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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- December 31st 2020 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: December 31st 2020 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Zoning &Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. 2. Last week it was mentioned about the MENARD'S status and their lapsed C.U.P.—enclosed are some follow-up communications,we do anticipate a new application this spring. COVID-19 Matters: • 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. • There are opportunities for housing assistance for those impacted by COVID—see link United Way 211 —211 Site(21 lunitedway.org� Other Items: EX.CL • The City's DEED Application for various study grants is due Jan 4th. 861s We are awaiting some data from Xcel Energy but is largely complete. ,�C&G This will be delivered to them on Monday. OPTION 1: 6- 11' i1' MAIL • A resident at 6371 Peacan Ave. offered further commentary on theo 6 Walk on CONC. proposed Lookout Trail project-Please see the enclosed letter.This West Side WALK matter is expected to be on the January 12th (maybe the 26th) agenda for an update by Lee Mann, City Engineer. But, long-story short — OPTION 3 — which was also preferred by the Council appears to be acceptable to most and has a cost Dec 2020 estimate of$1.42 Million. • SNOWPLOWINGII—generally things have seemed to be going U reasonably well from RALEIGH.My take on City efforts for trails and facilities is that CITY PW Crews are doing fantastic work.The City'sa l OPTION 2: 11' I 11' 6' Snowplowing Agreement with RALEIGH expires at the end in AprilHAT CONC. 2021 and the City will need to discuss options; that said, we did East Side n WALK reach out to Raleigh Trucking for another extension (one year,with B618 a TWO additional year option)-see DRAFT Language enclosed and C&G J�~lam which they have indicated is acceptable. This matter is a long-term item that should be discussed at a future goal setting,but we at least are trying to have a fall-back position. • See Update from Xcel Energy-Home charging and PUC Action for 2021 rates. r FOG 8618 � OPTION 3: IILINE C&G Council Member Mike Runk provided the enclosed memo and its 6' Shoulder/ Mo 6' 10, 11' attachments Parking on SHLD. West Side /PARK Mayor McComber provided: SURMOUN -TABLE C&G M 1. Various NLC Updates 2. Small Cities Update from MAOSC—Legislative Update. r Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 25 . 7k CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS -- 14 168 EIGHTS14168 Oak Park Boulevard North . OJ( Parl< Heights, NIN 55082 Phone: 6S 1i439-4439 Fax: 651;439-05;4 December 28, 2020 Mr. Jeff Cesafsky, In Store Design Manager Menard Inc 5126 Old Mill Center Building Eau Claire, WI 54703 Re: Proposed Menards Yard Gate Canopy Remodel/Addition Dear Mr. Cesafsky, I received the resubmitted plans for the above-referenced. Unfortunately, I am unable to review these plans as the City Council approval to the project expired. As noted in my November 4, 2020 letter to Tyler Edwards, returning the uncollected 2019 review and plan set, the granted approvals by City Council have expired. A copy of this letter is attached. In order for you to move forward with this project, you will need to start fresh with a new Conditional Use Permit approval through the City's development application process and then the construction permitting process. You will find the development application on the City webpage at www.cityofoakparkheights.com, Enclosed herein and herewith returned to you are the materials received with your December 22, 2020 conveyance communication. Sincerely, PLANNING & CODE ENFORCEMENT Jul' Hultman Building Official Enclosures !c: Eric Johnson, City Administrator 2 of 25 Tree City U.S.A. 0 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651.439.4439 Fax:651.439.0574 November 4, 2020 Mr. Tyler Edwards, Real Estate Representative Menard, Inc. 5101 Menard Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 Re: Menard's CUP—Express Lane—5800 Krueger lane N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Dear Mr. Edwards: Enclosed herein please find. • Plan Review Permit 2019-00208,issued on October 23, 2019,to Menard's for plan review of the express lane project which was approved through Conditional Use Permit. f The plan set that accompanied the plan review request. These were to be collected by Menards and despite several conversations to that end, never were. The City Council approved the Conditional Use Permit on April 23, 2019 and then at your request granted a one-year extension, on April 28, 2020 with the