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Home My WebLink About10.06.99 Work Session Packet City of Farmington 325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591 www.c:i.farmington.mn.us TO: Mayor and Councilmembers FROM: John Erar, City Administrator SUBJECT: Special Meeting DATE: September 23, 1999. Please be advised there will be a Legislative Meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is being held to discuss a broad number of issues and concerns affecting local government. If you have questions or comments, or you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact me at City Hall. J Erar ity Administrator Cc: Farmington Independent Dakota County Tribune Lakeville Life & Times Management Team Post Receptionist Robin Roland From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Kevan Soderberg [kevan@mninter.net] Sunday, September 26, 19992:17 PM Robin Roland John Erar Legislative Meeting Agenda Robin: At the last City Council meeting, John presented a policy position paper for Council comments. I have forwarded a copy to Council members Strachan, Cordes, and Mayor Ristow. Would you please print a copy of this for Councilmember Verch. ljtem: 3d) Reverse Referendum -I am not totally opposed to referendum, the position paper says "strongly opposed". I would be will to engage in discussion on this point. 3f) Tax Rate Increase Authorization Law - I personally favor disclosure. By disclosing the amount of the actual levy is understandable where the TCR can be confusing for most people. I know it has taken some concentrated effort on my part to start to understand this. It is possible I do not understand this paragraph, but as a general policy, I support disclosure in an understandable format. 4d) Special City Legislation - Hill Dee is mentioned in the attached letter from Joel. Does the Autumn Glenn land issue need to be resolved through this mechanism also? 6a) Stop Light Cameras - Upon this point I remain unmoveable. I strongly oppose stop light cameras. Government surveillance of the citizens does not tend toward a free society, on the contrary, it tends toward tyranny. I wanted to forward this to you in the event I do not have opportunity to talk to you before Monday's close of business. Thanks Kevan - cd! ~~ ~~;....D~~ ~J 0"- ~~~ r jJ, . IJ . '11 , t.....! II J.. -tU ~~. tltfMlltllP C r...L ^ .n ~~~ 'vv/l,)/J ~. ?t\.a.V.(t!" OA d c,~YY\ ~ ~,~ '-...N' '\ ~ 1 Special Council Meeting Meeting with Legislative Delegation City Council Chambers Wednesday, October 6, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. TENTATIVE AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approve Agenda 3. Local Government Finance a) Tax Levy Limitations b) State Aids c) Sales Tax Repeal d) Reverse Referendum e) Limited Market Value f) Tax Rate Increase Authorization Law 4. Introduction of Legislation Affecting Local Government a) State Mandates b) Legislation Affecting City Interests c) Cable Franchise Fees d) Special City Legislation e) Overall Communication Issues 5. Growth Management - Issues and Concerns a) Smart Growth Principles b) Annexation Legislation 6. Public Safety Legislation - Issues and Concerns a) Stop Light Cameras b) Residential Speed Limit Authority 7. City/State Relationship - Improvement Strategies 8. Open Forum 9. Adjourn CITY OF FARMINGTON POLICY POSITION PAPER LEGISLATIVE ISSUES WORKSHOP Wednesday, October 6, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. 3a) TAX LEVY LIMITS City Position: The City strongly opposes levy limits and urges the legislature to not re-enact them for 2000 or beyond. Cities, in general, must have the ability to address and respond to local tax and spend issues at the local level. The City also opposes the imposition of artificial mechanisms such as valuation freezes, payroll freezes, super majority requirements for levy, or other limitations to the local government budget and taxing process. Local elected officials are directly accountable to their constituents, and need flexibility to respond to changing community dynamics and needs without state imposed restrictions. Legislation Delegation Position: 3b) STATE AIDS City Position: Local Government Aid (LGA) is a necessary, state-raised resource to supplement local property taxes. Therefore, the City supports its continuation with an annual inflation index, along with additional state resources to further reduce the reliance on the property tax. In addition, any LGA formula changes considered by the legislature must have a positive impact on the metropolitan area. The Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) equals about 40 percent of the total local aid and should be continued as part of the local fiscal relationship, with an inflation or increased household growth factor restored