Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/08/2019

Home

CC Work Session Meeting Date: 01/08/2019 Submitted For: Kurt Ulrich, Administrative Services By: Jo Thieling, Administrative Services 2. 2. Information Title Discuss 2019 Legislative Platform Purpose/Background: Purpose: To formally adopt a Legislative Platform for the purpose of defining a list of Legislative priorities of specific interest to the City of Ramsey. Annually, the City Council reviews certain legislative issue considered significant to the City of Ramsey and adopts a legislative platform. Upon adoption by the City Council, Ramsey's Legislative Platform will be used to communicate City priorities to County, State and Federal officials. Additionally, this document will be used internally by staff to guide legislative working priorities for 2019. Attached to this case are proposed 2019 Legislative Initiatives for Council consideration. Observations/Alternatives: Attached is an updated list of proposed 2019 legislative issues that are considered significant to the City of Ramsey at this time. The City's legislative priorities are consistent with the legislative platforms/priorities for Anoka County, the North Metro Mayor's Association, the Metro Cities, and the League of Minnesota Cities, except as noted. Transportation funding continues to be an important issue for the City, and all of the other organizations on a state, regional, and local level include this topic as a priority. Rail improvements are included in this section. The City will need to seek a technical correction that awarded the City $2 million for a rail "overpass" at Ramsey Boulevard. Due to the design analysis that the city has completed, a rail "underpass" may be the preferred option, so the City will request the more neutral language of "grade separation" to allow for reither solution. A detailed summary of each issue is attached as part of the City summary. Note, the City's position the last couple of years has differed somewhat from the County's position, which is to advocate for an elected Metropolitan Council. The Metro Cities platform also provides some additional recommendations for incremental change to the metro governance structure. Funding Source: No funding is required. Recommendation: Staff recommends Council formally adopt the Legislative Initiatives as discussed at a future Council meeting and to schedule our State Senator and Representatives for a future work session. Action: Consensus agreement on the 2019 Legislative Initiatives.