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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- December 11th 2020 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: December 11"2020 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Zoning &Development Items: 44� Aft 1. No new applications have been received. �` 1 2. The City did issue a demolition permit to remove the home located at the south side of the County Gov. Center.The utilities were closed r appropriately.This is owned by the County. Interestingly,-in order to resolve a delay for the contractor...the City issued this permit because STAFF could not convince Stillwater Building Dept.that this property is now in their City -----� and was part of the 2019 detachment.SEE IMAGE 311 3. The City does have new aerial photography—taken/flown in 2020 by the County contractor.Andy Kegley does a great job keeping those files sorted and updated. The City uses this GIS data—probably-- almost daily. COVID-19 Matters: 1 str 365 - • This is the Governor's-PORTAL https://mn.gov/covidl9—Many documents/ Exec.Orders can be found. Washington County has initiated a County Dashboard containing more localized COVID-19 Impacts and rates LINK->> HERE. • The Chamber of Commerce did provide an update/preview on some further economic aid to entities from the State of MN.See the enclosed summary from Chamber Director Robin Anthony. • There are opportunities for housing assistance for those impacted by COVID—see links: United Way 211—211 Site(211unitedway.org) Minnesota COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program(housin h�elymn.org) Other Items: • The phones at CITY HALL are down...After considerable troubleshooting—our Phone provider—ALLSTREAM indicates that it is a CENTURY LINK problem and not internal to City Hall or in their distribution systems.So,we are a bit at their mercy to fix it. In the interim,the City Hall phones are forwarded to the cellular systems established under COVID-19 and works—just ok. Staff has expressed its opinions with both ALLSTREAM and soon with CENTURY LINK. • The City will receive$8,371 in its 2020 Insurance Trust Dividend.This is more than the previous two years,but the total premiums were also higher. Enclosed is the narrative from the LMCIT. Mayor McComber provided: 1. PSG-Chamber-Legislative Preview—Summit 2. MN Mayors List-serve-LMC Message from Lisa Sova 3. Meeting Invitation-Economic Club of MN—RSVP 4. Elected Leaders Institute—from the LMC 5. Various NLC Updates 6. Update from the Coalition of Utility Cities for 2021 Legislative Priorities Please let me know if you have any questions-651.253.7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 33 From: Robin Anthony To: Eric Johnson Subject: Economic Relief Package on its way! Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020 5:13:33 PM Good Evening! Good news for businesses! The MN Legislature will convene on Monday for an unprecedented seventh special session Monday to vote on another economic relief bill providing $216.5 million in relief to local businesses impacted by COVID-19. Many small and mid-sized businesses—who provide meaningful employment and a quality of life across Minnesota—are struggling to survive. You are an important part of the fabric of our community, and viability will be key to moving toward recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We know your business has done its part to ensure safety and health of employees and customers, and we are optimistic that help is on the way! PROPOSED LANGUAGE below is from the Senate Research Department: Restaurants, Bars, and Gyms Direct Payments (Department of Revenue)-$100 million The Department of Revenue program will provide direct payments to the following industries: Breweries w/taprooms, Family Wineries w/tasting rooms, Distilleries w/tasting rooms, Bowling Centers, Caterers, Drinking Places (Bars), Full-Service Restaurants, Limited Service Restaurants, Cafeterias & Buffets, and Gyms & Fitness Centers (including but not limited to dance, gymnastics, and martial arts studios who remit sales tax returns to the state). Direct payments will be made to businesses that: (1) have a physical presence in Minnesota, (2) had at least$10,000 in sales in 2019, (3)were in good standing with the Department of Revenue as of 11/1/20, and (3) can demonstrate at least a 30% reduction in sales over the same period (Quarters 2 &3)during the previous year as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. To the extent it is possible to determine, businesses must be directly impacted due to EO 20-99 and must not be explicitly exempt from compliance with EO 20-99. Payment amounts are broken down into five tiers which are based on Payment amounts are broken down into five tiers which are based on the number of employees (full and part time) and will be awarded on a per owner basis. The tiers are as follows: • Small businesses not in the UI System= $10,000 • Businesses with 0-20 employees = $15,000 • Businesses with 21-100 employees = $25,000 • Businesses with 101-300 employees = $35,000 • Businesses with 300+ employees = $45,000 Businesses must use the funds for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and other similar expenses that occur in the regular course of business. Of the$100 million, the Department of Revenue may use up to $250,000 to cover administrative costs. Any funds that are not dispersed by the Department of Revenue by March 15th, 2021 will be returned to the General Fund. Local Economically Significant Businesses and Organizations (Counties) -$102.5 million The county program will provide relief to all other industries that are directly or indirectly affected by the EOs. Eligibility also includes nonprofits and nonprofit fitness centers that earn revenue in ways similar to businesses (e.g. ticket sales, membership fees, etc.)that had to cease operations due to EO 20-99, as