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Home My WebLink Aboutweekly Notes- January 15th 2021 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: January 15",2021 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator Zoning &Development Items: 44� 1. Menards did re-submit an application foy various YARD ENTRANCE improvement. This will be on the February Planning Commission agenda. 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.or Other Items: • City Ice Rinks are open and so are the WARMING HOUSE—COVID-19 Precautions and requirements shall be posted and strictly followed by rink attendants—limiting number of people in shelter and the wearing of masks. • With the updating of the electronic video equipment in the Council chamber,the City has a large supply of otherwise SURPLUS"stuff'. Old TVs switchers,old cables,etc. Don FIXMER has indicated that this could be useful to other valley communities if the City is willing and able to donate it. I have asked him to catalogue it all and give me an approximate value(probably not much)for then the City could declare it to surplus and give it away. Frankly,some of it could be considered"hazardous"(or RAYTUBES and metals)and we would incur some costs to dispose of it.So, it is probably a break-even proposition to allow this to be transferred to another local jurisdiction.This is our plan to move this stuff out of City Hall as generally allowed under MN STAT 471.64(enclosed) • Just for some background information, I did generate a MAP of the approximate POWER LINE corridors in the City and their estimated acreages. It is enclosed—in OPH it totals about 118 acres.OPH consists of about 1,200 acres—so 10%of the land in the City is directly encumbered by these corridors. • The City did receive a response from Tennis Sanitation as to our Staff proposal from last week,please see the enclosed letter from Attorney S.Coons.Naturally,this will take some analysis as to the imputed costs of their proposal—(which at first blush seem very high— but we will see...) Mayor McComber provided: 1. Lockridge Grindal update for invitation to Tax Priorities Briefing—2/8/21 —See enclosed. 2. Information on Conversations in the Valley 3. N LC Updates 4. Update from Rep.Shelly Christensen Please let me know if you have any questions-651.253.7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 22 I MINNESOTA STATUTES 2020 471.64 471.64 MAY GET,DISPOSE OF PROPERTY TO,FROM U.S.,STATE AGENCIES. Subdivision 1. Ignore statutes, charter.Any county, city, town, school district, or other political subdivision of the state may enter into any contract with the United States of America or with any agency thereof,any state agency,or with any other political subdivision of the state for the purchase,lease, sale,or other acquisition or disposition of equipment, supplies,materials,or other property,including real property, without regard to statutory or charter provisions. The acquisition or disposition of such property from or to the federal government shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations which may be prescribed by the United States of America or any agency thereof. Subd. 2. Designation,authorization. The governing body of any political subdivision of the state may designate by appropriate resolution or order any officer or employee of its own to enter a bid or bids in its behalf at any sale of equipment, supplies,material or other property, including real property, owned by the United States of America or with any agency thereof,any state agency,or with any other political subdivision of the state and may authorize the officer or employee to make any down payment, or payment in full, required in connection with such bidding. History: 1945 c 167 s 1,2; 1955 c 637 s 1; 1957 c 148 s 1; 1974 c 260 s 8; 1986 c 327 s 4; 1986 c 444 Official Publication of the State of Minnesota Revisor of Statutes 2 of 22 5 ?# a cl '' -"'9h ✓_ o-P «� �`fib, x � mow�// 'p� t 0 ' U Q < J« � + f ' x U) N Vw WWI LU VA r � !e +��ems"�� : '�' ,�< t� g,,: • � f� Z O ¢ 2 - 'r'l t..a ,.X - C ,•�aa - 0 S MA w,a AA All y r 4'h L �.T �.f"A I.s".cm "^mss�Spp \ _.:g,� — � .psd �� y. �h.'��}-5✓.P:�x�hyL+W�,�t y,�. rd,. s'` j s�-r.�i�''a >>� �`mct r � p-. € "� g.♦ �.,�, ".f �i,�<'K µ� � n"*:�"{„e ate` � ;t� ,."'�K�'`,�i�r� .. — k • Wzr� � `�r\ -y�}'^'#�€ sY r� t „` >•°''..ate'. a.'� -�.,,`~? ,�.�,,r:. �r� �axp�';�E n: spe�`". f p'�� A �# f'��.N � i ,�+r{ j•, x..' � Q yj _h'G�..: office: 51 Z.33T957o fax: 512.337.9575 LA44 OFFICES of STEVEN COON January 15,2021 SENT VEA U.S. IMA:L& E-YLUL Kevin S. Sandstrom Eckberg Lammers 1809 Northwestern Ave. Stillwater,MN 55082 Re: Tennis Sanitation LLC Waste Hauling Contract with Oak Park Heights Dear Mr. Sandstrom: I represent Tennis Sanitation regarding the above referenced matter. We have reviewed your letter dated January 8, 2021 and attached proposed contract addendum. Below is my client's counterproposal for your consideration. 