for cities. The City strongly opposes the conversion of city HACA to school aid. It should also be pointed out that the Citizens Jury on MN Property Tax Reform concluded and strongly supported that state aids should continue to flow to cities, counties and school districts. Legislative Delegation Position: 3c) SALES TAX REPEAL City Position: The legislature should reinstate the sales tax exemption for all local government purchases without requiring a reduction in other aids. Cities, counties and townships will pay more than $80 million this year to- the state on purchases for items like road maintenance equipment and wastewater facilities. With what? Taxes they collect from the state's property tax payers. This sales tax on local government purchases was imposed in 1992 when the state faced a severe budget shortfall. With the state clearly in the black, this tax is simply unnecessary, causes higher property taxes and user fees, and only adds more to the surplus. The City would like to thank legislators for their past support of repeal efforts, and appreciate their continuing support to enact a final repeal of this legislation. Legislative Delegation Position: 3d) REVERSE REFERENDUM City Position: The City strongly opposes any attempt to institute a reverse referendum provision. Local government officials are elected to make decisions in the best interests of their constituencies. This includes decisions that sometimes result in tax increases that fund needed local government services. Allowing each taxing decision to be effectively "second guessed" would create a profound obstacle in the policy-making process, and jeopardize the ability of locally elected officials to make needed, but unpopular decisions. The ballot box already provides for the removal of elected officials. Individual comments from City Council members will be shared at the meeting. Legislative Delegation Position: 3e) LIMITED MARKET VALUE City Position: The City strongly opposes further extension of artificial limits in valuing property at market for property taxation purposes. Limiting market value increase on existing property to a non-market index or set rate will cause various property tax system problems. Similar properties will be taxed differently if new or sold and improvements will be discouraged. Tax shifts will occur mainly on lower valued homes and the ability to issue bonds may be adversely affected. Finally, it will be politically difficult as well as costly to persons owning long-term capped properties when it becomes necessary to sunset due to vast differences in tax liabilities for like properties. The City believes that enhanced targeting for special circumstances such as low-income persons better serves the tax system. The free market, not a legislatively mandated one, should be the primary determinant in the assignment of housing values for property taxation purposes. Legislative Delegation Position: 3f) TAX RATE INCREASE AUTHORIZATION LAW City Position: A recent change by the 1999 legislature compels cities to adopt a resolution citing increases in their total tax levy. This requirement is in addition to Truth-in-Taxation hearings, publication and disclosure statements, as well as a myriad of other taxpayer notification provisions already in the law. Furthermore, this legislative mandate ignores differing circumstances in a community's growth rate where population increases require cities to spend more to provide the same level of service. In Farmington's case, while the total levy will increase by approximately $90,000 in the year 2000, the City's tax capacity rate (TCR) will actually decrease. The City suggests that the TCR is a much better indicator of the relative tax burden that City spending confers on taxable property. The City would urge repeal of this new legislative requirement. Individual comments from City Council members will be shared at the meeting.l Legislative Delegation Position: 4a) STATE MANDATES City Position: The City opposes any legislative mandates that do not include supporting state funding. While the City acknowledges the need for the legislature to take a leadership role on state and regional issues affecting the health and welfare of communities in general, the costs of implementing these legislative directives should not fall solely on local government. Statewide mandates should not be enacted unless full funding is provided or a permanent stable revenue source is established. Cities should be given flexibility in implementing mandates to ensure their cost is minimized. Legislative Delegation Position: 4b) LEGISLATION AFFECTING CITY INTERESTS City Position: The City is requesting that any legislation authored or sponsored by a member of the City's Legislative Delegation that may affect local government