HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- May 28th 2021 - reduced file size CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: May 28th 2021
TO: City Council Members& Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator
Zoning&Development Items:
1. No new applications have been received and the June 10'Planning Commission has been cancelled due to a lack of business.
2. A stop work order has been placed on Palmer Station-Lot 8 for non-compliance with the required BOULDER WALL installation;
use of structural brick was not in the submission and changes the aesthetic presented in the public process. We are awaiting
information on how Creative Homes wishes to proceed.
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.
Other Items:
Reading the new amendments together in light of the recent data practices
Eckberg Lammers' — Pam Whitmore did provide a general opinion could seem confusing. The bottom line is that if members of the
summary of the Open meeting law and how it relates to remote / body meet as a quorum or more in person,then you can allow a remote
(zooming-type)access—the full document is enclosed. It engages option for public but you also should open up the meeting location to the
the material in a concise way. However,the major takeaway (see public as well.until July 1,2021,any members of the body who want to still iaan
inset) is that after July 11t, 2021 — much Shifts back to limiting remotely from a private location can do so without concern of not being able
to do so more than three times and without having to disclose their location.
remote access to not more than three times per year and requires After July 1,2021 however,members joining remotely must do so from a
being in a public location with Some temporary exceptions. public location which is identified in the notice unless either the active military
exception or the limited health exception applies and then only for three times
The Mosquito Control District will begin its 2021 operations and per calendar year.
you may see them out in the City. See their enclosed press release.
Many mayors from across the state(including Mayor MCComber)have sent communications to the House/Senate Conference Committee—
engaging issue in the Senate Omnibus File that would limit or possibly preclude the use of PUDs. This is a development tool that grants
flexibility to deviate from lot-lines, setbacks and other more specific lot-by-lot elements of a zoning ordinance. Please see the enclosed
documents.
Please see the compliments received about COVER PARK and the City's summer park worker.
Mayor McComber provided:
1. Various NLC Updates—May 22nd and May 261 and May 291
2. Letter from Kindergartener Teddy Siewrigh
Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime.
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ECKBERG
LANI ERS
AS
li ATTORNEYS AT LAW
LEGISLATIVEP.
The Pandemic and the Open Meeting Law
May 19, 2021
As COVID restrictions begin to ease in Minnesota, the Legislature has made
changes to the Open Meeting Law to help guide cities through the
transition back to in person meetings and beyond. On May 6, 2021 , Governor
Tim Walz signed into law changes to the Open Meeting Law that address
technology updates, as well as provide additional guidance for members
of decision-making bodies subject to the Open Meeting Law for joining
remotely. Below is a bullet pointed summary of the relevant changes. A
couple technical changes persist beyond the pandemic:
• The Legislature replaced the former, outdated reference to joining via
interactive t.v. to joining via interactive technology and added a definition
for interactive technology to include a "device, software program or other
application that allows individuals in different physical locations to see
and hear one another".
• The Legislature amended the Open Meeting Law to allow entities to
record votes in meeting minutes, in addition to or instead of a journal.
• These amendments also state that entities subject to the open meeting
law may no longer require any person or persons joining meetings
remotely to pay for additional costs to body for allowing remote
connections.
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-- ECKBERG
LANI ERS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Other changes respond specifically to situations that have arisen out of the
pandemic:
• Minn. Stat. 13D.02, now titled "OTHER ENTITY MEETINGS
CONDUCTED BY INTERACTIVE TV; CONDITIONS
TECHNOLOGY," (which means entities other than state entity
meetings) now allows members who meet the active military exception
of the 60-day post-Covid health exception to join from a private remote
location (as opposed to a public location) without closing the address of
that location. Keep in mind, the active military and limited health
exception was not changed and is only available to members three
times per calendar year. Otherwise, members joining remotely (after
July 1 , 2021 as discussed below) must do so from a publicly accessible
location. The military exception includes only members serving in the
military and at a required drill, deployed, or on active duty. The limited
health exception only lasts for 60 days after the removal of a Chapter
12 state of emergency and only for those members advised by a health
care professional against being in a public place for personal or family
medical reasons.
• The Legislature additionally provided current relief for members who
continue to join remotely during the pandemic to have the means to do
so from an undisclosed private location for a limited amount of time.
Specifically, members are now allowed to join meetings remotely during
the time frame after December 31 , 2020, and before July 1 , 2021 from
a private location and, for that limited time, without being limited to only
three times and without disclosing the location in the notice.
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I�� ECKBERG
LANI ERS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
• Additionally, Section 13D.021 now provides guidance for public comment
during pandemics, stating that if a declaration of non-feasibility for meeting
in person is in place, members of the public should be allowed to comment
from a remote location during the public comment time to the extent
practical.
The Legislature hopes that providing these changes will help
cities transition back to in person meetings while respecting the health
concerns of many during these unprecedented times.
Cities and other bodies subject to the Open Meeting Law
under 13D.02 and 13D.021 , however, should be aware of a
recent Data Practice Office opinion which may impact how cities
decide to structure their meetings as they transition back. The
Commissioner of the Data Practice Office issued a recent opinion in
mid-April, 2021 , stating that for entities that have officially declared
meeting in person not feasible, then at least a quorum or more of the
members of the body must join remotely since that declaration was made.
The case involved a school board that had declared in person meetings
not feasible, requiring the public to join remote, but still allowing all the
members of the body to be in person rather remote. In that case, a quorum
or more of the school board members met in person, but, because of
concerns of social distancing requirements, prohibited any in person
public.
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-- ECIGERG
LAMMERS
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
The DPO Commissioner, in the opinion, stated "The Commissioner notes that
there is currently not a mechanism in the OML for public body members to hold
in-person meetings while limiting public attendance to electronic monitoring.
Section 13D.021 permits telephone or electronic meetings of public bodies
during a health pandemic or Chapter 12 emergency, meaning that a quorum of
a public body that intends to gather in order to discuss, decide, or receive
information related to public business under this section must do so via
telephone or other electronic means" Advisory Opinion 21-003.
Reading the new amendments together in light of the recent data practices
opinion could seem confusing. The bottom line is that if members of the
body meet as a quorum or more in person, then you can allow a remote
option for public but you also should open up the meeting location to the
public as well. Until July 1 , 2021 , any members of the body who want to still join
remotely from a private location can do so without concern of not being able
to do so more than three times and without having to disclose their location.
After July 1 , 2021 however, members joining remotely must do so from a
public location which is identified in the notice unless either the active military
exception or the limited health exception applies and then only for three times
per calendar year.
THE O.
Pamela I F. Whitmore
Attorney
a , Rule 114 Qualified Neutral
pwhitmore@eckberglammers.com
(651) 351-2133
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r4V!_b1NSN nn mm om o4
49 N E R N E R %W0114
METROPOLITAN MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Alex Carlson
May 24, 2021 Public Affairs Coordinator
(612) 750-9960
acarlson@mmcd.org
Mosquito Control activity happening in your community
Metropolitan Mosquito Control District trucks, helicopters, and staff will be out in neighborhoods
and parks this summer working to reduce mosquito-borne disease and annoyance.
SAINT PAUL- Summer weather in Minnesota means we are starting to see an increase in
mosquitoes and the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD) will be out conducting
surveillance and treatment activities to reduce the risk of disease and annoyance in an
environmentally-sensitive manner.
Each year the field staff at MMCD monitors and treats wetlands that breed mosquitoes with a
fleet of trucks and helicopters. With many people still working from home during the weekday
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people may notice MMCD activities in local
neighborhoods and parks.
At times MMCD employees may need to cross private property for access to check and treat
areas for mosquito larvae. MMCD management asks the community to please stay several feet
away from field staff and ensure children and pets are kept at a distance. If you have questions
about mosquito control activities or concerns about an employee, please call the MMCD front
desk at (651) 645-9149 or visit MMCD.org.
Some of the activities that MMCD may be doing in your community include:
• Wetland surveillance - determining if ponds or swamps have mosquito larvae present.
• Catchbasin surveillance - pulling off grates and inspecting neighborhood catch basins to
determine if mosquito larvae are present.
• Ground larval treatments - applying control materials to a wetland with a hand spreader
or backpack.
• Helicopter larval treatments - applying control materials to a wetland via helicopter.
• Catchbasin treatments - applying control materials to neighborhood catchbasins.
• Setting or collecting traps - surveillance helps MMCD determine where and what types of
mosquitoes are active.
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The control materials and methods used by MMCD are regularly tested for safety and only
applied when surveillance indicates they would be effective. They are designed specifically to
target mosquito larvae or adults with minimal impacts on non-target insects. The control
materials are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife. For a complete list of control materials
used, please visit MMCD.org.
We are also excited to be returning to a select number of community events and parades this
year! MMCD staff bring educational materials and interactive activities for all ages to our booths
at county fairs and other community festivals and a giant inflatable mosquito will be featured at
parades this summer. If your community has an event you would like Mosquito Control to be
featured, please contact us!
The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District appreciates your support. For information about our
programs or for tips on how to reduce mosquitoes near your home, please visit MMCD.org.
For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact Alex Carlson - acarlsonO-mmcd.orq or
(612) 750-9960.
