Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/21/2014

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LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES ENDORSED BY THE CITY OF RAMSEY 2014 LMC LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM (8) Business Development Programs* ISSUE: The 2013 State Legislature made substantial investments in Statewide economic development programs, reversing Great Recession funding shortfalls. Proven programs, such as the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), the Redevelopment Program, and contaminated site clean -up grants all received substantial funding increases. The State Legislature also appropriated $24 million for the newly created Minnesota Job Creation Fund, which will replace the expiring JOB -Z program as a way for local communities to access State development dollars. The City of Ramsey has a number of existing, and anticipated, development projects eligible for various State economic development programs. The ability of Ramsey to utilize State economic development programs will play a vital role in moving development projects forward. The City of Ramsey has a vested interest in the sustainable and consistent funding of Statewide economic development programs. RAMSEY CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION: The City of Ramsey supports increased (or sustained) funding levels to Statewide economic development programs to assist local communities' development efforts. (9) Publishing Public Notices* *Similar language as 2014 League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Platform ISSUE: To keep the public updated and informed, State law requires local units of government to publish various official notifications and documents in newspapers and often dictates which newspapers receive Cities' publication business. The number and variety of documents cities are required to publish and the costs of publication are burdensome. The media and newspaper industry continues to experience significant changes and declining subscriptions; and, technological advancements have expanded options for citizens; and, citizens are demanding and expecting said new media options; and, new technologies are often more efficient, widely and easily accessible and cost effective. A call for change to existing Legislation related to publication of public notices is eminent. RAMSEY CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION: Legislation should be updated to authorize Cities to: (1) take advantage of new technologies to increase the dissemination of information to citizens and potentially lower associated costs. (2) Designate an appropriate daily /weekly publication. (3) Use alternative means of communication such as City newsletters, cable television, video streaming, e-mail, blogs and City websites. (4) Expand the use of summaries where technical or lengthy notifications otherwise required. *Similar language as 2014 League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Platform 2014 City of Ramsey Legislative Platform