Review Current Legislative Session with Local Legislators

The purpose of this case is to review and discuss City priorities with our state Legislators. The City typically holds a similar meeting each year at the beginning of the year.

Senator Jim Abeler, Representative John Heinrich, and Representative Peggy Scott have all accepted an invitation to attend this work session. Some will likely attend remotely. Due to scheduling conflicts, it was indicated that this agenda item discussion will start at 6:00pm.

The City had mixed success in 2021 legislative priorities and overall outcomes were good:

• The City's top priority for full funding for the US Highway 10 project in Ramsey was achieved.
• The extension of the project deadline for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 14 (The COR) was approved
• Adjustments to Fire Relief Association pertaining to dissolution of Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with City of Nowthen were approved.
• The sales tax exemption for the Public Works Campus was not approved.
• The sales tax exemption and funding for a water treatment plant in Ramsey was not approved.

Options for 2022 legislation include:

• Sales Tax Exemption for the Water Treatment Facility
• State Funding for Water Treatment Plant
• Funding for continued study of Ramsey/Dayton Mississippi River bridge project.
• Local Government Aid formula revision
• Metro Mobility Service Area
• Closed landfill legislation to allow economic development
• Statewide licensure of massage therapy
• Other matters of interest: (proposed for discussion by individual Council members)
  • Lifting of Hospital moratorium (see attached article)
  • Amend remote open meeting law requirement (MS13D.02) that requires notification of a remote place accessible to the public
  • Exemption of residential gardens from water emergency restrictions
    ( “In the event the governor declares by executive order a critical water deficiency, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 103G.291 implementing mandatory emergency water conservation measures and mandatory restrictions upon nonessential water use is enforced and outdoor irrigation is prohibited, gardens created by Minnesota residents for the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers for food and medicinal purposes will not be subject to water restrictions, nor shall they be limited to reclaimed water.”)

Additional discussion on broader policy priorities (e.g., Local Government Aid, Metropolitan Council Governance, Executive authority, etc.) may also of interest and discussed by the Council.

N/A

Based on discussion.

No action requested at this time. The purpose of this case is to review and discuss City priorities with our state Legislators. A case will be brought forward to the Council in February to formally adopt a legislative platform for 2022.