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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly Notes-December 30th 2021 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS—WEEKLY NOTES for: December 30th,2021 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson City Administrator Zoninq &Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. NOTE: City Hall will be closed on 12/24&12/27 as well as 12/31 2. The City has received a response from Washington County regarding its comments on the 2022-2026 CIP—Being the County South Frontage Road Extension. See Enclosed. 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: 1. The Clty has provided communication to Tennis Sanitation that it will remain with the negotiated terms of the Service Agreement and does not approve the 4%rate increases they propose as this would conflict considerably with the stated CPI index noted-which actually declined by 4.56%. The City will need to go out for bids in 2022 as the City's 8-year contract with Tennis will expire.Staff did inquire about a simple extension with some reasonable rate 3%adjustments, however the response received was vastly more expensive than current rates and well beyond a 3%figure...the City can likely do better in a bidding format. 2. The City has provided written notice to the land ownership entities that"FINAL PLANS"are available for their comments related to the Norell Ave.This action was committed to in the easement agreements. See the enclosed communications to Principal Properties (Kohls site), Wal-Mart and Halle Properties.We are awaiting final comments from MNDOT and the County. 3. See updates from the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and the NOVEMBER-SPAAR report commenting on home/market conditions. Mayor McComber Provided 1. Updates from the NLC- 12-28&12-29 "Weekly Notes"is an internal/inter-departmental memo limited in scope to share brief updates and information among City Departments,City Consultants and Elected Officials regarding various topics. Washington � Office of Administration .w County Kevin Corbid, County Administrator Jan Lucke, Deputy Administrator December 14, 2021 Jennifer Wagenius, Deputy Administrator Eric Johnson City Administrator City of Oak Park Weights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Oak Park Heights; MN 55082 RE: Draft Washington County 2022 — 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Comments Mr. Johnson: - - Thank you for your comments (in-the Draft 2022-2026 Washington County Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). We are aware of the city's concerns with the 58th Street Extension project (RB-2652). Staff is in the process of drafting responses to the provided Traffic Study, Business Impact Study, and Memorandum of Understanding. These responses will outline a process for public engagement and technical analysis, including a review of the Eastbound Trunk Highway 36 Auxiliary Lane as requested by the City of Oak Park Heights. We are hopeful that this process will allow the city and county to reach agreement on improvements to this area allowing for construction of the appropriate improvements in 2025. The City of Oak Park Heights has been, and continues to be, a valued partner in the planning, design, and construction of county capital infrastructure improvements. We value our relationship with the city and thank you for your comments. We look forward to working together to implement the projects planned in this CIP. Sincer ly, K vin orbi (wq County Ad `' istrator C: Washington County Board of Commissioners Jan Lucke - Deputy Administrator Jennifer Wagenius — Deputy Administrator Don Theisen — Public Works Director Wayne Sandberg — Public Works Deputy Director/ County Engineer Government Center• 14949 62nd Street North• P. O. Box 6•Stillwater, MN 55082-0006 Telephone:651-430-6001 • Fax 651-430-6017•TTY: 651-430-6246 www.co.washington.mn us Washington County is an equal opportunity organization and employer Te I . City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 28,2021 T0: Ms.Angela Vaidich-Tennis Sanitation Via email only: AngelaH@tennissanitation.com RE: Rate Increase Requests—For January 1,2022 The City has received your request for certain rate increases associated with the services contracted between your firm and the City. At this time the proposal from Tennis is seeking an adjustment associated with the County's Disposal Fees and a 4.0% increase in the Collection, Q ConsumerP,I,,Inde for All Urban Consumers:P,Iv tet,,n port,tJm,In Minn—polls Recycling,Yard Waste and Appliance Fees. St.Papl- ° " ° ""_"=aBs"' " • The associated increase for Disposal Fees is built into the current Agreement (County rates).Thus,such rate increase goes into effect as of January 1,2022 and such rates are$4.70,$7.48 and$11.22.See approved rate attachment. w • Also built into the Agreement is the index being the Consumer Price Index p for All Urban Consumers:Private transportation in Minneapolis-St.Paul- Bloomington,MN-WI with the