1. Disposal Fee—no change,3%annual increase separate from existing tipping fee formula; 2. Collection Fee—no change, 3% annual increase; 3. Recycling Fee--immediate increase from $2.55 - $3.15,3%annual increase; 4. Yard Waste Fee—remove line item,replace as follows: households will need to subscribe for compost pick-up (mid-April to mid-November), Tennis Sanitation will charge $100/year to households and will provide a 95-gallon compost cart(free of charge); 5. Appliance/Large Items — remove line item, replace as follows: Tennis will charge households directly per item on an agreed upon, discounted basis, 3% annual increase on per item charge; 6. Construction Materials — immediate increase from $13/cubic yard to $19.50/cubic yard, 3%annual increase 7. Spring/Fall Clean-up — in addition to paying disposal fees, the City will pay Tennis Sanitation for labor hours and trucking costs. 8. Term—the contract addendum would extend the current contract term by three (3) years (January 1,2003 -December 31,2025). 4of22 222 SbUth 9f1, Street, 5111. '��[), h11i_ne��olis, fL N r>5�G2 www.coonlawmn.com LAW OFFICES OF STEVEN COON January 15, 2021 211' age My client believes its proposed modifications to the existing contract are fair and reasonable for all parties and hope the City will afford it careful consideration.Thank you. Sincerely, LAW F ICES AWF TEVEN COON Leven R Coon Attorney at Lav cc: Tennis Sanitation 5 of 22 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:LGN Invites You to an Exclusive Briefing with the House and Senate Tax Chairs Date: Wednesday,January 13,2021 12:09:08 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P. <info@locklaw.com> To: marymccomber@aol.com<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Wed, Jan 13, 2021 10:54 am Subject: LGN Invites You to an Exclusive Briefing with the House and Senate Tax Chairs �,_ Online 6 of 22 Hear directly from the legislature's top leaders on tax issues and what the 2021 Legislative Session has in store for tax policy in Minnestoa. Featuring: • Sen. Carla Nelson, Senate Tax Chair(R-Rochester) • Rep. Paul Marquart, House Tax Chair(DFL-Dilworth) Hosted Virtually by Lockridge Grindal Nauen Monday, February 8,2021 10:00 am—11 am CST To RSVP,contact Kara Osterman at kvosterman@locklaw.com by February 1st 7 of 22 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Cnmembons of the Valley--NEW TIME--(Jan Zoom Event) Date: Monday,January 11,20211:16:09 PM For weekly notes ---Original Message--- From:St.Croix Valley Foundation<info@scvfoundation.org> To:marymccomber@aol.com Sent:Mon,Jan 11,2021 11:58 am Subject:Conversations of the Valley--NEW TIME—(Jan Zoom Event) View this email in your browser ee Conversations of the Valley PLEASE NOTE: The start time for the January 20th presentation featuring Professor Bill Green has been moved to 1:00 pm. If you have registered previously,you do not need to register again. If you have not yet registered-there is still time.Over 230 are currently registered! If you are not sure of your registration status,go ahead and register again. In consultation with our speaker,Professor Bill Green,the SCVF has pushed back the start time of the January 20th Conversations of the Valley to avoid potential overlap with the live coverage of the Presidential Inauguration(Oath of Office begins at 11:00 am CST followed by inaugural address);the Conversations of the Valley event is now scheduled for 1:00 pm -2:00 pm(CST). We apologize for any inconvenience. THANK YOU! Conversations of the Valley This popular and engaging program of speakers is presented this season via Zoom.The St.Croix Valley Foundation staff,board and planning committee have developed a thought-provoking series addressing important topics affecting our region.Please join usl "RACIAL JUSTICE-LISTENING AND LEARNING" A reckoning on race relations is how many in the media have characterized the events and responses that we've all experienced or witnessed in 2020. Upcoming Conversations of the Valley presentations aim to take what can sometimes seem like far off voices in the national media--and bring those voices a little closer to home. We are grateful and honored that the following speakers will contribute to this 4-part series of lunchtime conversations.Attend any or alll Thanks to our sponsor,First State Bank&Trust,there will be no fees for this season's program. 8 of 22 Date: Wed,Jan 20,2021 "What Happened In This Region To Create The Disparities That Black Americans Continue To Experience Today?" Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm (this presentation will be made available via Zoom recording after Jan.20th) Featuring: Bill Green,Ph.D.,J.D.,Professor,Augsburg University Bill has published several books on race and civil rights in Minnesota and was honored with a 2015 Minnesota Book Award. Bill is Emeritus Council Member of the Minnesota Historical Society. Registration is easy. There is no fee for this event. Register Today To learn about upcoming presentations in the series entitled"Racial Justice-Listening and Learning": Visit SCVF Questions?info@scvfoundation.org 715-386-9490 9 of 22 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson;Steve Hansen Subject: Fwd: NLC Shares Reaction to Recent Attack on the U.S.Capitol Date: Saturday,January 9,20218:26:31 AM For weekly notes AND See the article on 15K free PPE-see if Oak Park Heights could qualify. Mary -----Original Message----- From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<news@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Sat, Jan 9, 2021 6:06 am Subject: NLC Shares Reaction to Recent Attack on the U.S. Capitol News,resources and events for local leaders and staff. 8 NLC Reaction to Capitol Protests NLC Shares Reaction to Recent Attack on the U.S. Capitol On Wednesday, January 6, National League of Cities (NLC) Executive Director and CEO Clarence E. Anthony issued a statement following the protests at the U.S. Capitol. ■ 8 10 of 22 ff ® ® Join the City Advisory Forum Supreme Court to Consider COVID-19 Local Response on Urban Air Mobility Before Climate Change Lawsuit and Principles: Protecting and It Takes Off State Court Jurisdiction Promoting Residents' Health ■ ■ ■ IF Industry News What We're Reading: • Treasury guidance, experience will help rental assistance move quickly - Bond Buyer (January 6, 2021) • 2021 Will Be the Year of Guaranteed Income Experiments-Bloomberg(January 4, 2021) • The future of cities is walkable, healthy, resilient places -Fast Company(January 4, 2021) Announcements 2021 National Municipal Policy The National Municipal Policy (NMP) is a compilation of federal policy positions introduced, approved and adopted by the full membership of the National League of Cities. These positions focus on federal actions, programs and legislation that directly impact municipalities and guide all of NLC's federal advocacy efforts. On November 20, 2020, NLC's members approved and adopted the 2021 NMP at City Summit. It is now 11 of 22 available. Register Here > NLC Partner SC Health Offering $15K Free PPE While the vaccine rollout is underway, health officials are still encouraging the use of face coverings indoors and outdoors. NLC partner SC Health is offering up to 15K free PPE to municipalities who place an order before Jan. 31. Learn more about this special offer. Register Here > Complete the Quarterly Survey of State and Local Tax Revenue For those communities that received a letter to participate in the Quarterly Survey of State and Local Tax Revenue the U.S. Census Bureau requests your response. Your response is especially important right now. It helps accurately measure the American economy so that policymakers, government officials, and governments like yours can understand the impacts of this Coronavirus outbreak. Please contact ewd.gtax@census.gov or leave at message at 800-832-2839 if you have any questions. Learn More > COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall: Equity, Communications, Protection Join other local leaders on Friday, January 15th for a conversation and Q&A with NLC CEO Clarence Anthony and Dr. Oscar Alleyne, Chief of Programs & Services at the NACCHO as they answer member questions about the role of local leaders in vaccine distribution. The event is the first in a series for mayors and local elected officials on supporting their communities and ensuring equity in COVID vaccinations. Learn More > 12 of 22 Job Openings See who's hiring right now: • Assistant City Manager-City of San Antonio • Director, Community Development -City of Largo • Equity Director-City of Winooski ■ ■ • • • • • • ■ Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events 8 8 8 Resources &Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view in browser. National League of Cities 8 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 13 of 22 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Summary of Coronavirus Response and Relief Provisions Date: Tuesday,January 12,2021 10:53:51 AM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Tue, Jan 12, 2021 10:04 am Subject: Summary of Coronavirus Response and Relief