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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 24, 1994 RegularAGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1994, 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 590 40TH AVENUE NE Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 782-2800, Extension 209, to make arrangements. 1. ¢~11 to Order and Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Consent Agenda (All items listed with asterisks [***] are considered to be rout:-ne by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion.) Minutes of Previous Meeting(s) Open Mike/Proclama~i0ns/Presentations (Open Mike is an opportunity for residents to address or raise any issue to the City Council. However, the City Council asks that the resident provide their name, address, and a statement of the item. The matter will be considered by the City Council or referred to staff for a future response. In order to expedite business, residents will be allotted five minutes to present their statement or issue.) a. Presentation by Jim Kordiak, Anoka County Commissioner on Solid Waste Tipping Fees b. Medtronics Grant Presentation 6. Public Hearings/Ordinances & Resolutions a. Public Hearing for Basic Cable Rates b. Public Hearing on Utilization of 1994 CDBG Entitlement c. Resolution 94-__.; Being a Resolution Designating Depositories for Funds of the City of Columbia Heights d. Resolution 94-__.; Being a Resolution to approve Submittal of Variance Request for T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue e. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1280; Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 through 46 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to the Referendum and Referendum Petitions f. Other Ordinances and Resolutions 7, Communications a. Request for Temporary Signage by Boxseat, Exclusive Sports Bar and Grill b. 1994 AMM Legislative Priority c. Other Communications 8. Old Business a. Other Old Business 9. N~w Business ***a. Approve Attendance of the Finance Department Staff at the Annual GFOA Conference ***b. Authorization to seek bids for 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping ***c. Authorization to seek bids for catch basin manhole replacement ***d. Establish Date for Public Improvement Hearing on LaBelle Park East Bank Project ***e. Establish Date for Board of Review Meeting ***4. 5. f. Other New Business 10. Reports a. Report of the City Manager b. Report of the City Attorney **'11. Licenses **'12. Payment of Bills Adjournment 94/3 Pat Hentges City Manager January 18, 1994- The following is the agenda for the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 1994, in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at '/82-2800, Extension 209, to make arrangements. (TDD/'/82-2806 for deaf only) 1, ¢411 to Order and Roll Ci~ll 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Consent Agenda (All items listed with asterisks [***] are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion.) RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt the consent agenda items as indicated with an asterisk (***)on the Regular Council Agenda. 4, Minutes of Previous Meeting(~) *** RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 1994; as presented in writing, and such reading be dispensed with. 5. Open Mike/Proclamations/Presentations (Open Mike is an opportunity for residents to address or raise any issue to the City Council. However, the City Council asks that the resident provide their name, address, and a statement of the item. The matter will be considered by the City Council or referred to staff for a future response. In order to expedite business, residents will be allotted five minutes to present their statement or issue.) a. Presentation by Jim Kordiak, Anoka County Commissioner on Solid Waste Tipping Fees. COUNCIL AGENDA Page 2 Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 b. Medtronics Grant Presentation Public Hearings/Ordinances ~4 Resolutions a. Public Hearing for Basic Cable Rates RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing regarding the rates established for basic cable service and all equipment required to receive basic cable service for Columbia Heights and Hilltop to February 28, 1994, at 7:00 PM. b. Public Hearing on Utilization of 1994 CDBG Entitlement RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the attached schedule as the 1994 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the City of Columbia Heights with the HRA Executive Director authorized to prepare and submit application for such funds. c. Resolution designating Depositories for Funds of the City of Columbia Heights RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 94-__ copies available to the public. , there being ample RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 94- depositories for funds of the City of Columbia Heights. , being a resolution designating d. Resolution to approve Submittal of Variance Request for T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the Resolution, there being ample copies available to the public. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 94-__ directing the City Engineer to proceed with the submittal of a variance request to the Commissioner of Transportation for T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1280; Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 through 46 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to the Referendum and Referendum Petitions RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to table indefinitely the second reading of Ordinance No. 1280; Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 through 46 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to the Referendum and Referendum Petitions. f. Other Ordinances and Resolutions Communications a. Request for temporary signage by Boxseat, Exclusive Sports Bar and Grill RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the request of Boxseat, Exclusive Sports Bar and Grill, 4005 Central Avenue, for temporary signage. COUNCIL AGENDA Page 3 Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 b. 1994 AMM Legislative Priority This material is provided for informational purposes only, no formal action is required. c. Other Communications 8. Old Bu~ino$s a. Other Old Business 9. New Business ***a. Approve Attendance of the Finance Department Staff at the Annual GFOA Conference. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the attendance of William Elrite, Finance Director and June Johnston, Assistant Finance Director at the Annual Government Finance Officers Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from June 5-8, 1994; and furthermore, that related expenses be reimbursed. ***b. Authorization to seek bids for 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping contract. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the replacement of four catch basin manholes located west of 455 37th Avenue. ***c. Authorization to seek bids for catch basin manhole replacement RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the replacement of four catch basin manholes located west of 455 37th Avenue. d. Establish Date for Public Improvement Hearing on LaBelle Park East Bank Project RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to establish a Public Improvement Hearing for F~bruary 28, 1994, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. *** e. Establish Date for Board of Review Meeting RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to establish special meeting for Board of Review for April 18, 1994, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. f. Other New Business 10. Reports a. Report of the City Manager b. Report of the City Attorney COUNCIL AGENDA Page 4 Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 11. Licenses *** RECOMMENDED MOTION: proper fees. Move to approve the 1994 license applications as listed upon payment of 12. Payment of Bills ***RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Adjournment RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adjourn. PH:CB 94/.. Attachments Pat Hentges City Manager CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 Mayor Joseph Sturdcvant Councilmembers Donald G. Jolly Bruce G. Nawrocki Gary L. Peterson Robert W. Ruetlimann LINDA MAGEE' ' ASSISTANT 'TO ciTY NANAGER January 18, 1994- The following is the agenda for the regular meeting of the City Council to be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 24, 1994, in the City Council Chambers of City Hall at 590 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota. City Manager Patrick Hentges The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 782-2800, Extension 209, to make arrangements. (TDD/782-2806 for deaf only) '~ C~II ~0 Order and Roll Call ,~. Pledge of Allegiance ...,. tn?! ,-"~' , q'¢ . .,,---- , ~ Consent A~,enda ' (All items listed with asterisks [***] are consideredto be routine by the City Council and will be enacted as part of the Consent Agenda by one motion.) RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt the consent agenda items as indicated with an asterisk (***)on the Regular Council Agenda. "4 .~in~tqs of Previous Meeting(s) **'*~RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 1994; as presented in writing, and such reading be dispensed with. ? O~en Mil~/Procl~mations/Presentations '~* ~" ./--" '~ (Open Mike is an opportunity for residents to address or raise any issue to the City ..~, i ~ ' Council. However, the City Council asks that the resident provide their name, address, ~ .~'" ' ~ and a statement of the item. The ma~er will be considered by the City Council or referred ~~ ~" K ~k to staff for a future response. In order to expedite business, residents will be allo~ed five ~,., ~ '~' ~ ,~ ~.~ -' &> . ~,. /min~s to present their statement or issue.) . j', ~'"' ~. ~ ~'; r~ sentation by Jim Kordiak, Anoka County Commissioner ~n Solid Waste Tipping .' k ' "'~ ....'~,,~ ', ,~ ~.. h'SERVlCE IS OUR BUSINE~" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYE,R COUNCIL AGENDA Page 2 tronics Grant Presentation ~/(l¢ ~ ' Publfc H~arinis/Ordinances & Resol i~ons ~~~i;b' Hearing for Basic Cable al[~; ~ ~ ~y '~c ~ ~i ~'' DED MOTION' lic heating regarding the st shed f~ basic cable service and aB e~uipment required to receive basic ~ble service for Columbia Heights ad Hilltop to February 28, 19~, at 7:00 PM. ~COMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the attached sched~,~; Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for th~ City ~f~l~~ightsi~ with the H~ Executive Director author~ed to prepare and submit applicat~~ch fun~s. ~~lution designatingDepositoriesforFundsoftheCityof m~jights th ~ECOM~ENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Re~ ut' - , ' g P L~opies~ailable to the public. / ~MMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Re~lution 94- , being a re~lution designating p~itories for funds of the City of Columbia Heights. d/~esolution to approve Submittal of Variance Request for T.H. 47 from 37~A~enue to 53rd Avenue ~..~E~yMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of~e Re~ there bein~ample copies '~vailable to the public. ~,~" RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Re~lution No. 94-~ directing to proceed with the submit~l of a variance request to the Commis~r of Transportation ~or T.H.  om 3~th Avenue to 53rd Avenue. d Reading of Ordinance No. ~280; Being an Ord~ Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 gh 46 of the Cha~er ~f ~the Ci~ of Columbia He~ Pe~aini~ to the Refereadum and RtCO~fN ION' ~ov~o t~bl~ iad~i~it~l~ t~ i~ad r~l~ ofOr~i~ c . ; Columbia Hei~eaining to the R~e~dum and ~Petitions. ~~ther Ordinances and Re~lutions . ' TRequest for t,mporary signage ~, Boxs,at, Exclusive Sports B:;.a~ G rill ~ .~" COUNCIL AGENDA Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 ~X 1994 AMM Legislative Priority ~ent ~;f and June Johnston, Assistant Finance Director at the Annual Government Finance Officers ~,"\ Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from June 5-8, 1994; and furthermore, that /.~. ~%! /elated expenses be reimbursed. N ~ **~ Authorization to seek bids for 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping 'J / r et and Park~n ~ ~ ~'REcoMMENDEDMOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the1994 St e ' g // ~ne Striping contract. k~'l ~ r h ~,J / ~RECOMMENDED MOTION: Mov~ ~o authorize staff to seek bids for the replacement of fou cate nholes located west of 455 3~h Avenue. ~s~blish Date for Public Improvement Hearing o~L~el~ ~ark ~st ~ank Project ' ~~ 5'~.~. m 'orF'br ar 2S RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to es~blish a~bliclmprovem~t ~ear' ig ,~ rul y , ~ at ~p,M, . in the ~ty Council Chamber~) (~'~',_~. .~_~~ ~~ / vX~ ~7~ )~~stablishDat, for Board of Review M,e~n, , ~,, "~ECOM ENDED MOTION Move to e speCial 'meeting for Board of Review for April 18, ~4, at ~P.M. in the City Coun~9~~. ~ Other New Busin,ss ~& Report of the City Attorney COUNCIL AGENDA Page 4 /' ,j~, Council Meeting of January 24, 1994 **~COMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the 1994 license applications as listed upon payment of proper fees. , .~Pa~ment of Bills I\ - *~RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to pay the bills as listed out of proper funds. Ad_jourument RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adjourn. PH:CB 94/.. Attachments Pat Hentges City Manager OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 The Council Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Council President Nawrocki. The Oath of Office was administered by the City Clerk to Mayor Sturdevant, Counci]member Nawrocki and Councilmember Jolly. 1. ROLL CALL Jolly, Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, Sturdevant - present 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were addressed by the Council on the Consent Agenda: Handicapped Parking Request - Immaculate Conception Church The Council approved designating the west side of Jackson Street "gandicap Parking" from the north parking lot entrance to 75' snuth of the centerline of 41st Avenue Northeast and designating the east side of Jackson Street "No Parking Saturday 4PM to 6PM and Sunday 6AM to Noon" from the north parking lot entrance to 41st Avenue Northeast. Installation of Light at Keyes Park The Council authorized staff ~o have a light instal]ed in Keyes Park to facilitate sledding with funds from Fund ]01- 45200-5130, based on a recommendation of the Park and Recreation Commission. Renewal of Membership in Association of Metropolitan Municipalities The Council authorized payment of $4,909 to the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities for payment of the City's 1994 membership dues with such funds to come from Fund 101-41110- 4330. Renewal of Membership in North Metro Mayors' Association The Council authorized payment of $12,295 to the North Metro Mayors' Association for payment of the City's 1994 membership dues. Establish Date for Public Improvement Hearing The Council established a Public Improvement Hearing for Monday, March 21, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, ]994 PAGE 2 Payment of Bills The Council approved the payment of the bills as listed out of proper funds. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to approve the Consent Agenda items discussed. Roll call: All ayes APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to approve the minutes of the December 27, 1993 Council Meeting with the inclusion of Counci]member Nawrocki's statement regarding the City Manager's performance evaluation. Roll call: All ayes Counci]member Nawrocki also noted that the corrections he had requested for the December 8, ]993 Council Meeting minutes should have been copied for members of the Council. OPEN MIKE/PRESENTATiONS a. Pla~ue Presentation to Edward Carlson Mayor Sturdevant presented a plaque to Edward Carlson in recognition of his six years of service as a Counci]member and two years of service as Mayor. b. Appeal of Denial of Taxi Cab License Randy Ziemann, whose application for a taxi cab driver's license was denied, is appealing the Council's decision. He addressed his histcry in involvements in community affairs and also addressed his history of violations. Me did not recall the 1990 misdemeanor when he filled out his application. Councilmember Nawrocki recalled the Council had granted a temporary license under similar circumstances. This situation required a six month monitoring period by the Po]ice Department with a report every 30 days regarding any violations. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly to grant a six month supervised driver's license for a taxi cab to Randy Ziemann with thirty day interval reports from the Police Department and if there is any illegal activity by Mr. Ziemann the license will be revoked immediately and none will be issued in the future. Roll call: All ayes REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS/ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS a. Resolution No. 94-01; Council Committee Orqanization Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki stated that the appointment to the Charter Commission is made by the District Chief Judge and the HRA appointment is made by the Mayor. He requested these two appointments be removed from the Exhibit. Also, Councilmember Nawrocki wanted Councilmember Gary Peterson recognized as Council President Pro-Tem in the Exhibit. RESOLUTION NO. 94-01 BEING A RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO COUNCIL 1994 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS WHEREAS: After each municipal election, the Council reviews its organizational structure relative to boards, commissions and committees; and WHEREAS: This reviewal process was done at Council work session; and the recent WHEREAS: Members of the City Council concurred on the representative appointments as presented in the attached Exhibit NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the representatives to various boards, commissions, and committees be set forth as stated in the attached Exhibit. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Nawrocki Ruettimann All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Motion by Nawrocki, second by Ruettimann that authorization be given for expenses for Councilmember Nawrocki to attend League of Cities meetings. Roll call: 'All ayes REGUi,AR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 4 b. Resolution No. 94-02; Beinq a Resolution Orderinq Midblock Light Improvement Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes RESOLUTION NO. 94-02 BEING A RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City of Columbia Heights by motion on the 27th day of December, 1993 and on the 22nd day of November, 1993 ordered notice of a hearing to be given to property owners, and WHEREAS, pursuant to a notice of hearing certain residents appeared at a Council Meeting on the 27th day of December, i993, and WHEREAS, the Council, by motion, determined to proceed with this local improvement, a proper portion of the cost of such improvement to be especially assessed against each lot or parcel of land is the amount as billed annual]y by Northern States Power plus and administration fee under Charter provisions. NOW, THEREFORE, iT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: 1. That the location and extent of such improvements is as follows: Alley midblock ]ight located in the alley between Tyler Street and Polk Street, 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue. The instalolation of one (1) high pressure sodium street light in the alley on the existing pole btween 3850 and 3854 Polk Street. 2. That a careful estimate of the cost of the improvements has been made by the City Manager and the several lots and parcels of land fronting upon and adjacent to such proposed improvement, which be deemed benefited thereby, were properly notified of said hearing, and 3. That the City Manager shall also list the names and owners of the several parcels so improved as nearly as can be ascertained. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 5 4. These improvements shall also be known as P.I.R. ~677-23- Project 9325. Passed this 10th day of January, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson All ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to call for a Levy Hearing to adopt the alley midblock light, P.I.R. 677, area 23, Project 9325, Levy Resolution on February 14, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. Counci]member Nawrocki felt the Council should review the proposed revised assessments because of the variations in the shape of the lots involved. The Public Works Director stated he could supply the Council wit}] copies of the revised assessments later in the meeting. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to table this matter until later in the meeting. Roll call: All ayes c. Resolution No. 94-03; Beinq a Resolution Requestinq the Co~nissioner of Transportation Set the Maximum Safe Speed for Circle Terrace Boulevard Motion by Peterson, second by Ruettimann to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes If this speed reduction is approved, Councilmember Nawrocki felt it may become a real headache as many other residents may make the same request. He also felt it would pose enforcement problems. The Public Works Director noted this issue was also discussed at the Traffic Commission. He felt the 30 MPH speed limit will probably remain. RESOLUTION NO. 94-03 REQUESTING THE coMMISSIONER OF.TRANSPORTATION SET THE MAXIMUM SAFE SPEEED FOR CIRCLE TERRACE BOULEVARD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY i0, 1994 PAGE 6 WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation is responsible for setting speed limits throughout the State; and WHEREAS, the Commissioner's Office will conduct an engineering and traffic study for a municipal street and based on said study wi]] set the "maximum" safe speed; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights: That the Commissioner of Transportation conduct a study for Circle Terrace within the City of Columbia Heights for the purpose of setting the maximum safe speed. Dated this 10th day of January, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roi] call: Peterson Ruettimann ayes Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ATTEST: I hereby certify that the aforegoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the ]0tb day of January, ]994, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Jo-Anne Student Deputy City Clerk d. Resolution Establishinq Guidelines on the Cable Castinq of City Council Meetinqs Councilmember Nawrocki felt the resolution was an overreaction to the Council discussion regarding cable casting of meetings. He suggested it would not make sense to cable cast some meetings but there should be some meetings cable cast because of their importance. Coancilmember Ruettimann suggested staff look at what would be practical. He also recommended that the agenda for each board and commission meeting be put on cable with dates and locations of the board or commission meeting. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 7 The City Manager said he will have the agendas for board and commission meetings placed on cable right away. Councilmember Jolly advocates utilizing cable as much as possible. He suggested that each board and commission be featured at least one time on cable so residents could become familiar with who serves and what their charge is. Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to table this item for additional information which is to include the opinions of the persons who serve on the City's boards and commissions about cable casting in general and an annual cablecast specifically. Roll call: All ayes Levy Hearing - Midb]ock Light Improvement (continued) Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to remove this issue from the table. Roll call: Ail ayes The Public Works Director distributed copies of the revised assessments for the midblock light improvement project. These figures were for the estimated annual parcel cost and the assessment cost breakdown. The previously moved motion is as follows: Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to call for a Levy Hearing to adopt the alley midb]ock light, P.I.R. 677, Area 23, Project 9325, Levy Resolution on February 14, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. Roll call: All ayes e. Resolution No. 94-04; Authorizinq the Purchase of Various Residential Properties Located in the Sheffield Neighborhood A copy of the revised purchase agreement was distributed to the Council. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll call: All ayes Councilmember Nawrocki requested an explanation of the differences in the revised purchase agreement. The City Manager gave these explanations noting that most of them were clarifications. Councilmember Jolly inquired as to the condition of these two buildings. He was advised that one is in relatively good condition and the second needs some work. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY ]0, 1994 PAGE 8 Counci]member Nawrocki again expressed his concern with acquiring properties without holding a public hearing or having a plan. He inquired if either property is currently licensed. The City Manager responded that one is currently licensed. Counci]member Ruettimann felt a plan could be developed around what you have and it is prudent to acquire this property now. Counci]member Peterson agreed and felt these acquisitions were an investment in the conmmunity. Councilmember Nawrocki observed that money to make these purchases is being borrowed from a fund on a temporary basis and the Council does not know how the money is going to be paid back. Counci]member Jolly shared this concern. The City Manager advised that the owners are anxious to complete the sale as they cannot keep these properties indefinite]y. The properties are vacant and are generating no ~ncome. He also felt the City had an advantage in that no tenants, ]eases nor incumbrances need to be dealt with. Counc]]member Jolly questioned the possibility of the owners, Anthony and AGnes Yurkew, keeping the properties and joining ir: with the p]an for the area. He also wou]d like to see some of the present owners of property in the area join in the revitalization of the neighborhood. RESOI,UTION NO. 94-04 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COI, UME!A HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE SHEFFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights (the °'City") and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Columbia Heights (the "Authority") have been workin~ jointly to prepare a Redevelopment Plan for the Sheffield Neighborhood entitled "The Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Pro~ram" (the "Redevelopment Plan"); and WHEREAS, the City and the Authority have found within the Sheffield Neighborhood there exists conditions cf deterioration, substandard residentia] s~ruc~ures, residential units in need of compulsory repairs which are in violation of ~he City Housing Code and City Ordinances and there exists a need for intervention by the public sector to prevent further deterioration of the area; and REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, ]994 PAGE 9 WHEREAS, the City has an option to acquire 2 such non-owner occupied duplexes located at 4637 - 4639 Fillmore Street and 4613 - 4615 Fillmore Street pursuant to that certain Purchase Agreement by and between the City of Columbia Heights and Anthony and Agnes Yurkew (the "Sellers") and the Purchase Agreement was signed by the Sellers on January 3, 1994, and is provided herewith; and WHEREAS, the City and the Authority are working jointly to finalize a budget and a source of permanent funds to acquire the real property to be conveyed by the Sellers to the City according to the terms of the Purchase Agreement: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that: l. The City Council hereby approves the terms of the Purchase Agreement and authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City. 2. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to handle all the requirements and conditions in order for the City to complete the transaction contemplated in the Purchase Agreement. 3. The City Council approves an interim source of funding from Capital Improvement Fund 410 in the amount of $112,000, with an interfund loan from the Retained Earnings Fund 652, Sewer Construction Fund, so the City may acquire the real property as provided in the Purchase Agreement. 4. The City Manager is authorized to work jointly with the Authority to identify a permanent source of project financing. 5. The Interim Sources will be repaid at such time when sources of permanent financing for the costs identified in the Redevelopment Plan have been received by the City. Passed this 10th day of January, 1994. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Peterson Nawrocki, Ruettimann, Peterson, aye Jolly - abstain Sturdevant - Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY ]0, 1994 PAGE 10 o COMI~UNiCATIONS a. P]anninq and Zoninq Commission Minutes of the January 4, 1994 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting were inc]uded in the agenda packet. No Council action was required. b. Traffic Commission Minutes of the January 3, 1994 Traffic Commission meeting were ~ncluded in the agenda packet. No Council action was required. League of Minnesota Cities' 1994 Leqislative Policies The Council received copies of the ]994 legislative policies adopted by the membership of the League of Minnesota Cities. The City Manager felt this information would be an effective tool and resource when meeting with the City's legislative delegation. Counci]member Nawrocki felt that state aid to cities ~s a priority item for Columbia Heights, He noted tkat the Governor had wanted to abo]ish this aid which could have beer: devastating. Counci]member Jolly inquired if the list of priorities of the North Metro Mayors' Association (NMMA) was in concert with the pc,}icies of the League. T?~e Ci t y Manager respop, ded t ha t t he NMMA~ea' '- ] s more w] +~., ~, cities w?~o have some characteristics in coramo,~ w?:ereas the i,eague takes a broader perspective. d. Notice Fro~ Anoka County on Solid Waste Charq.e In December the Anoka County Board of Commissioners reduced the tipping fee at the Elk River Resource Recovery Facility. This action was taken to compete with out of state landfills. This reduction immediately impacts on the maintenance of the waste system. As a result of this action the garbage rates for Columbia Heights residents wi]] be raised. Councilmember Ruettimann observed that the Council had worked very di]igent]y on keeping tax increases quite modest. Now he feels that the County is mandating a tax which in effect wipes out any savings to residents which may be ge:]erated by the reduced tipping fee. FEGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 11 Councilmember Nawrocki explained that a court decision made on the federal level affected where haulers can take waste. Counties are responsible for having sites for waste. Anoka County reduced its tipping fees to be competitive with out of state landfills. He also noted that the City's contract hauler has indicated appropriate reductions will be made to residents. Councilmember Ruettimann noted that the hauler has not indicated how much will be returned to residents. He also felt the County Board should have used some discretion in the $36.00 charge. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the County Board was probably in a time bind as this information had to be printed on the property tax statements. Councilmember Ruettimann noted he has a problem with what appears to the City's residents being penalized by being very good recyc]ers. He felt the City Council should issue a statement regarding its ]ack of knowledge of this matter and the exact dollar amount involved. The City Manager advised he can provide additional information regarding recommended fee adjustments after the January 18th meeting with landlords in the City. Councilmember Jolly felt the Council should make a statement. Councilmember Nawrocki observed that with the adverse decision regarding flow control the City is attempting he does not know for sure the amount, the County is imposing on the homeowner is entirely fair. He also noted that the contract with BFI allows for an increase if the tipping fee is increased but not for a refund if it decreases. The City has no right to challenge the dollar amount returned for the reduction as well as having no way to verify the funds returned to the hauler. The Assistant to the City Manager advised that BFI has indicated it's willingness to amend the contract to allow for a decrease. She also inquired if the City Council wants its official position regarding the Board's action brought to the Commissioner's Meeting on January llth. Councilmember Ruettimann felt the Council should make some statement as he views the County's action as one of penalizing citizens who have done a very good job of recycling. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JA~fUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 12 Councilmember Nawrocki requested that an analysis of the charges from the County and BFI proposa! be brought back to the Council. He also asked that the rate structure is reviewed, the impact of recycling also be reviewed. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Jolly that the Mayor and City Manager present a letter to the Anoka County Board of Commissioners stating the City Council concerns which include how residents have been effected for good recycling and that the residents should not be assessed any more than the hauler. Roil call: Ail ayes OLD BUSINESS a. Close Out of Special Accounting Funds The Ci t y Manager resp¢.nded to a previous quest ion of CouncJ ]member Nawrock i's regarding reserves for Parkview Vi]ia. ~e advised that the F~RA E>:ecutive Director noted t?~ere ]sa separate account with a total of $]92,000 for a reserve fund to be used for work done on Parkview Vi lis. This fund was created in ]992 by the HRA and has retained the fund reserve Motion by Nawrocki, second by Peterson to close out Fund 404, Senior Housing Project, and transfer the balance to Fund 376, Tax Increment Debt Service. Roll call: Alt ayes b. City Attorney Opinion Re~arding Proposed Charter Chanq~ Councilmember Nawrocki had previously inquired why the C~ty Attorney bad changed the position taken by his office regarding the proposed charter change relative to Initiative and Referendum. The City Attorney explained that the opinion was drafted by another attorney and it was incorrect. c. Comments Relative to Adoption of 1994 Budqet Councilmember Nawrocki wanted the record to reflect that the comments he made at the December 8th Special Council Meeting relative to the adoption of the budget was not "grandstanding." Ne noted that it had been ar: election issue for him and he supported no tax increases feeling it was not necessary to increase taxes but. to reduce expenditures. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 13 He made several motions to eliminate items from the budget which would have resulted in no increases in taxes. They all failed to gain a second. He does not apologize for offering these motions. He also noted that decisions are not made in work sessions. ¢. CORE Commission Report Councilmember Nawrocki distributed copies of a study commissioned by the State and compiled by the CORE Commission. The study was to look at reform and efficiency in government with specific emphasis on the cost of municipal services. The survey for the report was sent out t6 over 200 communities. Columbia Heights did not complete the survey and was not included in the study. Six areas of local government and their services were focused on. Co]umbia Heights appears to be spending generally above what is necessary for basic services in five of the six areas. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the important issue is whether the service supplied to the residents is being done as cost- effectively as possible. He suggested the report should serve as a call to re-look how City revenue is being spent. Councilmember Ruettimann observed that it is difficult to compare services rendered as many of the services come from different sources. He did not fee] there was an accurate "apples to apples" comparison in the report. 9. NEW BUSINESS a. Private Storm Sewer Easement - Industrial Steel Councilmember Nawrocki questioned the wisdom of granting an easement which may restrict future development, particularly without any compensation. He understood it would be more cost- effective for the builder to go across City property but it does restrict future use. The City Manager reviewed the reason for the request and is of the opinion that it will have minimal impact on the future use of the ]and. He felt this was an efficient way to resolve the situation. Counci]member Nawrocki disagreed and stated that the original intent in acquiring the property was for industrial development and this easement may represent a serious disadvantage for the future use of the property. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 14 10. The Public Works Director advised that the owner of Industrial Steel will have a private storm line which he will have to maintain and clean. It is also anticipated that the owners of the envelope company will not want this pipe emptying onto their property and it will have to be relocated. Motion by Jolly, second by Peterson to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to grant a private storm sewer easment on the property at 500 38th Avenue N.E. to Steven G. Jonak. Roll call: Jolly, Peterson, Sturdevant - aye Nawrocki - nay Ruettimann - abstain The City Manager wi]] contact Mr. Jonak regarding compensation. b. December's Financial Report Councilmember Nawrocki noted in the December financial report property tax revenue is less than what was budgeted. The City Manager advised this wi]] always be the case because of delinquencies. Councilmember Nawrocki also noted that full credit of proceeds was given to the Library. He questioned why the Library did not share the decreases like all of the other departments. He recalled that the Library wanted to have a separate fund but when it comes to being treated like a separate fund it is not. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired as to the Liquor Operation profitability. He was advised the profits are down. c. Legal Service Bills Councilmember Nawrocki has observed that there has been no good way to audit the legal bills. Me has received information on a compan~ who examines legal bills and makes recommendations. Me will pass on this company's name for the City Manager to evaluate. REPORTS a. Report of the City Manaqer The City Manager's report was submitted in written form and the following items were discussed: C.D.B.G. Funding: The City Manager suggested these requests for funding from C.D.B.G. monies be on the January lSth Council work session for review. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE 15 December 9th Anoka County Court Arraignments: A resident had inquired why no City attorney had been present at four court appearances on December 9th which pertained to the City. The City Manager will advise this resident these appearances were for arraignments and prosecutors do not appear at arraignments. City Manaqer's Secretary Appointment: The City Manager has appointed Carole Blowers to serve in the position of City Manager's Secretary. Status of Stauch Property Acquisitions: All of the thirteen purchases have been completed. Award of Financial Reporting Achievement: Councilmember Ruettimann mentioned the recognition the City received from the GFOA. He noted that this award was earned by the efforts of the Finance Director, Assistant Finance Director and the Finance Department staff and they should be commended. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the recognition was somewhat se]f- serving as the organization sets up its own standards. He questioned what this really did to inform residents on the financial status of the City. The City Manager noted this recognition does enhance the City in the market for its capabilities for a rating. Heiqhts Pride Committee Meetingt Counci]member Nawrocki attended the recent meeting of the Heights Pride Committee. The focus of this committee is a month long series of activities which will commence on Arbor Day, April 30th and end with a community picnic on May 22nd. Some of the activities will include a clean-up of areas in the City, individual property owners clean-up, beautification of certain areas in the City and other uses of volunteers. The Committee is requesting the City Council to concur with its mission. Also of concern to the Committee is insurance coverage for programs which relate to the use of volunteers. It is the Committee's hope that the City has an insurance umbrella which will cover these activities. The City Manager will discuss this matter with the City's Volunteer Coordinator. b. Report of the City Attorney The City Attorney had nothing to report at this time. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 10, 1994 PAGE ! 6 LICENSE APPLICATIONS Motion by Ruettimann, second by Peterson to approve the license applications as lis%ed upon payment of the proper fees. Roll call: All ayes ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Nawrocki meeting at ]0:05 p.m. Roll call: All ayes to adjourn the Mayor Joseph Sturdevant Jo-Anne Student, Counci! Secretary TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS & CITY MANAGER COUNCIL SECRETARY CORRECTED/AMENDED MINUTES JANUARY 19, 1994 Attached are the corrected minutes for the December 8, 1993 Special Council Meeting and the additions made to the minutes for the December 27, 1993 Regular Council Meeting. The corrections to the December 8th meeting are highlighted and underlined. The additions made to the December 27th meeting are highlighted and include the additions to the City Manager's ~v]auation regarding inclusion of the prepared statement of Councilmember Nawrocki. OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1993 The Special Council Meeting was called to order at 8:]0 p.m. by Mayor Murzyn. o ROLL CALL Nawrocki, Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - present o PURPOSE OF MEETING To consider adoption of the 1994 budget and establish tax levies. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned why this meeting was not being cablecast. He felt it would have been appropriate as the topic for discussion was important. The City Manager responded that he had received indications from only one member of the Council that cab]ecasting was desirable. Councilmember Ruettimann recalled that the budget meetings had never been cab]ecast and observed there were very few people in attendance at this meeting. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION The City Manager referred to other handout information distributed at this meeting. They were a summary of changes in the fund balances, cash balances in major funds as of October 31, 1993, the packet from the first tax hearing, and a list of six position changes being proposed for 1993/1994 with associated costs. The positions are the Volunteer Coordinator position, a datl processing position, a fire part time housing clerk, election judges (no additionaI positions added), a recreation coordinator and a full time maintenance position at Murzyn Mall. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that Anoka County held the line on taxes and the School Board taxes decreased. He supports there being no increase in City taxes. To accomplish this, he recommends there be no additional personnel. Motion by Nawrocki that the Volunteer Coordinator position be dropped from the budget. Motion dies for lack of a second. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 2 Motion by Nawrocki to drop the data processor position. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Nawrocki to not add hours to the Fire Department budget for a part time housing clerk position. Motion dies for ]ack of a second. Motion by Nawrocki to not increase the work hours of the Recreation Coordinator to make a full time position. Motion dies for lack of a second. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired what the source of funding will be for 1994 for the Volunteer Firefighters. The City Manager advised he intends to go to the Legislature to authorize funding. If this is not authorized he would propose using funds from the General Fund reserves or levy for the funding. Councilmember Nawrocki inquired what the costs have been for the Recreation Department and Community Education since the the Department was split. Councilmember Ruettimann noted the costs have increased. The City Manager will provide this information. Motion by Nawrocki to remove the $20,000 budgeted carpeting. Motion dies for lack of a second. for Motion by Nawrocki to remove $10,000 budgeted in the building and improvements of streets. Motion dies for lack of a second. It was noted that the $10,000 for a picnic shelter at Silver Lake Beach had already been removed from the proposed budget. Motion by Nawrocki to remove $240,000 for the Mill Street project. He noted this funding will be from State Aid funds but it was still taxpayers' money. He also felt the street could be improved for much less money. Councilmember Ruettimann observed that if Columbia Heights doesn't use all of its State Aid money it will go back to the State and be used by some other entity. Motion by Nawrocki to eliminate from the budget $25,000 for a microfilm reader/printer. Motion dies for lack of a second. Motion by Nawrocki to eliminate from the budget $9,000 for a compact car for the Engineering Department.. Motion dies for lack of a second. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 3 o Motion by Nawrocki to remove $75,000 from the Street Department budget for a Ford F750 dump truck. Motion dies for lack of a second. It was noted that the GMC Sierra Crew Cab for the Park Department and the phone generator had already been removed from the budget. Motion by Nawrocki to remove $20,000 for carpeting and tile at Liquor Store #1 from the budget. Motion dies for lack of a second. Notion by Nawrocki to remove the $]0,000 for sealing and repair of the Central Garage floor from the budget. Motion dies for lack of a second. Councilmember Nawrocki felt the proposed increases are not justified nor needed. He also noted that no provisions have been made for the possible loss of LGA and HACA funds. Councilmember Clerkin inquired what the decreases have been in ]~q,~or operation profits from ]992 to 1993. The Finance Director responded there has been approximate}y a $]00,000 decrease but there has always been a profit realized in the Liquor Fund. The City Manager advised that department heads' projections of replacement needs for three years are fairly close to what is actually being needed. This type of planning is believed to be very good. Councilmember Nawrocki noted that a priority for residents is the Sheffield Neighborhood and there is currently no budget planned for this. COUNCIL ACTIONS a. Housing and Redevelopment Authority 1994 Budget and Tax Levy. Motion by Murzyn, second by Peterson to receive and file the City of Columbia Heights' Housing and Redevelopment Authority proposed 1994 budget and tax levy providing that the tax levy of $71,040 is used exclusively for the Sheffield Area. Roll call: All ayes b. Resolution No. 93-64~ Being a Resolution Adopting 1994 Budget and Tax Lev~ SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 4 Councilmember Ruettimann noted that the City Council did not allow for $131,000 increase in salaries in 1994. He felt this was regressive. He also stated that the Council should not continue to draw down on its reserves. Motion by Ruettimann, second by Murzyn to remove the following items and associated costs from the City Council's portion of the budget: Training and educational activities - $1,925 Local travel expense - $600 Out of state travel - $2,000 League of Minnesota Cities dues - $8,950 Association of Metropolitan Municipalities dues - $5,000 Suburban Rate Authority dues - $2,000 City Council Contingencies - $]5,000 for a total of $35,475 reduction in the $85,000 proposed increase and to earmark the $50,000 remaining to hire a police officer in the first two months of next year to work in the Sheffield Neighborhood or whatever area is designated by the Po]ice Department. Mayor Murzyn suggested that the police officer position could be designated to work in conjunction with the Anoka County Drug Task Force. The City Manager suggested that adding a police officer at this time may not be warranted. An application has been submitted to the federal government for funding for one more police officer. The results of this application may not be known for six months. He also suggested there is considerable benefit realized from the City's association with the LMC and the AMM. Councilmember Nawrocki advised there has been considerable economic benefit realized by residents through the City's participation in the Suburban Rate Authority.. Councilmember Ruettimann removed the elimination of dues paid to the LMC, the AMM and the SRA from his motion leaving a total of $19,525. Councilmember Ruettimann, with Mayor Murzyn's concurrence, withdrew his motion. Councilmember Ruettimann proposed adopting the budget as presented with the proposed $85,000 levy with $50,000 to be designated to the City Council's Contingency Fund to be used for the potential hiring of an additional police officer and the remainin~ $35,000 would .be used to reduce the fund contributions. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 5 Counci]member Nawrocki noted that a commitment bas been made for partial funding with regard to the grant application. The City Manager stated that twenty-five percent of the funding, which is about $50,000 over a two year period, was the commitment. Councilmember Nawrocki felt that if the grant was not approved this funding could be designated for another officer. Counci]member Ruettimann noted the fund source was the Genera] Fund. Resolution No. 93-64; Beinq a Resolution Adopting Budget and Setting Tax Levy Collectable for the Year ]994 Motion by Ruettimann, second by Murzyn to waive the reading of the resolution there being ample copies available for the public. Roll ca]]: All ayes Counci]member Ru~ttimann re-stated that the change is adding $50,000 to the City Council contingencies to hire a police officer. Mc, ticm by RuettJmann, second by Hurnyn to adopt Resolution 93-64. b?,tion to amend by Nawrocki that a priority item for 1994 is to have staff review legal costs to the city and suggest ways to reduce legal costs. Motion to amend dies for lack of a second. Councilmember Peterson felt this staff directive shou]d be made by the City Council next year. Councilmember Ruettimann, maker of the motion did not accept the amendment but stated he would support this idea next year. The seconder of the motion also did not accept the motion to amend. RESOLUTION NO. 93-64 BEING A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 1994 AND SETTING A TAX LEVY COLLECTABLE FOR THE YEAR 1994 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heigts as follows: Section A. The budget for the City of Columbia Heights for the year 1994 is hereby approved and adopted with appropriations for each of the funds as follows: COUNCIL MEETIN~ DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 6 .Expense General Fund Para Transit Fund State Aid Cable Television Fund Library Dare Project Community Police Project Pride Capital Improvements Fund Infrastructure Fund Capital Equipment Replacement Funds: General Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Central Garage Fund Central Garage Fund Liquor Fund Water Utility Fund Sewer Utility Fund Refuse Fund Water & Sewer Construction Funds Energy Management Data Processing Debt Service Fund Total Expense including Interfund Transfers 6,756,905 177,971 56,867 182,026 425,407 4,965 48,027 959 401,550 0 0 641,310 1,540 910 0 341,04] 7,374.430 1,190,612 1,172,502 1,521,568 226,000 267,399 77,714 16,642,547 37,512,250 Section B. The estimated gross revenue to fund the budget of ihe City of Columbia Heights for all funds, including general ad valorem tax levies as hereinafter set forth for the year 1994. Revenue Available General Fund Para Transit Fund State Aid Cable Television Fund Library Dare Project Community Police Project Pride Capital Improvements Fund Infrastructure Fund Capital Equipment Replacement Funds: Genera] Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund 6,756,905 177,971 56,867 182,026 425,407 4,965 48,027 959 401,550 0 641,310 1,540 910 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING DECEI~BE~ $, 1993 PAGE 7 Centra] Garage Fund Central Garage Fund Liquor Fund Water Utility Fund Sewer Utility Fund Refuse Fund Water & Sewer Construction Funds Energy Management Data Processing Debt Service Fund Total Revenue Including Interfund Transfers 0 341 041 7,374 430 1,190 612 ],172 502 1,52I 568 226 000 267 399 77 16,642 547 37,512,250 Sectior~ C: The fo]lowing sums of money are levied for the current year, co]]ectab}e in ]994, upon the taxable property iH said City of Columbia Heights, for the fol]owin~ purposes: Genera] Fund 3,614,078 Bond & Interes~ 0 Total Less H.A.CoA. Less Equalization Aid 3,614,075 964,991 65,388 Certified Levy 2,583,699 The City Clerk is hereby instructed to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the County Auditor of Anoka County, Minnesota. Passed this 8t~ day of December, 1993. Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Ruettimann Murzyn Clerkin, Ruettimann, Peterson, Murzyn - aye Nawrocki - nay Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ~PECIAL COUNCIL MEETIN~ DECEMBER 8, 1993 PAGE 8 Councilmember Nawrocki indicated he could not support the budaet because of the tax increase included in the budget and is feeling there should not be an increase at this time. 6. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ruettimann, second by Murzyn to adjourn the~Special Council Meeting at 10:35 p.m. Roll call: All ayes Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary .D. EGU'LAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1993 PAGE 7 He felt requesting this information each year shou]d not be necessary if there have been no changes. He had sent a letter some time in the past suggesting how to set up a data base to address this information gathering. Rol] ca]]: All ayes d. Resolution Changing Name of Southwest Park Counci]member Nawrocki inquired if this matter had been brought before the Park and Recreation Commission for its consideration. He also felt it should be discussed at a neighborhood meeting for comment. The request was made to the Mayor and City Manager by the Sister City Committee. A representative of the Committee stated she had been ]ed to be}ieve all that was necessary to change the name had been done. Motion by Nawroc:ki, second by Ruettimann to refer this matter ~o the Park and Recreation Commission and to hold an informal meetinu with ares neighbors for comJnents. Roll call: All ayes CC, M M UN I CAT I ON S Notification on iRO Rating Protection Class iFO Commercia! ~isk Services, Inc. surveyed the City's water system and the Fire Depariment. As of March 1, ]994, City's rating will change to Class 4. A memo from the Fire Chief explained the affect this change will have on City properties. No council action was required. b. City Manager's Evaluation Councilmember Nawrocki prepared a statement addresssing the City Manager's performance evaluation after six and twelve months of employment specifically regarding compensation adjustments. The statement is as follows and was read by Mayor Murzyn: Resolution No. 93-11 setting forth conditions of employment for Patrick Rentges as City Manager, called for performance evaluations after six and twelve months of employment, with consideration of possible compensation adjustments. The C~ty Council and Manager did perform the six month's evaluation at a work session on Monday, December 20th, as an item of business on the agenda, as per the posted notice for the work session. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 27, 1993 PAGE 8 The review discussed various aspects of the City Manager's performance. While no formal actions were taken, Genera] comments of the Councilmembers were that the City Manager has performed well for his first six months with the City, particularly considering the heavy workload he faced. No compensation adjustments were considered, and it is expected that such considerations will be part of the first year performance review for the City Manager. OLD BUSINESS a. City Attorney's Opinion on Charter Change The City Manager is waiting for the City explaination on the reversal of his original regarding a proposed charter change. Attorney's position NEW BUSINESS a. Authorization to Seek Bids for LaBelle Pond Restoration Motion by NawrockJ, second by Clerkin to authorize staff to seek bids for the LaBe]]e Pond Restoration, Pro~ect #9312. Roll call: All ayes b. Final Payment for Municipal Project #9300 (1993 CouncJlmember Nawrocki noted tha~ there was question whether the reco~]'~ended source of funding f~ad enough remaining funds to make this payment. He suggested additional language for the motion. Motion by Murzy~, second by Peterson to accept the work for Municipal Project #9300 (1993 Miscellaneous Concrete) and to authorize final payment of $6,075.25 to Advanced Concrete, Inc. of Burnsville, Mn. from Fund 401-59300-5300 subject to said fund having the money to make the payment. Roll call: All ayes c. Close Out of Special Accounting Funds Councilmember Nawrocki felt that some of these funds being closed out should have been part of the budgeting process. He specifically identified the funds which should have been transferred as the Clean-Up Fund, Senior Housing Fund, and Capital Improvement Fund. CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meetin§ of : January 24, 1994 AGENDA SECTION: PRESENTATION ORIGINATING DEPT.: CITY MANAGER NO: 5 CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL ITEM: PRESENTATION OF SOLID WASTE BY: V. Gifford NO: TIPPING FEES 5A DATE: January 21, 1994 At the January 11, 1994, Anoka County Board meeting, the Commissioners considered and passed Ordinance $94-1, pertaining to the Solid Waste Management Charge. The Commissioners received the letter from the City of Columbia Heights protesting the charge and it was entered into the record. The Ordinance is attached as background information. Anoka County Commissioner, Jim Kordiak, will attend the Janaury 24th Columbia Heights City Council meeting to discuss the fee. COUNCIL ACTION: CHILD SUPPORT ID:612-$23-6050 JAN 14'g4 I I II III .... ORDINANCE II94-.1 10:26 No.O02 P.02 COUNTY OF ANOKA Anoke County, MlnneeMa ANOKA ~OUNTY BOUD WABTE MANAGEMENT CHARGE ORDINANCE The Anolm County BoArd of Commlsslonem doe. ordain: 1.01 PurDoeg. The purpose of this ordinance Is to establish solid waste management charges to fund environmental progrm,ns which protest the hearth and welfare of Anoka County citizens pursuant to State mandates governing solid wute management. The ordinance Includes: the establishment of solid waste management charges for the County of Anoka, procedures for letting and modifying the amounts of the Iolid waste management chargel, payment and collection mothodl, and est~bllihmant of an appeall proce~. 1.02 Authorltv. This ordinance Is adopted pursuant to Minn. 8t~t. §§ 375,51, 400.08, and 473.811, 2.00 DEPINmON~ 2.01 Deflnt~lpne. For the purpose of this ordinance, the terms defined In this section shall have meanings ~en them, unless the context clearly Indicates otherwise. "County Administrator" Is the person appointed as county administrator for Anoka County or his or her designee. "County Assessor' is the person appointed to the office of the county assessor for Anoka County. "County Auditor' is the person elected or appointed to the office of the county auditor for Anoka County. D. "County Board' Is the Anoka County Bom'd of Commissioners. · Dwelling Unit" Is a single unit of housing, whether freestanding or within & building containing other dwelling units, providing Independent, living faollifles for one or more persons, Including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. "Non-Realdenfls] Property' Is all Improved real property In Anoka County containing Improvement~ other than a dwelling unlt and cluslfled by the county assessor ~m commercial, Industrial, numlng home, service ~tatlon, utility, railroad or tax exempt property. "Ordlnlnce" Is Anoka County Ordinance 94-1, Solid Waste Management Charge Ordinance, &s amended from time to time. 'Pemon' Includes, but Is not limited to: an Individual, bueiness, public or private corporation, partnership, Joint venture, usoclatlon, trust, unincorporated u.ociation, government or agency or political subdivision thereof, any other legal entity, and any receiver, trustee, a~slgnos, agent, or other legal representative of any of the foregoing. 'Residential Properb/' is ail improved real property in Anoka County that contains one or more dwelling unite or mobile home pads. "Solid Walta Management Charge" or 'Solid Welte Management Chargee' are the ohs:gee established by the County Board, payable by persons who own Improved real property in Anoka County for solid waste management services available to the property, "Solid Wa~ta Management Services" Include ali activltle$ provided by the county or by parsons under contact with the county which support the county's solid waste management programs and responsibilities, described In Minnesota Statutes §§ 115A.01 etaeq, and 400.08 and chapter 473, Including but not limited to rec'yoling and waste reduction services, collection, processing and dWposal of Iolld waste, closure and post~losure care of a solid waste facility, and response to releases from a solid wests f~olllty or closed solid waste facility, IIII ,. - .... III _ __ II III CHILD SUPPORT ID :612-323-6050 ORDINANCE Page 2 a.00 GENERAL PROVISIONS JAN 14'94 10:27 No.O02 P.03 a.0/---~dmln,lattatlo.~...Thl~_ordl~.ence shall be qdmlrdMered by the Anoka County Public Services Division, with the assistance of the Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division. Admlnletratlv_e Pro_ctdureq. The provislon~ of the Anoka County Administrative Procedures Ordinance, Ordinance No. 70-I, as amended from time to time, shall not apply to this ordinance. 4.00 4.01 SCUD WASTE MANAGEMENT CHARGE - ESTABLISHMENT AND AMOUNT~ Eet!bllehment of Solid Waste Meneaement.Gheroe. The county hereby Imposes solid waste management charges on pemoM who own Improved real property In Anoka County. The solid waste management charges shall be for solid waste management aervlces available to the property. The owner of the property shall be responsible for payment of the Iolid waste management charge knpo~ed In the manner eat forth by the County Board. Rates for So!Id Wa!te_Mineoement Charatt. The solid waste management charges payable In 11194 and In each sutmequent year, unless revised by resolution of the County Board, shall be as follows: Amounts for. Residential Prooertle.=, Owner~ of r~idential property shall pay solid waste management charges for each dwelling unit and each mobile home pad Io~ated on the residential property. The solid waste management charges for residential properties ara as follows: Cateootv I Realdenc..es~, The solid waste management charge shall be $36,09 for each dwelling unit within single family home~, townhousas, condominiums, duplexes, double bungalows, triplexes, quad homes, seasonal recreational property, and other residential property with one to three dwelling units, Cateoow I! Residences. The solid waste management charge for property classified by the county assessor as a mobile home park shall be $28.87 for each mobile home pad, _Cate,ow III Resldenpel~. The solid waste management charge for property olasslfled by the county assessor as an apartment with four or more. dwelling units shall be $23,46 for each dwelling unit, Amounts for Non:Rpsldentlal Prooertle_a= Owners of rasJ property shall pay m solid waste management charge for each parcel of non-rasldentleJ property. The solid waste management charges for non-residential properties are as follows: Cateoory_l.No_n-Resldentlal Prooerty. The solid waste management charge shall be $79.97 for each parcel with an estimated market value of $25,000 but less than $200,001, excluding the estimated market value of the land, as determined by the county useseor, _~lteoorv II Non-Residential property. The solid waste management charge shall be $269.72 for each paroel with an estimated market value of $200,001 but lees than $500,001, exeludlng the estimated market value of the land, as determined by the county assessor, .C, ate<3ory_ll_l Non-Residential P~p_erty. The solid waste management charge shall be $$84.21 for each parcel with an estimated market valUe of $500,001 but less than $1,000,001, excluding the estimated market value of the land, as determined by the county assessor. Cetecmrv IV Non-Re~ldentialP..roperty, The solid waste management charge shall be $2,047.71 for each pan=at with an estimated market value of $1,000,001 or more, excluding the estimated market value of the land, a~ determined by the county assessor. 8Diet Clualficetlons. The owner of a parcel of read property Classified as both residential and non.residential property shall pay solid waste management charges pursuant to both Subdivisions A and B. CHILD SUPPORT ID:612-$25-6050 JAN 14'94 10:28 No.O02 P.04 ! I II ORDINANCE #94-1 Page 3 4.0:3 Procedure for Revising ~he Solid Ws~te Msnsnement Ch.me. The County Bored may revise by r~olution the solid waste m,~.n~gement charges following a public hearing, ~1 shall state the effective date for the enactmeqt of the ,qvWed solid wute management charges, ~UD WA~T~ MANAGEMENT CHARGE- BILLING AND COLLECTION 6.01 ~911setlon. The county shall bill the solid waste management charges on the county property tax statements u a separate Item and shall be due, payable, and collected in the ume manner as real property taxas end subject to the ease pemdtles end Interest as overdue reid property taxes, 5,02 Unoald theresa.' The county may recover amounts due underthla ordinance in any manner authorized by law, Including but not limited to the following: Certiflc.~tion to__Gountv ^udltor, On or before October 15 of each year, the county board may certify to the county ~dltor,dl unpidd out~tanding solid wute management charges, and a description of the lends against which the solid waste management charges aro~e. It shall be the duty of the county auditor, upon order of the county board, to extend the assessments, with Interest not to exceed the Interest rate provided for In Minnesota Statutes 1 27g.C)3, Subd. 1, upon the tax rolls of the county for the taxes of the year In which the assessment is filed. For each year ending October 15, the assessment with Interest shall be carried Into the tax becoming due and payable In January of the following yeor, and shall be enforced and collected in the m~nner provided for the enforcement and collection of real property taxes In ~cord~nce with the prov]Blonl of the laws of the State, The charges, If not pidd, shall become delinquent and be subject to the same penalties end the same rate of Interest u the taxes under the general law~ of the 8tats, CIvil A~ion. in addition to each and every other remedy available to the county, unpeld solid waste management chm'ges, penalties, end Interest may be recovered in a civil action In the name of ~e county, ~ecoyerv of Costs, The county may recover costs, Including attorney fees, staff and other related costs, Incurred to enforce compliance wlth the provisions of thW ordinance. 8.01 APPEALS Admlnll~tr~It!ve A~_ees~. A person who owns real property may appeal the amount of the solid waste management charges billed by the county by subml~ng a written request to the county administrator for ~d]ustment before May 15 of the year In which the solid waste management charges are payable. Submission of a request for an appeal ehidl not relieve · property owner of the duty to pay the solid waste management charge by the due date. Procedures -nd Crlteri.a..for .Adluetment of Solid Weete_M~nsglement Char. gap. The county may, from time to time, adjust the amount of solid waste management charges In accordance with procedures and criteria e~tal)lished by the county board by resolution. 7,01 SEVERABIUTY ~eversb!~ltv. It Is hereby declared to, be the intention of the Anoka County Bom'd of Commissioners that the provisions of this ordinance are separable in accordance with the following: V~lldity...of Provisions. If any court of competent Jurisdiction shell rule that any provision of this ordinance Is Invidld, other provisions not speclfloidly Included in said Judgment shall not be affected. As~DIIoatlon .to Particular Per, on or Prose?b/. If any court of competent Jurisdiction shall rule that the application of any provision of thl~ ordinance ia Invidld to a particular PeaCh or property, such Judgment shall not affect the application of sidd provision to any other per, on or property not specifically Included In the Judgment. ORDINANCE Page 4 S.O0 J~IOVIEIONS ARE (~UMUI~TIVE 1.01 Provisions Are Cumuletlvl. Th~ provlaiorm In this ordlnence we cumulative .~ncl ire · ddltion~l Ilmltation~ upon ill other lows end ordinances oovering any aubJeot matter In this ordinan~. ~.00 EFFEC ,TlrE 9.01 ~.~L~. This ordinance shall be In full fores end effect upon passage by the county board. Passed by the Board of County Commisaionem of Anoka Oounty this 11th day of January, 1994. s;A; O/' B/ kL SO;, ) ss "" ' - "" COUNTIf OF ANOKA ) I, John "Jay" McUnden, County Administrator, Anoki County, Minnesota, hereby cerlJfy that I hive oompared the foregoing copy of the minutel of the County Board of laid County web the origlnaJ record thereof on file In the Administration Office, Anoka County, Minnelota, ii stated In the minutes of the prooeedings of Mid County Board at i meeting duly held on January 11, 1994, that the lime il i true and correct copy of said or~glnai reoord and of the whole thereof, and that said Motion wa* duly paued by said Board at said meeting, VVltnes. my hand and seal this 11th day of danumT, 1994. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Public Works DeparUnent TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: PATRICK HENTGES CITY MANAGER KATHY YOUNG ~Ox ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER MEDTRONIC GRANT JANUARY 21, 1994 The Medtronic Foundation, represented by Ms. Dan'flu Lindholm, is presenting a $4,oo0 grant to the City of Columbia Heights. The grant is to purchase supplies for the City-wide Catch Basin Stenciling Program. The actual stenciling will be done by volunteers. The stenciling program will begin in May, coinciding with the "Month of Caring". The total estimated cost of purchasing supplies for the Catch Basin Stenciling Program is $8,820. A grant request for all or part of this amount was presented to Medtronic in November. The Medtronic Foundation was very impressed that the City had both a Senior Citizen and Volunteer Coordinator. KKY:jb 94-053 CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meeting of: January 24, 1994 AGENDA SECTION: ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS ORIGINATING DEPT.: CITY MANAGER NO: 6 CITY MANAGER' S APPROVAL -- The public hearing of December 13, 1993, held to receive comments from staff and the public regarding the rates established for basic cable service and all equipment required to receive basic cable service for Columbia Heights and Hilltop was continued to January 24, 1994. Information requested from the cable company has only been partially received, and thus, final analysis of the rate information by City staff, the City's cable attorney, and the accountant has not been completed. Thus, staff is recommending that the public hearing be continued to Monday, February 28, 1994, at 7:00 P.M. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to continue the public hearing regarding the rates established for basic cable service and all equipment required to receive basic cable service for Columbia Heights and Hilltop to February 28, 1994. COUNCIL ACTION CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Meetinq of: January 24, 1994 AGENDA SECTION: PUBLIC HEARINGS ORIGINATING DEPT.: HRA CITY MANAGER ~PROV/~ ITEM: FISCAL YEAR 1994 COMMUNITY BY: DON SCHNEIDER B~ DEVELOPI~NT BLOCK GR3d~IT PROGR/~ DAT..~I: ~/~IUARY 20~/ 1994 Annually the City is allocated federal Community DE ~nt Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds through the Anoka County CDBG Entitlement PrOgram. Approximately $250,000 to $280,000 are expected to be allocated to the City of Columbia Heights for Fiscal Year 1994. The exact amount is not known yet but is expected to be similar to the FY1993 amount of $255,644. A proposed program for the use of the funds has been prepared based on City Council work- sessions and HRA Commissioners meetings input. The HRA Commissioners have reviewed and recommended City Council approval of the proposed program (attached as Exhibit "A"). Prior to City Council approval of a program for the use of the FY1994 CDBG funds, a public hearing must be held and any other public input must be heard and considered. As per City Council approval, a hearing has been scheduled for January 24 at approximately 7:15 p.m. A copy of the official published notice in regard to the scheduled public hearing is attached a Appendix "B". Also attached are a copy of the "Current CDBG/HOME Program Status" (Appendix "C"), information on 1989 thru 1993 Public Service grants(Appendix "D"), a copy of the Anoka County 1994 CDBG Work Schedule (Appendix "E"), and a copy of a portion of the FY1994 CDBG Application(Appendix "F"). RECOMMENDED ACTION: Conduct public hearing and approve 1994 CDBG Program and preparation and submission of formal application to Anoka County. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the following schedule as the 1994 Commuity Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the City of Columbia Heights with the HRA Executive Director authorized to prepare and submit the formal application for such funds: PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED WITH FY1994 CDBG GRANT FUNDS. A. Neighborhood Revitalization with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood $140,000 to $160,000 Housing Rehabilitation with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood 93,890* to 102,890'* C. Public Service Grants 17,110 to 17,110 1. Senior Outreach Program for Col. Hts. - $11,030 (Anoka County Community Action Program) 2. Alexandra House ($3,000 if SACA is not - 1,500 funded) 3. Hot Meals for Shut-Ins (Meals on Wheels) - 3,080 for Columbia Heights 4. Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc.- 1,500 (to fund SACA, one or all of the other Public Service grants should be reduced) to D. TOTAL ~251r000 ~280r000 If funding is less than $251,000, the amount reduced would be taken off the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. If funding is more than $280,000 the additional amount would be added to the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. Includes approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for Columbia Height's share of the County-wide CDBG/HOME Program allocation for housing rehabilitation. COUNCIL ACTION: Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights Comml#ioner~ Euael~ Hetn~z Pall~cle Jlndm Richard Due~ln Dm~id d. Mur~n. Jr. 590 N.E. 40th Avenue, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Fax: (612) 782-2857. (612) 782-2854 PROPOSED 1994 COI~UNZTY DEVELOPHENT BLOCK GR~,NT (CDBG) PROGR~ FOR CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS FISCAL YEAR (FY) 1994 GRANT AMOUNT EXPECTED $250,000 TO $260,000 (Received $255,644 for FY 1993) PROJECTS PROPOSED FOR FUNDING WITH FY1994 CDBG GRANT FUNDS. A® Neighborhood Revitalization with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood $140,000 to $160,000 Ce Housing Rehabilitation with Priority Use of Funds in Sheffield Neighborhood Public Service Grants 93,890* to 102,890'* 17,110 to 17,110 Senior Outreach Program - $11,030 for Columbia Heights (Anoka County Community Action Program) Alexandra House (Columbia Heights) 3,000 Hot Meals for Shut-Ins - 3,080 (Meals on Wheels) for Columbia Heights D. TOTAL $251,000'** 280,000*** CDBG If funding is less than $251,000' the amount reduced would be taken off the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. If funding is more than $280,000 the additional amount would be added to the amount for Housing Rehabilitation. Includes approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for Columbia Height's share of the County-wide CDBG/HOME Program allocation for housing rehabilitation. Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Housing Opportunity Agency Mmfle, apoa~ and mm,,gh AmodaM, K 3433 Oak~ccd Hill PMImey. p. O. Box ', I PUOU~ ~ ~ J~4, 1~ J~ 11.1~ J~ 18, ~ ~"~ Ci~ of Columbia Heigh~ ~ ~E OF ~B~ H~ ~ ~ ~ h~ g~ ~ t~ C~ C~I ~ to ~ fufld~ u~de~ the C~I 1~ A~oka The C~ ant~at~ ~t ~ ~ fe~e program year. Thil hearing will be held i~ C~I C~. C~ ~ ~ Av~ N.E. C~u~ ~ MI~ ~ ~. All ~ ~ ~ ~ I~ t~ ~ when Ihe request il ~dl II lel~ g6 houri f~ui~ a f~e~ ~fl ~g~ iflt~ ~ ~n ~ ~ 7~-2~. P~t~ W. ~ (Pu~l~ In mi J~ 4, I~ Co~ He~htl ' ' Edi~ ~ ~ ~ ~f) ~ C~ ot ~olumbia Hieigt~ ~CE ~R BIOS COL~BIA H~GHTS MU~PAL ~M REHABIUTARON OF ~ ~ND ~ ~o ' Sealed bids will be recaived by the Colu~ H~Ms in the C~f~ ~ ~ the t~ th~ ~1 ~ ~ ~ r~ a~ f~ the fum~ing ~ of all labor, materil~ and ~uipme~ to ~dorm ~ ,a~at~. ~g the fo~o~g ~f and fM leek M a #eond. Mmlo~ by Nm~edd te etimi~me from ~ S0.~0 for a compact car for the Engineering ~ ~ ~M to ~e ~5,~ ~1~ ~ Na~ to rede the $10.~ for Councilmember Nawrocki felt the Council~mbet Clerkln inquired ~hat the ~ C~ Man.er ~ ~at ~nt ~ ~ r~ fl~ for tN~ ye~s are C~S~r ~ ~ that a p~ f~ 5. COU~IL AC~ONS ~. Hauifle a~ R~t Authfl~ ~d file ~e C~ of C~ Ho~h~' Hou~flg R~evelo~flt Authori~ prop~ed 1994 buret and t~ I~ ~ov~ t~t t~ t~ ~ ~ $71,~ u~ ~c~MeN f~ tho Shoff~ Area. R~ ~J~ Al ay~ b. R#oiut~n No. 9~; Being a Re~lut~fl Ado~g 1 ~ Bu~m and T~ Law Couflcii~m~r Rueffi~flfl fl~ that tho Focus New~Tue&, Januan/4, 1994 fund~ Inciudk~ general mi vadMem tax ~ a~ (3enemJ Fund 6.7ra~.006 Para Tran~l Fund 177.071 Stat~ Aid ,6~.867 ~ T~ Fu~ 1 ~.~ ~a~ 4~.~7 C~ P~ .- ~.~ P~ ~ O~ Copil~i Equi~'l~tt Rel~aCe~ Fund"' Gef~ Fund 641,310 Water Fu~ I.~ Sew Fu~ 910 C~trll Garde Fu~ 0 L~ Fu~ 7.374.~ R~ Fund 1.521.~ W~ & Se~ C~ F~ Data Pr~ ~.714 37.512.2~ He~htg. f~ t~ fol~g pur~ GenerN Fund 3.614.078 Bo~ & Intor~ T~al 3.614.078 L~ Equal~at~ A~ Ce~if~ LeW ~ef~ ~: Ru~flfl S~nd~ ~ Munn Mu~n - aye. Ni~ - nay Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights Comml~lonem Eu#bk~ Helmz P~tc/Jlndm Richard Du~dn Den~d J. Murzyn, Jr. 590 N.E. 40th Avenue, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Fax: (612) 782-2857 · (612) 782-2854 CURRENT CDBG/HOME PROGRAM STATUS 12/31/94 1. 1993 CDBG/HOME PROGRAM (7/1/93 to 12/31/94) PRO-~ JECTI NAME CDBG HOME I I 328 IPublic Service 41,244 330 INeighborhood ', ,' 'Revitalization I 34,3001 331 I/Lrchitectural '~ ', 'Barrier Removal 1125,9051 0 353 IHousing ,' ** ', 'Rehabilitation I 54,1951 70,000 I I I ~TOTALS 0 0 I I I AMOUNT I I HRA ' TOTAL ' USED ~BALANCE I I 0 I 41,2441 22,397 15,499 t I I ; 1 I I I I I ' 0 I 34,300', 152 34,148 I 123 125,782 0 1125,905, 17,5001141,695I~ 0 141,695 I I , I I I I I I I I I I I '255 644' 70 000117 5001343 144' 22 672 1317,124 Includes Alexandra House Capital Drive participation of $13,500 and Alexandra House public service general program allocation of $3,500. ** Includes $27,300 from City CDBG Entitlement and $26,895 from Anoka County Country-wide allocation of CDBG Entitlement Program Rehabilitation funds. 2. 1992 CDBG/HOME PROGRAM (7/1/92 to 12/31/93) I I I PRO- ~ ~ ~ JECTI NAME ~, CDBG ~ HOME I I 228 [Public Service 230 INeighborhood ~Revitalization I I 231 IHandicapped IAccessibility 253 IHousing 'Rehabilitation I 1 I I ~TOTALS I I 124,4451 I I I 98,495] 0 0 57,838 26,900 0 32,000 I I I I 207,678~, 32,000, HRA 0 0 0 ' AMOUNT , TOTAL ~ USED 24,445 98,495 24,445 78,183 57,838 168 58,900I 58,900 I I I I 239,6781161,696 BALANCEI 20,312 57,670 0 ' 77,9821 CDBGHO Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Housing Opportunity Agency Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights 590 N.E. 40th Avenue, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Fax: (612) 782-2801 · (612) 782-2854 February 22, 1993 TO: FROM: RE: Applicants for Public Service Funding  Grant Fernelius, Columbia Heights HRA 1993 PUBLIC SERVICE GRANT AWARDS On Monday, February 8, 1993 the Columbia Heights City Council held a public hearing to consider the amount of funds to be awarded for public service activities. The City Council approved the following projects: Orqanization Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. Alexandra House Award $10,744 $3,500 Central Center for Family Resources $2,500 Community Education Department Meals on Wheels $4,000 $3,000 Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc. $4,000 $27,.744 The funds will become available on July 1, 1993. Prior to that time, the County will conduct an informational meeting to discuss program requirements. In addition, all organizations will need to execute a funding agreement with the City. More information will be provided in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 782-2856. Equal Opportunity Employer Equal Housing Opportunity Agency C~t~ o£ Coltmb~a ~e~qhts Public ~erv~ce Funding ~992 - ~984 3.992 Alexandra House (Emergency Housing for Battered Women and Children) Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. (Senior Outreach Program) ARC of Anoka County (Pilot program called "Community Connections" to assist young people with developmental disabilities) Early Childhood Family Education (Assistance with transportation costs for part- cipants in ECFE programs) Hot Meals for Shut-Ins (Meal program for seniors and disabled adults) 1991 Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. (Senior Outreach Program) Central Center for Family Resources (Bridgeview Club Transportation) Courage Center (Program in conjunction with Way to Grow House to provide parent education and support) Friends of the Library (Reading materials for Children's Reading Program) Hot Meals for Shut-Ins (Meal program for seniors and disabled adults) Little Voyageur's Montessori School (Benches, Picnic Tables and Other Outdoor Equipment for Intergenerational Daycare Program) Lutheran Social Service (Transitional Housing Program) Southern Anoka Community Assistance (Computer equipment) Page I of 5 3,500 10,956 2,500 2,760 3,000 $22,716 6,864 1,500 2,000 1,500 3,000 1,652 4,500 ~,000 $23,016 % Cit~ of Columbia Heights Public Servioe Funding 1992 - 1984 1990 Alexandra House (Outreach .Program for Battered Women) Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. (Senior Outreach Program) Central Center for Family Resources (Transportation Support for Bridgeview Club) Early Childhood Family Education (Assistance with transportation cipants in ECFE programs) costs for part- Judicare of Anoka County (Legal Services to Low-Income Persons) Page 2 of 5 3,500 10,000 2,000 1,624 996 $18,120 I g 8 g Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. (Senior Outreach Program) Amhearst Wilder Foundation (Parent Befriender Program) ARC of Anoka County (Program to Provide Family Support Services) Central Center for Family Resources (Transportation Support for Bridgeview Club) Shiloh Bethany Presbyterian Church (Fire Safety Equipment for. Daycare Program) 6,889 2,500 3,000 1,811 4,500 $18,700 AMENDED " ANOKA COUNTY 1-994 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK WORK SCHEDULE GRANT Through December 31 January 1 -January 31 Initial discussions among local staff/elected officials conCerning new projects, City/County discussions about new projects. Clime to resolve eligibility, etc.} December 1 - FebrUary 1 8 Any local public hearings. ALL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES MUST INCLUDE STATEMENT OF AVAILABILITY OF FOREIGN~SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER. February 25 CITY APPLICATIONS DUE AT COUNTY. Any adiustments necessary to accommodate percentage limitations for planning, public service and slum/blight activities will be made at this point. Any communities submitting after this date will be limited by the percentages left in these categories. March 1 - March 11 County assists cities/towns to refine project application requests (gathering local data, supporting material, etc.) March 11 County delivers final grant request to Intergovernmental Committee of County Board including all city/town project requests, goals, objectives, and budget. March 24 - April 12 Complete final grant writing and submit for publishing. April. 12 County Board Public Hearing. April 15 May 10 Publish proposed Statement of Community Objectives and Projected Use of Funds. County Board reviews final Application of Funds. Development May 11 uly 1 Submit grant request. 1994 CDBG funding available for commitment/expenditure. (Cities may complete any necessary environmental reviews and notices during April and May to allow for immediate use of project funds in July.) I:~CDBG~MISC~94-SCHED CITY OF COLUMBI~ HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPHENT BLOCK GR~a. NT PROGRAM 1994 ~PPLIC~TION FOR FUNDING FEBRURAY 1994 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 1994 APPLICATION TABLE OF CONTENTS. TITLE List of Projects Neighborhood Revitalization Program (Acquisition and Clearance of Deteriorated Properties) Single-Family/Duplex-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program Public Service Grants a. Senior Outreach Program b. Alexandra House c. Hot Meals for Shut-Ins d. Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc. Public Hearing Documentation SECTION 1 2 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 1994 APPLICATION FOR FUNDING LIST OF PROJECTS PROJECT TOTAL PROJECT FUNDING EXPENSES ADMINISTRATIC~ Single-Family/Duplex Housing Rehabilitation Acquisition and Clearance of Deteriorated Properties Public Service -Senior Outreach Program (Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc.) -Alexandra House (Shelter for Abused Women) -Hot Meals for Shut-Ins -Southern Anoka Community Assistance, Inc. $ 93,890 $ 87,300 $6,590 $140,000 $137,000 $7,000 11,030 1,500 (or $3,000 if SACA is not funded.) 3,080 1,500 (or "0" if Alexandra House receives $3,000.) TOTAL FUNDING = $251,000 CDBGAPP SECTION 1 ;-2 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 1994 APPLICATION I. PROJECT NAME: Acquisition and Clearance of Deteriorated Properties PAGE 1 II. PROJECT ACTIVITY: This activity involves the acquisition and clearance of deteriorated properties. To be considered, a property must be uninhabitable due to building conditions which are detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of its occupants. In addition, a property must be 1) either vacant or have a willing seller, and 2) be difficult to condemn under the hazardous building section of the Uniform Building Code of the State of Minnesota. Acquisition would comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and by the HRA's Real Property Acquisition Policy. Properties will be identified by HRA Staff in cooperation with the City's Building Department. Owners will be contacted by HRA Staff and inspections will be conducted. An evaluation will be made of the property's physical condition, feasibility of rehabilitation and potential marketability. The HRA Board of Commissioners will be responsible for making a final determination of the properties to be acquired under this program except during the first 12 months of the program. During the first 12 months, use of funds will be restricted to the Sheffield Neighborhood (as defined below in paragraph # VIII). During the first 12 months of the program, any acquisitions must be approved by the City Council before the property is acquired by the HRA under this program. This activity will be carried out by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights under a program known as the "Neighborhood Revitalization Program". If the Fiscal Year 1994 funds are not all used in the Sheffield Neighborhood, remaining funds will be used on acquiring property on a City-wide, spot acquisition basis. III. PROJECT DURATION: This activity is part of a continuing effort by the HRA and City to acquire substandard and deteriorated properties which are considered blighting influences in otherwise stable neighborhoods. IV. PREVIOUS FUNDING: A grand total of $246,920 in CDBG funds have been used for this program since 1988. Six properties have been acquired, and one vacant lot redeveloped into a single-family home and one other lot is in the process of being developed with a new house and garage by Habitat for Humanity. 1988 ..................................... $ 91,585 1989 ..................................... $ 34,000 1990 ..................................... $ 43,000 1991 ..................................... $ 0 1992 ..................................... $ 98,495 1993 ..................................... $ 34,300 $301,380 SECTION 2 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG PAGE 2 VI. COMMUNITY PROBLEMS ADDRESSED: This activity will help the City address the problem of vacant, substandard housing which represents not only a blighting influence on surrounding properties, but also a hazard to the general public. According to the 1990 Census, the City had 209 vacant housing units (7,950 total units). The City and HRA Staff have conducted several -windshield" surveys of the City and found more than 70 properties which are substandard. The City has found that the Sheffield Neighborhood (as defined in # VIII) is in need of a concentrated housing rejuvenation effort. From July 1, 1994 through June 30, 1995, funds from this Fiscal Year 1994 project will be used exclusively in the Sheffield Neighborhood. Please see enclosed Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. This activity is considered eligible under CDBG regulations found at 24 CFR Part 570.201 (a & d) "Acquisition and Clearance Activities" and meets CDBG National Objectives found at 24 CFR Part 570.208 (b) (2) "Activities to address slums or blight on a spot basis." FUNDING SUMMARY: Total projected funding for Fiscal Year 1994 .................. $140,000 The funds will be expended as follows: Project Expenses ...................... $137,000 (Acquisition, Demolition and Clearance) City/HRA Administration ................. $7,000 (Time spent by City and HRA Staff identifying properties to be acquired, negotiating purchase, coordinating demolition and clearance and marketing properties for redevelopment. VII. COST DETAIL: See Above. VIII. PROJECT AREA: The overall project is contiguous with the boundaries of the City of Columbia Heights and will be carried out on a spot basis except during the first 12 months when efforts will be concentrated in the Sheffield Neighborhood. As mentioned in Section V., the City of Columbia Heights has 7,950 housing units; of this number, 5,400 were owner- occupied, 2,301 were renter occupied and 209 were vacant. In terms of structure type, the breakdown is as follows: Single-Family ................................... 5,609 Multi-Family .................................... 2,280 Mobile/Trailerhome .................................. 5 Other .............................................. 56 SECTION 2 PAGE 3 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG The priority project area, the Sheffield Neighborhood is defined as the area within the following boundaries: -South Boundary: 45th Avenue between Easterly edge of Keyes Park and Central Avenue. -East Boundary: Johnson Street (rear property lines of Easterly properties) and Easterly edge of Keyes Park. -West Boundary= Central Avenue between 45th and 47th Avenues. -North Boundary= 47th Avenue between Johnson Street (rear property lines of Easterly properties and Central Avenue). The above defined area is hereinafter referred to as the -Sheffield Neighborhood". The Sheffield Neighborhood includes a concentration of low income families in blighted type duplex and multiple unit housing. There are 518 dwelling units in the Sheffield Neighborhood and of those, there are 119 single family units, 184 are part of duplex units (92 actual duplexes), 56 are part of four-plexes (14 actual four-plexes), and 159 are part of multiple unit apartment buildings (1 six-plex, 4 seven-plexes, 2 eight- plexes, 3 eleven-plexes, 1 sixteen-plex and 3 twenty-plexes). There are also 6 commercial properties in the Sheffield Neighborhood. Over 45% of the residential properties are rental in nature. The goal of the Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Plan is to -Restore the balance of Housing (rental versus owner occupied) of the Sheffield Neighborhood to a level more typically found in lower density residential districts throughout the City". Included in this goal/plan is redevelopment/reutilization of residential properties in the area of moderate income housing and redevelopment of the commercial area so as to establish clear delineations or buffers between Central Avenue commercial development and the housing units along Tyler Street. IX. Xe XI. LARGER EFFORT: This activity is part of a larger effort by the City and HRA of Columbia Heights to tandard housing within the City and improve neighborhoods. Other eliminate sub~ .......... : .... ~ ~omeownershiu assistance (i.e. first-time activities incluae housing renaD~u=u~* ~..~ .. ~ homebuyers program). See Single-Family/Duplex-Housing Rehabilitation section for additional information. CONTACT PERSON: This activity will be carried out by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights. Questions concerning the program should be directed to Don Schneider at 782-2854 or 782-2855. REIMBURSEMENT AUTHORIZATION: The following persons are authorized to sign payment vouchers: - Donald R. Schneider, Executive Director - Angela Schlender, Housing Coordinator SECTION 2 offers the following as a guide to continuing discussion and ongoing studies. THE AMM SUPPORTS JURISDICTIONAL REASSIGNMENT OR TURNBACK OF ROADS ON A PHASED BASIS BASED ON FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION AND OTHER APPROPRIATE CRITERIA SUBJECT TO A CORRESPONDING MECHANISM FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING OF ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND CONTINUING MAINTENANCE SINCE CITIES DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE THE FINANCIAL CAPACITY OTHER THAN SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE TO ABSORB THE ADDITIONAL ROADWAY RESPONSIBILITIES WITHOUT NEW. FUNDING SOURCES. THE EXISTING MUNICIPAL TURNBACK FUND IS NOT ADEQUATE BASED ON CONTEMPLATED TURNBACKS. V-G TRANSPORTATION UTILITY Many cities are experiencing aging infrastructure, especially streets which are in need of replacement but because of few funding options continue to deteriorate. Chapter 429 bonds issued without election require a minimum of 20 percent assessment. However, the courts require a benefit proof that the assessment has actually increased the property value by the assessment value. For street replacement this is nearly impossible. Strict levy limits have prohibited full levy for the cost but further a general levy for full cost of street replacement might be very unfair to non benefiting property as well as higher valued classes of property. A general referendum to replace streets in one aging neighborhood would undoubtedly not pass in an entire city. The only remaining option is to legislatively establish a new funding mechanism that creates fairness. The best model available is a utility district similar to one the created for stormsewers which allows assessment annually for shared use on a volumn basis. THE AMM REQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH A TRANSPORTATION UTILITY AUTHORITY FOR CITIES TO USE FOR STREET MAINTENANCE AND RECONSTRUCTION SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING STORM SEWER UTILITY. V-H 'JC' TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS OFFICIALS ROLE OF ELECTED The transportation planning process in the Twin city Metropolitan Area has been developed in response to a variety of federal and state laws and regulations. The Metropolitan Council (MC) was formally designated by the Legislature in 1974 (1974 MRA) as the agency responsible for the administration and coordination of said planning process. Included within this designation is the responsibility for long range comprehensive transportation planning commonly referred to as the 'JC' process (continuous, comprehensive, and cooperative). Federal law and regulations required that principal elected officials of general purpose local governments be part of the planning process. When the Legislature designated the MC as the transportation planning agency for the -58- metropolitan area, it also mandated the establishment of an "advisory body" to assist the MC, and Metropolitan Transit commission (MTC), and the Regional Transit Board, in carrying out their responsibilities. This advisory body is the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and contains 17 local elected officials among its membership of about 30 officials. The Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 again establishes the need for local elected officials in the JC planning process. The current elected official participation and 'JC' process has worked reasonably well in this Metropolitan Area. THE AMM SUPPORTS THE CONTINUATION OF THE CURRENT U>CAL ELECTED OFFICIAIS INVOLVEMENT IN THE 'JC' PROCESS THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD TO MEET REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 1991. V-I PRESERVATION OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY Minnesota's system of railroad grades is rapidly shifting to a national trunk-line carrier with few branch lines as one line after another is abandoned. Minnesota has witnessed the abandonment of over one-half its rail system since the 1930 peak of 9,360 miles. Two thousand miles have been abandoned in the past 15 years .. These railroads played an important part in our transportation history. The abandonments now represent an equally significant opportunity for future generations. Light rail usage, vegetation reserves of scientific interest, transmission corridors, bicycle and snowmobile trails, access roads to remote natural resources, future highways, pipeline corridors are just a few roles for these abandoned grades. Because some of the most desirable abandonments are no longer available to the public, vigilance is needed regarding the remaining opportunities. THE AMM STRONGLY URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO ENSURE THAT ALL ABANDONED RAILROAD GRADES BE EXPEDIENTLY PRESERVED UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE FUTURE PUBLIC USE CAN BE DETERMINED. V-J CITY SPEED LIMITS A bill has been introduced which would grant cities the authority to set speed limits on city roads and streets. This policy of local authority for free standing rural or out state cities may be feasible but could be extremely dangerous and confusing in the metropolitan area. The seven county metropolitan area is made up of 140 contiguous cities and a number of townships. Because of -59- the compactness of cities in this area, it is often impossible to determine w�en one has crossed a boundary from one city to the next. If one city changes its limits, its neighbor would either have to also change or post many additional signs on each street crossing a boundary. This system would be costly, extremely confusing to individuals, and might cause some legal problems in case of accidents. Therefore, THE AMM SUPPORTS SPEED LIMIT CONTROL OF CITY ROADS AND STREETS AS CURRENTLY PROVIDED BY LAW AND OPPOSES CHANGES TO GRANT GENERAL SPEED LIMIT CONTROL TO INDIVIDUAL CITIES. V-K TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVES/DISINCENTIVES The AMM supports the development of a comprehensive system which will facilitate an increase in the occupancy level of cars and enhance the use of transit within the Metropolitan area. The state legislature is encouraged to consider exclusion from gross income the value of commuter transportation benefits provided by an employer and provide a tax deduction and tax credit for employers who provide commutor transportation benefits to Eimployees. AMM SUGGESTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT INCWDES A COMMUTER TRIP REDUCTION PROGRAM AND CREATES A SERIES OF TAX INCENTIVES AND/OR IMPACT FEES THAT ENCOURAGES MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY TRANSIT USE. V-L REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM The purpose of a Transportation system is to provide mobility for people and accessibility to and for economic development and services. The most effective system will make maximum use of all transportation alternatives and strategies where they are most appropriate, thus, creating a truly integrated system. Exclusive reliance on only freeways is imprudent and possibly cost prohibitive primarily due to social and economic upheaval of established neighborhoods for right of way acquisition. Transit improvements are imperative, but even with implementation of various load increasing strategies, the capacity is finite and will reach unacceptable saturation limits within the forseeable future. The AMM supports more coordination and integration of Transit and Highway planning and implementation. THE REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM SHOULD BE A COMBINATION OF INTEGRATED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND BE INCWDED IN ALL PLANNING DOCUMENTS AT ALL LEVELS INCWDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT STUDIES. THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS SHOULD INCWDE HOV LANES, EXPRESS BUSES, AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WHICH SHOULD BE BUILT WHEN IT IS -60- APPROPRIATE AND FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE IN EACH CORRIDOR OF THE AREA TO CONNECT RESIDENTS TO JOB, RETAIL, AND COMMERCIAL CENTERS. THE SYSTEM SHOULD ALSO INCWDE A VARIETY OF TRANSIT MODES, INCWDING A TAXI SYSTEM, BUSES, PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITIES, AND PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES, ADEQUATE TO CONNECT THE REGIONAL CENTERS, MAJOR TRIP GENERATORS AND COMMUNITIES, BOTH URBAN AND SUBURBAN. BUS SYSTEMS AND ESPECIALLY LRT SYSTEMS SHOULD INCWDE AMPLE REGIONAL PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES FOR AUTOMOBILES, MOTORCYCLES AND BICYCLES, WITH EASY ACCESS, CONSISTENT WITH THE PLANNING OF A REGIONAL ENTITY TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC. FEEDER SYSTEMS SHOULD BE A MAJOR CONSIDERATION FOR BUS PARK AND RIDE AND LRT STATIONS. PLANS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO USE VAN POOLS AND BICYCLES AS WELL AS WALKING TO FEED THE PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES FOR EXPRESS BUSES AND LRT. ALL TRANSIT MODES AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT POLICIES SHOULD BE GIVEN EQUAL CONSIDERATION NOW AND IN THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE BEST TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM POSSIBLE TO THE METROPOLITAN AREA. THE FINANCING FOR THE REGIONAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE BORNE IN PROPORTION TO THE BENEFIT OR SERVICES RECEIVED. V-M MSA SCREENING COMMITTEE The Metropolitan Highway Districts 5 and 9 were combined in 1989/90 administratively �o form one Metropolitan Highway District within the MNDOT structure. By law the MSA screening committee consists of one member from each Highway District and first class city. Technically, the combining of Districts 5 and 9 reduces the membership by one from the metro area. This was not intended by MNDOT. Therefore; THE AMM REQUESTS THAT THE STATUTES BE MODIFIED TO PRESERVE TWO SEATS ON THE MSA SCREENING COMMITTEE FROM THE METROPOLITAN HIGHWAY DISTRICT. V-N METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION TAX The AMM membership feels that transportation needs and funding are at a critical point in the metropolitan area and cannot be fully met within current financial or tax resource constraints. Higher occupancy transit systems such as LRT, buses, and other transit facilities must be examined in the context of a total transportation system in need of added resources. A new metro source of funds should not be a signal for reduced current or future state allocations, should be related to use, should be imposed as broadly as possible and to the greatest extent possible -61- CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG PAGE 4 XII. DEMOLITION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING: In an effort to minimize displacement and the destruction of affordable housing, the City, to the extent possible, will limit its list of properties to those which have been vacant for at least one year prior to acquisition. The purpose of this activity is to eliminate blighting conditions and encourage new development. The housing to be constructed will, in most circumstances, be market-rate. Therefore, sites to be identified will be exempt from the one-for-one replacement requirement. CDBGAPP SECTION 2 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 1994 APPLICATION I. II. PAGE i PROJECT NAME: Single Family/Duplex Family Housing Rehabilitation Program PROJECT ACTIVITY: This activity involves the rehabilitation of owner occupied single family and duplex residential properties. The funds are awarded to eligible homeowners in the form of a 50% grant/50% deferred loan. The 50% grant portion would not have any interest charge and would not have to be paid back if the homeowner remains in the rehabilitated property for a period of ten years. The 50% loan portion would have no interest charge and would be paid back only upon the sale, change of use or moving from the property. Should the recipient sell, move or otherwise convey the property during the ten year term, the grant portion would have to be repaid in the following manner: Within 1st Year .................................... 