HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes- May 21st 2021 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: May 21st 2021
TO: City Council Members& Staff
FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator
Zoning&Development Items:
1. No new applications have been received and the June 10t1i Planning Commission has been cancelled due to a lack of business.
COVID-19 Matters:
• This is the Governor's-PORTAL https://mn.gov/covid19—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:
• Information on the 2021 LMC Conference—Virtual—June 22-25
• A neighborhood preconstruction conference for Lookout trail will be held on Thursday, June 24 — 6pm in-person at the Scenic
Overlook. See the enclosed meeting notice as sent.
• Please see the enclosed photos of the Lookout Trail—Tree Clean-up/The City did also notify residents of the road closures prior to
the activity this past week.
• The City received a thank you from Community Thread as well as other "THANK-YOU S" for various work—see the enclosed
short emails...about saving ducks and street signage.
• The METRO CITIES group did issue summary on the American Rescue Plan funding, it is attached... we are still reviewing this
material and how the City best can access its funds as it may be over a period of two years and on a reimbursement basis. More to
come...
• Staff have commenced its submission to the State MMB for the 2022 Capital Budget Request with Gov. Walz office for anticipated
improvements at the King Plant Site. The application is due on June 18'11 and is similar to the City's Capital Request in 2019/2020
for the Norrell Ave.Project.One major goal is to get on the Capital Bonding Tour and for which this application is necessary.Recall,
we are seeking$10,000,00 for various utilities,roads&trails.
• The City's Intern Katie Danielzuk did start this past Wednesday,please stop by and meet her!
Mayor McComber provided:
1. SPAAR Housing Update
2. Various NLC Updates—May 15t11
3. May 2021 —MAOSC Newsletter
Please let me know if you have any questions -651-253-7837 Call Anytime.
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From: Leaaue of Minnesota Cities
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Just Announced!The 2021 Virtual Annual Conference is June 22-25
Date: Tuesday, May 11,2021 2:29:29 PM
View this email in your browser
8
Save Your Spot for the 2021 Virtual Annual
Conference
Registration is now open for the 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, June 22-25! Even
though we won't be together in person, this isn't just another Zoom meeting. During the
conference, you'll:
• Have the chance to connect with fellow city officials during networking events.
• Explore hot topics, including energy-saving ideas and building community-wide
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partnerships.
• Get motivated during presentations from P.J. Fleck and Alan Page.
Special pricing for 2021 !
This year's conference is only $99 per person. Invite the whole team! Any group of five or
more from the same city can register for only $449.
Register for the2021VirtualAnnual •
Tuesday, June 22
Develop tools to foster courteous discussion, regardless
of differences, during this pre-conference workshop.
Registration is included with full 2021 Virtual Annual
Conference registration.
Wednesday, June 23
Wednesday afternoon, you'll start the conference with
an educational session on infrastructure. Then, hear
from Gophers Football Head Coach P.J. Fleck during
the opening keynote address.
Thursday, June 24
Thursday will begin with a Q&A featuring former Viking
and retired Supreme Court Justice Alan Page! You'll
also take part in four educational sessions and let your
voice be heard during the business meeting.
Friday, June 25
It's been a busy year at the Capitol. Get all the news
your city needs on the final day of the conference with
the legislative update and during a closing address with
Gov. Tim Walz (invited).
Learn more and register for •
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I
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
May 19`h, 2021
X
X
X
RE: Lookout Trail—Preconstruction Meeting—Thursday - 6/24/21 —6 PM.
Dear City Resident:
The City will be hosting a Lookout Trail-PRECONSTRUCTION NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING at 6 pm
on Thursday-June 24th, 2021. This will be held"IN-PERSON" at the Scenic Overlook located just off
of Lookout Trail; this is a`rain-or-shine' event.
This will be an opportunity for residents to meet the staff of the awarded bidder- Dressel Contractors and
to learn about the construction timelines and what can be generally expected during the process.
The Project start date is slated to be July 0, 2021 and will take approximately two months. Other than
some possible surveying/staking,no construction will commence prior to that July 6'date.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I will do my best to answer them. 651-439-4439
Sincerely,
Eric Johnson
City Administrator
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City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082.Phone(651)439-4439.Fax(651)439-0574
May 11, 2021
TO: EICHTEN BONIT RS !