well as, any other businesses affected by EO 20-99 that did not receive funding from DOR or DEED. Under this program, the counties will have the ultimate responsibility to choose grant recipients and determine grant amounts. Eligible businesses must(1) be in good standing with the Department of Revenue as of 11/1/20, (2) be located in the applicable county from which they receive a grant and (3) must be directly or indirectly affected by the restrictions on businesses due to EO 20-99. Grant funds must be used for costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed to counties using a per capita formula that is based on the most recently 2 of 33 available 2019 population estimate from the state demographer as of August 2020. The formula is equal to the greater of$200,000 OR$17.3 per capita, with each county guaranteed a minimum amount. Counties may use no more than 2.5% of state funds for administration of the grant programs and may contract with a nonprofit lender if they so choose. We will continue to update you after session next week! Thanks for all you do for the community. We continue to be impressed with your creativity and innovative ways of doing businesses during this time. We hear stories of some of our businesses that just tug at our hearts. Please remember, the Chamber of Commerce is here to serve you! Best, Robin Robin Anthony, IOM Executive Director Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce This email was sent on behalf of Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce by GrowthZone,4837 County Road 77, Nisswa, MN 56468.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or GrowthZone services in general, please contact us by email at support(@arowthzone.com. 3 of 33 LMC745 UNIVFRSITY AVE WEST NO. 184864 ST.PAUL,MN 55103-2044 C3bank LEAGUE (651)281-1200 AMOUNT MINNESOTA WWWLMC.ORG December 1, 2020 CITIES $8,371,00 PAY **� Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy One and 00/100 US Dollar TO THE ORDER City of Oak Park Heights OF 14168 Oak Park Blvd N Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-6476 11' 18486411' 1:09 10000 2 2t, Z04 ? SS8 ?966S1r• Check 184864 Date of check 12/1/2020 Vendor : 100582, City of Oak Park Heights Invoice number Invoice date Payment amount 2020 PC Dividen 12/1/2020 8,371.00 Total 8,371.00 4 of 33 c0 LRECE'VEID LMSLEAGUEAkJ MINNESOTA DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTCITIESDecember 2, 2iD21pECof Oak Park Wei AM PM Enclosed is a check for your share of the$5.7 million dividend being returned to members of the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust's property/casualty dividend history and an information sheet showing the data used to calculate your diviidednd. Your agent will also receive this information, and we encourage you to share it with your city council or other governing body. Dividend Amount This year's dividend is based on losses experienced by members, actuarial projections, investment results, legislative and coverage changes, reinsurance costs, and the Trust's long-term strategic direction. Reductions in actuarial projections on old property/casualty claims and unrealized capital gains in our investment portfolio helped build our fund balance. This, along with increasing our property and liability reinsurance retentions, allowed us to keep overall property/casualty premium rates flat this year. At the same time, we've been able to maintain a fund balance strong enough to hedge against the uncertainty associated with COVID-19, cyber, police liability, property, and other variables we expect to see from year to year. Dividend Formula Dividends are calculated based on a formula that recognizes members with a longer history of coverage with the Trust and greater success in avoiding and controlling claims. Your share was determined based on the calculations shown on the enclosed information sheet. Thank you for your continued membership with the Trust. We appreciate your confidence and the chance to partner with you to serve your community. Feel free to contact either of the following individuals if you have any questions, comments, or need additional information, Dan Greensweig, Trust Administrator Laura Honeck, Trust Operations Manager dL7rPen,;weiL(dt)lmc or IhnnpCk (651) 2$1-1231 - lmc_nr (651) 2$1-1280 The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Board of Trustees Jake Benson, Councilmember, Proctor D. Love, Councilmember, Centerville Dave Callister, City Manager, Plymouth Dave Unmacht, Executive Director, LMC Clint Gridley, City Administrator, Woodbury Alison Zelms, Deputy City Manager, Mankato Anna Gruber, City Administrator, Sartell LEAGUE OF 145 University Avenue West PH: (651) 281-1200 FX: (651) 281-1298 INSURANCE� E50TA CITIES IST St. Paul, Minnesota 55103 TF: (800)925-1122 www.lmc.org g LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES INSURANCE TRUST PROPERTY/CASUALTY 2020 DIVIDEND CALCULATION AT MAY 31,2020 Forest Lake Ins Agency 232 Lake St S Forest Lake MN 55025-2605 Oak Park Heights GROSS EARNED PREMIUM 14168 Oak Park Blvd Po Box 200 $1,520,224 Oak Park Heiglits, MN 55082-2007 ADJUSTED LOSSES $480,678 MEMBERS DIVIDEND PERCENTAGE 0.00146867000 DIVIDEND AMOUNT $8,371 Oak Park Heights Premium and Dividend History $140,OOo $120,000 I $60,00o $40,000 — _ _._ $20,000 _ _ _. ,l •�atde�F -_.. }��t4.-- � _SBO ef5 .'.. Set 30Y .A 5 _— .TB to ..a BTI E1X;5I at Oak Park Heights _,- Premiums and Dividends Since 1987 $2.000,000 $2,100,284 $1,500.000 $1,000,000 $a0o.M so $915,429 Written Premiums Dividends Thre`Erose ea ha P em.i.er.^Cg ..tht r•em '-t.di ea•r= - _- ._ _. - ._ _.- _ .. . . ... ... . _ est.�,QT.r ,..,.: _...,,. t..nrom„�,wcue e��a.��..