Provisions Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Week of January 12 8 Summary of Coronavirus Response and Relief Provisions W� Summary of Coronavirus Response and Relief Provisions On Dec. 27, 2020 President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (H.R. 133)funding the federal government through Sept. 30, 2021, providing emergency coronavirus relief and authorizing other matters. NLC has taken a closer look at all the programs and provisions that are important to local governments across the country. ■ Federal Budget Tracker: America's Hidden Join the City Advisory State of Play for Cities Infrastructure Tax Every Forum on Urban Air Mobility 14 of 22 Citizen is Paying Before It Takes Off ■ NLC Members in Action Stay Updated on Advocacy Initiatives: • 2021 National Municipal Policy I The National Municipal Policy(NMP) is a compilation of federal policy positions introduced, approved and adopted by the full membership of the National League of Cities. These positions focus on federal actions, programs and legislation that directly impact municipalities and guide all of NLC's federal advocacy efforts. On November 20, 2020, NLC's members approved and adopted the 2021 NMP at City Summit. It is now available. • Local Government Priorities for the Biden-Harris Administration in the First 100 Days I NLC has created a 2021 Transition Memo of local government priorities, tools and shared values to help grow and strengthen the intergovernmental partnership between cities, towns and villages, the White House and federal agencies in the first 100 days of the new Administration. ■ Announcements FCC Opens Comment Period for Emergency Broadband Benefit The Federal Communications Commission has opened a brief comment period for the eme. rgency broadband benefit authorized by the appropriations and COVID aid omnibus legislation passed in late 2020. The benefit is the first of its kind and its success or failure could influence policymaking on future dedicated broadband benefit 15 of 22 programs for consumers as federal interest in digital equity expands. The Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund includes $3.2 billion for the one-time program, which directs the FCC to use the money for a $50 monthly discount for internet service to qualifying low-income households, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a device to access internet service, such as a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Like the Lifeline program, these subsidies will be directed as a reimbursement to providers of internet service, not consumers. For a template comment letter and instructions on filing a comment letter from your community, click here. The FCC will accept comments in its Electronic Comment Filing System through January 25, and reply comments through February 16, in WC Docket No. 20-445. EPA Releases Final Lead and Copper Rule Revisions Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released final revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, providing the first major update to the rule in 30 years. The rule establishes a new threshold of 10 parts per billion, that when exceeded, requires more and rapid implementation of corrosion control treatment to reduce lead in drinking water. Additionally, the rule requires local governments and water systems to create a public inventory of lead service lines, creates new notification requirements for utilities of lead testing results and requires community water systems to test for lead in drinking water in elementary schools and childcare facilities that they serve. The rule will be effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. NLC Solicits City Feedback on National Guidance Update for Road Signs and Designs The USDOT's Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD)is one of the key standards documents in transportation that impacts every project across the county. In December, the FHWA announced a proposed update with a 90-day review period, and NLC is soliciting input from cities of all sizes and will host a national call with city traffic and transportation staff on January 20th at 4PM EST. Please RSVP to attend by emailing kohler@nlc.org. The MUTCD is traditionally published by the federal government and then adopted by states to be used by city planners and transportation staff. It defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel. There are cost implications, safety considerations and preemption issues that make fixing the national guidance of the MUTCD a key city priority. This is a once in a decade opportunity for cities to ensure that federal transportation rules work for them at the local level so we hope you will have your transportation staff join us in our coordination and feedback. Advocacy News What We're Reading: 16 of 22 • Prospects Brighten for State and Local Aid from Washington -Governing (January 11, 2021) • What to expect from the new Congress—Axios (January 3, 2021) • U.S. cities, left behind in COVID-19 aid, look for lifeline in Biden era -Reuters (January 3, 2021) Congressional City Conference 2021 8 Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events J8 A8 J8 Resources &Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view the online version. 