15234 UPPE ST STN c
STILLMN 55082
FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
RE: Temp. Road Closure— North End Lookout Trail
As a result of some unfortunate tree damage, the City will be temporarily closing the north-end of Lookout
Trail to perform clean-up and tree maintenance- basically clearing downed trees located on the west side
of Lookout Trail near STH 95.
It is expected that this work will take two (2) days to compete and is slated to begin on May 18th. (weather
dependent). Detours will be posted as both directions are expected to be impacted.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you
Eric
e "
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From: Nauman,Patricia
To: Nauman,Patricia
Subject: American Rescue Plan Funding Updates and Information
Date: Wednesday,May 19,20211:20:38 PM
Attachments: Metropolitan Entitlement Allocation s.xlsx
Importance: High
Good afternoon:
Metro Cities co-hosted a webinar Tuesday with the League of MN Cities that featured a
discussion with the Office of MN Management and Budget(MMB) staff on the new federal
American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding. Below is information regarding these funds,
requirements and processes for local governments as well as links to the federal guidance,
required reporting numbers, allocations, and webinar slides. The ARP funding builds on
previous COVID-19 funding including the 2020 CARES Act/Coronavirus Relief Funding
(CRF) distributed to local governments last year.
Unlike the CRF, ARP funding is more flexible,provides a longer period for recipients to use
funds and can be used for revenue losses incurred during the pandemic. ARP funding is
intended for continued responses to COVID-19 and for addressing longer term effects of the
pandemic. Additional ARP funding will be distributed to other entities for childcare, Head
Start, family caregivers, mental health, transit, education, small businesses, and other uses.
Funding Allocations:
Minnesota counties will receive $1.1 billion and 21 cities considered as eligible or entitlement
cities will receive $644.1 million. All other cities and towns will receive $376.9 million.
Entitlement cities and all counties will receive funds directly from the US Department of the
Treasury (UST); other cities will receive their funding from the state. The state has 30 days to
distribute funds once they are received, and funding will be distributed in two tranches, with
half in 2021 and the second half in 2022. MMB stated that they expect to receive the first half
of funding within the next couple weeks. States may request a 30-day extension to distribute
funds and MMB noted they will likely request this extension.
Regarding allocations for eligible cities, for a few of the 21 eligible cities, updated estimates
show a lower allocation than preliminary estimates. Additional information from the UST is
being sought; one presumption on the differences between preliminary and updated estimates
is that some eligible cities were initially deemed as non-eligible, with allocations determined
using population rather than the CDBG formula used to determine allocations for entitlement
cities. Further, some non-entitlement cities were initially shown without an allocation, and
initial estimates were therefore calculated for distribution to fewer cities; additional allocations
will mean the same funding amount will be distributed to more recipients. Allocation amounts
for the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Lakeville, and Woodbury changed from
original to updated estimates. A link to the updated allocations for eligible cities is included
below. Metro Cities will provide updated allocation information for non-entitlement cities
once it becomes available.
Eligible Uses:
MMB staff discussed eligible uses that include, but are not limited to, vaccinations, PPE,
testing, mental health treatment, essential worker premium pay, unemployment and training,
food, housing, small business loans and grants, assistance to impacted industries such as
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hospitality and tourism, re-hiring public sector employees, lost revenue replacement,
addressing health disparities, violence intervention, access to infrastructure (broadband,
drinking water, modern technologies), urgent response efforts to continue decreasing virus
spread, and immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses. MMB noted
that funding used to address health disparities and assistance in qualified census tracts (low
income and tribal areas) are presumed to be eligible uses. Any diminishment in revenues
since the pandemic began is presumed to be the result of COVID-19 and recipients will not be
required to provide proof of revenue losses.
Ineligible Uses:
A non-exclusive list of ineligible uses includes offsets for tax cuts (aimed at states and
territories), deposits in pension funds, bolstering rainy day reserves, and debt service
payments. A key difference between CRF funding and ARP funding relates to public
health/safety and first responder payroll expenses. Under the CRF, all salary and benefit
payments for these workers was eligible. Under the ARP, funds are allowed for payroll and
benefit expenses, with the stipulation that expenses are for services dedicated to mitigating or
responding to the COVID-19 emergency. All local units of government, whether receiving
funds directly from the UST or the state, will report spending directly to the UST. Funds will
be allowed for expenses incurred between March 3, 2021 and December 31, 2024. Once
funds are obligated, cities will have until 2026 to expend funds.
