HomeMy WebLinkAbout9A - Metro. Municip. Polocies
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
ISSUES:
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
October 16, 2000 \f\~
~ank Boyles, City Manag~
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF 2000-2001 ASSOCIATION OF METROPOLITAN
MUNICIPALITIES POLICIES.
History: The Association of Metropolitan Municipalities represents almost all
metropolitan area cities including Prior Lake. Each year the Association's five
legislative policy committees prepare statements which provide direction to the
AMM staff during the legislative session. Legislative policies are drafted in five
general issue areas: Municipal Revenues and Taxation, General Legislation,
Housing and Economic Development, Metropolitan Agencies and Transportation.
Current Circumstances: The AMM will conduct their annual membership
meeting on November 9, 2000 (from 5pm to 7pm) at the League of Minnesota
Cities building. At that meeting, the membership present will vote on the draft
2001 AMM policies (which Councilmembers received by mam and determine the
2001 lobbying priorities. Prior Lake has one vote at these meetings. I will attend
and vote in the City's behalf unless one or more Council members wish to do so.
Conclusion: The City Council should (1) review the draft policies and address
changes or questions the Council may have; (2) Identify the Council's top five
policy priorities using the sheets provided for that purpose.
The Council should determine its position regarding the proposed policies and
which are considered to be most important.
ALTERNATIVES: (1) Adopt the policies as proposed.
(2) Adopt the policies with amendments.
(3) Prioritize the top five policy priorities for conveyance to the AMM.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION: As determined by the City Council.
16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
I:\COUNCIL \AGNRPTS\2000\ 1016 _9A.DOC AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY' EMPLOYER
It
NAME:
CITY:
AMM POLICY PRIORITIES (2001).
Please review the following list of priorities submitted by each of the AMM's four policy
committees and indicate the top five priority policies you think the AMM should focus its time
and resources on during the 2001 Legislative Session. Fax comvleted form to: 651-281-1299.
(1 = highest priority; 5 = lowest priority)
I-A Levy Limits (Revenue)
I-B/C Local Aid (Revenue)
I-K Class Rate Tax System (Revenue)
I -0 Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) U nder- Funding (Revenue)
II-A Mandates & Local Authority (General Legislation)
Ill-D Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHF A) Program &
Appropriations (Housing & Economic Development)
III-H Economic Development Responsibilities (Housing & Economic Development)
III-J Development Tools (Housing & Economic Development)
III-K Workforce Development (Housing & Economic Development)
IV -F Local Plan Implementation (Metropolitan Agencies)
IV-K Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (Metropolitan Agencies)
IV -N Water Supply (Metropolitan Agencies)
IV-O Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment Systems (Metropolitan Agencies)
V-A Transportation Funding (Transportation)
V -B Regional Transit System (Transportation)
v -C Metro Transit Property Tax (Transportation)
V-G Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.): Traffic Law Compliance (Transp.)
Other:
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (AMM)
145 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN 55103 I Phone: 651-215-4000 # Fax: 651-281-1299
Email: amm@amm145.org
... "11-
January 2001
DRAFT
LeQislative
POLICIES
Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
145 University Ave. W. . St. Paul, Minnesota 55103-2044
Phone: (651) 215-4000 . Fax: (651) 281-1299
E-mail: amm@amm 145.org
.o~.,,~_ ...~--- .---r----~-- ~~-~~-~-~.~."
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Table of Contents
Municipal Revenue & Taxation (I)
Levy Limits (I-A)
Local Government Aid (LGA) (I-B)
Homestead & Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) (I-C)
Tax Exempt Property (I-D)
Sales Tax on Local Government Purchases (I-E)
Development Access Fees (I-F)
Price of Government (I-G)
Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution (I-H)
Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility (I-I)
Revenue Diversification (I-J)
Class Rate Tax System (I-K)
Limited Market Value (I-L)
Smart Growth Incentives (I-M)
City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance (I-N)
Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA)
Under-Funding (1-0)
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
General Legislation (II)
Mandates & Local Authority (II-A)
Public Right-of-Way (II-B)
Witness Fee Costs (II-C)
7
7
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Table of Contents
911 Telephone Tax (II-D)
800 MHz Radio System (II-E)
Permit Approval: Zoning/Denial Findings (II-F)
Elections: Alley System Authority (II-G)
7
8
8
8
Housing & Economic Development (III)
Livable Communities Act (III-A)
State Housing Policy (III-B)
Federal Housing Policy (III-C)
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHF A)
Programs & Appropriation (III-D)
Tax & Public Finance Policy (III-E)
Affordable Housing Barriers (III-F)
Homelessness (III-G)
Family & Elderly Housing (III-H)
Community Housing Land Trusts (III-I)
Economic Development Responsibilities (III-I)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) (III-K)
Property Tax Reform Impact on TIF (III-L)
Development Tools (lII-M)
Workforce Development (lII-N)
Building Permit Fee Surcharge (III-O)
Group Homes (lII-P)
9
10
11
11
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
17
18
19
19
Metropolitan Agencies (IV)
Introduction: Metropolitan Governance Structure
21
22
Purpose of Metropolitan Governance (IV-A)
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2001 Legislative Policies
Table of Contents
Regionally Provided Services: Funding (IV-B) 22
Regional Systems (IV-C) 22
Coordination of Local & Regional Plans (IV-D) 23
Growth Management Strategy (IV-E) 24
Local Plan Implementation (IV-F) 24
Metropolitan Council Focus on Planning (IV-G) 25
Budget Process & Work Program Evaluation (IV-H) 25
Criteria for Extension of Metropolitan
Governance Authority (IV-I) 26
Restructuring of Metropolitan Agencies (IV-I) 26
Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (IV-K) 27
Parks & Open Space:
Operation & Maintenance Capital Funding (IV-L) 28
Surface & Groundwater Water Management (IV-M) 29
Water Supply (IV-N) 30
Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment System (IV-O) 30
Waste Stream Management (IV-P) 30
Transportation (V)
Transportation Funding (V-A)
Regional Transit System (V-B)
Metro Transit Property Tax (V-C)
Transportation Utility (V-D)
Highway Turnbacks & Funding (V-E)
33
33
34
34
34
'3C' Transportation Planning Process:
Elected Officials Role (V-F)
Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.):
Traffic Law Compliance (V-G)
35
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2001 Legislative Policies
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Airport Noise Mitigation (V-H) 35
Traffic Control Devices (MNjDOT Administrative) (V-I) 36
Committee Rosters (VI)
2000-01 Housing & Economic Development Committee 37
2000-01 Metropolitan Agencies Committee 38
2000-01 Municipal Revenue & Taxation Committee 39
2000-01 Transportation & General Government Committee 40
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2001 Legislative Policies
Municipal Revenue &
Taxation (I)
Levy Limits (I-A)
The AMM strongly opposes levy limits and urges the legislature
to not re-enact them for 2002 or beyond. The AMM also opposes
the imposition of artificial mechanisms such as valuation freezes,
payroll freezes, reverse referenda, super majority requirements for
levy, or other limitations to the local government budget and taxing
process.
Local Government Aid (LGA) (I-B)
Local Government Aid (LGA) returns a portion of statewide
resources to supplement local property taxes. The AMM 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.