100% of Grant Amount Within 1st to 2nd Year .............................. 90% of Grant Amount Within 2nd to 3rd Year .............................. 80% of Grant Amount Within 3rd to 4th Year .............................. 70% of Grant Amount Within 4th to 5th Year .............................. 60% of Grant Amount After 5th Year thru 10th Year ....................... 50% of Grant Amount Grants/Deferred Loans of up to $11,000.00 are awarded. The funds may be used to make basic repairs and improvements, such as those which will correct structural, electrical or plumbing defects. In addition, work can be done to improve a dwelling's energy efficiency. To qualify for a grant/deferred loan, a person must meet the following criteria: 1. Own and live in the property to be improved. 2. Have an adjusted gross income at or below the limits listed below, which are based on household size. Household Preference Non-Preference Size Income Limit Income Limit 1 $ 9,668.00 $17,350.00 2 $12,644.00 $19,850.00 3 $15,620.00 $22,300.00 4 $18,832.00 $24,800.00 5 $22,044.00 $26,800.00 6 $25,260.00 $28,750.00 7 $28,472.00 $30,750.00 8 $31,684.00 $32,750.00 These limits are subject to change during the course of the program. For program purposes, Adjusted Gross Income is calculated by subtracting $750.00 for the first and second resident over age 18, and $500.00 for each additional resident, from Gross Annual Income. The income from all residents is included in the calculation. 3. Have total net assets of $25,000.00 or less, excluding "personal" property and the property to be improved (if less than 2 (two) acres). SECTION 3 ?? CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG III · IV. PAGE 2 4. The property cannot contain more than 2 (two) dwelling units, one of which must be owner-occupied. In addition, the property must be used for residential purposes; no more than 15% of the habitable floor area can be used in a trade or business. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve, limited preference basis throughout the year. No eligible applicant will be rejected on the basis ofjudgements as to personal character or life-style. Waiting lists will be maintained for those families with incomes in the -Preference Income Limit" and ..Non-Preference Income Limit" categories. Due to concentrated housing redevelopment activity in the Sheffield Neighborhood, eligible owners in that area will receive preference during the first 12 (twelve) months of the 1994 program over other eligible applicants for funds from the 1994 program. As of July 1, 1995, any funds remaining from the 1994 program will be allocated to eligible applicants based on a first-come, first-serve basis with first preference to those with incomes in the -Preference Income Limit" category with the exception that applicants who have applied and are faced with emergency housing conditions as certified by the City Building Inspector or Assistant City Building Inspector may be given priority over others on the waiting lists. PROJECT DURATION: This activity is part of a continuing effort by the City to improve its housing stock. Funds for Fiscal Year 1994 include $57,300.00 from the City's share of the Anoka county CDBG Entitlement Program Fund and $30,000.00 from the Anoka County CDBG rehabilitation fund pool. PREVIOUS FUNDING: This activity has been funded since 1978. A breakdown of the total funding and number of grants/deferred loans awarded is shown below: FY YEAR FUNDED ~_ FY YEA~. 1978 $150,667 51 1987 1979 $40,100 8 1988 1980 N/A N/A 1989 1981 $71,843 16 1990 1982 $23,568 6 1991 1983 $29,020 5 1992 1984 $23,535 5 1993 1985 $28,325 5 1986 $17,395 3 TOTALS: FUNDE~ ~-- $25,145 4 $12,195 3 $54,980 8 $53,735 6 $51,376 8 $58,900* 8 $141,695'* l(tO date) $982,479 133 * Includes $32,000 of Federal HOME Program Funds. ** Includes $70,000 of Federal HOME Funds & $17,500 of local match funds. COMMUNITY PROBLEMS ADDRESSED: This activity will help address the problems with the City's aging housing stock. Much of the City's housing stock was built before World War II and is in need of repairs (i.e. roofs, furnaces, windows and doors, etc.). This activity will assist in the preservation of the housing stock. SECTION 3 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG PAGE 3 The Sheffield Neighborhood (area between 45th Avenue on South, Johnson Street (rear of Easterly properties) and Easterly edge of Keyes Park on East, 47th Avenue between Johnson Street (rear of Easterly properties) on the North, and Central Avenue between 45th and 47th Avenues on the West) is an area in need of concentrated housing renovation. In this 16 block area, there are 518 dwelling units of which 119 are single family units, 184 are part of duplex units (92 actual duplexes), 56 are part of four-plexes (14 four-plexes), and 159 are part of larger multiple unit buildings (1 six-plex, 4 seven-plexes, 2 eight-plexes, 3 eleven-plexes, i sixteen-plex and 3 twenty- plexes). The majority of the single family and duplex units were constructed in the late 1950's and early 1960's and are in a deferred maintenance state. The City has developed a Sheffield Neighborhood Revitalization Plan which includes redevelopment and renovation in the neighborhood. These CDBG funds will be used to assist single and duplex property homeowners in upgrading their properties. If funds are not used for eligible projects in this neighborhood by July 1, 1995, then applicants from the waiting list from other neighborhoods citywide will be funded. This activity is considered eligible under CDBG regulations found at 24 CFR Part 570.202 "Eligible Rehabilitation and Preservation Activities". It meets CDBG National Objectives found at 24 CFR Part 570.208(a)(3) "Activities benefiting low and moderate persons, as a Housing Activity". VI. FUNDING SUMMARY: The funds for this activity will be expended as follows: Project Expenses ........................................ $87,300 (Rehabilitation Grants/Deferred Loans) HRA Administration ...................................... $ 6,590 (Time spent by Housing Coordinator and HRA Contract Housing Inspector/Specification Writer processing applications, preparing bid specifications and monitoring construction, estimated at 430 hours for the program; note this covers the time spent on rehab files funded under the regular County Rehab Program, as well.) TOTAL FUNDING ........................................... $93,890 VII. COST DETAIL: See above. VIII. PROJECT AREA: The project area is contiguous with the boundaries of the City of Columbia Heights. Based on 1990 Census Data, the City of Columbia Heights had a population of 18,910. The data indicated the following: Number of Households -With One of More Person Over Age 65 7,741 2,128 (27%) Number of House Units -Single Family -2 Unit Structures 7,950 5,609 (71%) 546 SECTION 3 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG PAGE 4 The first priority project area from July 1, 1994 to July 1, 1995 is the Sheffield Neighborhood which includes the following bounded area in the City of Columbia Heights: -South Boundary: 45th Avenue between Easterly edge of Keyes Park and Central Avenue. -East Boundary: Johnson Street (rear property lines of Easterly properties) and Easterly edge of Keyes Park. -West Boundary: Central Avenue between 45th and 47th Avenues. -North Boundary: 47th Avenue between Johnson Street (rear property lines of easterly properties and Central Avenue). The above defined area is hereinafter referred to as the "Sheffield Neighborhood". For detail on housing and housing conditions in the Sheffield Neighborhood, please see S V above. IX. LARGER EFFORT: This activity is part of an effort by the City to improve its neighborhoods. addition to this program, the City also offers the following programs: -MHFA Home Improvement Loan Proqram (166 loans since 1979 for a total of $934,751) -MHFA Home Enerqy Loan Proqram (44 loans since 1983 for a total of $153,780) -MHFA Deferred, Accessibility and Revolvinq Loan Proqrams (115 loans since 1976 for a total of $369,660) -MFHA Rental Rehabilitation Grant Proqram (12 grants since 1984 for a total of $82,925) -MFHA Rental Rehabilitation Loan Proqram (8 loans since 1990 for a total of $105,017) -First-Time Homebuyer Proqram 1993 Program ...... $911,868; 1 loan to date 1992 Program .... $1,400,309; 22 loans to date 1991 Program .... $1,477,000; 21 loans to date 1982 Program .... $8,408,000; 175 loans to date In CONTACT PERSON: This activity will be carried out by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights. Questions concerning the program should be directed to Don Schneider at 782-2854 or 782-2855. XI. REIMBURSEMENT AUTHORIZATION: The following persons are authorized to sign payment vouchers: - Donald R. Schneider, HRA Executive Director - Angela Schlender, HRA Housing Coordinator XII. NOT APPLICABLE CDBGAPP SECTION 3 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 1994 APPLICATION PAGE i I. PROJECT NAME: Public Service II: PROJECT ACTIVITIES: The following projects will be carried out under this activity: Senior Outreach Proqram for Columbia Heiqht~ Anoka County Community Action Proqram, Inc. (ACCAP) 1201 - 89th Avenue N.E., Suite 345 Blaine, MN 55434 ACCAP will use CDBG funds to operate a Senior Outreach Program. The funds will be used to pay the salary, benefits, travel and related costs of a part-time outreach worker. This individual will work 25 hours per week for 40 weeks and provide assistance to isolated Columbia Heights seniors and disabled adults who are in need of medical, financial, nutritional, housing or advocacy services. It is anticipated that 400-500 persons will be served by this program. Funding for Fiscal Year 1994 .................... $11,030 See Exhibit 4-1 for additional information. Alexandra House P.O. Box 424 Circle Pines, MN 55014-0424 Alexandra House will use CDBG funds to operate its 24 hour emergency for battered women and their children/youth. The funds will be used to help offset part of the cost of providing emergency shelter (room & board) to Columbia Heights women and their children. Funding for Fiscal Year 1994 .................... $3,000 (or $1,500 if SACA is funded.) See Exhibit 4-2 for additional information. Hot Meals for Shut-Ins 550 Osborne Road N.E. Fridley, MN 55432 Hot Meals for Shut-Ins a/k/a Meals on Wheels will use CDBG funds to provide nutritious meals to home-bound seniors and disabled adults in Columbia Heights. The funds will be used to pay for the cost of meals purchased from Unity Hospital. Funding for Fiscal Year 1994 .................... $3,080 See Exhibit 4-3 for additional information. SECTION 4 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS/CDBG PAGE 2 Southern Anoka C~munit¥ Assistance, Inc. (SACA} (Alternate if Alexandra House is - funded at $1,500.) 627 - 38th Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421 SACA will use CDBG funds for its existing food shelf which serves the southern Anoka County area. The funds will be used to purchase food stuffs. Funding for Fiscal Year 1994 .................... $1,500 (if Alexandra House is funded at $1,500.) See Exhibit 4-4 for additional information. CDBGAPP SECTION 4 ANOKA COUNTY.COMMU. NITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC. 12GI 8~:,'" -"..'.,e~ue ,"4E · Suite 3."-u ' Bla, r:,-3, MN ,,..."~34 · PI~ut',e 783-474,7 · FA~ 783-4700 · ~ 7~3-47Z41~/ December 1, 1993 Mr. Donald Schneider Executive Director Columbia Heiqhts HRA City of Columbia Heights 590 40th Avenue N.~. Columbia Meiqhts, Minnesota 55421-3878 Dear Mr. Schneider: Thank y~u for nhe eDportun~ny t~ subm~ a CDRG ~.~ndinq reques~ for the ;994-95 program year. Cn behalf of the Senior Outreach Program in Columbia Hei~h~e, administered ~hrough .~.oka County Community Action Program, Inu., I am su~miL~i~ ~ ~'equ~s~ £~r $11,030.00. Because of your Dast and curr~n~ support, vulnerable and isolated seniors and disabled adults are able ~o be assisted by Barb Tai!lefer, the Outreach Worker for your city. Barb identifies and me~s wi~h clients, and a~i~ ~hem in obtainin~ s~rvices so that they may live in their homes. She progides case management, referral and advocacy for these individuals, who have ~reat difficulty coding with ~heir s~tuations. Without outreach efforts, i~ is likely that many cf these residents would be forced to unnecessarily seek long ~crm ¢~rc in a nuts!n? home, or would simply be lefu in their homes with inade~ua=e food, medical care cr other basic necessities. If ycu have any questions, cr require further information about tki~ ~un~in~ re.cue~t, please feel ~ree ~o contac~ me at 7q3-4~41. On behalf cf seniors and disabled adults in Columbia Heights, thank you for your consideration of this requesu. Sincerely, CynLhla Hendricks Coordinator of Senior Programs and Volunteer Services CH/ch SECTION 4 ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY A.CTION PROGRAM, INC. 1201 ~gt~ Av~;~uu NE * ~ui[e 34.~ · ~[ama. MN ~5434 · Pt~ane, 83-47~'7 · FAX 783-4700 · TTY 783.4724~i~ PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC SEKVICE G.KA~ .~noka County Community Action Program - Senior Outreach Program 1201 $gth Avenue N.E., Suite 345 Blaine, Minnescta 55434 Con~ac~: C?n~hia ~endricks, Coordinator oE Senior ~ro~ams and Volunteer Services 612/783-4741 Fundinc. is h~n~_ requested, f.~.~~ ~he Scnior Outreach Pro,ram in Columbia Heights, administered through Anoka County Community Action Program, Inc. This program provides case management, re,efta! and advocacy for %~!neraDle, isclaCed sen~ors and disabled adults within eke city of CoLumbia Heights. Tko Outreach Worker identifi~ and mee~s with ra~n~s ~o help de,ermine ~heir needs, and assists them in obtaining social, medical, financial, nutritional cr other services. This includes, amcn~ ocher asui~tance, he!pi:[~ them complete energy assistance or weatherizaticn apDlications, contacting a Public Health Nurse or referring c!iencs to such ~rcGrams am the fccd ~h~lf, home delivered meals, or chore services. The Outreach Worker meets bi-weekly with the six (6) other Outreach Workers in Anoka County. This provides supporu, educacion and ~"~ ..... ion for her in her work The Outreach Worker also receives daily supervision from the Coordinator of Senior Programs and Volunteer Services at ACCAP. The Outreach Worker works closely w~-n staff cf pro,ram: and ~cr-;ices in Coluu~ia H~!~hcs and ~oka County. She has a great deal of knowledge of clients' needs and resources available in the area. She is also linked to the Columbia Heights Senior Center, to ensure tka[ staff and senior are aware of outreach services. This project will serve primar±ly Iow and moderate income residents of Columbia Heights who need assistance in cbtainin~ se_-vices so. they remain in their homes. Clients so-so/ed are isolated, vulnerable and often hcusebcund, reducing typical awareness cf or acce~ t~ ~;~c~. ~any lack family O£ community support, an~ most clients have some type cf disability or impairment which makes independent involvement with service providers very difficult. The anticipated results and goals of the Senior Outreach Program are to reach as many isolated seniors and d~abied adults in Columbia Heights as possible, and ts assist them in whatever ways ~easik!e %o enable them to remain independent. Tko success of this Frogram m~ans tha~ ~h~re will be few~c p~em~u:'~ o:' unnecessary nursing home admissions, injuries, or deaths, and fewer economic and emc~icnal burdens for ~he entire community. IAI ; SECTION 4 Proposal for Public Service Grant December l, 1993 page 2 While thi~ is not a now sot-rice, it is expanded b~cause the needs of the population served continue to grow, and more traditional resources and support systems are less available. According to the 1990 Census, there are over 3,000 Columbia Heights residents over the age cf 60, many of wkcm are moderate or low-income. This community, lika others in ~noka County, will continua to see significant growth in this pcpu!ation in the future. The past ten (i0) years saw a sixty percent (60%) increase in the elderly population in Ancka County. Many seniors and disabled adults are living longer, but with reduced, fixed incomes, resulting in increased n~ds and limited resource~ for a~si~tanoe. The Outreach Worker will continue to seize previous and new clients, most of whom rely on her for substantial assistance. To our knowledge, there are nc similar services provided by other organizations serving the Columbia Meight~ area. Approximately 400-500 residents would be directly served by the Senior Outreach Pro,ram. Many c!ien~s re.cluire mu!~ip!e contacts for additional assistance or follow-up on requests for services. One hundred percent (!00%) of these c!ien~s are Columbia Heights residents u~-=,v five to ninety eicht percen~ (95-98%) of clients will be iow ~o moderate income. During the 1992-93 program year, seventy percen: (70%) of C:!umbia Heights c!ien~s served lived on an annual income of $9,300 or !ess. The total funding re~uested is $11,030.00. Due to the awareness of limi%ed CDRG funding, ACCAP is willing to approach community organiza~ion~ in ~he city cf Columbia Hci~h~s..~ to raise an additional $1,000. The minimum cost of this program is $12,029.00. Possible sources of funding within Columbia Heights include service organizaticns, churches or individuals. ACCAP also is willing to work wi~h ~ha city of columbia ~ei~hts in propo~in~ non-CDBG city funding in i~s budge~ process. A Dudge% for ~he Senior outreach Program is attached tc this proposal. The primary administrator for the Senior Outreach Program is C??,thia Hendricks, Coordina%cr cf Senior Programs and Vc!unteer Services. Oversight of Ms. Hendrick's work and ~he deparcmen~ be!cngs to Stephen Klein, Director of Planning and Community Programs. Based en results seen in ~revicus years, along with written feedback from c!ien~s and c~u~;~unihy ttt~:nb~:'~, we beiiev~ %he Senior Outreach Program in Columbia Heights is vital to 5he well being of ,ru!nerable citizens in the community, it provides many benefits to seniors and disabled adults while remaining cost efficient. ANOKA COUN'T'Y COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC. SECTION 4 Proposal for Public Service Grant December 1, 1993 page 3 without CDBG fundin~ or scme o~er type of city funding, the Outreach Program could not exist and s~il! be effective. Additional CDBG funds will be ~equired. We are always seeking additional sources of funding from the public or private sector in Columbia Heights. we woulG De very interested in discussing with appropriate community and civic leaders how we mighz locate ether sources of funding. Thank you for your consideraticn of this funding request. If any further information would be helpful, please £~el free to contact Cyn=hia Mendricks, Coordinator of Senior Programs and Volunteer Services, ACCAP. ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC. SECTION 4 ANOKA COUNTrY.COMMUNITY ACTION PROGR. AM, INC. IZOl 891h Avur~uu NE · Suite .4. · Blaine, MN §§434 · Phone 783.4747, FA~ 78:3-4700 1-1'Y 71~3.472~i C~LUMBIA HEIGKTS SENIOR OUTREACH PKOGRAM Proposed Budget Septe~er, 1994 ~o May, 1995 Perscnnel- Senior Outreach Wcrker $7.50/ho,~r x 25 hour~,wee~ x 40 wemks Emplcyer-paid costs (FICA, UC, WC, Insurance) Trainin~ ~ .025 x ~ross wa~e Travel @ .29/mile x 2000 miles O~her Costs (SDace, tele~kone, consumable suDDlies) TOTAL $ 7,~00.00 $ 2,675.00 $ ~80.00 In-Kind $10,936.00 Administrative ~xpenses ~ 10% GRAND TOTAL Total CDRG fund~ raqueutad To=a! funds ~hat could be raised through community ch $ 1,093.00 $12,029.00 $1!,030.00 $ !,000.00 12/1/93 SECTION 4 AN ORGANIZATION FOR BATTERED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN/YOUTH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Roberta Flatten, Chair Audrey Howlett, Vice Chair Sally West, Secreta~/ Lyle Muehlbauer, Treasurer Tom Alberg Terrie Bunker Barb Case Roseanna Hudgins Claudia Hulleman Dawn M. Massey Stella Petersen Jean Shirley Lynne M. Tellers Barb Treska Pat Prinzevalle, Executive Director December 28, 1993 Donald R. Schneider Executive Director Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Columbia Heights 590 NE 40th Avenue Columbia Heights, MN 55421 Dear Mr. Schneider: As per our conversation on December 16, 1993, I am forwarding a request for $3,000 from the City of Columbia Heights through the Community Development Block Grant funds. These funds will be used to provide safe, temporary emergency shelter, support services and community advocacy to battered women and their children/youth who reside in the City of Columbia Heights. In addition, our Columbia Heights support group will continue on a weekly basis. Over 390 battered women and their children and youth have received support, information, direct service advocacy, support group and shelter services in 1993. We are extremely grateful for the on-going support the City of Columbia Heights has contributed to Alexandra House. Your commitment in confronting the problem of domestic violence in our conm,unlties continues =o strengthen the partnership between =ne City of Columbia Heights and Alexandra House. If you have any questions and/or need further information, please contact me at 780-2332. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Pat Pr~~ Executive Director P.O. BOX 424, CIRCLE PINES. MN 55014-0424 (Located in Blaine) Business: 780-2332 · Crisis/'l-l'Y: 780-2330 · Fax: 780-1273 SECTION 4 ~-2 ~.S 'ON ~LU~ed NI~I 'seu!d OlYd e6elSOd 'S'I'I uo!1~z!ue6~O ~lOJd-UON SECTIC HOT MEALS FOR SHUT INS 550 OSBORNE ROAD NE FRIDLEY MN 55~38 OCTOBER 20, 1993 DONALD R SCHNEIDER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DEAR MR SCHNEIDER, THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING OUR PROGRAM FOR THE CDBG FUNDS FOR 1994. THE TABLE BELOW WILL SHOW QUITE CLEARLY WHERE THE FUNDS WOULD BE USED. 1991 ACTUAL MEAL COUNT 19~E ACTUAL MEAL COUNT 1993 ACTUAL MEAL COUNT THROUGH AUGUST 31 1993 PROJECTED COUNT 199~ PROJECTED COUNT 17,491 19,'B73 15,701 28,631 8~,506 APPROXIMATELY ?5Z OF THE MEAL COUNT IS FOR RESIDENTS OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS. WE ANTICIPATE THE MEAL COUNT TO CONTINUE TO GROW FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. CDSG FUNDS WOULD USED FOR RESIDENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY THE FULL COST OF THE MEALS. SINCERELY , ,/' EVE FRANK, COORDINATOR THE MEALS. SECTION 4 SOUTHERN ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE, INC WILL BE PROVIDING A FORMAL REQUEST WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED LATER. SECTION 4 F22 CITY COUNCIL LETTER MEETING OF: }ANUARY 24e 1994 AGENDA SECTION: ORDINANCES AND ORIGINATING DEPT.: CITY MANAGER RESOLUTIONS FINANCE APPROVAL NO: 6 ITEM: DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES BY: WILL, IP/~../..~rLRITE BY: FOR FUNDS OF THE CITY OF L,,~ ~,.~' COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DATE: J~. 18, 1994 Each year the Finance Department reviews investment firms and, as needed, updates the City resolution designating depositories for City funds. As in past years, the attached resolution designates depositories. Other than name corrections, there are no changes in depositories from 1993. It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt this resolution. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution 94- copies available to the public. , there being ample RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution 94-__ depositories for funds of the City of Columbia Heights. · being a resolution designating WE:dh 9401181 Attachment COUNCIL ACTION: RESOLUTION 94- DESIGNATING DEPOSITORIES FOR FUNDS OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marquette Banks Minneapolis and the Northeast State Bank be hereby designated as the depositories for monies of the City of Columbia Heights, and the Treasurer of this City is hereby directed to deposit monies of this City in said banks, and the Marquette Bank and Northeast State Bank are hereby authorized and directed to honor and pay any checks or orders, when signed by the Mayor, City Manager and Treasurer for the withdrawal or transfer of funds on deposit in said banks in whatever form. AND, that the following financial institutes be designated as official depositories of the City of Columbia Heights for investment purposes: Marquette Bank Minneapolis, Northeast State Bank, Twin City Federal, Norwest Bank, American National Bank of St. Paul First Banks, Merrill Lynch Government Securities, Inc., Prudential Securities, Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund, Piper Jaffray Companies, Juran & Moody, Inc., Shearson-Lehman Brothers. AND, that the Treasurer shall have the authority to wire transfer funds from one official depository to another for the purpose of investing City funds. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in case such deposit shall at any time exceed the sum for which its deposits are insured under the acts of Congress of the United States relating to insurance of bank deposits, said depository shall immediately furnish bond or securities in lieu of bond. The following are hereby designated as the places for safekeeping of all securities in lieu of such bond: The Marquette Bank Minneapolis, The Federal Reserve Bank, Norwest Bank, First National Bank of St. Paul, Manufacturers Hanover Bank, Midland National Bank, American National Bank of St. Paul First Banks, Piper Jaffray Companies, Juran & Moody, Inc. Passed this Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: day of ,1994 Joseph S. Sturdevant, Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CITY COUNCIL L~TI~R Meeting of: 1/24/94 AGENDA SECTION: ORDINANCES AND ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Crr¥ MANAGER NO. RESOLUTIONS PUBLIC WORKS 6 M. Winson fl{//~ NO. OF VARIANCE REQUEST DATE: 1/15/94 D Attached is a resolution directing the City Engineer to proceed with the submittal of a variance request to the Commissioner of Transportation to permit State Aid project numbers be assigned for the Mn/DOT Traffic Signal Replacement project on T.H. 4'/at 3?th Ave. N.E., 44th Ave. N.E. and 53rd Ave. N.E., after approval of the plans. Staff mistakenly processed this project with off-system funds, rather than M.S.A. Construction funds. Thc variance can be processed administratively and will not need to be presented to the Variance Committee. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the Resolution, there being ample copies available to the public. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 94- directing the City Engineer to proceed with the submittal of a variance request to the Commissioner of Transportation for T.H. 4'/from 3?th Avenue to 53rd Avenue. MAW:jb 94-039 Attachment COUNCIL ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 94- DIRECTING THE CITY ENGINRRR TO PROCEED WITH THE SUBMITrAL OF A VARIANCE REQUEST TO THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION FOR T.H. 47 FROM 37TH AVENUE TO 53RD AVENUE WHEREAS, the City participated in the Minnesota Department of Transportation Department project for Traffic Signal replacement work on T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue; and WHEREAS, the City did not have the appropriate Municipal State Aid Street numbers on the plan at the time of approval; and WHEREAS, the Minnesota DeparUnent of Transportation Rule 8820.2800 Subparagraph 3 requires that projects must be assigned State Aid project numbers and must be so identified in records of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the local governmental unit; and WHEREAS, State Aid Rules provide that a political subdivision may request a variance fi'om these rules; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights: That the City Engineer be directed to submit to the Commissioner of Transportation a formal request for variance from adopted Rule 8820.2800 Subparagaph 3 to permit that State Aid project numbers be assigned for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Traffic Signal Replacement project on T.H. 47 from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue. Dated this day of ,1994 Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA By: Joseph Sturdevant~ Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary ATTEST: I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a tree and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 24th day of January, 1994, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. Jo*Anne Student Deputy Clerk CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS MEETING OF: January 24. 1994 AGENDA SECTION: ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MGR NO: 6 CITY MANAGER'S APPRO~L ITEM: CHARTER AMENDMENT - REFERENDUM & BY: P. HENTGES NO: REFERENDUM PETITIONS ~.~, DATE: 01/18/94 The first reading of Ordinance 1280 was held on November 8, 1993. The second reading was scheduled for January 24, 1994. As you recall, based on direction by the City Charter Commission, the City Attorney drafted Ordinance No. 1280 pertaining to Chapter 5, Sections 35-46, regarding referendums and referendum petitions. Basically, the Charter amendment: · Clarifies that all types of ordinances, resolutions and all other action of the Council shall be subject to a referendum. · Replaces "electors" and "voters" with "registered voters". · Section 36: Increases the expense to $300 from $100; and incorporates language which would allow citizens to have the City Attorney's Office review proposed ordinance, resolution, or action for technical correctness and continuity. · Section 39: Includes an explanation on the sample petition. Councilmember Nawrocki is a member of the Charter Commission and can provide additional explanation if you have any questions. The Charter Commission has held their required two readings on this Charter amendment. Note that State Statutes mandates a unanimous vote for Charter amendments. As a point of information, it has since been learned that referendums are confined to ordinances according to the League of Minnesota Cities' opinion. Thus, this item will be tabled indefinitely due to further Charter Commission study and review. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of the ordinance, there being ample copies available to the public. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to indefintely table Ordinance No. 1280; Being an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5, Sections 35 through 46 of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights Pertaining to the Referendum and Referendum Petitions. COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 1280 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5, SECTIONS 35 THROUGH 46 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PERTAINING TO THE REFERENDUM AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Chapter 5, Sections 35-46, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads as follows, to wit: CHAPTER 5 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL Section 35. POWERS RESERVED BY THE PEOPLE. The people of Columbia Heights reserve to themselves the power, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to initiate and adopt ordinances and resolutions, to require measures passed by the council to be referred to the electorate for approval or disapproval, and to recall elected public officials. These powers shall be called the initiative, the referendum, and the recall, respective. Section 36. EXPENDITURES BY PETITIONERS. No member of any initiative, referendum, or recall committee, no circulator of a signature paper, and no signor of any such paper, or any other person, shall accept or offer any reward, pecuniary or otherwise, for services rendered in connection with the circulation thereof, but this shall not prevent the committee from incurring an expense not to exceed one hundred dollars for legal advice, copying, printing, and notaries' fees. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor. Section 37. FURTHER REGULATIONS. The council shall as soon as possible after the organization of the city government under this charter provide by ordinance such further regulations for the initiative, referendum, and recall not inconsistent with this charter, as may be deemed necessary. Such ordinance shall include the relevant provisions of this charter. INITIATIVE Section 38. INITIATION OF MEASURES. Any five electors may form themselves into a committee for the initiation of any measures of public concern. After formulating their measure they shall file a verified copy thereof with their names and addresses as members of such committee. They shall also attach a verified copy of the proposed measure to each of the signature papers herein described, together with their names and addresses as sponsors therefore. Section 39. FORM OF PETITION AND OF SIGNATURE PAPERS. The petition for the adoption of any measure shall consist of the measure, together with all the signature papers and affidavits thereto attached. Such petition shall not be complete unless signed by a number~; voters equal to at least twenty per cent of the total number votes cast at the last preceding regular municipal election. Ail the signatures need not be on one signature paper, but the circulator of every such paper shall make an affidavit that each signature appended to the paper is the genuine signature of the persons whose name it purports to be. Each signature paper shall be substantially the following form: INITIATIVE PETITION Proposing an ordinance [or resolution, as the case may be] to · . . [stating the purpose of the measure], a copy of which ordinance [or resolution] is hereto attached. This measure is sponsored by the following committee of electors: NAME ADDRESS 2. 3. 4. understanding the terms and the undersigned electors, The nature of the measure hereto attached, petition the council for its adoption, or, in lieu thereof, for its submission to the electors for their approval. NAME ADDRESS At the end of the list of signatures shall be appended the affidavit of the circulator, mentioned above. Section 40. FILING OF PETITION AND ACTION THEREON. Ail the signature papers shall be held in the office of the city clerk as one instrument. Within five days after the filing of the petition the city shall ascertain by examination the number of electors whose signatures are appended thereto, and whether this number is at least twenty percent of the total number of electors who cast their votes at the last preceding regular municipal election. If the city clerk finds the petition insufficient or irregular, the city clerk shall at once notify one or more of the committee of sponsors of that fact, certifying the reason for such finding. The committee shall then be given thirty days in which to file additional signature papers and to correct the petition in all other particulars. If at the end of that period the petition is found to be still insufficient or irregular, the clerk shall file the same and shall notify each member of the committee of the fact. The final finding of the insufficiency or irregularity of a petition shall not prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same purpose, nor shall it prevent the council from referring the measure to the electors at the next regular or any special election, at its option. Section 41. ACTION OF COUNCIL ON PETITION. Whenever the petition shall be found to be sufficient, the city clerk shall so certify to the council at its next meeting, and the council shall at once read the measure and refer it to an appropriate committee, which may be a committee of the whole. The committee or council shall thereupon provide for public hearings upon the measure, after the holding of which the measure shall be finally acted upon by the council not later than sixty-five days after the date upon which such measure was submitted to the council by the city clerk. If the council shall fail to pass the proposed measure, or shall pass it in a form different from that set forth in the petition and unsatisfactory to the petitioners, the proposed measure shall be submitted by the council to vote of the electors at the next election occurring not more than three months after the date of the final action by the council, and if no otherwise scheduled election is to be held within three months from such date, then the council shall call a special election to be held not less than thirty nor more than forty-five days from such date. In case the council passes the proposed measure with amendments and at least four- fifths of the committee or petitioners do not express their dissatisfaction with such amended form by a certificate filed with the city clerk within ten days from the passage thereof by the council, then the measure need not be submitted to the electors. Section 42. INITIATIVE BALLOTS. The ballots used when voting upon any such proposed measure shall state the substance thereof, and shall give the voter the opportunity to vote either "For the measure" or "Against the measure." If a majority of the electors voting on any such measure shall vote in favor thereof, it shall thereupon become an ordinance or resolution of the city as the case may be. Any number of proposed measures may be voted upon at the same election, but in case there shall be more than one, the voter shall be allowed to vote for or against each separately. Section. 43. INITIATION OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS. Nothing in this charter contained shall be construed as in any way affecting the right of the electors under the constitution and statutes of Minnesota to propose amendments to this charter. REFERENDUM Section 44. THE REFERENDUM. If prior to the date when an ordinance takes effect a petition signed by qualified electors of the city equal in number to twenty per cent of the total vote at the last regular municipal election be filed with the city clerk requesting that any such measure, or any part thereof, be repealed or be submitted to a vote of the electors, the said measure shall thereby be preVented from going into operation. The council shall thereupon reconsider the said measure at its next regular meeting, and either repeal the same, or repeal the sections thereof to which objection has been raised by the petitioners, or by aye and no vote reaffirm its adherence to the measure as passed. In the latter case the council shall immediately order a special municipal election to be held thereon within not less that thirty nor more than forty-five days from the action of the council calling it. If a majority of the voters voting thereon are opposed to the measure, it shall not become effective; but if a majority of the voters voting thereon favor the measure, it shall go into effect immediately or on the date therein specified. Section 45. REFERENDUM PETITIONS. The requirements laid down in sections 38 and 39 above as to the formation of committees for the initiation of measures and as to the form of petitions and signature papers shall apply to the referendum as far as possible, but with such verbal changes as may be necessary. A referendum petition shall begin as follows: REFERENDUM PETITION Proposing the repeal of an ordinance [or resolution, as the case may be] to . . . [stating the purpose of the measure], a copy of which ordinance [or resolution] is hereto attached. This measure is sponsored by, etc. Section 46. REFERENDUM BALLOTS. The ballots used in any referendum election shall conform to the rules laid down in section 42 of this charter for initiative ballots. is herewith amended to read as follows: CHAPTER 5 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL Section 35. POWERS RESERVED BY THE PEOPLE. The people of Columbia Heights reserve to themselves the power, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to initiate and adopt ordinances and resolutions, to require measures passed by the council to be referred to the electorate for approval or disapproval, and to recall elected public officials. These powers shall be called the initiative, the referendum, and the recall, respective. Section 36. EXPENDITURES BY PETITIONERS. No member of any initiative, referendum, or recall committee, no circulator of a signature paper, and no signor of any such paper, or any other person, shall accept or offer any reward, pecuniary or otherwise, for services rendered in connection with the circulation thereof, but this shall not prevent the committee from incurring an expense not to exceed three hundred ~ollars for legal advice, copying, printing, and notaries' fees. Any committee member, at their sole d~scretion and at no charge %o said committee member, may utilize the serv$ces of the city attorney so as to assure that %he proposed ordinance, resolution, or action is consistent as to ~orm and structure with other similiar measures enacted by the city council. Any violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor. Section 37. FURTHER REGULATIONS. The council shall as soon as possible after the organization of the city government under this charter provide by ordinance such further regulations for the initiative, referendum, and recall not inconsistent with this charter, as may be deemed necessary. Such ordinance shall include the relevant provisions of this charter. INITIATIVE Section 38. INITIATION OF MEASURES. Any five registeFed voters may form themselves into a committee for the initiation of any ordinance, resolution or co~Dcil action of public concern. After formulating their ordinance, resolutioD, or action they shall file a verified copy thereof with their names and addresses as members of such committee. They shall also attach a verified copy of the proposed ordinance, resolution or a~tioD to each of the signature papers herein described, together with their names and addresses as sponsors therefore. Section 39. FORM OF PETITION AND OF SIGNATURE PAPERS. The petition for the adoption of any ordiDance, Fesolution, or action shall consist of the measure together with all the signature papers and affidavits thereto attached. Such petition shall not be complete unless signed by a number of registered voters equal to at least twenty per cent of the total number of votes cast at the last preceding regular municipal election. Ail the signatures need not be on one signature paper, but the circulator of every such paper shall make an affidavit that each signature appended to the paper is the genuine signature of the persons whose name it purports to be. Each signature paper shall be substantially the following form: INITIATIVE PETITION Proposing an ordinance [Fesolutio~, or action as the case may be] to . . . [stating the purpose of the measure], a copy of which ordinance [resolution or action] is hereto attached. This ordinance [resolution or action] is sponsored by the following committee of registered voters: 2. 3. 4. NAME ADDRESS The undersigned reqistered voters, understanding the terms and the nature of the measure hereto attached, petition the council for its adoption, or, in lieu thereof, for its submission to the electorate for their approval. NAME ADDRESS At the end of the l~st of e~gnatu=ea shall be appended the affidavit of the circulator, mentioned above. E&oh affidavit sh&11 be in substantially the following form~ State of ) )SS. County of boinq duly sworn deposes and says that the affiant, and the affian6 only, personally circulated the foregoing paper, that all the signatures appended thereto were made in the affiant's presence, and that the affiant believes them to be the genuine signatures of the persons whose names they purport to be. (Signature of Circulator) Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of 19__. (Signature of Notary Public) Section 40. FILING OF PETITION AND ACTION THEREON. Ail the signature papers shall be held in the office of the city clerk as one instrument. Within five days after the filing of the petition the city shall ascertain by examination the number of ~ v tars whose signatures are appended thereto, and whether this 0 ........ ~ ~ .....t" ~ercent of the total number of ~ nummer is a~ ~ ~-~,. ~ ~ ' voters who cast their votes at the last preceding regular municipal elect~on. If the city clerk finds the petition insufficient or irregular, the city clerk shall at once notify one or more of the committee of sponsors of that fact, certifying the reason for such finding. The committee shall then be given thirty days in which to file addit%onal signature papers and to correct the petition in all other partlculars. If at the end of that period the petition is found to be still insufficient or irregular, the clerk shall file the same and shall notify each member of the committee of the fact. The final finding of the insufficiency or irregularity of a petition shall not prejudice the filing of a new petition for the same urpose, nor shall it prevent the council from referring the ordinance, resolution or action to the electorate at the next regular or any special election, at its option. Section 41. ACTION OF COUNCIL ON PETITION. Whenever the petition shall be found to be sufficient, the city clerk shall so certify to the council at its next meeting, and the council shall at once read the oFd~nance, resolutioD or action and refer it to an appropriate committee, which may be a committee of the whole. The committee or council shall thereupon provide for public hearings upon the measure, after the holding of which the measure shall be finally acted upon by the council not later than sixty-five days after the date upon which such ordinance, resolution or action was submitted to the council by the city clerk. If the council shall fail to pass the proposed ordinance, resolution or action, or shall pass it in a form different from that set forth in the petition and unsatisfactory to the petitioners, the proposed measure shall be submitted by the council to vote of the ~ at the next election occurring not more than thr. ee months after the date of the final action by the council, and if no otherwise scheduled election is to be held within three months from such date, then the council shall call a special election to be held not less than thirty nor more than forty-five days from such date. In case the council passes the proposed Qrdinance, resolution or action with amendments and at least four-fifths of the committee or petitioners do not express their dissatisfaction with such amended form by a certificate filed with the city clerk within ten days from the passage thereof by the council, then the measure need not be submitted to the elec%orate. Section 42. INITIATIVE BALLOTS. The ballots used when voting upon any such proposed ordinance, Fesolution or action shall state the substance thereof, and shall give the voter the opportunity to vote either "For the measure" or "Against the measure." If a majority of the registered voters voting on any such measure shall vote in favor thereof, it shall thereupon become an ordinance, resolution or action of the city as the case may be. Any number of proposed measures may be voted upon at the same election, but in case there shall be more than one, the reqistered voter shall be allowed to vote for or against each separately. Section. 43. INITIATION OF CHARTER AMENDMENTS. Nothing in this charter contained shall be construed as in any way affecting the right of the el_~9_gJ=q~under the constitution and statutes of Minnesota to propose amendments to this charter. REFERENDUM Section 44. THE REFERENDUM. If prior to the date when an ~Fdinance, resolution oF action of the council takes effect a petition signed by Neaistered voters of the city equal in number to twenty per cent of the total vote at the last regular municipal election be filed with the city clerk requesting that any such measure, or any part thereof, be repealed or be submitted to a vote of the l~_9~Ag]~2~_9, the said measure shall thereby be prevented from going into operation. The council shall thereupon reconsider the said ordinance, resolution, or action at its next regular meeting, and either repeal the same, or repeal the sections thereof to which objection has been raised by the petitioners, or by aye and no vote reaffirm its adherence to the measure as passed. In the latter case the council shall immediately order a special municipal election to be held thereon within not less that thirty nor more than forty-five days from the action of the council calling it. If a majority of the 's~9_q~9~_~voters voting thereon are opposed to the measure, it shall not become effective; but if a majority of the voters voting thereon favor the measure, it shall go into effect immediately or on the date therein specified. Section 45. REFERENDUM PETITIONS. The requirements laid down in sections 38 and 39 above as to the formation of committees for the initiation of ordinances, resolutions and actions and as to the form of petitions and signature papers shall apply to the referendum as far as possible, but with such verbal changes as may be necessary. A referendum petition shall begin as follows: REFERENDUM PETITION Proposing the repeal of an ordinance [resolution or action, as the case may be] to . . . [stating the purpose of the measure], a copy of which ordinance [resolution or action] is hereto attached. This measure is sponsored by, etc. Section 46. REFERENDUM BALLOTS. The ballots used in any referendum election shall conform to the rules laid down in section 42 of this charter for initiative ballots. Section 2: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: Offered By: Seconded By: Roll Call: Donald J. Murzyn Jr., Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary CITY COUNGIL LETTER Meetin§ of: January 24, 1994 AGENDA SECTION: Communications ORIGINATING DEPT.: CITY MANAGER NO: 7 Buildin§ Inspections APPROVAL ITEM: Request for Temporary Si§na§e BY: Evelyn Ny§aard NO: 4005 Cent?a~v~nue, Box Seat DATE: 1/19/94 Attached is a copy of a written request received January 18, 1994 from Daniel J. Stiles, owner of the Box Seat Restaurant, 4005 Central Avenue, proposed to be opened by February 1, 1994. Mr. Stiles is requesting temporary signage consisting of two banners: One banner facing Central Avenue measuring 30"x30' (75 square feet) and a banner facing 40th Avenue measuring 30"x15 ' (37.5 s.f.) for a total of 112.5 square feet. Actual signage is limited to 100 square feet for the tenant space. The temporary signage is proposed for display for approximately three (3) months. The permanent signaEe cannot be painted on the building until Spring according to Mr. Stiles letter. The request is in conflict with our existing standards for temporary signage. However, the temporary signage standards are for signage in addition to regular signage and this request is for temporary signa§e in lieu of regular signage due to weather constraints. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the request for temporary signage at the Box Seat Restaurant, 4005 Central Avenue, from February 1, 1994 to April 30, 1994 provided a deposit in the amount of $100 is submitted to the Inspection Department prior to the display of the temporary signage. ALTERNATE MOTION: Move to deny the request for temporary signage as it is in conflict with Section 9.117A(3)(k), "Standards for Temporary Signage", adopted by the City Council June 28, 1993. COUNCIL ACTION: CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 9.117A(3)(k) Standards for Temporary $1~na~e: amended Ord. #i271 (i) Any sign not considered permanent $hall be considered temporary. (ii) No temporary sign ~elghing In excess of thirty O0) pounds Is permitted unless It Is first approved by the Building inspector, Banners or pennants may not exceed the lesser of 3~x20~ In slze or the ·llovmd~axlmumof ~mll sIgnage per alta. (111) No temporary sign shall extend over or Into any street, ·1lay, sidewalk or other public thorouqhfare· distance greater than four (4) Inches fro~ the wall uponwhlch It Is erected, shell not be placed or project over any wall end-ay not cover~ore than 25~ of ~1fldow area such ~het 75~ of the total ~Indow area Is kept clear et ell times. (iv) No temporary alqn shall be erected so es to prevent free Ingress to or egress from iny door, ~lndow or fire escape, nor shall such slgn be attached to any standpipe or fire escape. (k) fy) (vi) (vii) (viii) (Ix) (x) (xi) (xil) (xlil) Every temporary sign shall be attached to the ~all with wlre or steel cables, end no strings, ropes or ~ood slats for anchorage or support purposes shall be permltted. Portable signs may not exceed &' x 8' in sFze. Location of all temporary slgnage must be wlthln the property boundaries of such business. Temporary slgnaqe shall be allowed up to a maximum of four eleven (11) day periods per year. Only one (1) teflq)orary sign is permitted in any eleven (11) day perlod. A request for the use of more than one sign In an eleven day period w111 result In · double deduction from the four (4) times per year temporary signage allc~eance. A $15.O0 permit, es well es a refundable $100.~0 deposlt, shall be required for each eleven (11) day period. Temporary sign·ge for NEW business grand openlnqs shall be allowed.an additional eleven (11) day period. Additionally, one (1) APPROVED temporary sign Is allowed during the December Holiday season, without I permlt, for I mexlmum of thirty (30) days, provided the user posts · SlO0.qO deposlt prior to the Installation of the temporary signage es provided In item (vlSI) above. The deposit shall be returned to the deposltor upon satisfactory removal of the temporary sign·ge and the explration of the applicable permit. Unauthorized use of temporary slgnaqe shall be subject to a doubling of any appllcable permit fees end forfeiture of the S100.00 deposit in addition to other sanctions as provided herein. t '-BOXSEATili l 433 E. Mendota Road West St. Paul, MN 55118 (e12) 45o-7736 Columbia Heights City Council, Boxseat Sports Bar & Grill located at 4005 Central Ave. in Columbia Heights is requesting that we may hang two temporary banners. The two banners will be in the same color of blue as the exsisting awning. They will be aproximatly the same size as the front face of the exsisting awnings. The banner that will be facing Central Ave. is 30in. X 30 I't. the banner that would be facing 40th Ave. will be 30in.x15ft. The two Oanners will read: SPORTS FRONT--- BOXSEAT BA~ & GRILL BOXSEAT SPORTS SIDE--- DOXSEAT DAR & GRILL ~ecause the front and side awnings were painted on instead of the traditional glued on lettering, we are unable to do so for aproximatly 3 months. To manufacture a sign our needs which will entail a complete new skin is a 3 mon. process. The cola weather is also an obstacle we have come across. To repaint the sign, we would have to wait till spring. Our sign company is Arrow sign co. located at 18607 Hwy. 65 N.E. in Cedar, Minn. the # 1-800-621-9231. Thank you I'or taking the time mo consider our simple request. Daniel J. Stiles CITY OF COLUHBIA HEIGHTS Appllcation for Temporary S_ignage Permit Date: OWNER/TENANT: Address if other than Telephone: TYPE OF TEHPORARY SIGNAGE: Location of Temp. Sign on Site: 4/x~J ~_C~Tu~ _ ~O~c~:/~~ Ce_~;~z~pc 4__ }/~ DATES FOR DISPLAY OF TEHPORARY SIGNAGE: ~0 '~0 ~. ~ ,~,~ 3 (Hex. of 11 days) I NSTALLER/COHPANY NAME: Address: ~ ~ ~ Signature of Applicant: ~,-.c-,-/z / City,State ~. //' ,/~. Zip__ SIGNATURE OF BUILDING INSPECTOR: APPROVED DENIED PERHIT FEE: DEPOSIT: /~0 ---- DATE PAID: CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meeting of: January 24~ 1994 AGENDA SECTION: COMMON I CATI 0NS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER NO: 7 CITY MANAGER' S APPROVf.~ ITEM: 1994 ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN BY:DATE:P. 1-19-94HENTGES BY'D~.TE: I,~.~~'~, ~ The 1994 Policies and Legislative Proposals from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities is provided for informational purposes only. No formal action is required. COUNCIL ACTION: BOARD OF DIAr:GTO~ PRE~IDE]~T P~T PREm~E~T Dm ~fl B~nh~ William Burns Frklk~y Jack Denzer CoUage Grove Tom Egan st Paul Cond Houle FaJoon Hetghl~ ~m/Unke Mounds View ,~n lynch Frank Ongaro St Paul Jim E~n'~ Blnlne EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vern Peterson January 7, 1994 aeeociat!.on of metroDohtan munici'palitiee TO: Chief Administrative official and Local Contact Officials Enclosed for your reference is a complete set of 1994 AMM Legislative Policy as adopted by the membership. It should be noted that key issues have been designated by the membership and Board of Directors as extreme high priority. They are Municipal Revenues, Metropolitan Governance and Transportation Funding. An explanation of the content of these areas is as follows. Municipal Revenues. The AMM has several high priority policies which deal with this issue and are interrelated. This includes continuation of the Local Government Trust Fund with 2 cent sales tax funding and reinstatement of the original programs for distribution to cities and counties. The AMM program supports continued HACA and LGA distributions with growth in the LGTF to be allocated among the various programs at their original ratio within the LGTF. The AMM also supports reinstatement of the growth distribution formula for HACA. 2. Metropolitan Governance. A major finding of an AMM study was that there needs to be an invigorated process by which metropolitan problems can be discussed and solutions implemented on a metropolitan level. The current governance structure and authority is lacking. Policies in this area include metropolitan agency reorganization, changes in activities and appointment process; election of the Metropolitan Council and issues such as water management, housing and economic development in the metropolitan area. 3. Transportation Fundinq. Although the AM)( continues to support dedicated funding for Highways, the Policy emphasis is on a permanent funding source for Metropolitan Transit needs. If a statutory answer cannot be enacted then the AMM would suggest a constitutional dedication of a specific source for transit or an expansion of the current Gas Tax distribution to include transit. A copy of the Legislative program has been sent to each State Senator and State Representative as well as each 3490 lexington avenue north, st. paul, minnesota 55126 (612) 490-3301 member city chief administrative officer and contact person. Please inform your council members of the availability of these policies and discuss the major issues. We are urging each city to invite your legislators to discuss these important issues and how they affect the residents of your community. Its necessary that all legislators understand the fiscal and social cost impact of aid cuts or service cuts on the people they represent if the LGTF is not fully funded. To assure success in this year of heightened competition for additional revenues, our legislators need to hear the message from you, their local officials. If you need additional information or more policy copies please call Vern Peterson or Roger Peterson at 490-3301. a,~--~c~on of POLICIES AND LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS 1994 Adopted by the AMM Membership on November 4, 1993 THIS DOCUMENT IS PRINTED ON, RECYCLED PAPER 3490 lexington avenue north, st. paul, minnesota 55126 (612) 490-3301 MUNICIPAL REVENUES A. INDEX PART ONE MUNICIPAL REVENUES AND TAXATION PAGE NUMBER 1 - 11 LEVY/VALUE LIMITS 1. Levy Limits 2. Oppose Valuation Or Operation Freezes B. MANDATED STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS C. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID 1. Aid Formula Criteria 2. Local Government Aid Formula 3. LGA Growth D. PROPERTY TAX 1. Homestead Class Rate Change 2. Non-Governmental Tax Exempt Property 3. State, County, City and Metropolitan Owned Tax Exempt Property 4. Property Tax Reform E. GENERAL FISCAL IMPACT POLICIES 1. Fiscal Note Continuation 2. Funding Shifts 3. State Revenue Stability 4. city Fund Balances F. SALES TAX DEDICATION GUARANTEE G. HOMESTEAD AND AGRICULTURAL CREDIT AID (HACA) 1. HACA Continuation 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 -i- II. 2. HACA Growth Factor 3. Oppose HACA Conversion To School Aid 4. HACA Buydown For Class Rate Changes H. STATE IMPOSED FEE FOR SERVICE I. FISCAL DISPARITY FUND DISTRIBUTION 9 9 10 10 10 PART TWO GENERAL LEGISLATION GENERAL LEGISLATION 12 - 19 A~ OPPOSE REDUCTION OF AUTHORITY OR LOCAL CONTROL 12 B. TORT LIABILITY 12 C. DATA PRACTICES 13 1. Open Meetings And Data Practices 13 2. Liquor License Application 14 3. General Public Data 14 D. POLICE AND FIRE PENSION PROVISIONS 15 1. Amortization Aid 16 2. Employee Contribution Amount 16 3. Benefit Increases 16 4. Assumption Changes 16 E. CONTRACTORS PERFORMANCE BONDS 16 F. CONCURRENT DETACHMENT AND ANNEXATION 16 G. 911 TELEPHONE TAX 18 H. MARKETS FOR RECYCLED MATERIAL 18 -ii- PART THREE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE III.HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS A.HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS 20 -36 20 1.Examine Local Requirements That Affect 20 Housing Costs 2.Practices By Other Levels Of Government 21 Which Affect Housing Costs 3.Mandatory Land Use Standards 21 4.State Housing Policy 21 5.Local Housing Policy 22 6.Metropolitan Housing Policy 23 7.Neighborhood Liveability 24 8.State And/Or County Licensed Residential 27 Facilities (Group Homes) 9.Licensed Residential Facilities (Group 29 Homes) Inspections B.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1.Cities Re-developmerlt and Economic Development Responsibilities 29 30 2.Equal Treatment of Cities 31 3.Tax Increment Financing 31 4.Property Tax/Value Abatement Authority 32 5.Local Option for Development Organization 33 Structure -iii- 6.Development of Polluted Lands 7.Building Permit Fee Surcharge C.LAND USE PLANNING PART FOUR METROPOLITAN AGENCIES IV.PHILOSOPHY WITH RESPECT TO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES 34 35 35 37 -53 A.PURPOSE OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES 37 B.CRITERIA FOR EXTENSION OF METROPOLITAN 37 AGENCIES AUTHORITIES C.STRUCTURES, PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION. AND 38 FUNDING OF METROPOLITAN SERVICES AND PROGRAMS 1.Policy Planning -Implementation 38 2.Funding for Regionally Provided Services 38 3.Regional Tax Rates and User Fees 39 D.COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING -LOCAL AND REGIONAL 39 INTERACTION E.COMBINED SEWERS -SEPARATION 40 F.METROPOLITAN COUNCIL BUDGET/WORK PROGRAM PROCESS 40 1.Budget Detail And Specificity 2.Reliance on Property Taxes 3.Program Evaluation G.METROPOLITAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FUNDING 1.Operation and Maintenance Funding 2.Regional Bonding For Regional Parks H.WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT -iv- 40 41 41 42 42 42 43 1. Water Supply. 43 2. Surface and Groundwater Water Management 44 3. Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment 45 System 4. Water Testing Connection Fee 46 WASTE STREAM MANAGEMENT 46 1. Integrated Waste Stream Planning 47 2. Hazardous and Dangerous Waste Management 48 3. Metropolitan/County Responsibilities 49 4. Local Solid Waste Management 50 Responsibilities 5. Funding 50 6. Organized Collection 51 7. Host Cities and Cleanup Responsibilities 52 PART FIVE TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION POLICY STATEMENT 54 - 65 A. STREET, BRIDGE AND HIGHWAY GENERAL FUNDING 55 B. METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM GENERAL FUNDING 55 C. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FUND 56 D. TRANSPORTATION (HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT) FUNDING 56 ALTERNATIVES E. HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT INTEGRATION PLANNING 57 F. HIGHWAY JURISDICTION REASSIGNMENT, TURNBACKS, 57 AND FUNDING G. TRANSPORTATION UTILITY H. ~3C' TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS - ROLE OF ELECTED OFFICIALS I. PRESERVATION OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY J. CITY SPEED LIMITS K. TRANSPORTATION INCENTIVES/DISINCENTIVES L. REGIONAL TRANSIT SYSTEM M. MSA SCREENING COMMITTEE N. METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION TAX O. AIRPORT POLICY P. BIKEWAY GRANTS PROGRAM Q. OPTOUT R. MSAS FUNDING FOR COMBINED CITY STREET DEPARTMENTS PART SIX ENDORSEMENT POLICIES VI. ENDORSEMENT POLICIES A. TAXATION HEARING AND NOTIFICATION LAW B. STATE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS C. REFERENDUM LEVIES D. COMPARABLE WORTH E. LIQUOR ISSUES F. PELRA G. ANNEXATION H. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES 58 58 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 64 66 - 74 66 67 67 68 69 70 71 72 -vi- VII. I. WETLANDS CONSERVATION J. MSA MILEAGE LIMIT K. HIGHWAY DEFINITION - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PART SEVEN METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE REORGANIZATION METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE REORGANIZATION A. LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION OF iMETROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE 1. Restructuring of Metropolitan Agencies 2. Legislative Committee Structure for Metro Issues Consideration 3. Selection of Metropolitan Council/ Metropolitan Agencies Members 4. Regional Rail Authorities/Transit B. RE-ENERGIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL 72 73 73 75 - 78 75 75 76 76 77 77 -vii- MUNICIPAL REVENUES PAGE i ~q~ROUGH 11 LEGISLATIVE POLICIES 1994 I MUNICIPAL REVENUE AND TAXATION I-AIA%n//VAIiIE LIMITS A-1 LEVY LIMITS The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities commends the 1992 Legislature for removing artifical Levy Limitations from cities for 1993 and beyond. The AMM has consistently opposed the levy limit laws in that they apply uniform statewide restrictions to cities and are too inflexible to accommodate inflation, uncertanties in state and federal financial aids, and the diverse problems and circumstances faced by cities throughout the state. Such laws are inconsistent with principles of local self-government and accountability. Neither do they recognize changing local conditions as to either expenditure needs or revenue sources. Levy limits ultimately work against the interests of local taxpayers because the law creates an incentive for cities to take maximum advantage of the opportunity to make general or special levies. THE AMM STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE LEGISLATURE'S DECISION TO END LEVY LIMITATIONS FOR CITIES AND FURTHER URGES THAT LEVY LIMITS NOT BE REINSTATED IN THE FUTURE. A-2 OPPOSE VALUATION OR OPERATION FREEZES During the 1993 legislative session the administration and some legislators made several proposals~ related to levy limitation through freezes or referenda. As ~in the case of the previous levy limitations these type of artificial restrictions will work adversely for the taxpayers in the long run. Property valuation freezes will create property tax disparities between current and new property and will create large individual tax bill fluctuations when the freeze is lifted and property valued at market. Also, creating temporary payroll or operating freezes will in turn cause larger increases at some later point or violation of state labor law. Providing referenda to allow frozen operations to increase will in itself cost money and impose unnecessary bureaucracy into the local government budget process. 'I~E AMM OPPOSES IMPOSITION OF ARTIFICIAL GIMMICKS SUCH AS VALUATION FREEZES, PAYROIJ. FREEZES WITH REFERENDA, OR OTHER LIMITATIONS TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET AND TAXING PROCESS. I-BMANDATED STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS The cost of local government is being influenced more and more by -1- both state and federal legislatively mandated programs and increased mandated benefits or costs for in place programs. At the same time the legislature and administration are suggesting that expenditures are far too great at the local level and that cutbacks are needed. Cities cannot provide additional mandated programs without seriously impacting the ability of cities to provide the traditional services of public safety, street maintenance, snowplowing, etc. Mandated programs such as pay equity, binding arbitration, PELRA, certain Data Practice requirements, expensive election rules, waste recycling, and truth in taxation cost money. These costs must be recovered through levy, state payment, or reduction of current service. There is no other way. THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO RECOGNIZE THAT MANDATED INCREASED EXPENDITURES IN ONE PROGRA~WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING INFUSION OF FUNDS MANDATES A NEW PROPERTY TAX OR A DECREASED EXPENDITURE IN THE OTHER SERVICE AREAS SUCH AS PUBLIC SAFETY ETC. THEREFORE, WHEN NEW PROGRAMS OR INCREASES TO EXISTING PROGRAMS ARE MANDATED, THE I~GISLATURE SHOULD PROVIDE SUBSTANTIAL STATE FUNDING ASSISTANCE. I-C LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID State Aid to cities has been a much debated legislative issue for two decades. Over that time the formula(s) have ranged from pure per capita, to need based on value and service, to a distribution based on location and past spending. Homestead Credit has changed to Homestead Aid and is no longer a direct taxpayer subsidy. New gimmicks such as Disparity Reduction Aid (Mill rate equalization) and Tax Base Equalization Aid, have been invented to target money to various regions when the general aid formula could not be politically designed to work. With few exceptions, cities across the nation have access to more than one form of municipal revenue. The dedicated Local Government Trust Fund recognizes that and provides Minnesota cities with a second source, sales tax, in addition to the traditional small share of the property tax. The advent of the dedicated Local Government Trust Fund (LGTF) made up of 1 1/2 cent current sales tax revenue and 1/2 cent locally enacted sales tax revenue provides the opportunity to return to the basics and to develop a rational redistribution formula. That formula should recognize the sales tax as 1) a second source of city revenue to fund general city services as well as 2) a source of funds to help eliminate some of the disparities caused by unique municipal overburden and for low property wealth. c-1 AID FORMULA CRITERIA -2- ANY AID DISTRIBUTION FOI~I~ SHOULD CONSIDER AND SUBSTANTIi~T.T,Y INCORPORATE THE FOLIX)WING CRITERIA: .THE SALES TAX IS A GENERAL REVENUE SOURCE FOR CITY EXPENDITURES AND THUS SOME DISTRIBUTION TO EACH COMMUNITY MUST BE PROVIDED TO UPHOLD THE ORIGINAL COMMITMENT TO ;%1.1. OF THE STATES TAXPAYERS; .RECOGNITION OF BURDENS CAUSED BY RAPID POPULATION GROWTH; .RECOGNITION OF BURDENS CAUSED BY POPULATION LOSS IN MEETING THE DEMANDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICES; .RECOGNITION OF NEEDS BASED ON CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS SUCH AS AGING POPULATION, HOUSING STOCK, AND INFRASTRUCTURE; .RECOGNITION OF WEALTH OR TAX CAPACITY; .RECOGNITION OF BASIC NEEDED SERVICES WHICH SHOULD BE SUPPORTED AT AN APPROPRIATE SUPPORT LEVEL; AND .RECOGNITION OF PROPERTY TAX BURDEN RELATIVE TO INDIVIDUAL WEALTH. C-2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID FORMULA The aid formula proposal developed by the League of Minnesota Cities for the 1993 legislative session basically incorporated the criteria as stated in I-C-1 above. The legislature modified the LMC proposal by using average statewide tax rate times tax capacity as the base rather than twice the average tax base, substituted a declining grandfather for the LMC rolling grandfather, and added some cap limitation. Although the distribution changed some, the adopted formula is based on need and does substantially include the need criteria. ALTHOUGH THE ORIGINAL 1993 LMC PROPOSED LGA FORMULA IS PREFERRED, THE AMM CAN SUPPORT CONTINUATION OF THE CURRENT LGA FORMULA THROUGH 1995. HOWEVER, IF CHANGES ARE CONSIDERED BY THE 1994 LEGISLATURE THAT WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE STABILITY OR INTEGRITY OF THE PROGRAM, THE AMMWOULD STRONGLY SUPPORT RETURNING TO THE ORIGINAL 1993 LMC PROPOSAL. CONVERSELY, THE AMMWILL SUPPORT CHANGES OFFERED TO THE CURRENT FORMULA THAT HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON METRO AREA CITIES. C-3 LGA GROWTH In order to ensure that city property taxes do not grow abnormally, there needs to be continued growth in the LGA which is a major portion of the overall revenue base of cities. THE AMM SUPPORTS CONTINUED GROWTH OF LGA IN 1995 THROUGH INCREASED -3- CONTRIBUTION FROM SALES TAX TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRUST FUND. THE LGA GROWTH RATE SHOULD EQUAL THE LGTF GROWTH RATE. I-D PROPERTY TAX D-1 GENERAL CLASS RATE CHANGES A portion of the property tax relief provided to farms by the 1993 legislature was accomplished by shifting county and school taxes to city taxpayers. This shifting causes local property tax burdens for certain properties to increase due to the actions of the state legislature. However, local government officials are held responsible by their taxpayers. THE AMM OPPOSES CHANGES TO THE PROPERTY TAX CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM THAT WOULD CAUSE SIGNIFICANT SHIFTING OF PROPERTY TAX BURDENS FROM ONE CLASS TO OTHERS. D-2 NON-GOVERNMENTAL TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY One of the glaring inequities in the Minnesota tax system involves the free local services that are provided to tax exempt property owned by certain non-governmental organizations. It is widely acknowledged that such property benefits directly from governmental services such as police and fire protection and street services provided by cities. However, since there is not legal basis for claiming reimbursement for the cost of such services, they are borne by the local taxpayers. Furthermore, such property is concentrated in certain cities resulting in a heavy cost burden in certain parts of the state. THE ASSOCIATION BELIEVES THIS PROBr~M SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY ENACTING LEGISLATION, REQUIRING OWNERS OF TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY, EXCEPT FOR CHURCHES, HOUSES OF WORSHIP, AND PROPERTY USED SOT~LY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES BY ACADEMIES, COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND SEMINARIES OF LEARNING, TO REIMBURSE CITIES FOR THE COST OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES SUCH AS POLICE, FIRE, AND STREETS. D-3 STATE, COUNTY, CITY AND METROPOLITAN AGENCY OWNED TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY The State of Minnesota, some cities, counties and Metropolitan Agencies own a significant amount of property within the metropolitan area. Cities provide a range of services that benefit these properties. However, since the they are exempt from paying property taxes, municipalities are not reimbursed for the cost of these services. This places an unreasonable burden on cities. The State of Wisconsin established a program called "Payment for Municipal Services" in 1973. The program provides a mechanism for -4- municipalities to be reimbursed by the state for services they provide to state-owned properties. Through a formula based on the value of state-owned buildings within a city, the Wisconsin system reimburses cities for police, fire, and solid waste services. THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM FOR REIMBURSING MUNICIPAIJTIES FOR SERVICES TO STATE, COUNTY, OTHER CITY AND METROPOLITAN AGENCY FACILITIES. THE PROGRAM SHOULD (1) ENSURE THAT THESE AGENCIES PAY ASSESSMENTS FOR SERVICES THAT BENEFIT THEIR PROPERTY, AND (2) AT~W CITIES TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR SERVICES THAT ARE FUNDED THROUGH GENERAL REVENUE, SUCH AS POLICE AND FIRE, WHICH ARE VALUABLE TO THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTIES, ANOTHER CITY AND METROPOLITAN AGENCIES. D-4 PROPERTY TAX REFORM Many significant changes in the property tax system have been made since the 1988 Session. The AMM believes it is critical that any future proposals be evaluated on the basis of their impact on individual communities. A proposal that may appear balanced on a statewide basis can have very disparate effects on individual cities. The difference in property tax burdens among taxpayers living in neighboring tax jurisdictions which provide similar services must also be kept within reasonable limits. Any significant tax burden disparities would adversely affect cities' abilities to compete on a fair basis for residents and economic development. Tax increment districts are dependent on tax rates and assessment ratios of the current property tax system. The financial viability of those projects should not be jeopardized by state-imposed changes in the tax structure. Likewise, enterprise zone businesses have been recruited based on a commitment that they would receive a preferential classification ratio in the calculation of their property tax obligations. These development districts should be protected from any negative consequences of tax reform. The tax increment financing plan in effect at the time legislation is passed should be the basis for determining remedies. In enacting any major reforms of the Minnesota property tax system, including the complementary system of property tax relief through aids to local government, the AMM recommends that the Legislature pursue policies which meet the following conditions: THE IMPACT OF ANY PROPOSAL SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY ANALYZED, ITS IMPACT STATEWIDE AND ON INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES. FOR MAJOR SHIFTS THAT INCREASE DISPARITIES IN TAX BURDENS AMONG TAXING JURISDICTIONS OR REGIONS WITHIN THE STATE SHOULD NOT OCCUR. -5- ALL SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SHOULD BE PHASED IN SO THAT CITIES CAN ADEQUATELY PLAN FOR ANY NEEDED ADJUSTMENTS. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID, ORAN EQUIVAT~NT PROGRAM OF PROPERTY TAX RELIEF SHOULD REMAIN AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF THE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM. CATEGORICAL AID PROGRAMS SHOULD NOT BECOME A SUBSTITUTE FOR LGA AND RELATED PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS. PROPERTY TAX REFORM SHOULD RECOGNIZE ~E TAX/CASH FLOW NEEDS OF AND NOT JEOPARDIZE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS, TAX INCREMENT FINANCE DISTRICTS OR ENTERPRISE ZONES. THE CHANGES IN TAX STATEMENTS MADE BY THE 1988 LEGISLATURE }{AVE THE POTENTIAL TO MIST~AD TAXPAYERS ABOUT THE VALUE OF HOMESTEAD AND AGRICULTURAL CREDIT AID (HACA) PAYMENTS MADE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. AN INCOME-ADJUSTED CIRCUIT BREAKER AND RENTERS' CREDIT SHOULD CONTINUE. SIMPLIFICATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY ARE DESIRABLE GOALS THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITHIN THE ABOVE TENETS. I-E GENERAL FISCAL IMPACT POLICIES E-1 FISCAL NOTE CONTINUATION Many laws are passed each year by the legislature which have a substantial effect on the financial viability of cities. Some of these, such as revenue and tax measures, have an obvious and direct effect which is often calculated and reported during the hearing process. Many others, such as worker's compensation benefit increases, mandated activities, binding arbitration and other labor related legislation, social programs, etc., have costs which are not as obvious but which will now be known due to a fiscal note requirement. Cities and others will now be able to determine the real cost of a program or suggestion and be able to use this data in determining the merits. THE STATE SHOULD CONTINUE A POLICY OF "DELIBERATE RESTRAINT" ON ITS MANDATED PROGRAMS AND UTILIZE EXTENSIVELY THE RECENTLY ADOPTED FISCAL NOTE STATUTE IDENTIFYING LOCAL GOVERNMENT COSTS ON ANY NEW MANDATED PROGRAMS. E-2 FUNDING SHIFTS The Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department annually prepares 'Major State Aids and Taxes: A Comparative Analysis'. The statistics for 1985 through 1992 show an imbalance of state revenues collected and aids and credits distributed -6- between the metropolitan and outstate areas. Nearly 65% of the State Revenue is collected in the Metropolitan Area while only about 45% of the aids and credits are redistributed in the metro area. In 1992 there was $.56 returned in aids and credits for each dollar collected in the metro area (dOwn 3 cents from 1990) whereas, there was $1.27 returned per $1.00 collected in greater Minnesota (down 5 cents from 1990). The trend in the past two to three years has been very slightly in favor of the metro area but there is still a vast imbalance in favor of outstate distribution per amount collected. If the imbalance is allowed to continue, state tax and aid policies may jeopardize the future economic growth of the metro area to the detriment of the whole state. STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE HOUSE RESEARCH DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE STATE REVENUE IS RAISED IN THE METRO AREA WHILE ONLY A MINORITY OF THE STATE AIDS AND CREDITS ARE AT~CATED TO THE METRO AREA. THE AMMREQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO CONTINUE TO REDUCE THE IMBALANCE AND TO CONSIDER HOW THIS DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES EFFECTS THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND VITAT~TY OF THE METRO AREA AND THUS THE ENTIRE STATE. E-3 STATE REVENUE STABILITY The AMM has in the past supported a state reserve fund to help deal with unanticipated economic changes that could result in mid year cuts to various city aid programs. The AMM also supports cash flow balances for cities so that short term borrowing is unnecessary. The same case can be made for the states cash flow. Finally, it seems prudent to develop a mid term correction or unallotment process that does not penalize any one segment of the state budget recipients over another segment if the economy drops beyond a reasonable reserve balance. THE AMM SUPPORTS A CONTINUED STATE FUND TO PROVIDE FOR STATE BUDGET CASH FLOW NEEDS AND A RESERVE FOR UNEXPECTED BUDGET SHORTFA~ DUE TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS. THE AMMALSO ENCOURAGES THE LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION ON PLANNING AND FISCAL POLICY TO ADOPT A UNIFORM ACROSS THE BOARD UNAIJ~OTMENT PROCESS FOR MAJOR ECONOMIC DOWNTURNS SIMILAR TO THAT PROVIDED BY THE 1993 LEGISLATURE. E-4 CITY FUND BALANCES There are several reasons why cities must carry adequate fund balances. First, cities need substantial cash balances at the beginning of their fiscal year to finance expenditures for the first six months of the year. (By statute, cities' fiscal year is on a calendar year basis, running from January 1 through December 31.) The main sources of city revenue are property taxes and state aid; property tax payments are not made to cities until June and state aid is not provided until late July -- six to seven months into the city fiscal year. Without the necessary cash -7- balance at the beginning of the year cities do not have funds to operate for the first half of the fiscal year. The alternative would be for the city to engage in costly borrowing which is not in the interest of local taxpayers or the state. The office of the state auditor has recommended that to be prudent, cities should carry an end-of-the-year dedicated cash balance sufficient to fund city expenditures for the first half of the year. Second, many cities, in order to save taxpayer dollars and avoid paying costly interest on debt, accumulate funds for major capita]. purchases and infrastructure. A common example is saving over a period of years to purchase an expensive fire engine or public works vehicle. In some cities, it may appear as if a city has a large reserve compared to its annual expenditures, but in reality it is "saving" for a major purchase. Confusion over this practice has lead cities to more prudently "designate" their fund balances to clarify the intended future use of such funds. Because of the vast differences in the size of the 856 cities of Minnesota and the various local preferences in financing purchases, it would be bad public policy for the Legislature to restrict or eliminate cities' abilities to accumulate fund balances. Third, cities need to maintain some fund balance to meet emergency or unanticipated expenditures created by situations such as cuts in aid, natural disasters, lawsuits, and premature breakdown of vital equipment. Cities are not given the necessary revenue raising authority to be able to address these issues in the middle of a budget year. And finally, bond rating firms require liquidity and a demonstrated ability to pay debt in order to receive a favorable bond rating. Bond rating firms scrutinize city fund balances when rating bonds. The better the bond rating of a city, the lower the interest cost of borrowing are to the taxpayer. Therefore, THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO CONTROL OR RESTRICT CITY FUND BALANCES. THESE FUNDS ARE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE FISCAL VIABILITY TO MEET UNEXPECTED OR EMERGENCY RESOURCE NEEDS OF CITY GOVERNMENTS, TO PURCHASE CAPITAL GOODS AND INFRASTRUCTURE,PROVIDE ADEQUATE CASH FLOW AND TO MAINTAIN HIGH LEVEL BOND RATINGS. I-F SALES TAX DEDICATION GUARANTEE The AMM commends the Legislature for the creation of the Local government Trust Fund (LGTF) consisting of sales tax dedication to city/county property tax relief, city governmental officials have long needed a stable source of funding to augment the property tax for provisions of municipal services. -8- CITIES CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF THE LGTF WHICH INCLUDES AN IRREVOCABLE DEDICATION OF A PORTION OF THE SAr.RS TAX AND MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX TO A DEFINED AND STABLE SET OF PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS. IF DEDICATION CANNOT BE ASSURED UNDER THE CURRENT SYSTEM, THE AMM WILL PURSUE MODIFICATIONS TO THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE FUND OR A CONSTITUTIONAL DEDICATION OF THE TRUST FUND REVENUES TO PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS, OR BOTH. I-G HOMESTEAD AND AGRICULTURAL CREDIT AID (HACA) G-1 HACA CONTINUATION Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) is the residual aid from the old Homestead and Agricultural credit programs. Taxpayers see a Homestead calculation on their Property Tax Statements but as time has passed, this calculated number and the actual HACA payment to local governments is sugnificantly different and of no relationship. $50 million of city HACA was shifted to schools in the late 1980's and has since been further reduced through general aid cuts. Unfortunately the school tax rates reduced by the shift have since risen beyond the buydown level. HACA is an integral part of the state and local governmental service financing. It is the vehicle used to control property tax increases when class rates are modified and it augments not duplicates the LGA system. HACA is as important as LGA and thus should be continued as a major part of the state and local fiscal partnership. HACA SHOULD BE CONTINUED AS A PART OF THE STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RELATIONSHIP AND INCREASED AS APPROPRIATE. G-2 ~ACA GROWTH FACTOR The 1993 legislature repealed the HACA growth factor for cities, towns, schools, and special taxing districts but not for counties beginning in 1994. The HACA growth factor assures that the property tax relief provided by the state through the classification system is paid by the state and not through tax shifts to other property and it is especially needed as a partial property tax relief offset in high homestead growth areas. THE AMMURGES THE LEGISLATURE TO RESTORE THE HACA GROWTH FACTOR FOR ATJ. CITIES OR PROVIDE AN ALTERNATE ESCALATOR. G-3 OPPOSE ~{ACA CONVERSION TO SCHOOL AID Converting city HACA or LGA to school aid could force cities to dramatically increase their property taxes in order to maintain sufficient operating revenues. In addition, due to constant pressure to increase the resources available for schools, there is no assurance that conversion of city HACA or LGA to school aid -9- would result in permanent reductions in school levies or have a neutral impact on the taxes paid by local taxpayers. THE AMM OPPOSES CONVERSION OF CITY HACA TO SCHOOL AID G-4 HACA BUYDOWN FOR CLASS RATE CHANGES In the past the legislature has used HACA to pay for class rate changes for C/I and high valued homestead properties to ensure that other property classes are not penalized. THE AMM SUPPORTS STATE BUYDOWN OF FUTURE CLASS RATE CHANGES THROUGH HACA TO PREVENT SHIFTING PROPERTY TAX BURDENS TO OT}~R PROPERTY CLASSES. I-H STATE IMPOSED FEE FOR SERVICE The legislature recently adopted a fee of $5.21 for each municipality connected water hook up to provide money for federally mandated water well testing. The state imposed the fee in a way that local city officials have been blamed for the fee and increases on water bills resulting from the fee. In addition the fee was not imposed on trailor parks and certain other private interests, thus allowing a large portion of the population to escape paying. Finally, it has been reported that the total collected was in excess of the need and that the excess has been deposited in the state general fund for general expenses. THE AMM OPPOSES THE STATE MANDATING FEES IN A MANNER THAT FORCES CITY OFFICIALS TO BE HELD AS THE RESPONSIBLE CULPRITS IN LEVYING AND EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE. THE AMM ALSO OPPOSES FEES THAT ARE NOT SPREAD EQUITABLY TO ALL AND OPPOSES OVER COLLECTION OR USE OF A REVENUE GENERATED FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE TO BE USED FOR GENERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENSES. I-I FISCAL DISPARITY FUND DISTRIBUTION Fiscal Disparities (F.D.) is a fiscal tool that shares Commercial/Industrial property value for tax purposes in the seven-county metropolitan area. Its primary purpose is to help equalize, to some degree, the property tax wealth among the cities by sharing part of the growth in communities experiencing significant growth with those experiencing little growth. A secondary aspect is it tends toward equalizing taxes on similar C/I properties in various communities. Recently suggestions have been raised to use a percentage of the fiscal disparities funds for specific social or other programs in the metropolitan area° Because of the way F.D. is calculated, this would amount to a hidden property tax increase across the metropolitan area that impacts the property tax poorer cities the -10- most. Fiscal disparities distribution is applied after levy certification so the property tax increase is automatic, not discretionary at the local level. Therefore, THE AMMOPPOSES USE OF FISCAL DISPARITIES TO FUND SOCIAL OR PHYSICAL METROPOLITAN PROGRAMS SINCE IT RESULTS IN A METRO~TAN -WIDE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC WITH AN EXCESSIVE IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES WITH LOWER PROPERTY WEALTH. -11- II GENEP~L LEGISLATION PAGE 12 THROUGH 19 II GENERAL LEGISLATION II-A OPPOSE REDUCTION OF AUTHORITY OR LOCALCONTROL The AMM has for many years opposed certain statutory changes that erode local authority or mandate activities which cost money to implement unless there is a provision to recover those costs. Rather than adopt a separate policy for each issue, the AMM believes that as general policy the legislature should not decrease current authority or mandate activities creating added costs to cities without providing the necessary funding or unless there is overwhelming obvious demonstration ofobvious need. Included in this general policy is opposition to mandates such as; mandating wards for elections, setting city employee salaries, state or metropolitan licensing of tree treatment contractors, plumbing inspections by licensed plumbers only, and requiring competitive bidding for land sales. THE AMM OPPOSES STATUTORY CHANGES WHICH ERODE LOCAL CONTROL AND AUTHORITY OR CREATE ADDITIONAL TASKS REQUIRING NEW OR ADDED LOCAL COSTS WITHOUT A CORRESPONDING FUNDING MECHANISM. THIS INCLUDES MANDATING ELECTION BY WARDS AND INTRUSION IN SETTING LOCAL SALARIES. II-B TORT LIABILITY The Municipal Tort Liability Act was enacted to protect the public treasury while giving the citizen relief from the arbitrary, confusing, and administratively expensive prior doctrine of sovereign immunity with its inconsistent and irrational distinctions between governmental and proprietary activities. The act has served that purpose well in the past, however, courts frequently forget or ignore the positive benefits secured to citizens damaged by public servants as a result of enactment of the comprehensive act which includes some limitations on liability and some qualifications of normal tort claims procedure. The special vulnerability of far-flung government operations to debilitating tort suits continues to require the existence of a tort claims act applicable to local governments or local governments and the state. The need for some type of limitations is evidenced by recent experiences with the insurance market. cities in Minnesota are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain insurance at an affordable rate, if at all. Amendments in 1983 to increase the dollar amounts recoverable by plaintiffs should be adequate to satisfy any reasonable claim. Further changes in limits beyond the current $200,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence should not be made. Joint and several liability provisions have been modified to lessen the deep pockets effect some. The current limit of payment is times two for liability of 35% or less (i.e. if the city is 30% -12- liable, they may be required to pay 60% of the damage award) or total responsibility if liability is over 35% (i.e. if the city is 40% liable, they may be required to pay 100% of the damage award). This still seems onerous especially when this comes out of taxpayers pockets. Payment liability should definitely not be increased. THE AM]4 SUPPORTS THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THE MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY ACT AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE CURRENT LIMITS OF LIABILITY REMAIN INTACT. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY PROVISIONS FOR PAYMENT LIMITS SHOULD NOT BE INCREASED FROM CURRENT LAW SO THAT TAXPAYERS ARE NOT MORE UNFAIRLY SUBJECTED TO DEEP POCKET AWARDS. II-C DATA PRACTICES C-1 OPEN MEETINGS AND DATA PRACTICES The Legislature needs to continually reexamine the open meeting law and the data practices act. The intent of the open meeting law is to ensure, within practical limits, the access of persons to the actions and motivations of government. The data practices act is intended to ensure, within practical limits, the privacy o{~ persons who willingly or unwillingly become involved with their government. Both laws are difficult to follow individually, and when private or other classified information must be discussed by a public body subject to the open meeting law, as inevitably it must in many situations, the government is forced to attempt to meet two conflicting statutes. The Legislature has attempted to identify problem areas and to provide clear rules for local government to follow. Unfortunately, not all circumstances can be anticipated nor remaining ambiguities addressed. Selection of city employees is complicated by the data practices act's classification of the identity of non-finalists as private. If meetings of public bodies to screen applicants until finalists are chosen were closed, this would protect the privacy rights of individuals and yet allow the public to be involved at the most important stage of the process, that being the selection of an employee from the group of finalists. Certain meetings, such as settlement meetings involving judicial or administrative actions, are more likely to be more productive and concluded faster if they are not subject to the open meeting law. The legislature should broaden current provisions to allow quasi-judicial officers or certain state employees to authorize closed meetings of public bodies. Several city officials have incurred huge personal costs defending open meeting law violation allegations, because state law treats the open meeting law somewhere between a civil and criminal matter. Recent proposals to increase the penalty section of the -13- open meeting law as a means of ensuring greater compliance are misplaced. City officials are making good faith efforts to comply with both laws. Without additional clarification, however, the Legislature must realize that city officials owe it to their constituents to limit the city's exposure to liability. THE AMM SUPPORTS LEGISLATION CLARIFYING THE OPEN MEETING LAW AND THE DATA PRACTICES ACT TO MAKE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE EASIER AND LESS COSTLY. PUBLIC BODIES SHOULD BE ATJOWEDTO CLOSE MEETINGS TO SCREEN JOB APPLICANTS UNTIL FINALISTS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN. THE T~GISLATURE SHOULD REPEAL CURRENT PROVISIONS WHICH REQUIRE REASON~LE EFFORTS TO KEEP DATA PRIVATE WHICH MUST BE DISCUSSED PUBLICLY, THUS FORCING LOCAL OFFICIALS TO VIOLATE ONE OR THE OT~RR LAW OR TAKE ACTION UNAPPROPRIATELY. THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD CONSIDER ABANDONING JUDICIAL ACTIONS AS THE PRIMARY MEANS OF ENFORCING THE OPEN MEETING LAW. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISMS, COMMISSIONS SIMILAR TO THE STATE NEWS COUNCIL, OR OTf~RROPTIONS SHOULD BE EXPLORED. AT THE VERY LEAST, THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD AUTHORIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO REIMBURSE THEIR OFFICERS TO THE SAME EXTENT AS IF CRIMINAL CHARGES WERE BROUGHT BECAUSE OF THEIR OFFICIAL ACTIONS. C-2 LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION The definition of 'licensing agency' in Minn. State 13.41 is not clear as to the inclusion of cities, therefore, it is unclear whether all or part of the information on license issuance is public. This can be a real problem when issuing liquor licenses, since part of the data concerns sensitive business and personal finances. THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE LEGISLATURE TO CLARIFY THAT POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS OF THE STATE INCLUDING CITIES ARE LICENSING AGENCIES IN MINN. STATUTES 13.41 AND THAT FINANCIAL DATA OF A PERSON OR BUSINESS SUBMITTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR LICENSE OR OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF AN INVESTIGATION OF THE APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHAT~. BE CLASSIFIED AS PRIVATE. C-3 GENERAL PUBLIC DATA The Government Data Practices Act allows municipalities to charge the actual costs of searching for, retrieving, and copying public data if copies of the data are requested. The law prohibits municipalities from charging the costs of searching for and retrieving data if a person asks only to inspect it. In many cases, the searching and retrieving are the most time-consuming aspects of supplying data. Making a copy is frequently only a small portion of the time required and should not be the standard for determining whether a charge is appropriate. Profit-making enterprises have used this free service to augment -14- their businesses. For example, individuals have established businesses for preparing special assessment searches. Personnel from these businesses use city facilities, including expensive computer equipment, to obtain the special assessment data. The personnel may also take significant amounts of staff time for explanations of the data collected. They then dominate the publicly provided telephone for lengthly periods to transmit the information obtained. These businesses use city facilities and personnel as part of a profit-making enterprise, solely at taxpayer expense. Municipalities should be allowed to charge for retrieving and explaining public data whether or not the request includes copying. The law also prohibits municipalities from charging for separating public from non-public data. This task may be very time-comsuming and is necessary to protect the non-public data. Municipalities should be allowed to charge for this service. To preserve the Act's spirit and intent of keeping government records open to inspection for public purposes, the new charges proposed would not apply to the media or to private citizens requesting information about themselves or their own properties. THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE LEGISLATURE TO AMEND MINN. STAT. 13.03, SUBD. 3 TO AT.TOW MUNICIPALITIES TO CHARGE FOR RETRIEVING AND EXPLAINING PUBLIC DATA AND FOR SEPARATING PUBLIC FROM NON-PUBLIC DATA. THIS AMENDMENT WOULD NOT APPLY, HOWEVER, TO THE MEDIA OR TO PRIVATE CITIZENS REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THEMSELVES OR THEIR OWN PROPERTIES. II-D POLICE AND FIRE PENSION PROVISIONS Local police and full-time fire relief associations were phased out by the 1980 legislature, unless the local council opts to keep the relief association. All new employees will become part of the state police and fire PERA fund and the state will reimburse local units for a portion of the unfunded liability remaining in the local fund. The unfunded liability was projected to be paid by the year 2011 but during the 1980's, investment earnings were in excess of 10% and thus could, at that continued rate, reduce the time to year 2005. Past earnings are not an indication of what happens in the future. The legislature considered siphoning earnings in excess of that needed for 2011 amortization to reduce state payments and property tax levy for unfunded liability as well as provide a bonus (13th. paycheck) to retirees. If investment increase drops below 10%, the local property taxpayers in future years will pay more, not only to pick up the property tax reduction but the state reimbursement reduction. It would be better public policy to wait until the unfunded liability is funded. Also, 1979 Law set employee contributions at 8% and the Legislative Retirement Commission has in the past established a -15- general policy requiring public safety employees to pay 40% of the normal pension costs. D-1 AMORTIZATION AID THE AMM OPPOSES LEGISLATION THAT PROVIDES FOR REDUCTIONS OF STATE AMORTIZATION AID TO LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATIONS. D-2 ElqPLOYEE CON~BUTION AMOUNT EVEN THOUGH THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT WAS SET AT 8%, IN MANY FUNDS THIS IS NOT EQUIV~r.RNT TO 40% OF THE NORMAL COSTS. THE AMM URGES THAT THE CONTRIBUTION LEVEL BE SET AT 40% OF THE NORMAL COST OF FINANCING THE BENEFITS EVEN IF THIS AMOUNT EXCEEDS 8% OF BASE SALARY. D-3 BENEFIT INCREASES THE AMM OPPOSES ANY BENEFIT INCREASES FOR LOCAL POLICE AND FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATIONS UNLESS AN INCREASE, INCLUDING ANY RESULTING DEFICIT, IS FINANCED 50% BY THE EMPLOYING CITY AND 50% BY EMPLOYEES ON A CURRENT BASIS. D-4 ASSUMPTION C}h%NGES THE AMM SUPPORTS CHANGES IN ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTIONS RELATING TO SALARIES AND INV~S~ ~ TO MORE TRULY REFLECT EXPERIENCES. THE AMM OPPOSES PAY~RNT OF ANY TYPE OF BONUS TO ACTIVE OR RETIRED MEMBERS (13TH. CHECK) AS A PART OF ACTUARIAL ASSUMPTION CHANGES. II-g CON?~ACTORS PERFORMANCE BONDS The 1989 legislature modified Minnesota Statutes 574.26 to allow contractors to provide a letter of credit instead of a performance bond for contracts of less than $50,000. Although an improvement at the time, this still will create significant hardship with many reputable minority and small contractors. In todays market, projects in excess of $50,000 are very common and are not really large jobs. Experience also shows that letters of credit are safer for the public and easier to collect than Bonds. The emphasis should be on protecting the public. THE AMMURGES THE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN CONTRACTOR GUARANTEES FOR CITIES BY ALLOWING IN ADDITION TO BONDS, OT~R RELI~T~ FINANCIAL SECURITY GUARANTEES, SUCH AS LETTERS OF CREDIT, WITHOUT LIMITATION AS TO PROJECT COSTS TO THEREBY ENHANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINORITY AND OTHER SMATJ. CONTRACTORS. II-F CONCURRENT DETACHMENT AND ANNEXATION Prior to 1985 the changing of municipal boundaries initiated by -16- property owners was limited to the single case where their property was totally surrounded by another community. The 1985 legislation opened the possibility up to all property owners to initiate such action. This broad based allowance is problematic in some instances because of the City expense and intercity divisiveness that it causes. IT IS THE POLICY OF THE AMM THAT THE PROVISION ALLOWING PROPERTY OWNERS TO PETITION FOR ANNEXATION BE MODIFIED TO ALLOW PETITIONING UNDER ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA. -THE PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE BEEN DENIED A REASONABLE USE OF THEIR LAND WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH AND ALI~WED UNDER THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING ORDINANCE. THE PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE NOT BEEN DENIED A REASONABLE USE IF THE PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN DEFERRED PURSUANT TO A PHASING OR STAGING PLAN. -THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS SEPARATING THIS I2%ND FROM SERVICE FROM THE CURRENT COMMUNITY INCLUDING ANY ABILITY TO ACCESS ITS STREET SYSTEM. -PROPERTY OWNERS HAVE PAID FOR SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR SERVICE BUT DUE TO ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNING BODY ARE PROHIBITED FROM ANY CONNECTION TO THAT SYSTEM. BEFORE PROPERTY OWNERS INITIATE PROCEEDINGS UNDER THESE CONDITIONS THEY MUST UNDERTAKE A PROFESSIONAL PLANNING FEASIBILITY STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED BY A CONSULTANT TO BE SELEC~EDAND PAID FOR BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS. THE CURRENT COMMUNITY MUST APPROVE THE SET~CTION OF THE CONSULTANT OR OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE CONSULTANT ACCEPTABLE TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS. IF AGREEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED, THE MUNICIPAL BOARD SHALL APPROVE A CONSULTANT. THE STUDY SHOULD EXAMINE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROPERTY AND THE RAMIFICATIONS OF DETACHMENT AND ANNEXATION. THE STUDY SHOULD ADDRESS PHYSICAL PLANNING ISSUES, DELIVERY OF SERVICE AND ANY FINANCIAL RAMIFICATIONS TOGETHER WITH ANY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. THE PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE PROPERTY SHALL BE PRESENTED TO THE CURRENT COMMUNITY. IF REJECTED BY THE CURRENT COMMUNITY, THE PROPERTY OWNERS SHALL PRESENT THE PLAN TO THE OTHER COMMUNITY. PRIOR TO A HEARING IN FRONT OF THE MUNICIPAL BOARD, AFTER THE PETITION HAS BEEN SUBMITTED, THERE SHALL BE A PERIOD TO ALLOW FOR MEDIATION BY THE CITIES. FAILING A MEDIATED RESULT, A REVIEW SHALL BE CONDUCTED BY THE REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION(S) OR METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WHERE THE CITIES ARE LOCATED. COMMENTS WILL THEN BE FORWARDED TO THE MUNICIPAL BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION. THE MUNICIPAL BOARD'S DECISION MUST BE BASED ON A BALANCING OF THE INTERESTS OF BOTH MUNICIPALITIES AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS. FACTORS -17- TO CONSIDER SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: -THE EXTENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES THAT CAN BE PROVIDED DY EACll MUNICI PALl TY; -THE FINDINGS OF THE REGIONAL PLANNING AUTHORITY REGARDING THE IMPACT ON ~ REGIONAL SYSTEMS; -THE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON EACH COMMUNITY AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS; -THE EXISTENCE OF PHYSICAL BARRIERS WHICH SEPARATE THE PROPERTY FROM THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT MUNICIPALITY BUT NOT THE PROPOSED MUNICIPALITY; AND -ADDITIONAL CRITERIA INCLUDED IN MS 414.041, SUBDIVISION 5 II-G 911 TELEPHONE TAX Since 1985, Minnesota has had the authority to impose a fee of up to 30 cents per month on every telephone bill in the state. Currently, the fee is set at 18 cents per phone bill per month. The funds generated by this fee amount to several millions of dollars per year. The Department of Administration uses these funds to pay the recurring monthly costs to the 90+ phone companies in the state for the costs of the dedicated phone circuits. In a previous legislative session, legislation was introduced which would have allowed the surcharge to grow to $1.00. The excess fee was intended to develop capital in those outstate counties to implement enhanced 911 service over and above the basic 911 service they already have. THE AMMSUPPORTS AYJOWINGTHE CURRENT 911 ACCESS FEE ON TELEPHONE BILLS TO BE USED FOR COSTS OTHER THAN JUST ENHANCED UPGRADE FROM BASIC SERVICE AND THAT ANY FEE IN EXCESS OF 30 CENTS BE RETURNED TO THEJURISDICTIONW}F~RE IT WAS COTWmCTED. II-H MARKETS FOR RECYCLEDMATERIAL In recent years, the state legislature has adopted legislation encouraging significant recycling of paper, cans, and plastic in the State of Minnesota. Fortunately or unfortunately, the activity has been such a success that the supply of recyclable material is outstripping the market for such material. It has been suggested that along with encouraging recycling the state should also help encourage and create opportunities or markets for use of recycled material. One idea by a local official went so far as to suggest building recycling plants at state prisons and creating a prison industry of manufacturing goods from their own recycling plant. -18- THE AMMURGES THE LEGISLATURE TO CREATE INCENTIVES OR USE ITS AUTHORITY TO IDENTIFY OR CREATE MARKETS FOR PROCESSING RECYCLED MATERIAL. -19- III HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE PAGE 20 THROUGH 36 III HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE III-A. HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS The housing problem for persons currently unable to afford market rate housing can best be mitigated if all levels of government and the private sector, including non-profit groups, work together and if each contributes a fair share to the solution. Each level of government should contribute to help solve the problem and each level's contributions should be of the kind it is best suited to make. The Federal and/or State Levels should provide direct financial subsidies for housing for low and moderate income persons. The Federal and State Governments also have the responsibility to provide a tax climate in which the private sector can produce and maintain rental units that are affordable to low and moderate income households. The State should also grant local units of government the authority and flexibility to conduct the kind of housing programs that best meets their diverse needs. The Metropolitan Council should continue to place high priority on housing planning for the Metropolitan Area and provide specific guidance to the public and private sectors so that both can make rational decisions relative to future housing needs. The Council should continue to be aggressive in seeking innovative ways to create housing opportunities for low income persons. Local units of government also have a major role to play. Local controls constitute but a small portion of the total cost of housing but local units should not establish requirements which go beyond what is necessary for the protection of health, safety and welfare. Local units should also work with the private and non-profit sectors to make the best use of existing tools to produce affordable housing which is more affordable. Decision makers at all levels must become more cognizant of their actions, policies, and decisions which have an undesirable impact on housing costs. A-1. EXAMINE LOCAL REQUI~NTS THAT AFFECT HOUSING COSTS. Local requirements, if excessive, can add to the cost of producing affordable housing. IT IS TH~ RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIES TO PERIODIC~T~ ~'~IEW THEIR IX)CALREQUIRENRNTS (LAND USE REGULATIONS, SUBDIVISION ORDINANCES, ETC.) TO ASSURE THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS DO NOT GO BEYOND WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE, AND INHIBIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. MODIFICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE IF EXLUSIONAR¥ PRACTICES ARE FOUND. -20- a-2 o PRACTICES BY OTHER LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT WHICH AFFECT HOUSING COSTS. Decision makers at other levels of government must become more cognizant of actions they take which have an impact on housing costs. These actions in themselves may be worthwhile and beneficial, but when implemented result in increased housing costs. Examples of 'this type of action would include such things as the sewer availability charge, restricted growth policies, building and energy codes, environmental rules, etc. OTHER LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT ATtO SHOULD EXAMINE THEIR PRACTICES AND POLICIES TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE UNNECESSARY IMPACTS ON HOUSING COSTS. CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE AS NECESSARY. MANDATORY LAND USE STANDARDS. Uniform standards for housing style, type and size are not appropriate because of the great diversity among cities and differences within cities relative to density of development, topography, age of housing stock, the mix of housing values, the level of municipal services which are provided. and Land use regulation is one of the tools used by city officials to protect the health, safety, welfare, and interests of the city's residents. THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD NOT PASS LEGISLATION WHICH MANDATES UNIFORM ZONING AND SUBDIVISION STANDARDS OR WHICH REMOVES ADDITIONAL LAND USE REGULATION AUTHORITY FROM LOCALUNITS OF GOVERNMENT. CITIES SHOULD RETAIN THE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE THE LOCATION, SIZE, AMOUNT, AND TYPE OF HOUSING WITHIN THEIR BOUNDARIES. NO LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE NEEDED. A-4. STATE HOUSING POLICY. The state should be a more active participant in providing funding for housing needs. It is expected that allocation of state resources would be based on an overall state housing policy which would provide the necessary tools for implementation. The Legislature needs to provide for financing strategies which will carry out the long range goals for providing and maintaining affordable housing opportunities. The state housing policy should enable and assist local governments, private and non-profit developers to initiate affordable housing. Local governments should participate in the formulation of a state housing policy which will be used to support local housing goals. THE AMM RECOMMENDS THAT THE STATE PROVIDE DIRECT FUNDING AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES NEEDED TO ASSIST CITIES IN MEETING LONG TERM -21- HOUSING NEEDS IN THE STATE. DIRECT FUNDING SHOULD COME IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND LOANS STATE FINANCING SOURCES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: FROM - STATE APPROPRIATIONS - STATE BONDING - STATE GAMBLING REVENUE - MORTGAGE DEED TAX REVENUE - REVENUE FROM MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY FINANCIAL INCENTIVES PROVIDED THROUGH THE STATE TAX POLICY SHOULD BE USED TO BENEFIT THE MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. INCENTIVES THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BUT NOT LIMITED TO: STATE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF LOW INCOME HOUSING BY PUBLIC AGENCIES THE STATE LEGISLATURE IN AYJOCATING RESOURCES FOR HOUSING SHOULD NOT SPECIFIC~TJ~ TARGET ANACTIVITYANDTHEREBY SET ASIDE SMATJ. AMOUNTS OF FUNDS FOR MANY DIFFERENT SMALL PROGRAMS. THIS JUST INCREASES STATE AND LOCAL COST IN ESTABLISHING RULES, AND APPLYING FOR AND ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAMS. INSTEAD THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD SET GENERAL POLICY PRIORITIES FOR THE USE OF STATE FUNDS AND ~T~OW FOR LARGERPOOLS OF FUNDS BY WHICH LOCAL, NON-PROFITAND FOR-PROFIT DEVELOPERS CAN APPLY BASED ON THEIR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES. A PORTION OF ANY NEW REGIONAL TAX OR FUNDING SOURCE SHOULD BE USED TO ALSO FUND HOUSING ACTIVITIES IN COOPERATION WITH LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENTS. THE AMMRECOMMENDS THAT THE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM NOT BE USED AS A SOURCE OF NEW HOUSING FUNDS TO MEET STATE AND METROPOLITAN GOALS. A-5 LOCAL HOUSING POLICY There is a great diversity among cities in the metropolitan area. Some cities need more housing for low income persons while other cities need housing for moderate to upper income persons, cities should have the authority to promote whichever kind of housing is in the public purpose and best interest of a particular city while attempting to provide housing opportunities to households of all income levels, cities need to have a greater flexibility in financing their housing goals if they are to meet the intent of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. CITIES SHOULD BE GRANTED SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY AND FLEXIBILITY BY THE LEGISLATURE TO CONDUCT AND FINANCE HOUSING PROGRAMS THAT MEET -22- THEIR INDIVIDUAL HOUSING NEEDS. LOCAL FUNDS CAN BE USED TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL, STATE AND METROPOLITAN RESOURCES WHEN THEY CAN MEET COMMON POLICY GOA!.q. IT IS NECESSARY TO EXPAND FINANCIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: -REMOVAL OF HOUSING AUTHORITY LEVY LIMITS -REINSTATING THE STATE DEED AND MORTGAGE TRANSFER TAX EXEMPTION FOR PUBLIC AGENCIES -ALLOWING CITIES TO IMPOSE IMPACT FEES A-6 METROPOLITAN HOUSING POLICY The 1991 Metropolitan Council through a specially appointed regional housing task force completed a thorough study of housing needs in the seven-county area. The study concluded that the region is facing critical challenges to its ability to provide decent affordable housing for its population. Demographic shifts, market forces and aging of the regional housing stock will combine in the 1990s to jeopardize many people's opportunity for housing of their choice. Those findings have not been addressed in a comprehensive manner at either the state and/or federal level and the AMM continues to support most of the task force's final report conclusions and is still very concerned with the problems identified in said report. And, it is still the case that individual cities do not have the financial resources to adequately deal with said problems which continue to cause unmet human needs for a good number of citizens in this Metropolitan area. TO BEGIN ADDRESSING THE REGION'S ON-GOING HOUSING PROBLRMS, THE AMMRECOMMENDS THAT: ae ALL CITIES AND THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL UNDERTAKE COORDINATED PLANNING WITH R~SPECT TO CITY AND REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS INVOLVING BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS. A METROPOLITAN HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITILIZATION FUND BE ESTABLISHED. A SURCHARGE ON THE DEED TAX OR OTHER NON-PROPERTY REGIONAL FUNDING SOURCE OR NON-GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND SOURCE COULD BE USED TO PROVIDE THE FINANCING TO ADDRESS SUCH ISSUES AS ADEQUATE AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING, AFFORDABLE OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING, PRESERVATION OF AGING STOCK, SHELTER FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, ETC. ON A METROPOLITAN WIDE BASIS. C# ADDITIONAL FUNDING BE PROVIDED TO ASSIST CITIES WITH COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING PLANNING AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION. THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING COULD BE CONDITIONED ON A CITY UNDERTAKING, -23- IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY DONE SO, THE SPECIFIED COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED PLANNING AND ANY METROPOLITAN ALLOCATION OF FUNDING COULD BE BASED ON CONFORMANCE WITH REASONABLE STANDARDS. A-7 NEIGHBORHOOD LIVEABILITY Rapidly evolving social, demographic, economic and behavorial changes are converging on many cities creating new challenges that exceed their capacity to deal effectively with their new environments. The challenges cities face, such as deteriorating neighborhoods, crime, and drugs, need the cooperative efforts of public, private and business interests to solve. Cities have expanded public safety, inspection, and health programs; have aggressively repaired and replaced infrastructure; i.e., replaced streets and public utility lines; have removed diseased trees, redeveloped parks, refurbished or replaced neighborhood civic facilities; and have developed programs to assist low and moderate income families, yet problems continue to grow. cities should take the lead in developing local and regional strategies that will assist them in dealing with growing neighborhood problems. These strategies should include the following major categories: 1. Physical and structural deterioration of the neighborhood. 2. Social welfare of the neighborhood. 3. Educational opportunities. PHYSICAL AND STRUCTURAL DETERIORATION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD: ao bo co cities need to evaluate the demographic impact on their housing stock and plan for future rehabilitation or reuse. The demographic impacts may include declining home values, delayed or non-maintenance of housing stock, foreclosed or abandoned housing and the changing of neighborhood character (i.e. An owner-base to a tenant-base). In a metropolitan area these forces go beyond a city's boundary and may require a more metropolitan view to try to resolve the causes of the problems. cities need to plan for continued upgrading of public facilities (i.e. streets, utilities, parks) even in the face of declining values. This may require statutory authority beyond existing authority. Cities need to plan for regulatory enforcement at -24- levels needed to maintain neighborhood quality. If a strong level of enforcement is provided up front it can be an effective relatively low cost long term strategy for maintaining neighborhood quality. Cities need to plan for and encourage neighborhood residents' participation in the preservation of the city's neighborhoods. Neighborhood pride can become one of the strongest tools that cities can tap into~ provided that other resources are in place that can provide the means by which this energy can focus. Cities need to expand their resource base and plan for the targeting of resources to accomplish their long-term strategy for neighborhood preservations. Expanding this resource base will require coordinated efforts at the federal, state, regional and local level. fe cities need to strengthen their ability to take appropriate legal actions in a swift manner to eliminate deteriorating structures in a neighborhood. Lengthy procedures accelerate damaging impacts blighted structures have on a neighborhood. This should include the expanding use of the housing court to allow for action on single family dwellings and for City code enforcement. ge cities need to plan for and encourage neighborhood resident's participation in recreational pursuits and activities. Along with the appropriate public facilities for recreation and leisure, there needs to be organized programs and activities to make the best use of these facilities. Cities should actively encourage apartment owners and managers to formally organize to create a forum by which owners, managers, city officials, and other interested parties may work cooperatively to establish a climate that would achieve an ongoing relationship among all participants and encourage livable apartment environment. SOCIAL WELFARE OF NEIGHBORHOODS: ae cities need to evaluate those social issues that directly impact the liveability in a neighborhood (aging, child care, transportation, job training, domestic abuse, etc.) and plan for long-range systems that will strengthen the liveability of neighborhoods. -25- cities need to become more familiar with the social welfare system and work closely with state and county agencies to emphasize the need of stabilizing neighborhoods and the family units within those neighborhoods. cities need to strengthen the cooperation of individuals and families within the neighborhood to support city initiatives dealing with crime and drug awareness, public health issues (i.e. garbage houses, animal infestation, etc.) and domestic abuse. e® cities need to plan for services to neighborhoods that will allow for affordable day care, transportation and job opportunities. The impact of lack of these services has the greatest impact on the low income and elderly households within any neighborhood. cities need to develop programs and/or participate in the development of state and regional programs to lessen the impact that poverty has on the destabilization of a neighborhood. These programs are needed to deal with the broad range of issues rather than one specific activity and can be tailor-made to address a problem by linking activities together (i.e. rent, mortgage assistance or tax breaks tied to rehabilitation loans; rent assistance tied to child care; job training and transportation assistance, etc.). EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: as cities need to encourage, participate in and strengthen the school systems community education outreach programs. These programs provide an opportunity to coordinate school and city efforts to strengthen the liveability of neighborhoods. cities need to work within providing early childhood cities face in dealing neighborhood liveability. the education process by education on problems with social impact on Co cities need to work closely with secondary and post secondary education systems to encourage job training programs. Such programs can help solve neighborhood problems (i.e. work study with forestry, rehabilitation, maintenance, etc. which will give work experience by providing opportunities in the -26- neighborhoods). THE AMM RECOMMENDS: WHERE I~GISLATION IS DIRECTED TO ASSIST LOW INCOME PERSONS AND CHILDREN IN POVERTY, LEGISLATORS RECOGNIZE THE LINKAGE BETWEEN HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES, JOBS AND TRAINING, HEALTH CARE AND TRANSPORTATION. WHEN THE LEGISLATURE CONSIDERS LOW INCOME PROGRAMS, IT SHOULD TREAT THESE ACTIVITIES IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER. THAT THE LEGISLATURE ENACT NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE ANY BARRIERS THAT WOULD ACT TO DETER PERSONS FROM ACHIEVING THEIR GOAL OF ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS FOR THEM AND/OR THEIR FAMILY. THAT THE GOVERNOR, BY EXECUTIVE ORDER, DIRE CT HI S DEPARTMENT HEADS WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH ANY ASPECT OF HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES TO: COORDINATE THEIR OPERATIONS SO THAT THEY IDENTIFY AND REMOVE ANy CONFLICTING REQUIREMENTS. ADMINISTRATIVELY, WHERE POSSIBLE IDENTIFY AND REMOVE THOSE BARRIERS THAT ARE FELT TO RESTRICT A PERSON'S ABILITY TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS. THAT THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR ALSO SEEK ANY FEDERAL LEGISLATION AND/OR ADMINISTRATIVE RELIEF IN IDENTIFYING AND ELIMINATING THOSE BARRIERS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL THAT THWART ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL SUCCESS. A-8 STATE AND OR COUNTY LICENSED RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (GROUP HOMES) The AMM believes that persons with disabilities are entitled to live in the least restrictive possible environment and should have a range of residential choices throughout the state. The AMM also believes that residential based facilities (i.e. Group Homes) should not be concentrated. Over-concentration of such facilities could have a negative impact on the community and on the facility residents. The AMM believes that the principles contained in this policy are very appropriate and any state legislation pursued should not conflict with the AMM principles. The residents of residential based facilities come from our communities and the AMM believes that cities as one of the major institutions of our society have a responsibility to be a part of the solution by welcoming such facilities on a fair share and rational basis. The AMM believes that cities have a responsibility to be part of the solution, but it also believes -27- that the state has the major responsibility to assure that the residents living in residential based facilities receive care and supervision appropriate to the extent of their disability or their need to be housed in a group facility. The state's deinstitutionalization policy is directly linked to the need for more residential based care facilities in our cities and the state has the responsibility to provide sufficient funding to assure adequate care and supervision of the residents placed in such facilities. The AMM also believes that the state has an obligation to screen clients, particularly in the corrections area, so that persons placed in residential based facilities are not a danger to themselves, fellow residents, or the community. THE AMM BELIEVES THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE IN LAW OR RULE TO REGULATE RESIDENTIAL BASED FACILITIES: -STATE AND COUNTY AGENCIES MUST PROVIDE TIMELY NOTIFICATION TO CITIES WHEN A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY LICENSE IS REQUESTED TO BE ISSUED OR RENEWED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE CITY ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND. CITIES ALSO NEED TO BE AWARE OF SUCH FACILITIES TO KNOW WHAT SPECIAL CARE IS BEING GIVEN RESIDENTS IN CASE OF PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCIES. -STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID THE CLUSTERING OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ECONOMIC, GEOGRAPHIC OR PROGRAMMATIC EXPEDIENCE. STANDARDS OF NONCONCENTRATION FOR THE STATE OR FOR COUNTY-ISSUED RFP'S SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED. ATJ, CITIES SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO REGULATE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN GROUP HOMES IN A CONSISTENT MANNER. -THERE MUST BE A REALISTIC ONGOING SCREENING PROCESS TO ASSURE THAT PERSONS PLACED IN A RESIDENTIAL FACILITY WIrJ. BENEFIT FROM SUCH LIVING ENVIRONNRNTAND WILL NOT BE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. THE LICENSING AUTHORITY MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING ANY PERSONS FOUND INCAPABLE OF CONTINUING IN SUCH ENVIRONMENT. -FACILITIES LICENSED BY THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT SHOULD NOT BE EXEMPT FROM REASONABLE LOCAL LAND USE REGULATIONS. -A FAIR SHARE CONCEPT AND FORMULA SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN AREA, BUT SUCH CONCEPT AND FORMULA MUST BE COGNIZANT OF OTHER FACTORS INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, JOBS AVAILABILITY, AND OT~RRNEEDED SUPPORT SERVICES. -THE LICENSING AUTHORITY AND/OR THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD PROVIDE SOME LATITUDE TO CITIES IN SITING SUCH FACILITIES IN ORDER TO -28- PROVIDE LOCATIONAL SETTINGS THAT WITJ. BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PROVIDERS, FACILITY RESIDENTS, THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND T}{E COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. A-9 LICENSED RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (GROUP HOMES) INSPECTIONS Cities are frequently requested by the state fire marshal to inspect group homes and day care facilities, which the state has the responsibility for. Also, there are inspections made by the county and/or state for health and licensing purposes. Cities do not care to provide this service since they 1) do not get compensation for performing the inspection, and 2) expose themselves to liability if the city is involved in the inspection. THE AMM RECOMMENDS THAT: THE STATE AND/OR COUNTIES PROVIDE ALT. THE INSPECTION REQUIRED BY STATE LAW. IF THE STATE AND/OR COUNTIES WISH TO HAVE CITIES PROVIDE THE INSPECTION ON THEIR BEHALF, THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS MUST APPLY: CITIES WOULD BE FAIRLY COMPENSATED FOR THEIR WORK. CITIES WOULD HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER COMPLIANCE AND/OR PROHIBIT THE FACILITY FROM OPENING UNTIL THERE IS COMPLIANCE. THE STATE AND COUNTIES WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RISK MANAGEMENT CONCERNS AND THE CITIES WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM LITIGATION THAT MAY OCCUR. III-B ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Cities have an interest in the maintenance of and appropriate enhancements to the economic base of their respective communities. It is the community's economic base which provides; a.) the tax base and other revenue sources which support the general operations of cities, counties and school districts; b.) the employment of some or a substantial number of residents and, c.) the means by which the populus is housed. Ail metropolitan communities address economic development when it's translated to physical development through their local land use regulations with the individual communities striving for "orderly development". As a group however, metropolitan -29- communities differ as to development needs and view points, with each community's needs subject to a number of variables. A municipality's ability to both regulate and promote economic development is based on authority established by other organizations and regulations. It is this ability that is of general interest to all Metropolitan communities. The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM) is the principal policy action group acting on behalf of its member cities. As such it is appropriate that AMM present the policy issues and concerns to those organizations that set the rules. As noted economic development for local governments is not just a matter of more tax base for the community but entails tools to promote, regulate and service the development. Promotional means include Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, Economic Development Authorities, Port Authorities, tax increment financing, revenue and general obligation bonds, condemnation and the Star Cities Program. Regulation includes its comprehensive planning and land use functions. Servicing include water, sewer, streets and other municipal services. B-1 CITIES RE-DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The Twin City Metropolitan Area contains over 50% of the population of the State of Minnesota and is the major source of the economic vitality of this state. At the same time, the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with the older suburbs are facing the ongoing need for providing economic development opportunities for the lower income residents of their respective communities. There is also the need for the redevelopment of neighborhoods and commercial and industrial areas to revitalize the decaying areas of these cities, which is causing disinvestment. In view of the fact that cities have the primary responsibility for economic development and to accomplish the above goals, cities need fiscal tools so they can address these issues on a timely and effective basis. One of the major keys for reducing poverty in decaying areas is to provide access to good paying jobs such as those associated with manufacturing enterprises. It is important to provide incentives or other tools to help retain or introduce manufacturing business into economically distressed areas. The most effective program that the central cities have had at the state level has been the Urban Revitalization Action Program -30- (U.R.A.P.). This program was very easy to administer. Many inner-ring suburban communities with deteriorating job bases and aging housing stock asked for similar legislation in the past and feel that it would work well to address their housing and related economic development needs - including a targeted jobs program also. THE AMM URGES APPROVAL OF A NEW WORKABLE STATE ENTERPRISE ZONE OR A MANUFAC~T~RING JOB OPPORTUNITY ZONE INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR CITIES WHOSE MANUFACTURING JOB BASE IS ERODING. THE AMM ATtO URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT A NEW VERSION OF THE URAP PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES ALL CITIES WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS ~{AT MEET DEFINED CRITERIA. SUCH CRITERIA SHOULD INCLUDE FACTORS SUCH AS POVERTY RATES, AGE OF HOUSING, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, INCOME LEVELS, ETC. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT ONCE A CITY HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A URAP ELIGIBLE COMMUNITY, IT BECOMES AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE FOR ANY BENEFITS THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNDER ANY FEDERAL OR STATE ENTERPRISE ZONE LEGISLATION AND/OR ANY OTHER PROGRAM TARGETED TO CITIES WHOSE CHARACTERISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS INDICATE THERE ARE NEEDS THAT CANNOT BE MET WITHOUT STATE AND OR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE. B-2 EQUAL TREATMENT OF CITIES. The AMM believes that all cities irrespective of size or location should be treated fairly with respect to the availability and use of state authorized economic development programs, including redevelopment tools, and programs and other state funding. NEW OR REVISED PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES WITHIN CITIES OR COUNTIES SHOULD USE PROBLEM DEFINITION AS THE CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION AS OPPOSED TO GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION, SIZE OR CITY CLASS, ETC. B-3 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING. Tax Increment Finance (TIF) has enabled cities to plan and carry out housing, economic development, and redevelopment projects on their own initiative. TIF represented, prior to 1990, the most feasible and effective strategy or tool exercised by cities to preserve and improve their own physical and economic environments. TIF is virtually the only tool available to most cities for positive self intervention to curb the spread of blight and to encourage and manage sound economic development which is so vital to provide jobs and to maintain a healthy tax base. Over the past several years, however, TIF authority has been seriously limited, and, as a result, the ability of cities to -31- engage in needed development and redevelopment has been sharply reduced. The state needs to acknowledge that cities are the primary governmental unit responsible for economic development to create jobs and help stabilize the state's economy, redevelop blight and decay, develop affordable rental and owner-occupied housing, and clean up pollution within cities. TIF has proven to be the most effective tool for cities in fulfilling these needs, and some of the restrictions need to be removed to allow these efforts. The LGA/HACA aid penalty should not apply to all TIF districts. If the Legislature is not willing to remove it, cities should not be restricted in their means of paying for the penalty. The general fund of a city should not be responsible for this penalty, and the Legislature should remove the prohibition on developer payment of the penalty. TIF should be improved and must be preserved for use by all cities irrespective of geographical location and any limitations should be based on demographic criteria. THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE TaGISLATURE TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES TO THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING LAWS. -ALTOW POOLING FOR REDEVELOPTfENT AND POLLUTION DISTRICTS. -~L~OW CREATION OF PO~.