contingency that actual construction commenced by October 1, 2020. As the project has not commenced, the granted approvals are no longer valid. At such time Menard, Inc. is ready to move forward with this project; it will need to start anew with the conditional use permit and construction permitting process. Sincerely, PLANNING &CODE ENFORCEMENT Ju ie ultman But ng Official Enclosures c: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Emai€:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com 3 of 25 AMENDMENT #1 TO THE AGREEMENT FOR ROADWAY SNOW REMOVAL AND SANDING M. J. Raleigh Trucking, Inc. and the City of Oak Park Heights maintain an AGREEMENT FOR ROADWAY SNOW REMOVAL AND SANDING and the parties desire to enter into an Amendment. Accordingly, the terms and conditions of the AGREEMENT FOR ROADWAY SNOW REMOVAL AND SANDING—(Signed April 2018) are revised and/or clarified to include: 1. The Agreement Term is extended to April 30th, 2022. 2. The City at its sole discretion may further extend the Agreement to April 30th, 2024 by giving written notice of such extension to the Contractor not later than December 31st, 2021. Any extensions exercised by the City shall include all terms and conditions of the April 2018 Agreement and any provisions outlined in the Amendment 91. 3. Annual rate increases shall continue to follow the prior year(s) adjustments, see Sec. 10. of the Agreement. 4. All specified Equipment, Services and all related elements necessary to complete the requirements of the Agreement shall remain in the ownership and operational discretion and control of M. J. Raleigh Trucking, Inc and Michael Raleigh personally. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in a condition of default as outlined in Section 16 of the Agreement and any related damages. Agreed Upon by the Parties Below: CONME ACTUi_ mT I.FLJ _'-T,.. kLLe,L- C11'Y OF OAK PARK 11MG 0 $l':.... gFf - ... hfay M�-C- b -May- D to X!e'.TMSiIpY S.Rjilaish,Ib OECD CFS D40 S: STATE CF MINNESOTA ) Eric Job—-City'A(t �- Dale ss. Cou"TY CE ) STATE OF N@ATESOTA Tha fawn insemakui uae 3EL�oat^Iad�fd @e#ise�me )s toil_d{`-of :q1 b�-\ h S COi]tiTY OF Rlagh athe Qwd o�sati4 ofiicff and C1uef Fmmcial fYffiea of li 1.U—h T}ur=--. lot.,a hf mm--Ou Comma m T--f-_aso_s.u_e wneut tl: -eci 1' .:cCc-^L•ers:a=rx=aluvaa-esE.ecti•:cl}-_ Wina :.:t•. .-.,:::::n::_a:_r:f_:a Cx ;,f C•ak Fik F:a:=:t:.x a_'aa:Jitca.:u� f_tr =u�li 4 of 25 Dear Mayor Mary McComber and City Administrator Eric Johnson, First, I would like to thank you for hosting the Zoom call on December 17th to review the proposed redevelopment plans for the roadway, drainage, and system trail link of Lookout Trail with the neighborhood constituency. As a new member of the community who settled into my new home on Peacan Ave N just before Thanksgiving, I appreciated the information shared during the meeting, and the time the City officials took to answer questions and discuss concerns. One of the questions I asked during the meeting was regarding alignment of the redevelopment concepts shared during the meeting with the overall 2018 Comprehensive plan and 2008 Park& Trail System Plan. From the 2021 tax notices I understand the City is under budgetary pressures in 2021 due to the shifting tax burden away from Xcel Energy to other property taxpayers and grant funds for trail improvements are not currently available for the project. As I understand that has presented a funding challenge for the project and the city is looking for a solution that addresses many of the community needs but may not be able to meet all of the communities long-term needs in the current project due to the funding constraints. With the tax burden will likely continue shifting in the years leading up to the Xcel plant closure in 2028,from my viewpoint and given the scarcity of natural river frontage resources riverfront redevelopment area,which includes Lookout Trail, needs to yield the maximum the overall recreation system contribution possible. Which will provide long-term economic benefits as the riverfront economic basin becomes more recreational and less industrial in the post-Xcel plant era. After reviewing the long-term city plans and development objectives the redevelopment of outlook trail that appears aligned with long-term goals is a multi-use bike path on the East Side of outlook, with as minimal of disruption to mailboxes and parking for residents on that west side of the road. Five of the most salient objectives relevant to Lookout redevelopment from the 2018 Comprehensive plan and 2008 Park&Trail System Plan are outlined below, and some additional sections of the long-term plans are provided as an appendix. 1. Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. 2. Link Sunnyside to Mn/DOT's trail. 3. Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail. 4. Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west. 5. Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities and regional systems by a safe and convenient multi-use trail/sidewalk system. Given the budgetary constraints redeveloping the roadway and west side improvements in 2021 that do not include a trail system connection until a later date when funds are available from a redevelopment fund or grants is a prudent course of action, I would recommend the City considers. I look forward to continuing the redevelopment conversation during the next community meeting, and also would like to extend an invitation for City staff to come out and walk the trail with me and 5 oAew of the other residents to have a boots on the ground conversation. Sometimes when you are physically looking at the site it is easier to see how the various redevelopment options add/detract economic value, and present pedestrian safety issues (west side trail). I would also be interested in hearing the perspectives of a few members of the Parks Commission that worked on the 2008 plan. Sincerely, OD" %G"vajoa gawti dad Data sei&tint 6371 ;Veae" , " 72 bale ;Vanl qei<ylitd 6 of 25 Appendix • 2008 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan • 2018 Comprehensive plan 2008 Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan Page 20 ISSUES IDENTIFICATION: • Provide interconnections with the Stillwater trail system whenever possible. • Link Sunnyside to Mn/DOT's trail. • Link Sunnyside to the bluff area by way of Lookout Trail. • Find a way to link Lookout Trail to the west. 2018 Comprehensive plan GOALS AND POLICIES INTRODUCTION Goals and policies reflect the community's direction as it relates to its recreation system and provides more detailed guidance on park and trail development. Park and trail goals and policies were developed through an analysis of the issues identified by the Parks Commission. As with any policy plan, it is important to read the statements together rather than as disjointed declarations. Although conceptual development may leave the map out of date, it is expected that policies are more enduring. Page 132 SYSTEM GOALS • Protect, preserve and improve environmentally sensitive areas and natural resources in all parks and trail corridor areas. • Establish and maintain recreation facilities that maximize participation and overcome physical or economic limitations which may prevent equal opportunity, regardless of age, race, sex, religion, or place of residence. • Plan and maintain an attractive and diverse system of parks that address the park needs of all segments of the community. • Provide linkages within Oak Park Heights as well as to neighboring communities and regional systems by a Safe and Convenient multi-use trail/sidewalk system. Page 122 FACILITY PURPOSE AND DESIGN POLICIES • Establish park and trail facilities which provide recreational as well as functional uses. • Provide varying types of trails to be used as the basis of planning and development for the multiple use trail system, defined as a comprehensive trail system for the integration of a variety of compatible non-motorized trail uses (pedestrian, bicycles, roller skating, cross country skiing, etc.). • Design and construct trails according to the standards established by the 7 of 25 National Park and Recreation Association, the State Department of Transportation, and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (see Trail Design Standards attached herein). • The inclusion of environmentally sensitive areas (river frontage, native prairie, bluffs, unique vegetative associations, etc.) into park or trail facilities should be considered to contribute to the overall recreation system. • Potentially develop dual-use corridors incorporating bicycle and pedestrian corridors with ski touring or sledding routes during the snow season. • Bicycles shall only be allowed upon paved surfaces within the City as designated by ordinance. Mountain biking is allowed on trails designated for this purpose. 