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0� P RIpV�
1~ AN �
�' 4646 Dakota Street SE I Prior Lake, MN 55372
952.447.9800 1 www.priorlakemn.gov
""NNESO-"
May 26, 2021
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Draheim and Duckworth
Representative(s) Hausman and Howard
Housing Commissioner Ho
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the Planned
Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators and Commissioner Ho:
All the cities represented on this letter have sent previous letters in strong opposition to the provisions in
the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill. The language in that bill would eliminate the use of Planned Unit
Development(s) (PUD) and the many community benefits that would have been achieved through the
continued access to this tool in shaping our future development.
The impacts on the restriction of PUD's are significant. PUD's give cities and developer's flexibility and
creativity—especially in redeveloping historical areas—to overcome unique circumstances and challenges.
Without the flexibility of the PUD, future developments will be required to fit within rigid one-size-fits-all
parameters. This approach will be harmful for both developers and cities.
The language in the Bill constrains the use of PUD's to what is required by the Minnesota State Building
Code. The Building Code is a minimum standard that any building must meet to be built. It is not a
maximum standard. It exists only to ensure safety and does nothing to provide flexibility and mutual PUD
benefits. The Bill will also eliminate local control entrusted to cities in overseeing the growth and
development of their unique communities.
A one-size-fits-all approach undermines the fundamental purposes and tenets of local control and treats
every city in the state the same irrespective of local differences and identified needs.
The proposed legislation will in no way mitigate the broader concerns about a lack of affordable housing in
our communities. The cost of housing is determined by increasing building material, land, and labor costs
which are driven by supply and demand—variables of a capital marketplace.
A loss of local control and loss of an extremely useful development tool for Prior Lake and all communities
across the State of Minnesota simply will not result in a reduction of housing costs.
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We respectfully ask for your support in opposing the provisions in the Housing omnibus bill that reduce
local control by eliminating the method in which PUD's are currently utilized.
Sincerely,
/�
h
-III eggs
Mayor, City of Prior Lake
Attachments: Letters from 25 cities opposing encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and to the PUD provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill.
cc: Mayor Christopher Meyer-City of Belle Plaine
Mayor Tim Busse - City of Bloomington
Mayor Elizabeth Kautz- City of Burnsville
Mayor Nancy Bormann - City of Canby
Mayor Courtney Johnson - City of Carver
Mayor Elise Ryan - City of Chanhassen
Mayor Ron Case - City of Eden Prairie
Mayor James Hovland - City of Edina
Mayor Mike Maguire - City of Eagan
Mayor Dave Smiglewski - City of Granite Falls
Mayor Lori Weldon - City of Heidelberg
Mayor Doug Anderson - City of Lakeville
Mayor Mary Gaasch City of Lauderdale
Mayor Josh Fredrickson - City of Le Center
Mayor Tim Rud - City of Lonsdale
Mayor Brad Wiersum - City of Minnetonka
Mayor Thomas Eisert- City of Montgomery
Mayor Chuck Nickolay- City of New Prague
Mayor Robert Beussman -City of New Ulm
Mayor Mary McComber- City of Oak Park Heights
Mayor William Mars- City of Shakopee
Mayor Robert Nelson - City of Spring Lake Park
Mayor Anne Burt- City of Woodbury
Mayor Lisa Iverson - City of Wyoming
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nee e Plaj.ne
Aprll 26 2021
To:The 'InA Pi,'i'l
Represent-�ifivp,(s) Agbiale, Hausmav, Howard, Heyel, --wl I 1W-
RL; Opposition to . ji i':r".'c3SB . C?`-f Sir'f iii Cl0;,I'ly oe�Jhhnrlncxls nw!f,' Qifil
Planned Use i% 4-1-" Irlri.,- in tW. l ik I ()iiiii bm, HAk
Honorable Lecisla,.ors:
(7,)n heholf of 11-e City of Estill= Plaine o,-lic-i is ch_"re,jf7!d with upholding 11e hoa'd-, irid
the
I :�u opl�,clse-
0'all OUr residc�,nt., I :
Ck,,.,7si1y fr,, arl."iiy ";j !.!'0V 11 11,
lj�� r
Cc-nate 0mrihus R I , 9,0 ig
Committee
Ar,iclp 2 Scctions J1 and 8 of the ',sl ,Df the P n ie. Hf) v;i n g Crrrinihiis hill,
-ndn (-yr !-ninn(c the loca� contra s ertrL15�tO-d t 01i o- irl
,or Itumb jj!veiojA1'V� p!uvr: ow� �'ha.C'I s
ovPr52C,11q 'he•qicvAl,, ard developmert o' th,.-ir (,-;-Y murilty A approach a'tacks
,,'le �Liridanie"ilall ii-r-Qitance of local ccrit-(il aid 1,, E1vur.y cily in the slik2 ',`ie Same.
ir espec',ive of Iccall differmicos anc' ide-Aified w:
As cilieS. KO, 2I-r. MCAJI-Od Plans. Thel
,,�,7 1)1!.Jj rl
va`u es, t1-Id V 0 I CC 0"0Llr i t I Ze 11 b. 0,1o p tod Fi i i d a In p rov e c, Cc)?-np- i: iv,-, j j,,; u 1 d e overt'
de6slni, invcstrnen` ) that am- made in our comjflLlill[y' )'� pi :visions in the
S?11 te 1-10 L 1!7:I-q 10 ni i-1 i h i gill e r-,c o t.ra q t i q t 11 e 1)F-1 r i i,i t(i ri q of du pie.xe s I i co i,q i foL i r plex e s in
sirgle---f�iw ly Fieighruorhi,,r)ds & c!--i'llrary :c tl)o con-ipre-iensive plarrw<-j and WOUld have
significant negative ramifications for our city.
,4:1y pl":(, T-[--1 -L111:`:) that cciislrain aur ability I of decrea,,c. the aIJIft,,- to rely or
OU1 P)�-If"s, would lLj ;ill i1*,-:nl Iii :r3ial burder- to ex
:111L: 1.-XP,-4yC1s to pick UP COSt-3 of grovAn. P'Jl,,);D pi,vif:p. -lCvelope[s and f-litic.- 11ik a
Pa!-h--,v,:1y1'C' rl"'..1.1 1 ri 9 ch aI--r i g i ri 9 p,-ojec:6 to i vi-,-i rd, To i I I u s ti j i I eed, consider a r-c,:] r I L I I CV
de--Irl: s('I 'IW G I I F1 1-�].;tUf a I a His hn ic L'isrtrict. As a re d ;D p m e n I.p roj e c I " p rU 1-: :[i,
11-"Lides aesthefics tC �[!Sffe the nevy stru:vLkiied blend w tI i Ih.- old. To [-�A
PUD as proposed -1 the Serate Housing 01r1 I;nS
ball, could z3e,ve -.o adversely impact adAicerrt prope,ties 9-id allo-f� ffie c-iaractor of an area 10 be
A PUD can ai,8o be i-nper`nrit for a new hOLISI11.1 d:,velopryient. Consider the challenge of building
in an area of iri id varied natural features of topoqr,phy, wetlands, c-.rics1g,iificPnt trees. in
these setbn LJI'Clu,:� project -seeds not covared in a
g-,, jc2velopeaq often choose PUDZ to ac-
M-C�SF
City:S lba-qr 701-41-1x] P4X)'s give the fievelnoor r7mind [[,p 6ty ,,, hC�mc--work for m-nArn':;,i--icj [h�--,
pug elltia V 'Iu,lbing in t1w:? J1;'l`UW setting Whil; or increasilirli
uor'l[runi-L,'� acce� to !lei-jliburhoods. The Iar-UL.E,'0E- u" LI u Svriate HOLISirlg 011-niUi.6 L-Al
W(')Llld have negative irnpl cations V this, juFt as it clid in the Histork. Dio,r!Q ahnve
216 North Meridian Street , P.C. Dox 129 - Belle Plaine, MN 56011-0129 - 952-873-5553 - Fax 952-873-5509
viviw.belle plai nernn.com
10of70 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus till wouVenh. ,nuc
nowborne a ffordab(h fy-
Fro m seve,aI persper,t i vYs, this is a faJSO narrativeI
If true, we would have r,c c-i p--esented with the objective data with a demonstrated r:orrection to
a lower sales price on a mew h-:3tiie. lastead of c,o ifirrri t)I y :I4 :.1 ria at;vrdabilit-r. Ihu '�eor ate
Hous-ng Orn:iibus bill W0J ci a,k cities arc: tnx^avers i. tru,..l: .;ri , possibility of Ll kpi k:ility n
exchange for reducing ccal control artil tw Fn:QUI";go gr7e :ter: +.; 0.
In short, we ask you to oppose the lancuage within the Sena-.c -!:•rising Orin bus bill that reduoas
local control and encourages a acre-silo-fi,s i-,6 approach 4.4,t I- Cit�'s and 87 counties
in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposi,.:in 1 Woulcl avelcrarile the opportunity of speaking directly
with you on the importance of thw artinc t[ie ;:+' , X77 ri5.'e l2ngi m(le in 'he Sera tr: Housing Omnibus
gill that will be brought into your cum mit co.
Sincerely,
br4ristloper ar' meyer
k----
Payor, City of Belle PlFine
C.C. Governor Tire W 7
Seri at2 rvlajurl:_4' L .'.i r' Pao Gazelka
Seri:'-[.- f,girioi I';' I c:irjt r 5.rsan Kent
I'.0,'-c,t the I IJUtie Nge'is.z Ho-Crnan
I I:....i :4 Pr'i,.a�r::rity I. :�=�'r R•4�n ':"+tinkle;.