�rs�,si.:r•zci 6 of 33 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: PSG Proud to Serve as Presenting Sponsor for FMWF Chamber Virtual Legislative Preview Summit Date: Friday, December 4,2020 4:12:26 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Primacy Strategy Group <kurtz@primacysg.com> To: marymccomber@aol.com <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2020 3:57 pm Subject: PSG Proud to Serve as Presenting Sponsor for FMWF Chamber Virtual Legislative Preview Summit E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FMWF Chamber to Host Virtual Legislative Preview Summit The four-day series will feature legislative leaders from North Dakota, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C. Moorhead, Minn. (December 4, 2020) — The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber is excited to host a virtual legislative preview summit in advance of both Minnesota and North Dakota's legislative sessions, as well as the next Congress. "As we prepare for these important sessions in North Dakota, Minnesota, 7 of 33 and Washington, D.C., it is critically important for our business community to hear from our elected officials and their plans to aid in the recovery of our economy," Chamber Vice President of Finance and Operations Jim Parsons said. "We need them to stay in close contact with our members and continue the dialogue to develop solutions to the challenges faced by businesses in our states." The events will be held over four days, starting Monday, December 14, through Thursday, December 17. They will be hosted live via Zoom, and are open to the public at no cost. Registration is open, and more information is online, at fmwfchamber.com/legislative- summit The Legislative Preview Summit's presenting sponsor is Primacy Strategy GL (PSG), a full-service government relations and public affairs firm with offices in Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington, D.C. Policy experts from PSG will serve as moderators for each of the panels. "Our team at PSG is honored to have opportunity to partner with The Chamber to be the presenting sponsor for this incredible multi-day legislative kickoff event", said Ryan Kelly, CEO and President of PSG. "Our government relations professionals in North Dakota, Minnesota, and 8 of 33 Washington, D.C., are well-suited to lead what I'm sure will be fascinating discussions and insights from the region's top elected officials." North Dakota Leadership Policy Panel I Monday, December 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m. CT Confirmed panelists: Governor Doug Burgum (R, ND), Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R, D37), Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman (D, D23), House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R, D29) and House Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D, D45) Topics: COVID-19 and its impact on health, safety and state and local economies, budgetary and funding challenges and opportunities, energy impacts, lignite resources and reimagining state government Cass County Legislative Policy Panel I Tuesday, December 15, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CT Confirmed panelists: Senator Judy Lee (R, D13) Senator Ron Sorvaag (R, D45), Senator Jim Roers (R, D46) and Representative Karla Rose Hanson (D, D44) Topics: 2021 legislative session priorities, 2021-2023 budgeting, healthcare delivery on the prairie, bridging education and workforce 9 of 33 development and FM Area Diversion Project Minnesota Policy Panel Wednesday, December 16, Exact time TBD Confirmed panelists: Governor Tim Walz (D, MN) [invited], Senator Kent Eken (D, D4), Representative Paul Marquart (D, D4B) and Representative-elect Heather Keeler (D, D4A) Topics: 2021 legislative session priorities, biennial budget, health care including rural access, taxes, education funding and distance learning, and road and bridge funding Federal Policy Panel I Thursday, December 17, Exact time TBD Confirmed panelists: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D, MN) [invited], Senator John Hoeven (R, ND), Representative Kelly Armstrong (R, ND) and Representative-elect Michelle Fischbach (R, MN-D7) Topics: Federal impacts on MN and ND regarding post-election and presidential transition status, stimulus and fiscal year 2021 budget outlook, COVID-19 and other priorities About The Chamber 10 of 33 The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce is a bi-state, regional federation of more than 2,000 private, public and non-profit member firms representing more than 109,000 people. The largest local chamber in North Dakota and Minnesota, The Chamber advocates for a strong metropolitan community and supports the interests of its members, which are located in Cass and Clay Counties and beyond. About Primacy Strategy Group Primacy Strategy Group is a 50/50 joint-venture between Lockridae Grindal Nauen P.L.L I (LGN), a Minnesota-based law and lobbying firm, and Synergetic ndeavors (SE), a St. Paul-based consulting firm specializing in grassroots advocacy, public relations, coalition building and association management. This dynamic partnership combines the talents of the two firms providing clients with a comprehensive suite of services throughout the United States and in Washington, D.C. CONTACT Amanda Huggett, Communications and Marketing Manager, FMWF Chamber 218.359.0526 11 of 33 uggett&fmwfcham ber.com Primacy Strategy Group is responsible for this content. To ensure continued delivery,add this sender to your address book or safe senders list. PrimacvSG.com Contact Copyright©2020 E SAINT PAUL 660 Transfer Rd 12 of 33 St Paul, MN 55114 T(651)340-4848 WASHINGTON D.C. 415 Second Street NE, Suite 210 Washington, D.C. 20002-4900 T(202)544-9840 BISMARCK 1815 Schafer Street, Suite 200 Bismarck, ND 58501 T(701)793-7134 Forward From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Mayors(MMA) : 2020 Reflections:A message on city finances from Lisa Sova,Assistant Director of Finance- Outreach for LMC Date: Wednesday,December 9,2020 1:59:08 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Madison Hagenau via LMC -MemberLink<Mail@ConnectedCommunity.