interests, adversely or otherwise, be communicated to the City Council. This will allow the City time to review and comment on the proposed legislation. The City would encourage its state representatives to contact local officials for information and feedback on particular issues brought to their attention by our common constituencies. Legislative Delegation Position: 4c) Cable Franchise Fees City Position: The City opposes any legislative efforts to change current law that would effectively redirect local franchise fees to the state and significantly weaken local regulatory control over cable franchise activities. Cities utilize franchise fees to conduct a host of local regulatory actions relative to rights-of-way, subscriber complaints, local cable commission activities as well as underwrite a variety of activities associated with public information access. Legislative Delegation Position: 4d) SPECIAL CITY LEGISLATION City Position: See attached communication from the City Attorney. Individual comments from City Council members will be shared at the meeting. 4e) OVERALL COMMUNICATION ISSUES City Position: While many respected polls suggest that local government is still the most trusted level of government, significant communication issues continue to emerge between State and Local government. The need to maintain a mutually respectful, and productive relationship is especially important in terms of how the average citizen perceives their government in general. Consequently, as state and local government serves similar constituencies, the need to build bridges in terms of a common base of understanding is of critical importance. Legislated solutions to local concerns should be the last step in the process.. . communication and seeking a better understanding of the circumstances and challenges facing both levels of government should be our first (see attachment). Sa) SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES City Position: The City supports Metropolitan Council "Smart Growth Principles" as adopted (attachment). The City would contend that non-municipal growth occurring in unincorporated fringe areas outside the regional blueprint is contrary to smart growth principles, and contributes to urban sprawl. Smart growth principles recognize the need to properly plan urbanized development to ensure optimum use of limited environmental resources, and provide for cost- effective solutions to infrastructure support needs. Legislative Delegation Position: 5b) ANNEXATION LEGISLATION City Position: The City strongly opposes any legislation that would alter current annexation by ordinance laws. The City supports' legislative findings contained in M.S. 414.01 that cites municipal government as the most efficient and appropriate form of government for intensive residential, commercial, industrial development. Cities must have the ability to annex adjoining property to ensure compatible urban design standards; the continuity of appropriate land use and zOiling controls; the preservation of clear urban-rural boundaries; and avoid the premature development of agricultural lands. Restrictive annexation policies prevent the formulation of efficient, strategic long-term regional land-use planning that lead to environmental degradation, inadequate transportation planning, urban sprawl, duplication of local government services, and premature conversion of farm land. Legislative Delegation Position: 6a) STOP LIGHT CAMERAS City Position: Statistics show that intersections controlled by stop lights experience a higher rate of crashes than uncontrolled intersections. Crashes at controlled intersection are the result of stop light violations. The best way to control violations is by a managed enforcement and education campaign. The educational aspect is best utilized on repeat or local drivers. The educational value in stoplight enforcement is diminished due to the transient nature of traffic using the State and County highway systems. Continuous enforcement is not a practical option due to limitations of police resources. The availability of stop light cameras statewide would make drivers think twice before willfully violating a stop light. Individual comments from City Council members will be shared at the meeting. Legislative Delegation Position: 6b) RESIDENTIAL SPEED LIMITS City Position: Cities have received numerous complaints about cars traveling too fast even though they are not exceeding 30 MPH residential speed limits. Studies show typical residential speed to fall between 22-24 MPH which appears to be an acceptable rate to most residents. In an effort to curb urban sprawl by higher use of urban property cities are developing smaller residentia1lots with narrower streets. This creates an even larger concern over "speeders" in