Homestead & Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) (I-C)
The Homestead and Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA) equals about
one-third 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. If HACA continues to
be used to offset lower valued home tax increases as a result of
class rate compression, the legislature should provide an ongoing
HACA index to offset continued tax shifts after the initial year. The
AMM strongly opposes the conversion of city HACA to school aid.
Tax Exempt Property (I-D)
The AMM encourages the legislature to authorize cities to establish
a program of payments in lieu of taxes by tax exempt governmental
and non-governmental organizations, except constitutionally
2001 Legislative Policies
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Municipal Revenue & Taxation
exempt property (churches and schools) for the cost of services
such as police, fire and streets to their facilities.
Sales Ta~ on Local Government Purchases (I-E)
The legislature should reinstate the sales tax exemption for all local
government purchases without requiring a reduction in other aids.
Development Access Fees (I-F)
The AMM supports authorization for cities to impose Development
Access Fees for roads and stormwater control.
In order to fairly provide for major street and stormwater
improvements of primary benefit to a particular subdivision
development but not directly assessable and to allocate cost so that
new growth pays its fair share, the legislature should authorize
cities to establish at their option a road and/ or stormwater
development access charge to be collected at the time that
subdivisions are approved and/ or at the time building permits are
issued similar to park dedication fees.
Price of Government (I-G)
The price of government calculation in regard to local governments
should be based on (1) changes in the sum of the levy and state
aids, and (2) examination of long-term trends, not single year
events. In addition, consideration should be given to service
provision transfers between governmental units, increased demand
for services by citizens and legislative mandates or tax rate
changes.
Fiscal Disparity Fund Distribution (I-H)
The AMM opposes the use of fiscal disparities to fund social
or physical metropolitan programs since it results in a
metropolitan-wide property tax increase hidden from the public.
Personal Property Taxation: Electric Utility (I_I)
The AMM opposes proposals for exempting the Investor Owned
Utilities (IOUs) from the personal property tax. Under no
circumstances should local units of government and their taxpayers
be required to shoulder the burdens of tax relief for IOUs.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Municipal Revenue & Taxation
The personal property tax is a significant portion of the
metropolitan fiscal disparity pool and, if eliminated, would have a
metropolitan-wide property tax impact.
Revenue Diversification (I-J)
The AMM supports revenue diversification for cities to reduce
the reliance on local property taxes. Some examples include
authorization for local sales taxes, payments in lieu of taxes,
franchise fees, deed taxes to remain with city, development impact
fees, or the creation of a separate income/ sales tax fund that would
grow with the economy.
The AMM opposes legislated reduction or limitation on various
license fees, development fees, or other general fees which would
force increased property tax to pay for related services.
Class Rate Tax System (I-K)
The AMM opposes a change from the class rate tax system to a
market value system, which would cause tremendous shifts of tax
burden between classes of property, or applying future levy
increases to market value, since this would further complicate the
property tax system.
Limited Market Value (I-L)
The AMM 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 AMM believes that enhanced targeting for
special circumstances such as low-income persons better serves the
tax system.
2001 Legislative Policies
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Municipal Revenue & Taxation
Smart Growth Incentives (I-M)
The legislature should enact financial incentives for cities to
encourage smart growth and affordable housing in the form of a
state appropriation to offset capital and administrative costs. A
smart growth incentive should be a separate supplemental aid
program, not part of the current local government aid fund or
distribution formula.
City Revenue Stability & Fund Balance (I-N)
The legislature should not attempt to control or restrict city fund
balances. These funds are necessary to maintain 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.
Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Under-Funding (1-0)
Recent analysis has demonstrated that the PERA coordinated plan
has been using overly-optimistic actuarial assumptions for several
years. The plan is expected to need additional funding of more than
$100 million a year over the next 25 years to cover projected
pension benefits. If the additional funding comes exclusively from
employer and employee payroll contributions, the increased
contributions would be 30 percent higher than current levels.
Contribution rate increases may reduce employee's take-home pay,
strain local budgets and result in property tax increases.
City officials recognize that employer and employee contribution
rate increases are an important part of the funding solution. To
reduce the magnitude of the increases, the Legislative Commission
on Pensions should consider the following alternatives:
. Supply PERA with state aid funded through reduced
contributions to the Teachers' Retirement Association (TRA)
and the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). In 1984,
PERA and MSRS sufficiencies were similarly transferred to TRA
when it was under-funded.
. Implement pro-rated service credit. PERA is the only major
Minnesota pension plan that awards a full-year's service credit
to part-time employees.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Municipal Revenue & Taxation
. Exclude all seasonal employees from participation in PERA.
. Explore the possibility of former employees taking refunds by
offering a portion of employer contributions as part of the
refund.
. Reduce the guaranteed interest for deferred members. benefits.
. Increase the plan's vesting period from three to five years
prospectively.
. Increase the amortization period for the plan's unfunded
liability from 20 to 30 years.
. Restructure the POST fund in one or more of the following
ways:
1. Eliminate the post-retirement fund and combine the assets
and liabilities of retirees with the active fund.
2. Redirect some POST fund earnings to the active funds.
Currently, retirees are given all the benefits of high rates of
investment return, and are also guaranteed annual increases
even in years of poor investment performance.
3. Pay excess mortality costs (when pensioners live longer than
expected) out of the post-retirement fund rather than the
active pension funds.
4. Spread POST fund investment returns over a 10-year period
rather than a five-year period.
. Not approve any benefit changes which increase the ongoing
cost of the plan.
2001 Legislative Policies
5
General Legislation (II)
Mandates & Local Authority (II-A)
The AMM opposes statutory changes which erode local control and
authority or create mandated additional tasks requiring new or
added local costs without a corresponding state appropriation or
funding mechanism. New unfunded mandates cause increased
property taxes which impedes the ability to fund traditional service
needs.
Public Right-of-Way (II-B)
The AMM supports the continued effort of the League of
Minnesota Cities (LMC) to protect the authority of cities to
maintain jurisdiction over municipal public rights-of-way, to
establish relevant criteria and to obtain reasonable compensation
for its degradation and to retain franchise and fee collection
authority for gas, electric and cable services.
Witness Fee Costs (II-C)
Since one-third of fines for city-related prosecutions remain with
the county and adequately fund this cost, the AMM opposes
shifting witness' fees from counties to cities for these actions.
911 Telephone Tax (II-D)
The AMM supports the current distribution of the 911-access fee
and the limit of 30 cents per line per month to offset basic
'maintenance costs and enhanced upgrade. Any fee granted
legislatively in excess of 30 cents should be returned directly to the
municipality or public safety answering provider (PSAP) where
collected. Fee increases granted by the legislature should be a
specif.ic amount not a general authorization and only for a specific
purpose. Phase 2 Wireless enhanced 911 costs should be recovered
from a direct charge to cell phone users.
2001 Legislative Policies
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General Legislation
800 MHz Radio System (II-E)
The AMM supports the continuation of the Metropolitan 800 MHz
Radio System legislation and board, as long as cities are not forced
to modify their current systems or become part of the 800 MHz
Radio System until they so choose. The system should provide a
phased transition guaranteeing uninterrupted service and be
technically capable of allowing communities the flexibility to form
various coordinated arrangements for dispatching and service
provision. In that one of the prime advantages of this system is the
fact that local public safety agencies and other units of local
government throughout the region will be able to communicate
with each other, regional funding of the entire system should be
considered. Any such funding should take into account the
reasonable useful life of current systems.