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Wed, Dec 9, 2020 1:44 pm Subject: Mayors (MMA) : 2020 Reflections: A message on city finances from Lisa Sova, Assistant Director of Finance-Outreach for LMC Mayors MMA Post New Message 2020 - • message on -s from Lisa Sova, - • of Finance-Outreach for Reply to Sender Reply to Sender via Email Dec 9, 2020 1 :45 PM Madison Hagenau In January of this year I responded to a job posting on the League of Minnesota Cities website for the Assistant Director of Finance-Outreach position. The exact words in the announcement were "we are looking for a strategic thinker who can be an expert resource on budget, finance issues, and fiscal trends for our members." This described a resource that I had searched for in the past as I worked through financial dilemmas as a former city administrator and I knew I wasn't alone in that. I knew from my own experience that this type of service was needed and the benefit to members would be impactful. In retrospect the timing aligned perfectly as the events of 2020 unfolded. Interviews concluded just before the Stay at Home order was issued and the start date was June, a month before CARES Act funding was distributed. At the time, the challenges that the year ahead would bring were unknown however LMC recognized the opportunity to provide benefit to members by adding financial outreach and was well on the way to delivering this service. As the effects of the pandemic became real for cities, the federal government began the distribution of CARES Act funds to assist local governments with the 13 of 33 financial burden related to COVID-19. Interpreting and applying the regulations that accompanied the funding presented challenges. The League's Research Department deciphered the regulations related to the use of CARES Act funds and provided sound guidance. The Intergovernmental Relations Department worked to communicate obstacles and advocated for changes to enable cities to utilize the funding more effectively. At the risk of being repetitive, along with challenges come opportunities. Assisting cities with the administration of CARES Act funds was an incredible opportunity to introduce the new financial outreach service. It was a great way to get to know members and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many city clerks, treasurers, administrators, mayors and council members in a short time as a result. Moving forward, the impact of 2020 on city's financial position is unknown. What is known is that the dedication and innovation of public employees and elected officials will rise to the challenge and the League of Minnesota Cities will continue to identify opportunities to provide guidance in the area of finance. Lisa Sova League of Minnesota Cities ------------------------------ Madison Hagenau Member Engagement League of Minnesota Cities Saint Paul MN (651) 215-4048 ------------------------------ Reply to Group Online Reply to Sender via Email View Thread Recommend Forward You are subscribed to "Mayors MMA" as marymccomber@aol.com. To change your subscriptions, go to My Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to Unsubscribe. 14 of 33 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Post-Election Discussion RSVPs Due Tomorrow Date: Wednesday, December 9,2020 1:56:52 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Economic Club of MN <michelle@ecomn.org> To: Mary<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Wed, Dec 9, 2020 12:53 pm Subject: Post-Election Discussion RSVPs Due Tomorrow The Economic Club of Minnesota cordially invites you to our December WEBINAR: Post-Election Discussion 15 of 33 19 featuring Senator Amy Klobuchar Congressman Tom Emmer Major Garrett When: Thursday, December 17, 2020 Where: ONLINE U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar is the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the United States Senate. Throughout her public service, Senator Klobuchar has always embraced 16 of 33 the values she learned growing up in Minnesota. Senator Klobuchar has built a reputation of putting partisanship aside to help strengthen the economy and support families, workers and businesses. Since arriving in the Senate, Senator Klobuchar has worked with Democrats and Republicans to get things done. She led the effort to pass landmark pieces of legislation to end human trafficking and to combat the opioid epidemic. She fought to pass the most significant consumer product safety legislation in a generation, keeping foreign toxic products off our shores and out of our stores, and pushed the cell phone companies to enact more consumer-friendly policies. Before serving in the Senate, Senator Klobuchar headed the largest prosecutor's office in Minnesota for eight years, making the prosecution of violent and career criminals her top priority. She led the effort for successful passage of Minnesota's first felony DWI law, and received the leadership award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Senator Klobuchar graduated magna cum laude from Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is married to John Bessler, a native of Mankato, who attended Loyola High School and the University of Minnesota. Senator Klobuchar and John have a daughter, Abigail Congressman Tom Emmer was sworn in for his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 6, 2015. He is currently serving his third term. Tom was recently elected by his fellow Republican colleagues to join the House GOP Leadership team as the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee for the 116th Congress. Currently, he sits on the House Financial Services Committee. He is also a member of the Republican Deputy Whip Team 17 of 33 and the House Republican Steering Committee. Born in 1961, Tom grew up in Minnesota and attended St. Thomas Academy. He