8 of 25 From: Jurek,Colette C To: Bayport-City Administrator; Bayport-PWD; Birchwood-City Administrator; Dellwood-Clerk; Forest Lake- City Administrator; Forest Lake-PW Superintendent;Grant-Clerk; Huao-City Administrator; Huao-PWD; Mahtomedi-City Administrator; Mahtomedi-PWD; Marine On St.Croix-Clerk; May Township-Clerk; Eric Johnson;Andrew Kealey; Mary McComber; Pine Springs-Clerk; Stillwater-City Administrator; Stillwater- PWD;Stillwater Township-clerk;Washington County-Construction Engineer;Washington County-County Administrator;Washington County-Deputy Administrator;Washington County-Engineering&Construction Manager;Willernie-Clerk Subject: Xcel Energy: Operational Update/End of Year 2020 Date: Thursday,December 31,2020 10:08:42 AM Attachments: 12-16-20 FINAL MN EV Home Charging Program news release.pdf Happy New Year greetings to our community leaders and partners! Recently Xcel Energy launched a new electric vehicle charging program for residential electric customers: EV Accelerate at Home.This is a turn key offering that makes it easy for customers to lease or purchase a Level II charger and participants receive low electric rates for charging overnight. The program is part of Xcel Energy's vision to power 1.5 million electric vehicles in our service areas by 2030. The following link provides a wealth of information on electric vehicles—the EV Accelerate at Home program can be found under the "charging' tab. https://ev.xcelenergy.comz I've also attached the full press release—let me know if you need further information or help crafting a message to your constituents. I'm also happy to share the news that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved our plan to avoid raising rates for customers in 2021.This plan is similar to the proposal the Commission approved last year which delivered benefits to customers. In addition to avoiding a rate increase, last year's agreement resulted in about$42 million that will be returned to residential customers—a credit of about$3 per month on average, beginning in April 2021. We will also dedicate $17.5 million to our proposed Payment Plan Credit Program which would provide direct relief to residential customers who have fallen behind on their bills. Best wishes for a prosperous . . . and healthy . . . . new year! Colette Jurek Xcel Energy I You. Us. Together. Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development 1700 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 C: 612.209.3501 E: colette.c.jurekexcelenergy.com XcelEnergy. cebook.com/XcelEnergy Twitter.com/XcelEnergy Please consider the environment before printing this email. 9 of 25 ® Xcel Energy Media Relations Xcel Energy 414 Nicollet Mall, 401-7 Minneapolis, MN 55401 (612) 215-5300 www.xcelenergy.com Xcel Energy makes electric vehicle charging easier and more affordable Program lowers the costs of home charging in Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 16, 2020)—Xcel Energy is launching an electric vehicle charging program that will make charging at home easy, faster, and more affordable for Minnesota customers. The program is part of the company's EV vision to power 1.5 million EVs on the road in the company's service areas by 2030. "Our commitment to clean energy and reducing carbon emissions is reflected in our support for electric vehicles," said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. "Electric vehicles are great for the environment, and as they become more affordable, we're going to see more of them on the road. We want to continue offering our customers innovative programs that will help reduce carbon emissions while keeping bills low." EV Accelerate At Home, the company's first permanent EV charging program in Minnesota, enables customers to receive low-cost electricity pricing for EV charging so they can charge for less than the equivalent of$1 per gallon of gas. Customers enrolled in this program will also receive a faster EV charger with embedded energy-monitoring capabilities allowing them to save money by charging up their vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. The faster chargers installed through this program will ensure customers can charge their EV much faster than using a simple charger that plugs in to a typical household outlet. Customers can choose to pay for this new charger and installation up-front, or as a monthly charge on their bill. The new program follows a successful pilot that Xcel Energy launched in summer 2018, which enrolled 100 participants who benefited from a new charging option that resulted in cost savings while improving the overall electric vehicle experience. Earlier this year, Xcel Energy announced a vison to partner with its customers, communities and key stakeholders to have 20% of all vehicles in its service area across eight states be powered by electricity by 2030. This program also complements Xcel Energy's plan to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2030 from 2005 levels in the electricity provided to customers, and the company's vision to supply 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. More information about electric vehicles, and this new program is available on the Xcel Energy website. 