Applying for funds:
Cities receiving funds directly from the UST should visit the UST website for information.
Other cities will certify with the state of MN to receive funds and MMB will launch an online
request form in the near future. Local governments will need a SWIFT ID, DUNS number,
budget information, and two contact persons with telephone numbers and emails. MMB has
established a helpline email address: EFThe112line_MMB(j4state_mn_us to answer questions
regarding the SWIFT ID and other issues. Funds will be distributed in advance and not as a
reimbursement. Local governments will be required to submit an interim report this summer
and quarterly reports to the UST. Annual reports will be required October 31 of each year
(more information coming soon). Local governments above 250,000 population will also be
required to submit an annual recovery plan performance report to the US Treasury.
MMB discussed ARP funding that will be distributed to other entities for uses such as
housing, capital expenses, childcare, direct stimulus, small businesses, and unemployment,
and recommended that local officials be informed on these uses as they decide how to use
local funds.
FAQ Highlights:
MMB emphasized several points in the FAQ document(linked below):
--Special purpose units of government(fire, sewer districts) are eligible to receive funds.
--Local governments that transfer funds to other entities are subject to sub-recipient
monitoring requirements and will be held responsible if funds are not spent appropriately.
--Capital investments in public facilities may be spent for eligible needs and are discussed in
the FAQ.
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--Generally, uses of funds that were allowed under CRF are presumed as allowed under the
ARP, with the exceptions on payroll expenses noted above.
--More guidance on the use of funds for revenue losses is expected. Local governments will
not need to submit proof, any revenue reductions during the allowed timeframe are presumed
to be COVID-19 related.
--In using funds used for revenue losses, recipients will have broad latitude on the uses of
funds up to the amount of revenue reductions.
--Expenses should be tracked by category; the UST may ask for additional information.
Local units of government will be required to pass a local resolution to receive funds. The
LMC will post a sample resolution for cities to use. Metro Cities will assist in distributing this
information once it is available.
Record Keeping:
Cities are asked to set up an account in the city's accounting software to post ARP deposits.
Cities will be receiving funds in the same manner as other funds from the state to the city are
received. City officials are encouraged to begin anticipating reporting requirements and to
keep invoices, required reporting numbers, and other expense information organized and
accessible. MMB also encouraged city officials to begin a thoughtful consideration on the
most advantageous ways to use the ARP funds.
I encourage you to closely review the federal guidance and FAQ information, both of which
are linked below.
Metro Cities will provide additional information and updates as they are available and will
work with the office of MMB, the LMC and other local government organizations as
additional guidance and information is issued. Please contact me if you have any questions. I
can be reached at patriciaametrocitiesmn.org or 651-215-4002.
Sincerely,
Patricia Nauman
Executive Director
Links:
hAjs://home.treasurv.gov/system/files/136/CRF-Guidance-Federal-Register_2021-00827.pdf
https://sam.gov/SAM/
https://fedgov.dnb.com/webfonn/
https://home.treasurv.gov/system/files/136/SLFRPFAQ.p f
https://handouts-live.s3.amazonaws.com/fadb4flbdbc74e548c4ab9a212d92861?X-Amz-
Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20210518T190043Z&X-Amz-
SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=86399&X-Amz-
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connecting people.
enriching lives.