received his BA in Political Science from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and his JD from William Mitchell College of Law. After practicing law for several years, he opened his own law firm. The next 20 years were spent balancing family, business, coaching hockey, and serving on the city councils in Independence and Delano. Before coming to Congress, he served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2004-2008. He and his wife Jacquie have been married over 30 years and have seven children. They reside in Delano. Major Garrett was named CBS News' chief Washington correspondent in December 2018. As chief Washington correspondent, Garrett ® reports for all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Garrett is also the host of "The Takeout," a weekly multi-platform interview show on politics, policy and pop culture available on CBSN, top radio stations across the country, and all podcast platforms. Garrett also debuted 'The Debrief' podcast in 2020 offering listeners original, deep-dive reporting and interviews on the main storylines of the moment, including the 2020 election, the COVID pandemic, and more. From 2012 until 2018, Garrett served as CBS News' chief White House correspondent. Garrett is the author of four books: "Common Cents," with former Rep. Tim Penny (D-Minnesota) Little, Brown Publisher, 1995; "The 15 Biggest Lies in Politics," St. Martin's 1999; "The Enduring Revolution," Crown Forum 2005 and "Mr. Trump's Wild Ride," St. Martin's, 2018. Garrett graduated in 1984 from the University of Missouri with degrees in journalism and political science. A native of San Diego, California, he lives in Washington, D.C. RSVP by Tomorrow! 18 of 33 Copyright©2020 Economic Club of Minnesota, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you requested staying up to date with the Economic Club of Minnesota's happenings. Our mailing address is: Economic Club of Minnesota 4830 Ithaca Lane North Plymouth, Minnesota 55446 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list A 19 of 33 2021 Elected Leaders Institute: Foundational Program - League of Minnesota Cities Page 1 of 4 LMCLEAGUE MINNESOTA CITIES 2021 Elected Leaders Institute: Foundational Program Congratulations on winning your election! Build the foundational skills you need with this online program designed for new elected leaders and any elected officials wishing to brush up on the basics of city leadership. In just over nine hours of flexible time spread out over six weeks,you will: • Develop the core competencies to be a successful leader. • Create connections with fellow elected officials. • Know where you can find resources when you need them. Are you a city manager or administrator with newly elected officials about to take office in 2021?Let them know about this learning opportunity.) AK January 19 — February 26 20 of 33 https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected-leaders-institute-foundat... 12/7/2020 2021 Elected Leaders Institute: Foundational Program - League of Minnesota Cities Page 2 of 4 Just over nine hours of online learning, covering ten core competencies. Fee: $175 Registration will open on December 11! Build Crucial Leadership Skills The new Foundational Program is designed to meet the needs of local government leaders in 2021.Take part in this six-week program where you'll explore the nuts and bolts of city leadership with a mixture of learn-at-your-own-pace online courses and interactive,live Zoom sessions.The Zoom sessions will feature subject matter experts,opportunities to meet other elected officials,ask questions,and work through the nuances of city leadership. After completing the program,you will: • Understand what type of government your city has,as well as the implications for your role on council and what cities can and cannot do. • Become familiar with the Open Meeting Law and your role as an individual vs.as a governing body, including tips for personal effectiveness,such as listening skills and group dynamics. • Explore the basic components of a city budget and your responsibility within the budgeting process. • Gain a high-level understanding of areas elected officials should be involved in,such as human resources,public engagement,advocacy at the Capitol,and showing up as a leader. • Discover the legal realities of your role and how to manage risk in your city. As a bonus for completing the six-week Foundational Program,participants will receive access to a new MemberLearn course on Data Practices. Week One: Your Role, Structure & Function of Cities (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- leaders-in stitute-foundational-program/we ek-one-your-role- structure-function-of-citi e sn Week Two: Open Meeting Law (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- leaders-in stitute-foundational-program/we ek-two-open-me eting- lawn Week Three: Public Finance (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- leaders-in stitute-foundational-program/we ek-thre e-public-finance/) 21 of 33 https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected-leaders-institute-foundat... 