residential areas. Statutory authority to allow a 25 MPH residential speed limit would greatly assist local authorities in promoting safer driving speeds. The 25 MPH residential speed limit is also in compliance with Department of Transportation guidelines setting speed limits at the speed at which most drivers are comfortable (22-24MPH). Enforcement in each of these areas is diminished by the State of Minnesota Quota Law prohibiting Chief Law Enforcement Officers from directing officers to write tickets. I do not dispute that Law but law enforcement needs an alternative to ordering the issuance of tickets. Legislative Delegation Position: 56 CITIZENS JURY ON MINNESOTA TAX REFORM Minnesota State Capitol and Minnesota Department of Revenue August 2-6, 1999 What role should the property tax play in financing local governments? Recommendation Statements: In response to charge question number one, we recommend: . Less reliance on property tax across the board. . Minimal changes in the use of local sales taxes . NOT to create a new tax in the form of a local income tax . State aid should playa greater role in funding schools . More reliance on fees & charges across the board. . An increase in state aid due to increasing state mandates . A direct connection between fees & charges and the services Through this process, there has been a realization that by reducing property tax, there is a shift to other taxes (local sales, fees & charges, and state aid) but we are hesitant to add any new taxes. After the education that we have received, we understand the importance of educating the public about property taxes and related issues. Source: Citizens Jury on Minnesota Property Tax Reform ". I/tL LMC 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 phone: (651) 281-1200 · (800) 925-1122 Fax: (651) 281-1299 · mn (651) 281-1290 Lug_ of Minnesota Cities Cities promDting =el1"""" STATE MANDATES TO MINNESOTA CITIES PERSONNELIEMPLOYEE RELATIONS Pay equity. implementation and reporting (M.S.471.991-99) - Personnel costs have been substantially increased by the state requirement that cities and other local governments conduct job evaluation studies, report on implementation, and meet equitable compensation standards as defined in rule and measured by a volatile computer software program. Recent developments complicating the issue have been an increase in actual and theoretical reverse discrimination lawsuits, the administration of the penalty provision by DOER, and a proposed lower limit on local compensation. Workers' Compensation (M.S.176) - Cities are responsible for enforcing state requirements for workers' compensation for local contractors and licensees. Public pensions - Basic and Coordinated 'Plans (M.S.353) - Cities are mandated to participate in the state Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA), that requires city employer contribution rates of 10.73 percent for Basic plan members and 4.48 percent for Coordinated plan members. Continuation of health and life insurance coverage (M.S.62AI7 and M.S.61A.092) - Cities must comply with a state requirement to offer continued health and life insurance coverage following voluntary or involuntary termination. Prevailing wages paid on public contracts (M.S.177.41 and AG. Qp.415cl) - The state's Davis- Bacon requirements (prevailing wage requirements), as interpreted by the Attorney General, substantially increase the costs of city contracts. Veterans 'Preference (M.S. 197.447. 455. 46. 48. 481 and 192.26) - Cities are required to give preferential treatment to veterans for hiring, protection from discharge, fullypiUd leave while challenging any discharge or disciplinary action, and full salary for up to three weeks for all city employees serving in the military reserves or on active duty. Mandatorv Binding Arbitration (M.S. 179A16. .18) - Employee classes such as peace officers and firefighters are not allowed to strike. Rather, cities are mandated to comply with the compensation and benefit determinations of an appointed arbitrator, even if the elected representatives of the city's residents determine that a strike would be preferable. In 1999 the law was changed to require final-offer-total-package arbitration for firefighters. AN EQUALOPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER PUBLIC SAFETY Peace officer standards and traininsz (POST) (M.S.626.84-863 - Cities are required to assure that their public safety personnel complete mandated preservice and continuing in-service training to maintain licensed law enfqrcement officer status. Most recently, police pursuit training requirements (1999) and increased training for part-time peace officers (1999) Temoorary detention facilities/detoxification centers - City facilities for temporary holding of persons who have been arrested must meet state standards for the building and its maintenance. Confined soace entrY - State and federal standards are imposed for situations where a confined space (such as a manhole) is entered. For example, there is a requirement that a minimum of two employees are present whenever a confined space is entered (OSHA). Animal control (M.S.346. 