2300 Orleans St.W,
Stillwater,MN 55082
651.439.7434 T
651.439.7616 F
May 13, 2021 corn mu nitythreadmn.org
FAndersOn
rectors
Eric Johnson,City Administrator
City of Oak Park Heights Box2007 teer
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Lisa sevens
Nome to Sweet Home
Dear Eric,
Chris Dressel
First State Bank and Trust
Thank you for helping to support the cost of the Community Thread Connector Loop. Josiah Hill
This is confirmation of your city's support in the amount of$3,000. Stillwater Area Schools
Ruth Hjelmgren
Transportation is a critical link in helping people maintain their mobility and access Board Post President
services that provide for their overall health and self-sufficiency. It also has a significant Artis Senior Living
economic impact in our community,We are proud to partner with Newtrax,and Kate Kasten
sponsors like you, to bring this cost-effective service to our community. Andersen Corporation
Sharon King
Board President
Community Thread has improved the lives of adults and their families in our community Andersen Corporation
for over 50 years.With your support, we will continue to respond to the needs of our
Richard McDonough
community by providing a circulator bus loop to the Stillwater and Oak Park Heights RM Realty
area this upcoming year,
Ferry Mistalski
NCS Solutions Pro
Again,thank you for helping us achieve our vision of a community where all people are
Renae Pominville
engaged, enriched and connected, Board Secretary
Lake Elmo Bank
Eric Salman
With gratitude, Midwest Spine and
Brain Institute
Samantha Schindler
Board Vice President
Sally Anderson Diasorin
James Schoenecker
Strategic Insurance
Agency Alliance
Sarah Stivland
Community Volunteer
Gift Amount: $3000 Gift Date: 5/10/2021 Julie Swedback
Corn munityThread is a 501c(3)non-profit. Swedback Low PLLC
No goods or services were provided in exchange for this gift.
community thread
15 of 29
From: Jennifer Pinski
To: Andrew Kealev;Jaryd Marks
Cc: Eric Johnson
Subject: FW:Contact Us(form)has been filled out on your site.
Date: Wednesday,May 19,202112:13:40 PM
-----Original Message-----
From:Please Do Not Click Reply<support@govoffice.com>
Sent: Wednesday,May 19,2021 11:51 AM
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: Shawn Kiene
Street Address: 1338 Second Street South Stillwater,MN Phone No.: 6126006767 Email Address:
smkiene@aol.com Question or Comment:I just want to thank Andy K.and Jaryd from Public Works for doing an
amazing job of saving four baby ducks from the storm sewer:)! They came immediately after receiving the phone
call and stuck with the mission until all were pulled out!!! If they hadn't come,I would be in the sewer right now
because I would have crawled in and gotten stuck,and then it would have been a real mess:):):) It's people like them
that give me hope in humanity. They deserve a raise.Thank you,thank you,thank you;Jaryd and Andy K.
Shawn
Do Not Click Reply-This e-mail has been generated from a super form.
16 of 29
From: ba ha mama ma(Wrontiernet.net
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Re: Noisy roads
Date: Thursday, May 20,2021 1:51:52 PM
Hi Eric, Bill and I recently returned from our winter in Florida and have been back a little over
a month now. We just wanted to thank you for following through with the slow road signs and
the noise reduction signs as well. We believe they have helped somewhat. There will always
be those select few who will be the exception but we believe the signs helped a bit. Hopefully
the police will be vigilant in trying to catch those that try to defy the rules. Not sure if you still
plan on putting the portable radar out there but that may help, especially now with the summer
and kids out of school. Thank you again for hearing us and your efforts in trying to help.
Kind regards, Bill and Rita Fornell
5652 Oak Cove North
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
On Thursday, September 24,2020, 3:11 PM,Eric Johnson<eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com>
wrote:
Bill
Thank you for reaching out; we are securing some signs "VEHICLE NOISE
ORDINANCED ENFORCED"hopefully it may make these drivers take it a bit
easier.
We will also see if a simple"SLOW" sign may help too...
Our speed trail with radar is being repaired, but finding a vendor who car repair
RADAR will not be a fast endeavor.
Oakgreen Ave. is a busy roadway and to be honest there is not terribly much that
can be done; but perhaps these will help somewhat.
Take care
Eric
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From: bahamamama@frontiemet.net<bahamamama@frontiernet.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020 8:59 AM
To: Eric Johnson <eajohnson@cityofoakparkheights.com>
Subject: Noisy roads
Hello Eric, this is Bill and Rita Fornell, we along with Janine and Sandy and Bill
came last week and spoke with you about the loud cars and speed on Oak Green
and the 4 way stop. Unfortunately there is no way to get lisence plate numbers as
they are going too fast. But I do know of a 2019 white Camero, 1968 maroon
camero with hood scoop both have spoilers. Several trucks, black one and red and
white pick up and a yellow pickup, all with very loud exhaust pipes, but don't
know the makes. I know this probably doesn't help much. I do know though I
have been watching times and it seems the worst is between 3:30 and 11:00 pm. I
hope this helps. We appreciate your listening and your efforts to make this a more
enjoyable and safe neighborhood. We love it here but the road noise is very much
a problem for us and we hope it gets a bit better with your help.