Permit Approval: Zoning/Denial Findings (II-F)
The permit approval statute delineating time limit requirements
should be modified so that in the case of a rezoning or issues
requiring super-majority votes, a motion such as a motion to table
that extends action beyond the 60- or 120-day time requirement
constitutes a deniat not an approval in order to uphold the super
majority requirement of the zoning statute. Current law provides
automatic approval if no action is taken.
In addition, if an approval resolution fails for any permit request
the city should be allowed by statute to provide a denial resolution
with findings of fact at the next regular meeting or granted an
automatic time limit extension.
Elections: Alley System Authority (II-G)
The AMM supports permissive authority for statutory cities to
adopt an alley system for filing for city council seats.
8
2001 Legislative Policies
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Housing & Economic
Development (III)
Livable Communities Act (III-A)
The 1995 Legislature enacted the Livable Communities Act (LCA)
to stimulate housing and economic and community development
in the metropolitan area. The act permits cities to access about $11.0
million in funding for pollution clean-up, housing and
redevelopment. As a participant, a city must adopt affordable and
life cycle housing goals and a plan to achieve the goals.
Since its inception, the Metropolitan Council has been responsible
for program implementation, including the completion of an
annual progress report. The report for the 1996 calendar year
indicates progress toward achieving the stated goals but also raises
concern regarding the preservation of affordable housing,
particularly the demolition of housing units.
The AMM has maintained that the LCA should not be amended
until there are progress reports and experience with the LCA.
Based on the reports and experience of cities, the AMM
recommends:
. The LCA should be continued.
. The LCA should be amended to eliminate the requirement that
a city annually elect to be a participant in the act and require by
November 15 that a resolution to withdraw be approved.
. The state should appropriate funds for the LCA. The
appropriation should not replace the current funding sources
but should be in addition to them.
. The Metropolitan Council, in cooperation with the LCA
participants, should develop a benchmark to measure a city's
efforts to provide affordable housing. The benchmark should
9
200 1 Legislative Policies
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Housing & Economic Development
replace the Affordable Life Cycle Housing Opportunity
Amount (ALHOA).
· The LCA amount should be amended to permit a development
agency to apply for an LCA program provided the development
agency receives from the city council in which the project will
be located approval to submit the application and receive the
grant.
State Housing Policy (III-B)
The AMM recognizes and is encouraged by the efforts of the
legislature regarding the production and preservation of affordable
housing. Over the past several sessions the legislature has provided
the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHF A) with additional
funds to address housing issues. For example, the 1999 Legislature
significantly increased the MHF A's biennial appropriation for
housing production programs. The 2000 Legislature provided
funding for rental and owner-occupied housing production.
To continue the expansion of the state's economy, the governor and
legislature should recognize the importance of housing to economic
vitality and family stability and should adopt policies that preserve
existing housing, permit the production of safe affordable housing
and provide resources to produce and preserve housing. The AMM
recommends the following:
Land Use Standards and State Incentives
· Minnesota cities are responsible for and should retain the
authority to regulate the location, size and amount, and type of
housing within their boundaries. Minnesota cities, where the
county has capacity, should partner with the county to provide
affordable housing.
· The state, in an effort to encourage more affordable housing,
should authorize cities on a voluntary basis and provide
incentives for such concepts as density bonuses and mixes of
housing types and price ranges. The incentives can be, but not
be limited to, property tax class rates and sales tax exemptions
for construction materials.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Housing & Economic Development
. State funding provided for the incentives should not reduce
existing programs.
Federal Housing Policy (III-C)
While the state of Minnesota continues as a partner with local
government in addressing housing issues the federal government,
the traditional leader in housing policy development, has
decreased its involvement in the issue. The federal government's
lack of commitment has caused the other partners -- state and local
governments -- to increase their housing commitments. The state
and local efforts have made an impact but without a strong federal
presence, the state and local efforts will be limited. Therefore, the
AMM strongly encourages the federal government to be actively
engaged in housing policy and programming.
Historically, the federal government has provided funding for
housing production and rent subsidies. Over the last decade the
federal government has reduced its funding commitment and has
caused a shortage of affordable housing. Therefore, the AMM
recommends that the federal government increase its participation
and funding in housing.
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) Programs & Appropriations
(III-D)
The MHFA's current biennial budget totals $173.0 million. The
budget funds several programs that rehabilitate rental and owner-
occupied housing, produce new housing, prevent homelessness,
and finance the preservation of affordable federally subsidized
housing. The current budget consists of $121.0 million from the
state general fund and $52.1 million in federal funds. All of the
federal revenue is a "one time II appropriation as is $41.0 million
from the general fund.
Being aware of the vital role of housing in family stability and in
the economy, the legislature should:
. Approve a permanent appropriation that is equal to one percent
of the state IS biennial general fund budget.
. Maximize its investment in housing by primarily funding
programs that leverage investments from non-state sources.
2001 Legislative Policies
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Housing & Economic Development
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. Continue the housing preservation program for federally
subsidized housing that could be converted to market rate
housing.
Tax & Public Finance Policy (III-E)
State housing policies should include more than appropriations
and could encompass tax policies and regulatory reform. Over the
past several sessions the legislature has considered legislation to
reduce property tax on rental housing, exempt construction
materials and supplies used in the production or rehabilitation of
affordable housing from the sales tax, authorize additional tax
exempt bonding for housing, establish a low income housing tax
credit and reform housing regulatory practices. Many of the
proposals have not been adopted but should be considered as part
of a housing strategy. The legislature should:
. Provide a sales tax exemption for construction supplies and
materials used in the construction or substantial rehabilitation
of affordable housing.
. Exempt public agencies from paying the mortgage and deed tax
when developing or providing for affordable housing and
redevelopment.
. Establish incentives such as an aid or credit program that
encourages cities to approve multi-family housing including
affordable housing.
. Modify the tax exempt bond allocation process so that
additional bonding authority is made available for residential
rental housing.
. Continue the policy of not reducing a person's or household's
Minnesota Family Investment Program monthly grant if they
are residents of public or section 8 housing.
. Modify the property tax on residential rental property to
encourage rehabilitation and new production.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Housing & Economic Development
Affordable Housing Barriers (III-F)
During the past several years the area's housing market has
experienced a vacancy rate that is less than two percent. As a result
of the market it is difficult to find affordable housing. Primarily
private market forces affect the housing supply but public policies
also have a role on the supply and price of housing.
Being aware of the various factors impacting housing production,
the Metropolitan Council, the legislature and the Builders
Association of the Twin Cities (BA TC) are attempting to identify
barriers to affordable housing. Among the policies being examined
are taxes, state and local regulations and fees, land supply,
development procedures, and comprehensive planning
implementation.
The Metropolitan Council, through the Mayors' Housing Advisory
Task Force, is in the process of examining the role of local
government in housing production. The task force is reviewing
such issues as zoning, development regulations, fees and public
awareness. The task force report should be available in late 2000.
The Legislative Auditor is conducting a study that is focusing
primarily on the effect of state policies and practices on the cost and
supply of affordable housing. The study will also examine the
state's role in defining local powers. The auditor's report is due in
January 2001.