10 of 25 About Xcel Energy Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 11 of 25 DATE: 12-31-2020 Memo To: Mayor McComber Councilmember Dougherty Councilmember Liljegren Councilmember Johnson From: Councilmember Runk Topic: Stillwater and Developer request for Washington County to provide Tax Abatement to assist in the Development located to the west of our City. At their meeting on December 15th the Stillwater City Council discussed providing tax assistance to their developer in the amount of$4,567,017.50. This would be provided over 20 years in the form of tax abatements. While the City of Stillwater has the absolute right to provide abatement of their taxes, they and the Developer also discussed that Washington County would need to provide a financial investment of public funds of $2.0 to $2.5 million over twenty years to cover the total abatement. Also discussed at their meeting is that Stillwater is seeking a meeting of two Councilmembers, their staff and the Developer with the County to seek such a request. To me this is problematic in that residents and businesses of our City would in effect be helping to subsidize a development that could actually be harmful to our businesses and also have a negative impact on our tax base. Please recall the Council did received this analysis from the City's consultant this past summer. I reached out to Commissioner Kriesel to ask about County policy as to their review of Tax Abatements and to keep us informed of any action. (See attached Correspondences) I also reached out to Mike Oase, COO for Kowalski's Companies. I requested information regarding number of employees at their store. (See attached Correspondences) I have taken these actions out of personal concern and I have not in any way tried to represent that I was representing the Council or City position on the matter, but I feel it necessary to inform you of my actions in the event this topic becomes more public in the near future, but worth noting that ultimately this is all public data and is of importance to pay attention to. I would like for the council to discuss the issue at a future workshop Thanks, Mike R 12 of 25 Eric Johnson From: Mike Oase <moase@kowalskis.com> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 2:56 PM To: MICHAEL RUNK Cc: Eric Johnson; mjunk@comcast.net Subject: RE: Oak Park Heights Hi Mike, Sorry I did not get back to you sooner.Thanks for the email and for sharing our concerns as well!! We have no interest in subsidizing a development that will actually hurt our business and impact our employees jobs, which we value very much! We have a few years remaining on our lease and our hope is to renew it when the time comes but I can tell you that another grocer in the Oak Park Heights/Stillwater area is not only not needed but it could definitely impact our ability to maintain our market into the future. We have been in your great city and the great area of Stillwater for 15 years,the first 12 were net income losing years for us but we hung in there for our employees and we could see things slowly starting to improve,thankfully the last 3 years have been good years for us but another grocer would turn us back in the wrong direction. I am more than happy to share the information you requested and let me know if you need anything else. We have 82 employees that would be considered FT(working at least 40 hours a week) and 67 employees who would be considered PT(working an average of 26 hours per week) Have a great day and Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mike Oase C00 Kowalski's Companies From: MICHAEL RUNK<mjrunk@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, December 28, 2020 2:22 PM To: Mike Oase <moase@kowalskis.com> Cc: Eric Johnson <eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com>; mjunk@comcast.net Subject: Fwd: Oak Park Heights ----------Original Message ---------- From: MICHAEL RUNK<mirunk@comcast.net> To: "moase@kowalskis.com"<moase kowalskis.com> Date_12/17/2020 3:38 PM Subject: Oak Park Heights Mr. Oase: My name is Mike Runk and I am a Council Member in the City of Oak Park Heights. I am aware that our administrator has been in contact with you concerning a purposed development by Stillwater. The latest item has been that the developer is requesting tax abatement to help finance the project. This includes Washington County providing $1.5 million in abatement at a cost of $2.0 to 2.5 million over 20 years. This is