Thank you, Rita and Bill Fornell
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
18 of 29
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd:Housing Update,April 2021
Date: Tuesday,May 18,20213:58:14 PM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®<bwegscheid@spaar.com>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent:Tue, May 18,2021 3:00 pm
Subject: Housing Update,April 2021
Good Afternoon,
April was another strong month for home sales. The busy spring market continues to
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see many multiple offer situations driving sales prices above asking price. With such
strong activity, by the time a property sale closes, the market may have already
moved higher than that sold price suggests. Such markets can create stress and
frustration for prospective homebuyers, who are frequently having to submit offers
on multiple properties before they are able to secure a purchase. New Listings in the
Twin Cities region increased 21.7 percent to 7,468. Pending Sales were up 33.6
percent to 6,220. Inventory levels fell 45.8 percent to 5,619 units.
0
Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 10.5 percent to
$337,000. Days on Market was down 34.0 percent to 31 days. Sellers were
encouraged as Months Supply of Homes for Sale was down 52.4 percent to 1.0
months. In the spirit of the great Wayne Gretzky, buyers, sellers, and their agents
are all trying their best to skate to where the puck, or rather, the housing market, is
going, not where it has been. While housing affordability remains an area to watch
as prices continue to rise, strong buyer demand and limited housing supply show no
signs of easing soon, pointing to a continuation of this market trend through spring
and into summer.
Your Local Market Update can be found here:
https://spaar.stats.showingtime.com/docs/Imu/x/OakParkHeights?src=page.
Your Economic Area Report can be found here:
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Local Market Update - April 2021 * ��
A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE SAINT PAUL AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSO s p a a r
0.0% - 40.0% - 2.0%
Change in Change in Change in
Oak Park Heights New Listings Closed Sales Median Sales Price
April Year to Date
2020 2021 + 2020 2021 +
New Listings 6 6 0.0% 18 19 +5.6%
Closed Sales 5 3 -40.0% 15 14 -6.7%
Median Sales Price` $255,000 $250,000 -2.0% $260,000 $270,000 +3.8%
Average Sales Price' $255,500 $321,667 +25.9% $278,843 $308,183 +10.5%
Price Per Square Foot` $160 $144 -10.5% $151 $175 +15.8%
Percent of Original List Price Received" 97.6% 103.4% +5.9% 98.4% 103.2% +4.9%
Days on Market Until Sale 114 20 -82.5% 94 30 -68.1%
Inventory of Homes for Sale 11 1 -90.9% -- --
Months Supply of Inventory 2.3 0.2 -91.3% -- --
Does not account for seller concessions. i Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.
April ■2020 .2021
Year to Date 02020 2021
6 6 18 19
5 15 14
3
0.0% -40.0% +5.6% -6.7%
New Listings Closed Sales New Listings Closed Sales
Change in Median Sales Price from Prior Year (6-Month Average)" 16-County Twin Cities Region
Oak Park Heights
+80%
+60%
+40%
+20%
(I A
0%
20%
-40%
-60%
1-2008 1-2009 1-2010 1-2011 1-2012 1-2013 1-2014 1-2015 1-2016 1-2017 1-2018 1-2019 1-2020 1-2021
"Each dot represents the change in median sales price from the prior year using a 6-month weighted average.
This means that each of the 6 months used in a dot are proportioned according to their share of sales during that period.
21 of 29
Current as of May 10,2021.All data from NorthstarMLS. i Powered by ShowingTime.
From: Mary Mccomber
To: Eric Johnson
Subject: Fwd: NLC"s The Weekly-U.S.Treasury Guidance on Using Recovery Funds
Date: Saturday,May 15,2021 10:01:14 AM
For weekly notes
-----Original Message-----
From: National League Of Cities (NLC)<news@nlc.org>
To: marymccomber@aol.com
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2021 6:04 am
Subject: NLC's The Weekly- U.S. Treasury Guidance on Using Recovery Funds
News,resources and events for local leaders and staff.
of
U.S. Treasury Guidance on Using Coronavirus State and
Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
On Monday, the Treasury released guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Funds. This guidance seeks to provide substantial flexibility for local governments to
meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries,
essential workers, and the communities hardest hit by the crisis. These funds can also be used
to make necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.