BATC has conducted several studies that have recommended that
the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) be expanded so that
more developable land be made available. BA TC is also working on
reports related to public development procedures and fees.
Most metropolitan area cities have adopted housing goals
associated with participation in the Livable Communities Act
(LCA). Since the inception of the LCA, many cities have approved
and in most cases are participating in the development of
affordable housing. The ability to remove barriers should assist
cities in the production of affordable housing. The AMM supports
efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing and will
develop specific legislative proposals as the studies are completed
and reviewed.
2001 Legislative Policies
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Housing & Economic Development
Homelessness (III-G)
Programs to assist the homeless are generally funded by a variety
of public and non-profit sources. Many of the programs such as the
Stuart McKinney Homeless Prevention Act require operating
agencies to develop a community-based planning process to
identify needs of the homeless and adopt programs-continuum of
care-to meet these needs. Continuum of care includes services and
housing types (shelters, transitional and permanent).
In the metropolitan area, counties in collaboration with other local
governments and service providers have developed continuum of
care plans that have the goal of moving the homeless to needed
services or permanent housing. However, a recent study completed
by Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis regarding
homelessness in the county found that homeless adults can not find
permanent affordable housing. They also found that there is a need
for more coordination among the numerous metropolitan agencies
involved in homeless assistance. The report notes that in several
regions of the state counties coordinate their continuum of care
plans. Therefore, it is recommended that:
· The supply of permanent assisted housing, particularly single
room occupancy, be increased.
· Metropolitan counties should work together to initiate a
coordinated planning process.
Family & Elderly Housing (III-H)
Demographic trends indicate that Minnesota's population is aging.
For example, the Metropolitan Council projects that the region's
population age 65 and older will nearly double from the year 2000
to 2020. Since most of the population owns single family housing
and they will be smaller households there could be a demand for
smaller housing units. The elderly population will also be older
than their predecessors.
In the metropolitan area, the Metropolitan Council reports that the
number of persons age 75 and over will increase from
approximately 110,000 in the year 2000 to 180,000 in 2020. Being
aware of the trends, the legislature should:
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2001 Legislative Policies
Housing & Economic Development
. Provide additional resources to serve the low income elderly.
Resources should include housing as well as related services.
. Direct state agencies to provide information and technical
assistance to local governments regarding the population
changes and their impacts on public services.
. Develop policies that encourage the development of housing for
the elderly that is affordable and provides an attractive
alternative to current housing and preserves the current
housing.
Community Housing Land Trusts (III-I)
An affordable housing land trust is a non-profit corporation that is
used to create an expanding and perpetually affordable supply of
owner-occupied housing. The land trust attempts to maximize the
cost-effectiveness of the public investment.
Land trusts are operative in Minnesota and 22 other states.
Currently there are at least two land trusts in Minnesota-Rondo
Community Land Trust in St. Paul and Northern Communities
Land Trust in Duluth. Land trusts are being considered in
Washington County and in suburban Hennepin County.
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHF A) was authorized
to assist in the funding of land trusts. The one-time funding
permitted land trusts to provide gap financing, interest rate
subsidies, pre development financing and financial underwriting
costs. To assist the land trusts, it is recommended that:
. A land trust capacity building program be authorized by the
2001 Legislature. The land trusts would be authorized to
provide such services as gap financing, interest rate subsidies,
predevelopment financing and underwriting. The program
should be administered by the MHF A and be appropriated at
least $500,000.
Economic Development Responsibilities (III-J)
The state should continue to recognize cities as the primary unit of
government responsible for implementing economic development
policies and land use controls. New or amended economic
2001 Legislative Policies
15
.......-...--...----...--,r----....----. ..
Housing & Economic Development
development programs designed to address specific economic
circumstances within cities or counties should use problem
definition as the criteria rather than geographic location, city size or
similar criteria.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) (III-K)
The Minnesota Legislature during the previous session made
several changes to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Act. Among
them were amendments relating to pooling, the use of increment
for public facilities and the impact of property tax changes on TIF.
Being aware of the amendments and the need to redevelop, the TIF
law should be amended to:
Local Effort
· Eliminate the LGA/HACA penalty or allow an exception from
levy limits. If the penalty is not eliminated, the restrictions on
the source of payment should be removed.
· Authorize the use of federal grants and other local funds for
local contributions.
TIF Use
· Exempt redevelopment districts from the five-year rule.
· Reaffirm that cities alone should be authorized to approve city
initiated tax increment districts and that counties and school
districts should continue to have the ability to review and
comment on TIP.
· Permit all cities to establish housing replacement (scattered site)
districts and allow TIF to be used for historic preservation.
Housing
· Modify the housing district income qualification requirements
to allow the levels to vary according to individual regions of the
state or counties.
· Remove the LGA/HACA penalty imposed on housing districts
established between 1990 and 1993.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Housing & Economic Development
Reporting
. Clarify that the Office of State Auditor (OSA) must give cities 60
days to respond to a violation of the TIP law prior to sending a
notice of the violation to the county attorney. The notice to the
city must also state that at the end of the 60-day period any
resolved issues will be sent to the county attorney for possible
action.
. Authorize the OSA to conduct a compliance review of a tax
increment district within 12 months of the date the district is
decertified or the increment is completely expended, whichever
is later. The State Auditor, upon completion of the review and
resolution of outstanding issues, must issue a certification that
the district is complete and not subject to further actions by the
office.
. Clarify that an error of a non-substantive manner is not a
violation of the law and therefore the city should not be
formally cited for a violation of the reporting provisions of the
TIP Act.
. Require that the OSA provide reporting entities with a checklist
of specific items that will be part of a compliance or final review
of a district.
Property Tax Reform Impact on TIF (III-L)
It is anticipated that during the 2001 Session, the reform of the
property tax system could continue. As part of the "Big Plan" the
Office of the Governor is proposing a restructuring of the property
tax system through changes in the way education is funded. It is
possible that there will be additional proposals that could impact
the tax levy or the class rates and the changes could impact TIP.
Therefore, it is recommended:
. That the TIP grant program be continued and the appropriation
be sufficient to meet the impacts of tax reform.
Development Tools (III-M)
Over the past several sessions, the legislature has provided cities
with development tools to redevelop property, clean up polluted
2001 Legislative Policies
17
.".....~._.___._....n_.._.'._, ,"", ...._....._..._..._.__,___.__.~__,_______._____'"__..._._.,-<o ._No', .~..~._.~,., ,'.. ...' __ '__"'_~'_ . ,__,_ ,~..>_.~,.__._ M_....._...,_">.._..__~_.~_.,,..__~
.... '.._-'.'-_._~......._--,r----~'_._._"--_._'" .-.-.-...
Housing & Economic Development
sites and encourage business retention and expansion. The tools
include, but are not limited to, TIF, tax expenditures and loans and
grants. Many of the state tools have supplemented local efforts. To
continue this state local relationship, the legislature should:
. Continue the Minnesota Investment Fund.
· Support increased funding for the pollution clean-up program
administered by the Minnesota Department of Trade and
Economic Development (DTED).
· Require condemnation commissioners to consider the cost of
correcting pollution problems in determining the final value of
property .