347) - State regulations set standards for facilities used for animal control, procedures for apprehending animals, and minimum holding periods. "First responder" and firefightinsz by city employees on state highways - State reimbursement for these public safety services does not adequately cover the costs of performing these services. 800 meszahertz radio system (M.S. 473.891-.905) - Regional public safety mdio communications system for which metro-area cities must implement plans by 1997 Ambulance stuffing and eauipment reauirements - Governed by the Emergency Medical Services Board.7. most recently changed in 1999. ENVIRONMENT Wastewater treatment standards - State requirements exceed those set by the federal government for many standards affecting wastewater treatment. Extensive and complicated reporting requirements are mandated by the pollution control agency (PCA). Wetlands - The Wetland Conservation Act must be administered by a city, county, or other local government unit. -.-... Solid Waste Manaszement - State law specifies the existence and parameters of local recycling programs, waste collection practices, etc. Drinking water standards - State. and federal regulation of drinking water requires frequent testing and reporting to assure adherence to standards. Surface water manaszement organizations or plan CM.S.I 03) - Cities are required to participate in the development and costs of a comprehensive water management plan. 2 Waste disoosal facilities (PCA Rules) - State and federal regulation mandates most aspects of waste to energy facilities and sanitary landfills. Hazardous substance trarlsoortation (M.S.221 and federal SARA) - State and federal regulations govern the transportation of hazardous substances. Cities are required to select routes for transport, and police those routes, even though they are frequently not city streets. Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act CM.S.144.411-17) - Cities are required to comply with and enforce the act within their public buildings. PLANNING Land use plarming (M.S.473H) - Cities in the seven-county metro area are required by the state to have a comprehensive land use plan. Laws 1995, Chapter 176 requires all city plans to be updated by 12/31/98. State zoning standards CM.S.463.365) - Local zoning decisions for !llanufactured homes, group homes, earth-sheltered homes, etc., are limited by the state. Uniform building code NBC) CM.S.13) - Cities are required to adopt and enforce a state uniform. building code which regulates heating, ventilation, energy conservation, electric, fire standards, and plumbing. Handicap accessibility is one of the requirements whichniust be assured for public buildings. Cities no longer receive excess building code fees to help train local officials. Flood olain marlagement (M.S.I04.04) - The commissioner of natural resources is authorized to require and approve local government reporting on flood plain management ordinances. Costs associated with imposing local ordinances are usually borne by the local government. Flood insurance CM.S.I04.08) - The state requires that all local governments subject to recurrent flooding participate in the national flood insurance program. Shoreland regulations (M.S.105.485) - The commissioner ofnatural.l'esources is authorized to require and approve local government reporting on shoreland management ordinances, and monitor ongoing larld use in the vicinity of the shoreland. .0. TRANSPORTATION Municioal state aid roads CM.S.162.09 and MnDOT rules) - Cities must comply with standards in order to receive reimbursement for funding for construction and maintenance of certain roads. These standards often result in "overbuilding" city streets. Many items, such as full signals, landscaping, pre-engineering, and certain legal costs are not eligible for compensation. 