H.,-:ri:•; NJiiorr'v Let.i:i bluff,
LQ; :'JLIG' ;;)f tulinno,,nta Citc.•ss [!Lic ie Irc:•r h:
IvIkr Ir; Cities- Charlie 11an,.I-J r',::.rd::
+, ;
[ion of Minnesoto (—,crit cr,;
218 North Meridian Street � P.O. Box 129 • Pelle Plaine, PAN 55411-IJ129 952-873-5553 Fax 952-873-5509
www,beileplainernrr.cam
11 of 70 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
DocuSign Envelope ID:34200283-4488-4E86-B543-3733CABF08D7
C
CITY OF
BLOOMINGTON
MINNESOTA
May 6, 2021
Honorable Senators Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representatives Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Bloomington Opposition to Provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Bloomington, I request that you remove provisions in the Senate
Omnibus Bill, 1st Unoflcial Engrossment, moving into your Housing Conference Committee. In
addition to eroding local controls entrusted to cities in overseeing the growth and development of
their community, we are concerned that provisions within the bill will create unanticipated and
undesired consequences.
Specifically, we are most concerned with the following provisions in Section 8:
A municipality shall not require planned unit development agreement conditions
that exceed the requirements in the State Building Code under chapter 326E
and
A municipality shall not condition approval ofa building permit, subdivision
development, or planned unit development on the use ofspecific materials, design,
amenities, or other aesthetic conditions that are not required by the State Building Code
under chapter 326B.
Planned unit developments are important and frequently used tools for zoning flexibility. In
Bloomington's case, the planned development process allows the City to grant flexibility
requested by developers on any zoning standard, such as lot sizes, unit sizes, setbacks, parking,
or height in exchange for amenities or design that provides a"public benefit". For example, on
May 3,2021, the City of Bloomington approved a planned development for a hotel conversion to
apartments where flexibility was granted on minimum unit size and other zoning standards in
light of the developer's proposal to provide increased long term affordability for 20 percent of
the units.
While proposed by the developer, the increased affordability was memorialized as a condition of
approval to ensure long term compliance. The Building Code does not address affordability, so
presumably the condition "exceeds" the Building Code and therefore runs afoul of the proposed
language. The Building Code was not meant to address amenities, design or aesthetics and
should not be used as a yardstick for zoning tools such as the planned unit development.
MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER
1800 W.OLD SHAKOPEE ROAD,BLOOMINGTON MN 55431-3027 AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL
PH 952-561l�AV FAX 952-563-8754 TTY 952-563-8740 OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
DocuSign Envelope ID:34200283-4488-4E86-B543-3733CABF08D7
2
Our primary concern is that the proposed language will stifle innovation and flexibility and force
more standard developments that do not reflect community needs and desires. For example,
imagine a large undeveloped wooded parcel with publicly owned wooded open space on either
side. A developer could create a number of standard single family lots and remove all the trees
to accommodate the homes. Or the developer could take advantage of a planned unit
development, receive flexibility to build the same number of homes on smaller lot sizes and
preserve a wooded wildlife corridor through the development connecting the two publicly owned
open spaces. The second option advances the public interest while retaining the same number of
units for the developer. Bloomington has used the planned development process in several
instances to do exactly that. Unfortunately, the proposed language would prohibit use of this
tool for the common good given that the Building Code does not address wildlife corridors and
that wooded wildlife corridors can be considered "amenities", "design" or"aesthetics".
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that will
reduce local control while handcuffing and rendering obsolete the planned unit development
tool. We also ask that you modify the web posting requirements for planned unit developments
from seven days to three days to reflect the standard posting of packets prior to City Council
meetings.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I welcome the opportunity to speak directly with you
regarding our significant concerns and the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in
the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
-°—DocuSigned by:
D.
(--i46BAC1F15829469...
James D. Verbrugge
City Manager
Copy: Senator Melissa Wiklund
Senator Melisa Franzen
Representative Steve Elkins
Representative Andrew Carlson
City Council
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city of
Burnsville 952-895-4400
100 Civic Center Parkway • Burnsville, Minnesota 55337-3817 www.burnsville.org
March 18, 2021
Open Letter to Legislators
Honorable Senator(s) and Representative(s),
On behalf of the constituents of the City of Burnsville, I write to voice opposition to the many legislative
initiatives (SF915/SF914/SF 801/ HF1085)focused on housing that will be heard in committee this week and
through the end of session.
As a collection of preemption legislation, each bill erodes or eliminates the local control entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of our communities. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the exact same way regardless of
locally identified needs.
Cities like Burnsville are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision, values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans serve as the foundation guiding the
many decisions facing a growing community. The various housing bills would have significant long-term
implications for these Comprehensive Plans. Any preemption weakening local control lessens our ability to
develop in a manner desired by our constituents and consistent with our Comprehensive Plans.
Some might have us believe these legislative proposals will enhance new home affordability. From several
perspectives these bills represent a false narrative:
"Where is the data documenting that legislative change will lower the sales price of a new home? Of course, the
data does not exist. Instead,you are being asked to create a legislative change, absent any assurances that it
would result in a reduced sales price of a new home.
• Growth brings with it increased cost to a city. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the ability for a
city to recoup these costs from whence they came (the development itself). Not having the local
control to equitably collect a fee from developers is not an elimination of a cost- it is a transfer of a
cost to our existing taxpayers.
• This legislation would ask us to trade off the possibility of enhanced affordability to a new home
buyer, and at the same time knowingly decreasing the affordability of housing for our existing
homeowners as they will be required to pick up the costs of growth through higher tax levy
increases.
• Again, the affordability narrative is false. It lacks data and credibility. Seeing any of these legislative
proposals made into law would serve to raise taxes on our existing citizens!
In short, our communities need your help. Please let your colleagues in the House and Senate know that you are
following this legislation and you are concerned for the implications they hold for the cities in your district.
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Thank you in advance for your support. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with you on the
importance of thwarting legislative change preempting local control on growth and development.
Sincerely,
AlizabeKautz, Mayor
City of Burnsville, Minn.
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City of Canby
April 28, 2021
1:
n
d h
GATEWAY TO THE PRA[REE
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s) Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the Planned
Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Canby which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of all our
residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods
and the Planned Use Developments (PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st Unofficial
Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, contains
preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in overseeing the growth and
development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the fundamental importance of local
control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision, values, and voice of
our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision (zoning/infrastructure
investment) that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill encouraging
the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive
planning process and would have significant negative ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s) that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and taxpayers to
pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving challenging projects
forward. To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the character of a Historic District.
As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend
with the old. To not include aesthetics as a vital component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
16 of 70 The City of Canby is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Provider
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an area of
land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these settings, developers
often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base zoning code. PUD's give the
developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing in this difficult setting while
preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these neighborhoods. The language of the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for projects like this,just as it did in the Historic
District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new home
affordability. From several perspectives,this is a false narrative! If true, we would have been presented with the
objective data with a demonstrated connection to a lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory
data on affordability, the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility
of affordability in exchange for reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short,we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local control
and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition.
Sincerely,
NandY
Mayor, City of Canby
CCc�
Rebecca Schrupp
City Administrator
17 of 70 The City of Canby is an Equal Opportunity Employer& Provider
From: Courtney Johnson <ciohnson@citvofcarver.com>
Subject: City of Carver Opposition to SF969
Date:April 20, 2021 at 9:57:55 AM CDT
To: "Sen.Julia Coleman" <sen.iulia.coleman@senate.mn>
Cc: Sophia Goetz<sophia.goetz@senate.mn>
Good morning Senator Coleman-
I understand SF969 is being voted on in the Senate today. I am writing to you to share my opposition to the
provisions(20.2 -21.14)which preempt local control and decision making,that are included in this bill.
As preemption legislation,this bill erodes or eliminates the local control entrusted to cities in overseeing the
growth and development of their community.A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the fundamental
importance of local control and treats every city in the state the exact same regardless of locally identified
needs.This is not an approach that I support, nor is it good for the City of Carver and our residents.
Attached to this email are the City of Carver's legislative priorities, which City Manager Brent Mareck shared
with you earlier this year.They're in no particular order, but you'll see Carver's desire to protect local control
and opposition to preemption as the fourth item on the attached list. With your background in City
government, I hope you'll understand how important local control is to cities like Carver.
I hope you'll vote against SF969 today because of the concerns I've shared with you in this email. If you need
any additional information from me, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you-
Courtney Johnson I Mayor I City of Carver
Cell:612-702-7703
Facebook: CaryerMayorCourtney
www.CitVOfCarver.com
xCA RV ER
18 of 70
CITY OF C HANHASSE N
Chanhassen is a Community for Life-Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
April 28, 2021
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, Pratt, Coleman, and
Osmek
Representative(s) Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, Theis, Morrison, and Boe
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to
the Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Chanhassen, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and
welfare of all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased
density in single family neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments (PUD's) provisions
in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing
Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus
bill, contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities
in overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach
attacks the fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same,
irrespective of local differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,
values, and voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every
decision (zoning/infrastructure investment)that are made in our community. The provisions in
the Senate Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in
single-family neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have
significant negative ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely
on our Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing
residents and taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a
pathway for moving challenging projects forward. To illustrate the need, consider a community's
desire to preserve the character of a Natural Area. To not include preservation as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely
impact adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
In Chanhassen, the use of the PUD zoning also allows for a greater variety of uses, internal
transfers of density, construction phasing and a potential for lower development costs. In
exchange for this enhanced flexibility, the city has the expectation that the development plan will
PH 952.227.1100• www.d.chanhassen.mmus• FX 952.227.1110
19 of 70 7700 MARKET BOULEVARD •PO BOX 147 •CHANHASSEN • MINNESOTA 55317
result in a significantly higher quality and more sensitive proposal than would have been the case
with the use of other, more standard zoning districts.