. Establish an indemnification fund to provide financial security
for institutions and individuals as they invest in developing and
clean-up of polluted sites.
· Eliminate the requirement to match a portion of the clean-up
grant program with local general funds.
· Make permanent the Redevelopment Fund established in 1998.
Workforce Development (III-N)
Minnesota cities have been responsible for development and
redevelopment activities. Using such tools as federal and state
grants, TIF and revenue bonds, cities have stimulated the
commercial and industrial property development that has
permitted companies to grow and increase employment
opportunities. To continue to be competitive, however, companies
are continually training its workforce in the use of new tools,
systems and technologies.
Business and government are concerned about the state's
workforce. The governor's office has prepared a work force
development framework that is intended to make Minnesota a
world competitor in the 21st Century. The framework has the goal
of keeping Minnesota's businesses competitive by supporting a
flexible, skilled workforce and supporting efforts to increase
personal income. To achieve these goals, the governor's office is
recommending strategies that would eliminate obsolete and
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2001 Legislative Policies
Housing & Economic Development
redundant programs and identify and promote well-paying jobs
and skills of the future.
The framework also recommends that there be collaboration among
agencies and that available resources for workforce development
are adequate and strategically focused. Being aware that cities are
responsible for redevelopment and economic development and that
workforce is a major component of the development it is
recommended that:
. Workforce legislation authorize cities to be involved in
workforce planning and programming.
. Appropriate a portion of the workforce funding for programs
administered by cities to train and or re-train employees of
companies participating in local government redevelopment or
development activities.
Building Permit Fee Surcharge (111-0)
Local governments collect a half-percent surcharge on building
permits. The proceeds of the surcharge are paid to the state and are
used to support the State Building Codes and Standards Division.
Prior to 1991, any excess proceeds were remitted on a pro-rated
basis to the local governments. To help with the development of
affordable housing it is recommended that:
. The proceeds from the building permit surcharge fee be paid to
the MHF A for the support of affordable housing and that the
building codes and standards division be funded from the state
general fund.
Group Homes (III-P)
. State and county agencies must provide timely notification to
cities of facility license requests and renewals and provide
adequate opportunity to respond. Cities must also be aware of
the special care needed by residents of such facilities in case of
public safety emergencies.
. Clustering of community residential facilities because of
economic, geographic or other factors should be avoided.
2001 Legislative Policies
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.~ ~-~. ~.. ~..-,r----.~~'.~-_._--'
Housing & Economic Development
Standards of non-concentration for state or county-issued
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) should be established.
. There must be an ongoing screening process, particularly in the
correction area, to insure that persons placed in a residential
facility will benefit from such an environment and will not be a
danger to themselves or others. The licensing authority must be
responsible for removing any person found incapable of living
peacefully in such an environment.
. Facilities licensed by the corrections department should not be
exempt from reasonable local land use regulations.
. A fair share concept should be considered within the
metropolitan area. However, this concept should consider other
factors including transportation facilities, job availability and
other needed support services.
. The licensing authority and/ or legislature should allow cities to
participate in the search for facility locations in order to meet
needs of the providers, facility residents and the neighborhood.
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2001 Legislative Policies
~
Metropolitan Agencies (IV)
Introduction: Metropolitan Governance Structure
The Metropolitan Council was established in 1967 to coordinate
/I the planning and development" of the seven county metropolitan
area. To fulfill its responsibilities, the Metropolitan Council has
worked with local governments to establish policies regarding
growth and development in the region. Over the years, the
Metropolitan Council has been authorized by the legislature to be
involved in the development of regional parks and the operation of
regional services.
In the following years the Metropolitan Council was mostly
advisory, but was given responsibility for regional policy
development and coordination in the areas of wastewater
treatment, transportation and airports. The Metropolitan Council
was given limited approval authority for development proposals,
which were of metropolitan (regional) significance but was not
given direct operational authority.
The Metropolitan Council's responsibilities have been expanded
over the years. The Metropolitan Council was given direct
operational responsibility for regional transit and wastewater
treatment in 1994. In the following year, the legislature directed the
Metropolitan Council to implement the Livable Communities Act
(LCA). The Metropolitan Council's role with the LCA is to
negotiate affordable and life cycle housing goals for cities and
provide grant funds for the clean-up of polluted lands and
demonstration projects that foster a mix of land uses and housing
types. The Metropolitan Council's role has evolved since its
inception to long-range planning and the operation of regional
services.
2001 Legislative Policies
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Metropolitan Agencies
Purpose of Metropolitan Governance (IV-A)
The AMM affirms its support for the existence of a metropolitan
governance system to deal with appropriate regional issues and
concerns. The purpose of the metropolitan governance system
should be:
. To facilitate region-wide planning with the cooperation and
consideration of the affected local units.
. To provide certain region-wide services that do not duplicate
those that can be provided by local governmental units, either
individually or jointly.
. To fulfill other specific responsibilities mandated by the state
and federal governments.
Regionally Provided Services: Funding (IV-B)
The Metropolitan Council should continue to fund its regional
services and activities through the existing combination of user
fees, property taxes, and state and federal grants. The current
revenue system provides better visibility to the customers.
The Metropolitan Council should be responsible for determining
user fees. The fees should be consistent with regional system plans
and goals assure that the service quality can be of high quality as
measured by industry or public policy standards and be
established by an open, visible procedure including, but not limited
to, public notice and hearings.
A clear linkage between revenue and service should be maintained.
Fee proceeds from one service should not be used to fund another
regional service.
Regional Systems (IV-C)
The regional investment in metropolitan systems must be
maintained and preserved by preventing adverse impact because of
the lack of integration and coordination between regional and local
planning.
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200 1 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Agencies
Regional system designation should only be approved if there is a
compelling metropolitan problem or concern that can best be
addressed through the designation. Prior to requesting legislative
approval for a system, the Metropolitan Council must discuss the
proposal with the region.
Coordination of Local & Regional Plans (IV-D)
The regional planning process must, on a continual basis, have the
input of local government officials. To ensure input, the
Metropolitan Council should hold hearings and provide public
notice and copies of proposals regarding amendments to the
Metropolitan Development Guide.
Metropolitan system plans must be specific in terms of locations,
capacities and timing to allow for consideration in local
comprehensive planning. System plans should clearly state the
criteria by which the local plans will be judged for consistency. The
system plans should also clearly state the criteria that will be used
to find that a local plan has a substantial impact on or contains a
substantial departure from the metropolitan system plans.
The Metropolitan Council should continue to offer assistance to
cities. The assistance should include but not be limited to staff
support, research, policy guidelines, system statements and
procedures for the review and evaluation of plans and
amendments.
The Metropolitan Council, in its review of local plan amendments,
must have a procedure that will:
. Recognize that the Metropolitan Council's role is to review and
comment, unless there is a substantial impact on or departure
from the system plans.
. Establish an open dialogue between cities and the Metropolitan
Council, including public meetings and public hearings.
. Be aware of the statutory time constraints imposed by the
legislature on plan amendments and development applications.
2001 Legislative Policies
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~ -. . -,r---"-- -
Metropolitan Agencies
. Provide for immediate effectuation of plan amendments, which
have no potential for substantial impact on systems plans.
. Require the information needed for the Metropolitan Council to
complete its review, but not prescribe additional content or
format beyond that is required by the Metropolitan Land
Planning Act (MLP A).