3 Computer requirements (Dept. of Transportation) - MnDOT's Office of State Aid requires that cities receiving municipal state aid must purchase, and may only use, Mn DOT specified network computer hardware and software. GENERAL GOVERNMENTIRECORD KEEPING Bleacher Safety - Minnesota session laws 1999 Chapter 250 establishes safety requirements that apply to all bleachers over 30 inches above grade or the floor below. By Jan. 1,2001, municipalities will be required to provide the commissioner of :ulministration with a signed certification of compliance prepared by a qualified and certified building official or state licensed design professional that certifies the bleachers have been inspected, are in compliance with the safety requirements, and are structurally sound. Minncor (M.S.16B181) - A 1998 law change will require the state and all political subdivisions to purchase only from MINNCOR when purchasing the products MINNCOR produces. This requirement is effective the year 2000 if the state and political subdivisions fail to meet a purchasing quota - the quota has not yet been established. Non-visual technology - A 1998 law mandates the state and all political subdivisions to require all technology hardware and software purchases and upgrades to satisfy non-visual technology standards that exceed the America Disability Act (ADA) requirements. This mandate requires the purhcase of tehcnology that is either not yet available on the market or is cost prohibitive. Some believe that common purchases of pagers, lap top computers, cell phones, Microsoft Office applications, Lotus, GIS and more violate the letter of the law. Street lighting (M.S.216C.19) - State law requires all new and replacement lighting for street and parking lot lighting to meet energy efficiency standards adopted by the Department of Transportation. Lamps with initial efficiencies of at least 70 lumens per watts, such as high pressure sodium or metal halide lamps, are required; mercury vapor lamps may not be used. Conducting elections (M.S.205) - State requirements determine when and how cities conduct elections. These laws apply to: regular and special elections; 'elections for county, state, federal, city and some school races; the timing of the election; publication and posting of the election; the hours that polls must remain open; the number and salaries.e-f-election judges; state-certified voting equipment; time lines for testing of voting equipment; preparation of ballots; absentee ballot procedures; and same-day voter registration. State record retention schedule (Dept. of Administration) - State regulations determine what records cities must keep and for what length of time. Requirements include storage time ranging from three years to infinity. Minnesota Government Data Practices Act CM.S.13) - Nearly all government data is to be considered to be public and access and reproduction of this information is required. The costs and fees charged for this data is minimal and limited. 4 O{)en Meeting Law (M. S.4 71.705) - Cities are required to open all of their meetings to the public. There are specific requirements for meeting notices, agendas, and minutes. . Unlike violations of the law by the Legislature, city officials may and have been sued for alleged violations. Competitive biddinlZ (M.S.471.345 and M.S.429.041) - The uniform municipal contracting law contains extensive regulation of the requirements for the advertising of and bidding on municipal contracts. Examination of bonded public employees (M.S.574.23) - An examination process is required whenever there is a change in the personnel for city clerks and treasurers. Summarv budlZet statement publication (M.S.471.6965) - Annual publication of the summary budget must include information relating to anticipated revenues and expenditures in a design so that a comparison may be made between the current and budget years. This must be published in the official newspaper of the city. Home rule city charters (M.S.410) - State regulations are provided for the framing, adoption, and amendments to the charter, and the operation of the charter commission. Munici{)alliauor store reportinlZ reauirements (M.S.471.6985) - State reporting requirements for financial statements from municipal liquor stores, hearings mandated if store shows loss in any two of three consecutive years. Annual Tax Increment District ReportinlZ Requirements (M.S. 469.175) - Comprehensive and detailed annual,r:eports of each TIF district are required and they must be provided by cities to County Board(s), County Auditor(s), School Board(s), and the State Auditor. SecurinlZ vacant buildinlZs (M.S. 463-251) - Notice must be sent to the owner or owner's agent, the property taxpayer of record, holders of mortgage or sheriffs' certificates, and the neighborhood association in the metro area. REVENUE CONSTRAINTS HACA - A reduction in HACA to fund the mandate costing legislation enacted in Yle..1997 Omnibus Tax Bill, Chapter 231, Article 11, Sec.6. Tax exempt property - Many properties in cities are defined by state statute as exempt from property taxes imposed by the city. The use and nature of these properties frequently increase city costs (police and fire protection, road maintenance, street lighting, etc.). Examples include: state institutions, such as universities, hospitals, correcti.ons facilities, and other state-owned properties. .' 