problematic to me. Our Business community including your store would be subsiding a development that would actually compete or threaten the financial stability of those Businesses. I would also put out there that it would also affect our Cities Tax base in a negative way. i 13 of 25 What i would like from you if possible is the number of current employees both full and part time you have at store. Part of the argument the developer is making is that it is economic development and the number of jobs it would create. It would help if I knew how many jobs could potentially be at risk in a worst case scenario. Let me or Eric know your input or concerns. Thank you; Mike Runk Council Member City of Oak Park Heights 651-439-5458 2 14 of 25 Eric Johnson From: MICHAEL RUNK <mjrunk@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2020 11:20 PM To: Gary Kriesel Subject: Tax abatement Gary Kriesel Commissioner Washington County Gary, Now that the City of Stillwater has made it clear they will be asking Washington County for tax abatement for their new development. The amount being approximately $1 .5 million at a cost of between $2.0 and $2.5 million over 20 years. I am curious as to what the standards and procedures Washington County uses in determining weather to provide such abatement. Thank you, Mike Mike Runk Council Member City of Oak Park Heights i 15 of 25 Eric Johnson From: MICHAEL <mjrunk@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, December 18, 2020 9:26 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Tax abatement Attachments: 4006 Economic Development Abatement Policy Update.docx Sent from Xfinity Connect Application -----original Message----- From:eib@aol.com To:mjrunk@comcast.net Sent: 2020-12-18 8:10:46 AM Subject: Re:Tax abatement Councilmember Runk, The county has a policy that helps guide its consideration of requests for economic development tax abatements. I have attached that policy for your review. The policy follows the direction provided in state law, Chapter 469, for these types of abatement requests. If or when the county receives the request from the city, staff will work with the board to develop a timeline for the consideration of the request. Gary Kriesel Washington County Commissioner District 3 On Dec 17, 2020, at 11:19 PM, MICHAEL RUNK<mjrunk@comcast.net>wrote: Gary Kriesel Commissioner Washington County Gary, Now that the City of Stillwater has made it clear they will be asking Washington County for tax abatement for their new development. The amount being approximately $1.5 million at a cost of between $2.0 and $2.5 million over 20 years. I am curious as to what the standards and procedures Washington County uses in determining weather to provide such abatement. Thank you, r 16 of 25 Mike Mike Runk Council Member City of Oak Park Heights 2 17 of 25 Washington Property and Taxation �� County Policy #4006 Economic Development Abatements (Minnesota Statutes 469.1812 —469.1815) Policy The County Board has established a goal to increase its support of economic development efforts within Washington County. The county is committed to investing staff time and financial resources in a planned, coordinated and strategic manner to promote economic development that creates new jobs, retains jobs, increases the county tax base, and enhances the quality of life of the residents of the county. To meet these goals, the county board is committed to partnering with its local communities through the utilization of economic development tools that are available. Economic abatement applications that are submitted under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 469 will be reviewed and considered as provided in this policy. Guidelines Applicants for an economic abatement shall complete an application for economic development abatement that includes- 1. ncludes:1. Name and contact information of the applicant 2. Description of request 3. List of parcels included in the abatement request 4. Beginning and ending dates of the abatement 5. The dollar amount or applicable formula of the abatement request 6. Description of the abatement benefits in compliance with M.S. 469.1813 Subd.1 (1) 7. Description of the public interest served by the abatement as defined in M.S. 469.1813 Subd.1(2) Administrative Requirements 1. The proposal must comply with Minnesota Statutes. 