most recent rate actually declining by-4.56%. Accordingly,this does not match your request,and the City must decline this inquiry for the 4.0%increase.The City does understand cost structures— 2015-01-01 180.416 -7.70% many which we have little capacity to control and which already result in higher 2016-01-01 176.512 -2.16% property taxes.Unfortunately,these other increases,as these exceed the 2017-01-01 180.328 2.16% 2018-01-01 188.024 4.27% approved index,and are not approved.SEE: 2019-01-01 186.298 -0.92% https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUUSA211SAT1 2020-01-01 177.803 -4.56% Average Since 2015 -1.4851% The approved monthly rates are attached to be effective January 1,2022.Should there be any calculation errors,these will need to be adjusted.We appreciate the work Tennis Sanitation has supplied as we are sure you appreciate the fees the City has paid and our commitments to your firm -as the City pays an estimated $200,000 annually for such services and will likely approach over$1,400,000 during the term of our Agreement. Lastly, the current Agreement runs through December 31, 2022,and we expect to initiate a new bidding RFB during 2022 to be effective January 1, 2023. Thank You, Jennifer Pinski Assistant City Administrator 2022 Approved Rates—Oak Park Heights 2022 Per Contract 35 gallon Disposal Fee (COUNTY) $ 4.70 Collection Fee $ 4.00 Recycling Fee $ 2.55 Yard Waste $ 1.00 Appliance Fee $ 0.75 Total $ 13.00 65 gallon Disposal Fee (COUNTY) $ 7.48 Collection Fee $ 4.00 Recycling Fee $ 2.55 Yard Waste $ 1.00 Appliance Fee ��� $ 0.75 Total $ 15.78 95 gallon Disposal Fee (COUNTY) $ 11.22 Collection Fee $ 4.00 Recycling Fee $ 2.55 Yard Waste $ 1.00 Appliance Fee Total Extras - Per Bag $ 2.00 Extras - Per Yard - Construction $ 19.50 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 29, 2021 TO: Ms. Bridget Kautzky, Esq. Halle Properties LLC VIA EMAIL: Bridget.Kautzkygdiscounttire.com Cc: Catherine.Sandersgdiscounttire.com Sharon.Webergdi scounttire.com RE: Norell Ave—Final Plan Set—2022 Construction Good Morning As the City has secured certain easements from your firm and/or ownership to construct the much needed 60th street Backage Road Realignment; the City made commitments to provide to you a FINAL SET (DEVELOPMENT) of plans prior to going out for bids and certainly prior to any construction. The City does expect to be out for bids in late January and to commence construction promptly this spring. Accordingly, this link below will take you to those FINAL PLANS to be used for such bidding and planned construction. https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1pOpOx8h2obml49/8214-191_Plans_2021-12-23.pdf7d1=0 The City does not believe there have been any material changes from the plans provided in the past. However,please take the opportunity to review these and let me know if there are any issues or if you are in need of any interpretation. I can be reached at 651-439-4439 if you have any questions. Sincerely l� Eric Johnson City Administrator City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 29, 2021 TO: Mr. Rick Strawn, Managing Director Principal Real Estate Investor's LLC VIA EMAIL: Strawn.Rickgprincipal.com Cc: genevieve.liesenergcushwake.com RE: Norell Ave—Final Plan Set—2022 Construction Good Morning: As the City has secured certain easements from your firm and/or ownership to construct the much needed 601h street Backage Road Realignment; the City made commitments to provide to you a FINAL SET (DEVELOPMENT) of plans prior to going out for bids and certainly prior to any construction. The City does expect to be out for bids in late January and to commence construction promptly this spring. Accordingly, this link below will take you to those FINAL PLANS to be used for such bidding and planned construction. https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1pOpOx8h2obml49/8214-191_Plans_2021-12-23.pdf7d1=0 The City does not believe there have been any material changes from the plans provided in the past. However,please take the opportunity to review these and let me know if there are any issues or if you are in need of any interpretation. I can be reached at 651-439-4439 if you have any questions. Sincerely Eric Johnson City Administrator i City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 December 29, 2021 TO: Ms. Myosha Polidore Wal-Mart VIA EMAIL: MPolidoregwalmart.com Cc: Delbert.Wardgwalmart.com (Rex) Max.Wrightgwalmart.com (Chip) RE: Norell Ave—Final Plan Set—2022 Construction Good Morning As the City has secured certain easements from your firm and/or ownership to construct the much needed 60th street Backage Road Realignment; the City made commitments to provide to you a FINAL SET (DEVELOPMENT) of plans prior to going out for bids and certainly prior to any construction. The City does expect to be out for bids in late January and to commence construction promptly this spring. Accordingly, this link below will take you to those FINAL PLANS to be used for such bidding and