sought only after legislative authority for the tax was granted and would require voters to approve each project separately.Cities successfully passing a referendum in 2018 that did not receive legislative authority in 2019 would be allowed to seek legislative authority without an additional referendum provided they meet the new resolution requirement Under the Senate bill,cities would be required to adopt a local resolution before they could seek legislative approval for a local sales tax,with the resolution required to include a detailed description of no more than five projects to be funded,documentation showing the benefit to persons outside the jurisdiction,and the amount of revenue to be used for each project as well as the time needed to raise the revenue and the total revenue to be raised for all projects if funded.The Senate bill also requires the ballot question to include specific projects to be funded,the amount of tax revenue for each project and a notice that voting'yes'may be voting for a property tax Increase.The Senate bill also states that capital projects funded with a local sales tax must be of clear regional benefit,and that a political subdivision must have a population of at least 1,000 to impose a local sales tax. Metro Cities will provide specific information on the distribution of Local Government Aid and the PERA aid extension early next week and will provide a letter to the conference committee outlining the organization's positions on provisions in the bills.Key areas of support will be for the Increases in local government aid and direct property tax relief programs as well as the extension of PERA aid. Questions?Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215,4002.Stay tuned for additional updates and legislative alerts- 33 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.orglindex.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view—entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3/19 Page 3 of 7 State Government Bill Includes Local Government Salary Cap Repeal and Elections Provisions A State Government omnibus bill passed the House on Tuesday evening.The bill repeals the local government compensation limit,a provision supported by Metro Cities.During debate on the bill,an amendment to remove the compensation limit repeal was proposed and defeated.In the Senate,a stand-alone bill,SF 1651-Hall,that would have repealed the cap,was amended as the bill was considered in the committee process to increase the salary cap to$200,000,and the bili language no longer repeals the limit.The bill awaits action on the Senate floor. Much of the omnibus elections bill has been rolled into the state government finance bill,including automatic voter registration,restoration of voting rights of people who have been convicted of a felony once they complete their incarceration,and authorization of$6 million in federal Help America Vote Act grants.Several provisions from the elections bill related to local government elections administration are also included.The bill gives 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 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 tune it is unclear how this service will be funded. There was an unsuccessful amendment to remove the elections section of the State Government omnibus bill.The author of the amendment argued that no matter which party is in charge,elections provisions traditionally travel as their own bill.The amendment was defeated.The House approved a separate technical elections bill Thursday. Transportation Bills This week the House and Senate passed transportation bills and both bodies named members to a conference committee as noted above. House The House bill, -Hornstein,includes a 20-cent gas tax increase phased in at 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 Municipal State Aid (MSA),$53 million over base funding.$300 m€Ilion for the Corridors of Commerce program are also included.Revenues generated by auto parts sales taxes and rental taxes($351 million)that were statutorily dedicated to transportation last session are reallocated to the General Fund. The House bill also includes new funding for transit.The bill proposes a new Twin Cities Metro area transportation sales tax that would 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,and expands the Metro Mobility Service area to include Lakeville. 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 amoum based on 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. The policy provisions in this legislation include a provision to allow cities to change speed limits on residential roadways and makes residential roadways 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;a directive to MnROT to aid local governments in bicycle planning activities;authorizes automated vehicle testing on state roads under specific circumstances;requires local governments to 34 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option--com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3/19 Page 4 of 7 make MnDOT aware of changes to local ordinances related to unmanned aircraft and includes a repeal of the Dan Patch planning and study prohibition. Amendments added on the House floor include$2113,000 additional funds to Metro Mobility;a provision that allows transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft to display lighted signs inside vehicles;and a change to a U of M student transit pass that will include an additional LRT stop.The bill was passed on a 74 to 58 vote. Senate The Senate passed an omnibus transportation bill, -Newman,this week.