Growth Management Strategy (IV-E)
The Metropolitan Council should continue its flexible guided
growth policy regarding Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA)
expansion requests as outlined in the Regional Blueprint.
The Metropolitan Council in cooperation with State Planning and
the counties adjacent to the region should develop growth
management strategies for the collar counties. The strategies should
focus on policies that can be implemented by local governments
within the adjacent counties and state agencies rather than
extending the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council to additional
counties. All strategies should complement and recognize growth
policies being implemented within the region.
. If regional services are to be extended to the collar counties, the
services should only be extended if there is a specific problem
(environment or transportation) that can be best resolved by
extending the service. The area receiving the services must pay
for the service extension and agree to growth management
strategies consistent with those of the metropolitan area.
. In developing and providing incentives for implementing its
regional objectives, the Metropolitan Council should consider
and give credit for a city's experience in implementing its
comprehensive plan and the Metropolitan Council's Regional
Blueprint.
Local Plan Implementation (IV-F)
Local governments are responsible for zoning. These zoning
decisions should not be conditioned upon approvals by the
Metropolitan Council or other governmental agency. The AMM is
open to the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures prior to
judicial remedies.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Agencies
Alternative dispute resolution could reduce costs and time for all
parties involved in the dispute. The AMM strongly opposes the
creation of an appeals board that could supersede city planning or
zoning decisions.
Metropolitan Council Focus on Planning (IV-G)
Long-range planning should continue to be the primary function of
the Metropolitan Council. In conducting long-range planning, the
Metropolitan Council should periodically update and revise the
vision for the region. As part of its long-range planning, the
Metropolitan Council should include analysis of trends, plans,
policies and programs that could impact or link the regional
growth centers in Greater Minnesota to the metropolitan area.
In addition to its long-range planning function, the Metropolitan
Council should maintain and expand its technical and research
services to cities. The services should assist cities in completing its
planning mandates but also in conducting special studies and
projects.
For cities to meet their planning mandates, the Metropolitan
Council must ensure that its planning, data collection and
dissemination functions are fulfilled in a timely manner and are
consistent with its statutory obligations.
Budget Process & Work Program Evaluation (IV-H)
The Metropolitan Council's annual budget should present revenue
and expenditure budgets by the services provided. Mandated and
non-discretionary projects should be identified along with their
funding sources. Previous year's history should also be provided.
The annual budget should maintain linkages between expenses and
revenues. In addition, the funds or reserve funds raised for a
particular service should not be used or commingled with the
funds raised for any other service or activity.
The Metropolitan Council's work program should meet four tests:
. The issue or problem identified is important to the region's
well-being.
2001 Legislative Policies
25
Metropolitan Agencies
. Metropolitan Council intervention or activity will produce a
positive result.
. The Metropolitan Council's action does not duplicate or serve as
a substitute for a state level program or effort or what should be
a state level activity.
. The Metropolitan Council is the most appropriate agency to
intervene or perform the activity.
Criteria for Extension of Metropolitan Governance Authority (IV-I)
The legislature, if granting the metropolitan governance structure
additional responsibility or authority, should be specific in the.
grant. New or expanded authority should be considered only when
one or more of the following 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.
. The service, function or activity is not an appropriate state level
or local government level activity or function.
· Regional intervention is needed for protection of the region's
investment in an existing metropolitan system.
Restructuring of Metropolitan Agencies (IV-J)
The Sports Facilities Commission and the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC) are currently metropolitan commissions. The
legislature should make the sports facility commission a local
commission if the back-up tax is limited to one city or is expanded
to additional cities. If the tax is extended to other cities, the
commission should be restructured to have membership from those
cities.
The legislature should clarify the status of the MAC so that it
becomes either a metropolitan or state directed agency. The
determining factor in the agency decision is the nature of the
commission's back-up tax. If the tax will be a metropolitan area tax,
its membership should come from the metropolitan area. If the
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2001 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Agencies
back-up tax is statewide, then the MAC should have statewide
representation.
In selecting membership on the MAC board, the governor should
give primary consideration for representation from communities
impacted by the operations of the MAC airports.
Metropolitan Council: Method to Select Members (IV-K)
The legislature has debated proposals to amend the process to
select Metropolitan Council members. Proposals to elect the
members directly or to elect county commissioners as Metropolitan
Council members have been discussed but not enacted into law.
The AMM has studied the governance issue and has released a
separate "Metropolitan Governance Report" (October 1998).
The report notes that there is no regional crisis that requires a
governance change, but did recommend that Metropolitan Council
members serve fixed, staggered terms. The AMM further
recommends that no changes be made to the Metropolitan Council
unless a governance proposal meets a set of criteria.
The intent of the criteria is to fashion a regional governance
structure that has a distinct mission, but does not establish a
political subdivision with local government powers or one that is a
state agency. The Metropolitan Council should have a distinct
mission of long-range planning and operation of legislatively-
authorized regional services. The criteria include:
Terms of Office
Members should serve fixed, staggered terms.
Metropolitan Council Powers
The Metropolitan Council should continue to be a long-range,
planning agency and potentially an operator or oversight agency
for regional services. As such, the Metropolitan Council must
maintain planning, coordinating and local assistance as a high
priority.
2001 Legislative Policies
27
- ---.---r--- -------.---.---.-----.-
Metropolitan Agencies
Additional Powers
New powers must not expand or override city responsibilities,
especially land use regulation authority. The Metropolitan Council
must not become an agency with general local government powers.
State Role
The legislature should focus on broad oversight of the Metropolitan
Council's mission and services.
Local Government
Local elected officials must be involved in the selection process of
Metropolitan Council members and there must be a mechanism to
facilitate meaningful dialogue and input between the Metropolitan
Council and cities.
Collar Counties
The metropolitan region clearly includes the seven designated
counties and the adjacent eleven Minnesota counties, as well as
three Wisconsin counties. The needs of the entire metropolitan
region beyond the current seven county region must be addressed.
Metropolitan Council Members
The selection process must strive to appoint Metropolitan Council
members who have an understanding of and will be responsive to
the district represented, as well as be responsive to the best
interests of the region. The selection process should limit the
potential influence and support (including financial) of special
interests.
Parks & Open Space: Operation & Maintenance Capital Funding (IV-L)
The governor and the legislature should continue to appropriate
funding for the operation and maintenance of regional parks. The
level of funding should be equal to the statutory goal of 40 percent
of the total budget. Regional parks essentially serve the role of state
parks in the metropolitan area and the acquisition, development
and improvement of the parks should continue to be funded, in
part, with state resources.
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200 1 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Agencies
Surface & Groundwater Water Management (IV-M)
If legislation is considered for surface water management, it should
be based on the following principles:
. The legislature should provide full funding if it mandates
additional water management planning or implementing
activities by local units of government.
. Local units of government should continue to be responsible for
the organization and operation of surface and groundwater
management, since they are the closest to the problem.
Therefore, legislation enacted in 1999 limiting representation on
boards of Water Management Organizations (WMOs) should be
repealed.
. New state requirements should not add to local costs and
duplicate reviews/ approvals should be reduced or eliminated.