planned construction. https://www.dropbox.com/s/gpOpOx8h2obml49/8214-191_Plans_2021-12-23.pdf7d1=0 The City does not believe there have been any material changes from the plans provided in the past. However,please take the opportunity to review these and let me know if there are any issues or if you are in need of any interpretation. I can be reached at 651-439-4439 if you have any questions. Sincerely Eric Johnson City Administrator From: Robin Anthony To: Eric Johnson Subject: Message from the Executive Director Date: Wednesday, December 29,2021 1:33:13 PM Hello Community Leaders: What a year! We started and ended this year in a pandemic, but that does not stop the valley from being strong and vibrant! We reopened businesses and the community came together realizing that together, we are bold, empowered, and unstoppable. Chamber events were more successful than ever, and we are looking at new programs as we roll into 2022. Five highlights of 2021 1. We pushed through this pandemic together 2. We signed a three-year contract to bring a worldwide event to the Stillwater area 3. We launched a Chamber Foundation which will give back to the community 4. Our collaborative efforts and focus has proven successful as a forward-looking organization 5. We continue to be the largest Chamber in Washington County I want to thank our Board of Directors for their continued support and dedication to the business community and our organization. Also, a big shout out to our staff: Stacie Jensen, Communications Manager, Lindsay Belland, Events Manager; and Laura Peters, the Partnership Manager for their steadfast work, innovations, and perseverance this past year. This team is an `Ace of a Team', and I am proud to work alongside of them. In addition, a big thanks to our municipalities and county for their constant support and partnership— and finally to our Chamber members. Because of YOU, our Chamber is thriving and is viewed upon with respect and dignity among Chambers across the state. Exciting news in 2022. The Chamber will be hosting the inaugural World Snow Sculpting Championship January 18-23, 2022, in Lowell Park with teams from around the world and of course, only in Minnesota do we raise the bar high. This event comes with numerous events and activities; something for everyone including an opening ceremony, World's Coolest Block Party, and a MinneSnowta Nice Day. We have also snatched a partnership with KSTP / MNLive for full coverage during this six-day event. If you would like to volunteer, you can check out the opportunities HERE and if you are interested in a sponsorship you can check that out HERE. The end of January we will host the Fire & Ice Community Social Celebration in Lowell Park and February 18th we will celebrate our community at the Winter Gala in an Old Vegas Style! Sponsor, purchase tickets and nominate HERE. So as you can see, we are moving and shaking in 2022. We hope to see you all there! As I close out another year proudly serving your Chamber of Commerce, I hope you all have a safe and happy new year and enjoy your time with your friends and family. Look out 2022, the valley is on fire! Let's roll into the new year and embrace the cold weather in Minnesota, because there's no business-like snow business! Warmest Regards, Robin Robin Anthony, IOM Executive Director From: Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors(g) To: Eric Johnson Subject: Reminder:SPAAR Housing Market Update,November 2021 Date: Wednesday,December 29,2021 1:01:27 PM I� Good Afternoon, The economy is improving, unemployment is falling, and the U.S. real estate market remains strong as we head into the holiday season, a period when activity typically slows as people take time to travel, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones. Although the market is not as frenetic as was seen earlier this year, buyer demand is high, bolstered by attractive mortgage rates and a low supply of inventory. New Listings in the Twin Cities region increased 1.2 percent to 4,123. Pending Sales were up 0.8 percent to 4,740. Inventory levels fell 18.6 percent to 6,110 units. I@ Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 9.4 percent to $339,000. Days on Market was down 11.8 percent to 30 days. Sellers were encouraged as Months Supply of Homes for Sale was down 21.4 percent to 1.1 months. The most recent data from the National Association of REALTORS® reports the median single-family existing home sales price rose 16% in the third quarter of this year to $363,700, with all four regions of the country experiencing double-digit price growth. In new construction, builder confidence increased in November, surpassing analyst expectations and rising to 83 on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), the highest level since spring, despite persistent labor and supply chain challenges and a shortage of available lots. Your Local Market Update can be found here: https://spaar.stats.showingtime.com/docs/Imu/x/OakParkHeights?src=page Best regards, Local