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 b€N€on and transit would receive$178 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 allows the Metropolitan Council and Department of Human SeMces to share data on riders for the purposes of efficiencies in Metro Mobility and other transportation services. Policy provisions include a prohibition on political subdivisions eliminating or relocating disability parking with a bike way;changes to Mn PASS that include changes to how revenue collected must be allocated and increases the number of passengers necessary to use the lane at no cost from two to three;and prohibits the use of trunk highway funds for use on bikeways or pedestrian ways. 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. Amendments to the bill that were added as the bill was considered by the Senate this week include a provision that changes the approved maximum wheel diameter c f a scooter from 12 inches to 16 inches;a provision to move$95,000 from Metro Transit to fund reimbursements for soft body armor, and a provision to allocate$5 mlli€on from the federal fund at MnDOT to the Active Transportation Account.The bill passed 40-27. A conference committee has been named and a first meeting is set for next Monday afternoon. Jobs&Workforce Development Bills The House and Senate jobs-related bills have passed,and a conference committee on l�f Mahoney/$f^ -Pratt is scheduled to hold its first meeting today,May 3.The bills Include funding for key economic development programs supported by Metro Cities,including the Minnesota Investment Fund,Job Creation Fund and language allowing the funding of grants and loans under the Redevelopment Grant Program.Metro Cities supports base funding levels for MIF($25 million)and JCF ($16 million).The Senate jobs bill funds these programs slightly under but close to base levels,while the House funds the programs at lower than base levels$14 million and$13.5 million respectively). P--PP/on language The Senate Jobs bill includes preemption language concerning local decision-making authority on labor policy.Language in -Pratt would preempt local governments from setting local wage,leave and benefit ordinances.The language applies to ordinances,local policies,and local resolutions enacted on or after January 1,2017,nullifying some existing local ordinances.Metro Cities'policies generally support local decision-making authority that allows local officials and citizens to determine what works best for their communities.Metro Cities testimony in committees opposed the preemption language, which is not included in the House bill. Housing Bills Omnibus housing bills have passed both bodies and a Housing(and Agriculture)conference committee, HFM;4-Poppe/SF 2226-Westrom,Is expected to begin meeting next week.During debate by the House on its housing bill,an amendment was adopted that shifted$5 million in funds from the local housing trust fund appropriation to two other funds-$3 million more for the Challenge Program($32.85 million for FY 2020-21)and$2 million more for market rate workforce housing in greater Minnesota.This 35 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3/19 Page 5 of 7 leaves$2 million for state matching funds for local housing trust funds in the House and Governor Walz'budget recommendations and$0 in the Senate budget. The housing policy bill, , ;, -Hausman,is scheduled to be debated on the House floor May 6.It includes changes to tax exempt bond priorities,tenant law,manufactured home parks and manufactured housing.The Senate's housing policy language is already included in its budget bill. Legacy Funding Bills,Funding for Metro Private Property 1/1 and Water Sustainability The House Legacy bill( Lillie)passed the House on Thursday(100:26).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.An amendment to remove this funding and transfer funds to other programs was defeated on the floor. Metro Cities also supports the$2 million to the Metropolitan Council's Water Supply Sustainability Program and$1 million to the Water Demand Reduction Grant program for grants to local governments. The Legacy bill includes$40 million over the biennium to the Metropolitan Council to distribute to metropolitan parks implementing agencies for approved projects.The author highlighted the statewide benefit of the metropolitan area parks systems. The Senate Legacy bill( -Ruud)was heard in Finance committee Tuesday.The bill is waiting to be heard on the Senate floor.The Senate proposal does not include funding from the Clean Water fund for inflow infiltration mitigation.The Senate bill provides$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.The bill also Includes about$50 million to BWSR for Clean Water Fund grants to local units of government.It also includes the$40 million over the biennium for Metro Parks and Trails Grants, Both the House and Senate bills include$3 million to the DNR for Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program matching grants of up to$400,000 for conservation projects.Cities with a population of 50,000 people or higher are eligible for these grants. Emerald Ash Borer The House approved an Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus bill( -Hansen)Tuesday. The bill contains$2 million for emerald ash borer(EAB)mitigation.