Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/08/2016

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Representative Whelan stated that the Highway 10 working group meeting took place a couple weeks ago and thought that it was well attended noting that there was support. She noted that ,working with the TH 169/101 coalition could also be beneficial. She stated that she thought this session would be short and already has to deal with the transportation, tax and bonding issues but she has hope that eventually Highway 10 will continue to build momentum. She stated that the barrier at Fairoak in Anoka will move forward for construction. She stated that in regard to water supply, she and Representative Scott have been approached to attend a Metropolitan Council Subcommittee, which may occur in March, but was unsure that would make any progress in this session. She stated that in reference to the zip code, she and Representative Scott would be willing to write letters of support. She referenced fiscal disparities and noted that she believes that would need to occur within a comprehensive tax reform. Representative Scott asked the urgency of the water supply issue for the City. Mayor Strommen stated that the item was much more urgent before the crash in the housing market, when the growth rates were on a higher trajectory. She stated that while the urgency is not there, she does believe that this is a good time to plan for the future in order to be proactive. Representative Scott noted that the cost for a water treatment center is high and should not be shouldered solely by a city the size of Ramsey. She asked if the City has spoken with neighboring communities to determine if there is interest. City Administrator Ulrich stated that Anoka has their own water supply and Elk River also goes in the opposite direction. He noted that staff continues to watch neighboring communities and the issue in general. Mayor Strommen noted that Sherburne County is not within the seven county metro area and therefore does not fall under the Metropolitan Council. Representative Scott stated that there has been legislation in regard to posting notices and noted that other communities have voiced the same interest about digital posting. She stated that people go online and do not always look to printed publications and therefore you can reach more people digitally. Representative Whelan referenced fiscal disparities noting that a property tax town hall will be held at the Anoka City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday in February for those interested in attending and providing comments. Mayor Strommen asked if the three large bills would consume the majority of the time and energy in the House this session. Representative Whelan agreed that those three bills are the top priority, noting that a large portion of the energies will be into the tax bill, including tax relief. City Council Work Session / February 8, 2016 Page 3 of 6