Discuss 2020 Legislative Platform

Purpose:  To formally adopt a Legislative Platform for the purpose of defining a list of Legislative priorities of specific interest to the City of Ramsey. 

Annually, the City Council reviews certain legislative issue considered significant to the City of Ramsey and adopts a legislative platform. Upon adoption by the City Council, Ramsey's Legislative Platform will be used to communicate City priorities to County, State and Federal officials.  Additionally, this document will be used internally by staff to guide legislative working priorities for 2020.

Attached to this case is the 2019 Legislative Initiatives for Council consideration and discussion.

Attached is the list of 2019 legislative issues were significant to Ramsey last year.  Most of these issues are still of importance to the City.  The City's legislative priorities are consistent with the legislative platforms/priorities for Anoka County, the North Metro Mayor's Association, the Metro Cities, and the League of Minnesota Cities, except as noted.

Transportation funding continues to be an important issue for the City, and all of the other organizations on a state, regional, and local level include this topic as a priority.

Election  issues could be expanded to include consideration of non-prescribed dates for City special elections to fill vacant council seats, and consideration of allowing cities to operate from one polling place during special elections.

 

No funding is required.

Staff recommends Council the 2019 Legislative Initiatives and consider revisions for adoption at a future Council meeting.  Also, consideration of a future work session with our State Senator and Representatives.

Consider discussion and consensus agreement on the 2020 legislative initiatives.