Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/12/2019

Home

8. Metropolitan Council Governance ISSUE: The issue of Metropolitan Council governance was an issue raised in 2016 in which the City adopted a resolution taking the position outlined below. Since this is an issue that is likely to continue into 2019, including this in the 2019 Legislative Platform acts to reaffirm the City's previous position that was adopted in March of 2016. Background: This topic was reviewed by the City Council at work session on April 23, 2016, and brought forward to the Council with modifications reflecting that discussion. Over the last couple of years, Anoka County and three other metropolitan counties, formed a coalition that is advocating for a change in the structure of the Metropolitan Council. As part of that meeting, the Council received documents explaining the County position, and documents outlining the position of the Metro Cities organization. Below are the points/observations put together by staff for consideration: • Staff supports consideration of options for a Metropolitan Council governance structure that may increase accountability and address concerns of regional stakeholders and policy makers. • Staff believes that there should be opportunities for local communities to provide input on ideas before any legislative change in Metropolitan Council governance is made. • Staff recognizes the support Metropolitan Council has provided for past projects in the City of Ramsey: o Parking Ramp o Sunwood Drive o Center Street o Sunwood Townhomes (TH 47) o Sunwood Village o The Draw Park and Amphitheater o Rail Station • The Metropolitan Council has provided support for the planning and implementation of future projects: o Mississippi Skyway o Housing projects in The COR o Housing projects within the community as a whole • The City of Ramsey expects to continue an ongoing partnership with the Metropolitan Council, especially as we endeavor upon updating our Comprehensive Plan. • Staff recognizes that the Metropolitan Council has made progress toward making the current Comprehensive Plan Update and Amendment processes more user friendly. RECOMMENDATIONS: A. That reform to the Metropolitan Council should ensure that the Metropolitan Council is a responsible, responsive, and accountable partner for regional development and progress; and B. That in order to recognize the responsibility that the Metropolitan Council has to local units of government, local governments shall have a decision role in the appointment process for representatives to the Metropolitan Council; and C. That in order to promote the stability and continuity of governance, the terms of office for Metropolitan Council members shall be staggered. 2018 City of Ramsey Legislative Platform