2. The proposal must include property identification numbers or legal descriptions and the abatement area must be made up of existing parcels of record. Tax parcels subject to the abatement request must not be in a tax increment financing district. Implemented: July 24, 1990 Page 1 of 3 Revised: November 9, 2010 Re6seg6 October 6, 2015 Policy#40O6 3. The Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department m commensurate with the complexity of the abatement to cover administrative costs the program that are anticipated to be incurred over may impose a fee fee, as applicable, will be included in the terms of he abatement greementhe nt. Su h nt agreement. Restrictions on Economic Develo ment Abatements 1- In compliance with M.S. 469.1813 Subd.1 (1), the county ust find expected benefits of the agreement to the county are at east equal the cost.that the 2. In compliance with M.S. 469.1813 Subd.1 (2), the board must find t action is in the public interest, because the abatement will meet at least abatement following criteria: t one of the i. Increase or preserve tax base; ii. Provide employment opportunities Provide or help acquire or construct public facilities; iv. Help redevelop or renew blighted areas; V. Help provide access to services for county residents; vi- Finance or provide public infrastructure; or vii. Phase in a property tax increase of more than 50% not attributable improvement of the parcel. ibutable to 3. By statute, abatements may not exceed ten (10) percent of Washington tax capacity, ngton County's net Economic Develo ment Abatement Considerations The county board will consider the following as part of its review and approval of abatements granted under this section.- 1. The consistency of the plan with the principles of the county's Com for land use and transportation. prehensive plan 2. The extent to which the project has regional impact. 3. The extent to which other taxing jurisdictions participate in abatement, the proposed 4. The extent to which the project impacts county costs for road cons control, law enforcement, human services and other budgetarytruction traffic 5. Whether the abatement includes transit oriented deelo mrenms corridors. p t along transit 6. The extent to which the abatement contributes to the availability of housing, particularly for persons or families of low and moderate income. Washington County supports housing strategies that create scattered site low inc ng options, rather than concentrating development of low income o ha using in housing complexes or "projects", or Implemented: July 24, 1990 Revised: November 9, 2010 Revised: October 6, 2015 page 2 of 3 19 of 25 Policy#4006 7. The extent to which the abatement contributes to economic development. For this purpose, provision of employment opportunities as required by statute will be defined as providing benefits and livable wages. Definitions A. Economic Development Abatement A reduction of part or all of the county tax on a property as an incentive for economic development as authorized by Minnesota Statutes 469.1812 to 469.1815. B. Increase or Preserve Tax Base The extent to which the proposal adds to the county's net commercial and industrial tax base. Responsibility County Board 1. Hold public hearing of abatement request prior to approval. 2. Review and approve by resolution or deny any economic development abatement application and abatement agreement. County Administration 1. Accept applications for economic development abatements under this policy. 2. Ensure the abatements meet the statutory requirements in Chapter 469. 3. Ensure the abatements meet the requirements outlined in this policy. Property Records and Taxpayer Services Department 1. Provide the necessary tax and value information in order to estimate the impact of any approved abatement on the county's tax base and finances. The fiscal disparities contribution must be deducted from the tax capacity used to compute the amount available for purposes of the abatement so that there is no adverse effect on the existing tax base. 2. Provide draft abatement agreement language. 3. Provide for the on-going administration of the abatement as identified in the authorizing resolution. Source 1997 and 2001 Minnesota Legislatures, Chapter 469 County Board motion November 9, 2010 County Board motion October 6, 2015 Implemented: July 24, 1990 Page 3 of 3 Revised: November 9, 2010 Revised: October 6, 2015 20 of 25 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:A Special Message for NLC Members to Get Ready for 2021 Date: Wednesday,December 30,2020 9:13:12 AM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Alejandra from NLC<piers-torres@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Wed, Dec 30, 2020 8:09 am Subject: A Special Message for NLC Members to Get Ready for 2021 Access your weekly NNL��C member roundup! of December 31 2020-Midwest '-• • A Holiday Message from NLC's