$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 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 FAB,by planting 15,000 trees.These are not grants and are limited to areas covered by the Mississippi Park Connection, The two versions of the bill will be negotiated in the environment and natural resources conference committee. MNLARS Independent Review Recommends Replacing System At a press conference this week,Governor Walz and legislators presented the recommendations of an Independent review of the troubled MN Licensing and Registration System(MNLARS).The review team recommended replacing MNLARS with packaged software from a private vendor.Legislative leaders and the Governor expressed agreement with the recommendation and said they would work to have any legislation necessary to move forward with the recommendation ready before the end of the session. The independent review was part of a deficiency funding bill( -Hansen)for MNLARS signed by the Governor in early March.The review team was chaired by Rick King,VP of Operations at Thomsen Reuters,who is also the current Chair of the Governors Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology. The team met with state staff and contractors working on MNLARS,MNiT and Department of Public Safety(DPS)staff,and end users of the system,including twelve public and private deputy registrars. The team was directed to review keeping and completing the current system as well as a packaged software replacement of the current system.As part of their recommendation to replace MNLARS with a packaged software,the review team submitted five steps that would be key to maximizing the 36 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com,.-d yplanetblog&view=entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3119 Page 6 of 7 benefits and minimizing the risks of the recommendation.These steps are rapid procurement of the software,a freeze of current MNLARS development after June of 2019,ownership of the software by DPS,a technical partnership between DPS and MNIT,and DPS and MNIT collaboration on staffing and system testing. It is estimated that a packaged solution will cost the state$85 million over two years.While this is higher than the estimated cost of$71 million to complete MNLARS over a similar time frame,the review team found that this will save the state money in the long-term operation of the system. To view the Independent Expert Review of MNLARS,click .. EVENT:Metropolitan Council Environmental Services(MCES)Open House&Budget Workshops The Metropolitan Council invites MCES customers to participate in one of two Metropolitan Council Environmental Services(MCES)Open House and Budget Workshops.Topics covered will include proposed 2020 MCES Budget and Municipal Wastewater Charge,MCES Capital Improvement Program, and MCES Customer Survey Results and Customer Portal.Workshop dates,times,and locations are listed below. Thursday,May 23 9:00-10:30 am Minnetonka Community Center Banquet Room 14600 Minnetonka Blvd Minnetonka,MN Thursday,June 6 1:30-3:00 pm League of MN Cities St.Croix Room 145 University Ave W St.Paul,MN Please RSVP by contacting Sara Running at 651-602-1531 or sora.running®mete. e.mn., by Friday, May 17. 2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees Its time to start thinking about Metro Cities'Policy Committees!Policy Committees meet in July, August,and September and cover four different policy areas:Transportation and General Government, Municipal Revenues,Metropolitan Agencies,Housing and Economic Development.Policy Committees recommend legislative policies for the next legislative session,and those policies serve as a foundation for our work at Metro Cities.Being part of a Policy Committee is a great opportunity for your city to have a voice In the processes for the policies as well as at the legislature. Policy committees are open to city staff as well as elected officials and the form to sign-up can be found on our websfte on the Po!!cy Comm ittges aaa .Whether you are new to the processor have participated in a committee in the past,we welcome your participation in one or more of the committees In 2019. Remember. Committees will meet either Monday,Tuesday,or Wednesday in the morning from 9:00-11:30 am or the afternoon from 1:00-3:30.The committees and dates are listed on our websIte here,and updates and additional information will be posted on these pages as it becomes available. Please actively sign up for the committee(s)you wish to attend,even if you have been on the committee in the past.This will help us keep our rosters current and correct! - All meetings take place at the Metro Cities/League of MN Cities building at 145 University Avenue West,St.Paul. We look forward to seeing you this summer! 37 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=cont dailyplanetblog&view--entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Metro Cities News 5/3/19 Page 7 of 7 Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference If you're attending the 2019 League of MN Cities'Annual Conference in June in Duluth at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center(DECO),plan to join your metro colleagues for breakfast on Thursday, June 27th at 7:30 am.This is a great chance to mingle with other Metro Cities members and to hear a brief update from Metro Cities staff. If you're able to join us,please let Kdmberiy know at 651-215-4000 or as soon as possible.We hope to see you there! Share this post: Metro Cities(AsaoedatMon of Metropolitan Municipalities) 145 UnivereityAve W,Suite 125 St.Paul,MN 55109 651-215-4000 Back to top�► Powered by Q Piembereldm 38 of 47 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.php?option=com dailyplanetblog&view---entry&yea... 5/10/2019 Eric Johnson from: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent Thursday, May 9,2019 1 1A2 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject Fwd: Reminder- Upcoming C.O.V. For weekly notes -----Original Message--- From: St. Croix Valley Foundation <emontgomerya@scvfoundation.