Market Update — November 2021 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE SAINT PAUL AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSO s p a a r + 50.0% + 16.7% + 30.8% Change in Change in Change in Oak Park Heights New Listings Closed Sales Median Sales Price November Year to Date 2020 2021 + 2020 2021 + New Listings 4 6 +50.0% 70 63 -10.0% Closed Sales 6 7 +16.7% 66 58 -12.1% Median Sales Price` $260,000 $340,000 +30.8% $273,600 $325,000 +18.8% Average Sales Price' $322,083 $371,076 +15.2% $290,154 $332,201 +14.5% Price Per Square Foot` $176 $179 +1.6% $168 $184 +9.4% Percent of Original List Price Received" 100.7% 105.0% +4.3% 98.6% 102.7% +4.2% Days on Market Until Sale 32 48 +50.0% 50 23 -54.0% Inventory of Homes for Sale 6 2 -66.7% -- -- Months Supply of Inventory 1.0 0.3 -70.0% -- -- Does not account for seller concessions. i Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size. November ■2020 ■2021 ■2020 2021 Year to Date 7 70 6 6 �I 63 66 58 4 +50.0% + 16.7% -10.0% -12.1% 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% - 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. Current as of December 8,2021.All data from NorthstarMLS. i Copyright ShowingTime. Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2021 1:41 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Historic Year in Federal Advocacy for Cities,Towns, and Villages For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League Of Cities (NLC) <advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Tue, Dec 28, 2021 1:00 pm Subject: Historic Year in Federal Advocacy for Cities, Towns, and Villages Federal Advocacy Newsletter-Tuesday,December 28 NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE OF Federal • • This Year in Federal Advocacy: Significant Wins for Communities in the Midst of Crisis 2021 was a historic year. As cities, towns, and villages across the country continued to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress listened to local leaders and provided critical investments to support economic recovery and rebuild our nation's infrastructure. NLC was there every step of the way to help you advocate for and navigate this legislation. As we head into 2022, know that our team will continue to be your go-to partner in accessing and maximizing these opportunities. Read on for some of most useful resources and highlights from this year! oil, 1 COVID-19: Local Action Infrastructure Bill to Benefit Fulfilling the Promise of Tracker Cities, Towns and Villages America's Cities, Towns and Villages Response and Recovery Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Playbook This new playbook is designed to educate local leaders on the value of the historic ARPA SLFRF program, help local leaders access critical implementation resources from the Treasury and NLC, and generate the biggest impact for their communities. Learn More > ARPA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions NLC has identified your frequently asked questions about Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund grants. Learn More > State of the Pandemic: Using Data to Combat COVID-19 With another variant of concern knocking at our doors, many are concerned that COVID-19 cases will climb in the weeks and months to come, even with 70.9 percent of the U.S. adult population fully vaccinated. What does the data tell us and what should city leaders do going forward? Learn More > Fact Sheets on Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs NLC fact sheets on the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds explain eligibility guidelines for wastewater, drinking water and stormwater projects under both ARPA and the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Clean Water Fact Sheet > Drinking Water Fact Sheet> Rebuild Infrastructure Bill Insights The Infrastructure Bill Insights tool below provides a searchable list of programs of interest included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so that you can search and find what you need as a community more easily. 2 Learn More > How Hard-to-Fill Infrastructure Jobs Impact Building Our Future The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provide funding streams that target expansion, maintenance and remediation of a wide range of infrastructure systems and assets. This will spur an unprecedented number of new infrastructure jobs. Is our workforce aligned, willing and ready to take on these newjobs? Learn More > The Build Back Better Act: What You May Have Missed Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act (BBBA), which includes key priority areas for local governments, including programs to support workforce development, increase housing affordability and improve climate resilience. NLC continues to advocate for key programs that, alongside the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide investments, opportunities and economic growth critical to sustained recovery. Learn More > Notice of Funding Opportunities Department of Agriculture - Community Forest Program. Closing Date: 1/10/2022. Apply Here > Department of Commerce -American Rescue Plan Act Good Jobs Challenge. Closing Date: 1/26/2022. Apply Here > Federal Emergency Management Agency- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities. Closing Date: 1/28/2022. Apply Here > Department of Agriculture - Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program. Closing Date: 2/22/2022. Apply Here > Environmental Protection Agency- Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring for Communities. 