8 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 17 of 22 From: Mary Mccomber To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:The Start of the 2021 Legislative Session Date: Thursday,January 14,20214:28:27 PM For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: Rep. Shelly Christensen <rep.she Ily.christensen@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Thu, Jan 14, 2021 4:00 pm Subject: The Start of the 2021 Legislative Session Having trouble viewing this email?View it as a Web nage. Rep. Christensen J0 18 of 22 Dear Neighbors, We're wrapping up our first full week of the 2021 Legislative Session, and the orderly calm around the start of our work for the year has been in stark contrast to the violence we saw in D.C. last week. Minnesota has not been exempt from the disinformation and harmful rhetoric that sparked the riots in our nation's capital, but it's important that we strive for unity and truth as we prepare to build back better for our state and nation. That being said, those that should choose to incite or actively take part in violence must be held accountable - that's how we move forward. Here's an update on our work in St. Paul: Priorities for the House DFS This week, my DFL colleagues and I in the Minnesota House unveiled our priority legislation for the House DFL Caucus this year, which is largely focused on getting our state through this pandemic and helping Minnesotans bounce back. These are trying times, but we get through them by protecting and investing in the resources that help Minnesotans who have been hurt the most by COVID-19. You can read more about our initial priorities here. 19 of 22 Session Priorities The Latest on the COVID-19 Vaccine Over 153,300 Minnesotans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, including more than 6,785 Washington County residents. As you may have heard or seen in the news, the vaccine is being administered in phases. Health care workers and long term care residents will be the first to receive it, followed by essential workers, those 65 or older, and those with underlying health conditions. If you'd like to stay updated throughout the vaccine distribution process, our state's new is a great resource. 20 of 22 Rolling Back Measures for Businesses & Gatherings Thanks to our shared sacrifice in adhering to public health guidelines, COVID cases have been on a consistent downward trend in Minnesota. In response to this decrease in cases, Governor Walz has been able to roll back restrictions for bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues and gatherings. Dial update The include the following: • Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m. • Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 21 of 22 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required. • Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required. • Indoor events and entertainment— like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums— may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m. • Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged. • Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity. While this is helpful for our local businesses, it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and Follow Along This Session This session, I'm happy to share that I'll be serving on the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy, Education Policy, and Legacy Finance committees, as well as the Vice Chair of the House Hiaher Education Finance and Policy committee. I look forward to updating you on our committee work. Though you're still unable to observe the legislative process in person, we've increased the number of available livestreams on the House of Representatives webpage to ensure the public is able to watch all of our committee hearings and floor sessions, which you can access here. If you have any questions or comments for me, the best way to touch base is through email (rep.shelly.christensen&house.mn) or phone (651/296-4244). You'll either hear back from me or our new legislative assistant, Isabel. I appreciate hearing from you. Sincerely, Representative Shelly Christensen 22 of 22