~;3TION DISTRICTS FOR CLEAN-UP CONTAMINATED SOILS. -ELIMINATE THE LGA AND HACA PENALTY FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND POLLUTION DISTRICTS. -PROVIDE AUTHORITY FOR AN EFFECTIVE, WORKABLE MANUFACTURING TIF DISTRICT. -~L~OW REDEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL DISTRICTS TO BE REDESIGNATED AS A POLI/F~ION DISTRICT IF CONTAMINATION REQUIRING SIGNIFICANT CT.RAN UP COSTS IS FOUND. B-4 PROPERTY TAX/VALUE ABATEMENT AUTHORITY Minnesota cities have the prime governmental responsibility for economic development. While cities have the responsibility, by statute and default, they have very few tools to carryout that responsibility. The major existing tool is Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and its effectiveness has been diminished by legislative actions in recent years. The AMM believe additional tools are needed and would support legislation which authorizes cities to abate either property taxes or property value. The AMM believes only abatement efforts to preserve tax base, -32- promote job creation or retention, redevelop blighted areas and to promote affordable housing should be eligible for abatement. Criteria should be developed to guarantee that these tools would have accountability by both the local governments and the property owners. Programs such as homestead credit, "this old house", the abatement authority for enterprize zones, and the new contamination tax for pollution cleanup have all set the precedent for a coordinated system of value and tax abatements. Currently, many property owners are discouraged from making substantial improvements to their property because of the offsetting penalty of increased taxes. THE AMM SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF TWO TYPES OF ABATEMENT AUTHORITY TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION. PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR A!J. TYPES OF PROPERTY TO ABATE THE TAXES THAT ARE CAUSED BY INCREASES IN VALUE WHICH ARE DUE TO IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE MADE TO THE PROPERTY IF SUCH PROPERTY IS PART OF A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ~qiE CITY AND THE PROPERTY OWNER~ PROPERTY VALUE ABATEMENTS SHOULD BE AUTHORIZED FOR TARGETED REDEVELOPMENT WHICH OCCURS IN "PRESERVATION AND REHABILITATION ZONES" WHICH WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BY CITIES TO INCLUDE A NUMBER OF BLIGHTED PROPERTIES. SUCH ZONES COULD BE CREATED BASED ON DEFINITIVE CRITERIA SUCH AS AREAS WITH DECLINING PROPERTY VALUES, LOW HOUSEHOLD INCOMES, ETC., AND SHOULD BE TARGETED TO RESIDENTIAL AND EMPLOYMENT/INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ONLY. B-5 LOCAL OPTION FOR DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE. There have been previous legislative initiatives which would have the effect of forcing cities to have a combined, single development authority for housing and economic development and redevelopment activities. The proponents argue that the intent of such legislation is not to restrict local development activities but to help assure coordination and cooperation at the local level. We believe cities ought to have the maximum flexibility in determining which type or types of local agencies are the most appropriate to meet the desires and unique needs of different cities. There is a possibility that a bill similar to the previous bill will be introduced again. THE AMM SUPPORTS LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD ENABLE CITIES TO HAVE A SINGLE, COMBINED DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS LONG AS IT IS OPTIONAL. IF THE LEGISLATURE BELIEVES THAT IT IS IN THE 'PUBLIC INTEREST' TO HAVE A SINGLE, COMBINED DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, IT SHOULD PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE CITIES TO ADOPT THAT OPTION. SUCH ACTION SHOULD NOT BE MANDATED NOR SHOULD A CITY BE PENALIZED IF IT DOES -33- NOT CHOOSE SUCH OPTION. THE AMM ALSO SUPPORTS ENABLING LEGISLATION TO Ar.I~W CITIES TO CREATE AN AREA (TWO OR MORE CITIES) DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. B-6 DEVELO~ OF POT,TIlTED LANDS Every Minnesota city has contaminated sites within its boundaries that remain underdeveloped and polluted because of the number of obstacles that prevent local government action. Among the roadblocks are liability issues and financing of up-front costs for clean-up. Developers are reluctant to expose themselves to liability. Clean-up costs often exceed the value of the land precluding incentive for private sector intervention. Public sector subsidy is critical. Recent changes in tax increment law have rendered hazardous substance subdistricts useless in providing assistance with clean-up costs, and Superfund dollars are not sufficient to address the need. The Legislature did pass the Land Recycling Act of 1992 which should be of some help. The law is designed to promote the transfer and reuse of contaminated land by offering an exemption from liability to those who are not otherwise liable and who voluntarily cleanup a site. The new law also provides that once a response action is satisfactorily completed, the PCA Commissioner will issue a certificate of completion. The 1993 tax law also made a step toward developing a pollution cleanup program and acknowledged that tax increment financing (TIF) is an appropriate tool to provide a portion of the funding. The AMM however, opposes the Legislature's decision that cities must use general taxes and fees from their city residents to provide a portion of the cleanup funding to be eligible for contamination grants and use of TIF authority, cities should have the right to clean-up polluted private property without penalizing all city taxpayers. THE ANN SUPPORTS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD: -CREATE ADDITIONAL FINANCING METHODS TO ADEQUATELY FUND A STATEWIDE CLEANUP PROGRAM. -REQUIRE THAT CONDEMNATION COMMISSIONERS CONSIDER THE COST OF CORRECTING POTION PROBLEMS IN DETERMINING THE FINAL AWARDVALUE OF THE PROPERTY. -AUTHORIZE CREATION OF TIF POTION DISTRICTS (SEE POLICY III-B3). B-7 BUILDING PERMIT FEE SURCHARGE -34- Local units of government levy a one half percent surcharge on building permits which is paid to the State to operate the State Building Codes and Standards Division. Until the 1991 Legislature changed the law at the request of the Governor, any excess fees over actual operating costs were proportionately rebated to local units to help pay for Building Officials training and continuing education costs. Local units of government are facing tough financial times and need every available resource, especially that which could be considered local money. THE AMMRECOMMENDS REINSTATING THE LANGUAGE PROVIDING THAT UNUSED BUILDING PERMIT SURCHARGE FEES IN EXCESS OF STATE BUILDING CODE DIVISION COSTS BE RETURNED TO LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. III-C LAND USE PLANNING Land use regulation by cities in the Metropolitan Area has been governed by the Municipal Planning Act (MS 462) and the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (MS 473). While not a perfect framework, these acts have worked well for the vast majority of cities in the metropolitan area. Land use controi is more than just one of the many powers exercised by cities and occupies a significant part of the work of city councils and their staff. It has a significant impact on other community regulations, tax base, economic development and redevelopment. It is a driving force for creating service needs. Land use regulation is the common thread which runs through most of a city's functions and operations. Proposed legislation, which would have superceded existing law and created a uniform land planning law for cities, towns and counties was introduced in the 1987 through 1990 legislative sessions under the sponsorship of the Governor's Advisory Committee on State-Local Relations (ACSLR). The AMM successfully opposed those proposals because they would have diluted the authority of local elected officials; established a new legal framework which could have rendered moot much of the existing case law and existing codes and ordinances; created conflict with some provisions of the metropolitan land planning act; and reduced the flexibility and discretion of local officials to manage development within cities. A special AMM task force worked for over two years in developing a compromise proposal beneficial to metro cities as well as to the counties, townships and outstate cities. The task force's work was completed in late 1991 and a bill was introduced in the 1992 session which embodied the task force's work. No comparable bill was introduced in the 1993 session. THE AMM WILL SUPPORT A UNIFORM LAND PLANNING ACT THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPROMISE PROPOSAL -35- DEVELOPED BY THE AMM LAND USE PIANNING TASK FORCE THAT WAS EMBODIED IN THE 1992 DRAFT BILL. -36- IV METROPOLITAN AGENCIES PAGE 37 THROUGH 53 IV METROPOLITAN AGENCIES IV. PHILOSOPHY WITH RESPECT TO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES Many challenges AMM cities face in the 1990s are beyond the financial and staff resources of a single city. Therefore, it is recognized by the AMM that when such questions arise, it is in the organization's interest that all concerned units of government cooperate and work together in reaching solutions. There are a few issues which because of their complexity or cost encompass the concerns of the entire metropolitan area. The region may need to deal with these issues through a metropolitan governance system. The AMM strongly believes that this system must act in cooperation with local governing bodies. The theme of this effort is that the metropolitan agencies and local government officials are partners, with each respecting the roles of the other when addressing metropolitan wide problems and issues. IV-A PURPOSE OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES The diversity and political differences in our metropolitan area results in the need for a regional service delivery system to provide certain services or portions of services to most effectively and efficiently address the needs of the residents. There is also a need for planning on a metropolitan basis which must be done in cooperation with local government. THE ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITIES AFFIRMS IT SUPPORT FOR THE CONCEPT OF A METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE SYSTEM WHEN APPROPRIATE. THE PRIMARY AND PREDOMINATE PURPOSES OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE SYSTEM SHOULD BE TO FACILITATE THE COORDINATED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE METROPOLITAN AREA; TO PROVIDE REGION-WIDE SERVICES, WITHOUT DUPLICATING THOSE PROVIDED BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THAT ARE BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL UNITS TO CARRY OUT INDIVIDUALLY OR JOINTLY; TO PROVIDE REGION-WIDE PLANNING AS NECESSARY AND WITH THE COOPERATION OF AFFECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND TO FULFILL OTHER SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AS DELEGATED BY THE STATE AND FEDERAL IV-B CRITERIA FOR EXTENSION OF METROPOLITAN AGENCIES AUTHORITIES Any efforts by metropolitan agencies to expand their powers or authority must be carefully considered and limited in focus with in-depth review by all those impacted by the proposed changes. TI{E LEGISLATURE, WHEN GRANTING THE METROPOLITAN AGENCIES ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY, SHOULD CAREFULLY STATE THE SPECIFIC AUTHORITY BEING GRANTED. ANY EXPANSION OR EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED -37- ONLY WHEN AT T~AST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS EXIST: -THE SERVICE, FUNCTION, OR ACTIVITY HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE NEEDED AND IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT IT CANNOT OR IS NOT BEING EFFECTIVELY OR EFFICIENTLY PROVIDED THROUGH EXISTING GENERAL PURPOSE UNITS OF GOVERNMENT; -INTERVENTION ON A REGIONAL BASIS IS NEEDED FOR PROTECTION OF THE REGION'S INVESTMENT IN AN EXISTING METROPOLITAN SYSTEM. IV-C STRUCTURES, PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND FUNDING OF METROPOLITAN SERVICES AND PROGRAMS. The Metropolitan Council was created by the Legislature in 1967 to coordinate "the planning and development" of the Metropolitan Area. The Council was mostly advisory, but was given responsibility for regional policy development and coordination in the areas of wastewater treatment and disposal, land transportation and airports. The Council was given limited approval authority for development proposals which were of metropolitan (regional) significance. The Council was not given direct operational authority and instead the Legislature created two new Metropolitan Commissions (MWCC and MTC) and restructured the MAC to operate and provide regional services. The Metropolitan Council's responsibility has expanded subsequently to include regional parks and open space, solid waste, approval authority for controlled access highways and for certain elements (airports, transportation, parks and open space, and sewers) of local comprehensive plans. C-1 POLICY PLANNING - POLICY IMPLEMENTATION The historic legislative intent concerning separation of responsibility for metropolitan policy planning and policy implementation should be continued. THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL MUST BE A PLANNING AND COORDINATING BODY. REGIONAL POLICY AND PROGRAMS SHOULD BE IMPleMENTED AND/OR OPERATED BY EXISTING METROPOLITAN OPERATING AGENCIES AND/OR GENERAL PURPOSE UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHEN PRACTICAL. NEW METROPOLITAN OPERATING AGENCIES OR COMMISSIONS SHOULD ONLY BE CREATED WHEN THE SERVICE OR FUNCTION TO BE PROVIDED HAS BEEN SHOWN TO BE NEEDED AND IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT IT COULD BE MORE EFFECTIVELY PROVIDED THROUGH A NEW STRUCTURE RATHER THAN THE EXISTING STRUCTURES. C-2 FUNDING FOR REGIONA!,!,Y PROVIDED SERVICES The Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Agencies funding has changed over time and is a mixture of property taxes, user fees and federal and state revenues. Occasionally there has been some -38- discussion to replace these multiple sources with a single new revenue source. THE AMM BELIEVES IT IS APPROPRIATE TO CONTINUE TO FUND THE REGIONAL AGENCIES AND ACTIVITIES BY THE EXISTING COMBINATION OF USER FEES, PROPERTY TAXES, STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS. THE AMM BELIEVES THIS METHOD PROVIDES BETTER OVERSIGHT OF EXPENDITURES' BY THE ,PAYERS' AND T}[RREFORE OPPOSES THE IMPOSITION OF A SINGLE NEW REVENUE SOURCE TO REPLACE THE PRESENT FUNDING SOURCES. C-3 REGIONAL TAX RATES AND USER FEES The Legislature controls the tax levies of the Metropolitan Council and the other Metropolitan Agencies. We believe it should continue to do so. User fees are generally controlled by the Metropolitan Agency collecting the fees (MWCC, MTC and MAC). The setting of user fees and the process for setting fees has generally not been considered a problem by local officials except for isolated cases. The AMM believes that: USER FEES FOR REGIONAL SERVICES SHOULD NOT BE DICTATED BY THE LEGISLATURE BUT SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE OPERATING AGENCY PROVIDING THE SERVICE. ALL FEES SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ON A PERIODIC BASIS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH FEES ARE CONSISTENT WITH REGIONAL SYSTEM PLANS AND GOALS. AN OPEN VISIBLE PROCESS/PROCEDURE SHOULD BE EMPLOYED FOR USER FEE CHANGES UNDER GUIDANCE OF THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WHEN CHANGES ARE NECESSARY AND IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH THOSE IMPACTED BY THE FEE CHANGES. IV-D COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING - LOCAL AND REGIONAL INTERACTION Planning is an ongoing process, and several precepts should be kept in mind by Local units of Government, Metropolitan Agencies and the State as this metropolitan planning process continues. METROPOLITAN SYSTEM PLANS MUST CONTINUE TO BE SUFFICIENTLY SPECIFIC IN TERMS OF LOCATIONS, CAPACITIES, AND TIMINGTObLTDW FOR CONSIDERATION IN LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING- (TRANSPORTATION, WASTEWATERTREATMENT, AIRPORTS,_A~_~ ...... E SPACE) SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROTECTED IMPACT ON THESE SYSTEMS DUE TO LACK OF INTEG~IATIUN COORDINATION BETWEEN REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLANNING. LOCAL OFFICIALS MUST HAVE EFFECTIVE INPUT INTO THE REGIONAL PLANNING PROCESS ON AN ONGOING BASIS. DESIGNATION OF OTHER REGIONAL PLANS AS METROPOLITAN SYSTEMS PLANS SHOULD NOT BE MADE UNLESS THERE IS A COMPELLING METROPOLITAN AREA -39- WIDE PROBT.R~4 OR CONCERN T~AT CAN BEST BE ADDRESSED THROUGH A REGIONAL SYSTEM DESIGNATION. IV-E COMBINED SEWERS - SEPARATION The three communities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and South St. Paul still have some combined waste water and storm water sewers which create overflows of untreated waste water in the Mississippi River during heavy rains and storm water runoff periods. These cities have over many years been progressing with sewer separation projects paid for primarily through local tax levies. The Federal and State governments are pressing the issue of meeting certain water quality standards in the Mississippi River which apparently cannot be done until separation is complete. The state has provided additional funding since the 1985 Legislative session to help pay for the speed up. For the first five years of the program Federal funds were also available to assist in the program. Since 1990, however, there have been no Federal funds. IT IS AMM POLICY THAT IF THE STATE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PURSUE THE ACCELERATED COMBINED SEWER SEPARATION PROGRAM IN THE THREE CITIES, THAT IT ~T~O CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ~trNDING TO ENSURE THAT NEITHER LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES NOR METROPOLITAN SANITARY SEWER COSTS ARE INCREASED DUE TO THE ACCELERATED BUILD EFFORT. THE PROGRAM TO DATE HAS PROCEEDED ACCORDING TO THAT POLICY. AS THE CSO ISSUE ~ SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS, BOTH FOR STATE FINANCES AND FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA, THE AMM REQUESTS THAT ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE FINANCING OR IMPLRMENTATION PLANS FOR THE SEPARATION PROJECT. SINCE PART OF THE REASON FOR THE ACCELERATED PROGRAM IS TO MEET FEDERAL STANDARDS~ AMM SUPPORTS THE CONSIDERATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CSO FUNDING PROGRAM AND THE ADDRESSING OF THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER AND REGULATORY FRAMEWO~EN THE CONGRESS CONSIDERS THE REA~I"~ORIZATION OF THE FEDERAL C~AN WATER ACT. IV-F METROPOLITAN COUNCIL BUDGET/WORK PROGRAM PROCESS The Metropolitan Council has an annual budget over 15 million dollars and its programs impact the two million plus people living in the metropolitan area. The budget document should convey sufficient information so that the residents can determine what 'product' is being produced and how much the 'product' costs and the benefits. The budget process should commence early enough in the annual adoption cycle so that the residents can provide meaningful input as to goals and priorities. F-1 BUDGET DETAIL AND SPECIFICITY -40- The annual budget and work program document has been improved in recent years and contains more detail and specificity which enables public interest groups to make more reasoned recommendations but further improvements can be made. MANDATED OR NON-DISCRETIONARY PROJECTS, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED. PROJECTS, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH MAY BE DISCRETIONARY BUT ARE TOT~r~ OR MOSTLY FUNDED BY A FEDERALOR STATE GRANT SHOULD ALSO BE IDENTIFIED. INFORMATION SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED AS TO PREVIOUS YEARS EXPENDITURES AND PROGRESS FOR ON-GOING PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES. F-2 RELIANCE ON PROPERTY TAXES There is a trend of increased reliance on the property tax to support Council activities. Federal grants formerly funded about two/thirds of the Council Budget and the local property tax about one/third. The federal portion has now shrunk to about 20 percent and the property tax has increased to over 60 percent. THE ~OUNCIL SHOULD MAKE A THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE PROGRAMS FORMERLY FUNDED BY FEDERAL GRANTS OR NON-LOCAL FUNDS TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE STILL NECESSARY AND WORTHWHILE WHEN ONLY LOCAL DOrmeRS ARE INVOLVED. ADDITIONALLY THE COUNCIL SHOULD SEEK TO DIVEST ITSELF OF SERVICES THAT IT PERFORMS FOR THIS AREA, IF SUCH SERVICES ARE PERFORMED BY STATE AGENCIES FOR THE BALANCE OF THE STATE, OR SEEK STATE FUNDING FOR THOSE SERVICES. SOME AREAS WHICH NEED TO BE EXAMINED INCLUDE SOLID WASTE, HEALTH CARE, HUMAN SERVICES PLANNING, ETC. F-3 PROGRAM EVALUATION The Council usually levies the maximum or close to the maximum tax levy allowed. It is difficult for ~outsiders' to determine if internal evaluation is being performed to ascertain the effectiveness or necessity of council programs or if they are being continued because ~they have always been done.' THE AMM BELIEVES THAT EVERY MAJOR COUNCIL PROGRAM/PRIORITY SHOULD MEET FOUR TESTS: -THE ISSUE OR PROBLEM BEING ADDRESSED IS IMPORTANT TO THE WELL BEING OF THE REGION. -COUNCIL INTERVENTION OR ACTIVITY WILL PRODUCE A POSITIVE RESULT. -COUNCIL EFFORT OR ACTIVITY DOES NOT DUPLICATE OR SERVE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A STATE LEVEL PROGRAM OR EFFORT OR WHAT SHOULD BE A STATE LEVEL ACTIVITY. -COUNCIL IS MOST APPROPRIATE AGENCY TO INTERVENE OR PERFORM -41- ACTIVITY. IV-G METROPOLITAN PARK AND OPEN SPACE FUNDING The Legislature established the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space System in 1974 and provided state/regional fiscal support for the acquisition and development of the Parks System and provided a payment in lieu of taxes to local units of government on a decreasing basis for land removed from the tax rolls. Since the establishment of the system, the State and the Metropolitan area have failed to establish a permanent partnership relative to the status of the Regional Park System both within the region and state. Failure to clearly define the role of regional parks has led to long term instability relative to the acquisition and development of regional parks and created significant funding concerns for implementing agencies as they relate to the operation and maintenance of those regional facilities. G-1 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FUNDING Regional parks within the Metropolitan area provide the same basic function as state parks provide in Greater Minnesota. The State has consistently refused to acknowledge this situation and has never provided an adequate amount of funding for the operation and maintenance of regional parks while covering 100 percent of the cost of state parks in Greater Minnesota. AMM RECOMMENDS THAT THE STATE OF MINNESOTA RECOGNIZE THE ROLE OF REGIONAL PARKS WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND PROVIDE APPROPRIATE FUNDING TO IMPI~24ENTING AGENCIES TO ASSIST THEM IN THE OPERATION ANDMAINTENANCE OF THE REGIONAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM. THE STATE OF MINNESOTA SHOULD PROVIDE 40 percent OF THE FUNDING TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THESE FACILITIES. G-2 REGIONAL BONDING FOR REGIONAL The Legislature for the past several years has provided less than 25 percent of the funding requested for acquisition and development by the Metropolitan Council and the MPOSC on an annual basis. To allow for the orderly and planned development schedule for the regional parks and open space system, the Metropolitan Council is considering to use previously granted authority and issue regional bonds to make up part of the shortage. THE AMM BELIEVES THIS ACTION CREATES A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT AND COULD TAKE THE ~STATE OFF T}~ HOOK' IN FUTURE APPROPRIATION CYCLES. THE AMM BELIEVES THAT THE REGIONAL PARKS ARE ESSENTIAT~ A SUBSTITUTE FOR STATE PARKS IN THE METRO AREA AND SHOULD BE FUNDED ACCORDINGLY. IN ESSENCE, METRO AREA TAXPAYERS WILL BE PAYING TWICE AND THIS IS NOT EQUITABLE. THE AMM URGES THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO REDOUBLE ITS EFFORTS TO OBTAIN AN -42- EQUITABI~ SHARE OF STATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE REGIONAL PARK~ AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEIq~. IV-H WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT The AMM recognizes that water is a critical resource for this metropolitan area and it is necessary to plan and manage this resource to assure adequate supply, safeguard the public health, provide recreational opportunities and enhance economic opportunities. Many levels of government have a vested interest in protecting and managing water resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner. Since many levels of government are involved in water management, it is in the public interest to clearly delineate each level's responsibility to prevent duplication, overlap, and conflicting requirements. This delineation is particularly important to cities since they are the level that ultimately has the most "hands on" responsibility. The aspects of water resources which have received the most attention in recent years are surface water runoff, groundwater quality, water supply and water recharge areas (wetlands). There is an interrelationship among all of these systems and there is need for coordination in managing them effectively. The AMM believes that local units of government should retain the basic responsibility for water resources management because they are the level closest to the problems. However, local units need the financial resources, tools and technical expertise to implement this responsibility and may need to look to the state and metro for financial support and technical assistance. H-1 WATER SUPPLY The AMM is in general agreement with the Water Supply Act (Chapter 186) passed in the 1993 legislative session. The thrust of this act is to promote water conservation, require contingency plans for water emergencies and to promote long range planning for local water supplies. As suggested by the AMM, cities retain the basic responsibility and authority for local water supply systems. The Metropolitan Council is encouraged to complete its regional water supply and water data base as soon as possible to provide a framework for local water supply planning. THE AMM DOES NOT SEE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO LOCAL WATER SUPPLY PLANNING AT THIS POINT IN TIME. HOWEVER, IF LEGISLATION IS PROPOSED, IT SHOULD BE BASED ON THE FOIW~WING PRINCIPLES: -LOCAL UNITS SHOULD RETAIN THE BASIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR WATER SUPPLY PLANNING AS IN CUIARENT LAW. -ADDITIONAL STATE MANDATES SHOULD BE FUNDED BY THE STATE. -43- -NEW STATE IMPOSED REQUI~NTS AND OR REGULATIONS IMPLRMENTING CHAPTER 186 SHOULD NOT ADD TO LOCAL COSTS AND WHENEVER POSSIBLE SHOULD REDUCE AND/OR MINIt4IZE DUPLICATIVE REVIEWS. H-2 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER WATER MANAGEMENT The AMM supports as a given that no one has the right to pollute either ground or surface water resources and in order to safeguard the public health and environment, it is necessary to preserve our water resources as critical state resources. Most Water Management Organizations (WMO) and local units or government have done a good job of dealing with surface and groundwater management issues and have the authority and ability to continue to do so in a cost effective manner. These existing mechanisms should continue to be used to the greatest extent possible to address surface and groundwater management problems; instead of creating a new system or a new organization, but they need the financial resources and tools to meet this responsibility. While the AMM does not see the need for any new urban water management organization, it is clear that the current system contains duplicative review and approvals of local plans and development projects/proposals and should be streamlined. The AMM believes that the systems for review and approval of surface water management planning and the review and approval process for "permitting projects" is rife with duplicative reviews and time consuming delays. THE AMM WOULD SUPPORT ~{E FOLLOWING INiTIATIVES/ACTION: -TIMELY COMPLETION OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES AS DEFINED IN MS 473.157 SO THAT W~O'S AND CITIES CAN FULFILL THEIR SURFACE WATER MANAGE~tENT RESPONSIBILITIES. -A THOROUGH ASSESS}~NT OF THE BOARD OF WATER AND SOIL RESOURCES (BWSR) STRUCTURE AND AUTHORITIES TO ASCERTAIN IF IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE APPROVAL AND OVERSIGHT AGENCY FOR SURFACE WATER MAI~AGEMENT PLANNING AND ACTIVITIES IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA. -A THOROUGH ASSESS~IENT OF THE )~TROPOLITAN AREA SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PER14ITTING PROCESS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF DEVELOPING IMPROVEMENTS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION, COORDINATION BETWEEN AND AMONG STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES, SURFACE WATER PLANNING, AND PROJEC~f PERMIT APPROVALS. -COMPLETION BY 9~0'S AND CITIES OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SURFACE WATER MANAG~ENT PLA}.~ING AS DEFINED IN MS 103 B. 225-235 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS THE WATER QUALITY ISSUES PLAGUING THE MINNESOTA, MISSISSIPPI AND ST. CROIX RIVERS. -44- -COMPLIANCE BY LOCAL UNITS OF GO~NT IN OUTSTATE MINNESOTA WITH THE SAME STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT AS THOSE IMPOSED ON LOCAL UNITS WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN AREA. IF ANY LEGISLATION IS CONSIDERED FOR SURFACE WATER MANAGEN~NT AS A RESULT OF THE BEFORE MENTIONED ASSESSMENTS (STUDIES) IT SHOULD BE BASED ON THE FOLT&)WING PRINCIPLES: -THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD PROVIDE FUNDS IF IT MANDATES ANY ADDITIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT PLANNING OR IMPT.]~TING ACTMTIES BY LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT. THE CSO PROGRAM SHOULD BE VIEWED AS THE PRECEDENT FOR THE STATE HAVING A FINANCIAL INTEREST IN PROVIDING FUNDS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS RELATED TO STORM WATER RUNOFF. -LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD RETAIN THE BASIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT AS THEY ARE THE LEVEL CLOSEST TO THE PROBT.~M. -NEW STATE REQUIREMENTS SHOULD NOT ADD TO LOCAL COSTS AND DUPLICATIVE REVIEWS/APPROVALS SHOULD BE ELIMINATED. H-3 REGIONAL WASTEWATER (SEWER) TREATMENT SYSTEM A bill was introduced in the 1992 session which would have changed the methodology for allocating the costs of the metropolitan wastewater collection and treatment system. The alleged intent of the bill was to slowdown and reverse the decay and blight which has and is occurring in some of the older, developed parts of this metropolitan area. The AMM is concerned with the problem but does not believe that changing the way the metropolitan sewer system is financed from a regional to a subregional system has any relevance with respect to the problems identified and opposed the before mentioned bill. The AMM was part of a major study effort in 1985, that resulted in the uniform cost system that is currently in place for the metropolitan sewer system. THE METROPOLITAN WASTEWATER COLLF. CTION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM HAS BEEN A MAJOR COMPONENT OF AN INTERGRATED LOCAL-REGIONAL SYSTEM WHICH HAS HELPED IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE WATER IN MANY OF THE MAJOR WATER RESOURCES OF THIS AREA SUCH AS LAKE MINNETONKA, THE MINNESOTA, MISSISSIPPI AND ST. CROIX RIVERS, WHITE BEAR LAKE, ETC. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CHANGE NOT BE MADE TO THIS REGIONAL SYSTEM THAT COULD LEAD TO ITS BREAKUP OR TO DIMISH ITS EFFECTIVENESS. SINCE ALL 'USERS' BENEFIT EQU/~LLY THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM THE REGIONAL RATES SHOULD BE UNIFORM THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM AND A SUB-REGIONAL SYSTEM OF ~LT~)CATING THE REGIONAL SYSTEM COSTS SHOULD NOT BE REINSTITUTED. -45- H-4 WATER TESTING CONNECTION FEE The States' Safe Drinking Water Act contains a per hook up fee of $5.21 passed in Laws of Minnesota 1992, Chapter 513, Article 6, Section 2 which is to be used to pay for water supply testing as mandated by Federal Law. This per user fee creates an inequitable and unfair service fee compared to testing cost for large communities with only a few supply points that need testing. In addition, there are many non-community and private water supply users such as trailor courts being tested which are not paying the connection fee imposed by the Department of Health. This fee should be re-examined by the legislature and the law changed so that each community and user pays only its fair share. This may necessitate the state to provide some financial assistance to smaller communities with multiple supply sources. THE AMM REQUESTS THE LEGISLA~dRE TO CHANGE THE WATER SUPPLY TESTING CONNECTION FEE TO BE FAIR AND EQUITABLE AND TO REFLECT THE ACTUAL COST OF SUPPLY TESTING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. ALSO, NON COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE SYSTEMS SHOULD PAY ALL OR PART OF THEIR TESTING COST. IV-I WASTE STREAM MANAGEMENT The problem of managing the waste stream (for all types of waste) is and will continue to be one of the major social environmental problems during this decade. We are rapidly running out of space (capacity for land disposal) in the metropolitan area and there are no general disposal facilities in this state for Hazardous Waste. We are also learning that for many materials incineration may not be a good environmental alternative to landfill disposal. The existing waste management system centralizes responsibility at. the state level for hazardous waste but requires the cooperation and support of all levels of government and the private sector. The solid waste system for the metropolitan area is essentially a three-tiered system: cities control and regulate collection; counties are responsible for 'siting' new landfills, developing abatement plans, developing processing facilities and regulating existing landfills; and the Metropolitan Council provides grants and has regional planning and coordinating responsibilities. The systems were intended to foster and encourage abatement, recycling and resource recovery for as much of the waste stream as possible and then to assure environmentally sound disposal for the remaining waste. In spite of a great deal of cooperation and coordination among and between the various levels and units of government and the private sector, some major problems appear on the horizon. -46- Much has been accomplished during the past decade in improving the waste stream management system. Much remains to be done and any future legislation should take into account the following precepts. I-1 INTEGRATED WASTE STREAM PLANNING The disposal of solid waste is a multifaceted problem which will require the cooperation and participation of all levels of government and the private sector to effectively develop a solid waste system which is cost effective and environmentally sound. To achieve such a system, all elements of the waste management hierarchy (reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, incineration, landfilling) must be utilized. In the area of packaging, the system should make the distinction between transport packaging, primary or necessary packaging and secondary or excess packaging. Further, it must be realized that an effective "system" begins before materials become "waste" and, as such, a comprehensive view of the entire life cycle of products is needed in order to succeed. -THE AMM ENDORSES THE CONCEPT THAT THE "GENERATORS" OF WASTE MUST BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING ITS DISPOSAL. "GENERATOR" INCLUDES THE MANUFACTURERS OF PRODUCTS WHICH BECOME WASTE, THE SETJ.RRS OF PRODUCTS WHICH BECOME WASTE AND THE CONSUMER OF PRODUCTS WHICH BECOME WASTE. -THE AMM ENDORSES THE CONCEPT THAT SINCE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL, IT HAS A LEGITIMATE INTEREST IN BEING INVOLVED IN OVERATe. WASTE STREAM MANAGEMENT. THIS MEANS T}{AT GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST BEGINS BEFORE MATERIALS BECOME "WASTE." -THE AMMENDORSES A WASTE MANAGEMENTHIERARCHYWHICH INCLUDES REDUCTION, REUSE, RECYCLING, COMPOSTING, INCINERATION AND LANDFILLING. ~R, A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A MIXTURE OF ALL THESE EL~MENTS AND SHOULD NOT RELY SOLELY ON ANY ONE ET.RMENT. -THE AMM ENCOURAGES MORE ATTENTION BE GIVEN TO THE ALTERNATIVES OF REDUCTION, REUSE AND RECYCLING BY ATJ. LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. -THE STATE SHOULD FUND THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPL~4ENTATION OF AN EDUCATION PROGRAM, WHICH ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO RECYCLE, COMPOST, REUSE AND REDUCE WASTE GENERATION. -LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INITIATED WHICH WOULD ESTABLISH RECYCLED CONTENT OR RECYCLABILITY GOALS FOR ~T~. PRODUCT PACKAGING MATERIALS, INCLUDING FOODAND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS- LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INITIATED WHICH WOULD PROVIDE FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO MANUFACTURERS, RETAILERS OR CONSUMERS FOR REDUCING -47- PACKAGING VOLUME, USING RECYCLED MATERIALS IN ITS FABRICATION, OR, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINERS, FACILITATING ITS RETURN. FEES, TAXES, OR DEPOSITS ON PACKAGING MATERIALS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WITH THESE COSTS WAIVED WHEN CONTENT GOALS ARE MET, VOLUMES ARE MINIMIZED, OR EFFECTIVE MATERIAT~q RETURN SYSTEMS ARE IN PLACE. THE NET REVENUE GENERATED FROM FEES/TAXES ABOVE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS SHOULD BE USED TO PROMOTE OR ENHANCE LOCAL PROGRAMS TO REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE PACKAGING MATERIALS. -THE AMM OPPOSES ANY LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD LIMIT LOCAL INITIATIVES IN WASTE STREAM MANAGEMENT UNLESS AN OVERALL STATE OR METROPOLITAN WIDE SYSTEM IS ESTABLISHED WHICH ACCOMPLISHES THE SAME GOAL OR OBJECTIVE. -THE AMM SUPPORTS COMPOSTING AS A TEC}FNIQUE FOR REUSE OF YARDWASTES AND OTHER APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS OF THE SOLID WASTE STREAM. GIVEN THE PROHIBITION ON LANDFILLING YARDWASTE, RESIDENTS AND REFUSE HAULERS NEED TO BE PROVIDED WITH CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO DEPOSIT BRUSH AND OTHER YARDWASTES FOR PROCESSING. COUNTIES WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE OR METROPOLITAN COUNCIL SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LOCATING AND OPERATING COMPOSTING FACILITIES AND MUST NOT DELEGATE THIS RESPONSIBILITY TO CITIES WHICH DO NOT WISH TO OPERATE SUCH FACILITIES. MINOR CHANGES MAY BE NEEDED IN THE EXISTING OVERRIDE PROCESS TO ENABLE COUNTIES TO SITE THESE TYPES OF FACILITIES. I-2 HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS WASTE MANAGEMENT The improper disposal of hazardous wastes, through landfilling or incineration, poses a major risk of water and air pollution. Much has been done to monitor the generation and proper disposal of hazardous waste by business and industry, and these efforts should continue. However, the reduction, control and proper disposal of household hazardous wastes is a significant concern which needs to be addressed. (A.) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE. THE AMM SUPPORTS A STATE-WIDE PROGRAM TARGETED TO THE REDUCTION AND PROPER MANAGEMENT OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES, INCLUDING: -PERMANENT DROP OFF OR DISPOSAL SITES - STRATEGICALLY AND CONVENIENTLY LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE STATE WHERE ALL TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES CAN BE TAKEN FOR PROPER HANDLING, PROCESSING, OR DISPOSAL. -EDUCATIONALAND POINT-OF-SALE INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS NOTIFYING THEM OF THE HAZARDOUS NATURE OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER HANDLING. -48- -INVOLVEMENT OF THE GENERATORS (RETAILERS) IN THE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES TO HELP ASSURE PROPER HANDLING AND PROCESSING. -INFORMATION TO CONS~ I~T.I~/TING THEM TO NON-HAZARDOUS SUBSTITUTES FOR HAZARDOUS HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS. -ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH COULD INCLUDE INCENTIVES TO MANUFACTURES TO PRODUCE LESS HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS FOR USE IN HOUSEHOLDS. TKE TOP PRIORITY OF THE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT PRODUCED. (B.) COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE. THE ANM SUPPORTS CONTINUED EFFORTS AT THE STATE LEVEL TO PROPERLY MANAGE INDUSTRIAL HAZARDOUS WASTES, INCLUDING THE RE-USE, RECOVERY AND RECYCLING OF AS MUCH HAZARDOUS WASTE AS POSSIBLE. THAT WHICH CANNOT BE RE-USED OR REPROCESSED MUST BE DISPOSED OF IN AN ENVIRONMENT~T.T.Y SOUND MANNER. KNOWING FAILURE TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (INCLUDING NIT.T.F-GAL DUMPINGN), SHOULD RESULT IN CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR BOTH COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS. MANUFA~ SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS USED IN THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES. I-3 METROPOLITAN/COUNTYRESPONSIBILITIES- AS noted previously, the cities have the responsibility for waste collection including implementing and managing most recycling type programs. The other waste stream management responsibilities are basically split between the Metropolitan Council and the Counties. Considerable progress has been made in recent years in certain parts of the waste stream management system particularly those aspects for which cities are responsible. But several significant problems beyond the control of cities are becoming evident including: the inability of the counties to site needed waste facilities (landfills, transfer stations, compost sites, etc.), fluctuating and/or lack of markets for some recyclables, uneven funding among counties to run the iow tech systems, and the radical variance in disposal costs throughout the metropolitan area. Some of these problems are urgent and significant changes may need to be made in the waste stream management system in the metropolitan area. Some of the current waste stream management concerns are similar to the concerns which precipitated the formation of other regional commissions. WHiLE NOTRULING OUT ADDRESSING THESE CONCERNS WITHIN THE EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK, SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVENTO THE FORMATION OF A REGIONALSOLID WASTE COMMISSION. SUCH COMMISSION SHOULD INCLUDE LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS. MORE ANALYSIS AND STUDY IS NEEDEDTO DETERMINE THE TOTAL LIST OF FUNCTIONS TO BE ASSIGNED TO SUCH COMMISSION BUT MOST FUNCTIONS NOW -49- PERFORMED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL AND THE COUNTIES SHOULD BE GIVEN STRONG CONSIDERATION INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: -OWNERSHIP (INCLUDING THE ASSUMPTION OF DEBT) OF THE CURRENT MAJOR PUBLIC DISPOSAL AND PROCESSING FACILITIES. -RESPONSIBILITY FOR SITING CERTAIN TYPES OF WASTE PROCESSING AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES. -REGULATION OF DISPOSAL CHARGES (TIPPING/FEE) FAIRNESS AND EQUITY. TO PROVIDE MORE -DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO SUPPORT ~rlE LOCAL RECYCLING PROGRAMS. -DISTRIBUTION OF OT'rIER GRANT FUNDS NOW MANAGED BY METROPOLITAN COUNCIL. -MOST OT]{ER FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY THE COUNCIL EXCEPT FOR THE PLANNING FUNCTIONS (LONG RANGE POLICY PLA~{S, ETC.). -COORDINATION OF MARKETING EFFORTS FOR RECYCLABLES. I-4 LOCAL SOLID WASTE }~NAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES cities have certain responsibilities in helping to manage and implement an effective solid waste management system including recycling programs and the collection systems. The AMM believes that to date cities, utilizing a variety of collection systems, are doing a good job of managing Local Recycling and Waste Collection. THE RESPONSIBILITIES NOW ASSIGNED TO CITIES FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SHOULD RF~3%IN WITH THE CITIES. THE AMM BELIEVES THAT THE SYSTEM OUGHT TO BE FLEXIBLE AND BASED ON PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND/OR GOALS RATHER THAN MANDATED TECHNIQUES. I-5 FUNDING The current funding system for solid waste has a number of drawbacks: It does not encourage maximum utilization of the waste disposal hierarchy; it often gives no incentive to individual residents to participate in recycling; it does not differentiate between generators of 'clean' waste and ~problem' waste; and it has given no assurances that the main sources of funding are related to the entities incurring expenses. -AMM BELIEVES THAT THE FUNDING SYSTEM SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT ME~ODS OF DISPOSAL~ INCLUDING RECYCLING HAVE A COST. ALSO THE TRUE AND FULL COST OF THE ENTIRE DISPOSAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED. -50- -ANM BELIEVES THAT IN GENERAL FUNDING FOR THE SOLID WASTE SYSTEM SHOULD COME FROM THE GENERATORS OF SOLID WASTE. -AMM BELIEVES A FEE SYSTEM AT THE MANUFACTURES AND/OR RETAIL LEVEL SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND TH~ CONCEPT OF RETURNABILITY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND EXPANDED. -IN GENERAL, THE FUNDING SYSTEM SHOULD ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM USE OF THE WASTE HIERARCHY. FOR EXAMPLE IT SHOULD COST MORE TO DISPOSE OF WASTE IN LANDFILLS THAN IN RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITIES. -ANM SUPPORTS THE CONCEPT THAT MATERIALS WHICH CAUSE SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN THE WASTE STREAM SHOULD BEAR THE COSTS (THROUGH THE COST OF PURCHASING THE MATERIALS) ASSOCIATED WITH THESE PROBT.~MS. -ANM ENCOURAGES PROVIDING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES SUCH AS VARIABLE AND DIFFERENTIAL FEES TO RESIDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN RECYCLING WHILE MAKING IT CLEAR THAT EVEN RECYCLING HAS A COST. -ANM BELIEVES THAT ANY FUNDING SYSTEM MUST GUARANTEE DISTRIBUTION OF THE MONIES TO ~T.T. ENTITIES INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM AND RECOGNIZE ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SYSTEM. THIS MEANS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE FUNDS RAISED THROUGH THE SALES TAX SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO CITIES WHICH OPERATE RECYCLING PROGRAMS. THE AMM ALSO BELIEVES THAT THE ENTIRE PROCEEDS OF TAX ON SOLID WASTE SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO SOLID WASTE ACTIVITIES. I-6 ORGANIZED COT.~.F. CTION Organized collection serves as a viable and important method for municipalities to achieve solid waste abatement. It is a type of service agreement that allows cities proper regulatory power over their solid waste collection system. It provides municipalities the opportunity to choose the type of solid waste collection that would best serve their residents. 'Just Compensation' legislation is designed to limit municipalities regulatory power in the area of solid waste collection. In placing severe financial penalties on municipalities that undertake organized collection, 'Just Compensation' legislation infringes on municipalities rights to establish intangible service agreements for municipal services. -THE /LMM ENDORSES THE CONCEPT OF ORGANIZED COLLECTION AS ONE OF SEVERAL VIABLE METHODS FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO ASSERT REGULATORY POWER OVER THEIR SOLID WASTE CO~.r.F. CTION SYSTEMS. -THE ANM BELIEVES THAT ORGANIZED COr.T.F. CTION MUST CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE TO CITIES AS THEY CHOOSE A TYPE OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM THAT WOULD BEST SERVE THE NEEDS OF THEIR RESIDENTS. -51- -THE AMM OPPOSES ANY LF. GISLATION THAT WOULD IMPOSE COMPENSATION PENALTIES ON MUNICIPALITIES WHO CHOOSE TO IMPT.k~4ENT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM. I-7 HOST CITIES AND CLRANUP RESPONSIBILITIES While solid waste facilities are components of county and regional solid waste management systems, they must be located in individual cities. Because the number of facilities is limited, the effects of hosting these facilities is not equally shared among cities. Most of these effects are negative - an increased likelihood and incidence of water, soil, air, and noise pollution; and increased amount of litter and offensive odors; a greater likelihood of adverse impacts on values of neighboring properties; a need for increased maintenance on public streets and highways; and potential threats to public health and welfare in areas immediate to and along access routes to these facilities. Longer-term impacts may affect cities if the organizations responsible for facility operations cease as financially viable entities. Safeguards need to be enacted for host cities for the operations and clean up responsibilities associated with solid waste facilities. The trend within the metropolitan area has been to internalize present and future costs of solid waste management on current generators of solid waste. These costs should include the extra and adverse financial impacts borne by host communities. Cities host these regional facilities because of accidents of geography. Liabilities for these facilities should be shared across the region. -THE AM14 SUPPORTS THE CURRENT COMPENSATION LEVEL ALIX)WED THROUGH SURCHARGE FEES AS A MINIMUM LEVEL; THIS COMPENSATION SHOULD BE CONTINUED OR INCREASED. THIS FORM OF COMPENSATION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALLTYPES OF SOLID WASTE FACILITIES. -THE AHM BELIEVES THE HOST COMMUNITIES SHOULD NOT BEAR A FINANCIAL LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH SOLID WASTE FACILITIES. COSTS INCURRED FOR MONITORING OPERATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS SHOULD BE BORNE BY FACILITY OPERATORS OR, IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGULATIONS, BE ASSUMED BY THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. LEGISLATION NEEDS TO BE STRENGTHENED SO AS TO EXEMPT CITIES FROM ANY PRESENT AND FUTURE LIABILITY ARISING FROM OPERATIONS OF SOLID WASTE FACILITIES. T~GISLATION SHOULD FURTHER ESTABLISH THAT PROCEEDS FOR FUTURE REMEDIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS BE IN A TRUST FUND. -THE ;iMM WILL SUPPORT LEGISLATION WHICH CLEARLY ARTICULATES THAT REMEDIAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY ONLY ON THE PERMITTED OPERATOR AND/OR THE STATE OF MINNESOTA. -52- -THE AMM BELIEVES THAT LOCAL PROPERTY TAXING AUTHORITIES SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO LEVY HIGHER PROPERTY TAX HATES BECAUSE SOLID WASTE FACILITIES MAY DEPRESS PROPERTY VALUES WITHIN PARTS OF THE TAXING JURISDICTION. OPEHATORS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES COMMENSURATE WITH THE ADVERSE TAX REVENUE IMPACT RESULTING FROM LOWER VAIJJES ON NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES. -THE AMM WIT.T, SUPPORT MEASURES WHICH REQUIRE THAT OPERATORS OF SOLID WASTE FACILITIES GUARANTEE THE PURCHASE VAI/IE OF PROPERTIES WHICH ARE INFLUENCED BY THEIR PROXIMITY TO THOSE FACILITIES. -THE AMM WILL SUPPORT STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT CLARIFIES THAT MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IS NOT A HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, THAT ENABLES LOCAL GOVERNMENTS INVOLVED IN CLEANUPS TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SETTLE THEIR POTENTIAL LIABILITY QUICKLY AND SAFELY. -THE AMM WILL SUPPORT CREATION OF A CLEANUP PROGRAM FOR CLOSED SOLID WASTE LANDFILLS WHICH IS FUNDED SEPARATELY FROM THE STATE SUPERFUND PROGRAM. A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF FUNDING COULD BE A TAX OR FEE ON TOXIC MATERIALS. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM CT.F. AN-UP COSTS WHICH DO NOT RELATE DIRECTLY TO THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROBT.~. -53- V TRANSPORTATION PAGE 54 THROUGH 65 V TRANSPORTATION AMMTRANSPORTATION POLICY STATEMENT The AMMbelieves that the recent passage of the Federal Transportation Bill (ISTEA) provides the Metropolitan area with a unique opportunity, to rethink Transportation, Transit and Development Plans. It is imperative that as we prepare to move into the next century, our transportation network become multi-modal, offer flexibility, invest significantly in transit, and be designed to manage traffic. 