Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/01/1987

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Mr. Hartley referred to a question raised earlier regarding whether the city is able to offer financial assistance for the installation of laterals and stated that technically it can be done but it would have to be a Council decision. Councilmember Cox stated that he feels it would be in the city's best interest for Council to review any proposal that would promote development in tax increment districts as well as the entire city. Mr. Hartley noted that with this project, those properties to which sewer laterals are being extended have the option for financial assistance available to them now. Councilmember Cox stated that it doesn't necessarily apply to the industrial area but River's Bend and Flintwood are serviced with municipal utilities and development is happening. Council wants to promote development in the industrial area in the same way in order to increase the tax revenue base to relieve some of the burden on existing businesses. Councilmember Cox noted that Council had asked staff to research whether or not other funding sources are available to pay for the extra water systems costs created by having to locate the municipal well at least two miles from the landfill. Mr. Hartley replied that the city does have the authority to use money resulting from the sale of the landfill. In order to use landfill tipping fee money, the best approach would be to spell out exactly what the city's plan is to the Attorney General's office and request a determination on whether that use qualifies for that money. Councilmember DeLuca suggested that it might be better to use tax increment financing since it's future is volatile; the landfill money will be there in years to come. Councilmember Cox stated that the city should continue to make agencies aware that a landfill adjacent to the economic development growth area hampers development. Motion by Councilmember Cox and seconded by Councilmember Sorteberg directing the City Attorney to seek the Attorney General's opinion on whether or not the State Statute in question authorizes the city to use those funds collected through the tipping fee system to defray the extra expense of a municipal well's location. Further, that the City Attorney also check with the Metro Waste Control Commission to determine if there are any other funding sources available for such a purpose. Further Discussion: Citizen inquired as to the status of the landfill request for expansion. Councilmember Cox stated that the city of Anoka recommends that the expansion be approved. Mr. Hartley stated that Waste Management of Minnesota has made a request to expand the existing landfill by about one million cubic yards. To do that, they have to obtain a certificate of need from Metro Council which says that somewhere in the northern area, there is a need for additional landfill capacity. A subcommittee has recommended that Sp Council/12-2-86 Page 9 of 13