The AMM would support the following initiatives/ action:
. A state grant program similar to those currently administered
by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BOWSR) should be
established to assist WMOs in the metropolitan area to
implement their plans.
. The legislature should clarify that the joint power WMOs can,
with the approval of its participating governments, separately
levy a tax for its programs.
. A thorough assessment of the BOWSR structure and authorities
to ascertain if it should continue to be the approval and
oversight agency for surface water management planning and
activities in the metropolitan area.
. A thorough assessment of the metropolitan area surface water
management planning and permitting process with the
objective of developing improvements in conflict resolution,
better coordination between state and local agencies, and
streamlining the project permit approvals process.
. Compliance by local units of government located outside of the
metropolitan area with the same standards and requirements
2001 Legislative Policies
29
Metropolitan Agencies
for surface water management as those imposed on local units
within the metropolitan area.
· A technical evaluation of the impact of 2:1 wetland replacement
in the urbanized area on the goal of greater urban densities as
stated in the Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint.
Water Supply (IV-N)
Additional legislation pertaining to local or regional water supply
planning is not warranted. If legislation, however, is proposed it
should be based on the following principles:
. Local units should retain the basic responsibility for water
supply planning and management as in current law.
. The state should fund additional mandates.
· Potable water should not be designated a regional system.
Regional Wastewater (Sewer) Treatment System (IV-O)
The regional wastewater treatment system has improved the water
quality of the region's major river and lakes. The system should not
be permitted to break up or to diminish its effectiveness. Since all
users benefit equally, the regional user rates should be uniform by
type of user.
Waste Stream Management (IV-P)
The legislature should enact legislation which will:
· Establish goals to reduce, recycle and reuse packaging materials
and establish fees, taxes or deposits to encourage
accomplishment of the goals. The revenues would be waived
when the goals are met. Available revenues would be used to
promote or enhance local programs to achieve the goals.
· Continue the Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA) as an
agency that primarily assists local governments to manage
waste effectively.
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2001 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Agencies
. Continue the role of cities in waste stream management unless a
state or metropolitan system is established to achieve the same
goal.
. Distribute all proceeds from any funding system for solid waste
management activities and require distribution of funds to all
entities involved in the system.
. Provide that host communities for solid waste facilities will not
have a financial liability for costs associated with operating and
monitoring the facility. Such costs should be borne by the
operator and in the absence of regulations should be assumed
by the state.
. Maintain, at a minimum, the current compensation level
permitted through surcharge fees and increase the level as well
as making the compensation available to all types of solid waste
facilities.
. Define municipal solid waste not to be a hazardous substance.
The definition would enhance the ability of local governments.
2001 Legislative Policies
31
-. ..r'..
Transportation (V)
Transportation Funding (V-A)
The AMM strongly supports increased funding for transit and
highways, both of which are a critical need in the metropolitan
area. In addition, funding for mass transit including transit ways,
light rail or heavy rail in existing corridors should be dedicated in a
manner consistent with current highway funding. Funds allocated
to the metropolitan area should be flexible so that the most efficient
and cost effective transportation solution may be chosen and the
main metropolitan problem (congestion relief) can be addressed.
The AMM supports a constitutional amendment dedicating the
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax and/ or other revenue source to a new
Surface Transportation Multimodal fund from which an
appropriate amount is allocated to the Highway User Tax
Distribution fund to replace the auto license tab fee reduction of
2000, and the remaining amount to be used for transit and/ or
highway needs as priority dictates. The AMM will support a
general gas tax increase only if accompanied by this constitutional
amendment provision.
Regional Transit System (V-B)
To provide travel choices to reduce congestion and automobile
dependency the Regional Transit System should be a combination
of integrated traffic management systems which include use of
HOV lanes, express buses, exclusive transit ways, light rail transit,
and commuter rail corridors built to connect residents to job, retail
and commercial centers, plus a variety of other transit modes,
including taxi, bus, pedestrian and bicycle.
The AMM supports an increase in Metropolitan Transit Funding at
a minimum to support the current system but preferably at a level
2001 Legislative Policies
33
.-r-...
Transportation
to increase metro transit capability to equal growth and provide
much needed congestion relief.
Park-and-ride facilities for mass transit modes adequate to connect
the regional centers, major trip generators and communities, both
urban and suburban, should have integrated feeder systems to
accommodate local buses, automobiles, van pools, bicycles, as well
as walking facilities.
The Metropolitan Council should work with local units of
government to encourage appropriate land use controls along
designated transit corridors to promote transit ridership.
Metro Transit Property Tax (V-C)
The property tax for Metro Transit is approaching $100 million
annually and provides nearly 40 percent of the metro area transit
revenues, which is the highest in the U.S. The AMM supports
transit property tax relief through the use of alternative revenue
sources such as a dedicated portion of metro area sales tax. Shifting
the property tax levy amount to a state appropriation is
unacceptable since over two-thirds of the total transit operations
budget would then be subjected to the uncertainties of the state
appropriation process. The AMM also opposes using city HAC A or
LGA to offset the transit levy since this is merely substituting one
property tax levy for another. Whatever alternative revenue source
is used should provide for significant growth, which currently is
about 7.8 percent, and maintain current optout transit funding at
comparable levels.
Transportation Utility (V-D)
The AMM requests the legislature to authorize cities to establish a
transportation utility for street maintenance and reconstruction of
aging infrastructure, similar to the existing storm water utility, so
that costs of improved facilities can be more fairly charged to the
users rather than the general population as a whole.
Highway Turnbacks & Funding (V-E)
The AMM supports jurisdictional reassignment or turnback of
roads on a phased basis using functional classification and other
appropriate criteria subject to a corresponding mechanism for
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2001 Legislative Policies
Transportation
adequate funding of roadway improvements and continuing
maintenance.
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.
'3C' Transportation Planning Process: Elected Officials Role (V-F)
The AMM supports continuation of the Transportation Advisory
Board (TAB), a majority of local elected officials membership on the
TAB itself and the TAB process, which was developed to meet
federal requirements for designation of the Metropolitan Council as
the Metropolitan Planning Organization that is responsible for the
continuous, comprehensive and cooperative (3C) transportation
planning process to allocate federal funds among metropolitan area
projects. This process requirement was reinforced by the 1991
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) and the
1998 Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA21).
Motion Imaging Recording System (M.I.R.S.): Traffic Law Compliance (V-G)
The AMM requests legislative action authorizing utilization of
motion imaging recording system technology for governmental
units, including cities, on streets and highways to assist promotion
of safety and traffic law compliance enforcement. The technology
has been proven and is currently used for law enforcement by
numerous states, municipalities and other countries. The state
should at least implement a pilot project on municipal streets in the
metropolitan area.
Airport Noise Mitigation (V-H)
Equitable noise mitigation programs needs to be developed to
address the increased traffic and noise due to the expansion of the
MSP International Airport. In 1996, the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC) was charged with developing a mitigation
package for legislative consideration in 1997. Also, in 1999, the
Governor's Community Stability Funding Task Force was created
to identify and recommend funding sources for implementation of
noise mitigation measures. Significant funding for noise mitigation
still has not been identified or appropriated. The AMM believes
2001 Legislative Policies
35
..r.