12/7/2020 2021 Elected Leaders Institute: Foundational Program - League of Minnesota Cities Page 3 of 4 Week Four: Risk, Social Media, Legal Obligations (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- 1 eaders-in stitute-foundational-program/week-four-risk-so cial- media-legal-obligations/) Week Five: Advocacy, Personnel Management, Engagement (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- 1 eaders-in stitute-foundational-program/week-five-advocacy- personnel-management-engagement/) Week Six: The Power of Purpose, Elected Leaders Panel (https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected- 1 eaders-in stitute-foundational-program/week-six-the-power-of- purpose-elected-leaders-panel/) New this Year! The Foundational Program is Completely Virtual You will take part in a combination of courses on the League's new MemberLearn platform and live Zoom sessions led by subject matter experts and fellow elected officials.The time demand will vary each week,but is designed to not go over two hours in any single week and should total just over nine hours—six hours will be dedicated to the live Zoom sessions with subject matter experts and just over three hours for the interactive online MemberLearn courses.Please note:Zoom sessions will not be recorded and must be attended live.Each Zoom session will be offered twice so you can choose the time that is convenient for you. Get to Know MemberLearn —the League's New Online Learning Platform Everything about the Foundational Program,from on-demand courses and downloadable resources to links for the live Zoom sessions and ways to connect with subject matter experts,will live in this new online learning platform.Find out more about this easy-to-use tool(htt]2s://www.imc.org/learning= events/learnings/memberlearn/). Special Thanks To Our Sponsors 22 of 33 https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected-leaders-institute-foundat... 12/7/2020 2021 Elected Leaders Institute: Foundational Program - League of Minnesota Cities Page 4 of 4 Your LMC Resource Ashley Freitag Registration & Sponsorship Coordinator (651) 281-1249 or (800) 925-1122 registrationCcoi Imc.org (mailtweaistration(almc.ora) Cancellation Policy All cancellation requests must be emailed to registrationna lmc.org (mailto:registration anlmc.orgl on or before Wednesday,January 13 and are subject to a 20%handling fee.All unpaid registrations not canceled by this date will be billed at the full event rate; no refunds will be made. 23 of 33 https://www.Imc.org/learning-events/events/league-events/elected-leaders-institute-foundat... 12/7/2020 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Over Two-Thirds of Cities Say Condition Will Worsen Without Federal Stimulus Date: Saturday,December 5,2020 8:59:38 AM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Sat, Dec 5, 2020 6:05 am Subject: Over Two-Thirds of Cities Say Condition Will Worsen Without Federal Stimulus News,resources and events for local leaders and staff. R Over Two Thirds of Cities Say Condition Will Worsen Without Federal Stimulus 8 Over Two-Thirds of Cities Say Condition Will Worsen Without Federal Stimulus The COVID-19 pandemic continues to portend enormous amounts of pressure and uncertainty on local government budgets. To better understand the fiscal impacts of the pandemic on cities across the country, NLC conducted an update to its April 2020 survey during the period 11/10 to 11/22 in partnership with the COVID Relief Now Coalition. ■ 24 of 33 LNe: R A, Cities Urge Lame Duck Five Steps Cities Should Emerging Leadership: How Congress to Overcome Take to Advance Municipalities Re-imagine Stalemate on Appropriations Entrepreneurship Amid Public Safety & Emergency Aid COVID-19 ■ ■ ■ ■ iff Industry News What We're Reading: • In Blue States and Red, Pandemic Upends Public Services and Jobs -New York Times (December 4, 2020) • U.S. mayors 'bleak' about recovery from pandemic's effects -Reuters(December 3, 2020) 25 of 33 • Mayors strikingly pessimistic about post-COVID cities: survey - Smart Cities Dive (December 3, 2020) Announcements UPCOMING EVENT: NLC Special Session - Supporting Youth & Families in Crisis Cities and Afterschool Programs Rising to the Moment Tuesday, December 8 -2:00 PM ET Join us to learn more about resources and tools through NLC's Afterschool Policy Advisors Network (APAN). Register Today> APPLY TODAY: Mayor's Institute on Job Creation & Economic Opportunity to Improve Health and Equity We invite mayors to participate in an intensive peer-to-peer learning initiative with other city teams and leading experts to help build community wealth to improve health and equity. Applications are due December 11, 2020. Learn More > UPCOMING EVENT: Planning for Drones: How Cities Can Get Ahead Join us on Wednesday, December 16th at 1 PM ET. In 2021, a new presidential administration and Congress will bring renewed focus to transportation innovation by air. Now is the time for cities to work closely across sectors and levels of government to guide the successful use of drones in our neighborhoods and downtowns. Speakers include Mayor Wade Troxell of Fort Collins, CO and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, CA. Register Here > City Summit On Demand Pass 26 of 33 Job Openings See who's hiring right now: • Executive Director-Vermont League of Cities and Towns • Chief Financial Officer-City of Pearland, TX • Chief Financial Officer-Association of Washington Cities ZM • • • • • • ■ 8 Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events AWL 0 8 Resources &Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view in browser. National League of Cities R 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 I @ 2020 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Higher Logic 27 of 33 COALITION. OF T 1 L#TY CITTES Becker 4, Cohasset • Granite Falls • Fergus Falls • Hoyt Lakes • Monticello • Oak Park Heights • Red Wing 2020 Legislative Priorities and Agenda The Coalition of Utility Cities will be proactively advancing the following pieces of legislation: 1) A bill to create a state office to assist communities and workers through large power plant transitions • Create a state office housed within DEED to focus specifically on community and worker transitions. • Modeled in part on a similar concept from the State of Colorado,the office would issue a report in its first year with recommendations of policies and programs to support communities and workers • The office would also be tasked with serving as a primary liaison for host communities,as well as administering any programs created by the state to support host communities. 