'Within the last two decades, the number of miles driven per day has doubled. Traffic congestion is expected to increase by 35% by the year 2000, creating nearly 200 miles of severely congested highways. Ridership by bus, car and van pool, continues to decline and the Regional Transit System continues to be inadequately funded. There is a growing awareness that the true cost of driving an automobile, when factoring in energy use, pollution, productivity loss due to congestion, and the resulting cost of motor vehicle accidents, are born by the general public at large not solely the driving public. The majority of peak hour traffic is workers commuting to or from work. Achieving a balance between workers and jobs in a geographic area can reduce the volume of intra-area commuting and balance the directional use of the interconnecting roads. Economic stratification and an aging population is creating a larger pool of transit dependent individuals. Our current transit system is not capable of providing adequate transit services in the entire metropolitan area. Government cannot build its way out of congestion. Local governmental units are facing funding shortfalls which prevent them from adequately maintaining the current transportation network. AMM calls upon the Legislature, MNDOT, RTB, and the Metropolitan Council to develop a more comprehensive transportation program that more closely integrates transit and highways. This coordinated approach at the minimum must be designed to increase accessibility, improve air quality, and serve the transit dependent and handicapped. The AMM supports a comprehensive transportation policy that; 1. Incorporates traffic management into local and regional zoning and planning actions; 2. Encourages traffic management plans by all employers; Creates a series of incentives aimed at increasing vehicle occupancy levels; 4. Discourages the use of development incentives for any project of significant size that does not contain a comprehensive traffic management plan; 5. Studies the concept of jobs to workers balance in the metropolitan area; and -54- 6. Establishes an adequate dedicated funding source for transit. In addition, local units of government must be provided with adequate funding or authorizing legislation that will allow them to maintain their current investments in the local transportation infrastructure. The following recommended legislative proposals are designed to meet this overall goal. V-A STREET, BRIDGE, AND HIGHWAY GENERAL FUNDING An efficient transportation system is a vital element in planning for physical, economic, and social development at the state, regional, and local levels. Funding for current roadway maintenance reconstruction, and construction of new streets, bridges, and highways in developing areas is a significant major element of a competitive and safe transportation system. Due to past declining state revenues there has been a tendency by the Legislature to divert much needed roadway funds to state general expenditure. This trend must be reversed, especially in light of the Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). Funding needs to be expanded to not only keep up with inflation and modest program growth, but to provide necessary funds for matching 80/20 projects included in the ISTEA legislation for quality standards will have impact on future project costs. THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE LEVEL OF FUNDS SO THAT NEEDED STREET, BRIDGE, AND HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE MAY BE CONTINUED, NECESSARY NEW STREET AND HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION MAY OCCUR, THE MUNICIPAL STATE AID FUND LEVEL CONTINUES GROWTH, AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENY ACT OF 1991 (ISTEA) CAN BE MET. V-B METROPOLITAN TRANSIT SYSTEM GENERAL FUNDING Because of the large economically diverse and spreadout population of the Twin City Metropolitan Area, it is an absolute necessity to provide an effective and efficient public mass transit service augmented by a variety of programs,such as Rideshare and Project Mobility. Without a good transit system, many elderly and handicapped persons residing in the area primarily because of access to unique services would be almost totally immobile. The new Federal legislation (ISTEA) has established a modern trend by providing over 20% of its total 5 year funding for Transit and allowing a shift of highway funds to transit on a project by project basis. The Americans Disability Act and new air and noise quality standards will impact both the way we do transit as well as the cost. In order to obtain ISTEA funds and to continue providing reasonable transportation opportunities, the legislature must increase transit funding priority. -55- THE AMM REQUESTS THE LEGISLATURE TO CONSIDER THE METROPOLITAN TRANSIT PROGRAMS AS HIGH PRIORITY AND FUND THEM SUFFICIENTLY TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF FEDERAL ISTEA FUNDING AS WELL AS MEET THE DEMANDS OF ADA AND AIR AND NOISE STANDARDS. FUNDING ALTERNATIVES SHOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO TIlE STATE GENERAL FUND, MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX OR OTHER SALES TAX, THE FARE BOX, PROPERTY TAX, AND SERVICE EFFICIENCIES- V-C TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FUND A Transportation Services Fund was created for minimal activities and with minimal funding in 1991. The Legislature should adopt the recommendations of the Transportation Study Board and Minnesota Transportation Alliance which suggests using MVET to fund statewide transit needs and related non highway construction activities currently funded from the Users Fund. These are Dept. of Public Safety, Tourism, River Parkway, Safety Council and several others which are at best questionable gas tax expenditures. THE AMMENDORSES THE CONCEPT OF REMOVING NON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES FROM THE STATE TRUNK HIGHWAY FUND AND THE EXPANSION OF A TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FUND FOR THESE ACTIVITIES. V-D TRANSPORTATION (HiGHWAY ANDTRANSIT) FUNDING ALTERNATIVES The need for both Highway and transit funding has been increasing significantly in the past several years while the resources dedicated or generally used for these purposes have either not kept pace or been diverted for other state priorities. The new Federal Transportation Act (ISTEA) has shifted emphasis by providing significant funds for Transit and also placed increased burden on states by increasing the local match to 20%. Transit needs in the Metropolitan Area have become critical since in some cases Highway expansion is physically or financially prohibitive, therefore capacity expansion can best be solved by transit alternatives implementation in these cases. Funding should be multi source with growth capability. Therefore, the AMM believes it is time to solve the problem on a permanent basis. THE AMMSUPPORTS A COMBINED STRATEGY OF GAS TAX INCREASES TO KEEP PACE WiTH HIGHWAYMAINTENANCEAND CONSTRUCTION NEEDS AND A DEDICATED M VET OR OT}IRR TAX SOURCE FOR TRANSIT FUNDING EXPANSION. IF THE LEGISLATURE CANNOT ASSURE STATUTORY DEDICATION OF SOME FUNDING MECHANISMTHEN A CONSTITUTIONAL SOLUTION SHOULD BE IHPL~qENTED. AS AN ADDITION TO THE TRADITIONAL GAS TAX AND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR BOTHHIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT, THE AMMWOULD SUPPORT A SALES TAX ON GASOLINE AT THE PUMP WITHTHE ENTIRE 6.5 CENTS ~T~OCATEDTO -56- TRANSPORTATION. AS PART OF THE COMBINED STRATEGY, THE STATE LEGISLATURE SHOULD CONSIDER USING ITS BONDING AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SINCE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTEREST RATES AND INFLATION IS SUCH THAT IT IS ADVANTAGEOUS TO MAKE SUCH STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS. V-E HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT INTEGRATION PLANNING An efficient Transportation System consists of both high quality roadway and high quality multimodal transit opportunities. These two elements must be considered together from early planning through implementation in Metropolitan areas. The AMM understands that to some degree this is done in planning and that transit is considered somewhat when determining funding priorities for highway construction. Although, there has been improvement it is felt that more integration of highway and transit planning is needed. THE AMM URGES EXISTING AGENCIES INVOLVED IN MAJOR HIGHWAY AND TRANSIT PLANNING AND IMPLk~ENTATION TO INTEGRATE THESE ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. CRITERIA USED TO DETERMINE HIGHWAY FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION AND EXPANSION SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED TO REQUIRE INCLUSION OF MULTIMODEL TRANSIT OPPORTUNITIES AND INTEGRATED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WHEN APPROPRIATE. V-F HIGHWAY JURISDIC~fIONALREASSIGNMENT, TURNBACKS, AND FUNDING Many commissions, boards, organizations, and now the legislatively reconstituted Transportation Study Board have studied or are to study the possibility of reclassifying many roadways in the state as to appropriate use classifications and jurisdiction. This reassignment in the metropolitan area is estimated to shift $6.1 million annually from the state and $1.2 million annually from the counties to the cities for an increase of $7.3 million annually for general maintenance and life cycle treatment (i.e. sealcoat, overlays, etc.). Current state law provides that the state and/or county may declassify a trunk highway and turn it back to a local unit of government. The only provision is that it must be in good condition. The unit receiving the highway does not have the option to refuse title and must, thereafter, maintain the turned back road. Although reassignments or turnbacks may be added to the MSA system, there may not be enough maintenance funds for the new mileage, and the receiving city will lose the opportunity of new MSA road designation until its mileage allocation catches up to the turnback mileage. Reassignment may be appropriate, but will have a profound effect on city finances and future ability to maintain good road systems, especially if certain criteria are not met and finance alternatives established. Therefore, the AMM -57- on the largest beneficiary of the activity funded, should be a stable funding source, and should be totally dedicated to the funded activity. In addition, a new source of revenue should not restrict future local government options. With the foregoing criteria as a basis: AMMSUPPORTS THE CONCEPT OF A METROPOLITAN TAX FOR METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION NEEDS, INCLUDING STREET AND HIGHWAY FACILITIES, HIG~R OCCUPANCY VEHICLE FACILITIES, AND TRANSIT FACILITIES (INCLUDING LRT) WITH THE FOTJOWING CONSIDERATION: (1) TAXES SUCH AS THE MOTOR FUELS, MOTOR VEHICLE EXCISE TAX, SALES TAX, AND PAYROTW. TAX SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED; AND (2) THE PROPERTY TAX AND GENERAL INCOME TAX SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED. V-O AIRPORT POLICY In 1987, the Minnesota State Legislature adopted the ',Dual-Track" strategy for airport planning. One track focuses on a new airport option; the other on improvements at the existing airport. The choice will be made when economic, operational, environmental and cost benefits studies are completed by 1996. The Metropolitan Council has identified a search area in Northern Dakota County within which a major airport could be located. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Airport Commission must develop a long range plan to ensure capacity at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport. By the end of 1995, the Metropolitan Airports Commission must also identify a specific airport site within the search area identified by the Metropolitan Council. In 1996, both the Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Airports Commission must prepare recommendations on major airport long-term development for consideration by the Minnesota State Legislature. THE AMM RECOMMENDS AND SUPPORTS THE CONTINUATION OF THE DUAL TRACK PROCESS TO ASSURE THAT Ars OPTIONS ARE PROPERLY REVIEWED, AS AIRPORT ISSUES ARE BEING CONSIDERED. THE AMM ENCOURAGES THE METROPOLITAN COUNCiL ANDTHEMETROPOLITANAIRPORTS COMMISSION, ~ CONSIDERING ANEW SITE OR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SITE, TOTHOROUGHLY STUDY THE SOCIETALAND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF BOTH SITES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL, SITE AREA, GENERAL I2tND USE AND COST. THE AMMALSO ENCOURAGES THE METROPOLITAN COUNCiL ANDTHEMETROPOLITANAIRPORTS COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS AT BOTH SITES AS WELL AS THE COST-BENEFITS RATIO OF ~T~. CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROPERTY FOR THE AREAS SURROUNDING BOTH SITES , AS STUDIES ARE COMPLETED ON POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF THE EXISTINGMINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIRPORT AND/ORRELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT TO A NEW SITE. V-P BIKEWAY GRANTS PROGRAM Increased support needs to be provided for innovative and inter modal transportation programs. Dependency on the single occupant -62- automobile must be lessened. Ail Minnesota governments should continue to encourage increased energy conservation, travel-demand management, ride-share programs, bicycle facilities, alternative fuels, and research and education for such options. The attractiveness of bicycle transportation is maximized in urban areas. Traffic calming projects have been shown to reduce the severity and number of accidents, reduce air and noise pollution and improve urban streets for non-motorized users. With the increased awareness of health and fitness, the environmental benefits and cost effectiveness of bicycling, more and more Minnesotans are demanding safe and convenient bicycle facilities. Local governments have expressed interest in enhancing bicycle safety by planning for and adding off road trails, paved shoulders and bicycle storage facilities and safety programs in their communities. The National Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) states that improvements necessary to accommodate other transportation modes are eligible uses of both National Highway system and Surface Transportation Program funds. ISTEA also requires each state to set aside 10 percent of its surface transportation program funds for safety construction activities, (ie, hazard elimination and rail-highway crossings) and 10 percent for transportation enhancements which encompass a broad range of environmentally-related activities. IN KEEPING WITH THE NATIONAL RECOGN!TION OF THE NEED TO DECREASE DEPENDANCE ON SINGLE OCCUPANCY A~£OMOBILES, THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD RESTORE FUNDING FOR THE BIKEWAY GRANTS PROGRAI~. THE MINNESOTA COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE PLAN RECOMMENDS THAT "A GRANT PROGRAM BE ESTABLISHED AND IMPLEMENTED TO DEVELOP BICYCLE FRIENDLY ZONES IN URBAN AREAS."BICYCLE FRIENDLY ZONES WOULD INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO CONSTRUCTION OF BOTH ON AND OFF ROAD BICYCLE FACILITIES, PUBLIC EDUCATION, PROMOTION AND MONITORING. ON ROAD FACILITIES COULD VARY FROM STRIPPED PAVED SHOULDERS TO DESIGNATED BICYCLE LANES. V-Q OPTOUT In 1981, the Minnesota Legislature established the Transit Service Demonstration Program under Statute 174.265 (which was repealed in 1984 as a demonstration program). Opt-out transit systems operate under Statute 473.388 under which they qualify for transit funds equivalent to 90 percent of the property taxes levied for transit in their communities. The legislature recognized that little of the transit monies collected from the suburbs were actually providing those areas with transit services. With changing demographics caused by suburban growth, not only was transit needed, but suburban legislative support was becoming more and more critical for continued transit funding. Opt-out was designed to fill this void by allowing suburbs at the end of transit lines to use up to and including all of 90% of their transit taxes to provide efficient transit services in their areas. The Regional Transit Board (RTB) is responsible for overseeing the opt-out program. The opt-out program includes five transit systems serving 12 metro-area communities. Some issues of regional significance have been identified as areas of concern by the opt-out systems. The regional fare structure should be reviewed annually so that it is realistic. The opt-out systems should have the flexibility of diverging from the metropolitan fare structure, particularly if their services offer features not typically found in regular route or para transit systems. The RTB should encourage the concept of "opt-in" whereby communities otherwise ineligible for opt out may have a greater say in the type of transit service they receive from the MTC instead of "taking what they get." Such a program would foster the involvement of other municipalities which will benefit the Regional Transit System through services better matched to community needs and increased ridership. THE AMM URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO DIRECT THE RTB TO ANNUALLY REVIEW THE REGIONAL FARE STRUCTURE AND PROVIDE GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO SET FARES COMMENSURATE WITH SERVICE LEVELS, AND ENCOURAGE THE CONCEPT OF "OPT-INN PROVIDING GREATER MUNICIPAL INVOLVEMENT IN TRANSIT SERVICES. V-R MSAS FUNDING FOR COMBINED CITY STREET DEPARTMENTS The State of Minnesota developed in the late 1950s a system for distributing highway funding to MnDOT, counties, and communities with populations over 5,000. This system has worked reasonably effectively to construct and maintain an integrated transportation network within the State. In recent years, the State Legislature has established statutes which call for the investigation of benefit that would be obtained through consolidation of services and reallocation of resources. One such area that presents such an option is the consolidation of Public Works and Maintenance departments within cities, townships, and counties. Such an opportunity for streamlining capital expenditures and cost-effective maintenance of an integrated street system might be best served by recognizing such consolidation through the use of the Municipal State Aid System. In that, if two or more governmental units consolidate their maintenance departments, having in effect a Joint Powers Agreement which reflects a single entity for budgeting and operations purposes, then the population of the governmental units participating in such a Joint Powers Agreement should be considered -64- in determining the MSAS funding eligibility of these communities as per MS 162.09. THE AMMURGES THE LEGISLATURE TO ENCOURAGE THE IMPr.RMENTATION OF COOPERATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES SUCH AS IS ENVISIONED BY MS 375. THE STATE AID SYSTEM STATUTES SHOULD BE AMENDED TO AT.TOW FOR THE ELIGIBILITY OF COMBINED POPULATION WITHIN INCORPORATED MUNICIPALITIES HAVING A JOINT POWERS PUBLIC WORKS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AND CONTIGUOUS BORDERS, TO QUALIFY FOR MS~ FUNDING UNDER THE MUNICIPAL STATE AID STREET SYSTEM POPULATION CUTOFF RULE OF 5,000. -65- VI ENI~ORSEMENT'POLICIES PAGE 66 THROUGH 74 VI-ENDORSEHENT POLICIES VI-A TAXATION HEARING AND NOTIFICATION LAW THE T.~GUE SUPPORTS A PROPERTY TAX HEARING AND NOTIFICATION PROCESS THAT PROVIDES ACCURATE AND TIMELY INFORMATION TO TAXPAYERS, FITS INTO THE CURRENT BUDGET PROCESS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND IS COST-EFFICIENT. THE PROCESS SHOULD CONTINUE ITS FOCUS ON PROPERTY TAXES RAISED FROM LOCAL TAXPAYERS. STATE GOVERNN~.NT SHOULD SET AN EXAMPLE, AND BE REQUIRED TO FOIJOW SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS AND NOTIFICATION PROCESSES ON TAX AND BUDGET ISSUES. The state-mandated **truth in taxation** process has existed through four years of local government budget cycles. Both the major changes and the minor tinkering have not substantially improved the process for citizens or for local governments. The League urges the legislature to make the following changes to improve the effectiveness of the process for both taxpayers and local governments officials. * The process should be limited to one official, announced public hearing to discuss the proposed levy. The actual adoption of the levy and budget should take place at a regularly scheduled meeting of the governing body of the city, county, school, or special district. Cities already conduct an open budget development process beginning as early as May and June, and becoming more final with the certification of proposed property tax levies by September 15. * Local governments should be allowed to amend the levy that they preliminarily propose to the county auditor on September 15. Many cities have a difficult time realistically assessing their budget needs to be able to certify a proposed levy and budget by September 15 far ahead of the beginning off the next budget year. The early date, combined with the restriction that prevents the city's final levy from exceeding its preliminary estimate, works against responsible budgeting and forces cities to overestimate their budget needs to avoid potential revenue shortfalls. * As a state mandate, the costs of this requirement should be fully funded by the state. The appropriation made for the 1990 process has not been renewed. Local governments must now find additional funds to finance this state-mandated process from their tight or shrinking local budgets. * Proposed tax information should continue to be provided on the mailed notice; financial data requirements in newspaper advertisement should continue to be excluded. The Legislature should consider eliminating the newspaper advertisement requirement - notices sent to each property owner and posted in each apartment building effectively notifies citizens of the hearings and proposed levies. Tax dollar spent for the cost of publishing advertisements could be better spent on city services for taxpayers. -66- ~ The title of the requirement should be changed to the taxation hearing and notification law. The current title implies that there was and would be a lack of accuracy and accountability without this process. In addition, the calculations used in the process are frequently misleading and confusing, and challenge the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided. VI-B STATE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS THE T~AGUE OPPOSES THE POLICY OF DEDUCTING STATE AGENCY ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS FROM FUNDS WHICH ARE APPROPRIATED FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF. IF THE STATE CONTINUES THIS INAPPROPRIATE POLICY, THE COSTS SHOULD BE MORE EQUITABLY BORNE BY THE FULL LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRUST FUND, RATHER THAN ONLY FROM FUNDING FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID. The League believes that all state government expenses should be subject to the standard appropriation review process and be funded directly by specific state appropriation, not by blanket deductions from property tax relief programs and from state grants. Where a state agency is required to recover costs through a state charge-back for services to local units, the state should be required to hold administrative hearings to justify the charges on the basis of the services provided to the individual local units of government. City local government aid (LGA) provides financing for administrative costs for: the Office of the State Auditor, the Department of Administration (IISAC), the State Demographer, and the Department of Employee Relations. For 1993 LGA, $502,972 was deducted for these state agencies. In addition, LGA funds, distributed primarily to cities, have been used to finance operations by the state auditor and Department of Administration which are not caused by cities alone, but by all local governments, including counties, school districts, and townships. VI-C REFERENDUM LEVIES THE T~AGUE SUPPORTS REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT THAT CITY REFERENDUM LEVIES, UNLIKE GENERAL PROPERTY TAX LEVIES, APPLY TO PROOPERTY MARKET VAIXIE. IN ADDITION, IT MAY BE INACCURATE FOR A REFERENDUM BALLOT TO STATE "BY VOTING YES ON THIS BALLOT QUESTION, YOU ARE VOTING FOR A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE." The state has deliberately designed a system of property classes based on property use, which creates varying tax burdens. The method by which a property tax is adopted should not influence this class rate system. This law makes an inappropriate -67- expenditures only for city governments. Both spending items are components of total city spending and should impact taxpayers comparably. If the legislature wants to adjust tax burdens, changes should be made in the classification system, rather than through the tax base. In addition, the simple statement that taxes will rise as a result of a referendum levy may be false. In cases where the city has reduced their general levy or previous debt is retired, a city's property tax levy may actually decline when compared to the previous year. VI-D COMPARABLE WORTH THE LEAGUE SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE ANY SEX-BASED DIFFERENCES IN COMPENSATION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BUT ASKS THE LEGISLATURE TO REVISE THE PAY EQUITY STATUTE TO ALLOWLOCALGOVERNMENTS SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLY WITH RECENTLY ADOPTED ADMINISTRATIVE RULES REGARDING COMPLTANCE DETERMINATIONS. ADDITION~TJ~, THE ?mAGUE URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO AMEND THE STATUTE TO LIMIT THE LAWS APPLICABILITY TO ONLY FUTJ.-TIME EMPLOYEES AND TO CLARIFY THAT SEPARATELY ESTABLISHED GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES MUST FILE SEPARATE COMPLIANCE REPORTS. The local government pay equity act, first adopted in 1984, has been frequently amended by the legislature. Significant amendments were adopted in 1990, and in 1991 the legislature authorized the Department of Employee Relations to promulgate rules to assist the Department in determining local government compliance with the statute. These rules, which include several new tests, necessitate many changes to local government compliance efforts, took effect almost a full year after cities and other public employers were required by the statute to submit compliance reports, cities which are found out of compliance must be granted additional time to comply with these new standards prior to facing imposition of state sanctions which include 5% reductions in financial assistance and $100 per day penalties. The League supports legislative action to delay the implementation deadline to December 1994. At the very least, the legislature should act to delay imposition of new statistical tests of health insurance contributions, salary range differences, and exceptional service pay programs until December 1994. The rules address other significant issues not previously dealt with by the legislation, including the definitions of employees and employers covered by the Act. For the definition of employees, the rules use the same definition -68- as in the Public Employees Labor Relations Act (PELRA). Use of this definition causes two significant problems. First, because local governments use a great number of part)time and seasonal employees in order to effectively and efficiently provide important services, many more jobs will have to be included in compensation systems than is the current practice. This will require much more administrative work in establishing job descriptions and ranking jobs which by their very nature are often impossible accurately describe or value. Second, because benefits, including health insurance programs, are often limited to full-time employees, cities run the risk of being found out of compliance with the pay equity act not because of gender based discrimination, but rather because of valid distinctions between full-time and part-time employment. The League proposes adopting a definition of employee which would not include any employee working less than twenty hours per week on average or which is employed in a position which is filled less than six months in any year. For the definition of employers covered by the Act, the problem is slightly different. The law clearly requires all cities and other political subdivisions of the state to comply. The problem is determining who is the employing agency for a particular group of employees. Historically, employees of certain enterprises such as public utilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries have been considered as separate and distinct from employees of the city. Often, the only connection is that the city council acts somewhat pro forma to ratify the annual budget proposed by the separate entity prior to certification of the tax levy. Unfortunately, it is this feature of formal budget adoption on which the rules focus, regardless of separate payroll systems, personnel rules, salary and benefit systems, etc. The League supports statutory clarification that other aspects of the government structure be considered when making a determination of which governing body is the employer of a group of employees. To be considered separately established, the governmental entities may have separate personnel systems, separate facilities, separate bookkeeping and payroll systems, and no interrelationships other than budget approval and/or financial assistance. In addition, these existing governmental entities must be separately established prior to 1984. VI-E LIQUOR ISSUES THE T~AGUE SUPPORTS REPEAL OF THE PUBLIC HEARING REQUIREMENT FOR CITIES WITH LIQUOR STORES THAT EXPERIENCE LOSSES IN TWO OF THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS AND SUPPORTS REPEAL OF OFF-SALE HOUR RESTRICTIONS BASED ON PROXIMITY TO FIRST CLASS CITIES WITHIN THE SAME COUNTY. Liquor issues have been consolidated into a single bill in recent -69- legislative sessions. The League generally supports this practice but only if each provision is adequately considered by the legislature and the parties affected are given ample opportunity for input. The League has identified the following issues which may or should be considered by the legislature: 1. Continuation hearings. State law currently requires that a city operating a municipal liquor store hold a public hearing if the store loses money in any two of three consecutive years, this statue, adopted prior to "truth in taxation" hearing requirements, is now duplicative and wasteful and should be repealed or combined with other budget hearings. 2. Off-sale hours. Minnesota Statue 340A.504, Subd. 4 limits off-sales of liquor to 10:00 p.m. generally, except that cities of the first class and cities within 15 miles of cities of the first class (within the same county) must close at 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Political boundaries make the latter portion of this statue unfair. The League supports repeal of the neighboring city, same county, portion of this statue, and generally believes that cities should be fully authorized to establish hours of sale and be expressly authorized to establish differing license fees for establishment having different hours of operation. VI-F MN. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT LABOR RELATIONS ACT (PELRA) A. THE LEAGUE SUPPORTS LEGISLATION WHICH MODIFIES THE EXISTING INTEREST ARBITRATION PROCESS TO REQUIREARBITRATORS TO GIVE PRIMARY CONSIDERATION TO INTERNAL EQUITY COMPARISONS AND THE IMPACT THATANY ARBITRATION AWARD MIGHTHAVE ON THE PERSONNEL COMPENSATION SYSTEMS OF THE CITY INVOLVED IN THE ARBITRATION. ~, THE T~AGUE OPPOSES CONSIDERING ANY ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEE GROUPS AS ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES. City and other governmental experience with the arbitration process has shown that arbitrated awards generally exceed negotiated settlements. Unlike the state, local governments do not have the authority to reject these arbitrated awards. The legislature should re-examine binding arbitration as a means of determining pay and benefit issues. The goal of any modification to the process should be to ensure that arbitrations do not interfere with other state programs such as pay equity. These should not be any additional employee groups placed in the category of "essential employees." B. THE LEAGUE RECOMMENDS THAT THE LEGISLATURE REINSTATE THE PREVIOUS DEFINITION OF EMPLOYEES COVERED BY PELRA TO PEOPT~ EMPLOYED FOR MORE THAT 100 WORKING DAYS IN A C~NDAR YEAR. The 1983 legislature reduced the time period that part-time employees must be employed before they are considered employees -70- covered by PELRA. This has resulted in higher wages for some part-time employees, and more significantly, has resulted in cities hiring fewer part-time employees. 1991 legislative action in this area has caused further confusion, which may also result in a lessening of job opportunities, particularly for students and the disadvantaged. Additionally, many employees who view their work as temporary or transitory in nature, have been asked to pay their fair share of union dues, even though they receive no benefit from union membership. Recent legislative interest in cost-saving initiatives at the local level could be substantially promoted by a statutory amendment to enable local governments to effectively utilize seasonal employees. VI-G ANNEXATION A. THE T~AGUE SUPPORTS LEGISLATION RESTRICTING FURTHER URBAN GROWTH OUTSIDE CITY BOUNDARIES AND FACILITATING THE ANNEXATION OF URBAN LAND TO CITIES. Public policies which encourage substantial development in non-urban areas and which extend public services beyond existing jurisdictions and service areas are wasteful and counter productive. Additionally, shoreland and prime agricultural land are major natural and economic resources and the state should include as a major objective their preservation and wise use. Particular attention should be given to the issue of development and the delivery of governmental services to urbanizing fringe areas. In the metropolitan area, the Legislature should not modify the existing framework for restricting or guiding development absent careful study and input from metropolitan cities and their associations. State law should continue to encourage the preservation of shoreland and prime agricultural land and discourage the development of such land outside designated growth areas to be served by a city. The League recommends the following: * State statutes regulating annexation should make it easier for cities to annex developed or developing land within unincorporated areas which the annexing city has designated as a growth area. * The legislature should clarify 1992 legislation which allows property owners to initiate an annexation by petition to specifically allow these annexations notwithstanding orderly annexation agreements which might contradict the petition. * Cities should be given the authority to extend their zoning ordinance and subdivision controls up to two miles outside the city's boundaries regardless of the existence of county or township controls, in order to ensure conformance with city -71- facilities and services. VI-H ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES A. THE I~AGUE SUPPORTS THE STATE'S CURRENT POLICY OF LIMITING THE SPECIFIC AUTHORITY AND POWERS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES (EDA) TO CITY GOVERNMENTS. The limited economic development tools available in the state are vital to assist in the creation of jobs and industry across the state, and are concentrated in urbanized governments. The League believes that the Legislature should continue its decision to limit EDA authority to cities as the primary local government responsible for the organizational and financial coordination of development and redevelopment. The state has already determined that city government most efficiently provides governmental services in areas intensively developed for residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental purposes. The League believes that the state should continue to recognize the importance of using and preserving the existing infrastructure that exists within cities, and continue to find that urban development, and all related authority, should remain within cities, managed by city governments. B. THE LEAGUE SUPPORTS LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES (EDAs) THE SAME POWER AND AUTHORITY AS THOSE GIVEN TO PORT AUTHORITIES. The league urges the legislature to authorize all cities to designate development areas anywhere within their jurisdiction, or to designate area development authorities when they enter into joint powers agreements with other cities. Present law restricts development areas, qualifications, and authority for EDAs. In addition, EDAs should be allowed to issue general obligation bonds for project activities without a referendum. VI-I WETLANDS CONSERVATION THE T~AGUE, ALONG WITH MANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS, SUPPORTED PASSAGE OF THE 1991 WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT. EXPERIENCE GAINED BY ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTERIM PROGRAM AND PARTICIPATION IN THE RULE-WRITING FOR THE PERMANENT PROGRAM INDICATES A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ACTION. Specifically, the League supports the following legislative initiatives. Remove the $75 limitation on replacement plan reviews. Since all proposals to alter, drain, or fill a wetland involve a substantial expenditure of local staff time, including, but not -72- limited to, professional engineers or hydrologists, any limitation on cost recovery less than actual expenses means that the general taxpayer is subsidizing the proponent of any activity which, by definition is potentially adverse to the environment. Initiate detailed review of costs/benefits of expanding the scope of protected wetlands to include Types 1,2, and 6 and evaluate alternative mitigation methods to compensate for any direct loss from impacts to Type 1, 2, and 6 wetlands. Amend the governmental oversight process so landowners can clearly understand which government unit needs to review a proposal, and refine the system to ensure expedited reviews of proposals consistent with the environmental goals of the program. Provide for state defense and indemnification of local governments administering state laws for any "taking" claims which property owners might allege. Make wetland replacement requirements equal between urban and non-urban land at a 1:1 ratio. VI-J MSA MIT~AGE LIMIT A. IN ORDER TO MORE ADEQUATELY REPRESENT THE CURRENT ELIGIBLE MILES OF CITY STREETS, THE T~AGUE SUPPORTS RAISING THE MUNICIPAL STATE AID SYSTEM (M.S.A.S.) LIMIT TO 3000 MILES. THIS IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE AND WOULD NOT AFFECT THE ACTUAL DISTRIBUTION OF M.S.A. FUNDING. Existing law limits the system to 2,500 miles and total mileage currently in the system is approximately 2,300. This mileage increase for the system is necessary to accommodate the mileage needs of growing cities which reach the 5,000 population level and larger cities with growing street systems so that these cities may also receive adequate municipal state aid. B. THE POPULATION FACTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL STATE AID SYSTEM SHOULD BE CHANGED TO REFLECT ANNUAL POPULATION UPDATES BASED ON ESTIMATES FROM THE STATE DEMOGRAPHER OR METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, RATHER THAN FEDERAL OR SPECIAL CENSUS COUNTS. VI-K HIGHWAY DEFINITION - TRANSPORTATION FUNDING IF THE SA~S TAXON GASOLINE IS FOUND TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL, THE LRAGUE URGES THE LEGISLATURE TO RESOLVE THE CONSTITUTIONAL USE OF GAS TAX REVENUES EXPANDED USES. UNTIL THIS IS RESOLVED, THE ~AGUE SUPPORTS AMENDING THE STATUTORY DEFINITION OF ROAD OR HIGHWAY, TO INCLUDE OTHER TRANSPORTATION MODES WITHIN "TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS." THE LEAGUE WOULD THEN SUPPORT A GAS TAX INCREASE ADEQUATE TO MEET THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THESE -73- TRANSPORTATION MODES. Under this funding option, mass transit projects within transportation corridors would be eligible for gas tax revenues if the projects helped to achieve the state's overall transportation goals, maximize ISTEA funding, and reduce pollution to meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Eligible transit expenditures would include property, vehicles, and equipment for public bus and rail systems, and their related facilities. -74- VII METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE REORGANIZATION PAGE 75 THROUGH 78 VII METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE REORGANIZATION VII-A LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION OF METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE. The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities' Metropolitan Governance Task Force has suggested broad-based changes in the make-up and operation of the Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan Agencies so they may become more responsive and accountable to help lead the metropolitan area into the 21st Century and beyond. The types of recommendations are divided into two main categories: Those requiring legislative action and those needing action by the Metropolitan Council. A-1 RESTRUCTURING OF METROPOLITAN AGENCIES. The AMM believes that to better meet the needs of current and future delivery of regional services and developing and implementing regional policy, some changes should be made to the structures and responsibilities of the regional agencies. The detailed reasons and rationale for such changes are contained in the aforementioned Task Force report. THE AMM RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY CHANGES WITH RESPECT TO METROPOLITAN AGENCIES: -REMOVE THE METROPOLITAN SPORTS FACILITIES COMMISSION AS A METROPOLITAN AGENCY SINCE THE BACK-UP TAX LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO ONE CITY WHICH ALSO APPOINTS ~T~. COMMISSIONERS EXCEPT THE CHAIR, CONTINGENT UPON ITS DIVESTITURE OF LANDS AND PROPERTIES IN CITIES NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BACK UP TAX; -MODIFY THE STATUS OF THE M.A.C. SO THAT IT EITHER BECOMES A TRUE METROPOLITAN AGENCY OR A STATE DIRECTED AGENCY. IF THE BACK-UP PROPERTY TAX IS ONLY LIMITED TOTHE SEVEN COUNTY METROPOLITAN AREA, THEN IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A METROPOLITAN AGENCY AND ITS COMMISSION MEMBERS APPOINTED BY AN ELECTED METROPOLITAN COUNCIL. THE BACK-UP PROPERTY TAX SHOULD BE STATEWIDE IF THERE IS STATEWIDE REPRESENTATION ON THE M.A.C. AND IF A STATEWIDE ENTITY IS THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. THE AMM WOULD SUPPORT LEGISLATIVE RESTRUCTURING OF METROPOLITAN TRANSIT ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION BASED ON THE FOTJ&)WING PRINCIPLES: a. ENHANCED OVERATe, COORDINATED PLANNING TO I~PT.~](ENT LONG-TERM TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION NEEDS; b. DEVELOP AND SPECIFY THE TOTAL PLANNING PROCESS SO (A) THE PUBLIC AND INTERESTED AGENCIES MAY EASILY UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS, (B) -75- Cu de ee THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ;iT.Ts AGENCIES INVOLVED ARE DEFINED AND (C) DUPLICATION OF DUTIES AND TASKS AMONG THE AGENCIES ARE MINIMIZED; ORGANIZE THE VARIOUS AGENCIES TO ACHIEVE TfIE APPROPRIATE MIX OF TRANSIT AND HIGHWAY FUNDING TO IMPLEM]ZNT LONG-RANGE METROPOLITAN TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION GOALS; DEVELOP FLEXIBLE AND UNDERSTANDABLE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITIES THAT RECEIVE LESS THAN ADEQUATE TRANSIT SERVICE SO THEY MAY BECOME PART OF THE SYSTEM MORE EASILY AND BE PROVIDED WITH ONE-STEP ACCESS DURING THE PROCESS; AND CT.F. ARLY DELINEATE THE RESPONSIBILITIES INVOLVED WITH PROVIDING FOR TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION IN THE %{ETROPOLITAN AREA. NOT ONLY WOULD THIS HELP TO ESTABLISH ACCOUNTABILITY, IT ALSO WOU]'.D PROVIDE TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION USERS WITH A BETTER IDF2% OF WHICH AGENCY SHOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE. -GRANT THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE THE CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGETS OF THE METROPOLITAN AGENCIES A-2 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE FOR METRO ISSUES CONSIDERATION. The state Legislature frequently is asked to review and pass legislation that affects only the seven-county metropolitan area. The AMM has been concerned because in previous years some of the committees making initial decisions affecting only the metropolitan area have had a majority of non-metropolitan area legislators. Both the House and Senate created subcommittees in the last session consisting primarily of metro area legislators to provide initial review and action on metropolitan area specific legislation and issues. THE AMM COMMENDS THE HOUSE AND SENATE FOR THEIR RESPONSIVENESS IN CREATING COMMITTEE STRUCTURES THAT ARE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF METROPOLITAN AREA SPECIFIC ISSUES AND CONCERNS AND URGES BOTH LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES TO CONTINUE COMPARABI~ ARRANGEMENTS IN FUTURE YEARS. A-3 SELECTION OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL/METROPOLITAN AGENCIES MEMBERS. The Metropolitan Council has substantial taxing authority and supervises other metropolitan agencies that have considerably more taxing authority. This taxing ability requires accountability that cannot be achieved through current appointment process° Direct election would give the accountability the citizens need to balance the Council's taxing authority and other responsibilities it now has or may have. As a side benefit, the election process would help address the general lack of understanding about the Metropolitan Council and its role in the region. -76- THE AMM RECOMMENDS THAT METROPOLITAN COUNCIL MEMBERS BE ELECTED DIRECTLY TO THEIR POSITIONS TO BALANCE ACCOUNTABILITY WITH AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY. (THE ELECTION PROCESS SHOULD BE IN SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMANCE WITH THE TASK FORCE REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ELECTION OF COUNCIL MEMBERS. ) THE AMM ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL CHAIR BE ELECTED BIENNI;%LLY FROM WITHIN ~ COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP, NOT APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE AMM FURTHER RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNCIL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT AT.L C~{AIRS AND MEMBERS TO REGIONAL AGENCIES UNDER THE COUNCIL'S PURVIEW. THESE AGENCIES ARE METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION (M.A.C.), METROPOLITAN WASTE CONTROL COMMISSION (MWCC) , METROPOLITAN TRANSIT COMMISSION (NTC) , METROPOLITAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE COMMISSION (MPOSC) AND THE REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD (RTB). IF THE LEGISLATURE DETERMINES THAT THE M.A.C. IS NOT A TRUE METROPOLITAN AGENCY AS REFERENCED IN POLICY A-l, THEN ITS MEMBERS AND CHAIR SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. A-4 REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITIES/TRANSIT. The regional rail authorities as they affect transit matters in the metropolitan area have outlived their usefulness. No one rail authority has the broad metropolitan perspective to plan a transit system. As a group, the rail authorities duplicate and complicate transit planning of the existing metropolitan agencies. THEREFORE, THE AMM RECOMMENDS THAT THE ROT~ OF THE REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITIES AS INVOLVED IN TRANSIT IN THE SEVEN-COUNTY METROPOLITAN AREA BE ELIMINATED. VII-B RE-ENERGIZING THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL. The Metropolitan Council was formed to address specific problems, such as providing an adequate sewer system for Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs, but it had a broader focus. Its mission was to serve the metropolitan area. Its first members took what could be called a pro-active stance and, over time, became involved in issues such as land use planning, parks and open space, and transportation to allow for the orderly expansion of growth in the Twin cities metropolitan area. During the years since its inception to the present, however, the Metropolitan Council is perceived to have become more politicized and is offhandedly referred to as the "State Department of Metropolitan Affairs." It has, either by design or happenstance, become an enforcer of rules and regulations. It has become enmeshed in minutia and dealing with the here-and-now, functioning less as an institution of forward-thinking planning. When the Council was created to address the issues of sewers, -77- transit, and parks and open space, it seemed natural for the Council to engage more heavily in the day-to-day activities of the systems and agencies it envisioned. The Council did nothing wrong, per se. Rather, it seemed to institutionalize its vision, which pulled it back from forward-thinking. The AMM believes the Council should become re-energized and is encouraged by the recent actions of the Council to become more visionary and big picture oriented. THEREFORE THE AMM RECOMMENDS THAT: -THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL CONTINUE TO RE-EMPHASIZE ITS VISIONARY ROLE AND APPOINT A PERMANENT COMMITTEE WHOSE SOLE CHARGE IS TO SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHAI.I~NGES THAT THE COUNCIL MAY ADDRESS. THE COUNCIL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP ADVANCE THE METROPOLITAN AREA INTO THE NEXT CENTURY BY FOCUSING ON VISION AND LONG-RANGE PLANNING; -THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL WORK ACTIVELY TO GET CITIES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF SERVICES. TO THIS END, THE COUNCIL NEEDS TO WORK WITH CITY OFFICIAI~ TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AS NEEDED AND TO GET A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE ON ISSUES; -THE COUNCIL EXAMINE SEVERAL ISSUE AREAS THAT HAVE METROPOLITAN WIDE SIGNIFICANCE. TtIE COUNCIL WOULD PROVIDE OVERSIGHT AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPRESENTING AGENCIES UNDER ITS CHARGE AT THE ST~rE LEVEL. IT WOULD FACILITATE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THESE ISSUE AREAS. SOME OF THE ISSUE AREAS INCLUDE LAND USE PLANNING AND GROUP[1 MANAGEMENT; HOUSING, COMMUNITY PRESERVATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION; ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION, HUMAN SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY SUPPORT, AND REGIONALAND LEISURE SERVICES; -THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL STRENGTHEN THE AUTHORITY OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN RUNNING THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS AND THAT THE COUNCIL M]gMBERS BECOME MORE "BIG PICTURE" ORIENTED AND LESS INVOVLED IN DETAILS. -78- CITY COUNCIL LETTER MEETING OF: JANUARY 24, 1994 AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS ORIGINATING DEPT. CITY MANAGER NO: 9 FINANCE APPROVAL ATTENDANCE OF THE FINANCE BY: WILLIAM ELRITE BY:f ~ ITEM: DEPT. STAFF AT THE ANNUAL ~-)~~) ~~ ~ GFOA CONFERENCE DATE: JAN. 18, 1994 NO: ~. ~. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada holds an annual conference dealing with the realm of complex and ever changing government financial issues. This conference deals with current changes in governmental accounting and reporting requirements, new concepts and overall financial management. It is one time in the year when finance professionals become updated on issues th~.~ could have a major impact on their government. Over the years, attendance at the conference has grown significantly. The current attendance is over 4,000 people. As a result of the large attendance, there are seven to eight concurrent sessions throughout the day. Attendance at virtually all sessions would benefit the City. The 1994 budget includes appropriations to send staff members to this conference since it is being held in Minneapolis this year. The alternatives are limited to either attending or not attending the conference. There is no alternative level of training available. Attendance provides staff with an updated level of training and knowledge to enhance job performance. A lack of attendance is a lack of training. Attendance at this conference could be compared to the ongoing training that is required of C.P.A.'s and other professionals. In the case of Municipal Finance Professionals, there is no required ongoing training. The decision to have ongoing training is at the discretion of the City Council. The 1994 budget includes funds for employees to attend this conference. The projected cost of the attendance at the conference is within the budget limitations. There is a 35% savings on the registration fee if it is paid prior to January 28, 1994. The early registration fee is $250 per person. The long range financial implications of attending the conference are hard to judge. The knowledge gained will definitely be a benefit and will have a positive financial result. In the past, only one person has attended this training on an annual basis. Because the conference is held in Minneapolis, this is an excellent opportunity to allow more staff this high level of training. It is staff's recommendation that William Elrite and June Johnston attend the annual GFOA conference. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize the attendance of William Elrite and June Johnston at the Annual Government Finance Officer's Association Conference from June 5-8, 1994; and furthermore, that related expenses be reimbursed. WE:dh 9401182 COUNCIL ACTION: December 1993 GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 180 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60601 312/977-9700 · Fax: 312/977-4806 Dear Minnesota Colleague: I am pleased to inform you that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) will hold its 88th annual conference, June 5-8, 1994, in Minneapolis. I am inviting you to join us for this important gathering. GFOA's annual conference is the nation's single largest conference on state and local government finance issues. More than 3,000 public finance professionals from throughout the country will convene in Minneapolis to learn of the latest financial management strategies and techniques. Three preconference seminars, two general sessions, and more than 55 sessions and 20 roundtable discussions will be presented over the course of five days. Whether you are involved with state, county, city, town, school district, retirement system, or special district finances, you won't want to miss this premier educational opportunity. For those of you who do not regularly attend the GFOA annual conference, join us in your own backyard and "Explore the Boundaries of Government Finance." We'd like to make this opportunity an even greater likelihood by offering you and your staff a special discount off the conference registration fee. If you have any involvement with state or local finances in Minnesota, you can register at our lowest registration rate. Using the registration form in the enclosed brochure, just check and pay the "active member" fee if you are employed by the public sector, or check and pay the "associate member" fee if you are employed by the private sector. If you register by January 28, 1994, you can save up to 35 percent off the full registration fee. We hope that you will join us June 5-8, 1994 in Minneapolis. Siagerely, Jeffrey L. Esser Executive Director enclosure WASHINGTON OFFICE 1750 K Street, N.W., Suite 650. Washington, DC 20006 202/429-2750 · Fax: 202/429-2755 finance THERE'S HO LIMIT TO WHAT YOU CAH DISCOV[R H there's one word that best describes the world of government finance, it is "change." Things are changing so fast, how can you possibly keep up. Attend GFOA 's 88th Annual Conference, June $8, 1994, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We've designed the 1994 conference to specifically address the issues that are causing so much change in government finance. You'll discover ways to push the boundaries of current financial, man- agement and technological strategies to new limits. At the GFOA conference, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore. Discover why GFOA's annual conference is the largest and most comprehensive training opportunity available to state and local government finance professionals. C~cumnt More than 55 sessions Smions provide proven tech- niques and strategies in all the major areas of government finance and financial management. Leading practitioners and finance experts share their insights and experience in 90-minute sessions held Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning. All sessions offer practical, hands-on information so you benefit immediateJy. &mai Two general sessions will bring participants together to hear today's most influential leaders in government and government finance. Imdtabb Meet with your peers in Dhambm small groups to share · insights and solutions on nearly 20 different topics of interest to government finance professionals. I~w~4~i~l Join colleagues from simi- Lu~ iar jurisdictions to share ~ ideas and concerns at Monday's hosted luncheon. ~hibit Open all day Sunday and Hall Monday and until noon ~ on Tuesday, the confer- ence exhibit hall features more than 100 firms offering financial products and services to state and local gov- ernments. In one setting, you can meet with representatives of the leading public accounting firms, inves~t banking firms, credit rating agencies, bond insurers, computer vendors, investment advisors and many more. Wdcome Join your colleagues and I~O~i0n friends for refreshments ~ and hors d'oeuvres at a reception scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, the opening day of the conference. S~ssion All of the concurrent and Tap~s general sessions are ~ audio-taped. Purchase tapes on site of your favorite sessions, or ones you missed. ~rt~gt All delegates receive on site a booklet of speaker outlines and roundtable discussion questions. This booklet can help make final decisions about sessions and roundtables that you · want to attend. It also serves as a handy reference when you return to work. fJ01 Browse through the ~bst ~ GFOA's latest publica- · tions or purchase your favorite book at discount prices. Try your hand at GFOA's best-selling software products. Get your most pressing technical questions answered by GFOA staff. You can do all of these things at the GFOA Host Booth in the registration area. I~econfet~nceRegister for one of the ~i~n one<lay seminars sched- ~ uled for Saturday, June 4, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis described below. It's a perfect way to start your conference week. Space is limited, so register today on the conference registration form in this brochure. I:mpowerlllg Your Orgsmlzation Customer service and quality improvement have become as important to the public sector as they are to the private sector. To succeed wi'th these goals requires the commitment of everyone within an organization. Learn how to create an environment in your organization that empowers your staff to excel at their jobs. Navigating Risk Financing Options This seminar will explore the most viable risk financing options available to state and local governments. The workshop will examine the financial trade-offs between self-insurance and risk transfers. Among other techniques, participants will learn how to set self-insured retentions and how much and what type of risk transfer coverage to purchase. · Meaningful Performance Bear. hmar~ and Measures This seminar will feature some of the greatest successes in performance budgeting, measurement and bench- marking. Participants will learn how to develop effective performance indicators and help line agencies and departments set reasonable targets. Moreover, participants will find out how to gain meaningful results from workable performance measurement systems. Ii: YOU'RE RLADY TO EXPLORE, WE CAN GIVE YOU DIRECTIOHS The 1994 GFOA annual conference will offer practical, hands-on sessions and roundtable discussions in the seven topic areas described below. Use the Preliminary Conference Program, which you will receive in February 1994, to plan your personal conference schedule. The program will include detailed descriptions of all the sessions and the roundtables that will be presented in the Minneapolis Convention Center. lkc00nting, Learn the latest on gov- bliliM llml ernmental accounting Finandal standards from GASB IIq~rtlmi representatives and leading practitioners. Find out the status of service efforts and accomplishments (SEA) report- ing, financial reporting model and other pending pronouncements. Select from a menu of other sessions and roundtables on such topics as cost accounting, fraud prevention and performance auditing. Jod~lellM If you have any part in lnd preparing your govern- Fi~ncial ment's budget or financial lq~ni~l forecasts, you will benefit from a large selection of budget-related sessions on such topics as target-based budgeting, long-range forecasting, cost analysis and capi- tal facility planning. Sessions and roundtables will offer insights into the latest techniques and strategies for planning and evaluating revenue sources, as well as operating and capital costs. {~pital How long will the market Financing favor municipal borrowers? ~ Debt Can we expect further Mmini~ali0a changes in arbitrage ~ rebate regulations? Learn the answers to these and other questions at sessions and rotmdtables teaturing municipal bond industry experts and regulators, in addition, discover the latest innovations in capital financing, and the planning and issuance of debt. ~sh A myriad of treasury lia~is~mtt functions will be featured Md throughout the conference Invmm~t program. Experts and leading practitioners will explore new developments In billing and collection techniques, cash control and cashflow forecasting, and Invest- ment strategies for short-term and pension portfolios. Cmlmtm The cost of computer Ami hardware and software Iedmloff continues to drop. What r effect will this develop- ment have on governments, and, in particular, government finance opera- tions? These and other questions will be investigated at sessions covering such topics as networking, image processing, computer forecasting and financial system software. 14aMq~m~t 'The management and leadership challenges Inm~iommmml facing government finance managers are greater than ever. You'll be able to sharpen your skills with pracUcal, hands-on sessions. This track also will feature sessions on federal initiatives affecting state and local government finances. Nnsion~ Learn about the emerging Md issues in the administra. lendlts tion and financing of employment and post- employment benefits, including retire- ment, health care and family leave benefits. Among the many sessions to be showcased will be one on the admin- tstration's health care proposal and its 'implications for state and local governments. Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Registration 10 am - 5 pm 9 am - 5 pm 8 am - 5 pm 8 am - noon Exhibits Open 9:30 am-5 pm 9:30 am' 1:30 Pm& 8 am- noon 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm General Opening General General Session Session 9 am - 10:15 am S~doB 8'~0 am - lOftS am LlmcheoB Networking Lunch Annual Business Luncheon 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm Concurrent I pm - 2:30 pm 10:30 am - noon 10:30 am - noon 8:30 am - 10 am Se~ons ~nd 2:45 pm-4 pm (RT) 1:45 pm- 3:15 pm 2 pm-3:30 pm 10:IS am- 11:45 am Roundtables 3:30 pm - 5 pm 3:45 pm - 5 pm (RT) Specbll Ev~llts Preconference Welcome Reception The Mega Event Seminars 6 pm - 8 pm 6 pm - 1 am 9am-Spm R[GISTRATIOH fORM GrOA 88th Annual Conference o #inneapolis, Ninnesota JUN[ 5- 8,199z, [] Indicate if you are fa.YAng this form. FaY accepted only wilh credit card paymenl. Do nol mail original. [] indicate if you are substituting for a GFOA member. [] indicate if registering as a student and attach a copy of your student ID. GFOA membership ID ~ First Name MI Last Name Tltle./P~HIo~ IIIllllllllllllllll Organization/Company Street Address II111111111111[--[-1 State I~'o~e Country Illlllllll Telephone F~x Print name(s) of guest(s) and/or chlld(ren). Please attach additional names If more than four. Gue~(a) Irlrll Name Last Name First Name Lust Name ChUd (ren) First Name L~t Name Check the seminar of your choice: bber Nonmember ~udent [] Empowering Your Organization $220 S270 $75 [] Navigating Risk Financing Options $220 $270 $75 [] Meaningtul Pertormance Benchmarks and Measures $220 $270 $75 Active member Associate member Nonmember public sector Nonmember privateseetor Student (lull-time only) F, m4~ Advance Fuji S250 S280 S295 ~0 315 355 325 350 390 430 455 495 Member type (check one): [] Active [] Additional Active [] Associate [] Associ,te Sustaining [] £du¢,tio.al [] Federal Government unit (check one): [] City/County [] Special District [] State/Province [] Retirement System Enter fee amounts: Preconference seminar: $ Conference reslstration: New member tee: Total lees: All fees are payable in U.S. funds. METHOD OF PAYMENT Please check one: [] Payment enclosed [] Bill me [] Charge to: [] MasterCard [] VISA [] American Express Card No. Mo. Yr. Cardholder's Signature Print cardholder's full name CANCF. IJATION AND REFUND POLICY Conference cancellations, resistration changes and refund requests must be made in writing to GFOA. · April 8, 1994: Cancellations postmarked by this date will be retunded less a 25 percent service fee. · April 9 - May 13, 1994: CaflceUations postmarked between these dates will be refunded less a 50 percent service fee. · May 14, 1994: No refunds will be issued after this date. Please also complete the other aide of this form and return to: Government Finance Officers Association 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60601-7476 Tel: 312-977-9700 FAX: 312-977-4806 Check one of the iollowing: [] Please make the following reservation. [] I will NOT require hotel accommodations. Indicate your first, second, third, fourth and fifth hotel choices with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Also, circle the room type you desire. See map Ior hotel locations. If all of your choices are sold out, you will ~e assigned to the next available hotel. Hotel cancellations and c~ must be submitted In wrtUn~ to GFOA. Hotel requests received AFTER April 15, 1994, will be confirmed on a space available basis. Choice Hotel Single Double Best Western Regency Plaza $ 56 $ 62 Crown Sterling Suites 109 109 Hotel Luxeford Suites 94 '94 Hotel Normandy 62 62 Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 117 127 The Marquette Hotel 111 121 Minneapolis Hilton 119 139 Minneapolis Marriott 105 117 City Center Northstar Hotel 88 98 Park inn International 87 97 Radisson Plaza 105 105 Hotel Minneapolis Check one: King Bed [] OR 2 Double Beds [] Arrival Day/Date Time Departure Day/Date Time SPECIAL NOTES Room Pates Room rates do not include 12% state and local taxes. Shuttle Bux A $2 service charge has been added to all hotel room rates for shuttle bus service. Shuttle bus service will be available during conference hours to all hotels except the Minneapolis Hilton, Hyatt Re~ency Minneapolis and Park inn International. Hoepitellty Suites (check one) Call GFOA for rates and availability [] Parlor · one-bedroom [] Parlor · two-bedrooms ~ Need~ Please indicate below any special needs (i.e., handicapped accommo- dations) Dmpomlts All conference hotels require one night's deposit to reserve your room on the date of your arrival. You may Indicate your credit card number on this form, or send a check in U.S. dollars directly to the hotel upon receipt of your confirmation form the hotel. Please read your hotel confirmation carefully for further details. METHOD OF DEPOSIT: [] Visa [] MasterCard [] merican Express ~Exp. Datel I I I I Card No. Mo. Yr. Cardholder's signature. Print cardholder's name CONFERENCE HOTELS Beet We~em Re~eney Piaxa S blocks from the convention center Moderately priced, Iow-rise downtown hotel. Free parking, indoor pool and whirlpool. Express bus to Mall of America. 5 blocks from the convention center, connected by skyway Afl suite, high-rise hotel offering complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails. Each suite includes a living room with a sleeper sofa, microwave, refrigerator and a coffee maker. A separate bed- room with king bed or two double beds is connected to the living loom. 3 blocks from the convention center All suite, high-rise hotel. Each suite is comprised of a living room and kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and wet bar. A separate bedroom with a king bed or two double beds is connected to the living room. The hotel also leatures a lull-ser- vice restaurant and room servtee from 6:30 a.m. - midnight. Hotel Nonl~e~dy 5 blocks from the convention center Hl~ hotel in the heart ol downtown featurin~ an indoor pool, Hy~U Reeemcy MUmeapolte ! block bom the convention center connected by skyway Ultr&-modern hi&~,tse hotel with indoor pool, athletic club, ~auna, whirlpool and steam room, full-court ~tmnaslum, racquetball, squash and indoor tennis courts. Regency Club and non~moking rooms available. Full. ses~ce restaurants, lounges and room service lmm '6:30 a.m.- 2 a.m. The Marquette Hotel 6 blocks bom the convention center Deluxe high-rise hotel in the downtown business district within easy walking distance of the convenUon center and shopping area. The hotel features Include oversized guest rooms, restau- rant and lounge, and indoor parking. Health club facilities are located nearby. ]~ln~p~pOlie Hilton 1 block from the convention center, connected by skyway Traditional red brick and limestone high-rise hotel teaturing a full-service health spa with indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and exercise equipment. Also featuring two fuli-servcie restaurants, lobby bar and room service from 6 a.m. - 1 a.m. 7 blocks bom the convention center Modern high-rise hotel with skylit atrium resting on top of the City Center shopping mall. Fully equipped health club featuring exercise equipment, sauna and steam rooms, two full-service restaurants, lounge, and room servtee from 6 a.m. - midnight. 6 blocks from the convention center High-rise hotel in the heart of the business district featuring full- service restaurant, ~ and mom servtce from 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Health dub facfllUes located nearby. I block bom the convention center, connected by skyway Newly renovated high-rise hotel featuring an indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, exercise facility, full-service restaurant and bar. ~ Plai~gi Mlnne&pOlle 9 blocks from the convention center High-rise hotel leaturing a full-service health club with whirlpool. and sauna. The hotel also features two restaurants and lounges and room service from 6 a.m. to midnight.~ PLAN YOUR JOURH[Y ~ Best Western Regency Plaza B. Crown Sterling Suites C. Hotel Luxeford Suites D. Hotel Normandy E. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis F. The Marquette Hotel G. Minneapolis Hilton H. Minneapolis Marriott City Center I. Northstar Hotel J. Park Inn International K. Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis liow To Begin by filling out the fOrTh in this brochure. Be sure to register by January 28, 1994, to take advantage of the lowest discount fees. Guest registrations - Guests and children of delegates must be regis- tered to attend the GFOA Welcome Reception. There is no registration fee. Member substitutions - If your orga- nization has a current staff member who is a GFOA member, a nonmember may attend in his/her place at the lower member rate. Please include the membership number or name of the GFOA member on the form. Nonmembem - If you join GFOA when you register for cotfference, not only will you save money on conference registration but you will save money by paying 1993 member dues. Call 312/977-9700 to determine the proper membership category and dues. By I~i1: GFOA 180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 800 Chicago, IL 60601-7476 By[ax: 312/977-4806. Credit card registrations only. To avoid duplicate registrations, please do not mail original form. Your registration confirmation will be mailed to you within a few weeks of your registration. Badges and program materials will be distributed on site during registration hours. ilowTo GFOA has secured special fadll~e fares for conference dele- ~. gates and guests with Northwest Airlines and United Airlines. To obtain discount fares, tickets must be purchased through GFOA's travel agent, Ticket To Ride Travel. Call toll free 800/848-8882 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., CST, for airfare and car rental reservations. Next, send your registration and payment to GFOA. Phone registra- tions cannot be accepted. While At Conference - The ~nd of !0,000 Lakes While you are at conference, take some time to explore Minneapolis, built on the mighty Mississippi River. Explore the city's art, shopping, restaurants, its sports and its people. There is a lot to do in Minneapolis, both Indoors and outdoors. The Minneapolis Local Conference Committee has coordinated an active array of trips and sports activities for delegates and guests. A 5K fun run/ walk, tennis tournament and golf tour- nament are scheduled for Sunday, June 5, before the conference program gets underway. Tours begin on Saturday, June 4, and continue throughout the conference for guests and include, among others, a Lake Brunch Cruise, a ballgame, river canoeing, trips to Mystic Lake Casino and the Zoo. The committee also has planned pre- and post-conference tours, including trips to Minnesota Lake Superior North Shore, as well as Amish com- munities in southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. A brochure with a complete listing of all sporting events and tours, Including the Tuesday night event at the largest entertainment mall in the United States, will be sent to you upon receipt of your completed registration form. lmporla~t Action Dates l/28/94 - First discount deadline - register early and save money. 3/31/94 - Second and final discount deadline. 4/!/94 -Fuliregistrationfeerequlred~ 4/15/94 - Deadline date for hotel reservations. CITY COUNCIL I~TI~R Meeting of: 1~A~94 AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER NO. 9 PUBLIC WORKS ~._,,~ ~ ~-,~ ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK BIDS FOR BY: M. Winson ~)Jr) BY: ~ NO. 1994 STREET AND PARKING LANE STRIPING DATE: 1/18/94 DATE:'~-'q~'~ Staff is requesting authorization to seek bids for the 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping. Approximalely 20% of Ibc project ($750.00) is budgeted for in General Fund 101431704000. The remaining 80% ($3,400.00) is budgeted for in the Municipal State Aid Maintenance Fund (212431904000). RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize staff to seek bids for the 1994 Street and Parking Lane Striping contract. MAW:jb 944)37 COUNCIL ACTION: CITY COUNCIL LETrER Meeting of: 1/'24~94 AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER NO. 9 PUBLIC WORKS ITEM: AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK BIDS BY= M. Winson ~[~ BYTE:~ ~ NO. FOR CATCH BASIN MANHOLE DATE: 1/15~ DA I~_.PLACEMENT ~. ~. Four storm sewer catch basin manholes between the railroad tracks and the west side of the Miske property (NW comer of 37th Ave. and 5th St.) need to be replaced. The RC storm sewer pipe is in good condition. Slaff requests authorization to seek bids to replace four catch basin/manholes this spring, prior to thc owner paving on the site. The estimated cost for the work is $6,000.00. The project costs will come from Fund 602-49450-4000. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize sUdf to seek bids for the replacement of four catch basin manholes located west of 455 3?th Ave. MAWOb 94..0'23 COUNCIL ACTION: CITY COUNCIL LETFER Meeting of: 1/24/94 AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER NO. 9 PUBLIC WORKS ITEM: F, STABLISHDATEFORPUBLIC BY: M. Winson ~[~) BY: ....~~ DATE: 1/18/94 DATE NO. IMPROVEMENT HEARING q.~ Thc City Council needs to establish a date for thc Public Improvement Hearing to consider thc LaBclIe Park East Bank Erosion Control Project which will be partially funded by special assessments to benefitting properties. The proposed project affects the properties from 120'/to 133'/Circle Terrace, inclusive. At this time, the City Manager is recommending that the Public Improvement Hearing be held on February 28, 1994 at '/:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to establish a Public Improvement Hearing for February 28, 1994 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chamben. MAW:jb 94-014 COUNCIL ACTION: CITY COUNCIL LETTER Meetin§ of : January 2%, 199% AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS ORIGINATING DEPT.: CITY MANAGER NO: 9 CITY MANAGER' S APPROVAL ITEM: SET DATE FOR BOARD OF REVIEW BY: PATRICK HENTGES NO: ~, ~, DATE: 1-19-94 Anoka County has requested that we select the date for the required annual Board of Review after April 11, 1994. The date tentatively set is April 18, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. Staff recommends the Council adopt the followin8 motion. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to set the date for the Local Board of Review meeting for April 18, 1994, at 7:00 pm which will be held in the Council Chambers. COUNCIL ACTION: CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS T~. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM: PAT HF~NTGES, CITY MANAGER SUBJECT: MANAGER'S RF. PORT DA'IH; .IANUARY 21, 1994 1) ~HAl~ RIDE RECAP-- See attached Shared Ride Expansion and Origination-Destination reports for January 1, 1993 through December 31, 1993, for the Shared Ride Program. If you have any questions, call Linda Magee at 782-2812. 2) soLm WASTE REPORT-- See attached Solid Waste Report for December, 1993. 3) CITY A'I'IX)RNL:rYP--I~IGNATION-- Be advised that I have received the notice of resignation from the City Attorney, Oreg Woods, effective March 31, 1994. We are currently contemplating the impact and alternatives associated with the resignation. I will file a report on replacement alternatives. 4) HILLTOP/NWCC SEWER DISPUTE-- All the parties involved in the lawsuit are at a crossroads as we are getting close to the litigation phase of the dispute. I request that executive session be convened after the January 24, 1994, council meeting. The purpose of the session will be review a proposed Hilltop settlement. 5) RANDYTJF~MANNCAB LICENSE-- Enclosed please find correspondence to Randy Ziemann regarding his cab license. The Police Department will be providing a monthly update on Ziemann in the operational report. 6) - CHARTER COMMISSION REPORT- - Be advised the Charter Commission met Thursday, January 20. Based on the new information regarding the ordinance for initiative, referendum, and recall, the Charter Commission will be further studying the matter and proposing possible change to the proposal. According to the League of Minnesota Cities' legal opinion, referendums in home rule charter cities are confined solely to ordinances as opposed to other actions by City Council. The Charter Commission is also investigating a possible change to the process used by the city for the issuance of debt. Currently the process requires issuance of debt by ordinance and allows for a 30 day petitioning for a referendum. After the petitioning period, the charter requires an additional one weeks' published notice be given prior to the bonds being sold. This essentially defeats the advantages of a negotiated sale whereby City, its financial advisor, and negotiated broker, schedule a time for the sale so as to receive the best possible rate. Moreover, City does not have the advantage of deferring the sale with the cumbersome notice requirements. The new proposal will allow a sale after the effective date of the ordinance upon 72 hour notice and enable actual sale date to be rescheduled. The proposal does require that the sale occur during the 60 day window after the effective date of the ordinance. The 60 day time frame is being further investigated as to adequacy. 7) $OINT CABI-R COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL MEETING- - Be advised that the cable commission requests a joint meeting with the City Council to be conducted on February 17th at 7:30 P.M. (This is the regularly scheduled cable commission meeting.) The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and review the analysis of the cable rates in advance of the final public hearing on the matter. Please mark your calendars for this very important meeting. 8) SOUTH ANOKACOUNTY COMMUNITY UPDATE- - Be advised that the Joint Youth Worker Grant submitted by the SACC members was rejected for funding. There still exists a grant pending for a work/training program for at-risk youth who have recently dropped out of high school. The other project that SACC is working on involves the community-wide effort to develop a community- wide vision for our communities presented in a format of value statements. This type of community-wide effort was very successful in Edina and Chaska. It is possible that a very renown sociologist could work with communities in the development of such program. The funding for the program would come from some of the monies allocated by Anoka County, social service foundations, and corporate donations. The sociologist who will be called on assist in this effort has been very successful in identifying at the at-risk factors in the community that affect our youth and citizenry, and identifying values that must be in place sustain quality of life. If this effort is to go forward, participation by the City' would involve the recognition of the process, participation in focus groups, and perhaps the eventual recognition of an adopted set of values for the community. 9) SI-~J~F~Lr~ HEARING-- Arrangements have been made to cable cast the Sheffield hearing scheduled for January 31, 7 P.M. at Murzyn Hall. Advanced information will be distributed to the City Council this coming week. City staff will present at the hearing various re-development ideas or alternatives for the neighborhood. I have met with a number of developers that have come forward to express interest in the community. Councilmember Nawrocki and myself have met with officials from the City of St. Paul and Miller & Schroder and identified a list of perspective residential-type redevelopment companies. I have had contact with most of the companies on the list and are forwarding packets of information concerning the redevelopment problems in the neighborhood. It is hoped that we get back some feedback from the firms and ideas concerning feasible projects for Sheffield. 10) COUNCILMEMBERNAWROCKIBUDGET INQUIRIES-- At the last meeting, Councilmember Nawrocki inquired as to the posting of the library tax levy at the 100% level as opposed to allocating a fair share for delinquency obligation to fund. An adjustment to the fund has been made to account for the delinquency. Additionally, concern as to the profit level of the liquor fund was identified. Unlike the past, I fully intend to review during the month of February the fund balance status and retained earnings of each fund of the city. The Finance Department is preparing the information for review of the City Council. Essentially, this process is needed to determine the adequacy of rates and revenues structures within each fund, along with keeping the City Council informed as to the fund balance status of each fund. PH/cb 94/3 Attachments ORDINANCE NO. BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 7, SECTION 72 OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLU~B. IA HEIGHTS PERTAINING TO THE BONDED DEBT AND DEBT LIMIT The City of Columbia Heights does ordain: Section 1: Chapter 7, Section 72, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads as follows, to wit: Section 72. BONDED DEBT AND DEBT LIMIT. Bonds may be issued by four-fifths vote of the council without the previous approval of the voters of the said city, but subject to the referendum powers of the people, for the purchase of. real estate; for new construction; for new equipment; for all improvements of a lasting character; for the purchase or construction of public waterworks or for the enlargement of the s~e and for the protection and distribution of the water supply, for the establishment of public acquisition and lighting, heating, or power plants, and for their equipment by purchase or otherwise; for the acquisition or construction of street railways, telegraph or telephone lines, or any other public convenience ~rom which a revenue is or may be derived; for the creation or maintenance of a permanent improvement fund; for the purchase or erection of needful public buildings; establishing and ~aintaining garbage crematories, or other means of garbage disposal, for the establishment and maintenance of hospitals,, schools, libraries, museums, art galleries ana cemeteries, for the construction of sewers, subways, streets, sidewalks, pavements, culverts, and parks and parkways and play grounds; for changing, controlling or bridging streams and other waterways within the corporate limits and constructing and repairing roads and bridges within two miles of the corporate limits thereof; for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds; for the purpose of funding floating indebtedness; and for all purposes which may be authorized by the laws of the State of Minnesota; the right of the city to issue bonds under the authority of any law heretofore and this section of the city's charter shall not be construed to limit the passed and adopted by the State of Minnesota, but no bonds shall ever be issued to pay current expenses or to refund emergency debt certificates. The total bonded indebtedness of the city shall never exceed ten percent of the last assessed valuation of the taxable property therein, including monies and credits, but in computing the total bonded indebtedness, emergency debt certificates and certificates of indebtedness shall not be included in or counted as part of such bonded indebtedness, if [1] held in a sinking fund maintained by the city, [2] issued for the acquisition of equipment; purchase, construction, maintenance, extension, enlargements or improvement of street railways, telegraph or telephone lines, water, lighting, heating and power plants, or either of them, or any other public convenience, from which revenue is or may be derived, owned and operated by the city, or the acquisition of property needed in connection therewith; or for the construction of sewers, public drainage ditches, or the acquisition of lands, or for improvements of streets, parks, or other public improvements, to the extent that they are payable from the proceeds of assessments levied upon property specially benefitted by such ditches or improvements, or [3] for the purpose of anticipating the collection of general taxes for the year in which issued. In no case shall bonds be issued to run for more than thirty years. The purpose for which bonds are issued shall be set forth in the ordinance authorizing them and the proceeds from such bonds shall not be diverted to any other purpose. Before any bonds are sold, at least one week's published notice shall be given of a meeting of the city council to open and consider bids therefore. The time and place of said meeting shall be fixed and the newspaper in which the notice shall be published shall be designated by a resolution duly passed, which may provide for additional notice. At the time and place so fixed, the bids shall be opened and the offer complying with the terms of. such sale and deemed most favorable shall be accepted; PROVIDED, that the council may reject any and all such offers and award said bonds to a more favorable bidder or upon like notice, it may invite other bids. Bids may be asked on the basis of a rate of interest specified in the proposals and on the net interest basis on which the bidder will pay par for the same. is herewith amended to read, Section 72. BONDED DEBT AND DEBT LIMIT. Bonds may be issued by four-fifths vote of the council without the previous approval of the voters of the said city, but subject to the referendum powers of the people, for the purchase of real estate; for new construction; for new equipment; for all improvements of a lasting character; for th~ purchase or construction of public waterworks or for the enlargement of the same and for the protection and distribution of the water supply; for the establishment of public lighting, heating, or power plants, and for their acquisition and equipment by purchase or otherwise; for the acquisition or construction of street railways, telegraph or telephone lines, or any other public convenience from which a revenue is or may be derived; for the creation or maintenance of a permanent improvement fund; forthe purchase or erection of needful public buildings; for establishing and maintaining garbage crematories, or other means of garbage disposal; for the establishment and maintenance of a hospitals, schools, libraries, museums, art galleries and cemeteries; for the construction of sewers, subways, streets, sidewalks, pavements, culverts, and parks and parkways and play grounds; for changing, controlling or bridging streams and other waterways within the corporate limits and constructing and repairing roads and bridges within two miles of the corporate limits thereof; forthe purpose of refunding outstanding bonds; for the purpose of funding floating indebtedness; and for all purposes which may be authorized by the laws of the State of Minnesota; the right of the city to issue bonds under the authority of any law heretofore and this section of the city's charter shall not be construed to limit the passed and adopted by the State of Minnesota, but no bonds shall ever be issued to pay current expenses or to refund emergency debt certificates. The total bonded indebtedness of the city shall never exceed ten percent of the last assessed valuation of the taxable property therein, including monies and credits, but in computing the total bonded indebtedness, emergency debt certificates and certificates of indebtedness shall not be included in or counted as part of such bonded indebtedness, if [1] held in a sinking fund maintained by the city, [2] issued for the acquisition of equipment; purchase, construction, maintenance, extension, enlargements or improvement of street railways, telegraph or telephone lines, water, lighting, heating and power plants, or either of them, or any other public convenience, from which revenue is or may be derived, owned and operated by the city, or the acquisition of property needed in connection therewith~ or for the construction of sewers, public drainage ditches, or the acquisition of lands, or for improvements of streets, parks, or other public improvements, to the extent that they are payable from the proceeds of assessments levied upon property specially benefitted by such ditches or improvements, or [3] for the purpose of anticipating the collection of general taxes for the year in which issued. In no case shall bonds be issued to run for more than thirty years. The purpose for which bonds are issued shall be set forth in the =rdinanuc resolution authorizing them and the proceeds from such bonds shall not be diverted to any other purpose. bid . 4-~- ~'-1-1 .... : ~ ~ ....... ~-- 4-= ..... Before anv bonds are sold. there shall be a fOur-fifths vote of the council authorizin~ the issuance of the bonds by resolution. Followin~ its Dassaae. the resolution shall be published at least once by publication in a leqa~ newspaper havin~ ~eneral circulation in the city. The registered voters of the city shall have thirty days from the date of. uublication to initiate a referendu~ on the resolution authorizin~ the issuance. Subsequent to the passage of the ~uthorizin~ resolution, its publication, and the thirty-day period. the bond sale shall occur within sixty davs. Durin~ said sixty day p~riod, the Citv Manager shall have the authority to establish a spec~a~ meetin~ ~pon $~ least seventv-two ~72} hours a~vanc~ notice to each member of the council. At that special meeting, the City Manager is authorized to receive the actual bid~s~ or sale of the $onds to be negotiated. The actual award or sale of the bonds shall be aDDroved bY a resolution passed bY a four-fifths vote of the council. Section Chapter 7, Section 72b, of the Charter of the City of Columbia Heights which currently reads as follows, to wit: Section 72b. BONDED DEBT AND DEBT LIMIT. No bond shall ever be issued to pay current expenses or to refund certificates of indebtedness issued to provide for temporary deficiencies in the revenues to cover current expenses, but bonds may be issued by a four-fifths vote of the council, subject to the referendum powers of the people, for the purchase of real estate, for new equipment, and for all improvements of a lasting character. The total bonded debt of the city shall never exceed ten percent of the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in the city, but in computing the total bonded debt, emergency debt certificates, and bonds issued prior to the adoption of the charter and either held in a sinking fund or issued for the purchase, construction, maintenance, extension, enlargement, or improvement or water, heating plants or either, or any other public convenience from which a revenue is or may be derived, owned and operated by such city or village, or the acquisition of property needed in connection therewith, or for the improvement of streets, parks or other public improvements, to the extent that they are payable from the proceeds of assessments levied upon property especially benefitted thereby, and obligations issued for the improvements which are payable, wholly or partly, from the collections of special assessments levied on property benefitted thereby, or for the creation or maintenance of a permanent improvement revolving fund shall not count as part of such total bonded debt. In no case will bonds be issued to run for more than thirty years. The purpose for which bonds are issued shall be set forth in the ordinance authorizing them and the proceeds from such bonds shall not be diverted to any other purposes. is herewith amended to read, Section 72b. BONDED DEBT AND DEBT LIMIT. No bond shall ever be issued to pay current expenses or to refund certificates of indebtedness issued to provide for temporary deficiencies in the revenues to cover current expenses, but bonds may be issued by a four-fifths vote of the council, subject to the referendum powers of the people, for the purchase of real estate, for new equipment, and for all improvements of a lasting character. The total bonded debt of the city shall never exceed ten percent of the assessed valuation of all the taxable property in the city, but in computing the total bonded debt, emergency debt certificates, and bonds issued prior to the adoption of the charter and either held in a sinking fund or issued for the purchase, construction, maintenance, extension, enlargement, or improvement or water, heating plants or either, or any other public convenience from which a revenue is or may be derived, owned and operated by such city or village, or the acquisition of property needed in connection therewith, or for the improvement of streets, parks or other public improvements, to the extent that they are payable from the proceeds of assessments levied upon property especially benefitted thereby, and obligations issued for the improvements which are payable, wholly or partly, from the collections of special assessments levied on property benefitted thereby, or for the creation or maintenance of a permanent improvement revolving fund shall not count as part of such total bonded debt. In no case will bonds be issued to run for more than thirty years. The purpose for which bonds are issued shall be set forth in the e~Li~e~authorizing them and the proceeds from such bonds shall not be diverted to any other purposes. Section 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after ninety (90) days after its passage. First Reading: Second Reading: Date of Passage: Offered By: Seconded By: Roll Call: Donald J. Murzyn Jr., Mayor Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary NOTICE OF OFFICIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that an official meeting is to be held in the City of Columbia Heights as follows: Meeting of: MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, CITY MANAGER D~eofMeetin~ TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1994 Time of Meeting:. Location of Meeting:. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING RECREATION APPRECIATION MEETING (APPROXIMATELY 9:00 P.M.) CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM Purpose of Meeting: WORK SESSION 1. City Attorney Options 2. Newsletter Publication 3. Refuse Rate Adjustment (If not covered at January 24, 1994, work session.) The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights' services, programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at ?82-2800, Extension 209, to make arrangements. (TDD/782-2806 for deaf only) ~ITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: SOLID WASTE REPORT - PATRICK HENTGES, CITY MANAGER VALORIE GIFFORD, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR JANUARY 18, 1994 DECEMBER 1993 1) Tonnage~ for December 1993 (parentheses indicate figures for 1992) Curbside Multi-Unit and Recycling Center Tonnage 133.57 Curbside ................................... Multi-Units ..................................... 5.48 Other commingled accounts (LaBelles) ................ 1.56 Recycling Center: Scrap Iron ....................................... 0 Corrugated ..................................... 1.99 6.03 Other ..................................... Yard Waste 0 Curbside ....................................... Other Materials Abated Appliances ................................. 67 units 4.08 Oil ..................................... City Hall Commingled Recyclables ...................... 98 Tires ..................................... 2.16 Mixed Municipal Solid Waste Collected 443.14 Curbside ................................... Multi-Unit ................................... 110.87 Municipal Service Garage ........................... 5.24 Participation Rate Recycling Program Per above Statistics ................ 54.7% tons tons tons tons tons tons tons 4.52 tons tons tons tons tons tons tons 019.91) (7.57) (2.56) (2.60) (1.05) (4.0) ( o) (12.50) (46a32) (12a25) (9.59) Solid Waste Report Page 2 2) Anoka County Board Meeting of January 11, 1994 The Commissioners considered and passed Ordinance #94-1, Anoka County Solid Waste Management Charge. The Board also authorized the Chair of the Board to enter into waste delivery contracts with interested Anoka County waste haulers to bring wastes to the Elk River RDF facility. During the discussion which preceded the vote, and during committee discussions, the following points were made: Ao The county plans a detailed study of the commercial Solid Waste Management charge to determine its equity, both among the commercial categories and as compared to the residential allocation. This is to be followed by an equally detailed study of the residential charge--the equity of its allocation and its internal categories. The current charge is an interim amount put in place swiftly in order to assure short run fiscal solvency. Bo The Solid Waste Management charge is not related to the decrease in waste going to Elk River due to recycling, but it is a direct result of the Martin/Faribault court decision which overturned interstate Solid Waste designation. Although designation within Minnesota is still enforced, haulers are now free to take wastes out of state to lower cost landfills. Co Loss of wastes delivered to Elk River would increase costs to county residents far beyond the Solid Waste charge. Commissioner McCarron noted that were the facility not to receive minimum wastes contracted for, residents would have to pay the debt service, penalties, and other costs totaling $52.50 per year on a $60,000 house, $63 per year on a $72,000 house and $155.75 on a $100,000 house- -for the 16 year life of the contract with NSP. This would be on top of whatever waste management costs would exist. Do The Commissioners recognized that the fee is not completely equitable and that adjustments in future may be able to consider varying the fee according to volume of waste. This is not guaranteed, however. The purpose of the Solid Waste Management fee must be clearly and effectively explained to those who will pay it. A group of waste haulers and County staff will draw up a proposed public education campaign. As a point of information, it should be kept in mind that recycling does not cost less than waste removal. Whereas the latter requires one pick up and a delivery, recycling requires the original pick up, sorting, and delivery to end markets, making it more expensive. No recycling program can be expected to pay its way or to decrease overall refuse program costs, even when waste reduction is factored in. Finally, the Solid Waste Management charge continues to meet the state mandate to make the costs of waste visible to the generator. 2. Anoka County Solid Waste Task Force Anoka County staff person Sue Doll organized a county wide collection of fluorescent lamps for municipalities. Columbia Heights disposed of 705 for approximately $179. Transportation costs were divided among the county and participating municipalities, and have not been figured yet. CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS 590 40th Avenue N. E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421-3878 (612) 782-2800 January 11, 1994 Mayor Donald J. Murzyn, Jr. Councilmembers Scan T. Clerkin Bruce G. Nawr°Cki Gary L. Peterson Robert W. Ruettimann City Manager Patrick Hentges Randy Eric Ziemann 6531Cahnnel Road, #2 Fridley, Hn. 55432 Dear Hr. Ziemann: Your appeal of the denial for a 1994 license to drive a taxicab within Columbia Heights was heard by the City Councll at their meeting of January 10,1994. They agreed to issue a provlsional license for a period of six months with review by the Police Department on a monthly basis. If any vlolations occur, your license will be revoked immediately. Enclosed you will find that six month provisional license to drive a taxicab in Columbia Heights. Please be aware that this license expires on July 10, 1994. If your record remains unblemished through the expiration date, you may renew your license for the remainder of 1994 if you plan on continuing to drive a taxicab. If you have any questions, you may contact this office at 782-2817. Slncerely,/ at ryn epln License/Permit Clerk kp enc. CC: L. Magee, Adm. Asst. H. Waldmann, Suburban Taxi Corp. D. Mawhorter, Police Chief 'SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS" EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER TO CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 24, 1994 *Signed Waiver Form Accompanied Application APPROVED BY BUILDING INSP. II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II CONTRACTORS *Airco Heating & A/C *Crosstown Plumbing Lindman Plumbing Co. *R.J. Miller P & H *Refrigeration Services *Richfield Plumbing Co. *Scenic Sign Corp. *Shield Fire Protection Suburban Air Cond. *Wenzel Heating S Air 1994 LICENSE AGENDA LICENSEO AT 4014 Central Avenue 16530 - 1OSth Avenue N. 6224 Noble N. 6293 Jackson Street 4110 Central Avenue 805 W. 77½ St. 828 S. 5th St. 84 Fourteenth Ave. N.E. 8419 Center Dr.. 1955 Shawnee Rd. FEES $ 40.OO 4O.OO 4O.O0 4O.OO 4O.OO 40.OO 4O.O0 40.00 4O.OO 4O.OO POLICE DEPT. TAXICAB DRIVERS *William James Ludgate 830 - 27th Avenue N.E. 20.00 TAXICAB VEHICLES POLICE DEPT. *Yellow Taxi Service 3 vehicles within the City 75.00 eac