A residential PUD was applied to the Prince Property. The gross acreage of this site was
approximately 190 acres. The City's Comprehensive Plan had identified a portion of the Prince's
property as an extension of the city's premier park at Lake Ann. The application of the City's
PUD ordinance facilitated the dedication of 50 acres of woods adjacent to the Lake Ann Park for
the right to develop smaller lots (thus more lots)within the developable portion. Without the
use the City's PUD Ordinance and density transfer rule the of dedication permanent open space
would not been achieved or would have required city acquisition.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance
new home affordability.
From several perspectives, this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to
a lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in
exchange for reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces
local control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in
Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly
with you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill that will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Elise Ryan
Mayor, City of Chanhassen
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
City Council
20 of 70
Open Letter to our legislators
Honorable Senator(s) and Representative(s),
On behalf of the constituents of the cities we serve, we write voicing opposition to the many JV $41+Js!
=ax 1u s�w..rat
Housing First-sponsored legislative initiatives (SF915 / SF914 / SF 80 1)that will be heard in +ne"It4lilAd
committee this week and through the end of session. p5 qE V'07rRIJKit
Nelin Mww.MH
As a collection of preemption legislation, each bill erodes or eliminates the local authority M1"4M
entrusted to us in overseeing the growth and development in our cities. A one-size-fits-all
approach attacks the fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the
exact same regardless of locally identified needs.
We, as cities, are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,
values, and voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans serve as the
foundation guiding the many decisions facing a growing community. The various housing bills
would have significant long-term implications for these Comprehensive Plans. Any preemption
weakening local authority, lessens our ability to develop in a manner desired by our constituents
and consistent with our Comprehensive Plan(s).
Some would have us believe these bills will enhance new home affordability. This is a false
narrative from a couple of perspectives:
Where is the data documenting that legislative action will lower the sales price of a new
home? Of course, the data does not exist. Instead, you are being asked to create a
legislative change, absent any assurances that it will result in a reduced sales price of a
new home.
Growth brings with it increased cost to a city. These bills serve to limit the ability for a
city to recoup these costs from whence they came (the development itself). Not having
the authority to equitably collect a fee from developers is not an elimination of a cost-It is
a transfer of a cost to our existing taxpayers. These bills would ask us to trade off the
possibility of enhanced affordability to a new home buyer, knowing that we are decreasing
affordability to our existing citizens as they will be required to pick up these costs through
higher tax levy increases.
The affordability narrative is false. It lacks data, credibility, and seeing any of these
legislation proposals through would serve to raise taxes on our existing citizens.
In short, we need your help. Please let your colleagues in the House and Senate know that you
are following these bills and you are concerned for the implications they have for the cities in
your district.
Thank you in advance for your support, any one of us would welcome the opportunity of
speaking directly with you on the importance of thwarting these bills that seek to preempt our
local authority.
Sincerely,
Ronald A. Case, Mayor
City of Eden Prairie
21 of 70
4�
D
i
May 5, 2021
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Franzen, Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the Planned Use
Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Edina, I write to request that you oppose the encouragement of increased density in
single family neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments (PUDs) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, Ist
Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
The present version of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill contains preemptive provisions that erode or
eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in overseeing the growth and development of their
communities. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the fundamental importance of local control and treats every
city in the state the same, regardless of local differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision, values, and voices of
our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision (zoning/land
use/infrastructure investments) that are made in our communities. The provisions in the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family neighborhoods is
contrary to the comprehensive planning process and could have significant negative ramifications for our
community and others as well.
Additionally, the proposed preemption(s) that constrain our local ability to implement PUDs will serve to
transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs
provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving challenging projects forward. A PUD can also be
important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an area of land having varied
natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these settings, developers often choose
PUDs to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base zoning code. PUDs give the developer and
the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing in this difficult setting while preserving,
accentuating, or increasing community access to these neighborhoods. The language of the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would have negative implications for projects like this, and create a setting where developers,
city government officials and residents are all worse off because our options to solve problems have been
preempted by state government.
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
Mayor James B. 1 lovland• Ron Anderson . Carolyn )ackson•James Pierce• Devin Staunton
22 of 704801 West 50th Street• Edina, Minnesota 55424• EdinaiMN.gov.952-927-8861 o Fax 952-826-0390
Finally, the Senate Housing Omnibus bill does not make any meaningful difference in the affordability of new
single-family homes. In any community, where the median new build is over $750,000, the regulatory relief
proposed in the bill may have 1-2% impact on the price of the median family single family home, but it doesn't
come anywhere close to making that home affordable. The Senate Housing Omnibus bill would ask cities and
taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for reducing local control and to encourage a
one size fits all approach to land use. It will not work in Edina.
I ask you to reconsider the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local control and
encourages a one-size-fits-all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota. I would welcome
the opportunity to speak directly with you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the
Senate Housing Omnibus bill that will be addressed in your committee.
Sincerely,
James B. Hovland
Mayor
CC: Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
Rep. Owen Wirth
Rep. Alice Hausman
Sen.Joel Hanson
Regional Council of Mayors - Caren Dewer
League of Minnesota Cities - Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities - Charlie Vander Aarde
Municipal Legislative Commission - Tom Poul
EDINA CCTV C OUNCIL.
Mawr lanie.ti B. B)vland • Joni Bennett • Man! Brinde• lush spra pl,e • Ann 511'ei1.sofl
},tilll West �IJt�1 Street ■ I_.Eilflil. �1'�1:liletilaTl V,424 . 1ti'~ti'�I'.1_.C�J17an'f . !U1'• X17?-92i ;861 . kaN 952-826-03YO
23 of 70
* • r r
�1
EAGAN
April 27, 2021
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s) Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods
and to the Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus
Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Eagan, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare
of all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in
single family neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments (PUD's) provisions in the
Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st Unofficial En,rcroossrnent, that is moving into your Housing Conference
Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus
bill, contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities
in overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach
attacks the fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same,
irrespective of local differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,
values, and voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide
every decision (zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community. The
provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through
fourplexes in single-family neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process
and would have significant negative ramifications for our city,
Any preemption(s) that constrain our ability to implement PUGS, or decrease the ability to rely
on our Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing
residents and taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PVDs provide developers and cities alike a
pathway for moving challenging projects forward. To illustrate the need, consider a communitys
desire to preserve the character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed,
the PUD of today includes aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old. To not
include aesthetics as a vital component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus
bill, could serve to adversely impact adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be
lost.
MAYOR I MIKE MAGUIRE COUNCIL MEMBERS I PAUL BAKK5N,CYNDEE FIELDS, GARY HANSEN, rl 1.1F+frJA CITYOFEA+GAN.COMy,
CITY ADMINISTRATOR I OAVtU M. OSBERCe MUNICIPAL CENTER i 3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD, -AGAN, MN 55122-1840
MAIN: (H 1j 675.5000 MAINTENANCE: ..ri:,l; r ..; �3i�G UTILITIES: (fiat)675-5.700
IF YOU HAVE A HEARING OR SPEECH DISABILITY,CONTACT US AT(651)675-5000 THROUGH YOUR PREFERRED TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE.
24 of 70
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of
building in an area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and
significant trees. In these settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project
needs not covered in a city's base zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a
framework for maximizing the potential for housing in this difficult setting while preserving,
accentuating, or increasing community access to these neighborhoods. The language of the
Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for projects like this, just as it did
in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance
new home affordability.
From several perspectives, this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection
to a lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in
exchange for reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
reduces local control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87
counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly
with you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill that will be brought into your committee.
Si cerely,
'= a
ike Maguire
Mayor, City of Eagan
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
2
25 of 70
• City of Granite Falls
�►� 641 Prentice Street
Granite Falls, MN 56241-1598
Phone (320) 564-3011 FAX (320) 564-3013
7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529 Voice, TTY, ASCII
www.granitefalls.com
April 28, 2021
To:The Honorable Senators: Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, Pratt, and Lang
Representatives: Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, Swedzinski, Miller,and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Granite Falls which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of
all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st
Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into the Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,values,and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment)that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward. To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
26 of 70 City of Granite Falls An Equal Opportunity Employer&Provider
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods.The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short,we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition.