■
22 of 29
Cities Can't Wait for Federal Capping a Highway to Promoting Equitable Vaccine
Broadband Investment (Re)Connect Historic Access Through Innovative
• Nashville Jefferson Street Transportation Initiatives
• Neighborhoods •
■
■
■ ■
IF
Industry News
What We're Reading:
• Report: Majority of cities say insufficient funding delays infrastructure investment-
Transportation Today(May 13)
• Keep Infrastructure Negotiations Alive -American Infrastructure Magazine (May 12)
• 23 students receive certificates at Inaugural LaunchPad graduation - CENlanow.com
(May 11)
• With Recovery Plan Funding Totals Revealed, Local Communities Start Planning -
The Business Journal(May 11)
• Cities Say They Badly Need Critical Infrastructure Funding - Stateline (May 10)
Announcements
Mayoral Roundtable - Rebuilding: Rethinking Infrastructure &
Funding
Mayor Byron Brown and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway discuss how their cities are
addressing their infrastructure needs. Join their conversation with Mayor Steve Benjamin
about rethinking infrastructure funding on Thursday, May 20 at 3:OOPM ET.
Register Here >
Apps Open for Capstone Challenge Series
Work with NLC's Capstone and Enterprise partners on innovative projects to address real
issues for your city. Explore the project ideas from partners and apply today to get a
thought leader for a challenge in your city.
Learn More >
Tell Congress to Count Cities in on Broadband
23 of 29
Congress is negotiating a historic infrastructure legislative package that includes not just
roads, bridges, and water, but also broadband infrastructure. Take Action now to help
close the digital divide!
Learn More >
Restoring Communities with NLC Service Line Warranty
Program
When water and sewer lines break, many homeowners believe the responsibility to repair
them lie with the municipality. NLC offers the Service Line Warranty Program, a vetted
and trusted program to educate and protect your residents.
Learn More >
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 >
NLC Delivers - ARP Resources
8
Job Openings
See who's hiring right now:
• City Manager-City of Chickasha, OK
• Risk Management Coordinator-Association of WA Cities
• Economic Development Director- Prosper Portland
■
■ • • • • • • ■
Helpful NLC Links:
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5/17/2021 Customize Your Email
MN SMALL CITIES
Ci
��TIES g�6
Minnesota Association of Small Cities
May 2021 Newsletter
State, Local&Federal Updates for Minnesota's Small Cities
Click Here for Print Version View as Webpagg
From the Desk of our Executive Director:
Happy May, Minnesota Small City Leaders!
... and Happy Last Day of Legislative Session ... as well as Tax Day.
As you've probably heard by now,the 2021 legislature will not end on time. Given that TODAY is the
final day of regular session and Governor, House Leadership and Senate Leadership reached budget
agreements just this morning,there is no possible way that conference committees can complete
their work before the clock strikes Midnight-signaling their constitutionally mandated adjournment-
let alone have enough time to get all the omnibus bills to the House and Senate floors for votes. It
simply cannot happen. Read all about what this means and where we go from here, in the STATE
Section below.
Minnesota lawmakers reach budget agreement; special session being planned
Walz,top lawmakers strike budget deal;tax breaks included, but no police changes
REMINDER:Tomorrow,Tuesday, May 18th at 2:00 pm the LMC/MAOSC will co host a webinar to
introduce city leaders to the ARP/Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund guidelines!The event is free
of charge but does require registration. REGISTER HERE. Over$350 million federal dollars will be
distributed to cities with populations under 50,000 in the ARPA. If your city has not yet registered for a
DUNS number you will need to do that ASAP and you can find that info HERE.The 151 pages of
guidance can be found
The MN Small Cities Annual Meeting will take place in the St. Cloud area on Tuesday,June 15th.This
meeting is open to all MAOSC members and If it works for you to do so, we hope you will join us!.
Details can be found in the MAOSC Association News section later in this newsletter.
JUNE is Member Renewal time for MN Small Cities.With our new website and membership
management platform this process should be much EASIER for 2021.Watch your inbox later this week
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or early next week for a separate, more detailed email containing information about how the 2021
Membership Renewal will work.