Transportation
costs associated with all types of noise mitigation should be borne
by the airport (MAC) and the state. The airport is considered a
statewide facility and provides tremendous economic benefit to the
region -- a benefit that does not come without responsibility to the
citizens adversely impacted. The MAC and state should seek long-
term solutions and provide stable and significant funding to
mitigate noise impacts. Funding may include, but is not limited to,
those funds recommended by the 1999-2000 Governor's
Community Stability Funding Task Force.
By 2003, the year the new North/South runway will be operational,
the Environmental Quality Board should establish guidelines for
airport noise (including low frequency) in consultation with the
MAC, Metropolitan Council, MSP Noise Mitigation Committee and
affected cities. Noise mitigation programs should be implemented
as soon as possible to the 60 DNL -- as enacted by the legislature in
1996.
In addition to the MSP International Airport, impacts, including
environmental and low frequency noise, must be identified at all
MAC airports and applicable mitigation measures implemented by
MAC.
Traffic Control Devices (MN/DOT Administrative) (V-I)
The AMM understands the need for the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices. The AMM also recognizes that unique situations
within municipalities occasionally may not be adequately
addressed by the standards in the manual. Therefore, the AMM
encourages the Department of Transportation to more strongly take
into consideration unique local conditions and circumstances when
examining local requests for traffic control devices. In addition, the
AMM would support the establishment of a peer appeals review
board to review, when requested by a local municipality, specific
situations when the quantitative warrant criteria in the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices are not met.
36
2001 Legislative Policies
'it
Committee Rosters (VI)
Housing & Economic Development
Craig Waldron (Chair), Administrator, Oakdale
Janis Callison, Councilmember, Minnetonka
Dave Callister, Clerk-Administrator, Osseo
Mike Campbell, IGR Director, St. Paul
Sharon Cassen, Councilmember, New Hope
Dan Donahue, Manager, New Hope
Matt Fulton, Manager, New Brighton
Tom Goodwin, Councilmember, Apple Valley
Patrick Harris, Councilmember, St. Paul
Regina Harris, HRA Director, Bloomington
Vivian Hart, Councilmember, West St. Paul
Andrea Hart Kajer, IGR Director, Minneapolis
Brian Herron, Councilmember, Minneapolis
Jan LeSuer, Councilmember, Golden Valley
Lonni McCauley, Mayor, Coon Rapids
Peter Meintsma, Mayor, Crystal
Joan Molenaar, Councilmember, Champlin
Ron Rankin, Community Development Director, Minnetonka
Char Samuelson, Councilmember, New Brighton
Mark Sather, Manager, White Bear Lake
Marlaine Szurek, Councilmember, Columbia Heights
2001 Legislative Policies
37
.~. -r..
Committee Rosters
Jerry Turnquist, Councilmember, Oak Park Heights
Liz Workman, Councilmember, Burnsville
~
Metropolitan Agencies
Mary Anderson (Co-Chair), Mayor, Golden Valley
Sandra Krebsbach (Co-Chair), Councilmember, Mendota Heights
Larry Bakken, Councilmember, Golden Valley
Bill Barnhart, Government Relations Representative, Minneapolis
Cathy Busho, Mayor, Rosemount
Mike Campbell, IGR Director, St. Paul
Joan Campbell, Councilmember, Minneapolis
Matt Fulton, Manager, New Brighton
David Grant, Councilmember, Arden Hills
Ken Hartung, Administrator, Bayport
Marvin Johnson, Mayor, Independence
Jane Kansier, Planning Coordinator, Prior Lake
Barrett Lane, Councilmember, Minneapolis
Larry Lee, Director of Community Development, Bloomington
Tom Link, Director of Development & Proto Serv., Inver Grove Heights
Lynn Moratzka, Councilmember, Hastings
Mark Nagel, Manager, Anoka
Dave Schaaf, Mayor, Oak Park Heights
Terry Schneider, Councilmember, Minnetonka
Charlotte Shover, Councilmember, Burnsville
Russ Susag, Councilmember, Richfield
Mike Ulrich, Acting Administrator, Mounds View
Donn Wiski, Councilmember, Roseville
38
2001 Legislative Policies
Committee Rosters
Municipal Reve~ue ~atiorf'--
~Yles (Chair), Manager, Prior Lake
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~ '---K-aN innetonka
Larry Bakken, Councilmember, Golden Valley
Curt Boganey, Manager, Brooklyn Park
Scott Botcher, Manager, Chanhassen
Edward Burrell, Treasurer & Finance Director, Roseville
Thomas Burt, Administrator, Rosemount
Dave Callister, Clerk-Administrator, Osseo
Don Collier, Councilmember, New Hope
Tom Cran, Budget Analysis, St. Paul
Steve Devich, Assistant Manager, Richfield
Pat Harris, Councilmember, St. Paul
Ken Hartung, Administrator, Bayport
Terri Heaton, Chief Financial Officer, Bloomington
James Keinath, Administrator, Circle Pines
Jim Knutson, Finance Director, Anoka
Tom Lawell, Administrator, Apple Valley
Joe Lynch, Administrator, Arden Hills
Michael Madigan, Councilmember, Woodbury
Peter Meintsma, Mayor, Crystal
Tom Melena, Administrator, Oak Park Heights
John Moir, Finance Officer, Minneapolis
Mike Mornson, Manager, St. Anthony
Jim Norman, Administrator, Ramsey
Steve O'Malley, Deputy City Manager, Burnsville
Ryan Schroeder, Administrator, Cottage Grove
2001 Legislative Policies
39
"..~"...'"-r.'"
Committee Rosters
~ James Smith, Councilmember, Independence
Jerry Splinter, Manager, Coon Rapids
Deb Sturdevant, Councilmember, Champlin
Kathy Thurber, Councilmember, Minneapolis
John Wallin, Finance Director, Edina
Jim Willis, Administrator, Inver Grove Heights
Transportation & General Government
Veid Muiznieks (Chair), Councihnember, St. Paul Park
Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmember, Arden Hills
Bob Bruton, Counci1member, North St. Paul
Charlie Crichton, Councilmember, Burnsville
Pam Dmytrenko, Assistant to City Manager, Richfield
Dan Donahue, Manager, New Hope
Sharon Feess, Councilmember, Brooklyn Park
Mary Hamann-Roland, Mayor, Apple Valley
William Hargis, Mayor, Woodbury
Jon Hohenstein, Administrator, Mahtomedi
Wayne Houle, Assistant Engineer, Edina
Barbara Johnson, Councilmember, Minneapolis
Mike Klassen, St. Paul
Steve Larson, Councilmember, New Brighton
Charles Lenthe, Director of Public Works, Blaine
Sandra Masin, Councilmember, Eagan
Mark McNeill, Administrator, Shakopee
Dore Mead, Counci1member, Minneapolis
Ed Nelson, Counci1member, Brooklyn CenteroJerry Newton, Councilmember, Coon Rapids
40
2001 Legislative Policies
Samantha Orduno, Administrator, Richfield
Dave Schaaf, Mayor, Oak Park Heights
James Smith, Councilmember, Independence
Julie Wasiluk, Councilmember, Maplewood
John Weaver, Councilmember, Anoka
Dorm Wiski, Councilmember, Roseville
Heather Worthington, Administrator, Falcon Heights
Duan Zaun, Mayor, Lakeville
Committee Rosters
2001 Legislative Policies
41
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