Sincerely,
C stat ohnson
City Manager
49e4 I "
Dave Smiglei"Wk i
Mayor
27 of 70 City of Granite Falls An Equal Opportunity Employer&Provider
City of Heidelberg
PO Box 253,New Pray-'uc:.MN 56071
Phone:(952) 29(]-U5b7
�v�x�v.ci{i rlJlrercle]Ix:rn rrirr.L•r�rar
April 26,2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth,and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnihus Bill
Honorable Legislators;
On behalf of the City of Heidelberg, which is charged with upholding the health, safety,and welfare of
all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single,family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's)provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st
Unofficioi Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2,Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community.A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Pians.These plans reflect the vision, values,and
voice of our citizens.Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment)that are made in our community.The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed,the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography,wetlands,and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods.The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
1
28 of 70
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true,we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability,the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short,we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
f'
Lori We)don
Mayor, City of Heidelberg
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
Representative Todd Lippert
Representative Brian Pfarr
Committee Legislative Assistant Lindy Sowmick
League of Minnesota Cities-Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities-Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
Mayors&Administrators of Scott&Le Sueur County
Le Sueur County Commissioner David Gliszinski
City Council &Attorney
2
vcrl -
29 of 70
City of Lakeville
Positioned to Thrive
May 4, 2021
Senator Rich Draheim Representative Alice Hausman
Senator Zach Duckworth Representative Esther Agbaje
Senator Gary Dahms Representative Michael Howard
Senator Kari Dziedzic Representative Liz Reyer
Senator Eric Pratt Representative Tama Theis
Minnesota Senate Building State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155 St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: Omnibus Housing Bill Concerns
Dear Conference Committee Members:
Throughout the session, we have been closely monitoring legislation regarding housing policy. While
many of the policy provisions identified in both the senate and house bills have laudable goals, others
are very problematic and would be detrimental to Lakeville and our housing environment.
Of particular note is language identified as"Limiting Regulations on Residential Development".
Specifically, this language would hamstring the use of Planned Unit Developments (PUD) as well as limit
the ability of Lakeville and other cities to create housing developments that are aesthetically consistent
with the community standards that our residents have come to expect. Two of our largest and most
successful de ve%nments are S,nirit of Brandtien Farms and A von/ea—both of which were PUDs and have
created housing for all aces and stages of life(single family, townhome, and multifamily) while also
meeting the design needs that make Lakeville such an attractive place to live. Both of these
developments were developed as a PUD at the request of the deKiLlo rs because they knew that a
one-size-fits all approach would not result in the,product they desired. Lakeville has led the state in
single family building permits issued for at least the past six years, all while having design standards in
place that have clearly not slowed the demand for our products.
We respectfully ask that you support removing these troublesome provisions from the bill as they will
have a significant impact on the future of Lakeville's housing market. Thank you for your continued
service to the State of Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Douglas P. Anderson
Mayor
cc: Lakeville City Council
20195 Holyoke Avenue,Lakeville,MN 55044
30 of 70 952-985-4400.952-985-4499 fax
www.lakevillemn.gov
CITY OF LAUDERDALE
Nil LAUDERDALE CITY HALL
CITY 1 891 WALNUT STREET
"• ,
LAUDERDALE, MN 55113
= 651-792-7650
� s
MARY.GAASCH@LAUDERDALEMN.ORG
April 28, 2021
To: The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s) Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and
to the Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Lauderdale, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and
welfare of all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased
density in single family neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments (PUDs)
provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your
Housing Conference Committee.
We specifically want to highlight the importance of PUDs. PUDs provide cities and
developers a pathway for moving challenging projects forward. In Lauderdale, we are
working on a project that will create 114-units of affordable senior housing. This project is
vital to providing quality, affordable housing for our seniors when the burdens of home
ownership are too great. When our seniors sell their homes,they will become available to
new families looking to move into an affordable, welcoming community with good schools
and city services. This senior project is happening because the developer is willing to
partner with the City on this challenging site. They want to meet the neighbors'
expectations yet have enough units to be financially viable. A project like this does not
happen without the iterative process that results from residents, the city council, and the
developer working together to define standards for the project. That engagement is done
through a PUD process; you can't variance your way into good planning on a project of this
scale.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I welcome the opportunity of speaking directly
with you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill that will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
C�
Mary Gaasch
Mayor, City of Lauderdale
31 of 70
CITY OF LAUDERDALE
LAUDERDALE CITY HALL
1891 WALNUT STREET
C1TOF
LAUDERDALE, MN 55113
651-792-7657
651-631-2066 FAx
HEATHER.BUTKOWSKI@LAUDERDALEM N.ORG
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
City Council
32 of 70
Urn( ui(,�" LE (CENTTF,711K%);
HMA of Le Sueur County 10 West Tyrone St.- Le Center, MN 56057.507-357-4450
April 28, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Le Center, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of all
our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encourogement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments (PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill,
1st Unofficial Engrossment,that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community.A one-size fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
I
As cities,we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans,These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost. Especially in an older home
community such as Le Center.
33 of 70
www.cityoflecenter.com
A PUD can also be importantfor a new housing development, Considerthe challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods. The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
I
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Josh Fredrickson, Mayor
City of Le Center MN
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman II
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities-- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
City Council
34 of 70
"Lon"6dale
F___D
CITY of LoxsDALE•PO Box 357.415 CENTRAL STREET WEST,LONSDALE,MN 55046•PHONE:(507)744-2327•FAx:(507)744-5554
March 16, 2021
Honorable Senator(s) and Representative(s),
On behalf of the constituents of the cities we serve, we write voicing opposition to the many legislative initiatives
(SF915 /SF914/ SF 801 /HF1085)focused on housing that will be heard in committee this week and through the
end of session.
As a collection of preemption legislation, each bill erodes or eliminates the local control entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the fundamental
importance of local control and treats every city in the state the exact same regardless of locally identified needs.
We, as cities, are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision, values, and voice of our
citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans serve as the foundation guiding the many decisions
facing a growing community. The various housing bills would have significant long-term implications for these
Comprehensive Plans. Any preemption weakening local control, lessens our ability to develop in a manner desired
by our constituents and consistent with our Comprehensive Plans.
Some might have us believe these legislative proposals will enhance new home affordability. From several
perspectives these bills represent a false narrative:
"Where is the data documenting that legislative change will lower the sales price of a new home? Of course, the
data does not exist. Instead,you are being asked to create a legislative change, absent aM assurances that it would
result in a reduced sales price of a new home.
Growth brings with it increased cost to a city. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the ability for a city to
recoup these costs from whence they came (the development itself). Not having the local control to equitably
collect a fee from developers is not an elimination of a cost- It is a transfer of a cost to our existing taxpayers.
This legislation would ask us to trade-off the possibility of enhanced affordability for a new home buyer, and
at the same time, knowingly decreasing the affordability of housing for our existing homeowners as they will
be required to pick up the costs of growth through higher tax levy increases.
Again, the affordability narrative is false. It lacks data, credibility, and seeing any of these legislative
proposals into law would serve to raise taxes on our existing citizens!
In short, we need your help. Please let your colleagues in the House and Senate know that you are following this
legislation and you are concerned for the implications they hold for the cities in your district.
Thank you in advance for your support, any one of us would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with you
on the importance of thwarting legislative change preempting local control on growth and development.
35 of 70
Sincerely,
Christopher Meyer Joe Julius Mike Franklin
Mayor, City of Belle Plaine Mayor, City of Elko New Mayor, City of Jordan
Market
Tim Rud Thomas Eisert Duane Jirik
Mayor, City of Lonsdale Mayor, City of Montgomery Mayor, City of New Prague
Kirt Briggs Janet Williams, Bill Mars
Mayor, City of Prior Lake Mayor, City of Savage Mayor, City of Shakopee
To: Senator Draheim
Senator Port
Senator Pratt
Representative Albright
Representative Hanson
Representative Mortenson
Representative Pfarr
cc: Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senator Jasinski, Local Government Policy Committee Chair
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Senator Rarick, Labor and Industry Policy Committee Chair
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
Andy Eilers, Labor and Industry Policy Committee Administrator
David Raisanen, Local Government Policy Committee Administrator
Joel Hanson, Housing Finance and Policy Committee Administrator
Regional Council of Mayors
League of Minnesota Cities
Metro Cities
Association of Minnesota Counties
Municipal Legislative Commission
City Mayors and Administrators of Scott County
36 of 70
CITY of
V1 MINNETONKA
I=tr•Iif}O innoIonka 1_'•I ,:i l MlrrleLorT a,MN ;5.-115 l 95 -93"' 200 l -ininn-Tonka,com
April 26, 2021
To: Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, Pratt,Johnson Stewart, Franzen and
Cwodzinski
Honorable Representatives)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer,Theis, Acomb, Pryor and Elkins
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Minnetonka, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of
all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in singie forrrily
neighborhoods and the Punned Use Developments{PUD's)provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, Ist
Unofficial Enarossment,that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2,Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community, A ane-sire fits-oll approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans.These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens.Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community.The provisions in the Senate
Housing omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs,or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth, PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District, As a redevelopment project is proposed,the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating,or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods, The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
37 of 70
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If tree, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability,the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing Total control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition, I would welcame the opportunity of speaking direc=ly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
r
Sincerely,
Brad Wiersum
Mayor, City of Minnetonka
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan bent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hartman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metra Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
Minnetonka City Council
38 of 70
City Offices
201 Ash Avenue SW
MONTGOMERY Montgomery. Mfg 56069
Phone:507.364.888888888�i
rr FrI�rr��rrc rrr�7/ic y if pAre Fax.507.364.5371
Website:www.cifyofmontgomerymn.com
April 27, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth,and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer,and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Sill
Honorable Legislators:.
On behalf of the City of Montgomery,which is charged with upholding the health,safety, and welfare of
all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and restricting the use of Planned Unit Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate
Omnibus Bill,1st Unofficial Engrossment that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2,Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community.This one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same,without regard for
the unique local differences and identified needs.