2) A bill to fix,fund,and upgrade the CET Grants Program • The creation of the Community Energy Transition Grant program in 2020 was an exciting development—representing the first ever economic development program in Minnesota that is specifically targeted to assist power plant communities • However,the final version of the legislation had serious limitations. It will be a top priority of CUC in 2021 to correct these at the legislature. They include,but are not limited to: o No eligibility for communities outside of Xcel service territory(tied to Renewable Development Account as a funding source) o Legislature created a set of eligibility timelines that make the program difficult,if not impossible,for nuclear communities to use o Current funding cancels if not expended by June 30,2022—DEED has indicated that this will challenge their ability to fund more complex projects in the initial round of grants,and we foresee potential issues with projects coming forward from CUC members o Insufficient funding 3) Introduce legislation to support host community tax base through transition • Package of two bills: o First, a plant retirement transition aid concept that would backfill a community's tax base in the first year following plant retirement and provide a glidepath for the community in the years that follow o Second,a bill that aims to address the challenges that make it difficult for a transitioning power plant community to come onto the Local Government Aid (LGA)formula The Coalition will monitor legislative action on the following: 1) Monitor Clean Energy First legislation and other clean energy mandates 2) Renewable Development Account spending proposals 3) Proposals related to state assessed property valuation that would impact the assessment of plants 28 of 33 CUC Legislation Outline: Office of Power Plant Community and Worker Transitions A transition community is "a municipality, tribal government, or county that is the host of an energy power plant that has retired or has a proposed, projected or estimated retirement date of one or more electric generating units." The term "electric generating unit" is used to mean a solid fuel-fired steam generating unit that serves a generator that produces electricity for sale to the electric grid. A transition worker means a Minnesota worker who has been or will be laid off from employment, or whose employment will be negatively impacted as a direct result of the retirement of an electric generating unit. Overview An Office of Transition Communities and Workers is established within the Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) and shall remain in existence until all transition communities are supported through power plant retirements. The Director of the Office shall be appointed by the Governor. The director must be qualified by experience in issues related to energy, economic development, and the environment. The office may employ staff necessary to cany out the office's duties under the section describing office duties. Purpose of the Office The purpose of the office is to a) Serve transition communities and transition workers through the retirement of power plant units. b) Improve the communication and coordination between local, state, federal, and private entities on the power plant retirement planning and process. c) Address local tax and fiscal issues related to the retirements and develop solutions to support communities and workers. d) Drive the creation and implementation of economic support programs such as property tax revenue replacement, community energy transition programs, and economic development tools for transition communities and transition workers. e) Where applicable, administer programs created by the state to assist host communities and workers through transitions. Duties of the Office • Appoint members of the Transition Communities and Workers Advisory Committee outlined below. • Administer legislatively created programs to support transition communities, including the Community Energy Transition grant program Minn. Stat. § 116.J55 (2020). � II r 29 of 33 • Align and coordinate resources on the local, state, and federal level to support communities that are subject to significant economic transition. • Coordinate the development of statewide policy on transition communities. • Provide progranuning and resources to transition communities. • Support transition workers through establishing benefits and educating workers on applying for benefits. • Conduct a review of existing worker programs and transition communities and identify whether or not they are adequately addressing the needs of workers. • Support the work of the members of the Transition Communities and Workers Advisory Committee. • Monitor the utility transition efforts in other states and localities. • Identify or estimate the timing and location of facility closures and job layoffs and their impact on workers, businesses, and transition communities. Maintain communication about closure dates with all relevant parries. • Provide an annual report of the office's activities in consultation with the Advisory Committee. • Engage in administrative proceedings that are relevant to the purposes of the office, including matters before entities such as the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, Department of Revenue. Reporting Beginning the legislative session one year after the office is created, the office of Transition Communities and Workers will report to the legislative committee with jurisdiction over utility, jobs, and tax policy on the office's activities during the previous year. The report shall contain: • An updated analysis on the timing and location of facility closures and job layoffs and data on its individual impacts on workers, businesses, and transition communities. • Suggested policy and programming to support transition communities and transition workers. • An update on the administration of the