Loading...
11-12-2024 Council Work Session Agenda WORK SESSION RICHFIELD MUNICIPAL CENTER, BARTHOLOMEW ROOM NOVEMBER 12, 2024 5:45 PM Call to order 1. Consider Richfield's proposed 2025 legislative priorities. Adjournment Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 612-861-9739. AGENDA SECTION:Work Session Items AGENDA ITEM #1. WORK SESSION 11/12/2024 REPORT PREPARED BY: Courtney Miller, Senior Analyst DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR REVIEW: OTHER DEPARTMENT REVIEW: CITY MANAGER REVIEW: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager 11/6/2024 ITEM FOR WORK SESSION: Consider Richfield's proposed 2025 legislative priorities. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Annually, the City of Richfield adopts its legislative priorities which is intended to portray the city's positions on various issues. This list of priorities is a summary document to help steer the city’s legislative advocacy and outreach in the coming year. City staff complied the proposed 2025 legislative priorities for City Council consideration. City staff is available to answer any questions City Council has on the priorities. Proposed Top Legislative Priorities SUPPORT the repeal or modification of 2024 legislation prohibiting cities from subjecting state licensed group assisted living facilities to city rental licensing requirements. SUPPORT the ability of local governments to set standards for EMS services in their communities. INTRODUCE/SUPPORT a bonding request for $10,000,000 to supplement the City’s estimated local cost- share for Hennepin County’s upcoming Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) reconstruction project programmed for construction in 2026-2027. INTRODUCE/SUPPORT reductions in local contributions to County and State projects and limit any long- term ownership and major maintenance responsibility placed on local agencies. Final Adoption The final list of legislative priorities will be brought to the City Council for adoption at the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting. By adopting the legislative platform formally, the City Council shows these priorities are in the best interest of the community and provides increased visibility for the issues. Legislative Breakfast City staff will present the city’s adopted legislative platform to elected representatives at the annual legislative breakfast scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 7:45 a.m. Richfield's legislative delegation will have an opportunity to discuss or ask questions. DIRECTION NEEDED: City Council should provide feedback and direction on the proposed 2025 legislative priorities BACKGROUND INFORMATION: A.HISTORICAL CONTEXT B.EQUITABLE OR STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS OR IMPACTS Equity Considerations: The included legislative priorities have the ability to foster equity by enacting policies that dismantle systemic barriers and, on the inverse, laws can be used to perpetuate historic inequalities. The city hopes that through the included priorities we can increase opportunities, safeguard marginalized communities, and help begin to address historical injustices. Strategic Considerations: The intent of many of the the included legislative priorities is to strengthen or maintain the city's ability to provide a high level of service to our residents. The included priorities touch on all five of the cities adopted goals included in the Strategic Plan. C.POLICIES (resolutions, ordinances, regulations, statutes, exc): D.CRITICAL TIMING ISSUES: E.FINANCIAL IMPACT: There may be public expenditures associated with the priorities if specific projects are selected to receive the requested funding from the State. If that occurs, the actual funding structure will be presented at a future City Council meeting. F.LEGAL CONSIDERATION: ALTERNATIVE(S): City Council may choose to not adopt the legislative priorities as a whole, or adopt a modified list of priorities. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING: ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Proposed 2025 Legislative Priorities Backup Material (DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony. THE CITY OF RICHFIELD… Support legislation that addresses the widening existing economic, racial, health and education gaps, and the adverse impacts a warming climate will have on our most vulnerable communities. As a city, we are providing local tools and support for residents, but there is need for more relief and legislation beyond city-level jurisdiction. We continue to support collaborative efforts with its representatives on legislation that expands labor rights, housing affordability and protections, as well as access to affordable healthcare. Support local officials who know what tools and programs best support our residents. We support local decision-making authority and oppose statutory changes that erode local authority and decision making. Oppose the imposition of legislative mandates that increase local costs without a corresponding state appropriation or funding mechanism. Unfunded mandates may increase local property taxes and this additional cost impedes cities’ ability to fund traditional services. Contact: Mary Supple, Mayor, 612-866-8829, Msupple@richfieldmn.gov Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES • SUPPORT the repeal or modification of 2024 legislation prohibiting cities