As cities, we develop Comprehensive Plans reflective of the vision,values,and voice of our citizens.Once
adopted and approved,the Comprehensive Plans guide every decision (zoning/infrastructure
investment)made in our community.The provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the
permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family neighborhoods is contrary to the
comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement Planned Unit Developments(PUDs)or
decrease the ability to rely on our Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial
burden to existing residents and taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and
cities alike a pathway for moving challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need,consider a
community's desire to preserve the character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is
proposed,the PUD would include aesthetic requirements to ensure the new structures blend with the
old.To not include aesthetics as a vital component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus
bili,could serve to adversely impact adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography,wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings,developers often choose PUDs to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PVDs give the developer,and the city,a framework for maximizing the potential for
housing in this difficult setting while preserving,accentuating,or increasing community access to these
39 of 70
neighborhoods.The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability,the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short,we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Eisert
Mayor, City of Montgomery
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan (Cent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities-Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities-Charlie Vander Aarde
Minnesota Association of Small Cities—Cap O'Rourke
Association of Minnesota.Counties
Montgomery City Council
Representative Todd Lippert
Montgomery City Administrator Brian Heck
40 of 70
City of New Prague
In the Counties of Scott&Le Sueur
118 CENTRAL AVENUE NORTH •NEW PRAGUE,MINNESOTA 56071
��
p �r PHONE(952)758-4401 •www.ci.new-prague.mn.us
NEW PRAGUE Duane J.Jiirik
4 Tiadiliuii of 11 orm Mayor
March 16, 2021
Honorable Senator(s) and Representative(s),
On behalf of the constituents of the cities we serve, we write voicing opposition to the many legislative
initiatives (SF 915/SF 914/SF 801/ HF 1085)focused on housing that will be heard in committee this
week and through the end of session.
As a collection of preemption legislation, each bill erodes or eliminates the local control entrusted to
cities in overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach
attacks the fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the exact same
regardless of locally identified needs.
We, as cities, are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans serve as the foundation guiding
the many decisions facing a growing community. The various housing bills would have significant long-
term implications for these Comprehensive Plans. Any preemption weakening local control, lessens our
ability to develop in a manner desired by our constituents and consistent with our Comprehensive Plans.
Some might have us believe these legislative proposals will enhance new home affordability. From
several perspectives these bills represent a false narrative:
"Where is the data documenting that legislative change will lower the sales price of a new home? Of
course,the data does not exist. Instead, you are being asked to create a legislative change, absent any
assurances that it would result in a reduced sales price of a new home.
Growth brings with it increased cost to a city. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the ability
for a city to recoup these costs from whence they came (the development itself). Not having the
local control to equitably collect a fee from developers is not an elimination of a cost- It is a
transfer of a cost to our existing taxpayers.
This legislation would ask us to trade-off the possibility of enhanced affordability for a new home
buyer, and at the same time, knowingly decreasing the affordability of housing for our existing
homeowners as they will be required to pick up the costs of growth through higher tax levy
increases.
Again, the affordability narrative is false. It lacks data, credibility, and seeing any of these
legislative proposals into law would serve to raise taxes on our existing citizens!
41 of 70 1
In short,we need your help. Please let your colleagues in the House and Senate know that you are
following this legislation and you are concerned for the implications they hold for the cities in your
district.
Thank you in advance for your support, any one of us would welcome the opportunity of speaking
directly with you on the importance of thwarting legislative change preempting local control on growth
and development.
Sincerely,
Christopher Meyer Joe Julius Mike Franklin
Mayor, City of Belle Plaine Mayor, City of Elko New Market Mayor, City of Jordan
Tim Rud Thomas Eisert Duane Jirik
Mayor, City of Lonsdale Mayor, City of Montgomery Mayor, City of New Prague
Kirt Briggs Janet Williams, Bill Mars
Mayor, City of Prior Lake Mayor, City of Savage Mayor, City of Shakopee
To: Senator Draheim
Senator Port
Senator Pratt
Representative Albright
Representative Hanson
Representative Mortenson
Representative Pfarr
cc: Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senator Jasinski, Local Government Policy Committee Chair
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Senator Rarick, Labor and Industry Policy Committee Chair
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
Andy Eilers, Labor and Industry Policy Committee Administrator
David Raisanen, Local Government Policy Committee Administrator
Joel Hanson, Housing Finance and Policy Committee Administrator
Regional Council of Mayors
League of Minnesota Cities
Metro Cities
Association of Minnesota Counties
Municipal Legislative Commission
City Mayors and Administrators of Scott County
New Prague City Council
42 of 70 2
April 25, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s) Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer,and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of New Ulm, which is charged with upholding the health,safety, and welfare of all
our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st
Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unof ficia!Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities, we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans.These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community.The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans, would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed,the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old. To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating,or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods.The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
43 of 70
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative.
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability,the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.This concept places both risk and an
unnecessary burden on local residents who vote locallyto elect leadersthat will best address local
development needs with what best works for their communities.
In short, I ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
U
Andrea Boettger
City Council President and Interim Mayor, City of New Ulm
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities-Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
City Council
i
i
i
44 of 70
■
R
e •
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
April 26, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Oak Park Heights which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and
welfare of all our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in
single family neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate
Omnibus Bill, 1st Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities,we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision, values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
45 of 70
neighborhoods. The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+ cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Mary McComber
Mayor, City of Oak Park Heights
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
City Council
46 of 70
O� P RIpV�
� AN q
�' 4646 Dakota Street SE I Prior Lake, MN 55372
952.447.9800 1 www.cityofpriorlake.com
`11NNEW
April 26, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Prior Lake, which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of all
our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st
Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities,we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
neighborhoods. The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
47 of 70
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is a false narrative!
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Kirt Briggs
Mayor, City of'Prior Lake
C.C. Governor Tim Walz
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka
Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt
Chief Elected and Appointed Officers of SCALE
Regional Council of Mayors- Caren Dewer
League of Minnesota Cities- Daniel Lightfoot, Irene Kao
Metro Cities- Charlie Vander Aarde
Association of Minnesota Counties
Municipal Legislative Commission-Tom Poul
Prior Lake City Council
City Mayors and Administrators of Scott County
Scott County Commissioners
48 of 70 2
SHAKO1 EE May 4, 2021
To: The Honorable Senators Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
The Honorable Representatives Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
Re: Opposition to certain items currently in the Senate Omnibus Housing Bill (SF 969)
Dear Honorable Legislators:
The City of Shakopee has serious concerns with certain provisions related to housing policy currently in
the Senate Omnibus Housing Bill (SF 909). We believe it is imperative to inform you of items in SF 969
that will adversely impact the health, safety and welfare of not only our residents, but the residents in your
communities as well.
Our state rias a and, prouc history of loc.-i' c'_r,t o! of local issues. We as a city believe that it is the
local cornmunities ';'` carc. rst. s!!i` r! to local needs. Article 2, Section 8 (Limiting Regulation
on Residemial Developni ,r t) eviscerr res that prop.,;-1 history and ignores the important differences
between cities as it atten-ipts to wrap all communities into one cookie-cutter effort.
The City of Shakopee has just spec 1: �.-v,}ral years developing our award winning comprehensive plan
(Envision Shakopee) that has been recognized for giving our residents a voice in how our city develops.
Not all communities are alike in expectations, needs, budgets, geography, demographics or even values.
Our comprehensive plan is the guiding document for all our infrastructure decisions. and it has taken all
those items and more into consideration as it guides development in the city by using this locally
generated Cool. This is not unlike the process that has occurred in your communities.
You have been told that cities are an impediment to affordable housing and somehow this will increase
affordability. In Shakopee, we believe that growth should pay for itself. Current residents should not have
the burden of subsidizing the efforts of developers or future residents. We also believe that our
community should offer the opportunity for the development of all types of housing, and our local policies
encourage that effort. This legislative action will pass the developers responsibility onto current taxpayers.
You might even have been led to believe that"Up to 913 of a new home's price in the Twin Cities comes
from regulation and localpolicies."That is just plain false and not backed tip by any serious analysis.
Drivers will always be the cost of land, labor and materials. In Shakopee, our fees represent 2.74%of an
average new home's price. And these fees go to ensure that a q u:i i;;" and safe product is being produced
for our futu-e residents.
r,nn'f''-il[II?e rii to puolic sorvice and respectfully ask for your opposition to this
efi CJ,�,.
William P. Mars
Mayor
#30 in PvIur; , r,. :1t:;`Irle . s,? F',aces to Live"
League of 1+9i:'n ;,oto Cities C_;ity of Excellence"
International int (='i c-f of Police"Leadership Award"
COMMUNITY PRIDE SINCE 1857
city of Shakopee 1 495 Garman St.,Shakopee MN 55379 1 Phone:952-233-9300 Fax:952-233.3801 1 www.ShakopeeMN.gov
49 of 70
Spring Lake Park
History.Community.Home.
May 5, 2021
Dear Members of the Housing Conference Committee(HF 1077):
The City of Spring Lake Park would like to state its opposition to Article 2, Section 7 and 8 of the Senate
bill limits regulations on residential development, including restrictions on planned unit developments
and aesthetic conditions.
The City of Spring Lake Park uses the Planned Unit Development language as a tool to facilitate in-fill
development. Just last year,the City received a proposal from a developer who was purchasing excess
property from a local church for 6 housing units. The size of the land made it prohibitive to facilitate that
level of density on the site. The City Council worked closely with the developer to draft a PUD ordinance
that would reduce the minimum let width from 75 feet to 50 feet and the side yard setbacks from 10 feet
to 7 feet, which facilitated the development. The City did not put onerous requirements on the developer
for that flexibility. As of today,two houses have received their certificate of occupancy and have been
purchased. The other four units are currently under construction.