utility transition aid program and any other grant programs administered by this office. • An update on the implementation of the Transition Plan. Appropriation For the 2022-2023 state fiscal year, $900,000 is appropriated to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for employment and operating expenses. This appropriation is from the general fund and assumes the department will require an additional 3 FTE, Transition Communities and Workers Advisory Committee Purpose 2 30 of 33 The Transition Communities and Workers Advisory Committee is established to bring together stakeholders to develop and recommend a Transition Plan for the state of Minnesota and implement,monitor, and advise on the efficacy of the plan. The Advisory Committee will provide a broad perspective to monitor and advise on ongoing transition issues, established transition programs, economic initiatives, and policy. Duties of the Advisory Committee • Present a draft transition plan to the Commissioner of DEED and the Director of the Office of Transition Communities and Workers by one year after the establishment of the Advisory Committee. • Submit the final Transition Communities and Workers Plan to the Governor, chairs and ranking committee members six months following the draft plan. • Focus on efforts to reinvest in transition communities and identify existing programs to support transition communities and workers. • Identify the timing and location of facility closures and job layoffs for transition communities and provide recommendations for how to best respond to the econornic implications. • Provide policy recommendations on how best to support transition communities and workers. Members of the Advisory Committee The advisory committee is appointed by the Director of the Office of Transition Communities and Workers by October 2021. The committee is made up of 17 voting members and 7 Ex- Officio members. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected by the voting advisory committee members for a term of 2 years. The Ex-Officio members are appointed by the Governor's office. Term of appointment or designation for members is 4 years. The advisory committee shall meet monthly until they create the Transition Plan and then quarterly thereafter. The Chair may call additional meetings, as necessary. Voting members: a) one member of the senate, appointed by the President of the Senate b) one member of the house, appointed by the Speaker of the House c) one representative of the Prairie Island Indian community d) four representatives of transition communities, of which, two must be counties, two must be municipalities, at least one must host a coal plant, at least one must host a nuclear plant, and at least one must host a natural gas plant e) two representatives of workers at investor-owned electric generating plans powered by coal, nuclear energy, or natural gas f) one representative with professional economic development or workforce retraining experience g) two representatives of utilities that operate an electric generating unit h) two conservation/energy groups represented 3 31 of 33 i} one representative from the Coalition of Utility Cities Ex-Officio members appointed by the Governor: a) Governor's Office Representative b) Office of Department of Employment and Economic Development representative c) Office of Department of Labor and Industry representative d) Department of Revenue representative e) Department of Commerce representative f) Public Utilities Commission representative g) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency representative 4 32 of 33 =CCOAUTION OF TTiE Becker • Cohasset • Granite Falls • Fergus Fails • Hoyt Lakes • Monticello • OaK Park Heights • Red Wing Power Plant Host Community Retirement Transition Aid Eligibility • Utility transition aid its for eligible cities who have or will experience the retirement of a power plant • Eligible communities include cities and counties that host or have hosted electric generating plants fueled by coal, natural gas, or nuclear owned by a public utility as defined in Minn. Stat. § 216B.02. • Aid is triggered by a certification to the Department of Revenue the public utility that owns and/or operates the plant that an electric generating unit will be fully retired and removed from the company's electric generating system for purposes of valuation as state assessed utility property o Certification will be made in a form determined by the commissioner o Certification must be made at least one year prior to the deadline for local governments to adopt preliminary levies for the year in which the plant will be removed from the city's tax base o Within 15 days of the utility filing certification that an electric generating unit will be fully retired,the Commissioner must provide notice to the chief financial officer of the county and city governments in which the plant is physically located or whose utility tax base will be significantly impacted by the retirement of the unit. Calculating aid • Aid is calculated as the difference between the local property taxes from the utility tax base from the current year and the previous year • In the year immediately following unit retirement, transition aid will pay an amount sufficient to "keep the county/city whole." • In each subsequent year, aid is reduced by 90%of the previous year's aid, minus the change in the value of the electric system component taxes. Termination of Aid • Utility transition aid fully phases out 15 years following the retirement of the most recently retired electric generating unit. • This phase-out structure is built to recognize that communities that host multiple electric generating units housed within a single plant may experience the impacts of retirement in waves. • For example, Becker is expected to experience the retirement of individual generating units in 2023, 2026, and 2030. 33 of 33