3 Closing Date: 2/25/2022. Apply Here > Department of Agriculture - Rural Development Business Grants. Closing Date: 2/28/2022. Apply Here > Economic Development Administration -American Rescue Plan Act Economic Adjustment Assistance. Closing Date: 3/31/2022. Apply Here > LM NLCNATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL March LEAGUE ' • OF CITIESCITY CONFERENCE PRE-CONFERENCEP117:1,7CUT" EDUCATION AND Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events In C3 Im Resources & Training Advocacy If this message is not displaying properly, please view the online version. NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE F CITIES C171E5 STRONG TOGETHER You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences. This message was intended for: marymccomber@aol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy I @ 2021 NLC, All Rights Reserved 4 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 8:13 AM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Survey Finds Increased City Funding for Afterschool &Summer Learning Programs For weekly notes -----Original Message----- From: National League of Cities (NLC) <membership@nlc.org> To: marymccomber@aol.com Sent: Wed, Dec 29, 2021 8:04 am Subject: Survey Finds Increased City Funding for Afterschool & Summer Learning Programs Access your weekly N LC member roundup! NLCLEAGLIE•NATIONAL F CITIES Member Roundup December 2• 2021 Midwest -• • A�I i Survey Finds Increased City Funding for Afterschool & Summer Learning Programs Municipal leaders are acting and increasing investments to grow and enhance afterschool and summer learning offerings, according to a new NLC survey. Over the course of the pandemic, cities indicated that while their funding decreased at the peak of the pandemic, many have increased their investments in afterschool and summer learning programs as part of their recovery. i Upcoming Combatting Disinformation & Rebuilding Trust in Local Government Wednesday, Jan. 5 -2:OOPM ET Join us to discuss the threat misinformation poses to democracy & actions local leaders can take to respond. REGISTER HERE > A Roadmap to Inclusive Entrepreneurship {} Monday, Jan. 10 - 1:OOPM ET Learn how city leaders can help build more sustainable ecosystems that support inclusivity and diversity among local entrepreneurs. REGISTER HERE > f Info Session: Health & Resilience through the Arts Tuesday, Jan. 11 -4:OOPM ET Learn how your municipality can build partnerships between local government, artists, and Community Health Centers. n REGISTER HERE > CIE Speaker Series: Access to Capital 2 — Leveraging Federal Resources Tuesday, Jan. 19 -3:OOPM ET Join this webinar to learn how city leaders can harness federal resources to support local businesses and entrepreneurs of color. REGISTER HERE > ARPA Office Hour: Grant Writing & Reporting Monday, Jan. 24 - 1:30PM ET 2 NLC is hosting a members-only session on accessing competitive grants, grant writing and hiring a grant writer. Get " the basics and how to in this webinar. REGISTER HERE > k j� View All Events 5 NATIONAL ' CONGRESSIONAL NLCLEAGUE • OF CITIES CONFERENCE 2022 � CITY EXECUTIVE EDUCATION r • 2022 I t p S I Ii K K SCOTUS Allows New York Treasury Updates Guidance Vaccine Mandate on CARES Funds In We the Patriots USA v. Hochul, the Supreme Court allowed New York's The U.S. Department of Treasury on December 14 released an update on the vaccine mandate to remain in effect while litigation over it continues in the Coronavirus Relief Fund ("CRF") created lower federal courts. under The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. 3 NLC i.,& CITY SUMMIT CITIES STRONG TOGETHER V I R T U A L NOVEMBER 12, 15 - 19 2021 Now On-Demand! Thanks for reading the latest articles and events from the NLC, where local leaders and their staff go to learn and grow. 'Til next time! Sincerely, Alejandra Piers-Torres go Midwest Member Engagement Manager, NLC piers-torres@nlc.org Helpful NLC Links: Articles Upcoming Events Resources &Training Advocacy COVID-19 Relief Resources Member Solution Partners If this message is not displaying properly, please view in browser. 4 NLCNATIONAL LEAGUE F CITIES CITIES 5TRONC,TOGETHER You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences or unsubscribe. This message was intended for: marymccomber@aol.com. Manage preferences here. 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy I @ 2021 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Higher Logic 5