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Thu, May 9, 2019 11:35 am Subject: Reminder-Upcoming C.O.V. ST. CROIX VALLEY FOUNDATION Conversations of the Vahey The 2018-19 Luncheon Speaker Series -TALKING ABOUT TOUGH ISSUES- Hosted by St. Croix Valley Foundation with support from First State Bank &Trust 1 �r M; f 39 of 47 Join Us For This Valuable Discussion. This will be a deep dive into affordable housing challenges in the St. Croix Valley region by Peter Kilde, Executive Director uofdWest Central WI Community Action Agencv, Inc. (West CAP). From homelessness, temporary shelters, rentals, rehabbing existing affordable housing,West CAP projects - these are all elements of a difficult to solve yet straightforward 'math' problem. Homeless adults, barriers facing the marginalized, aging boomers, low-end wages/high-cost housing -- each of these are part of the 'equation.' Leam more about this basic human need; housing. lop Wed. May 15, 2019 11:30 a.m. Lunch 01 12.00—1:00 Speaker Lake Elmo Inn Event Center 3712 Layton Ave. N, Lake Flma, MN 55042 Cost: $20 You must pay in advance to guarantee lunch reservation. Limited walk-ins accepted per space/lunch availability. Two Ways To Pay: 1. Mail a check SCVF, 516 Second Street, Su. 214, Hudson , WI 54016 2. Reserve by credit card using the reserve link below. There is a $1 per person processing fee with PayPal. Reservations are due in SCVF office by noon prior to day of luncheon. Purchase Tickets 2 40 of 47 Go gea�p This is the 4th of our 4-speaker series, TALKING ABOUT TOUGH ISSUES. Nov 14 --Beyond Polarization Jan 16 --What the Future Holds Mar 27 --Addiction Issues in the Valley May 15-- Affordable Housing in the Valley Thank you to our event sponsor: F RST TATE BAN K AND TRUST EST 1914 ............. p Have A Question? St. Croix Valley Foundation 596 Second St. S., Suite 214 Hudson, W154016 715-396-9490 Want to change how you receive these emails? s 41 of 47 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Monday, May 6, 2019 1:30 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:ATTEND 2 Business Development Sessions on tremendous Leadership! May 23, 2019 For weekly notes -----Original Message---- From: Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce<communications@GreaterStillwaterChamber.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Mon, May 6, 2019 11:44 am Subject. ATTEND 2 Business Development Sessions on Tremendous Leadership! May 23, 2019 To lead well means we must constantly be view this email in your browser reinventing ourselves and our abilities. Seats will fill up - Register Early! "The first thing leaders must change is themselves. " - Tremendous Tracey Jones LEARN MORE at this Tremendous Leadership Seminar! Thursday, May 23rd; 9:00 a.m. & 1 :00 p.m. 42 of 47 S E S S I O N S 2 Tremendous Business Development sessions that focus on Leadership! Session #1: The Science of Success: 7 Universal Laws to Lead This session will be presented from 9:00-11:00 a.m., May 23rd For many, success is an elusive goal. They feel powerless and resort to blaming their circumstances for the condition of their lives. But success is more scientific than you think. Learn the concrete steps you can take to experiment and experience excellence in your life. These laws include, the Momentum of Motivation, the Vector of Vision, and Exposure to Experience. Session #2: Take this Job and Love It! This session will be presented from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., May 23rd We can all rattle off the myriad list of things that aggravate us about our jobs. Perhaps a change in perspective is all that's needed. No sugar coating,just practical, humor-filled strategies to get - and stay excited about your work. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - Chamber - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ .Chamber & Community members should RISter Early - SEATS WIL[ FILL UP! 2 SESSIONS to choose from! $20 Chamber member/$25 Non-member Check-in and Networking will be open 30 minutes before each session, starting at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sessions start promptly at 9:00 a.m and 1:00 p.m. For more information visit the Greater Stillwater Chamber website or call 651-439-4001. 3 44 of 47 STILLWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY Held at the Stillwater Public Library 224 Third Street N., Stillwater, MN 55082 In the Margaret Rivers B room, located on the upper level (UL) of the library in the gallery wing. Brought to you by the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce The Greater Stillwater Chamber's mission is to serve, advocate, and promote the interest of businesses while enriching the life of our community. Chamber and Community members are Invited to Attend this seminar to benefit our community, as a whole. In Partnership with: _ MAMSIXIMM CHAMBER qFCOMMIMM OPEN-, TO BUSINESS MdAw S E s S 1 o w S WATCH FOR MORE Business Development sessions to come, that touch on important business topics that are relevant to businesses today. 4 45 of 47 Rides Apps, Drinks t , o 5 77 V1ll2� r„a Thursday,, May 16th -bpm Water Street Inn !'lC9ST l �1t: IN PARTNERSHIP WrrH: OiAMBEA RSVP Here >> z 46 of 47 nm Arm `• WiterStnAAAtih1A min% h cS 2Nat o AM $ A,. ,R� Zia A * ,-.. ...`.... ..... �.� -- ----- -------- •-AAAIHIABrA1L AwsAAAaEAt. AWilq&T�--- a + • ® .fir_, o,.r ., �,,.-.a .wnn� Mn -. .LVA�'MlY , � f1N1iYAY C Welcome to Stillwater The historic Birthplace of Minnesota is a year-round destination located dust 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities on the scenic St Crone River bordering MN and Wi Discover a vibrant downtown Main Street with boutiques,antiques, historic sites,locally-owned restaurants, pubs,wineries, art gallenes, breweries,golf, skiing, biking,tours,festivals and outdoor adventure Plan your stay at one of our eight B&Bs,two historic inns,five hotels, spa retreat or a downtown loft Directions Shops DiningMr hsa tlife Things to Do Lodging Events Calendar Thank you for visiting! —Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention&Visitor Bureau 651 351 1717 info discoverstillwater-corn #DiscoverStillwater #OnlyinMN #StayAnExtraDay 0 L 00 Facebook Twitter Website Instagram Pinterest Copyright©2019 Stillwater Convention&Visitors Bureau,All rights reserved You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website of as part of a marketing campaign for Stillwater. MN or are a Stillwater tourism business 3 47 of 47