from subjecting state licensed group assisted living facilities to city rental licensing requirements. • SUPPORT the ability of local governments to set standards for EMS services in their communities. • INTRODUCE/SUPPORT a bonding request for $10,000,000 to supplement the City’s estimated local cost-share for Hennepin County’s upcoming Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) reconstruction project programmed for construction in 2026-2027. • INTRODUCE/SUPPORT reductions in local contributions to County and State projects and limit any long-term ownership and major maintenance responsibility placed on local agencies. Contact: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager, 612-861-9702, KRodriguez@richfieldmn.gov Courtney Miller, Senior Analyst, 612-861-9712, CMiller@richfieldmn.gov ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES • SUPPORT continued funding to fully reimburse cities for the cost of providing health insurance coverage to police officers and firefighters who are disabled or killed in the line of duty. The recent appropriation to fund this program for the next five years is vital for cities, which would otherwise face significant local budget shortfalls. In the 2022/23 state fiscal year, the city submitted a claim and successfully received full reimbursement of $85,000. For the 2023/24 state fiscal year, the city has submitted a claim for $162,203.40. These reimbursements help ensure that the families and survivors of our first responders are supported without placing undue financial burden on local governments. • SUPPORT reimbursement to cities for the cost of covering employees who are out on military leave. While employees are out, cities must pay for 15 paid military leave days in a calendar year. Additionally, cities are (DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony. obligated to pay for employee coverage for military leave through overtime expenses, which leads to increased costs with no reimbursement. • SUPPORT legislation that would provide ongoing full state funding for the 2023 duty disability law that includes paid time off for mental health treatment, emotional trauma training for pre-service and in-service for police and fire, in addition to initiatives and programs that provide peer support, emotional trauma training, early intervention, and mental health treatment for law enforcement. • SUPPORT efforts to strengthen the sustainability of local deputy registrars. This may include revenue sharing from online/mail vehicle renewals or fee increases to the deputy registrar filing fees. • SUPPORT a legislative solution to modernize funding for public communications, including public access channel programming and the distribution of public information. Contact: Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager, 612-861-9708, SThongvanh@richfieldmn.gov COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • OPPOSE legislation to preemptively allow multifamily residential developments in commercial zoning. • SUPPORT legislation to allow two-family and accessory dwelling units by-right but retain local autonomy in the development and approval of official controls. • SUPPORT legislation to clarify how State Delegation Agreements are determined and provide a written test to inspectors to obtain delegation rights. • SUPPORT the repeal or modification of 2024 legislation prohibiting cities from subjecting state licensed group assisted living facilities to city rental licensing requirements. • SUPPORT an extension of the 4d transition aid to all cities on a permanent basis. • SUPPORT a transfer of pooled tax increment to Affordable Housing Trust Funds on a permanent basis. Contact: Melissa Poehlman, Community Development Director, 612-861-9766, MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov FINANCE • SUPPORT maintaining and increasing Local Government Aid (LGA). • SUPPORT current formula and distribution of fiscal disparities. Oppose shifting to specific project-based funding. Contact: Kumud Verma, Finance Manager, 612-861-9723, KVerma@richfieldmn.gov FIRE • SUPPORT the ability of local governments to set standards for EMS services in their communities. • SUPPORT protecting firefighter pensions. • OPPOSE threats to building code, sprinklers, and local control. • SUPPORT efforts to ensure that firefighters are protected from the emerging threat of lithium-ion battery fires. • OPPOSE efforts to legalize and expand fireworks within the state. Contact: Mike Dobesh, Fire Chief, 612-243-4502, MDobesh@richfieldmn.gov (DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony. PUBLIC SAFETY • SUPPORT legislation to include mandatory minimum sentences for fleeing in a motor vehicle and modify the law governing the use of tracking devices on fleeing vehicles. A law was passed in 2022 allowing tracking devices to be used on stolen vehicles requires owner consent or a search warrant. This proposal would modify this statute to allow the use of mobile tracking devices (i.e. Star Chaser) to be used on fleeing vehicles when an officer has reason to believe the vehicle is stolen or the driver has committed a crime. Fleeing is becoming a significant concern in law enforcement. • SUPPORT POST Board training reimbursement allocation to local agencies, which began in 2018, on a permanent basis. The Peace Officer Training Fund is for mandated training in the areas of recognizing and valuing