The PUD process is more efficient that granting numerous variances as the PUD ordinance adopts the
specific plan agreed upon by the City and the developer. There is no risk to the developer that the City
unintentionally missed a code provision that would apply,thereby delaying the project by requiring the
developer to apply for another variance.
Planned Unit Developments, like the one referenced above, are a win-win for the developer and the City.
It provides flexibility to permit a development that would otherwise not happen on difficult to develop
parcels. We have used it successfully to facilitate construction of 194 units of affordable senior housing
in partnership with Dominium, a new Hy-Vee grocery store, and a new 32-unit assisted living/memory
care project by Hampton Companies.
Cities like Spring Lake Park are responsible stewards of the local control authority given to it by the State
of Minnesota. Without our PUD authority,we would not have been able to facilitate over$50 million in
development and redevelopment projects over the past 5 years. Please don't take this valuable tool away.
r
S.incerel
�� n
Daniel R. Buchholtz, MMC
Administrator, Clerk/Treasurer
cc: Mayor Nelson and Members of the City Council
State Representative Erin Koegel
State Representative Connie Bernardy
State Senator Jerry Newton
State Senator Mary Kunesli
City of Spring Lake Park
1301 81st Avenue NE I Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
P) 763-784-6491 F) 763-792-7257
50 of 70 www.sipmn.org
I'*W
CITY OF
60
Kiry
8301 Valley Creek Road • Woodbury, MN 55125-3330 • woodburymn.gov
(651) 714-3500 • TDD (651) 714-3568 • FAX (651) 714-3501
May 21, 2021
Senator Susan Kent
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg, Room 2227
St. Paul, MN 55155
Rep. Steve Sandell
District 53B
521 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
Rep.Ton Xiong
District: 53A
533 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
Re: Opposition to Housing Legislative Initiatives (SF9i5/ SF914 / SF Bol/
HFio85)
Dear Honorable Senator and Representatives:
On behalf of the constituents of Woodbury, I am voicing opposition to the many legislative
initiatives (SF915 / SF914 / SF 801 /HF 1085)focused on housing that are being considered
through the end of session. As a collection of preemption legislation, each bill erodes or
eliminates the local control entrusted to cities in overseeing the growth and development of their
community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the fundamental importance of local control and
treats every city in the state the exact same regardless of locally identified needs.
These legislative proposals are being promoted on the basis that they will enhance new home
affordability. From what I have seen, there has been no independent data documenting that
legislative change will actually lower the net sales price of a new home. Instead, you are being
asked to create a significant legislative change absent any concrete assurances that it would result
in a reduced sales price of a new home. I continue to believe that housing will be priced based
on what the market will bear, as it always has been, and any legislatively achieved reduction of
51 of 70
Re: Opposition to Housing Legislative Initiatives(SF915/SF914/SF 801/HF1085)
May 21,2021
Page 2
city fees will go to the bottom line of Building BATC-Housing First Minnesota members—not to
the home buyers as alleged.
These housing fees preemption bills will in reality transfer cost to our existing taxpayers. The
proposed legislation seeks to limit the ability for a city to recoup these costs from whence they
came (the development itself). Not having the local control to equitably collect a fee from
developers is not an elimination of a cost—it is a cost shift to the public.
Furthermore, this legislation would ask cities to trade-off the possibility of enhanced
affordability for a new home buyer, and at the same time, knowingly decreasing the affordability
of housing for our existing homeowners as they will be required to pick up the costs of growth
through higher tax levy increases.
Lastly, the various housing bills would have significant long-term implications for our
Comprehensive Plans. Cities are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect
the vision, values, and voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans
serve as the foundation guiding the many decisions facing a growing community. Any
preemption weakening local control lessens our ability to develop in a manner desired by our
constituents and consistent with our Comprehensive Plans.
Thank you in advance for your support. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly
with you on the importance of thwarting legislative change preempting local control on growth
and development.
Sincerely,
Anne Burt
Mayor
C: Governor Tim Walz
Regional Council of Mayors
League of Minnesota Cities
Metro Cities
Association of Minnesota Counties
Municipal Legislative Commission
Woodbury City Council
52 of 70
J Y V+Q
May 19, 2021
To:The Honorable Senator(s) Dahms, Dziedzic, Draheim, Duckworth, and Pratt
Representative(s)Agbaje, Hausman, Howard, Reyer, and Theis
RE: Opposition to encouragement of increased density in single family neighborhoods and to the
Planned Use Developments provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus Bill
Honorable Legislators:
On behalf of the City of Wyoming which is charged with upholding the health, safety, and welfare of all
our residents, I write requesting you oppose the encouragement of increased density in single family
neighborhoods and the Planned Use Developments(PUD's) provisions in the Senate Omnibus Bill, 1st
Unofficial Engrossment, that is moving into your Housing Conference Committee.
Article 2, Sections 7 and 8 of the 1st Unofficial Engrossment of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill,
contains preemptive provisions that erode or eliminate the local controls entrusted to cities in
overseeing the growth and development of their community. A one-size-fits-all approach attacks the
fundamental importance of local control and treats every city in the state the same, irrespective of local
differences and identified needs.
As cities,we are required to develop Comprehensive Plans. These plans reflect the vision,values, and
voice of our citizens. Once adopted and approved, Comprehensive Plans guide every decision
(zoning/infrastructure investment) that are made in our community. The provisions in the Senate
Housing Omnibus bill encouraging the permitting of duplexes through fourplexes in single-family
neighborhoods is contrary to the comprehensive planning process and would have significant negative
ramifications for our city.
Any preemption(s)that constrain our ability to implement PUDs, or decrease the ability to rely on our
Comprehensive Plans,would serve to transfer significant financial burden to existing residents and
taxpayers to pick up costs of growth. PUDs provide developers and cities alike a pathway for moving
challenging projects forward.To illustrate the need, consider a community's desire to preserve the
character of a Historic District. As a redevelopment project is proposed, the PUD of today includes
aesthetics to ensure the new structures blend with the old.To not include aesthetics as a vital
component of a PUD as proposed in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill, could serve to adversely impact
adjacent properties and allow the character of an area to be lost.
A PUD can also be important for a new housing development. Consider the challenge of building in an
area of land having varied natural features of topography, wetlands, and significant trees. In these
settings, developers often choose PUD's to address unique project needs not covered in a city's base
zoning code. PUD's give the developer and the city a framework for maximizing the potential for housing
in this difficult setting while preserving, accentuating, or increasing community access to these
53 of 70
neighborhoods. The language of the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would have negative implications for
projects like this,just as it did in the Historic District above.
Some might have you believe the provisions in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill would enhance new
home affordability.
From several perspectives,this is narrative is not accurate.
If true, we would have been presented with the objective data with a demonstrated connection to a
lower sales price on a new home. Instead of confirmatory data on affordability, the Senate Housing
Omnibus bill would ask cities and taxpayers to trade-off a possibility of affordability in exchange for
reducing local control and to encourage one-size fits all.
In short, we ask you to oppose the language within the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that reduces local
control and encourages a one-size-fits all approach across the 850+cities and 87 counties in Minnesota.
Thank you in advance for your opposition. I would welcome the opportunity of speaking directly with
you on the importance of thwarting the preemptive language in the Senate Housing Omnibus bill that
will be brought into your committee.
Sincerely,
Lisa Iverson
Mayor, City of Wyoming
C.C. Wyoming city council
League of Minnesota cities
54 of 70
From: Jennifer Pinski
To: Andrew Kealev
Cc: Eric Johnson
Subject: FW:Contact Us(form)has been filled out on your site.
Date: Thursday,May 27,20212:32:53 PM
Andy,
Please pass this on to the park kid that worked last night.
-----Original Message-----
From:Please Do Not Click Reply<support(i�govoffice.com>
Sent: Thursday,May 27,2021 1:44 PM
To: Jennifer Pinski<jpinski�cityofoakparkheights.com>
Subject: Contact Us(form)has been filled out on your site.
Your Site has received new information through a form.
Form: Contact Us
Site URL:www.cityofoakparkheights.com
-------------------------------------------------
Name:Margaret Irwin
Street Address: 5645 Newell Circle North Phone No.: 651-343-4723 Email Address: domargirwin(i�gmail.com
Question or Comment: I just want to say how impressed we were with the young man who was washing the
windows at Cover Park when we arrived to set up for our event last night. He was so friendly,cheerful,courteous,
and he helped us move tables. He probably would have washed the windows on my car if I asked him to do it!
It was a perfect facility for our gathering of 28. We brought a couple of extra tables and people remarked at how
nice it was to have the indoor space with all of the outlets for our chili fest. We are a group of single people 55 and
over so it was great to have such convenient and clean bathrooms too.
Thank you so much!
Margaret Irwin and the SOLO 55 PLUS group
Do Not Click Reply-This e-mail has been generated from a super form.
55 of 70
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd:ARPA Supporting Housing Stability and Income Security
Date: Saturday,May 22,20217:25:44 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities(NLC)<news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, May 22, 2021 6:04 am
Subject: ARPA Supporting Housing Stability and Income Security
News,resources and events for local leaders and staff.