5 Limitations on local special assessments CM.S.429) - Statutory restrictions are imposed on the uses, notices, hearings, bidding, contracts, apportionment of cost, assessment procedures, and collection of special assessments. Local improvement reauirements (M.S. 429.031) - Feasibility reports must contain information showing the need and cost effectiveness of the project. Limitations on maximum penalties and fine CM.S.609.033-0391 - Statutory restrictions are placed on allowable penalties and fines for ordinance violations, and petty and gross misdemeanors. Truth in taxation (M.S.275.065) - State law requires cities to provide prenotification of property tax changes, newspaper advertisements, multiple special hearings, and compliance with state rules. Cities must certify a proposed levy amount and, with few exceptions, are not allowed to increase this amount. Cities must also pay a proportional share of the counties' costs of preparing and mailing parcel specific notices. MISCELLANEOUS State sales and MVET on city purchases - Cities are required to raise, through property taxes or fees, adequate revenue to pay the 6.5 percent sales tax on most city purchases of goods and services. In addition, they must pay the motor vehicle excise tax (MVET) on vehicles such as road maintenance vehicles, plows, dump trucks, etc. Grandfathered contributions to regional libraries (M.S. 134.34) - The state requires that once a city participates in funding a regional library, the minimum contribution made may not be reduced. This ~dfathers in any contribution increase. Ordinance copies to law libraries CM.S. 415.021) - Cities are required to furnish copies of any ordinances they adopt to the local county law libraries and do not receive reimbursement for reasonable copying charges unless they make a request to the library. 8/99 6 CAMPBELL KNUTSON LId Professional Association Attorneys at Law Thomas J. Camphell Roger N. Knutson Thomas :VI. Scott Elliott B. Knetsch Suesan Lea Pace (651) 452-5000 Fax (651) 452-5550 Joel J. Jamnik Andrea McDowell Poehler Matthew K. Brokl* John F. Kelly Matthew J. Fob Marguerite :Vi. McCarron September 17, 1999 ~'Also lic<?nsed In \'(!isccmsln Mr. John Erar City of Farmington 325 Oak Street Farmington, Minnesota 55024 Re: Hill Dee Addition Our File No. 4976/028 Dear John: As we discussed on Monday morning, we have an unresolved issue that our legislative delegation could help us with; involving a 1993 conveyance of land by the City to a private property owner. By warranty deed the City conveyed title in the west 40 feet of Lot 5, Block 2, Hill Dee Addition to the abutting landowners. The property conveyed, however, was not held in fee by the City; the State of Minnesota had a reversionary interest in the property. Clearing the title requires obtaining a conveyance or release from the State of Minnesota. The enclosed materials describe the matter more fully. I propose we ask our legislative delegation for their assistance in resolving this matter when we meet on October 6. Very truly yours, Campbell Knutson Professional Association ~ ------ . Jamnik JJJ:cjh Enclosure cc: Ms. Judy Alexander - Burnet Title Suite 317 . Eagandale Office Center · 1380 Corporate Center Curve · Eagan, MN 55121 "~ .. Lf~ LMC L-g_ 0/ }.fi.._t.J Cilia Cilia prrmwli..g _0-- ities lIe tin N tunher 27 County Commissioner's letter evokes legislative response Local officials meet with House and Senate leadership I f., Gary Carlson A letter penned shortly after the close of the 1999 legislative session by Stearns County Commissioner Rose Arnold prompted legislative leaders from the House and Senate to call a meeting with representatives oflocal units of government to discuss the sometimes strained relationship be- tween the state and local government officials. In her letter, Commissioner Arnold. the current president of the Association of Minnesota Counties, expressed concerns about the "rhetoric that some legislators are using in talk- ing about local government officials and the governments they serve." Com- missioner Arnold went on to state that she believes "too many legislators have suggested in the strongest terms that local officials can't be trusted, are irresponsible in their spending deci- sions or, at some points, legislators have suggested that we are somehow dishonest." Commissioner Arnold admitted that sometimes local officials are also guilty of SImilar rhetoric when talking about state officials. However, she stressed that "as leaders, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to bring a higher level of debate and respect for the vital role that we play with the system.." At the request of Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe (DFL-Erskine), House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R- Kenyon),Senate Minority Leader Dick Day (R-Owatonna), and House ! . 