HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04] Joint ResolutionJoint Resolution of the Central MN Cities of St, Cloud, Sartell,
Sauk Rapids, Waite Party St, Joseph, and St.. Auguste
Advocating Support for Certain Leglstative Imes and Proposals of
Common Interest or Concern to Central Minnesota Region for 2019
WHEREAS, the Central Minnesota -St • Cloud area has a strong history of collaboration and coordination amongst its local
units of government to facilitate well planned communitles that are provided municipal services In the most cost-effective and
environmentally responsible manner possible; and
1NMEREA5, to better assist our State legislative leaders, we have collectively Identfied certain legislative issues and
proposals that are of specific Impact and interest to oar commumtiesto enable them to respond in a manner that strengthens the
partnership between our local units of government and the state in fostering the continuation and enhancement of socially,
econornicaily and culturally vibrant.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Councils for the cities of St. Cloud, Sartell,
Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, 5t, Joseph; and St. Augusta, Minnesota that the following legislative issues and proposals are of common
interest or concern to the Central Minnesota Region and therefore officially support and advocate the following actions of the MN
State Legislature;
MI&OVE iLM
I. [denslon gf 1000 018wasles tax authorlatidn: AUTHOR AND SUPPORT legislation that authorizes &Oenslon of the
existing t:9 year local option sales tax authority for voter approved and eligible regional capital Improvement prc ;ms in
essentially the same form as approved by the MN Legislature in 2022
2. Soles Tax Exemption for all aublic purchasvts: I Approve the exemption of sales tax for all public purchases,
8. 4gol- Gaver- nmentAid, Restore LGA fundingto the 2008 certifled level with no further reductions, in addition,
revise the LGA formula In a manner that strengthens the state -local partnership and is reflective of the hlstodc purpose of
the l.GA program as both a tax base equalization and property tax relief program. As such, the formula needs to reflect a
city's tax bass and need, further reduce property tax rate disparities among MN dues, reduce yeafly fluctuations in aid, and
be both Intuitive and rational.
q, Low 11mits: SUPPORTfadlitating local accountability by OPPOSING efforts: to Impose State control of local levies through
levy limits,
S• State Mandate. Relief: 5UPPORT legislation that reduces or eliminates unfunded and /or onerous mandates to local
governments (e.g. personnel' related mandates such m binding arbitration, lack of State funding for State tatImment plan,
aggregate value requirements for Insurance benefits, and pay equity, MPCA fees; storm water fees) No additional
mandates should be enacted unless the legislature or agency imposing the requirements proviues a permanent stable
revenue source for the mandate.
SUPPORT legislation that sunsets all unfunded mandates so that they may be evaluated for necessity and verification of
nexus.
6, f`ax Exemut Credit PrOMM: SUPPORT legislation to assist Cities with disproportionately high amounts of government and/
or nonprofit business properties such as, Colleges, Universities, and Hospitals,
7. Stilik Fee ✓IRgr „: SUPPORT measures that preclude State agencies and operations from shifting funding reductions
and /or cost increases on to municipalities in the form of fee increases.
8. Em1R n{� t Domain: SUPPORT modifications to the 2006 Eminent Domain statue to remove recently added attorney fees and
cost penalty provisions Inactions involving public Infrastructure improvements in order to restore a fair balance between
the rights of private landowners, and the Interests of the public.
9. Reglnnal, atlnn: SUPPORT locally Initiated and controlled regional efforts of local government Jurisdictions by
providing additional incentives that encourage these types of efforts.
10. Nortb Stargillmmuter SUPPORT extension of North .Star Commuter Roll service northward to the St. Cloud area In a
manner that serves the needs of public, business and commercial travels, that is highly expandable, and is priced affordably
to optimize use.
11. Itat, � Alrpwfund, SUPPORT efforts to re -ostabiirb local air service at the St. Cloud Regional Airport.
12, StMpj IMpUMent Disft1dAotherity: SUPPORT legislation that would give municipalities the authority to establish street
Improvement districts to collect fees from property owners within a district to fund municipal street malntena nce,
constructison, reconstruttion, and facility upgrades.
13. Administm#ve AuthodW SUPPORTthe expansion of authority of Statutory and Home Rule Charter :"ties ability to impose
and collect administrative penalties to Include enforcement and traffic infractions.
14. Edft-WRIL ImWafFat inn: SUPPORT retention of local control of private water well inmilations..
25. Government Bata Practices Art : AUTHOR & SUPPORT amendments to the GDPA that enables email addresses provided to
facilitate oMine lnvo(Ong, bill payment, application processing, public information alerts or similar,
16, Affiffaftn_t 19 MN Statute 42L SUPPORT legislation W modify MN Statute 429 requiring assessing 20`sb of the cost to
utilize bonding without referendum and adding language to provide a meaningful method to determine benefit from
replacing underground i