CEO A Holiday Message from NLC's CEO We made it through a difficult year—we persevered, we pushed, and we kept going. NLC CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony has a special message for members to get ready for 2021. ■ Upcoming NLCU: Human-Centered Leadership Certificate 21 of 25 February 3 -April 29 8 Want to understand who you are as a leader? Join NLCU and American University for a 12-week course. Register by Jan. 4. REGISTER HERE > ■ Congressional City Conference 2021 COVID-19 Local Response Afterschool Programs: Principles: Voting and Supporting Youth and Families Elections During the Pandemic COVID-19 has forced cities to think outside For every child in an afterschool program the box and, in many cases, adopt today, three more are waiting to get in a innovative solutions to making voting safe program if it was available. Unmet demand and accessible. is even higher for Black and Latinx students ■ and those from lower-income households. ■ ■ 22 of 25 3 Ways to Measure Your City's Transportation Equity Next Year Measuring equity in transportation services has never been easier or more effective for cities, as they try to find the balance in both budgets and impacts. 2021 will be a critical year for equity, and NLC has identified three key measures any city can learn from in order to start measuring equity in their transportation decisions. ■ Thanks for reading the latest articles and events from the NLC, where local leaders and their staff go to learn and grow. 'Til next time! Sincerely, Alejandra Piers-Torres Midwest Member Engagement Manager, NLC ,8 piers-torres@nlc.org Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events 8 8 8 Resources &Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view in browser. 23 of 25 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Invitation to 2021 Legislative-Session Overview zoom call with Cap O"Rourke Date: Wednesday, December 30,2020 2:17:33 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Minnesota Small Cities <cap@maosc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Wed, Dec 30, 2020 12:54 pm Subject: Invitation to 2021 Legislative-Session Overview zoom call with Cap O'Rourke View as Webpaae 12.30.2020 Hello Mary, MN Small Cities (MAOSC) is currently gearing up for the start of the Minnesota Legislative Session and we are interested in your input and feedback regarding our planned 2021 Legislative Agenda. 2021 is a budget year and among other important issues, we will once again stand strong for NO CUTS to LGA. Please join us on January 6 (Noon- 1:00 pm)for a members-only"2021 Pre-Session Update / Q&A"zoom discussion led by MAOSC Executive Director, Cap O'Rourke. REGISTER HERE While you're there, take a minute to check out our newly renovated website, which includes some cool, interactive features such as Discussion Forums, where member cities can engage with their small-city peers regarding small-city-specific issues or challenges. We've also recently increased our social media presence so please take a minute to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well. We look forward to your participation next on the call next Tuesday! PS: If you run into any problems with REGISTRATION please contact our Administrator, Lynda Barry at Ivnda(a-)maosc.ora or 612-701-9194. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 24 of 25 Sincerely, Cap O'Rourke MAOSC Executive Director cap@maosc.org r�� 612-483-1863 Lo Minnesota Association of Small Cities Board of Directors Tim Burkhardt, MAOSC President OPEN SEAT-let us know if you are interested! City Council,Hinckley/Region S Region 6 Shannon Mortenson, MAOSC Vice President Wyatt Kemper City Administrator-Clerk-Treasurer,Warren/Region 1 City Clerk,St. Martin/Region 7 Joel Young, MAOSC Secretary OPEN SEAT-let us know if you are interested! City Clerk,Chatfield/Region 12 Region 10 Jacob Kolander, MAOSC Treasurer Andy Welti City Clerk-Treasurer,Vesta/Region 9 City Administrator, Medford/Region 11 Mary McComber, MAOSC Past President Michael Hammes Mayor,Oak Park Heights/Region 8 City Council, Mazeppa/At-Large 1 Tina Rennemo William McCabe Clerk-Treasurer, Baudette/Region 2 City Administrator,St.Augusta/At-Large 2 Jonathan Smith Michelle Stevens City Manager, Perham/Region 3 City Clerk-Treasurer, Upsala/At-Large 3 Cheryl Hahn Dave Engstrom City Administrator,Sebeka/Region 4 City Clerk/Admin,Lake St.Croix Beach/At-Large 4 Minnesota Association of Small Cities maosc.ora 1101 8 MAOSC 1 145 University West, St. Paul, MN 55103 Unsubscribe marymccomber(cbaol.com Update Profile I About our service provider Sent by cap@maosc.org powered by 25 of 25