6.r Minority LeaderTom Pugh (DFL- South St. Paul), leaders from the statewide local government associations met to discuss the relationship between local government leaders and state legislators. LMC President Susan Hoyt, city administrator of Falcon Heights, and LMC Executive DirectorJim Miller represented the League. Representatives from the Minnesota Association of Counties, the Minnesota Association of Townships, and the Minnesota School Boards Association also attended. During the conversation, House Speaker Steve Sviggum suggested the House and Senate host an open house for local officials prior to the 2000 legislative session.The open house would allow legislators to meet local officials from their district as well as local officials from around the state. Through interaction and communica- tion. Rep. Sviggum suggested that state and local relations could be enhanced. In a follow-up letter, Sen. Moe thanked the attendees for raising the concerns and for working with the Legislature to improve Minnesota gOl{ernment at every level. Moe went on to state that the House and Senate would continue to pursue a local government open house. LMC President Sue Hoyt and League staff will follow up with House and Senate leadership to assist in organizing an open house for local government officials. Stay tuned. t September 1, 1999 Cities Week '99: "Hanesting a Bright Future," Oct. 10-16 LAura Petersen With fall just around the corner, Cities Week can't be far behind. The League is sponsoring another week celebrating city government and encouraging citizen involvement October 10-16. This year's theme is "Harvesting a Bright Future." Cities Week is an annual opportunity for cities to celebrate our communities and the hard work and dedication citizen volunteers and staff put into building the places we call home. It also is a time to reach out to citizens and remind them that they play an essential role in their local governments, from helping in planning efforts to hold- ing office to simply understanding the government that's closest to the people. By Sept. 17, city administrators and clerks will receive a mailing including a hard (paper) copy of the theme and logo that can be copied and used in your city's cel- ebrations.The packet also will include suggestions for celebrating Cities Week and draft press releases to customize for your city. However, the League will not provide the balloons or posters as we have in previous years. Watch your mail and plan to celebrate Cities Week '99! t bl 5 a: o [ g' <It ~ "3- ~ . a.a.~ ~~~ , , ... ggQ NN/"'l , , Q ~~c WV1= W-l>ol"l !=l~= ;;Q1"l o Q 0-= ~iil' ;:tl"l ~F. Qo - N 0 Qo=r ::l ::l ~~ ...::!. 'K o if ~ ~ ~ U'1 g",.., . .~ ~ ~ 5"~'= ~!:l.cr Cla.o a- S' :: ;:Q_C (!)\.Q!5:r ~. ~~ " .. .. '" ~ (;'s-c: ... ro '" ~ ~~ :::- 3 g ~ Q."'a .. - ~ ;:;:O~~ =ra~1lI ~~g.;:; -o-o:r ~ =r::l -. ::l --'Q . 0 I"'l ... ~~i6"1"l o '" n Q ~ _=r3 ~ -'::l 3 :;' ~ Q.. c 0' ~ ~ =0 ..... ~'<~ o =ro -. 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Policy Statement "The Legislature finds that: (1) sound urban development and preservation of agricultural land and open spaces through land use planning is essential to the continued economic growth of this state; (2l municipal government most efficiently provides governmental services in areas intensively developed for residential, commercial, industrial and governmental purposes; and township government most efficiently provides governmental services in areas used or developed for agricultural, open space, and rural residential purposes; (3) the public interest requires that municipalities be formed when there exists or will likely exist the necessary resources to provide for their economical and efficient operation; (4) annexation to existing municipalities of . unincorporated areas unable to supply municipal services should be facilitated; and (5) the consolidation of municipalities should be encouraged. The Minnesota municipal board is empowered to promote and regulate development of municipalities to provide for the extension of municipal government to areas which are developed or are in the process of being developed for intensive use for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental purposes or are needed for such purposes; and to protect the stability of unincorporated areas which are used or developed for agricultural, open space and rural residential purposes and are not presently needed for more intensive uses; and to protect the integrity of land use planning in municipalities and unincorporated areas so that the public interest in efficient local government will be properly recognized and served." [Emphasis added.] Minnesota Statutes, Section 414.01. . :.t. ~. ~...~~