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j) <br />regulatory and financial burdens for <br />cities by correctly accounting for and <br />addressing agricultural and other <br />non -point pollutant sources; <br />Ensure the state requires that the <br />MPCA retain control of the TMDL <br />development process and that all <br />scientific research related to TMDLs <br />is conducted by the MPCA or <br />qualified, objective parties pursuant <br />to state contracting, procurement, and <br />conflict of interest laws; and <br />k) Clarify state water quality mandates <br />so cities know specifically what they <br />are required to do and what methods <br />of achieving those outcomes are <br />acceptable to state and federal <br />regulators. <br />SD -63. Urban Forest Management <br />Funding <br />Issue: Urban forests are an essential part of <br />city infrastructure. Dutch elm disease, oak <br />wilt disease, drought, storms, and emerald <br />ash borer threaten our investment in trees. <br />The costs for control and removal can be <br />catastrophic and put pressure on city <br />budgets. The Minnesota Department of <br />Natural Resources, through its Urban and <br />Community Forestry program, and the <br />Minnesota Department of Agriculture, <br />through its Shade Tree and Invasive Species <br />program, currently have regulatory authority <br />to direct tree sanitation and control <br />programs. Although these programs allow <br />for addressing some tree disease, pest, and <br />other problems, funding levels have been <br />inadequate to meet the need of cities to build <br />capacity for urban tree programs and <br />respond to catastrophic problems. Cities <br />share the goal of the state's Releaf <br />Program—promoting and funding the <br />inventory, planning, planting, maintenance, <br />and improvement of trees in cities <br />throughout the state. In addition, economic <br />gains for stormwater management, tourism, <br />recreation, and other benefits must be <br />protected from tree loss. A lack of timely <br />investment in urban forests costs cities <br />significantly more in the long run. <br />Response: The League of Minnesota <br />Cities supports funding from the general <br />fund or other appropriate state funds for <br />a state matching grant program to assist <br />cities with building capacity for urban <br />forest management and meeting the costs <br />of preparing for, and responding to, <br />catastrophic urban forest problems. <br />Additionally, the League supports <br />reinstatement of the Minnesota Releaf <br />Program, through the Legislative and <br />Citizens' Commission on Minnesota <br />Resources (LCCMR), with an increased <br />appropriation that can better address the <br />needs of building capacity and managing <br />urban forests across the state. <br />SD -64. Election Issues <br />Issue: Cities play an important role in <br />administering state and federal election law <br />and conducting voting activities. <br />Response: In order to strengthen the <br />effectiveness of local election <br />administration, the Legislature should: <br />a) Seek the input of cities, townships, <br />counties, and school districts on <br />proposed changes to voter registration <br />and election law; <br />b) Expedite court action to resolve <br />candidate eligibility related to <br />residency in errors and omissions <br />proceedings; <br />c) Eliminate redundant audio testing of <br />AutoMARK voting equipment by <br />election judges in precinct polling <br />places on Election Day; <br />d) Repeal requirements for precinct <br />election judges to count blank ballots <br />League of Minnesota Cities <br />2016 City Policies Page 41 <br />