diversity and cultural differences, conflict management and mediation, crisis intervention and mental Illness crises. • SUPPORT the Minnesota Police Officer Brady Bill. Any proposed bill must include a statutory definition of Brady material, due process for an officer or police agency to contest a county attorney’s designation of Brady material, requirement to maintain any kind of Brady data on officers and who can access the data, CJIS security compliance of data, and uniformity of protective court orders involving Brady material. Currently, Hennepin County is applying a different standard than all other Minnesota counties. • SUPPORT legislation to create an In-service Distribution Program as an enhancement to the Fire and Police Pension Plan. This would allow current Police and Fire personnel who are at least 55 years age to begin drawing retirement benefits while they continue to work. Members are considered “retired” for purposes of pension calculations only. For all other purposes, personnel are considered an active member of the department. • SUPPORT legislation that would amend state statute to increase penalties for violent felons in possession of firearms and for straw purchases and illegal sales of firearms from licensed gun dealers. This legislation includes mandatory minimum sentences for such violent crimes. • SUPPORT for local law enforcement agencies use of photo technology to enforce traffic laws. Sworn and non- sworn local law enforcement officers should have the express authority to issue citations for traffic violations by mail where the violation is detected with photographic evidence. Contact: Jay Henthorne, Public Safety Director, 612-861-9828, JHenthorne@richfieldmn.gov PUBLIC WORKS • INTRODUCE/SUPPORT a bonding request for $10,000,000 to supplement the City’s estimated local cost-share for Hennepin County’s upcoming Nicollet Avenue (CSAH 52) reconstruction project programmed for construction in 2026-2027. • INTRODUCE/SUPPORT reductions in local contributions to County and State projects and limit any long-term ownership and major maintenance responsibility placed on local agencies. • SUPPORT a state-wide, comprehensive, and stable source of funding for water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to address Minnesota’s aging infrastructure and to ensure affordability for Minnesota communities. • OPPOSE any legislation or rule change that limits local authority related to use of public rights-of-way (small cell, for example). (DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony. • SUPPORT state laws that provide limited liability to commercial salt applicators that are certified through an established voluntary salt applicator certification program. Contact: Kristin Asher, Public Works Director, 612-861-9795, KAsher@richfieldmn.gov RECREATION AND SUSTAINABILITY • SUPPORT an amendment to Minn. Stat. § 462.358 to allow park dedication fees on new housing units and new commercial and industrial development without the requirement that land be subdivided. • SUPPORT an amendment to the Citizens Personal Protection Act that would allow cities to prohibit firearms in city-owned buildings, facilities, and parks. • SUPPORT an increase in state and county funding for local recreational assets including access to new funding sources at the state and federal levels. • SUPPORT allocating 100% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Efforts • SUPPORT passage of Truth in Labeling for Recycling (previously dropped from the compostable products bill) • SUPPORT establishment of Building Performance Standards. • SUPPORT establishment of a Right to Cooling Standard. Contact: Karl Huemiller, Recreation Services Director, 612-861-9387, KHuemiller@richfieldmn.gov (DRAFT) CITY OF RICHFIELD 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Richfield staff is available to provide detailed information on any of the items listed on this handout and to provide testimony. FEDERAL • Rep. Omar/Federal – Advocate for Richfield’s Community Project Funding (CPF) requests in Congress submitted to the Appropriations Committee by Rep. Omar: • FY 2025 – 73rd Street Pedestrian Bridge and Trail Connections ($960,000). Submitted for FY 2025, this grant would be used for the reconstruction of the existing, non-ADA compliant pedestrian bridge over I-35W at 73rd Street and for corresponding pedestrian improvements. • FY 2026 – Emergency Water Interconnect Project ($4,000,000 est. total cost). If given the opportunity, the city intends to submit this project to the Appropriations Committee via Rep. Omar’s CPF solicitation for FY 2026. This project would see the construction of a physical water system connection to Minneapolis’ network to ensure water supply redundancy in the event of an emergency or other event that might impair the Richfield Water Treatment Plant. Currently, no such emergency connection exists. • OPPOSE H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023. H.R. 3557 deprives citizens and their local governments of the ability to preserve property rights and maintain public safety. Moreover, the proposals included in the legislation have been adopted by several states, which were recently identified by the Federal Communications Commission’s ("FCC") Broadband Maps as having the most unserved households in America, thus failing to deliver the benefits proponents of H.R. 3557 claim the legislation would provide.