8
ARPA Supporting Housing Stability and Income
Security
Beyond providing a once-in-a-generation pipeline of funding for all local governments, the
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and the prior stimulus measures, support implementation
of a holistic strategy that links housing stability with income security, food assistance,
unemployment insurance, childcare benefits, and other resources.
The most important tasks for local government leaders is to use the information resources from
NLC and their state leagues to understand the eligibility and application process for these
funds.
■
56 of 70
NLC Delivers
Why the Time is Now to Supporting Innovative Promoting Equitable Vaccine
Support Employee Solutions to Local Water Access Through Innovative
Ownership Challenges Transportation Initiatives
■
■ ■
IF
Industry News
What We're Reading:
• Cities like Arlington can help Congress with infrastructure plans for a better future -
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (May 21, 2021)
• Cities navigate how to maximize incoming American Rescue Plan funds- Smart
Cities Dive (May 18. 2021)
• Commentary: Don't let new infrastructure projects leave our neighbors disconnected
- The Post and Courier(May 16, 2021)
• American Rescue Plan Monies Coming to Local Governments - SQR Magazine (May
15, 2021)
57 of 70
Announcements
NEW: 2021 Corporate Partner Catalogue
NLC corporate partners are dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local
governments and stand by that commitment by offering value-added solutions and cost
savings to our members and their residents. Take a look at our 2021 Corporate Partner
Catalogue to learn more!
View Now>
JOIN US: Healthy Housing Learning Lab
On Thursday, May 27, hear from subject matter experts on how federal supports such as
the American Rescue Plan Act (can support local housing and health equity.
Register Here >
LAST CHANCE TO APPLY: Equitable Economic Mobility
Initiative
Apply to NLC's Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative by May 26, 2021 to work with NLC
staff and field experts, engage peer learning networks and receive up to $100,000 in
grant funds for planning and implementation of equitable economic mobility strategies.
Apply Now>
Cities in the Cloud Survey
Has your city been using cloud computing for years? Did the COVID-19 pandemic
expedite your cloud adoption strategy?Take this NLC survey to share your thoughts on
cloud computing and inform future research to help cities navigate this transition to (or
expansion of) cloud computing.
Take the Survey >
NEW: Economic Recovery and Employee Ownership Report
This report offers insight into the potential employee ownership has as a tool for driving
equitable economic recovery and growth; includes case studies; and details several low-
cost, high-impact steps that cities can take to catalyze employee ownership at the local
level.
Learn More >
®w
58 of 70
Job Openings
See who's hiring right now:
• Environmental Regulatory Coordinator- City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental
Services
• City Planner- City of Stephenville
• Deputy City Manager- City of Burleson
■
Helpful NLC Links:
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Privacy Policy I @ 2021 NLC, All Rights Reserved
59 of 70
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: Member Resources-Use ARPA Funds To Ease Budget Shortfalls
Date: Wednesday,May 26,20218:16:08 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: Alejandra from NLC <membership@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Wed, May 26, 2021 8:05 am
Subject: Member Resources- Use ARPA Funds To Ease Budget Shortfalls
Access your weekly)NNL�C member roundup!
u
May 26,
121 -Midwest Region
u
How To Use Coronavirus State & Local
Recovery Funds To Ease Budget Shortfalls
Using the American Rescue Plan Act to avoid cuts to valuable government services: Did
you know that you can lean on ARPA to ensure that your community can continue
providing valuable government services? Use this resource to understand how to
supplement general revenues.
■
Upcoming
National Rural Business Summit:
Strengthening Vaccinations in Rural Areas
60 of 70
and Small Cities
Thursday, June 3, 2021 -1:OOPM ET
The Health Action Alliance, COVID Collaborative and partners
representing rural America host a National Business Summit.
REGISTER HERE >
Pride Month Local Leader Q&A
Monday, June 7, 2021 -4:OOPM ET
®4 Join NLC in a conversation with local leaders from our
LGBTQ+ Local Officials constituency group in a discussion
about equity.
REGISTER HERE >
Wildfire Risk and Resilience Webinar
Thursday, June 10 -2:30PM ET
®4 Learn more about the new wildfire risk tool and hear from
leaders who are building local wildfire resilience.
REGISTER HERE >
Advancing Legislation for Equality
Tuesday, June 22 -3:OOPM ET
Join NLC for a conversation on the Equality Act hosted by
NLC's LGBTQ+ Local Officials Constituency Group.
REGISTER HERE >
Leading Equitable Communities: Respond,
Recover, Rebuild Conference
Thursday, July 8 -Friday July 9
This two-day conference is focused on equity and building
local leader skills to lead equitable communities.
REGISTER HERE >
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61 of 70
NLC Delivers ARPA Resources
How the American Rescue Plan Act is Supporting Food Access and Jobs
a
A Local Leader's Guide to Talking About the American Rescue
Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act supports the recovery of our communities—and
therefore the recovery of our nation— by providing direct and flexible funding to local
governments. NLC has created a customizable guide based on your location to talking
about the American Rescue Plan Act.
■
Cities in the Cloud Survey
a 19
Cities in the Cloud Survey Economic Recovery and
Has your city been using cloud Employee Ownership Report
computing for years? Did the COVID-19
This report offers insight into the
pandemic expedite your cloud adoption
potential employee ownership has as a
strategy? Take this NLC survey to share
tool for driving equitable economic
your thoughts on cloud computing and
recovery and growth; includes case
inform future research to help cities
studies; and details several low-cost,
62 of 70
navigate this transition to (or expansion
high-impact steps that cities can take to
of) cloud computing.
� catalyze employee ownership at the
■ • ■ local level.
How to Spend Coronavirus Cities Must Speak Up on
State & Local Recovery Their Priorities for
Funds Transportation
Under ARPA, state and local
governments have access to helpful This week, the Senate Environment and
funds that are aimed at helping Public Work Committee (EPW) has
communities recover from the economic kicked off the first transportation play of
impact of the latest pandemic. Use this the new Congress with the introduction
resource to learn the dos and don'ts of of the Surface Transportation
how to appropriately spend moneys Reauthorization Act of 2021. NLC's initial
allocated. review of the bill shows some key gains
■ for cities.
Asian American and Pascific Islander Heritage Month
a
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!
63 of 70
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd:Special Public Safety Edition:Say His Name—One Year Later
Date: Saturday,May 29,20216:58:32 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities(NLC)<news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, May 29, 2021 6:04 am
Subject: Special Public Safety Edition: Say His Name—One Year Later
News,resources and events for local leaders and staff.
Say His Name — One Year Later
Say His Name — One Year Later
A year ago this week, a brave young woman, Darnella Frazier, captured what would be the
most traumatic and impactful video many of us have ever seen. That video showed the world
the callous murder of George Floyd and sparked outrage and an international movement. This
moment, in the midst of a global pandemic, had the potential to change the trajectory of how
we approach public safety in cities.
Municipal leaders are at the forefront of this momentum.
■
64 of 70
SCOTUS Rejects Broad Wildfire Risk to Leveraging American Rescue
Community Caretaking Communities: A New Tool to Plan Act Funds to Improve
Exception to Warrant Reduce Risk for Cities Mental Health &Wellbeing
Requirement
■
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IF
Industry News
What We're Reading:
• In Kansas City, a wave of evictions could push gun violence to new extremes this
year- The Kansas City Star(May 23, 2021)
• To reduce shootings, Mayor Kenney says the city will invest more in community-
based programs- The Philadelphia Inquirer(May 19, 2021)
• Oakland Becomes Latest City Looking To Take Police Out Of Some Nonviolent 911
Calls -NPR(May 18, 2021)
• Missoula courts, law enforcement agree to `second chance' program for skipping
court-Missoula Current(May 14, 2021)
• Brooklyn Center mayor proposes major public safety changes -MPR News (May 9,
2021)
• 'Everybody needs a shoulder to lean on': Credible messenger program connects
mentors with at-risk youth - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (May 5, 2021)
Announcements
Public Safety Budgeting
Earlier this month, NLC and our Reimagining Public Safety Task Force convened subject
matter experts and local leaders to explore how cities have historically allocated public
safety resources and shared insights on local innovations emerging across the country.
Learn More>
Public Safety Culture: Increasing Accountability
Last month, Mayor Baraka and Mayor-President Weston Broome joined NYPD
65 of 70
Commissioner Dermot Shea and Minister Kirsten John Foy to discuss cities advancing
equitable approaches to public safety through holding law enforcement agencies, elected
officials and systems accountable for public safety results.
Learn More>
Leading Equitable Communities: Respond, Recover, Rebuild
Join NLC's REAL Team and Constituency Groups, July 8-9 for a two-day conference
focused on equity and building local leader skills and knowledge on how to lead equitable
communities.
Register Here>
Maintaining Your City's Public Safety and Emergency Response
Services
NLC's COVID-19 Principle Response Brief provides guidance and outlines specific
actions cities can take to maintain public safety and emergency response services during
this pandemic.
Learn More>
How State and Local Governments Can Work Together to Create
Better, Safer Communities
While many cities and towns are ready and willing to reimagine public safety for their
communities, they are oftentimes constrained by preemption or a lack of resources. This
presents an opportunity for state governments to aid local leaders by providing resources
and support.
Learn More>
Job Openings
See who's hiring right now:
• Town Manager-Town of Nags Head, NC
• City Planner- City of Stephenville, TX
• Environmental Regulatory Coordinator- City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental
Services
■
Helpful NLC Links:
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