I
STATE, FEDERAL & LOCAL NEWS
STATE NEWS
Legislative Leaders announced at 11 a.m.this morning,a deal to pass a two-
year state budget.This deal was mostly on budget targets and still leaves a
lot of policy that can be negotiated in the budget"working groups', now :
(post-session)formerly known and policy committees.
You can read the entire agreement proposal here, but the following list
summarizes the budget agreements, including more specifically, some of
the items we were watching closely for small cities.
Taxes: Federal conformity on all PPP (no limit) and UI (up to$10,200); meaning the state will not be
taxing those monies for any person or business that received them. In fact, Leader Gazelka made clear
during the press conference that there will be no tax increases of any kind.
Broadband: $70 Million for Broadband has been agreed to but the finer details have yet to be hashed
out in the appropriate Working Group.
Federal Covid Funds: Some of the federal funds will be distributed this session.The Governor will be
given$500 Million to use as needed and the Legislature will control $1.2 Billion in federal money next
session.
Increase state reserve account to$2.3 billion
Targets are in 'millions' over the current spending levels
Education:$525
Health: $100
Higher Education: $100
Housing:$10 plus$100 for debt service on housing bonds
Public safety: $105
Environment:$30
Transportation: $200
Workforce: $125
Commerce:$16
Agriculture:$10
State Government: $67
Bonding TBD
These are just the budget targets and there is still a lot of policy to determine. Each of these areas
potentially contain provisions affecting small cities in some way, but the final answers of what gets
funded/included and what does not is yet to be determined.This also includes ongoing discussion
about a potential bonding bill.
The conference committees that worked on these bills last week will now become Working Groups
and will be tasked with creating bills that fit within the newly agreed upon parameters. Despite this
agreement there are still a number of unresolved policy items that will now be pushed back to the
Working Groups to negotiate and find resolution by the deadlines set above. Items such as police
reform and delaying the PCA clean car initiative are still up in the air, among a number of other
contentious measures.
Working Groups have until May 28th to produce spending spreadsheets and then must adopt and
report all policy provision agreements by June 4th.When these two steps are completed a special
session will be called and the budget bills will be passed.The special session will take place no later
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than June 14th, as the Governor will need to call the legislature back by then if he is planning to
extend the peacetime emergency in order to continue managing the vaccination process.
When everything shakes out in final passage during special session, we will update you as to what
exactly took place, what small cities"got" and didn't get, etc.
In non-budgetary news,the House passed their Recreational Marijuana bill last week:
House Majority Leader,Winkler made legalizing recreational cannabis a key goal this session and,
after 13 hearings and many amendments the bill that would legalize marijuana in Minnesota passed
off the House floor in a bipartisan vote last week, with 71 votes in favor.
This is a complex bill with a lot of moving parts, with one in particular affecting small cities.The bill, in
its current form,contains a provision stating that a city may not ban cannabis businesses from
operating within its boundaries.Time, place and manner of operation may still be enforced through
your usual permitting process(as you do with all other business licenses).
The Senate has no interest in passing it and the bill is thought to be dead until next session.
• Minnesota House votes 72-61 to legalize cannabis;vote in Senate unlikely
In Other Legislative News...
• Gov.Walz to sign executive order ending statewide mask mandate on Friday_
• CDC says fully vaccinated can stop wearing masks indoors and outdoors in most settings
• Sen.Amy Klobuchar's father,Jim,_passes away at 93
• Debate over eviction moratorium continues as Minnesota Legislative session nears close
• Minnesota to get$200M more than expected in federal aid
• Minnesota will get$2.8 billion from federal COVID relief.Will it bridge budget divide?
