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300 Metro Square Building, Tth Street and Robert Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101 Area 612, 291-6359 <br /> <br /> November 1, 1979 <br /> <br />TO: Local Officials <br /> <br />An informational meeting to discuss an agricultural land preservation <br />bill now pending before the Minnesota Legislature will be held in the <br />Anoka County Courthouse (open area on the second floor, west wing), <br />325 Main St., Anoka at 7:30 p.m. on November 20.. <br /> <br />The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gerry Sikorski, Stillwater, and <br />Rep. William Schreiber, Brooklyn Park, is based on recommendations <br />developed in 1978 by a Metropolitan Council task-force comprised of <br />farmers, county extension agents, township and municipal officialrs, <br />and others. <br /> <br />A primary objective is to reduce the uncertainty and cOnfusion regarding <br />future land use that typically occurs when urban development and urban <br />influences extend into areas traditionally used for-commercial farTaing. <br /> <br />Toward this end, the bill establishes a voluntary mechanism whereby <br />farmers who wish to continue farming can secure a long-term <br />"agricultural preserves" designation for property of 40 acres or more <br />in an area planned and zoned for agricultural use. In exchange, a <br />farmer would receive property tax relief, exemption from special assess- <br />ments for urban facilities, protection from state and local regulations <br />that interfere with normal farming practices, and protection from <br />annexation and eminent domain proceedings. <br /> <br />The Metropolitan Council supports the SikorSki-Schreiber bill, and is <br />interested in discussing it with you and obtaining your comments and <br />reactions. <br /> <br />Local officials from rural areas throughout Anoka County have been <br />invited to the meeting. If you know of other people who may be <br />interested in this subject, I encourage you to invite them to attend. <br />Enclosed is a copy and summary of the proposed legislation. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br /> Charles Weaver <br /> Chai~an <br />An Age~(~]~D~Y~ed to Coordinate the Planning and Development of the Twin Citi~ Metropohtan Area Comprising: <br />Anoka C~ 0 Ca.er County 0 Dakota County o Hennepin County 0 Ramsey County. 0 Scott County 0 W~hington County <br /> <br /> <br />