• Treasury to start paying out$3506 in state and local aid
LOCAL NEWS FEDERAL NEWS
pItOUD MEMBER
ti
zo-u
MN SMALL CITIES
CITIES
The MAY 2021 Federal Legislative Update from
Noteworthy items featuring MAOSC MAOSC's DC Lobbyist,Vince Spinner,at Lockridge
member cities or corporate members. Grindal Nauen includes the following:
Submit CITY NEWS to: lynda@maosc.com
• President Unveils The American Families Plan
• Battle Lake:DEED Awards • House Plans FY 2022 Spending Bills Markup
Redevelopment/Demolition Funds
• Craig Advocates for Investment in Rural
• Crosslake;Fifty Lakes: 10 Adorable Broadband to Expand Access to Health Care
Small Towns To Visit Near Brainerd
• Craig Announces Launch of the Emergency
Broadband Benefit Program
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• Fountain:Fountain sticks with
wastewater management contract . Emmer Announces May Telephone Town Hall
• Hanska:Library mtg draws interest . Stauber and Fischbach Announced Funding
• Library.Board asks for public input that Affects Small Cities
• Okabena:Lake Okabena's water . Senate Republicans$5688 Infrastructure Plan
levels change carp movement
. Klobuchar,Smith Announce USDA Funding for
• Royalton:Cedar/South Driftwood Rural Water, Energy Infrastructure
Streets project bid awarded
. Klobuchar Introduces Legislation to Expand
• Starbuck:The sweet reason one Coronavirus Testing in Small Towns
Dairy.Queen[gave]away treats
. Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve
• Wabasso:2020 Wabasso Drinking Access to Rural Health Care
Water Report released
• Census Bureau Announces Data from 2020
Survey; Minnesota Keeping House Seats
MAOSC ASSOCIATION NEWS
Much of the content on the MAOSC.org WEBSITE is accessible to Members Only and therefore a
member login is required. Here are a few important notes about that:
ANNUAL MEETING ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
We know that in mid-June many of you will be JUNE is Member Renewal time for MN Small
in St.Cloud for the MCFOA conference so we're Cities.With our new website/membership
hoping this will be a convenient way for you to management platform this process should be
join us for the relatively short MN Small Cities more automated and EASIER for 2021.
Annual Meeting.
Tuesday,June 15th/12:30 pm-2:30 pm Watch your inbox later this week or early next
Holiday Inn &Suites Saint Cloud: week for a separate, more detailed email
75 South 37th Avenue, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 containing information about how
Registration is appreciated, but not mandatory. Membership Renewal will work for 2021.
Register HERE
If you're still stuck, CALL LYNDA at 612-701-9194.She'll help you get all set up!
RESOURCES & TIMELY OPPORTUNITIES
Check out the current Programs,Grants,and Training Opportunities posted on the MAOSC.org,website(under the
Resources'navigation link). >> Discussion Forums >> Category: GRANTS, Programs,Training,Opportunities,etc.
This is what you'll find there today:
• Orientation to Broadband Mapping&Data Resources-Webinar May 20
• Congression Spending Request Sen Klobuchar Deadline -Deadline May 21
• Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure Program-Info Session May 25
• Grants Available for Publicly-owned Historic Properties-Deadline May 28
• Conducting Lead Service Line Inventories-Webinar April 29
• Small Cities Coronavirus CDBG-CV Program-Deadline June 1
• Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure(TEDI)_program-RFPs Due Aug 27
• Workplace Safety and Health Safety Grant Program-Deadline unknown
• CEDA Offers Free assistance for farmers in greater Minnesota-Deadline unknown
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MN SM 1 I I. CITIES BOARD of DIRECTORS
Until Next Time ... MAOSC Board Members &Regions
•Tim Burkhardt,President(Region 5)
Thank you for your hard work •Shannon Mortenson, Vice Pres.(Region 1)
and dedication to Minnesota's •Jacob Kolander, Treasurer(Region 9)
' small cities,AND for your •Joel Young,Secretary(Region 12)
ongoing support of MAOSC! •Mary McComber,Past President(Region 8)
•Tina Rennemo(Region 2)
On behalf of the entire Board of •Jon Smith(Region 3)
Directors,we extend a huge THANK YOU to all cities that •Cheryl Hahn(Region 4)
have pledged your continued membership support! We are •Jon Hawkinson(Region 6)
honored to be able to continue working with you -and •Wyatt Kemper(Region 7)
advocating FOR you -in 2020-2021 and beyond. •Jeff Schoobridge (Region 10)
•Brian Heck(Region 11)
Watch your inbox every Monday throughout session, for •Michael Hammes(At-Large 1)
weekly Legislative Updates! As always,if you have •William McCabe(At-Large 2)
questions or concerns,please don't hesitate to ask. •Michelle Stevens(At-Large 3)
We're happy to assist any way we can. •Dave Engstrom(At-Large 4)
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